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And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying...
It says that Abram fell on his face when God talked with him. Now, it doesn't say that there was any such law as that, in this instance, Abram was supposed to fall on his face, or anything like that. Rather, it demonstrates that Abram has a genuine personal faith in, and relationship with God, from his heart. That is what makes the difference, not keeping the letter of the law.
[This] thou hast seen, O LORD: keep not silence: O Lord, be not far from me.
It is OK to cry out to the Lord, like this, to help us from our trouble.
When I am in major trouble, I will cry to the Lord, like this, to help me.
Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
It is not enough to idly agree that peace is better. We ought to continually expend significant effort to pursue it.
Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.
When I feel like I have to say something, even when the Lord doesn't want me to, I'll pray about it and trust Him to take care of it without me saying anything, so that I can have peace.
Many sorrows [shall be] to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about.
Because of this promise, we can know and believe the Lord, that this is true, even when it doesn't feel like it.
Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all [ye that are] upright in heart.
When I feel discouraged about my pursuit of the Lord, I'll sing songs of praise to Him, anyway. Remember the Lord's people in
2 Chronicles 20:21, who went to battle, not fighting, but singing praises to Him, and He gave them the victory.He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way [that is] not good; he abhorreth not evil.
We don't merely need to abstain from loving evil. More than that: even, if we do not abhor
evil, that is a characteristic of the wicked.
They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.
We shouldn't deceive ourselves to think that there is something desirable about wickedness. When I'm tempted, I'll remind myself that the abundant satisfaction and the river of pleasures are from the Lord and trusting in Him.
And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defiles, neither [whatever] works abomination, or [makes] a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.
Revelation 21 is talking about the holy city, in the new world that God is going to make. None of us would be able to enter into that wonderful place, because of our sins (whatever wrong things we have done).
However, we can be saved, and our names can be found written in the book of life, if we believe on the Lamb of God, the Lord Jesus Christ. Then, He will save us from our sins and give us everlasting life with Him, in the New Jerusalem.
Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.
It doesn't say Don't worry
, because we don't know the exact time. It says to watch and pray. It might actually be before people think.
I'll concentrate on quality times of prayer, as the end nears.
I cried to You for help, and You healed me.
Which devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.
Christ warned against the scribes, who made a pretense in their prayers. We shouldn't use vain repetitions when we pray. We should make our requests known to God, and cast our burdens on Him. Our prayers don't need to be long; they just need to be real.
In my personal prayer times, I'll make a point to pray about what I care about.
And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
We should be diligent to preach the gospel to people, so that their names can be found written in the book of life, so that they can be saved from being thrown into the lake of fire.
Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.
Let's ask ourselves, what are we preparing for, today? Are you preparing, in righteousness, to be with Christ...or will you be found live the evil ones who were gathered to battle against Him?
v8And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
Revelation 18:4 is talking about the destruction of a wicked city that it calls, Babylon
. This verse is a warning that we should not be involved in sinful things, or we will also be involved in the destruction and judgment for those sins.
We might be tempted to think that some sins are small, and that they are no big deal...but those supposedly-small sins lead to death. For the Lord's people, He calls us to come out from being involved in all of those destructive sins.
To the end that [my] glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.
...and not be silent...
Praising the Lord in my heart is fine, at times; but, there needs to be times when I am bold to sing praises to the Lord, out loud.
We have the rare privilege where anybody can request hymns of praise for us to sing, in our worship meetings; so, I'll take better advantage of that.
...afraid to ask Him.(v32b)
...have peace one with another.(v50)
So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.
Several times, Revelation mentions that #666 (the beast) was involved with blasphemy. That means harmful or evil speech. To make sure that we are behaving differently from Christ's enemies, let's make sure to watch our speech.
This is my beloved Son: hear Him.(v7)
...bring him unto me.(v19b)
...all things [are] possible to him that believeth.(v23b)
And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds.
Even though the Lord did so much, and the people had all these judgments against them, they still did not repent. We need to consider how much the Lord has done for us; and, when many sore troubles come against us, we should consider whether we need to repent.
The LORD [is] my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.
Like the Psalmist, we should have a plan to praise the Lord, when the Lord helps us.
I'll sing songs of praise to the Lord during my commute to work.
But I thought that I had a very special personal relationship with the Lord.
...He heard(v24)
All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.
The Lord has a purpose for our situation when we are suffering very long, when we are suffering pursuing righteousness, and when we are unheard and feeling forsaken by Him.
Christ allows those situations so that He can use me to get a great victory for His glory and kingdom (v28), to many people, all over the world (v31). That can happen if I remain faithful, as I turn the situation to praise Him.
As I cry to the Lord for help with a certain situation in my life, I'll look forward to using His answer as an opportunity to praise and glorify Him.
Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
Here is a serious warning against being ashamed of Christ and of His Words in the midst of a sinful generation of people.
How do we consider the Word of Christ? Especially, how about when we are around people who we think would not appreciate His Word? Do we savor
it (v33) and stand boldly for it, or do we think little of it, and shy away from it?
In this age, at work, and in casual conversations with friends, and at home, people are bold to talk about all kinds of other things, even in ways that are controversial and offensive. So, we might as well speak boldly of Christ and His Word.
I don't need to alienate my audience by always, only using the Authorized Version; But it can often be beneficial and powerful to say what is says in the Bible. I'll pray for the right opportunity, and the right way, to speak the Word boldly.
And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous [are] thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true [are] thy ways, thou King of saints.
Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for [thou] only [art] holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.
These are great verses to praise and worship the Lord, this week.
He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.
The real key to victory over #666 is not by physical fighting, or by killing with deadly weapons. It is by not being deceived into worshiping him...and that is by patience and faith.
And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow [was] upon his head, and his face [was] as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:
There was power and greatness here...but there is even more power and greatness with the Lord, Himself. We should fear the Lord, trust in Him, and praise Him for His power.
For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
Here, in this list, are the things that we should be concerned to watch out, against.
Instead of being overly concerned about other, less significant things, I'll pay attention to make sure that I do not have the kinds of evil things in this list, in my heart.
...He hath done all things well...(v37)
And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
The devil is called, the accuser of our brethren...which accused them before our God day and night.
I know that I have talked about this several times before; but, I see again, in this chapter, how we should make sure to not be accusers of the brethren.
There are circumstances where it is good and right for us to talk to other people about their faults; but, we must make sure to not be characterized by accusing our brothers and sisters in the Lord.
And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.
The Lord will reward His servants. We should be holy people who fear the Lord and speak to others for Him.
Who can understand [his] errors? cleanse thou me from secret [faults].
Sometimes, we don't even know our own sins. This verse is in the context of the many great benefits of the Lord's Word. I think that this implies that it is by the Lord's Word that we can be delivered from sins that we even have trouble admitting to ourselves.
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
I'll meditate on the Word, throughout the day, at work.
And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:
This is a warning against being people who still don't repent, even when encountering plagues. When we encounter trouble in our lives, let's make sure that we are not like those who yet repented not.
And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast [it] into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.
The incense from the censor represented the prayers of holy people. We can see here that prayer is very powerful; let's take advantage of that power.
And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
Let's be willing to live godly in Christ Jesus, to really stand for Him and serve Him in our lives in this world; even though that will mean that, sooner or later, we must suffer some form of persecution.
And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.
Jesus sent people away, then He was alone to pray. What things should we send away, so that we can be undistracted when we pray?
In my times of prayer, I'll pray in such a way as to not be distracted.
Be of good cheer...
...as many as touched Him were made whole.(v56b)
For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?
When the Lord pours out His wrath on people, nobody will be able to stand up to His perfect standard of holiness. Praise the Lord that we have obtained mercy through salvation in His Son Jesus Christ, to be forgiven and to be His servants. Let's fear the Lord and make sure to be seriously considering the state of our heart before Him.
And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
John wept much because nobody was able to do something about this situation. Sometimes, we have troubles in our lives that are the same way. Our troubles just seem overwhelming, like there is nothing that can be done. We get very sad and discouraged because it seems like we are not able to do anything about it.
But, the message from the Lord, through the elder, in this verse, says Weep not.
He continued to say, behold..., which means, look
. This is the way that we can rejoice and have hope, despite seemingly hopeless, and overwhelmingly discouraging situations in our lives: It is by looking to Christ. It says that He has prevailed...
Hear the right, O LORD, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, [that goeth] not out of feigned lips.
We shouldn't be fake with our speech in prayer. We shouldn't pretend to be godly with the form of our speech while hiding selfish intentions.
In my prayer times, I'll pray more for the things that I care about, not just about the things that I think I should pray for.
And the king was exceeding sorry; [yet] for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her.
It says that Herod had John the baptizer beheaded for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him.
What motives do we have for what we do? We shouldn't decide what to do based on what the people around us will think.
I'll have the boldness to keep a Bible at work, have it open sometimes, and read it during breaks.
The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
It says that the 24 elders fall down...and worship Him.
Here is a good way that we can worship the Lord today: let's kneel down when we pray.
He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.
If one of us wants a special opportunity to be close to the Lord, then he must be a person who speaketh the truth in his heart.
This speaks of how we decide what we want to do, and how we talk to ourselves in our thoughts. Is is the truth?
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
It doesn't discriminate here, like Everyone who has ears to hear,
but it says, He that hath an ear.
It seems to me like almost everybody out there has at least one ear. But, what do we hear?
This does not say that we should hear any old thing with out ears, but it specifies what we need to be listening to. It says, ...hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches.
That makes me want to pay more attention to the surrounding passage. But it also means that we should not allow ourselves to be influenced by other things; instead, we need to listen to the Spirit of the Lord.
But that which ye have [already] hold fast till I come.
Today, we don't know everything; but, we can make sure to be faithfully doing what we do know.
...Take heed what ye hear...(v24)
...He expounded all things to His disciples.(v34b)
Peace, be still.(v39)
I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
John is our brother and companion in several things, including in the patience of Jesus Christ. Today, let's remember to work on being patient in Christ.
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
As the Lord's servants, this is the way to overcome the devil: We need to remember the blood of the Lamb of God, the Lord Jesus Christ. We should stick to the simple message of His death on the cross to save us from our sins, and His rising from the dead.
Also, we need to be sharing the word of our testimony, bringing people this message of Jesus Christ. Finally, let's make sure to get rid of all of our selfishness and sin. We must even lay down our own lives and be willing to die for Christ and His Word.
Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded.
Seek the Lord with your whole heart, because it will not be in vain. He will give you rest.
So will we sing
Be thou exalted, LORD, in thine own strength: [so] will we sing and praise thy power.
The Lord does great things like protecting our lives, extending the length of them, and making us exceedingly glad with His countenance. We should take opportunities to sing praises to Him, specifically focusing on praising His power.
I'll work on getting back into singing praises to the Lord on my way to and from work.
Therefore he said unto Judah, Let us build these cities, and make about [them] walls, and towers, gates, and bars, [while] the land [is] yet before us; because we have sought the LORD our God, we have sought [him], and he hath given us rest on every side. So they built and prospered.
We should take advantage of times of waiting on the Lord, to build up our lives and our relationships with Him, and to prepare for what He has for us to do in the future.
Who is my mother, or my brethren?(v33b)
Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.
When we read this, it might seem to be stating the obvious: follow not that which is evil, but that which is good.
However, it is still important for us to keep listening to this message.
In the many small decisions that we make throughout each day, we are often faced with temptations to do what we know is wrong. We need to keep the words of this verse in our minds all the time. Let's remember that the Lord went to the length to remind us and warn us again, to follow that which is good.
Grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfil all thy counsel.
It's a singular encouragement that the Lord chooses to specifically work in ways that we personally desire. Then, that's a good reminder (v7) that He is real, alive, and active, and we can have a personal relationship with Him.
Some [trust] in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.
I'll remember the name of the Lord as the thing to look to for help. Other, worldly things that seem strong, fail (v8).
...according to thine own heart...(v4)
...but we will remember...(v7)
For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set [him] in safety [from him that] puffeth at him.
When we're in trouble, oppressed and needy, we should call on the Lord in that time, because He will hear us.
I'll spend a longer daily time in prayer.
...Why reason ye these things in your hearts?(v8b)
And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.
This might not be anything new, but it is still completely true. Love in Christ is an extremely important thing. Let's keep in mind throughout today, to show the Love of God, primarily to the people of God, and to others.
Moreover by them is thy servant warned: [and] in keeping of them [there is] great reward.
There are all kinds of great advantages to listening to and keeping the Lord's Word.
I'll keep memorizing the Bible (including Psalm 19), and recite it back to myself when I am struggling.
LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear:
It says ...Thou wilt prepare their heart...
. If we are humble, when we are in trouble, the Lord will be working in our hearts to prepare us for His glory. This reminds me of how David encouraged himself in the Lord,
but one of the kings of Judah did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the Lord.
(2 Chronicles 12:14)
While I am waiting for the Lord to hear me about some things, I'll focus on spending time with Him, so that He can be working in my heart to prepare and strengthen me.
For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.
This is an encouraging promise that, when we are righteous, the Lord turns His face towards us, and sees.
And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.
Jesus gave us an example to get up very early in the morning and go off somewhere by ourselves, just to spend time with the Lord.
I've been running out of time to spend with the Lord, in the mornings, lately, because I've been doing other things first. I'll start spending time with the Lord first, so I don't run out of time.
...He taught them as one that had authority...(v22)
All men seek for Thee.(v37b)
He that hath the Son hath life; [and] he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
What makes the difference between whether we have eternal life or not, is whether we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He makes the difference to give us eternal life in heaven, and to give us a great and abundant life today, free from the slavery to sin.
Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name.
We should take opportunities to give the Lord credit, and to lift songs of praise to Him, even when we are with all kinds of people.
I'll look for appropriate opportunities to mention the Lord. For example, being honest to give Him credit for help with my work, instead of saying, "I got lucky."
It is Godwho does it (v47)
I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.
For a period of time, as we seek and serve the Lord, it may seem like we have been forgotten. However, as we wait for Him, in the end of the story, we will not be forgotten forever (v18). While we are waiting, we can prepare for the Lord's deliverance by singing praises to His name.
Lately, I haven't been finding hymns to request in meetings, very often. In meetings, I'll remember and look up hymns that have come to mind while I've been singing by myself.
And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.
We are supposed to be going out to people, to bring them to Jesus.
I'll look for opportunities to talk to people about Jesus, throughout the weekdays.
I will praise...(v1)
...He shall judge...(v8)
...I will rejoice...(v14)
One mightier than I(v7)
And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.
One way to show the love of God, is in our speech. Let's make sure to speak kindly to our brothers and sisters in the Lord, even when they do what is wrong.
I was also upright before him, and I kept myself from mine iniquity.
There is a 'keeping of ourselves' that the Lord wants us to do. This reminds me of 2 John 8, that I studied in another Bible study, recently:
Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.
We need to diligently keep paying attention to do what is right.
I'll pay attention when my conscience warns me to not get side-tracked into wasting time.
...thy right hand hath holden me up...(v35)
If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready.
This verse starts, If he turn not...
. The Lord gives us plenty of a chance to repent. Let's be turning while we still can.
They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the LORD was my stay.(I added the emphasis)
In the day of the Psalmist's calamity, he stayed himself upon the Lord.
As I have been having a hard time in my life, I'll look to the Lord for help, and stay committed to Him.
For in death [there is] no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks?
The Psalmist's purpose for asking the Lord to deliver him, is that he desired to use his life to remember and thank the Lord. After we've prayed for something and the Lord answers, it is often too easy to forget about it, and to forget to thank the Lord.
When I pray for something, I'll pay attention, so that I notice when He answers, and so that I can remember to thank Him afterwards.
By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
I'll love my brethren in the Lord by apologizing to them for when I've spoken wrongly.
But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.
One way to shout for joy in the Lord, is to loudly sing songs of praise to Him.
I'll sing hymns in the car on my way to work and back.
But as for me...
...perfect love casts out fear...(v18)
My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
You might think of another believer when you hear this verse, like that's why he needs to love me more!
But that is probably when you need to love him. Let's apply this verse personally, to ourselves, allowing the Lord to convict us about how we need to love our brethren.
And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
If we want to have full joy, in Christ, we can! That full joy comes to us, through the Bible, the things that the Lord has written to us. Today, let's be hiding God's Word in our hearts.
...we should love one another.(v11)
I have set the LORD always before me: because [he is] at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
I like v8b, that says, ...I shall not be moved.
The worst thing that could possibly happen, would be that we could be tripped up and moved away from walking in righteousness with the Lord.
The way to avoid being moved, is to ...set the LORD always before me...
. We should always keep the Lord in the forefront of our attention. Then, if we do, He gives us this great and precious promise that we will not be moved.
To help me always keep the Lord at the forefront of my attention, at lunch hour, I'll review what I read in the Bible in the morning.
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
Even when we think that we are doing very well with everything, we need to seriously and deeply consider the things in our lives, in the fear of the Lord. In His great goodness toward us, He may have something that would greatly bless us, for us to give up, for Him.
When I have health problems, or other troubles, I’ll take advantage of those problems to examine my condition before the Lord (James 5:14-16).
Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; [and] those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved.
The enemy wants to trip us up in our relationship with the Lord. It is by faith in the Lord that the Lord can keep us from being budged.
That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.
I'll pray for believers who have afflictions, that they would trust in the Lord and not be moved away from Him by the enemy.
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
We should pray like this, asking the Lord for the things that we really care and are concerned about. He cares about how we think and feel. It is through faith in Him, that we can commit the deep desires of our hearts to Him in prayer, because we realize His care for us.
And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
There's nothing impure, wrong, or sinful, about believers having truly godly brotherly love for each other. As a matter of fact, godly love actually counteracts sinfulness. Lets have the boldness to show love to other believers...including those whom it is not easy for us to naturally love.
...when I am weak, then am I strong.(v10b)
I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little.
Paul was making a point that, if they could brag, so could he, but, it is still clear that bragging is fooling.
During the next week, I'll watch out to make sure that I'm not bragging.
Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;
We should receive, help, and show the Lord's love, toward the people that we are already very close to, and toward people whom we have not met before.
But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace [be] to thee. [Our] friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.
Greeting people is a good way to start out receiving them, helping them, and showing them Christ's love. I'll make sure to focus on greeting the Lord's people.
Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
Jesus suffered much, and died on the cross, to take upon Himself, the punishment for our wrongdoings. Everybody in the world would have needed to die and suffer punishment for the things that we have done wrong. Jesus, in His great love for us, took our place, so that we can be saved.
Now Jesus has risen from the dead, and all that we have to do to be saved, is to believe in Him. If you are not sure that you have been saved from your sins and received everlasting life, please take a moment to talk to God and ask Him to be your Savior.
The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, [and] the tongue that speaketh proud things:
It is ungodly people who speak wrongly like this, and we can see how the Lord will deal with it seriously. If we don't want the Lord to punish us like this, for being ungodly, we need to make sure that we are not speaking wrongly.
I'll remember the warnings in this verse, and beware to not speak like the ungodly.
And David was afraid of God that day, saying, How shall I bring the ark of God [home] to me?
So David brought not the ark [home] to himself to the city of David, but carried it aside into the house of Obededom the Gittite.
And the ark of God remained with the family of Obededom in his house three months. And the LORD blessed the house of Obededom, and all that he had.
David's house and all that he had, missed out on three months of blessing, because he was afraid of God. We need to have a heart for spending time with the Lord; not dreading that it will be boring, but realizing that, without it, we would miss out on incredible blessing.
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
When we're sitting there in the worship meeting on the first day of the week, we shouldn't let our minds wander into thinking about all different kinds of things. We have the mightiness, through God, to keep our minds on Him.
Thou wilt keep [him] in perfect peace, [whose] mind [is] stayed [on thee]: because he trusteth in thee.
When I pray, I'll pray in such a way as to focus on prayer and prevent distractions.
But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.
The enemy tells us that "it is too hard, and you will never get it all done, so you might as well just have fun wasting time, and not even try."
I'll keep in mind that I'll actually end up having more fun by getting what the Lord wants me to do, done.
...be not weary in well doing.
Of Zebulun, such as went forth to battle, expert in war, with all instruments of war, fifty thousand, which could keep rank: [they were] not of double heart.
When I hear that they were not of double heart,
that makes me think that they did not go back and forth between having some love and desire for what is right, and some for the enemy. They had consistent thoughts and intentions toward what the Lord wanted. That is the way that we should be.
And said, My God forbid it me, that I should do this thing: shall I drink the blood of these men that have put their lives in jeopardy? for with [the jeopardy of] their lives they brought it. Therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mightiest.
David's mighty men had risked their lives to bring him a drink of water, but he poured it out on the ground to the Lord. Like David, we should be sensitive to our conscience. Even if something was precious, desirable, and hard to obtain, we should be willing to give it up for the Lord, if it is not something that would please the Lord, for us to do, at the time.
But this [I say], He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
Besides for giving money to people, this can also apply to other things, such as preaching the gospel and working for Christ. If we limit our efforts, we limit our outcome. We should serve Christ bountifully, from our hearts.
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, [so let him give]; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
Serving the Lord should be our delight, not a drudgery. When I'm tempted to think that spending time with the Lord is boring, I'll arrange it a little bit to be more enjoyable--because there's nothing wrong with enjoying serving the Lord.
Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.
If we seek wisdom from the Lord about direction for our lives, then here's an encouraging answer: to be established ...in every good word and work.
All that we have to do, is to stand firm in whatever we can find that is good to say and do. The Lord will take care of the rest.
Next time I have a hard time figuring out what the Lord wants me to do, I'll just be steadfast in the things that I know would be good.
As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:
The things that we long for, actually conform us into the type of people that we become. That is why it is so important that, instead of evil things, we long for holiness.
v15,16But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.
Whether we are troubled or cheerful, we should pray and sing songs of praise to the Lord. This is not just a suggestion, but, when we are having a hard time, we are commanded to pray. And, when your heart is overwhelmed, and you don't know what to do, the Lord always still deserves our songs of praise.
The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.
The Lord's soul hates people who love violence. This is not just about doing violent things. This is about people who love violence in their hearts. We should not entertain ourselves by watching, pretending, or even thinking about, violent things.
He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil;
I'll stop watching a certain TV show.
Now therefore perform the doing [of it]; that as [there was] a readiness to will, so [there may be] a performance also out of that which ye have.
Often, it is easy to get excited about the possibility of doing something for the Lord, and to give much thought to getting ready for it. But, when it comes time to actually do the thing, then there is the temptation to put it off and never really get it done.
When we're thinking about, talking about, or preparing to do something that the Lord wants, let's not delay to take action and do it.
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
A brother pointed out how this verse says that we should be Praying... with all prayer...
. It can be easy for me to think about how I should pray for something, and how I am going to pray for it. In that case, I'll make sure to not just do that, but to actually pray for it, too.
...we pray always for you...(v11)
The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek [after God]: God [is] not in all his thoughts.
How often do we think about the things of God? And, when we think about anything, is God really in it? If God is not in all of our thoughts, then we are like the wicked man.
I'll stay on task when I pray, so that my mind doesn't wander onto other thoughts.
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth [it] not, to him it is sin.
You know, sin is not just bad things that we do. It is also sin when we do not do something that we should.
Here's an encouragement to simply do the things that we know we should do.
Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;
I want to be the Lord's servant, like Titus, that I would bring messages to the Lord's people that would fill them with exceeding joy, even in the midst of all kinds of trouble.
When I'm getting ready to speak to the Lord's people, I'll consider how I can bring them a message of comfort.
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all [men].
This verse shows several special ways to edify various types of brethren, but it ends with one thing that applies for everybody: ...be patient toward all.
(v14b)
I will be patient with all of my brethren, regardless of whether they are unruly, feeble-minded, weak, or anything else. Instead of responding the wrong way to them, I'll pray about the situation and trust the Lord to take care of it, so that I can rejoice anyway.
...godly sorrow works repentance...(v10)
the children of the lightshould live together with Christ
I will praise [thee], O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.
The first part of this verse says, I will praise [thee], O LORD, with my whole heart...
. We should look forward to worshiping the Lord in front of other people. We shouldn't just praise the Lord like it's a duty or a chore, but we should enjoy doing it, and do it with gladness.
That I may shew forth all thy praise in the gates of the daughter of Zion: I will rejoice in thy salvation.
I'll ask the Lord for His help in my life, with the aim of praising Him for his deliverance.
As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and [yet] possessing all things.
The beginning of this verse says, As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing...
. When troubles arise in our lives and we are sad, then we should stand strong for the Lord. We should not give up.
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
When I have failed to follow my schedule 100% of the way, then I won't give up on it. I will still do what I can, to get done the things that I should.
And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;
That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and [that] ye may have lack of nothing.
Let's be enthusiastic and diligent to do the things that are in front of us, to do. It is not in vain, there is a point to it. If we simply work diligently on the things that we have to do, then we are going to have everything that we need.
Even when my schedule has started to get off track, I'll keep doing what I can to keep my schedule, with new motivation.
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, [and] easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
Notice that it says, without hypocrisy.
If we're talking to other people about how they shouldn't be doing certain things, because they are sin, then we shouldn't also be participating in the same things, even "a little bit."
Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.
The end of this verse says, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.
As a matter of fact, the first thing that James 3 said about the wisdom from above, is: But the wisdom that is from above is first pure...
(James 3:17)
Be not ye therefore partakers with them.Ephesians 5:11
And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove [them].
What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
We shouldn't think our situation is something that we have gotten for ourselves by some greatness of our own. If the Lord made heaven, earth, space, and all of the creatures, and if He made all elementary materials and even our own lives, then we would have to be fools to think that we could be, have, or accomplish, anything, without Him.
I'll keep a humble perspective about my job.
Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Sometimes, we can be reminded of our past, and start to worry that we still have the problems that we have already confessed and repented of. It is an amazing encouragement that the Lord has completely transformed us, including healing the old sinful desires of our heart.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
In this case, it says that He will ...cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
I'll take comfort in the fact that the Lord has cleansed me from, the unrighteous motivations that I have repented from in the past.
For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;
We should look at reaching out to people, in Christ, as a great joy, not as a chore. We should greatly look forward to going out to people and helping them with their spiritual condition.
Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?
I'll pick a couple of people that I'm going out to, to pray for their spiritual condition all the time.
Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men...(v12a)
And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be [ye] warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what [doth it] profit?
We shouldn't just pray for things and not do anything about them. If there's obviously something that needs done in a situation, and we are able to do it, then our prayer should be accompanied by action.
This made me think of how, sometimes, we pray for the Lord to help us do the right thing (like getting up on time in the morning). But then, when it is time to make the decision whether to do the right thing, sometimes we don't even try very hard, (if at all), to do it. That does not make sense. If we are going to pray to ask the Lord for His help to do something, then we also need to put our heart into getting that thing done.
I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.
We should praise the Lord and sing praises to Him, like this.
I'll think of praise songs to sing, that mention the Lord's righteousness and how high He is.
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding [and] eternal weight of glory;
Let's take comfort in this: our momentary suffering for Christ is nothing compared to the awesome everlasting future that it brings.
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen [are] temporal; but the things which are not seen [are] eternal.
I'll live in the constant realization of the reality of the resurrection, so that I don't give up when living for Christ gets a little bit hard.
...we preach not ourselves...
Persecuted, but not forsaken;(v9a)
For all things for your sakes...(v15a)
...a far more exceeding, eternal weight of glory;(v17b)
For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
The disciples had some people, power, and popularity, at some points in the New Testament; they could have pursued politics, or sought to establish their own great civilizations, then, if they had thought that was what the Lord wanted them to do. We should not be taken up with imagining how we could build some great company or organization in this present physical world. We should pursue the eternal things of the Lord's heavenly kingdom.
The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer.
We should have this same kind of confidence, that the Lord will answer our prayers.
When I pray, I'll also thank the Lord in advance, for what He is going to do.
Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:
Like they used great plainness of speech, we should speak plainly. We shouldn't speak cryptically, like the Old Testament, according to the letter of the law. We should speak clearly and simply, about Christ.
And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
I'll be more assertive when I preach the gospel.
...we use great plainness of speech...(v12)
Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.
It is possible for even the Lord's closest disciples to have a lack of belief.
v16,17He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues...
It seems like what He says about belief in the gospel, and what He says about the signs that would follow those who believe, was very much in the context of believing that He rose and again and is alive.
As "Believers," if we want to have the Lord's power for good in our lives, and eternal rewards with Him, then we need to be those who are believing in His resurrection from the dead.
Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation.
This is what we should pray to the Lord, but it is convicting to think about. Would we really want the Lord to give ear to our words, and to consider our meditations? We should watch our speech, and the kinds of things that we are thinking about.
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
When I catch myself letting words and ideas run through my head that would not please the Lord, I'll remember these verses, and change my mind.
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