May 8, 2021 -- Hebrews 1:3 -- Jesus Radiance Divine!

He [Jesus] is the radiance of the glory of God…

Hebrews 1:3 English Standard Version

My soul soars and blesses God the Father that He has given us the radiancy of Jesus Christ. Radiance is defined in these ways: brightness and heat. Radiance is also a description of great happiness. Radiance is also applied in the English language to the glow and health of youth. What an apt description of Jesus Christ—He is the radiancy of the glory of God. The brilliance of our Father in heaven shines through Jesus. What we know of the warmth our Father’s love is most perfectly and definitively displayed in Jesus Christ. We need no other prophet. In Jesus Christ our sure hope and great confidence in God is the source of happiness that no circumstance can ever rip from our hearts.

You might, somewhat sarcastically, think well, of course Richard speaks of Jesus as radiancy, hope and blessedness that never ends. Look at how easy Richard’s life is. No one knows the burdens each of us privately bears. Depletion from fighting depression wears me out. This dark cloud has been threatening to overwhelm me with floods of rain so that I would be drowned. Been going on these last four weeks or so. What keeps me going?

It is the radiancy of Jesus. When the day begins with worship of Him Who is the radiancy of the Father’s glory—light and happiness and a glow as if captured and brought back in time from the heavenly fountains of eternity wherein which I’ll be in the presence of the Father—dispel the darkness. I don’t rise up and feel like doing this. I don’t spring out of bed, motivated to worship. In obedience I begin to worship, and in ever greater measures the Spirit captures me as the devotion begins and He revives me. Sometimes this glimpse of Jesus’ radiancy lasts for hours and fills the day with hope. Other times it is just a brief time where the radiancy of Christ dispels the darkness of sin and gloom—but it is enough. More than enough to light the day with wonder and hope.

Tomorrow is Sunday. Get to church. Find a Bible-preaching, Jesus come in the flesh. true God, true Man believing church. If you are able to attend, blessed be the God of our Salvation. If not, get dressed up for worship and watch a livestream service. Pray to the Spirit, asking that the radiancy of Christ will fill you and you by faith will glimpse the glory of God.

O Divine Redeemer,

Great was thy goodness

in undertaking my redemption,

in consenting to be made sin for me,

in conquering all my foes;

Great was they strength

in enduring the extremities of divine wrath,

in taking away the load of my iniquities;

Great was thy love

in manifesting thyself alive,

in showing thy sacred wounds,

that every fear might vanish,

and every doubt be removed.

When thou art absent all sorrows are here,

When thou are present all blessings are mine.

Victory. Excerpts of. The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions. Edinburgh: The Banner of Truth Trust. page 98

https://youtu.be/chnlE-CnZYU

May 7, 2021 -- Matthew 6:11 -- Daily Blessings

Give us this day our daily bread.

Matthew 6:11

Seems a strange thing to pray. I mean our pantries are full, the fridge has food and we can order meals to be delivered straight to our doors. Why ask God for our daily bread?

1. Do you remember last year, toilet paper was constantly being sold out at stores? This year wood is crazy expensive. One year to another, one day to the next, we have no idea what the future will hold. But we know Him Who holds the future.

2. Whatever we have now is a gift from the LORD Who has strengthened us for work, blessed us with abundance. As much as we have can quickly be blown away.

3. This prayer request is one Jesus taught us to pray. It is to humble us and remind us in all things we are the servants of the High King of Heaven. It is fully within His power and right to give fruitful years or lean, plenty or famine, sickness or health, and all things come from His Fatherly hand and are designed to draw us closer to Himself in urgent prayer.

4. We are reminded by this prayer, our Faithful Father in heaven gives us everything we need, spiritually, mentally, physically, and emotionally. This leads us to bless Him and praise Him through-out the day for everything and in every circumstance.

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name.

Your Kingdom come, Your will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our debts,

as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.

For Yours is the Kingdom and the power and the glory,

forever and ever. Amen,

https://youtu.be/La9Zy917JcQ

May 4, 2021 -- Luke 11:1 -- Jesus, Teach Me to Pray

Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.”

Luke 11:1 English Standard Version

Jesus gave to His 12 disciples power to cast out demons and power to heal to the sick and proclaim the kingdom of God with authority (Luke 9:1ff). Yet, when the disciples heard Jesus pray, they asked: “teach us to pray”. All that power and all those signs they could perform lacked something.

This brings to mind I Corinthians 13—if we are gifted to preach, to do great acts of self-sacrifice, but have not love, we are noisy gong or clanging cymbal. What must have touched and moved His disciples to ask to learn how to pray was their observation of Jesus’ close connection with His Father in heaven. Jesus’ dear love for the Father made all Jesus’ suffering service seem but light and momentary in view His devotion to His Father. The disciples observed the love a man can have for the Father in heaven and the profound love the Father has for His children. No wonder they were hungry to know that!

When Jesus teaches us to pray, the Spirit of God lights in us a fire of such devotion that no suffering can ever quench it. It is a fire which was kindled at the forges of ages past at the Father’s direction.

When Jesus’ example of prayer inspires us we begin to bless the Father as the Source of All Good Gifts. As praying continues, day in and day out, month to years, our hearts know Him better and more fully until it is not His gifts we long for, but we desire our Father Himself. He is the chief joy of the heart.

When Jesus’ people pray, persistently, urgently, they see the world as it truly is, under the full control of the Living God and the foolish gnashing and vain speculations of people are shown to be weak, feeble and pitiable in the face of infinite power of the Living God of Glory.

When the Spirit, Who lives in us, moves us to pray, it is no longer a mere duty, something we check off a list and say, okay, on to the rest of our day, no! The Spirit fills us with the knowledge of the Kingship of Jesus and His rule over every part of our lives. When the Spirit empowers our prayers, we see every grand arc of our lives as governed by the Father Whose purposes will never fall to ground in failure. The greatest moments and the smallest things are all brought to Him with attention and child-like wonder. Marvel at this, delight in the fact that He the LORD of all the earth and ruler over spinning galaxies considers the prayers of His children.

Jesus, teach us to pray! As Your disciples asked so long ago, so we Your people, know how urgently we need Your instruction and Your Spirit’s unction. Father in heaven, You have chosen us from before the creation of the world that we should be holy and blameless before You—let the truth of such love for us forged in long ignite in us such a fire of true devotion that our lives are consumed with love for You, dedicated life-long prayer that will finally reach its zenith when in eternity we are in Your presence. Amen.

https://youtu.be/KimkdLCiFBE

May 3, 2021 -- Psalm 139:4-6 -- Guarded in God's grace

Even before a word is on my tongue,

behold, O LORD, you know it altogether.

You hem me in, behind and before,

and lay your hand upon me.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;

it is high; I cannot attain it.

Psalm 139:4-6 English Standard Version

Based on this reading, you can say that God our Father knows the words we are going to speak before we speak them. He knows us inside and out. He knows our failures and our self-deceptions. Yet, He hems us in. By His Spirit living in us, He keeps us restraining us from further sinfulness and keeping us from destroying ourselves. He put His hand on us in Jesus Christ so that our sins have been fully punished on the Person of Jesus and we are credited with the obedient life of Jesus, our Savior and King.

When shame would seek to drive me away from God and away from confession and healing, I should listen to the Spirit of God Who is telling me: “go to the throne of God. Go to God and find healing and help.” No wonder the Psalmist ends these few verses with marvel and awe—this is such lofty knowledge. This is such great blessing—I cannot save myself. I cannot help myself. It is only the LORD our God Who has rescued us in Jesus and keeps us in His great love through the power of the Holy Spirit. Blessed are You, God of gods, LORD of lords!

How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I would count them, they are more than the sand. Wonderful are Your works, my soul knows it very well. Amen

(The prayer is Psalm 139:17-18; 14b)

https://youtu.be/3rT8Re1EIQc

May 1, 2021 -- I John 4:2-6 -- Test for Faithfulness

By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already. 4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 5 They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them. 6 We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.

I John 4:2-6 English Standard Version

The beloved disciple of Jesus gave the test by which a Christian knows whether or not he is dealing with another Christian. That is, the test of believing Jesus is fully the Son of God therefore divine and fully the Son of Man, therefore a human being. By this test a man knows a fellow believer. Together believers face the challenges of the world, the spirit of the antichrist, the spirit of error. To that end we constantly study the Bible and delight in the fact God reveals Himself and strengthens us in our precious faith.

C. H. Spurgeon once wrote: “Bible study is the metal that makes a Christian. This is the strong meat on which holy men are nourished. This is that which makes the bone and sinew of men who keep God’s way in defiance of every adversary.”

Have you been nourished today? Are you preparing for church tomorrow? If you can attend a service, get to a place where true believers meet and feast on the word. If you can not meet in person, find a church that knows and preaches the Spirit of Truth so that as you watch church you are nourished and will able to understand He Who is in you is greater than the spirit of error which is in this world.

Spirit of God, create in me a hunger for all that is holy and true. Spirit of God direct me to Jesus Christ, in Whom my soul shall find all truth. Truth which can nourish my soul and strengthen me for every defiance of the adversary. Father in heaven, thank You for Jesus Christ, Who has overcome this world and by Whom all who believe are victors to the great honour and blessing of Your praise. Triune God, as those who are Your ambassadors in this world, help us to declare Your praise and proclaim Jesus to a weary and broken world tyrannized by the enemy. Thank You, King Jesus, that the sure defeat of this enemy is near. Jesus, I long for the day when every knee shall bow and every tongue confess Your Name to the glory of the Father. Amen.

https://youtu.be/aD-7LcQVNac

April 29, 2021 -- Luke 9:23 -- Am I a Disciple of Jesus?

23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me,

let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

Luke 9:23 ESV

Doug Milne’s excellent study Let’s Study Luke has this commentary on these verses:

Jesus gave an open invitation to discipleship. A disciple was someone

who committed himself to be with and learn from the one he wanted to

follow as his mentor and authority. Jesus had no objection to this but

wanted would-be followers to be clear at the start what this would mean.

Jesus was never one to play down the terms of discipleship for anyone

(Luke 18:18-23). The way of Jesus is one of repeated self-denial. At the

centre of human life there operates a principle of self-will on the basis of

self-interest. Following Jesus means bringing our will into subjection to God’s

will. This is the cost of discipleship.” Milne, page 137

How do I know if I’m a true disciple? Just like an overweight person can determine whether or not he’s sticking to his diet by standing on the bathroom scale, so a disciple of Jesus can weigh his actions. A disciple of Jesus will use his free time to learn more about Jesus—talking with fellow Christians, exploring questions of faith and so on. A disciple of Jesus will read the Bible—daily. Of course this is difficult. Our minds wander. Our time is busy and we can feel the pressures of the day crowding in when we start to read the Bible. We have stated Jesus is our all-in-all. Weigh your actions. What you are saying, is it matching what you are doing?

A man on a diet will step on the scale and know whether or not he his sticking to the plan or cheating. Here are some direct questions to help you determine your level of commitment. Do you find yourself thinking about Jesus during the day? Are you praying? Are you finding your thoughts turn to Him? Are you asking questions about the bible? Are the things of this world, old patterns of sin, becoming less attractive? Are you finding it more interesting to read the Bible? Are you talking with other Christians about their walk with God? Are you finding that you are examining your actions more closely and becoming uncomfortable with things you used to do? Does it truly matter to you whether or not you are growing in your devotion to Jesus? Answering yes to one or more of these questions means you are growing in discipleship.

The Spirit of God loves to lead you to Jesus. The Spirit of God invites you to ask for more understanding as to Who Jesus is. The Spirit will give knowledge about Jesus through the reading of the Bible. The Spirit will give you assurance that God truly is your Father. Ask the Spirit to help and direct you so that you will be a fully committed, joyful disciple of Jesus.

Spirit of God, lead me to Jesus. You have put in me a desire to know Jesus now fulfil this desire. As I read the bible, train my soul and mind to find in it the glories You placed there. As I seek to live for Jesus, help me to make a fearless examination of my own life and actions in order to make course corrections back to Jesus. Help me to live for the honour of my King Jesus. Spirit of the Living God, thank You for guarding me close to Christ in Whom I am a beloved child of the Father in heaven. Amen.

https://youtu.be/M37eRA8OMS4

April 28, 2021 -- I Corinthians 14:1 -- What are you zealously pursuing?

Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts,

especially that you may prophesy.

I Corinthians 14:1 English Standard Version

The command of Jesus our Lord, given through the apostle Paul, is this—run swiftly towards love and towards showing acts of love and kindness. Corinthians 13 taught that love is patient, kind, doesn’t keep a record of wrongs—we are quite familiar with this. When believers deny themselves and their selfish indulgences in order to show the humble love of Christ to others, they build true community. In the very act of extending love to those in need, the Father in heaven gives to us the awareness of His great love poured out on us in Christ Jesus.

Desire spiritual gifts—it is an emphatic statement—burn with zeal for spiritual gifts. Look to Jesus and His perfections and the Spirit of God will stir in your soul a longing passion to be more like Him. Love fuels this urgency for spiritual gifts. Prayer is the means by which the Spirit answers us and equips us. It is work on our part to push out sloth and sinfulness and slanderous gossip. Think about it. Our world is rife with conspiracy theories. Imagine for a moment, if Christians, who already know the extent of the wickedness of the human heart, rather than breathlessly posting the latest Covid conspiracy instead put in equal or even greater energy towards honing spiritual gifts. Teaching or administration, shepherding God’s people or acts of mercy, prayer and giving, faith evangelism, just to name a few of these gifts believers are to passionately desire.

What is prophesy? This is so disputed. Many people believe prophesy is vague feelings and restless forebodings or the Spirit giving impressions and signs which speak of ominous things to come. Simply put, prophesy is knowing the Word of God so intimately that one is ever and constantly drawn to speak of Him Who gave the Word. God Who decreed, the Son Who demonstrated the love of God fulfilling His Father’s decrees takes away the sin of the world and the Spirit Who has moved men to write the Bible which reveals this all. A prophet who is not anchored in the word of God is not to be heeded—don’t give credibility to his or her words. All we need for life and godliness are written here in the Bible. Know it. Live it. Speak it. You will be declared a wise prophet if you do.

Forgive me, God of Mercy, for my pursuits of the latest gadget, i-this or that, and embracing things which pull me away from You. With the psalmist I renew my vow “You are the LORD, apart from You I have no good thing”. In this day rekindle my zeal to speak Christ and His perfections in all circumstances to all people. Amen.

April 27, 2021 -- I Corinthians 9:24-27 -- What's the prize you're going after?

24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

I Corinthians 9:24-27 ESV

Every Thursday morning I sit with a group of men who are in recovery—from drugs, alcohol and other addictions. One thing stands out for me. They are aware this is a life or death struggle. If they do not discipline their hearts and minds, if they do not immediately recognize the first teasing whispers of temptation seeking to destroy their sobriety, then they know they will soon be chasing after death by way of addictions, rather than running the race of new life in Christ.

An athlete is clearly aware of what is damaging, constantly reminding himself of things like—here are foods I should eat for strength and these are foods that will make me lethargic. An athlete knows how to fight past excuses not to train—it is raining, it is too cold, I am tired, I’m not going to win anyways—and the athlete exercises self-control. An athlete knows the LORD our God, Who knit us together in the womb, has given us the gift of joy which surges through the body of the athlete who has fought excuses and went out to train anyways. It is called the runners’ high. I believe the LORD blesses Christians with a joy-filled high which is only given when we are serving the Most High!

The men in Harvest House are teaching me to examine my life with careful attention so that I am not aimless in my preparations, but honing my head, heart and hands for holy service. Sometimes I find fellow church Christians far less aware of the insidious nature of sin. While applauding the efforts of men and women who are openly crying for sobriety, these church-goers are in danger themselves of being disqualified because in church there is the devil-inspired sense of having already crossed the finish line. Therefore Christians, instead of being clear-headed enough to know we are athletes still running to receive the final prize they have become lazy, side-lined and out of shape.

Ah beloved, see the prize of life eternal in the presence of God our Father, a prize made all the sweeter in the knowledge that we will see our Savior and celebrate such blessings and glory in the Presence of the Spirit Who has given us both a desire for and an ability to run the race set before us.

LORD God Almighty, I confess my excuses. I confess the times I spend rehearsing reasons why I can’t, rather than reciting the victories You have given saints through-out the ages. Spirit of the Living God, renew in me the courage of a lion, ready to tear down any excuses. Spirit of the Living God, with the view of Christ as the ultimate prize, reassert in me all the reasons to discipline my body and through Your leading a godly control of my mind so that in all things I will not the problems and excuses and challenges, but I will see the prize of the imperishable wreath of glory which crowns the head of all who by the Triune God have overcome the world. Blessed are You, God the Mighty, Able to Save all who cry out to You. Amen.

https://youtu.be/hwc2d1Xt8gM

April 25, 2021 -- John 10:4, 14-15 -- Jesus' Voice

The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.

I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.

John 10:4,14-15 ESV

Today is Sunday. Get to a Bible-teaching, Christ-exalting, church. If you are not able to attend church in person, make sure the sermons you are watching are spoken by credible ministers who preach the Good News of Jesus Christ. The goal of our lives is to know the voice of Jesus Christ. His Spirit, poured out at Pentecost, is given so that believers read the Word and listen to preaching, and know the voice of Jesus Christ—the same Jesus Who leads us in triumphal procession to the Father.

Assurance

Almighty God,

I  am loved with everlasting love,

clothed in eternal righteousness,

my peace flowing like a river,

my comforts many and large,

my joy and triumph unutterable,

my soul lively with a knowledge of salvation,

my sense of justification unclouded.

I have scarce anything to pray for;

Jesus smiles upon my soul as a ray of heaven and my supplications are swallowed up in praise.

How sweet is the glorious doctrine of election when based upon thy Word

and wrought inwardly within the soul!

I bless thee that thou wilt keep the sinner

thou hast loved,

and hast engaged that he will not forsake thee,

else I would never get to heaven.

I wrong the work of grace in my heart

if I deny my new nature and my eternal life.

If Jesus were not my righteousness and redemption,

I would sink into nethermost hell

by my misdoings, shortcomings, unbelief, unlove;

If Jesus were not by the power of his Spirit

my sanctification,

there is no sin I should not commit.

O when shall I have his mind!

when shall I be conformed to his image?

All the good things of life are less than nothing

when compared with his love,

and with one glimpse of thy electing favour.

All the treasures of a million worlds could not

make me richer, happier, more contented,

for his unsearchable riches are mine.

One moment of communion with him, one view of his grace,

is ineffable, inestimable.

But O God, I could not long after thy presence

if I did not know the sweetness of it;

And such I could not know except by thy Spirit in my heart, nor love thee at all unless

thou didst elect me,

call me,

adopt me,

save me.

I bless thee for the covenant  of grace.

Prayer: Assurance. "Valley of Vision: Puritan Prayers and Devotions”, page 92-93

https://youtu.be/ZpyIc7aR8BQ

April 23, 2021 -- Psalm 20:1-3 -- Armed for Battle

May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble!
May the name of the God of Jacob protect you!
2 May he send you help from the sanctuary
and give you support from Zion!
3 May he remember all your offerings
and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices! Selah

Psalm 20:1-3 English Standard Version

This is a Davidic Psalm—the King is about to go into battle. The people are offering up a prayer for His success. The King desired to be faithful to the LORD his God, evidenced by way of the cultic sacrifices he offered, the offerings which are prescribed. Besides these the King offered the burnt offerings which are gifts of thankfulness to the LORD. Here the King and the people pause, selah, means to reread, pause and reflect on these things.

New Testament Christians read this, understanding the daily battle we are engaged. It is a battle against our flesh, the devil and the world and we strive to be faithful to the LORD our God. In a world where our government has proclaimed abortion as a core value, and is constantly redefining the nuclear family out of existence, we realize how much we need our King, Jesus, to lead us into victory! He is the only sacrifice we need in order to be right with God. Jesus is our righteousness, therefore, when we engage in living for Him in this world, we are everything we need. Jesus, as the descendant of David, is the True King, the Eternal King. Pause and reflect on that.

May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence II Peter 1:2-3. What a glorious truth, as soldiers all the strength and help we need has already been given to us! Go out and serve your King!

Mighty King Jesus, forgive us for our quivering hearts which have been directed by fear rather than flushed with the fresh courage of Your cross lifted high over us. Spirit of the Living God, send us out as witnesses for Jesus, hear and far so that the glory of our God and Father is proclaimed throughout the world. Amen.

https://youtu.be/GzlponYvF30

April 22, 2021 -- Isaiah 40:27-31 -- Who Wouldn't Want Strength?!

Why do you say, O Jacob,
and speak, O Israel,
“My way is hidden from the LORD,
and my right is disregarded by my God”?
28 Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
his understanding is unsearchable.
29 He gives power to the faint,
and to him who has no might he increases strength.
30 Even youths shall faint and be weary,
and young men shall fall exhausted;
31 but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:27-31 ESV

Try gingko. It is a superfood. Try adding fish oil into the diet, you’ll notice a big change in your mood. If you would just exercise more, well, I’m telling you, you’ll have energy to burn. Whatever. As the Covid crisis drags on suicide rates are shooting up. Despair is greater among the people of our nation. How can we withstand the soul-sucking measures put in place to ‘help us’. How can people navigate all the regulations which seem to be shifting all the time?

Isaiah declares we serve the Super God above all governments, greater, infinitely greater even than we can imagine. When we are fainting and weary think about the One Who is called the everlasting God. Nothing wears Him out. Nothing lessens His power. He also has infinite understanding to help those who are worn and spent with grief and anxiety.

To wait on the LORD carries the sense of braiding, like one braids hair or weaves together the strands of ropes to repair a fishing net. Weave the LORD into every part of your thoughts. Meditate on Him as powerful, greater than all your worries or fears. Pray. Ask Him to do as He promised, to revive you. Read His Word. So many times people say “If I only had the time I’d do this”. Well, for many people this latest lockdown means you have plenty of time to wait on the LORD and see His faithfulness in every part of history and so see His ability to bring His compassion, faithfulness and strength even to these days of crisis. Reach out to other Christians and ask them to pray with you and encourage you.

Creator of the ends of the universe, Everlasting God of Infinite power hear my cry for mercy. Help me to truly wait on You, trusting that as You have responded to Your people in every crisis through-out all generations, so You will now, build Your people up once again. Guard me in these days which seek to crush me with weariness and though I am not busy or active as usual, still am feeling exhausted. As I lift my eyes to see the heavens declare Your glory and the Spring raise plants to new life may my confident hope in You be revived. Amen.

https://youtu.be/kkxbEzfIUHE

April 20, 2021 -- Psalm 19:14 -- Fixing our Thoughts on God

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
   be acceptable in your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Psalm 19:14 English Standard Version

After recognizing the Living God in the wonders and powers of creation and then moving on by celebrating the Law of the LORD, which revives the soul and both rejoices and warns the heart, the psalm writer confessed his sins. Now, he binds it all together as he prays. He pauses. He has meditated on the magnificence of the LORD. He has overcome his nagging doubts and the temptations to sin which would pull him down and this victory was achieved by reviewing the glories of God.

How is the LORD our Rock and Redeemer? He is such because of the work of Jesus Christ. Jesus overcame the devil, the world and our own wicked flesh and fleshly desires and brought us salvation. The devil, the world and our own fears still threaten to overwhelm us and blind us to the beauty of creation. Fleshly temptations, the pull of peers and the old habits of the world, and the devil want to distract us from the power of God revealed in the Word. Therefore, the Christian who wants to take hold of the Living God and bring all these benefits to his own heart and head spends time in quiet before the LORD. He meditates on all the blessings God is bringing into his life—grace and mercy greater than all his sin. Love and salvation that is constantly being displayed, if he will just take time to stop, look and listen and recite the rich parade of blessings which dance before the eyes of faith.

Today’s prayer is taken from Psalm 18:31-32a and 46. To conclude the prayer, name 5 reasons for thanksgiving to God or reasons your soul has found to praise Him! Review these several times today.

For Who is God, but the LORD?
   And Who is a Rock, except our God?—
   the God Who equipped me with strength.
The LORD lives, and blessed be my Rock!
Now, my King, here are a few reasons I bless Your Name…

Exalted be the God of my salvation!

https://youtu.be/I1GiZL60c80

April 19, 2021 -- Psalm 19:13 -- How will these wonders affect you?

Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins;

let them not have dominion over me!

Then I shall be blameless,

and innocent of great transgression.

Psalm 19:13 English Standard Version

Over the last 11 verses the psalmist celebrated two soul-anchoring truths. First the heavens declare the glory of God. Beautiful. Second he noted the Word of the LORD is perfect. It is the interpreter of creation’s glory. The Word is the instructor of the humble one ready to receive it. And the rules of the LORD are more precious than gold and sweeter than the drippings of honey.

When the two stanzas of God’s revelation (generation revelation: creation and special revelation the Bible) are placed side by side, then the humbled servant of the LORD will cry out—restrain me from willful or arrogant sins! The beauty of all You have in store for the believer is greater than the cravings that are seeking to dominate me. This is why the Psalm pivots at verse 12—the renown of the LORD and splendor of His perfections cause the believer to examine his ways and his attitude and his heart, from which these actions and attitudes flow.

Perhaps this is not your experience. Perhaps in your pride you think, pfft, these sins, I can conquer them any time I want to. I just don’t want to right now. Hmm. Go back over this Psalm. Read it aloud. Look at the fame of God the Creator which the heavens and skies constantly declare. Listen to the ways in which the Word of God reveal your heart and test your actions and repent. If you are not moved in the same way as the Psalmist here is my advice. Pray urgently for the LORD’s restoration so that sins which are small on the surface of your life, but deep-rooted in your mind and heart will be plucked out and conquered before they dominate you to your ruin.

King Jesus, blessed are You. The pinnacle of creation—the Son of God perfect in obedience. Humble before God our Father and yet by the Spirit’s presence powerful in knowledge and the fear of the LORD, in wisdom and understanding, in counsel and might. By Your Spirit’s presence in us, direct us into the holy and happy living You so clearly lived. May wonder fill us. Wonder at the marvels and intricacies of creation and wonder before the LORD God Who made them all.

Here is the suggestion for a song of response made by Owen, my son-in-law. Good choice!

https://youtu.be/5IlVfkY5q54

April 18, 2021 -- Psalm 19:1-2 -- Seasoned Christians--remember the heavens declare the glory of God!

The heavens declare the glory of God,

and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

Day to day pours out speech,

and night reveals knowledge.

Psalm 19:1-2 English Standard Version

Yesterday, the 17th of April, I threw open the bedroom curtains to see it had snowed in the night! On social media there were all kinds of statements like: “the weather sucks”! While that was my sentiment for a couple of minutes…until coffee entered my system, and I was more fully awake and then read this as my devotional Psalm. My conscience was pricked. No, the weather is not miserable! Even the snow is declaring the glory of God.

The weather shows us how small we really are.

The weather reminds us God is in charge.

The night displays a magnificence of stars and planets beyond imagination and description all of which are for the pleasure of the LORD of the Universe Who rules them.

As long as there is day and night, and season following season, the LORD keeps His covenant love to His people (Jeremiah 33:20).

The seasons, day and night, all which proclaim His covenant love graphically remind us of His covenant love best displayed in Jesus Christ—Who is the salvation of God—the fulfilment of covenant promises of the Old Testament.

As long as there is day and night, sunshine and clouds, rain and snow, this promise is sure, Jesus will return and bring the dearly loved sons and daughters of God to their eternal home!

Father in heaven, forgive me for my bad attitude when I am confronted with Your glory displayed in the seasons and skies, in the night and newness of the seasons. Spirit of God, give me great joy in the knowledge that even the weather and the seasons confirm the covenant promises which are yes and amen in Jesus Christ. Amen.

https://youtu.be/BMTKr0igiz0

April 17, 2021 -- Psalm 18:31-32; 49-50 -- Decide Now to Worship

For who is God, but the LORD?
And who is a rock, except our God?—
32 the God who equipped me with strength
and made my way blameless.

For this I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations,
and sing to your name.
50 Great salvation he brings to his king,
and shows steadfast love to his anointed,
to David and his offspring forever.

Psalm 18:31-32; 49-50 English Standard Version

Tomorrow is Sunday. Decide right now, today, to join with God’s people for worship. If you have the privilege of gathering in person—blessed be the Name of the LORD! If not, gather your approved bubble and get nicely dressed as if you were going to join with other Christians in your church building for worship, and bless the Name of the LORD. He is our strength in these confusing times. Jesus asked: “but when the Son of Man returns, will He find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8) What a critical question for our day. It is hard to know how zealous others are for the praise of God. Especially among those who cannot gather in large groups, it can be so deflating. Take courage.

Jesus has, by His blood, made us blameless before God our Father. He has taken away the stain of our sins. It is our joy and great honour to know God and bless Him. Worship stokes the fires of faith. Worship renews our hope in our rich salvation poured out on the people of the Triune God. Therefore, decide today, to worship God the glorious One, and be prepared tomorrow to celebrate before Him with whomever you can.

Pray in these confusing Covid times. Earnestly pray for the LORD to bring His people through these times strengthened in our faith and even more confident in the victory of Jesus. Confess your times of discouragement and aimless strivings which have been in your own strength rather than anchored in the Lord’s strength. Pray that the eyes of faith will discern what is otherwise imperceptible to us now. Pray that the lessons our LORD wants us to learn during these times will be sealed to our hearts and by these refining trials we will be renewed in our hope, faith and love.

https://youtu.be/zvDSG4s5FJw

April 16, 2021 -- Psalm 18:34-35 -- The LORD My Shield and Salvation

He trains my hands for war,

so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

You have given me the shield of your salvation,

and your right hand supported me,

and your gentleness made me great.

Psalm 18:34-35 English Standard Version

The child of God will be engaged in battle. There is a fight against the old nature and the sins which cling so tenaciously. War continues as those who hate Jesus seek to undermine your faith and your confidence in Him. The devil is a roaring lion seeking those whom he can devour (I Peter 5:8). Usually a bow is made of wood, a hard material with some flexibility. A bow of bronze, which has no flexibility, would require great, inhuman strength to use, strength that only the LORD our God can give in times of need.

Beautifully these short verses combine the Old Testament work of the Father and the New Testament work of Jesus. God the LORD promised Abraham “I am your shield and your very great reward” (Genesis 15:1). The word “salvation” is Jeshua, the Old Testament version of the Name Jesus. The Name Jeshua, or Jesus, means God saves, or God is my Salvation. This is evidenced in the Old and in the New Testament it is the right hand of God’s power which has supported and sustained His people through-out all generations.

The final line is odd, isn’t it: Your gentleness made me great? When you read the combination of shield and salvation from the previous line it begins to make sense. Jesus came to this earth, gentle, meek, riding a donkey. He was the rightful king of Israel, Who in complete surrender to His Father’s will, was obedient in all things perfectly obedient to His Father so that He is the sacrifice that takes away the sin of the world. At the cross Jesus was punished for our sins, at the cross His righteousness—His perfect, gentle obedience—is credited to all who believe. More than this, He is now the High King of Heaven, seated at the Father’s right hand, in Whose Name and by Whose victory we are sons and daughters of the Living God. As the opening of this Psalm stated, so we say together “I love You, O LORD, my strength!”

Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be Your Name.

Your kingdom come,

Your will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our debts,

as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For Yours is the kingdom, and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

https://youtu.be/YTqfDCPvp_Q

April 15, 2021 -- Psalm 18:27-28 -- The Light of the LORD's Love

For you save a humble people,
but the haughty eyes you bring down.
28 For it is you who light my lamp;
the Lord my God lightens my darkness.

Psalm 18:27-28 English Standard Version

One of the strongest memories of relief springs to mind with this passage. While I was in college I boarded at the home of Margaret Furman. She, a then retired senior who I had worked with in previous years in the college’s kitchen, opened up her home to me, for a laughably small token monthly rent payment. There were times when I’s be studying and she’d bake cookies and bring these to me while they were still slightly warm and soft. She’d have brewed coffee, poured out a cup adding just the right amount of sugar and cream to go with them. It was such a blessing. I remember one night when I was struggling with school, betrayed by friends and so discouraged. I was bicycling home at night after a long day. It is just four miles or so from the college campus to home. Half-way back the power went out through that section of town. It was eerily dark. It was frightening. The fear arose in me because of emotional weariness, it was too hard to shake off fears that were obviously baseless. So, half of the journey home was cycled in darkness and I don’t have proper reflectors or a lamp for my bike. Margaret had set up 5 candles on the window sill of the living room side window. The small window looked out over the side of the street where I’d be arriving home. In the black night those cheery candles were discernable a long way off. My heart was encouraged. To this day I can remember those five little candles, perched on a little candle stand that made the centre one highest, the two on either side slightly lower and the two outside candles on the lowest tier. The yellow and orange glow of the flames cast enough light to show the cheery red hue of the candles themselves.

When you know you have wandered far into sin or away from the LORD your God and are aimlessly pacing circles in ever darkening fears then the light of His presence is glorious. You are humble enough to know your need. You are not going to argue I can do this by myself—in fact, in the warm light of His blessings you will like a starving beggar grabbing hold of an offered gift of a coffee and a muffin take to yourself every gift of His grace generously given in Jesus Christ—the Light of the World. You will, prompted by the fresh presence of the Spirit, confess everything that cast you into the terrible darkness so that you will not return to it. You will in the light of all the Word continues to teach you, continually, humbly confess your sins and all the things which would threaten to lead you back into the horrors of darkness—not because God is hard and cruel, but because you have experienced such darkness and such fearful wanderings that your soul knows the hopelessness of it all and refuses to return to it. No wonder the Psalmist began by declaring at verse 1 ‘I love you, O LORD, my strength’!

I love You, O LORD, my strength!

In my distress I called upon the LORD;

to my God I cried for help.

From HIs temple He heard my voice,

and my cry to Him reached His ears.

For this I will praise You, O LORD, among the nations,

and sing to Your Name.

Psalm 18:1,6,49

Today’s song selection is based on Psalm 27

https://youtu.be/_nZJL6Hauk0

April 14, 2021 -- Psalm 18:1-3 -- The LORD my Stronghold!

I love you, O LORD, my strength.
2 The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
3 I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised,
and I am saved from my enemies.

Psalm 18:1-3 English Standard Version

The very first Psalm notes: Blessed is the man….[whose] delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night” (verse 1a, 2b). By carefully examining this bible text over many days, we are meditating on the word of God—seeking God’s blessing—the very blessing His word promises us.

The Name of God repeated three times in this passage is ‘LORD’. The One to Whom we are bringing our love and to Whom we cry out is the very One Who has promised He will hear the cries of His people. He is God. He is perfect. He is able, loving and willing to help His people. He knows our infirmities and our sinfulness. Yet, in Christ He has reached out and called us His own. Therefore in view of His great promises, based on His Word and the Spirit Who lives in us, we declare our love for God. And in confidence approach the throne of grace to find help in our time of need.

In Hebrew poetry, one line is followed by the next which has synonyms, word intensifiers. So, the first line of verse 2 includes “my fortress” and the parallel intensifier is “my stronghold”. In Isaiah this word means “unassailable fortifications”. When believers are surrounded by their enemies—and believers will be surrounded by troubles and enemies because our Master Jesus faced hatred, how much more so will His servants face these for their devotion to Him but Jesus’ resurrection proves He has overcome the world (John 16:1-4;33)—they can have this sure comfort Christ Himself is our unassailable stronghold. We know this sure truth Jesus has power over life and over death and more than this, He has power to bring believers to eternal life with Him or to throw wicked ones to eternal agonies in hell. He is My Stronghold for life now and for eternity. I love You, O LORD, my strength!

I love You, O LORD, my strength! As I meditate on Your Word, by Your Spirit’s on-going work in me, increase my love for You, Triune God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit. By the Word which is drilling into me, deeper than my fears and insecurities, let the truth that You are the unassailable fortification of my life make me bold to declare Your love and teach others Your ways. LORD, You are worthy to be praised. Amen.

https://youtu.be/936BapRFHaQ

April 13, 2021 -- Psalm 18:1-3 -- Victory in Jesus

I love you, O LORD, my strength.
2 The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
3 I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised,
and I am saved from my enemies.

Psalm 18:1-3 English Standard Version

The LORD is the horn of my salvation. Likely it is an expression that does not mean much to the average reader. Verses 2 and 3 are part of David’s song in II Samuel 22:2-4. David is praising God for the victory over the Philistines. David himself was in a precarious predicament in battle, when the LORD caused Abishai to go to his aid and cut down Ishbibenob (a descendant of the giants) and so save David. Notice that David credits the victory and his personal salvation from danger in that battle to the LORD—the horn of his salvation—the God of power.

In his vision—the Book of Revelation—John describes Jesus this way: I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth (Revelation 5:6). Jesus is the Lamb who had been slain—and is now standing in power. Seven horns represent perfect power, fullness of power. This is the power of God, poured out on all who believe. Notice that these seven horns of power are the Spirits (the Seven-fold Spirit of God which you read of in Revelation 1:4 and Isaiah 11:2-3 where the seven attributes of the Spirit is presented (the fear of the LORD, wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, power knowledge).

Whenever you think, “I can’t do this” you are right. But the LORD your God has given you Christ’s victory over sin, death, the grave and hell. And the Father and the Son have given you the horn of salvation, the seven-fold Spirit of power Who lives in you to bring Christ’s victory to completion in you. When you face a temptation which normally defeats you, or are trapped in sin and wonder—is there a way out of this? Cry out to the LORD—the horn of your salvation.

I love You, O LORD my strength! Your Spirit has quickened me, has brought me into a new world as a new creature, has given me spiritual perception, has opened to me thy Word as light, guide, solace, joy. They presence is to me a treasure of unending peace. Keep me, for I cannot keep myself; Protect me that no evil befall me; Let me lay aside every sin admired of many; Help me to walk by thy side, lean on thy arm, hold converse with thee, That henceforth I may be salt of the earth and a blessing to all.

Today’s prayer is Psalm 18:1 and a portion of the Valley of Vision prayer called: Regeneration.

https://youtu.be/zBngAHsAMIY

April 10, 2021 -- Psalm 18:1-3 -- Delivered

I love you, O Lord, my strength.
2 The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
3 I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,
and I am saved from my enemies.

Psalm 18:1-3 English Standard Version

Sometimes, when looking up the root meaning of a word in the original language, the meaning is pretty surprising. The focus today is on the title: Deliverer. David declares his love for the LORD “my Deliverer”. In Hebrew the word ‘deliverer’ means a number of different things—like it does in English.

In Job 20:21 Job notes that “their cows do not fail to deliver (to calve)”. So to deliver can mean to be delivered from the womb. Later in Psalm 18 the sense of the verb is to be delivered from one’s enemies (verses 43 & 48). Both of these senses of the verb ‘to deliver’ are combined here in the title the Spirit revealed through David’s prayer, My Deliverer.

The LORD our God delivers all those who cry out to Him. He is the Deliverer, all the work is His. Like an infant in the womb cannot deliver itself, but is delivered from the mother’s body—so the one who cries out to the LORD is delivered by the LORD—He alone is the Savior and He alone deserves the credit and the praise. The LORD delivers and brings from the place of danger and conflict to the refuge, the strong tower of defense on the craggy heights. The Deliverer is ‘my Deliverer’. Though many billions of people populate this planet, the LORD of heaven and earth is ‘my Deliverer’—He hears your cry and mine and He answers perfectly. Blessed be His Name.

Our prayer today are the verses 46-48 of Psalm 18:

The LORD lives, and blessed be my rock,
and exalted be the God of my salvation—
the God who gave me vengeance
and subdued peoples under me,
who rescued me from my enemies;
yes, you exalted me above those who rose against me;
you delivered me from the man of violence.

The song of praise is often associated with Christmas. This is appropriate, but far too narrow. It celebrates the Deliverer this Psalm of David anticipates. Enjoy it!

https://youtu.be/K8-NxI_IWd0