Healing Through Repentance 07.03.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Thursday July 3, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Psalms. Please read Chapters 46-51 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & Paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2046-51&version=9

Today we will read and learn about the psalmist's confidence and praise of God; the deception of worldly wealth; and a prayer for mercy and forgiveness. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that even though it hurts our pride to admit that sin is our own choice and not someone else's, it is only when we truly confess and repent of the sin will we get the healing that we need.

David disregarded the Word of God when he lusted after the beautiful wife of his neighbor, Uriah the Hittite, one of his most loyal soldiers. While Uriah was at war, David committed adultery with Uriah's wife. Through a planned military maneuver initiated by David, Uriah was killed allowing David to legally marry Bathsheba.

It appeared to be a happy ending for David and Bathsheba until Nathan, the fearless prophet of God, appeared and denounced the king's selfish and wicked sins (See II Samuel 12). David's awareness of sin and pleas for forgiveness are very intense in Psalm 51. He prayed eagerly and sincerely, "Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest." (Psalm 51:1-4).

God is merciful to all repentant sinners. "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness." (51:10-14). In answer to David's sincere prayers, God forgave him. But the result of his sin was personal shame and suffering for the rest of his life, as well as many tragic personal and national consequences years later.

David did not attempt to justify his actions or shift the blame to someone else. He had a right estimate of sin. He did not elevate himself as one who was above the Law since he was the king, but admitted his rebellion against God and His Holy Law and although their first relationship was adultery, it was forgiven. David then took Bathsheba as his wife and Bathsheba gave birth to Solomon.

We wish that this blight upon David's life had not happened, but it was recorded, not only to reveal the deception and never-ending devastation of lust, but to let us know that God forgives our sins when we repent and pray as David did. This holds out hope to the sinner who truly repents that he can experience the mercy and forgiving love of God. It also teaches the inescapable consequences of sin.

In our fallen nature, we are prone to make excuses for our sins by blaming circumstances, someone else, the tendencies which we have inherited, or the lack of training which we did not receive. Or, as Adam did, we may even blame God (Genesis 3:12). But sin is never justified and is always hated by God. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another." (Galatians 5:22-26).

In today's message Jesus Christ is revealed through the One who will judge His people (Psalm 50:4). The Lord Jesus Christ will judge the living and the dead at his appearing. (II Timothy 4:1).

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
I know that I have done wrong through thoughts, actions, and or things that I have said, sometimes by mistake and sometimes on purpose. I have gone my own way and not put you at the center of my life. I am very sorry and ask that you please forgive me. I thank you that I can ask you this because I truly believe that your Son, Jesus, died in my place and, through Him, I have access to you. Please help me to follow you more closely every day and live a life which gives glory back to you. In Jesus' name....Amen.

Have a great and wonderful day!
God Bless,
Christina

Visit: A Spiritual Guide
aspiritualguide.net

Our Daily Needs 07.02.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Wednesday July 2, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Psalms. Please read Chapters 40-45 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & Paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2040-45&version=9

Today we will read and learn about praise for answered prayer; David's enemies; his longing for God's presence;and a prayer for deliverance from present troubles. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that we are to trust in the Lord for our daily needs, especially during these uncertain times.

David was forcibly separated from his palace and worship at the Temple as well as participation in the God-prescribed festivals. For about 10 years David was in exile and constantly on the move. Wherever he was in hiding he was persistently being harassed by Saul and his army who were searching to kill him. His longing was for the living God who loves His children and seeks their love, listens to their prayers and faithfully provides and protects. "As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?" (Psalm 42:1-3)

Even while David was forced to be a fugitive, there was often evidence that the Lord was providing for and protecting him. David could not realize that his trials were the method God used to develop his spiritual life. In the midst of trials he was able to say, "Thou art my King, O God: command deliverances for Jacob. Through thee will we push down our enemies: through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us. For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me. But thou hast saved us from our enemies, and hast put them to shame that hated us. In God we boast all the day long, and praise thy name for ever. Selah." (44:4-8)

It was foretold by the psalmist that the Messiah, our wonderful Lord Jesus Christ who is King of kings, would always uphold truth, meekness and righteousness. "My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer. Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever. Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty. And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things." (45:1-4). In contrast, many kings are known for their ruthless, oppressive cruelty. Because the Lord Jesus is the only begotten sinless Son of God, David was inspired to write of Him.

The Apostle Paul quoted from Psalm 45 concerning Jesus as the Son of God, "But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows." (Hebrews 1:8-9). Loving only what is right and hating all wrong is one of the numerous attributes of Christ.

Although we often fall short, those who have received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior also desire to express the attributes of loving righteousness and hating lawlessness. Since Christians collectively are the Bride of Christ, we desire to express the characteristics of the One we represent. The King sees only beauty in His Bride and we, in turn, recognize Him as our Lord and worship Him. "So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou him." (Psalm 45:11). This means that He must have our undivided love and allegiance.

In the midst of trying and uncertain circumstances, the Lord has assured us of His loving care over our lives. No Christian needs to fear what the future may be. We are to trust the Lord for today's necessities and not worry about what we eat or drink because God provides us with all of our needs. "Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Luke 12:27-31).

In today's message Jesus Christ is revealed as One who delights in and will do the will of God (Psalm 40:6-8). Jesus said that His purpose on earth was to do the will of Him that sent Me, and to finish His work (John 4:34)

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
You know the very intention of all that I say and do. As I invite You to examine my heart, I lay before You the people and pursuits that drive me further away from a heart of worship. You have not removed me bodily from this world, but You have raised me up spiritually to abide in Your presence even as I carry out my daily duties. As Your presence graciously overshadows me it is there that Your love and faithfulness sustains me and gives me a true heart of worship. Even as a vehicle needs fuel to properly function, I need prayer to uphold and equip me for the day that lies ahead. In Jesus' name.....Amen.

Have a wonderful day!
God Bless,
Christina

Visit: A Spiritual Guide
aspiritualguide.net

07.01.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Tuesday July 1, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Psalms. Please read Chapters 31-39 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & Paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2031-39&version=9

Today we will read and learn about David's trust in God; the blessedness of forgiveness; the Lord hears the righteous; David's prayer for safety; David's confidence in God; the destruction of the wicked; the prayer of a penitent heart; and the briefness of life. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that our failures do not need to be our future. Confession of our sin as an offence against God will bring restoration of His purpose for us and blessings beyond measure..

In constant danger, trouble, grief, or humiliation, David trusted God and went straight to Him in prayer. "In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness. Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me. For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me." (Psalms 31:1-3). Praise in our worship services, at mealtime, and during daily devotions is good and right and fills our hearts with joy. But, the psalmist went beyond the expected times of worship and praise because he was continually expressing love and devotion to the Lord.

When Nathan the prophet confronted David with his iniquity, he confessed his sin and his need for mercy and forgiveness. And the Lord forgave David, not only for his sins, but also for the iniquity of his sin. "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile. When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah. I acknowledge my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah." (32:1-5). Iniquity means more than rejecting God's Word. It means perverting His Word to say something more or less than has been written in the only God-inspired Book. The inevitable result of iniquity is always misery and unhappiness. There can be no lasting peace and joy until sin is sincerely confessed and forsaken.

A sincere believer is often tempted by Satan to fear that his faith is too weak, that his desire is not upright or as earnest as it should be, or that his surrender is not complete. When we desire spiritual maturity two things are good to remember, "The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand." (37:23-24).

We should also consider that when we received Christ as our Savior and Lord, we were born again. It is the loving desire of God to gain first place in the hearts of all His children. He imparts His love and power to all who are willing to yield themselves to Him. As we yield to God, we become conformed to the image of His Son. We then discover great joy in loving the things that He loves.

Time given in reading, praying, planning, and doing for Christ is indispensible for spiritual growth and prepares us in humility to depend entirely upon the Lord Himself. Suspension of progress, obstacles, and setbacks remind us of our need every day to be dependent upon His great wisdom provided in His Word.

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed through the prophecy that not one of His bones would be broken as recorded concerning His crucifixion (Psalm 34:20). When they came to Jesus, and saw that He was dead already, they did not break His legs. (John 19:32-36).

Both Chapters 31 and 34 are considered Messianic Psalms. Can you find Christ and the Crucifixion in them?

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Nothing brings abiding peace more than knowing that we are saved from the penalty of sin and that we are firmly grounded in Your holy precepts. It makes us feel safe in a struggling world that continues to search for knowledge from all the wrong sources. We are sound in our outlook when we align our understanding and convictions with the teachings of Christ, His disciples and the prophets of old. We speak wisdom among those who are mature; a wisdom, however, not of this age nor from the authority of this world that changes from year to year. Our wisdom is based upon our knowledge and understanding of You, our eternal Father, the One who changes not. In You we are saved and we are sound. Praise Your matchless, holy name. In Jesus' name.....Amen.

Have a great and wonderful day!
God Bless,
Christina

Visit A Spiritual Guide
aspiritualguide.net

Giving Praise Always 06.30.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Monday June 30, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Psalms. Please read Chapters 23-30 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & Paste to browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2023-30&version=9

Today we will read and learn about the Great Shepherd; the King of Glory; a prayer for guidance; a love for God's House; a prayer for God's help; and adoration of God's mighty power. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that giving praise to the Lord, even when we don't feel like it brings powerful deliverance and joy.

David, the old shepherd-king who saw himself as nothing more than a sheep that needed to be led, was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever." (Psalm 23). No other livestock requires more attention than sheep. Left alone, they can easily become separated from the flock and lose their way. Of all domesticated animals, sheep are the most defenseless and helpless.

By nature, we are all like sheep. We may blindly follow the same paths that have ruined the lives of others. Or, we can become so caught up in our own affairs that we lose sight of the Great Shepherd and find ourselves separated from Him. The trouble with most of us is that many times we try to be our own shepherd. There is something almost terrifying about the consequences of the destructive, self-willed stubbornness of those who refuse to be led in the paths of righteousness. They are determined to go their own way, even though the path they take will inevitably lead to trouble and death. It is a fact that without the Great Shepherd we are helpless, defenseless sheep. When we recognize this we will fully trust the our Great Shepherd. We are comforted and encouraged by knowing that though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil because You are with me.

After David's recovery from an affliction which had very nearly proven fatal, he testified, "I will extol thee, O LORD; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me. O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me. O LORD, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit. Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness." (30:1-4). He commenced with praise to God for His goodness and called upon all who, like himself, had known the loving-kindness of Jehovah, to join him in his thanksgiving. Distress of body or mind is common, and sooner or later it comes to almost everyone. Affliction was the instrument that God used to prompt David to write his wonderful Psalm, glorifying our wonderful Lord. He was driven to earnest prayer, and earnest prayer always leads to praise. The Psalmist saw the hand of God in his recovery. We overcome the fears of affliction when we recognize that it is not chance but God that lifted us up.

Whatever else God in mercy and wisdom may have in mind for His children who experience afflictions, there is one thing very clear, the Lord is near all who are suffering. What a comforting word! The Lord is near in all His tenderness and love, in all His power and grace.

In today's message Jesus Christ is revealed as our Shepherd (Psalm 23). Christ declared: I am the Good Shepherd. (John 10:11).

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Jesus, I want to praise You, my great Shepherd, for who You are and for Your acts of kindness seen so many times throughout my day. I should never cease to praise You because You never cease to work on my behalf. Your mercy and love, Your strength and comfort, Your sustaining power and guiding hand are only a tiny fraction of the many reasons that lead me to praise You. Instead of a murmuring and ungrateful attitude, I want to join with the multitude of believers and sing of my Great Shepherd’s praise to everyone, everywhere, all the time. In Jesus' name.....Amen.

Have a great day and week!
God Bless,
Christina

Visit A Spiritual Guide
aspiritualguide.net

Eyes of Faith 06.29.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Sunday June 29, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Psalms. Please read Chapters 12-22 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & Paste to browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2012-22&version=9

Today we will read and learn about Judgment upon the wicked; David's desire for justice; those who shall dwell with God; a prayer for protection, thanksgiving for deliverance; creation and Covenants of God; a prayer for God's people; a cry of anguish and a song of praise. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that problems are rarely what they first seem to be. Let's pray that God will allow us to see through the eyes of faith.

David asked a question that has eternal consequences, "Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?" (Psalm 15:1). David focused on two of the all-important issues of life when he asked: Who shall dwell? and Who shall abide? The Holy Spirit provided the answer, "He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour." (15:2-3). To work righteousness can only take place after one becomes a child of God through faith in Christ. To speak the truth in his heart comes from knowing God's Word.

How wonderful to dwell in Him and to look forward to living in the presence of our Lord forever. Like David, let us rejoice, "I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons. I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope." (16:7-9).

The Book of Psalms foretells the resurrection of Christ, forty days after His resurrection, Jesus Christ ascended heavenward to take His place at the right hand of the Father as ot had been prophesied. "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." (16:11).

The effects of the Word of God are beyond compare, for it was by His Word that the worlds were created and by which they are still upheld. "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork." (19:1). Most exciting is the transforming power of Jesus, the Word of God made flesh, upon all who receive Him as Lord.

The first six verses of Psalm 19 refer to the works of God in the world, and the remaining eight refer to the marvelous influence of His Word on the lives of all who love and obey Him. It reveals the fear of the LORD which means a reverential admiration for His holiness and a fear of offending His majesty. The psalmist expresses well what our feelings should be concerning the incomparable Word of God. "More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb." (19:10).

Next to the revelation of God's love, there is not a more important or more often repeated subject on the lips of Christ than the importance of the Word of God. The constant repeated reminder to read His Word proves that God knows our heart, how doubt and distrust toward Him are natural to us in our fallen state and how easily we are inclined to repeat our prayers without expecting an answer.

Before Jehoshaphat entered into battle with the vast armies of the Moabites and Ammonites, he prayed, then appointed singers to praise the Lord for the answer. He obtained an easy victory (II Chronicles 20:20-22). We are sometimes so elated by the triumph that we forget the One who made it possible.

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed through the prophecy that God would not allow His Holy One to see corruption. (Psalm 16:10). This foretells of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 2:25-27; 13:35-39).

Enjoy the rest of your day.
God Bless,
Christina

Visit: A Spiritual Guide
aspiritualguide.net