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

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