“Bold with Strength in My Soul” (Ps 138)

“I will praise You with my whole heart; before the gods I will sing praises to You. I will worship toward Your holy temple, and praise Your name for Your lovingkindness and Your truth; for You have magnified Your word above Your name.  In the day when I cried out, You answered me, and made me bold with strength in my soul” (vs1-3).

Praise the Lord for boldness and strength, as He has acted upon and been faithful to His word.  He’s put His word above His name, showing that His highest attribute is being faithful to what is written.  He brings to pass all that He has said, so that He is trustworthy beyond description.

God isn’t flaky, shady, or someone who talks and promises but can’t deliver. He saves sinners, He helps the broken hearted, and He receives all who call upon Him, doing us good.

His trustworthiness makes Him glorious, so we’ll praise Him in Christ, His way, by the blood, and we’ll worship Him above all else.  We are right to say, “God is great”, when He delivers us from sin.  

Secondly, the proud and the wicked do not have this relationship with the Savior (vs4-6). He says, “Though the Lord is high, yet He regards the lowly; but the proud He knows from afar”. They are known, but they are not loved intimately with salvation.  Even children of God, loved as we ALWAYS are, are not near to God in experience and power, when we get lifted up.  But, the wicked who hate Christ, who don’t receive God’s word, and who refuse to bow to the blood of salvation, they are rejected. Their prayers are unheard by God like the Pharisee in Luke 18:9-14 who prayed “thus with himself”, “for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted”.  If you don’t come to God by Christ, waiting on Him to save you, then you won’t leave with His blessing. It is reserved for believers, for people who have nothing else, and who see Christ’s death and power as their all.  Without Christ, there is no hope for you, no God, and no way to get what you need.

Finally, we have boldness and assurance because of Who He is, and so we confidently expect help in the future, as we ask for help right now. He says, “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and Your right hand will save me.  The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; do not forsake the works of Your hands”.  It is NOT that we worry and fret, nor is it that we have a fleshly confidence that refuses to pray.   

Personally, I’ve begun a new sales job, and my first attempt was disastrous, reinforcing the truth that salvation and provision come from Him.  So, instead of quitting, I’ve taken to more prayer, “Lord, bless my labors, bless me in this job”, and I’m relying upon Him because I can’t succeed if He is against me.  Likewise, prayer shows that our faith is real, as we go to Him confidently for what we need, not saying, “I will worry and do it myself”, and not saying, “It’s in the bag, so prayer is unneeded”. This “I don’t need to pray because He’s promised it” mindset is disobedience and being wiser than God in your thinking.  He not only promises to care for us, but He commands us to work, laboring with our own hands.  Paul says, “For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: if anyone will not work, neither shall he eat” (2 Thess 3:10). He not only promises to save His elect, but He commands all men everywhere to repent. The whole counsel of God is both confidence in the promises, and it is also prayer that God fulfills them.  It is never one or the other.

You shall be saved by grace, so know it, and ask Him for it.  Be confident and obedient, asking for what you need, knowing He’s chosen prayer to meet our needs by His own faithfulness to the word.  He wouldn’t teach us to pray, and then not use prayer, as if it isn’t needed. He will be faithful to His word, and only the wicked deny it, choosing to live some other way.

“Do Not Let the Proud Oppress Me” (Ps 119:121-128)

I have done judgment and justice; leave me not to mine oppressors.  Be surety for Thy servant for good [undertake for me]; do not let the proud oppress me. (vs121-122)

First, we want defence and protection.  He says, “Do not let the proud oppress me”.  We’re not able to stand on our own, and faith, the life of Christ’s disciples, demands us to lean upon Him for everything, submitting our care into His hands. He says, “casting all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you (1 Pet 5:7).  We are not independent but needy. We are not in control, but we need Him to control all things for our good. And, the fact that all things work together for good doesn’t mean that we don’t pray.  Never let one scripture, security in Christ, destroy another Scripture, which teaches us to pray, “Lord, save”.

The Christian is filled with dangers and problems... woes and griefs... and yet we have God to undertake for us and deliver. He said, “Be surety for Your servant for good”. Use Him in prayer, in disappointment, and in concern.  If He’s provided Himself a sacrifice for your reconciliation, then He sees and will provide, through prayer, for all that you need.

Secondly, we want to learn.  We don’t want to  be condemned, or left to ourselves (Ps 119:123-125). He says, “My eyes fail from seeking your salvation and Your righteous word.  Deal with Your servant according to Your mercy, and teach me Your statues”. Let parents teach their children, and let us be teachers to those who have erred, rather than proud, in the flesh, and thinking that we are better (Gal 6:1-5).  Humble yourself and learn from God. Ask Him to show you the way amidst the warfare of sin and heartache. Don’t be so foolish as to say, “I don’t need You, God”.  

It is sad, but most people don’t want to learn God’s ways. They prefer their own, as if He has no power.  Yet, we believe that He’s the all-powerful Judge, so we ask Him to show us HIS way, because every path doesn’t lead to heaven. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).  It’s sadness that men refuse instruction, and it’s God’s glory that He teaches ignorant sinners and gives us the grace of knowledge. Indeed, as we know better, we can do better.  Obedience is fruit, which begins with the seed of gospel truth revealed to the heart.

He won’t condemn you; He will teach. He won’t forsake you in failure, but He’ll instruct you in the path.  And, hear this instruction obediently, putting it into practice.  The Psalmist continued, “I am Your servant; give me understanding, that I may know Your testimonies”. True KNOWLEDGE is doing what God has said.

Finally, amidst the hatred of men, we admit that we love God’s instruction (Ps 119:126-128). He said, “It is time for You to act, O Lord, for they have regarded Your law as void.  Therefore I love Your commandments more than gold, yes, than fine gold!  Therefore all Your precepts concerning all things I consider to be right; I hate every false way”.  Men HATE knowledge, so we love it, not because we’re are better naturally, but because God has worked a change, making us a distinct and separate people, even as He did Israel.  When we see men despising the truth, we also see the end of the their ways, and we love the truth even more, lest we go their way to destruction.

I talk to sinners about Christ, and I hear the stupidest things.  Men think that God doesn’t matter, and we CREATE our own reality, as if you can fly, simply because you think you can.  So, they jump from this life into hell. They deny absolute truth, and in doing so, they worship their own ideas, opinions, and ultimately, themselves.  They make a god of their own creation who deceives them but doesn’t save. We read, ““Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, you who have escaped from the nations. They have no knowledge,

who carry the wood of their carved image, and pray to a god that cannot save” (Is 45:20).  We love the truth, because we see lies - unrepentance, excessive pursuit of this world, and fearlessness before Christ - as foolish.

Don’t be ashamed. God’s instruction is more precious than anything, because the soul is the most precious thing that we have, by far.  Jesus taught, “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? or what will a man give in exchange for his soul (Matt 16:26)?”  We won’t carry gold to heaven, nor will we bring families, friends, or anything else! Only our SOUL will live forever or die forever in hell.

Be about your soul’s business patiently and faithfully.  Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments”, and, “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (John 14:15; Heb 12:2). You have very few years on earth to prepare for the biggest reward or meet with the biggest doom.  Just as the wealthy labor for their riches, seek MORE precious faith for yourself and others.  Faith is the most precious thing that we have: faith that works by love.

"When Will You Comfort Me?" (Ps 119:81-88)

(vs81-82) "My soul faints for your salvation, but I hope in your word. My eyes fail from searching your word, saying, 'When will you comfort me?"

I am desperate and in need (vs81-82).  He says, “When will You comfort me?” This is normal Christianity. We often need and don’t possess, we desire and must wait patiently, and we call up the Lord in hope. We don’t only pray to God, as if we’re satisfied in our requesting,  but we need an answer!  I need the good that He alone can do for me, and this DESPERATION is how we get things from Christ.  He helps the desperate, the poor in spirit, and the ones who can’t help themselves or be helped any other way (Is 66:1-2).

Secondly, we say, "When?" (vs83-84).  “When will You execute judgment on those who persecute me?”   I’m still here, Oh God, needing what I’m requesting, so that I can function. I can’t walk in unbelief and unforgiveness; I need to know my reconciliation and the power that you give.  Recently, while pondering my fears and doubts, I was driven to me knees, buried myself in the word of God, and received an answer from 1 Pet 3:21, how baptism saves us, “not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ”!  And, there it is!  I have a clean conscience and peace with God, NOT because of how I’ve been doing, but entirely because of Jesus Christ, rising from the dead, having satisfied God’s judgment against all that He determined to save.  I am safe, not because of me, but because of God’s Son, and therefore, reconciliation is real. I have sins in my past and problems in my future, but I have God on my side, for me, rather than against.  I got this through prayer, through asking over and over, until He gave me an answer in the scripture.   

Prayer is not positive thinking!  It receives supernatural power (Rom 15:13).

Finally, this desperation is not going away until I’m helped, so I will pray again (vs85-88).  He says, “All Your commandments are faithful; they persecute me wrongfully; Help me!  They almost made an end of me on earth, but I did not forsake Your precepts.  Revive me according to Your lovingkindness, so that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth”.  We can’t obey without grace, nor can we glorify a God who’s glory we cannot see.  Paul sought the Lord three times, until he received an answer, that His grace is sufficient, and this is what I need (2 Cor 12:8-9). I don’t need the problem solved, as far as the persecutor to change, etc, but I assuredly need power to endure it, to honor God with my chin up, and this, only You can give.

God’s grace isn’t immediate always; it may take time to pray, wait, and then receive (Luke 11:9-13).  But, knowing grace is SURE, we pray, we wait, and then we pray again. We don’t throw up our hands in unbelief saying, “It is no use”. We have no other option, so we continually knock, knowing that He promises to answer, even if He ignores us initially and for a long time.

There was a woman the Lord compared to a dog, and she said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their master’s table”, and she got what she needed (Matt 15:21-28).  There were two blind men who followed Jesus crying out, “Son of David, have mercy on us”, but eventually, He stopped and said, “According to your faith, let it be to you”, so that God’s ignoring of us doesn’t mean that He DOESN’T hear (Matt 9:27-30). He will respond graciously.

Don’t be discouraged.  Don’t quit or be defeated.  Ask, seek, and knock.  It will be opened to you.  

"My Soul Clings to the Dust" (Ps 119:25-32)

“My soul clings to the dust; revive me according to Your word” (vs25).

He is being honest, admitting that he's sinful and all isn't well, that he struggles mightily and needs help (vs25).  He says, “My soul clings to the dust”.  He's a sinner needing constant grace to stay above his failures and depression.  He needs victory over sin that he can't accomplish himself. Grace is for poor sinners; it is for honest people who need help. He says, “revive me according to Your word”.  Let us never go in the flesh because we refuse to ask, seek, and knock, pretending all is OK and refusing to admit our need. Indeed, emptiness and need are normal to Christianity, and we must believe God to help us, or perish, missing grace because we did not openly acknowledge our need.

Secondly, we must be taught, even though we've been taught, because grace never makes us independent; we are continually seeking and obtaining more (vs26). He says, “I have declared my ways”, my fears, doubts, and horrible falls, “and You answered me”, in grace, pity, and love.  “Teach me Your statutes”.

If we'd admit our need then He'd meet it, and we'd have instruction - spiritually and on the inside.

If God teaches us, then we can meditate... if He unlocks the secret, then we can ponder the results.  We need Him in order to honor Him (vs27). He says,  “Make me understand the way of Your precepts; so shall I meditate on Your wonderful works”.  He must do EVERYTHING for us to do anything.  Walk with Him this way, saying, ‘Lord, do it all’.   

Thirdly, He's promised to help the needy (vs28).  “My soul melts from heaviness; strengthen me according to Your word”. What mustI do? I must believe help is for me, seek it, and obtain.  Boldly ask Him to rescue you, guide you, and save you.  It doesn’t matter that you’re helpless or how far you are from righteousness.   Trust the PROMISES of grace, O needy sinner, and live.  

"Be gracious to me” is the sinner’s plea as well as the saint's (vs29). “Remove from me the way of lying, and grant me Your law graciously”.  Help me in my sinful estate, help the one that has rejected instruction, and help me because of who You are: gracious.  You give generously to those who have NOTHING but need! You have saved by grace, so save repeatedly.  

We say, “I have done what You demand - choosing Your salvation, Your ways, and You above all else, so don't forsake me” (vs30-31)! He says, “I have chosen the way of truth; Your judgments I have laid before me.  I cling to Your testimonies; O Lord, do not put me to shame!”  Surely, You won't forsake me, now that You're everything to me!  Don't reveal my Savior and not save me.  Don't torment me in hell with the misery of asking in vain, in the horror of perishing without help.  “I want God”, the Psalmist is declaring, “and You must be mine”!  Someone said in prayer, “We can’t take ‘no’ for an answer”, and we cant.  This ZEAL is God’s gift,  like John the Baptist, who was a burning and shining light (John 5:35). Flame on in your desires. Burn brightly for Christ (2 Tim 1:6).

Finally, he says, “I have hope in You” (vs32). “I will run the course of Your commandments”, absolutely and fearlessly, “for You shall enlarge my heart”.  Grace will come in the hour of need, lifelong, and until the end!  Yes, fears abound, but hope won’t be put to shame, not when it's in Christ to save the needy according to God’s word.  He is gracious, and He will hear me.  Be assured, walk in peace, and expect it.   Don't let yourself or your circumstances discourage your optimism in God’s promises and power.  We read of Abraham, “who, contrary to hope, in hope believed”, in the gospel promises, “so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, ‘So shall your descendants be’.  And not being weak in faith”, not giving in to unbelief because he is unable, “he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb.  He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith”,enabled to conquer, “giving glory to God” (Rom 4:18-20).  You'll have what’s needed, even obedience to His word, good works, and the blessedness of communion, which is the Holy Spirit’s POWER.

“Let Me Not Wander From Your Commandments” (Ps 119:9-16)

How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! (vs9-10)

Lord, I put everything on you.  He says, “Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments”.  Be my Savior, uphold me, keep me from falling.  Do everything.  

Dependence is our life in Christ, leaning upon Him.  Faith RECEIVES before giving, and it does by the power of Christ, as reconciled, looking for blessings, and communing with God.  We don't walk alone, but we are hand in hand with Him who died for us, rose again, and is now with us by Spirit power, revealing our ability in Christ.  "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we askor think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever amd ever.  Amen" (Eph 3:20-21).  Never go alone, but call on Him.  Never feel left to yourself, but lean.

We do this by taking heed to His word, confidently trusting in Him for His will.  Walking by faith is God’s way, by His Spirit, through the Son who loves you.  

Secondly, don't condemn me, but teach (vs11-12). He says, “Blessed are You, O Lord! teach me Your statutes”.  Don't leave me to my ways, but TEACH me Your statutes, commands, and will.  Teach me how to walk uprightly, as forgiven and blessed.  Teach me faith, love, and hope.  Teach me so that I may help others, for this is your will.  "Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us" (1 john 5:14).  Yes.  I'm the disciple, learning Your ways from you, willing to be taught, for it’s better than damnation.

I don't seek my own way to instruct You, but humbling myself, I am the babe, the fool, the needy, and you're the providing God.  You're  glorified in goodness, wisdom, and patience.  Teach me, so that I may please You.  Mould me for life.  

This prayer is our new desire in Christ, the gift He’s freely given.

Finally, because of grace, and no other reason, I'm resolved (vs13-16).  He says, “I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways.  I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word”. My heart is fixed on Christ, and I'm determined to know nothing but Christ - who He is, what He’s done, and how to honor Him in the scriptures and conduct, “For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Cor 2:2).  I have received newness of life, and Jesus is all.  

This brazen statement isn't pride; its resolve.  We see Chris ast worth living for, and we forsake all and follow Him.  He's the Pearl of Great Price by whom God made the world, the reason why everything exists, “For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. all things were created through Him and for Him” (Col 1:16).  We're in agreement with God.  We aren't tossed by the devils at their will, but we're resolved to live for Christ, like the apostles, because dying is gain.

Don't miss the joy of determination and direction.  Plot your path in harmony with God, trusting Him to bring your goodness to pass.  Don't be ashamed of resolve.  CONFESS your devotion for Him - it is never meritorious or self-started; it is something God will assuredly finish, a sacrifice well pleasing to Him, and nothing more than what is commanded.  Many are scared of confidence in Christ that says, "I will", and "I'm determined", but we're righteous in our resolve, so long as Christ is the beginning and the end: the power and the goal.       

“Poor and Needy” (Ps 86)

“Bow down Your ear, O Lord, hear me; for I am poor and needy” (vs1)

This is the reality of our condition: we are POOR and needy. We have weakness and inability that can only be conquered by the Lord's grace. We have not been injected with power that sustains us day in and day out, but we're CONTINUALLY in need of God, as was Christ. He did nothing in His own strength, but everything was by faith, looking up to the Father. He said, “Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works” (John 14:10). You and I, though holy in Christ and saved from the foundation of the world, are DEPENDENT upon God for obedience, joy, and every spiritual thing. We can do nothing, so we walk by faith. We depend on God and make our needs known, as we draw near to Him who loves to save. He says, “Preserve my soul, for I am holy; You are my God; save Your servant who trusts in You!” (Ps 86:2)

No one calls upon the Lord in vain (vs3-7). He says, “Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I cry to You all day long. Rejoice the soul of Your servant, for to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You”. Not a single person trusts Him, says, “Help”, and He doesn't save. He is GRACIOUS to all, because GRACE has nothing to do with our worthiness. Grace comes from God's own love by the blood of Christ in the power of the Spirit. He doesn't require us to bring Him what we don't have. We simply need Him, and receive His promises by believing that God is faithful, God is good, and God is just to save! He says, “Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications. In the day of my trouble I will call upon You, for You will answer me”. It is impossible to be rejected, because He only receives sinners who are undone, and without anything to give.

Finally, we're nothing special, but we are His (vs9-17). He says, “Oh, turn to me, and have mercy on me! Give Your strength to Your servant, and save the son of Your maidservant. Show me a sign for good, that those who hate me may see it and be ashamed, because You, LORD, have helped me and comforted me.” We are the sons of servants, but we have a pitying God who cares for such poor creatures who add nothing to Him. He says, “If you are righteous, what do you give Him? Or what does He receive from your hand?” (Job 35:7). He is GRACIOUS to the pitiful of the earth, the people who can't contribute or do anything for ourselves. He is gracious to the lowly, for not many are called who are mighty in strength (1 Cor 1:26-31). And, no one ever knows God who is mighty in spirit. We are reduced to our nothingness, exposed like Joseph's brothers in our hatefulness to God, and, as we are, we are pardoned and helped because God is good! What great hope we have in Christ, we who are nothing.

“Cry Out for the Living God” (Ps 84)

“How lovely is Your tabernacle, O Lord of hosts! My soul longs, yes, even faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God” (vs1-2).

When my soul is right, it thirsts for the Living God and desires to know, serve, and do His will. When I'm wrong, I'm lusting after this present world, willing to hide Christ in order to have the pleasure of sin, and I'm desirous of my own will and kingdom. But, the God-given and God-honoring heart LOVES Christ and delights in His will. We are not bound by the allure of anything else – not wife, husband, children, jobs, prospects, or ambitions. All of these things, when the heart is right, are SECOND to God and REASONS that we praise Him, for what He's done. We love the Creator and never worship the creation.

God is never to be the cold object of past affections. When things are well, we rejoice before His face with all that we have,we desire His power and fellowship, and we know that He does good only, whether He gives or takes away: we must have Him.

The result of dwelling in God's house - communing and walking with Him and being made aware of His beauty in the power of the Spirit - is that we'll continue unto the end (vs3-4). He says, “Blessed are those who dwell in Your house; they will still be praising You”. He strengthens us to praise His grace into the limitless ions of eternity. We get WHAT WE NEED by dwelling with Him, so we dwell, like a man opens the refrigerator door in order to eat. He goes where food is knowing he'll be filled.

Each traveler on this pilgrims way who obtains mercy and grace from God actually overcomes by faith and heavenly power, making it to the end (vs5-7). He says, “Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, whose heart is set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Tears, they make it a spring; the rain also covers it with blessings. They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion”. The race is not easy, but all who dwell in God walk with Him willingly, conquer sins and troubles by faith, and bring fruit in the earth because of the help of heaven, whereby faith meets with unmerited favor... free grace... and produces submission, love for Christ, and humility amidst the Valley of Tears and anguish that we suffer. We are not conquered by sins and lusts, but we DO THE CONQUERING by faith and power, for we're kept and preserved for salvation to come (1 Pet 1:5).

Hear us, Oh God. We want to be heard: it is not enough to know You theoretically or by word only, but we would know Your power experientially, by revelation, and by personal transformation in saving grace (vs8-9). He says, “O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah O God, behold our shield, and look upon the face of Your anointed”. We know WHO You are, and we know what we want, which is to be with You, on Your side forever! Don't leave us to dead knowledge, like Balaam. This we pray. Don't let us praise Your Name without actually TASTING and seeing that You are good.

Yes, the Lord will give, so we come to Him, to dwell with Him, so we can receive the glory that we desire, the victory and the conquest (vs10-11)! He says, “For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” What a day it will be when this world is finished, and we've entered our rewarded rest in Christ. It is coming, because God gives it, not merely the grace that we need, but the glory that comes from grace bring us through to the end. We WANT this, so we come to God. Peter said, “If indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious. Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious” (1 Pet 2:3-4). It is one thing to know there's heaven to be gained, but it's different when you personally must have it on God's terms, which is by His power.

Here is the conclusion: we are blessed for trusting Christ with heaven to come, power over trials, and the abundance of real joy (vs12). He says, “O Lord of [armies], blessed is the man who trusts in You!” God has blessed us to be His people, and the world isn't our home because God is bringing us somewhere better. He's calling us in from the storm of His wrath to the safety of His paradise. Be thankful that He can be entreated and will hear you. Be thankful that He bids you into His house, and He receives all who come sincerely. Be thankful that the GRACE you need to get glory is free, that faith produces power, and that heaven itself is on your side, causing the bitter to become sweet.

“Pray to the Lord for Me” (Acts 6:8-8:25)

But Peter said to him, "Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity." Then Simon answered and said, "Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me." (Acts 8:20-24)

Refusing to pray for yourself is foolish, but that's how man is: he is wrong, and he doesn't care. He is willing to perish, rather than close with Christ.

The disciples were persecuted, even as the church has always been from the beginning. They fought for the Promised Land, were cast into bondage, were envied, rejected, and put to death. Our Lord Himself was murdered, and if we'll be faithful, then we'll endure man's hatred too, because sinners are against God and Christ. We read, “When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth, but he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God” (Acts 7:54-55). God is able to turn a Saul to a Paul, but it is miraculous, for even believers aren't always believers, and many confess Christ in baptism, only hiding their selfish ambitions for sin, power, and prestige.

The man who refuses to pray for himself says, “I don't care”, by his actions, because he refuses to escape wrath. He'd rather do SOMETHING ELSE than pray, and this is wrong. If you value your soul then fight for it. He says, “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Eph 6:12). If you're going to be saved, then suffer the hatred of mankind by the power of Christ. Look up to Him by the Spirit, realize your eternal wealth, and pityingly correct the sons of men. We read, “And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit'. Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, 'Lord, do not charge them with this sin'. And when he had said this, he fell asleep” (Acts 7:59-60). We love them truthfully with honest preaching, and we love them compassionately, not holding their wickedness as a personal grudge. God will judge, but we want them saved, as much as it be up to us.

Where do you stand with God? Are you saved? Then fight and know that you'll win in the end. He says, “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne” (Rev 3:21). The Son stands to receive you. Are you undone, lost, and blind? Then PRAY for yourself! Don't put it in the hands of Peter or anyone else. I've never seen someone saved by asking another person to pray, not until they pray for their own self. I pray for myself because I believe that I'm sinful and worthy of punishment, and while I want many things in the flesh, like any other man, I do believe God's kingdom is worth praying and suffering for, because the reward, the promise, is real.

What you think of Christ, truly, will be revealed by how you treat the gospel! He says, “Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in abundance” (Is 55:2). If Christ brings you joy to live by, power to conquer, and forgives real sins, then you'll serve Him unto the end, being faithful unto death. If He is merely a temporary shine that can be eclipsed by something else, then you'll content yourself with someone else serving God, in the hopes that maybe, without repentance or effort, it will change you. It won't. Be serious for yourself. Pray.

Finally, this teaches believers that WE are to pray too. We are not to think, “God knows everything and will do His will, so why pray?” We are to make our requests known, because He's given prayer as the way to get the blessing. We humble ourselves in heart belief, trusting His provision for Christ's sake, even while our sins are real. This faith is what Saul had BEFORE he became Paul; it was FAITH to pray. Jesus said, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one call Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying” (Acts 9:11). Simon the sorcerer refused to pray, and he'll regret it eternally. Paul prayed, even as we must, and he got Christ.

“Helped the Children of Lot” (Ps 83)

For they have consulted together with one consent; they form a confederacy against You: the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites; Moab and the Hagrites; Gebal, Ammon, and Amalek; Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre; Assyria also has joined with them; they have helped the children of Lot. (vs5-8)

Unsaved man's heart is evil and corrupt. He is born in sin, cursed in the Garden of Eden, and he departs from God, until He brings him back(vs1-8). We read, “they form a covenant against [God]... they have helped the children of Lot”. This hatred of God and His people, this curse of rebellion is upon the nations. They seek to stop the worship of Christ by not worshiping and violently opposing the truth themselves, outnumbering us. Yet, these “nations” also speak of every obstacle the devil throws at God's elect, as he tries to destroy us, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Eph 6:12). The temptations, persecutions, and hard circumstances that we endure are only removed by Christ and the power of His salvation, as wickedness and trickery opposes us and God.

Don't think the race is easy, like being Israel (having power with God) means that life is “good”. Life has much pain, because the WORLD is against you, and God will allow them to hurt you, to prove you, and see what you're made of. He chastens us by the adversaries to get us to cry out and straighten up. He said, “Do not keep silent, O God! Do not hold Your peace, and do not be still, O God! For behold, Your enemies make a tumult; and those who hate You have lifted up their head. They have taken crafty counsel against Your people, and consulted together against Your sheltered ones. They have said, 'Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation, that the name of Israel may be remembered no more”. He uses the ENEMIES that we have, even trouble, temptation, and heartbreak, to bring us knowledge of Himself, giving us obedience, repentance, and praise.

Fighting is part of Christianity from start to finish. You'll be hated and opposed, and you'll struggle to worship amidst enemies desirous of taking praise from your mouth, faith from your heart, and God's people know it. We feel the struggle, but we are not outnumbered, because He that's GREATER than the greatest... stronger than the strongest... and more powerful than every foe... is on our side, our God forever (1 John 4:4)!

Secondly, we want our enemies destroyed and ourselves saved (vs9-15). We read, “Deal with them as with Midian, as with Sisera, as With Jabin at the Brook Kishon, who perished at En Dor, whom became as the dung of the earth... O my God, make them like the whirling dust, like the chaff before the wind!” We want victory over sin, tempters, and the enemies of the Lord. We are not soul-pacifist, as if we'll take up no prayers for victory, simply surrendering to the foes and our destruction. No, we ASK God to fight for us, to intervene, to save us, and thereby to destroy them. We want sin, unbelief, and temptations to bow to the grace of Christ. We want enemies of the gospel to give us room to preach it, be changed if possible, but be UNABLE to stop the advance of our message and our faithfulness.

Every day, we fight, and every day, the Lord ALONE gives us the strength! He's unspeakably important to our daily walk, because the enemies are numerous, and His strength alone is saving. He says, “As the fire burns the woods, and as the flame sets the mountains on fire, so pursue them with Your tempest, and frighten them with Your storm”. Our relationship with God, all of it, is Him RESCUING us! Don't fight by yourself, snoozing at the battle's ferocity, deceived yourself into thinking that you're progressing. Fight by faith in God. Look to and receive everything from Him continually. There is a Higher Power, capable of subduing all that fights against you.

Finally, we want God to show His saving power, so that others may see His glory, even enemies of the Lord, being turned to acknowledge His throne and bow before His rule (vs16-18). He says, “Fill their faces with shame, that they may seek Your name, O Lord. Let them be confounded and dismayed forever; yes, let them be put to shame and perish, that they may know that You, whose name alone is the Lord, are the Most High over all the earth”.

It is God's glory revealed that saves sinners, even the most rebellious, as we see Him sat down VICTORIOUS, saving His people, ruling all things, and bringing the world into judgment soon. This grace of God REVEALED is the power whereby we bow to Him now, seeing that He can't be defeated, His people will assuredly be saved, and hell will be the eternal home of the indignant.

This gracious power to saves you may turn your enemy to seek God, may turn the unsaved spouse to an inquirer after the God of your peace, and it will assuredly manifest God's power over Satan, sin, and temptation. Bless Him and reason with Him, telling Him the benefits of your salvation, putting your faith entirely in Him.

“To You All Flesh Will Come” (Ps 65)

Praise is awaiting You, O God, in Zion; and to You the vow shall be performed. O You who hear prayer, to You all flesh will come. (vs1-2)

God provides for us in the most special way, providing His Son an atonement for sin, and giving His Son to sinners in need, who have nothing to pay (vs1-3). He says, “Iniquities prevail against me; as for our transgressions, You will provide atonement for them”. Elsewhere, we read, “And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both” (Luke 7:42). He provides GRACIOUSLY and generously, covering all sins, reconciling us to God, and earning grace. He who gave the Son will give us every good thing, so we don't have to worry, ever, about tomorrow or who will care for us. He says, “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” (Rom 8:32).

We don't have to compromise to provide happiness for ourselves, not when He's promised the fruit of the Spirit and JOY amidst persecutions. You who see Him providing, rest your souls in His care. Pray to Him. Come to Him in trouble, and He will meet your needs.

If a man doesn't provide for his own house, he is an infidel and worse than an unbeliever, not providing for his believing mother or grandmother (1 Tim 5:3, 8). Will God do this? Will He create, and not care for His creation? Will He save and not care for His people? Fret not. He who rules the world and provides the wind, sun, and the rain, will also provide for you, not only now, but eternally. We have nothing to fear. We are not people with no hope; we have the GREATEST, most fulfilling, and the only real hope there is, Jesus Christ and God's grace in Him. He will delight Himself to care for you, so cast all your cares – troubles, anxieties, and fears – upon Him. (vs3)

Secondly, the provision of God is full (vs4-10). He says, “You visit the earth and water it, You greatly enrich it; the river of God is full of water; You provide their grain, for so You have prepared it. You water it's furrows abundantly, You settle its broken ground; You make it soft with showers, You bless its growth”. He is not an empty stream, dry and dirty, barely moving, and insufficient for the task; He is a mighty river, always full, giving everything to the needy, and yet having more bounty and forever undiminished in His ability.

We don't have to be jealous of others, when you may have Christ and the Spirit yourself (Gen 26:14-16). I've seen churches prosper in the ministry, but why must we fear if our influence is small? It won't matter in a hundred years how big my church was, and the same God that gave grace to Spurgeon and Luther has PLENTY of grace, being rich in mercy, unto all that call upon Him. He says, “For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him” (Rom 10:12). So, I don't have to fear or doubt, no need to envy or covet man's approval, not when God has all of the grace, all of the wealth, and all of the provision that I'll ever need.

Spurgeon said that when pondering the sufficiency of Christ's grace, he felt like a minnow, pondering if he could swallow the ocean! The very thought of God's greatness put him at rest, and let it do the same with you. You sinned yesterday, and He gave you peace and atonement. You sinned today, will grace and peace run empty? No, our God is a FULL river, with PLENTY of what you need, so that if everyone alive came to Him for grace, and we were all satisfied beyond our dreams, He'd still be rich in mercy, full of pity, and not lacking the ability to give, and give, and give!

Look at the heart of God: He GAVE His only begotten Son, the infinite God. Is it possible that He is lacking in generosity or ability to provide for you a job, a wife, a home, and everything that you need? There is no stinginess in God, and you'll never believe upon Him, only to have Him say, “Sorry. I'm empty. I have no more to give”.

I'm frustrated when “all you can eat” runs out, or “take all you need” is only for the first five visitors, and I'm number six. But, this WON'T happen with God. Whenever you need Christ, He is FULL of mercy, full of grace, and generously giving. He cares for us, just like He does for this planet, providing all that we need.

Peace and pleasure is the result of provision, so that God rejoices to give us joy by meeting our needs (vs11-13). He says, “You crown the year with Your goodness, and Your paths drip with abundance. They drop on the pastures of the wilderness, and the little hills rejoice on every side. The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered with grain; they shout for joy, that also sing”. Trust in Him, O you people. Give God your heart. We spend wasted time worrying and caring for ourselves. Sinners are perishing THINKING that God won't give them joy, so they slave for Satan. But, it isn't true: God is willing to give you Himself, and thereby joy in your Great Provider meeting your needs. I have to be happy, but it comes from God blessing me, rather than sin. Bless His name by TRUSTING in Him to put a smile on your face, to raise you again, and to make you happy in what He has done. He is good and gracious, giving and just. He is the One that finds it more blessed to GIVE than to receive.

“Lead Me to the Rock that is Higher than I” (Ps 61)

“Hear my cry, O God; attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” (vs1-2)

First, we have a petition: “Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I”, lead me to safety; make sure that I live (vs1-4). We request power from above to enable us to do, overcome, and enjoy what the Lord has promised us. We don't ask for what He won't give, like power to sin and our own glory and will, but we ask for the salvation promised to us, because we are in need.

What a blessing to have God to turn to in prayer, because if He hears and works for us, then all is well. We have God on our side, so it doesn't matter what is against us, when Almighty power, wisdom, and love have agreed to be our aid. 2 Kings 6:15-17 says, “And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, "Alas, my master! What shall we do?" So he answered, "Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them." And Elisha prayed, and said, "LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see." Then the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha”. Be still my soul. Cry out to God in prayer. You have Help sufficient to do whatever He commands, become whatever He calls, and enjoy all that He gives.

Secondly, resurrection is the reward promised us in prayer (vs5-7). He says, “For You, O God, have heard my vows; You have given me the heritage of those who fear Your name. You will prolong the king’s life, his years as many generations. He shall abide before God forever”. The gospel is the sufferings of Christ (trials of being in this sin-cursed earth) and the glory (resurrection and life) that should follow (Luke 24:25-26). After we have borne the sting of sin, for Christ's sake, God gives us life – fellowship, promises, and peace. Christ bore the heat of the day, but He rose victorious, receiving His reward, having been heard, even from the ends of the earth, when He cried out in abandonment for our sins.

Likewise, just as we have a MORNING every day, we also have continual victory in Christ, whereby the Spirit overcomes the plague of sin: Christ's victory, grabbed by faith, secures the power of the Spirit to all who believe! Bless God. He resurrects (Rom 4:17-21)! He is One who gives life to the dead, promises and performs peace to the miserable, and teaches us to come to Him for miraculous happenings. Just as Christ is raised and reigning eternally, you and I shall be conquerors over sin, death, and Satan. We shall rejoice, be holy, and win.

Finally, I will perform my vows and fulfill my promises made in prayer, when I have been saved, so save me, so that I may obey (vs7-8). He says, “Oh, prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him! So I will sing praise to Your name forever, that I may daily perform my vows”. God's faithfulness to us produces faithfulness in us, so that we love Him because He first loved us, and we see it (1 John 4:19). We cannot praise Him for mercies that aren't ours, so by faith, we take the salvation, by faith we experience victory, and by faith, we say thank you to God.

Ours isn't pretended miserable praise. Ours is the praise of those who have a reason, who have been saved, so we ask for salvation, so that we may fulfill our promises. And, promises to praise God, to rejoice, and to love are good things to put on the table, because they are part of the salvation that He gives. Don't say, “Forgive me, so I can live in sin”, but say, “Forgive me, so that I can forgive others and live in peace to God's glory”. This will be heard. He will hear us from far away from Christ and peace, and He will give us the victory that we need.

“Fight Against Those Who Fight Against Me” (Ps 35)

“Plead my cause, O Lord, with those who strive with me; fight against those who fight against me” (vs1).

We want God to speak peace to us (vs1-3)! The Psalmist said, “Draw out the spear, and stop those who pursue me. Say to my soul, 'I am your salvation'”. He has spoken, but we want to hear it again, in the soul, and in experience of His power. Salvation is not merely feelings, but we want, by the truth, to FEEL delivered and to know all is on the up for us. Jesus prayed this prayer, asking God to raise Him from the dead and keep Him from falling in His path of redeeming sinners. And, with Christ, we pray this prayer. We've been inwardly changed, and are desirous to win the race of life, overcome sin, and see God's face in glory!

Secondly, He says, “Let destruction come upon him unexpectedly, and let his net that he has hidden catch himself; into that very destruction let him fall” (vs4-10). In response to this prayer, the Son rose victorious on the third day, for Satan's schemes were destroyed. The pit of the cross, whereby evil thought to rid himself of God, became the actual path of enthronement for Jesus Christ, whereby He loosed sinners, destroyed Satan's power of accusation, and earned life for all the Father gave Him (John 17:2).

With Jesus, we also see enemies overthrown in their fury against us. They think they can destroy us, but they drive us to Christ! Has this not been your experience? The greatest challenges, the people who've opposed you openly, and every bitterness of Satan, has brought you closer to Christ, humbled your soul, and made you confess more openly that God is the One worthy of praise. In confident prayer, we know that nothing shall happen but good to those who love God. Enemies think to overthrow us, but they only establish the kingdom of God.

Thirdly, our love is real. With Him who loved us, we say, “But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth; I humbled myself with fasting; and my prayer would return to my own heart. I paced about as through he were my friend or brother; I bowed down heavily, as one who mourns for his mother” (vs11-16). Jesus loved His foes, even Judas, weeping over Jerusalem, and desiring that sinners be saved (Ps 109:4-5). Yet, they hated Him, like us, unjustly.

Having been changed, we are not people who hate and then say, “Bless”, but we love sincerely from a purified heart, by the knowledge of forgiveness. We know we have obtained MERCY, so we're merciful (Matt 5:7). And being hated for doing good makes our pleas heard. God would not hear, if our cause wasn't righteous, if we weren't children of faith and fruit bearing for real.

Lastly, our promised response to mercy received is praise given. The Psalmist said, “I will give You thanks in the great assembly; I will praise You among many people”, and, “Let them shout for joy and be glad, who favor my righteous cause; and let them say continually, 'Let the Lord be magnified, who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant'” (vs17-28). We declare to God that if He saves us, we'll praise Him for it, which is good, right, and sure to be heard. He saves for His honor, so honoring Him in life and character is the fruit of redemption. If we've obtained mercy, praise to God the Merciful is the result we willingly give.

“Hope in the Lord” (Ps 31)

“Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord”. (vs24)

Hope in the Lord, and don't put your confidence anywhere else.

Hope in the Lord BEFORE you request something from Him (vs1-8). We read, “In You, O Lord, I put my trust; let me never be ashamed; deliver me in Your righteousness. Bow down Your ear to me, deliver me speedily.” By faith, give Him glory as a faithful God and Father, before you ask! Come to Him in Jesus Christ, even as Christ came to the Father in His perfections, knowing that He's a perfect God who rewards the righteous. He said, “Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O Lord God of truth”. We have confidence, boldness, and access, which are ours in Christ Jesus (Eph 3:12).

Secondly, hope amidst the miseries of life (vs9-18); it isn't a praise or weep gospel; it is praise and weep. He said, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am in trouble; my eye wastes away with grief, yes, my soul and my body! For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing; my strength stumbles because of my iniquity, and my bones waste away.” We have real needs, and a real God to come to in Christ. Don't waste it. It doesn't do us good to lose hope, but in hope, let us bring every concern, every burden, and lay them before the goodness and holiness of God who always does right. He said, “But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, 'You are my God'. My times are in Your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me”.

Thirdly, praise Him for what He's done, and don't forget His benefits (vs19-22). We read, “Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men... Blessed be the Lord, for He has shown me His marvelous kindness in a besieged city!” We were trapped, and now we're free from oppression by the intervention of God. Thus, remembering His kindness is important; it is important to say, “Thanks”, in a God glorifying manner, even as we eat the Lord's Table in remembrance of Christ and in love to each other (1 Cor 11:33-34).

Finally, exhort others (vs23-24). Don't merely praise Him privately or by deeds, but open your mouth and instruct. The Psalmist said, “Oh, love the Lord, all you His saints! For the Lord preserves the faithful, and fully repays the proud person. Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord”. You have something to say, a reason to be happy.

“Saved From My Enemies" (Ps 18:1-19)

“I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies” (vs3).

What will you do about it? It is normal Christianity to have fear and trouble, but where will you turn in the hour of need?

We can play the hypocrite and pretend as if everything is OK, we can take matters into our own hands, and we can cower, surrendering to our fears. Or, we can by faith, like the Lord Jesus, take our problems to God, relying on Him (vs1-6). This is what the Psalmist did. He said, “I will love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my rock, in whom I will trust”.

Put your faith in God, call upon Him, and go to Him in the hour of need. Don't say, “God is sovereign”, unless you say it to Him. Don't assume things will work out, but go to Him in prayer. The Psalms teach us our access to God, and God has ordained that prayer be the means whereby He gives us what we need, even as He's ordained work to be how we eat.

Be afraid of nothing, but bring your fears to the Almighty who can change you and defeat your foes. Do not walk as if you're alone.

Secondly, when God comes, the enemy is defeated (vs7-18). We read, “The Lord thundered from heaven, and the Most High uttered His voice, hailstones and coals of fire. He sent out His arrows and scattered the foe, lightnings in abundance, and He vanquished them.” We look like puny nothings, like people who couldn't scare a flea, but when God comes, the earth shakes, the enemies are burned to nothing, and we're set at freedom. Fear leaves, sin is conquered, and those who oppose us see their schemes swallowed up by the loving salvation of God. What a hope. God is your strength, and when He comes, you're strong as the result, and your soul is at peace. God's power is yours, and He is READY to save. Call His name and taste His deliverance.

Finally, God comes to us because we are righteous, doing His righteous will (vs19). We read, “He also brought me out into a broad place [liberty]; He delivered me because He delighted in me”. Do not think, “I'm only a sinner”. Do not think that your fears have made you unpleasing to God. He is pleased with you eternally in Christ, choosing you in the Beloved to everlasting life. He's pleased with you by the blood the Lord shed on your behalf, dying for sin. He's pleased by the sanctification of the Spirit, giving you newness of life. And, He's pleased with your faith, delighting in your dependence on Him (Heb 11:6).

The psalmist David did not lean upon himself. He was chosen as king, and yet he took nothing into his own hands to get the throne. When opportunity came, he refused to kill his wicked rival, Saul, because he knew that God would enthrone him. The Lord Himself took nothing into His hands, dying upon the cursed tree, trusting in God to raise Him from the dead. Likewise, you and I don't save ourselves in wickedness, we don't take matters into our own hands. We wait, look to God, and He loves to help us. He is pleased with faith. You please God by seeking His power to do His will, by seeking Him to save you in a holy salvation.