Psalm 130
A Song of degrees.
1Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O LORD.
2Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.
3If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?
4But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.
5I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.
6My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning.
7Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption.
8And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.
Psalm 131
A Song of degrees of David.
1Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me.
2Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child.
3Let Israel hope in the LORD from henceforth and for ever.
Chapter 130
Verse 1, to me, illustrates desperation in relation to crying out to God. An example of a desperate would be my darkest moment, when I was crying out to Him with utter need and hopelessness. I needed Him to free me, which He did as a result of my acknowledging that I reached a low point (v.2). I am also reminded of the fact that almost every day, I ask for God to help me to sin less and tame my tongue because I have no desire to sin and want to resist temptation as best I can, which isn't always easy. If I resist temptation and then decide to do something good, my time will have been spent doing something good, which the Lord will bless. I am thankful that He doesn't keep record of the sins of His people (v. 3). If He did, He wouldn't be omnibenevolent, which would result in His people falling ("who shall stand?") and spending eternity without Him. I feel that in terms of His forgiveness, His omnibenevolence is what keeps people living as slaves to sin once they accept His Son. What I mean by that is once a person expereinces God's love in the process of coming to Christ, he or she wants to live a lifestyle of loving Christ and not sin. I know people that lived sinful lifestyles before coming to Christ and they suffered as a result of things such as drug use. They changed and realized that loves covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8), including their drug use. And since one's sins are covered once he or she comes to Christ, that illustrates that he or she lives as a slave to sin, but rather a slave to Christ. If any more explanation is needed, let me know. I didn't see that theological implication in that verse when I first came across it, but I'm glad I did. I hope what I said makes sense and seems logical. What I get out of verse 4 is that one of the reasons I find myself in awe of God (in church and my quiet time) is because no one forgives like He does and as much as He does. He allows non-believers to live another (undeserved) day even though they constantly resist Him. If that's not grace, then I don't what is. I praise Him for that, as odd as it may seem, because the non-believers that God allows to live another day would end up being (some of) the same people that He could use me to touch, which He would be glorified in. He knows I'm more than willing to make a difference for His kingdom -- I just need to ask Him for opportunities. It could be something small such as buying lunch for a homeless person, which I've talked about before. Another point I wanna establish in regards to that verse is that His people should not abuse His forgiveness (Romans 6:1), which is something I should take time to examine in my walk. If He convicts me of that, I'm gonna ask Him help me to change in that area. I think before I talked about a time when my thoughts were profanity-laced, which I asked God to help me out with. I did feel bad, having those thoughts, so I asked Him for forgiveness (v. 4) and I waited for the moment in which He would no longer help me to have those thoughts (vv. 5-6). Another thing I've felt comvicted of, which I think I talked about already, was if I get a job, I'd (constantly) think about spending money on material things and not give some of it back to the Lord. I asked Him to change me and now I wanna give back to Him if I do get a job and still have money for myself and/or for dates if I ever get involved with a girl. I do still think buying the latest August Burns Red CD or the few Demon Hunter CDs I want or what have you, but it's not something that consumes my thoughts anymore and I'm glad that He freed me from that. I did find hope in Him as a result of feeling convicted (v. 7) and He love (or mercy) was illustrated in that when He helped me out so I could repent of my selfish thoughts. God did redeem from my thoughts (V. 8) and if there's more convictions that come up in the future that He can redeem me of, that means He's not done with me.
Chapter 131
For clarity, here's Matthew Henry's insight on the first few verses: "The psalmist aimed at nothing high or great, but to be content in every condition God allotted. Humble saints cannot think so well of themselves as others think of them. The love of God reigning in the heart, will subdue self-love. Where there is a proud heart, there is commonly a proud look." I do see humility being implied in verse 1 and I try to put what God thinks of me above what of others think since I don't seek approval form others. If they praise me for something, that's great, but I don't go out of my way to get praise from others, which is what I get out of the "neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me" part. In verse 2, I am reminded that I am a child of God and it is by behaving like one that I illustrate humility to Him. I think if I wasn't a child of God, I'd be arrogant and proud all the time and always go about seeking praise for my accomplishments. Being a child of God allows me to humble myself before Him when doing so is necessary (such as my darkest moment) and letting Him know that since I belong to Him, being prideful will not help me deal with my problems. I am reminded of Matthew 18:3, which says, "And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." And it is by becoming a child of God -- or as a little child in this case -- that I inherited the hope of eternal life (v. 3). I believe eternal life begins the moment a person becomes a Christian. I know that in order for something to be eternal, it doesn't have a beginning, but the concept of eternal life works because God is eternal and it is something that is inherited once a person becomes a Christian. That is something I'd like to explore further for another time.
Source used:
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 131". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=131>.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Reflecting on the Psalms: Chapter 129
Psalm 129
A Song of degrees.
1Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth, may Israel now say:
2Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth: yet they have not prevailed against me.
3The plowers plowed upon my back: they made long their furrows.
4The LORD is righteous: he hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked.
5Let them all be confounded and turned back that hate Zion.
6Let them be as the grass upon the housetops, which withereth afore it groweth up:
7Wherewith the mower filleth not his hand; nor he that bindeth sheaves his bosom.
8Neither do they which go by say, The blessing of the LORD be upon you: we bless you in the name of the LORD.
Chapter 129
The whole passage pretty much relates to my darkest moment, so I'll talk about that.
I remember being afflicted more than once, particularly when the enemy tried to tell me I wasn't good enough for God (vv. 1-2), which was represented by the time he used my trials against me and brought them up more than once. By doing that, he did (metaphorically) plow upon my back (v. 3) by trying me to get me to believe his lies. However, reliance upon God was what caused the enemy to sever his ties from me (v. 4). And once the enemy is cut off, his influence no longer has an effect on the person of God who he was trying to influence. I imagine that God was done dealing with the enemy, he did turn back in shame (v. 5) and he hasn't seemed to bother me with his lies since. I am thankful that God is protecting me and making sure my walk is not hindered by another dark moment. For clarity, here's Matthew Henry's insight on verses 6-7: "While God's people shall flourish as the loaded palm-tree, or the green and fruitful olive, their enemies shall wither as the grass upon the house-tops, which in eastern countries are flat, and what grows there never ripens; so it is with the designs of God's enemies." I don't have a lot to say about that, but after my darkest moment had passed, I do remember flourshing in my walk with Him as soon as there were no longer any hinderances between me and Him. My relationship with Him was renewed, yes, but my walk with Him did flourish, which resulted in being at peace with Him and focusing on being obedient to Him. I'm not sure how I'd relate to verse 8 since it doesn't seem to appeal to me, but here's Henry's insight on it, "No wise man will pray the Lord to bless these mowers or reapers."
Source used:
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 129". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=129>.
A Song of degrees.
1Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth, may Israel now say:
2Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth: yet they have not prevailed against me.
3The plowers plowed upon my back: they made long their furrows.
4The LORD is righteous: he hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked.
5Let them all be confounded and turned back that hate Zion.
6Let them be as the grass upon the housetops, which withereth afore it groweth up:
7Wherewith the mower filleth not his hand; nor he that bindeth sheaves his bosom.
8Neither do they which go by say, The blessing of the LORD be upon you: we bless you in the name of the LORD.
Chapter 129
The whole passage pretty much relates to my darkest moment, so I'll talk about that.
I remember being afflicted more than once, particularly when the enemy tried to tell me I wasn't good enough for God (vv. 1-2), which was represented by the time he used my trials against me and brought them up more than once. By doing that, he did (metaphorically) plow upon my back (v. 3) by trying me to get me to believe his lies. However, reliance upon God was what caused the enemy to sever his ties from me (v. 4). And once the enemy is cut off, his influence no longer has an effect on the person of God who he was trying to influence. I imagine that God was done dealing with the enemy, he did turn back in shame (v. 5) and he hasn't seemed to bother me with his lies since. I am thankful that God is protecting me and making sure my walk is not hindered by another dark moment. For clarity, here's Matthew Henry's insight on verses 6-7: "While God's people shall flourish as the loaded palm-tree, or the green and fruitful olive, their enemies shall wither as the grass upon the house-tops, which in eastern countries are flat, and what grows there never ripens; so it is with the designs of God's enemies." I don't have a lot to say about that, but after my darkest moment had passed, I do remember flourshing in my walk with Him as soon as there were no longer any hinderances between me and Him. My relationship with Him was renewed, yes, but my walk with Him did flourish, which resulted in being at peace with Him and focusing on being obedient to Him. I'm not sure how I'd relate to verse 8 since it doesn't seem to appeal to me, but here's Henry's insight on it, "No wise man will pray the Lord to bless these mowers or reapers."
Source used:
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 129". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=129>.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Reflecting on the Psalms: Chapters 127-128
Psalm 127
A Song of degrees for Solomon.
1Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
2It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.
3Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
4As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.
5Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.
Psalm 128
A Song of degrees.
1Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.
2For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.
3Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.
4Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD.
5The LORD shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life.
6Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children, and peace upon Israel.
Chapter 127
For clarity, here's Matthew Henry's insight on verse 1: "Let us always look to God's providence. In all the affairs and business of a family we must depend upon his blessing." I don't have a family, but that is a verse to keep in mind in case I ever do have a family. Me and my house, I could imagine us serving Him (Joshua 24:15) and having Him as our foundation. I believe the building the house of the aspect of the verse is not physical, but rather it's saying that a house or family doesn't work out if God's not at the center of it. I figure the reason there's so many divorces is because God isn't at the center of a marriage, which is how the vainty ("they larour in vain that build it") aspect ties in because if one does something that is considered vain to God, he or she will typically get less than satisfactory results and probably a failed marriage or what have you. That's not to say that Christians can't divorce, but that's a topic for another time. It's funny that Solomon wrote that Psalm and used the word "vain" because it reminds me of the Book of Ecclesiastes when he wrote about vain or meaningless things. I'm not sure how I'd relate to verse 2 because I can't say I've had any (vain) experiences regarding what it describes, but it a promise to keep in mind in case I ever do. In regards to verse 3, I don't have any children (or sons), but I do like Henry's thought on the verse, "Children are God's gifts, a heritage, and a reward; and are to be accounted blessings, and not burdens: he who sends mouths, will send meat, if we trust in him." If I ever do have children some day, I will be reminded that they are a gift from God and that it will a good thing to raise them up in a godly way. It kind of goes back to verse 1 where I talked about having God as the foundation for a family. I look forward to raising up my children in a godly way, which I know I will be blessed for in probably for more ways than I can imagine, but I'm not gonna do just to receive the blessings. Rather, I'm gonna do it to make an impact for His kingdom. I don't have a lot to say about verse 4, but what it means to me is that if I have children and they get out into the world and are called by God to do missions in say, India, they are gonna remember the (godly) influence I had on them and use that to stand for God. And if God wants to use my future children to stand up for Him and bring people to Him, I'll be OK with that because I'll trust that God will be with them and protect them. I'm not sure how I'd relate to verse 5 since it seems to relate to the previous verse and since I don't have children.
Chapter 128
I do fear the Lord (v. 1) and one the ways I am blessed as a result of that is by when His spirit touches me an others in church. I do display fear or reverence for Him outside of church, but for the sake of coming up with an example, I'll just talk about what I experience in church. In church, when serving communion time, I have felt the Holy Spirit's presence in the silence that takes place during communion. I'm doing my part by serving the communion trays, which I see as an act of revering because it says to God that He and His people are more important and are to be served first. By doing that and having that attitude, I am blessed by feeling the Holy Spirit's presence. Afterwards, the other worship hosts and I have a communion and prayer time. For clarity, here's Henry's thoughts on verse 2: "They shall not be forced to live upon the labours of other people. It is as much a mercy as a duty, with quietness to work and eat our own bread. They and theirs shall enjoy what they get." I'm not really sure what I'm supposed to get out of that verse, but I think "For thou shalt eat the larour of thine hands" has to do with God's blessing being, I guess, taken as a result of one's labor. I do tend to grasp onto the blessings He provies and I usually thank Him for His blessings in prayer. What "happy shalt thou be" means to me is that one is satisfied when God blesses him or her, which is a good thing. I don't have a wife a kids (v. 3), but I do like the comparisons in the verse and I do look forward to having a wife that is fruitful in terms of spirit, personality, and intelligence. I don't have much to say about the children aspect, but I do look forward to raising up children in a godly way. And I imagine when I have the ideal wife and kids, as I pointed out, that will be the result of fearing Him (v. 4) or putting Him first in my life. To put it biblically, Matthew 6:33 says, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." In regards to verse 5, I do believe that His blessings come from Zion (or His dwelling place) and that His blessings, such as having a roof over my head, food to eat, being able to live another (undeserved) day, and being able to draw (another) breath are some of the good things that He provides for me every day, which I am thankful for. I don't have much to say about verse 6, but if it's His will for me to live to see my children's children (or grandchildren), I will. What I mean my "His will" is that I could die before ever seeing my children's children since He knows when I'm gonna die and I'd be OK with going before ever meeting my grandchildren since I know that nothing compares to eternity with Him.
Sources used:
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 127". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=127>.
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 128". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=128>.
A Song of degrees for Solomon.
1Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
2It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.
3Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
4As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.
5Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.
Psalm 128
A Song of degrees.
1Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.
2For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.
3Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.
4Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD.
5The LORD shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life.
6Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children, and peace upon Israel.
Chapter 127
For clarity, here's Matthew Henry's insight on verse 1: "Let us always look to God's providence. In all the affairs and business of a family we must depend upon his blessing." I don't have a family, but that is a verse to keep in mind in case I ever do have a family. Me and my house, I could imagine us serving Him (Joshua 24:15) and having Him as our foundation. I believe the building the house of the aspect of the verse is not physical, but rather it's saying that a house or family doesn't work out if God's not at the center of it. I figure the reason there's so many divorces is because God isn't at the center of a marriage, which is how the vainty ("they larour in vain that build it") aspect ties in because if one does something that is considered vain to God, he or she will typically get less than satisfactory results and probably a failed marriage or what have you. That's not to say that Christians can't divorce, but that's a topic for another time. It's funny that Solomon wrote that Psalm and used the word "vain" because it reminds me of the Book of Ecclesiastes when he wrote about vain or meaningless things. I'm not sure how I'd relate to verse 2 because I can't say I've had any (vain) experiences regarding what it describes, but it a promise to keep in mind in case I ever do. In regards to verse 3, I don't have any children (or sons), but I do like Henry's thought on the verse, "Children are God's gifts, a heritage, and a reward; and are to be accounted blessings, and not burdens: he who sends mouths, will send meat, if we trust in him." If I ever do have children some day, I will be reminded that they are a gift from God and that it will a good thing to raise them up in a godly way. It kind of goes back to verse 1 where I talked about having God as the foundation for a family. I look forward to raising up my children in a godly way, which I know I will be blessed for in probably for more ways than I can imagine, but I'm not gonna do just to receive the blessings. Rather, I'm gonna do it to make an impact for His kingdom. I don't have a lot to say about verse 4, but what it means to me is that if I have children and they get out into the world and are called by God to do missions in say, India, they are gonna remember the (godly) influence I had on them and use that to stand for God. And if God wants to use my future children to stand up for Him and bring people to Him, I'll be OK with that because I'll trust that God will be with them and protect them. I'm not sure how I'd relate to verse 5 since it seems to relate to the previous verse and since I don't have children.
Chapter 128
I do fear the Lord (v. 1) and one the ways I am blessed as a result of that is by when His spirit touches me an others in church. I do display fear or reverence for Him outside of church, but for the sake of coming up with an example, I'll just talk about what I experience in church. In church, when serving communion time, I have felt the Holy Spirit's presence in the silence that takes place during communion. I'm doing my part by serving the communion trays, which I see as an act of revering because it says to God that He and His people are more important and are to be served first. By doing that and having that attitude, I am blessed by feeling the Holy Spirit's presence. Afterwards, the other worship hosts and I have a communion and prayer time. For clarity, here's Henry's thoughts on verse 2: "They shall not be forced to live upon the labours of other people. It is as much a mercy as a duty, with quietness to work and eat our own bread. They and theirs shall enjoy what they get." I'm not really sure what I'm supposed to get out of that verse, but I think "For thou shalt eat the larour of thine hands" has to do with God's blessing being, I guess, taken as a result of one's labor. I do tend to grasp onto the blessings He provies and I usually thank Him for His blessings in prayer. What "happy shalt thou be" means to me is that one is satisfied when God blesses him or her, which is a good thing. I don't have a wife a kids (v. 3), but I do like the comparisons in the verse and I do look forward to having a wife that is fruitful in terms of spirit, personality, and intelligence. I don't have much to say about the children aspect, but I do look forward to raising up children in a godly way. And I imagine when I have the ideal wife and kids, as I pointed out, that will be the result of fearing Him (v. 4) or putting Him first in my life. To put it biblically, Matthew 6:33 says, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." In regards to verse 5, I do believe that His blessings come from Zion (or His dwelling place) and that His blessings, such as having a roof over my head, food to eat, being able to live another (undeserved) day, and being able to draw (another) breath are some of the good things that He provides for me every day, which I am thankful for. I don't have much to say about verse 6, but if it's His will for me to live to see my children's children (or grandchildren), I will. What I mean my "His will" is that I could die before ever seeing my children's children since He knows when I'm gonna die and I'd be OK with going before ever meeting my grandchildren since I know that nothing compares to eternity with Him.
Sources used:
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 127". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=127>.
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 128". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=128>.
Reflecting on the Psalms: Chapter 126
Psalm 126
A Song of degrees.
1When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.
2Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.
3The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.
4Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south.
5They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
6He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
Chapter 126
For clarity, here's Matthew Henry's insight on the first few verses: "It is good to observe how God's deliverances of the church are for us, that we may rejoice in them. And how ought redemption from the wrath to come, from the power of sin and of Satan, to be valued!" Verses 1-3 remind me the the hard financial times my church went through a few years ago. I've touched on that before, but I thought I'd elaborate on it (again) for the sake of emphasis. One thing to note in verse 1 is Bullinger's thoughts on "turned...the capativity" or "turned the fortunes," which he elaborates on:" This does not refer to a captivity or captives, but to a restoration to blessing." With that in mind, my church's financial state was restored when enough money was put in to keep up with costs. I think when I talked about this before, I mentioned something about the elders not trusting in God, which I am including to put things in context. And to not get off of too much of a tangent, the blessing of the restoration was God continuing to work in the lives of others and God keeping the church together so that it would rely on Him during the trial. Another blessing was that those who love my church and enjoy going to Crossroads (my church) didn't have to worry about going to another church where they may have not felt welcomed. I think my church (the building aspect) is owned by the county or something and not being able to come up with the funds would've meant there wouldn't have been a place for people to go to church for the reason I've stated. When things got better, I think -- but I'm not quite sure -- everyone in my chruch praise Him for restoration that was done (v. 2). I'm not sure if anyone said that the LORD did great things, but we displayed or expressed that that by praising Him for His work. That thought is continued in verse 3 for emphasis and we did express we were glad for what He had done by praising Him. I see verse 4, so I don't have much to say about it. For clarity, here's Henry's comments on verses 5-6, "Suffering saints are often in tears; they share the calamities of human life, and commonly have a greater share than others. But they sow in tears; they do the duty of an afflicted state. Weeping must not hinder sowing; we must get good from times of affliction. And they that sow, in the tears of godly sorrow, to the Spirit, shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting; and that will be a joyful harvest indeed." In regards to my darkest moment, I remember feeling down or despressed. I don't recall sowing in tears (v. 5), but I think the fact that I was depressed was what helped me to find joy in the Lord and come out of it with a renewed sense of joy. I don't have much to say about verse 6, but I think it's interesting how weeping can result in joy, which is something I'll have to look into some more.
Sources used:
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 126". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=126>.
Bullinger, E.W. The Companion Bible.
A Song of degrees.
1When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.
2Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.
3The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.
4Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south.
5They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
6He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
Chapter 126
For clarity, here's Matthew Henry's insight on the first few verses: "It is good to observe how God's deliverances of the church are for us, that we may rejoice in them. And how ought redemption from the wrath to come, from the power of sin and of Satan, to be valued!" Verses 1-3 remind me the the hard financial times my church went through a few years ago. I've touched on that before, but I thought I'd elaborate on it (again) for the sake of emphasis. One thing to note in verse 1 is Bullinger's thoughts on "turned...the capativity" or "turned the fortunes," which he elaborates on:" This does not refer to a captivity or captives, but to a restoration to blessing." With that in mind, my church's financial state was restored when enough money was put in to keep up with costs. I think when I talked about this before, I mentioned something about the elders not trusting in God, which I am including to put things in context. And to not get off of too much of a tangent, the blessing of the restoration was God continuing to work in the lives of others and God keeping the church together so that it would rely on Him during the trial. Another blessing was that those who love my church and enjoy going to Crossroads (my church) didn't have to worry about going to another church where they may have not felt welcomed. I think my church (the building aspect) is owned by the county or something and not being able to come up with the funds would've meant there wouldn't have been a place for people to go to church for the reason I've stated. When things got better, I think -- but I'm not quite sure -- everyone in my chruch praise Him for restoration that was done (v. 2). I'm not sure if anyone said that the LORD did great things, but we displayed or expressed that that by praising Him for His work. That thought is continued in verse 3 for emphasis and we did express we were glad for what He had done by praising Him. I see verse 4, so I don't have much to say about it. For clarity, here's Henry's comments on verses 5-6, "Suffering saints are often in tears; they share the calamities of human life, and commonly have a greater share than others. But they sow in tears; they do the duty of an afflicted state. Weeping must not hinder sowing; we must get good from times of affliction. And they that sow, in the tears of godly sorrow, to the Spirit, shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting; and that will be a joyful harvest indeed." In regards to my darkest moment, I remember feeling down or despressed. I don't recall sowing in tears (v. 5), but I think the fact that I was depressed was what helped me to find joy in the Lord and come out of it with a renewed sense of joy. I don't have much to say about verse 6, but I think it's interesting how weeping can result in joy, which is something I'll have to look into some more.
Sources used:
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 126". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=126>.
Bullinger, E.W. The Companion Bible.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Reflecting on the Psalms: Chapters 124-125
Before I get started, I thought I'd say I haven't been posting the last two nights because on Monday night I was filling out job applications and last night I was having internet issues. But everything's back to normal, so no worries.
Psalm 124
A Song of degrees of David.
1If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, now may Israel say;
2If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us:
3Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us:
4Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul:
5Then the proud waters had gone over our soul.
6Blessed be the LORD, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth.
7Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped.
8Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
Psalm 125
A Song of degrees.
1They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.
2As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever.
3For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity.
4Do good, O LORD, unto those that be good, and to them that are upright in their hearts.
5As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the LORD shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: but peace shall be upon Israel.
Chapter 124
What I get out of this chapter as a whole is that if God didn't help out His people in their trials, they wouldn't be able to get through their trials. I kind of mentioned something like that before in regards to my darkest moment and it's neat to see a chapter that relates to the point I've established. It's kinda like it's being emphasized since it's repeated. Throughout His Word, a message is repeated for emphasis. If God wasn't with me, I'd still be stuck in my darkest moment and knowing that makes me realize that I probably didn't deserve for Him to free me since I had rebelled against Him, but it was by His grace that He helped me out. I praise Him for not leaving me in the enemy's grip (v. 6) and for providing me a way to escape from his snares (v. 7) by delivering me. I thought I'd include Matthew Henry's comment on the last verse since I like it, "The believer will ascribe all the honour of his salvation, to the power, mercy, and truth of God, and look back with wonder and thanksgiving on the way in which the Lord has led him. Let us rejoice that our help for the time to come is in him who made heaven and earth." What I have to say about the verse is that since I found help in Him during my darkest moment, I can look back on that and remember that He helped me out for dealing with future trials. I like the idea that He'll never stop helping His people because with His help, they can get through anything.
Chapter 125
I like the comparison in verse 1 to Mount Zion in the sense that one's trust and confidence cannot be moved no matter what trials he or she goes through. What I also get out of it is that the trials a Christan faces help strengthen his or her faith in the Lord since he or she has to trust in Him to get through trials. The more trials a Christian faces, the more he or she is less likely to drift away from Him. My trials, such as my darkest moment and algebra, were what caused me to draw closer to Him. For clarity, here's Henry's insight on verse 2, "Committing themselves to God, they shall be safe from their enemies. Even mountains may moulder and come to nothing, and rocks be removed, but God's covenant with his people cannot be broken, nor his care of them cease." In my darkest moment, I made the decision to commit myself to Him by letting Him know that I needed His help. I think by doing that, I recognized that my covenant with Him would not be broken since if I didn't ask Him to help me, I would've lost faith in Him. I dunno that verse is kinda hard for me to comment on, but I will say that when I became a Christian, I made a covenant with Him and since He's all-knowing, He knows whether or not I will keep my covenant with Him -- I don't. He used my darkest moment as a trial to test me to see if I would keep my covenant with Him and to see if I would acknowledge that by trusting Him. Had I not put my trust in Him, I probably would've given up on my relationship with Him. And since God knows stuff that I don't, I can trust Him in my trials and come out of them with more strength faith-wise. I'm not sure how I'd relate to verse 3 since I haven't utilized the rod of the wicked. I think it's a verse I'd look into in to future because I'm not if it's supposed to be taken literally or metaphorically, but I will say that God's people and evil spirits or what have you don't get along well. I like Henry's thoughts on verse 4: "God's promises should quicken our prayers. The way of holiness is straight; there are no windings or shiftings in it. But the ways of sinners are crooked. They shift from one purpose to another, and turn hither and thither to deceive; but disappointment and misery shall befal them." In regards to the verse, God has blessed me by doing things such as freeing me from my darkest moment and helping me pass algebra. I figure since I follow after Him and seek His ways in prayer, He'll bless that, which is what I get out of "them that are upright in their hearts." I can't relate to verse 5 since I don't turn to crooked ways, but I will say that once the Lord deals with all the evil in this world, His Son will return to take care of the evil and bring peace.
Sources used:
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 124". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=124>.
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 125". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=125>.
Psalm 124
A Song of degrees of David.
1If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, now may Israel say;
2If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us:
3Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us:
4Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul:
5Then the proud waters had gone over our soul.
6Blessed be the LORD, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth.
7Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped.
8Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
Psalm 125
A Song of degrees.
1They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.
2As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever.
3For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity.
4Do good, O LORD, unto those that be good, and to them that are upright in their hearts.
5As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the LORD shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: but peace shall be upon Israel.
Chapter 124
What I get out of this chapter as a whole is that if God didn't help out His people in their trials, they wouldn't be able to get through their trials. I kind of mentioned something like that before in regards to my darkest moment and it's neat to see a chapter that relates to the point I've established. It's kinda like it's being emphasized since it's repeated. Throughout His Word, a message is repeated for emphasis. If God wasn't with me, I'd still be stuck in my darkest moment and knowing that makes me realize that I probably didn't deserve for Him to free me since I had rebelled against Him, but it was by His grace that He helped me out. I praise Him for not leaving me in the enemy's grip (v. 6) and for providing me a way to escape from his snares (v. 7) by delivering me. I thought I'd include Matthew Henry's comment on the last verse since I like it, "The believer will ascribe all the honour of his salvation, to the power, mercy, and truth of God, and look back with wonder and thanksgiving on the way in which the Lord has led him. Let us rejoice that our help for the time to come is in him who made heaven and earth." What I have to say about the verse is that since I found help in Him during my darkest moment, I can look back on that and remember that He helped me out for dealing with future trials. I like the idea that He'll never stop helping His people because with His help, they can get through anything.
Chapter 125
I like the comparison in verse 1 to Mount Zion in the sense that one's trust and confidence cannot be moved no matter what trials he or she goes through. What I also get out of it is that the trials a Christan faces help strengthen his or her faith in the Lord since he or she has to trust in Him to get through trials. The more trials a Christian faces, the more he or she is less likely to drift away from Him. My trials, such as my darkest moment and algebra, were what caused me to draw closer to Him. For clarity, here's Henry's insight on verse 2, "Committing themselves to God, they shall be safe from their enemies. Even mountains may moulder and come to nothing, and rocks be removed, but God's covenant with his people cannot be broken, nor his care of them cease." In my darkest moment, I made the decision to commit myself to Him by letting Him know that I needed His help. I think by doing that, I recognized that my covenant with Him would not be broken since if I didn't ask Him to help me, I would've lost faith in Him. I dunno that verse is kinda hard for me to comment on, but I will say that when I became a Christian, I made a covenant with Him and since He's all-knowing, He knows whether or not I will keep my covenant with Him -- I don't. He used my darkest moment as a trial to test me to see if I would keep my covenant with Him and to see if I would acknowledge that by trusting Him. Had I not put my trust in Him, I probably would've given up on my relationship with Him. And since God knows stuff that I don't, I can trust Him in my trials and come out of them with more strength faith-wise. I'm not sure how I'd relate to verse 3 since I haven't utilized the rod of the wicked. I think it's a verse I'd look into in to future because I'm not if it's supposed to be taken literally or metaphorically, but I will say that God's people and evil spirits or what have you don't get along well. I like Henry's thoughts on verse 4: "God's promises should quicken our prayers. The way of holiness is straight; there are no windings or shiftings in it. But the ways of sinners are crooked. They shift from one purpose to another, and turn hither and thither to deceive; but disappointment and misery shall befal them." In regards to the verse, God has blessed me by doing things such as freeing me from my darkest moment and helping me pass algebra. I figure since I follow after Him and seek His ways in prayer, He'll bless that, which is what I get out of "them that are upright in their hearts." I can't relate to verse 5 since I don't turn to crooked ways, but I will say that once the Lord deals with all the evil in this world, His Son will return to take care of the evil and bring peace.
Sources used:
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 124". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=124>.
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 125". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=125>.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Just not worth it:
That's how I feel about debates with people over the internet. They usually aren't worth my time and they cause more trouble than necessary. I have better things to do and it's a shame that those who debate are looking to debate with people don't. And I hope the debates I been having on deviantART are the last ones I have for a while even though it is fun to poke holes in one's logic or illustrate that his or argument has no real basis and is based on emotion for the sake of feeling better about oneself. When I do debate with people (over the internet), I'm not good about getting back to them because, like I said, I usually have better things to do and/or don't get up early enough to get back to them. I dunno if my delayed reponses piss people off, in the instance that they're looking to get things over and/or with they didn't expect me to respond, but it reminds of middle school or high school or whatever when somebody would write "Hi" on a desk hoping that someone (from the next class) would respond to what was written. It was a delayed response, yes, but it was kind of a special thing when somebody would respond. And just because a person has a good argument saying that God's omniscience and free will can't co-exist or what have you doesn't mean they're right.
I think the following sums up how I feel about the topic at hand:
I think the following sums up how I feel about the topic at hand:
Friday, September 9, 2011
Reflecting on the Psalms: Chapters 122-123
Psalm 122
A Song of degrees of David.
1I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.
2Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem.
3Jerusalem is builded as a city that is compact together:
4Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the LORD.
5For there are set thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David.
6Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.
7Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces.
8For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee.
9Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek thy good.
Psalm 123
A Song of degrees.
1Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens.
2Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God, until that he have mercy upon us.
3Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us: for we are exceedingly filled with contempt.
4Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorning of those that are at ease, and with the contempt of the proud.
Chapter 122
Since even I had a hard time understanding this chapter, here's Matthew Henry's insight on the first few verses for the sake of clarity, "The pleasure and profit from means of grace, should make us disregard trouble and fatigue in going to them; and we should quicken one another to what is good. We should desire our Christian friends, when they have any good work in hand, to call for us, and take us with them. With what readiness should we think of the heavenly Jerusalem! How cheerfully should we bear the cross and welcome death, in hopes of a crown of glory! " With that in mind, what I get out of the first few verses (and probably the chapter as a whole), is that what I do here on earth will have its rewards in heaven, but I shouldn't do things that glorify God just to receive the blessing. I don't struggle with that because doing something just to receive the blessing isn't a motivation for me, but it's good to be reminded of it anyway. I've helped out with Christian friends in April work with an organization called Food 4others by getting together with a group from a church and help pack food for the less fortunate, so I guess in a roundabout we helped other people prsoper or provide prosperity (vv. 6-7) by providing a basic need. Had there been several groups helping out that day, I imagine the people that needed the food wouldn't have been at peace with each other and would have maybe lived angry and frustrated because of the lack of food. It was a cool thing to help out to bring about the peace of knowing for the less fourtunate to remind them that people do care about them and people do want to provide for them. I don't think about making a difference in someone's life who is halfway across the globe that often, but I helped do it and I thank Him for the opportunity. Although we didn't directly say, "Peace be within you" (v. 8) for the people we provided for, we expressed that by providing for them, which I already kind of talked about. I don't have too much to say about verse 9, but what it means to me is that seeking fellowship and opportunites to serve (with others) is driven by the house of the LORD our God because His love can expressed when taking advantage of and partaking of those opportunities, such as serving with an organization.
Chapter 123
In my darkest moment, I did lift up my eyes to Him (v. 1). I like the comparisons in verse 2 because they remind me that God is a personal God and that He has emotions of love an compassion. And even though God answered my prayer to deliver me from the enemy immediately -- meaning that He started working on it as soon as I cried out to Him -- I still had to wait for Him deliver me so the enemy wouldn't bother me, which was how I waited (or looked upon Him) till He had mercy on me. I did want for Him to have mercy on me (v. 3), but He had to test me first through my trust in Him even though the enemy mocked me by using my trials to say that I wasn't good enough for God even though it's not about being good enough. I remember being filled with (or enduring) much scorn or ridicule from the enemy when he used my trials against me, but trust in the Lord was what helped me to endure and overcome the enemy's lies. I can't really describe my trust beyond that, but it was a real test of faith, which was strengthed by trust in Him and confidennce that He wouldn't leave me alone even if I continued to stumble.
Source used:
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 122". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=122>.
A Song of degrees of David.
1I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.
2Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem.
3Jerusalem is builded as a city that is compact together:
4Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the LORD.
5For there are set thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David.
6Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.
7Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces.
8For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee.
9Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek thy good.
Psalm 123
A Song of degrees.
1Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens.
2Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God, until that he have mercy upon us.
3Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us: for we are exceedingly filled with contempt.
4Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorning of those that are at ease, and with the contempt of the proud.
Chapter 122
Since even I had a hard time understanding this chapter, here's Matthew Henry's insight on the first few verses for the sake of clarity, "The pleasure and profit from means of grace, should make us disregard trouble and fatigue in going to them; and we should quicken one another to what is good. We should desire our Christian friends, when they have any good work in hand, to call for us, and take us with them. With what readiness should we think of the heavenly Jerusalem! How cheerfully should we bear the cross and welcome death, in hopes of a crown of glory! " With that in mind, what I get out of the first few verses (and probably the chapter as a whole), is that what I do here on earth will have its rewards in heaven, but I shouldn't do things that glorify God just to receive the blessing. I don't struggle with that because doing something just to receive the blessing isn't a motivation for me, but it's good to be reminded of it anyway. I've helped out with Christian friends in April work with an organization called Food 4others by getting together with a group from a church and help pack food for the less fortunate, so I guess in a roundabout we helped other people prsoper or provide prosperity (vv. 6-7) by providing a basic need. Had there been several groups helping out that day, I imagine the people that needed the food wouldn't have been at peace with each other and would have maybe lived angry and frustrated because of the lack of food. It was a cool thing to help out to bring about the peace of knowing for the less fourtunate to remind them that people do care about them and people do want to provide for them. I don't think about making a difference in someone's life who is halfway across the globe that often, but I helped do it and I thank Him for the opportunity. Although we didn't directly say, "Peace be within you" (v. 8) for the people we provided for, we expressed that by providing for them, which I already kind of talked about. I don't have too much to say about verse 9, but what it means to me is that seeking fellowship and opportunites to serve (with others) is driven by the house of the LORD our God because His love can expressed when taking advantage of and partaking of those opportunities, such as serving with an organization.
Chapter 123
In my darkest moment, I did lift up my eyes to Him (v. 1). I like the comparisons in verse 2 because they remind me that God is a personal God and that He has emotions of love an compassion. And even though God answered my prayer to deliver me from the enemy immediately -- meaning that He started working on it as soon as I cried out to Him -- I still had to wait for Him deliver me so the enemy wouldn't bother me, which was how I waited (or looked upon Him) till He had mercy on me. I did want for Him to have mercy on me (v. 3), but He had to test me first through my trust in Him even though the enemy mocked me by using my trials to say that I wasn't good enough for God even though it's not about being good enough. I remember being filled with (or enduring) much scorn or ridicule from the enemy when he used my trials against me, but trust in the Lord was what helped me to endure and overcome the enemy's lies. I can't really describe my trust beyond that, but it was a real test of faith, which was strengthed by trust in Him and confidennce that He wouldn't leave me alone even if I continued to stumble.
Source used:
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 122". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=122>.
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