A. Ezekiel’s commission as a Prophet
1)Chap. 1 Ezekiel’s Vision
2Peter1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
2Peter1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
2) Chap. 2 Ezekiel’s Commission
Ezekiel2:7 And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear: for they are most rebellious.
3)Chap 3 Ezekiel eats the Roll
B. Jerusalem doomed an abandoned
1)Chap 4 The type of siege
2)Chap 5 The type of hair
3)C hap 6 Israel threatened
4)Chap 7 Israel ‘s desolation
Eze.7:27 The king shall mourn, and the prince shall be clothed with desolation, and the hands of the people of the land shall be troubled: I will do unto them after their way, and according to their deserts will I judge them; and they shall know that I am the LORD.
5)Chap 8 Vision of Jealousy
6)Chap 9 The Mark Preserved
7)Chap 10 The Vision of the Coals of Fire
8)Chap 11 The Princes’ Presumption
Eze.11:19 And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh:
C. Leaders and People Condemned
1) Chap 12 The Type of Removing
Eze.12:28 Therefore say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; There shall none of my words be prolonged any more, but the word which I have spoken shall be done, saith the Lord GOD.
2) Chap 13 Lying Prophets
3) Chap 14 Idolaters exhorted
4)Chap 15 The Rejection of Jerusalem
5) Chap 16 God’s love to Jerusalem
6) Chap 17 The Eagles and the Vine
7) Chap 18 Parable of Sour Grapes
Eze.18:4 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.
8) Chap 19 Parable of the Lion’s Whelps
D. The Reason for Condemnation
1)Chap 20 Israel’s Rebellions
2) Chap 21 Prophecy Against Jerusalem
3) Chap 22 Jerusalem’s Sins
4) Chap 23 Aholah and Aholibah
5) Chap 24 Jerusalem’s Destruction
Eze.24:14 I the LORD have spoken it: it shall come to pass, and I will do it; I will not go back, neither will I spare, neither will I repent; according to thy ways, and according to thy doings, shall they judge thee, saith the Lord GOD.
E. Foreign Nations in Prophecy
1) Chap 25 Ammonites Threatened
2) Chap 26 The Fall of Tyrus
3) Chap 27 Tyrus’ Rich Supply
4) Chap 28 Zidon Threatened
Jas.4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
5) Chap 29 The Judgment of Pharaoh
6) Chap 30 Desolation of Egypt
Eze.30:19 Thus will I execute judgments in Egypt: and they shall know that I am the LORD.
7) Chap 31 The Glory and Fall of Assyria
8) Chap 32 The Fall of Egypt
F. God’s Promises to Israel
1) Chap 33 Ezekiel Admonished
Eze.33:11 Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
2) Chap 34 God’s Care for His Flock
Eze.34:23 And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd. 24 And I the LORD will be their God, and my servant David a prince among them; I the LORD have spoken it.
3) Chap 35 Judgment of Seir
4) Chap 36 Israel Comforted
5) Chap 37 Vision of Dry Bones
Eze.37:14 And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken it, and performed it, saith the LORD.
Eze.37:24 And David my servant shall be king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my judgments, and observe my statutes, and do them. 25 And they shall dwell in the land that I have given unto Jacob my servant, wherein your fathers have dwelt; and they shall dwell therein, even they, and their children, and their children’s children for ever: and my servant David shall be their prince forever.
6) Chap 38 The Malice of Gog
7) Chap 39 Israel’s Victory over Gog
Eze.39:7 So will I make my holy name known in the midst of my people Israel; and I will not let them pollute my holy name any more: and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, the Holy One in Israel.
G. The Restored State of Israel
1) Chap 40 Description of the Temple
2) Chap 41 Ornaments of the Temple
3) Chap 42 The Priest’s Chambers
4) Chap 43 Return of God’s Glory
5) Chap 44 The Priests Reproved
6) Chap 45 Division of the Land
7) Chap 46 Ordinances for the Princes
8) Chap 47 Vision of the Holy Waters
9) Chap 48 Portions of the Twelve Tribes
Eze.48:35 It was round about eighteen thousand measures: and the name of the city from that day shall be, The LORD is there.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Visions of Glory
Seek God in His Word. Studying God’s Word draws us closer to Him.
2Peter1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
Trust God to equip you to serve. God prepares us thoroughly for the tasks He assigns us.
Eze.2:7 And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear: for they are most rebellious.
Live as a testimony to God. God uses His people to announce His Judgement.
Eze.7:27b …I will do unto them after their way, and according to their deserts will I judge them; and they shall know that I am the LORD.
Practice true repentance. We can’t hide from God, so we can’t avoid sin’s consequences.
Eze.11:19 And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them a heart of flesh:
Take spiritual leadership seriously. God holds spiritual leaders accountable for their leadership.
Eze.12:28 Therefore say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; There shall none of my words be prolonged any more, but the word which I have spoken shall be done, saith the Lord GOD.
Accept responsibility for your conduct. Sin produces unpleasant, undesirable fruit.
Eze.18:4 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.
Realize the high price of rebellion. Rebels against God lose in every way.
Eze.24:14 I the LORD have spoken it: it shall come to pass, and I will do it; I will not go back, neither will I spare, neither will I repent; according to thy ways, and according to thy doings, shall they judge thee, saith the Lord GOD.
Reject the attitudes of God’s enemies. Satan motivates rebellions against God.
Jas.4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
Submit to God in humility. God humbles the proud.
Eze.30:19 Thus will I execute judgments in Egypt: and they shall know that I am the LORD.
We please God when we deliberately choose obedience over hypocrisy and pride, so respond to God’s desire to walk with you.
Eze.33:11 Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, …?
Find hope in God Who is our life. God restores the repentant.
Eze.37:14 And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken it, and performed it, saith the LORD.
Dedicate yourself for God’s use. God demonstrates His holiness when He fulfills His Word.
Eze.39:7 So will I make my holy name known in the midst of my people Israel; and I will not let them pollute my holy name any more: and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, the Holy One in Israel.
Enjoy rich fellowship with God. Worship of God is the proper response after restoration from sin.
Eze.48:35 …and the name of the city from that day shall be, The LORD is there.
2Peter1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
Trust God to equip you to serve. God prepares us thoroughly for the tasks He assigns us.
Eze.2:7 And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear: for they are most rebellious.
Live as a testimony to God. God uses His people to announce His Judgement.
Eze.7:27b …I will do unto them after their way, and according to their deserts will I judge them; and they shall know that I am the LORD.
Practice true repentance. We can’t hide from God, so we can’t avoid sin’s consequences.
Eze.11:19 And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them a heart of flesh:
Take spiritual leadership seriously. God holds spiritual leaders accountable for their leadership.
Eze.12:28 Therefore say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; There shall none of my words be prolonged any more, but the word which I have spoken shall be done, saith the Lord GOD.
Accept responsibility for your conduct. Sin produces unpleasant, undesirable fruit.
Eze.18:4 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.
Realize the high price of rebellion. Rebels against God lose in every way.
Eze.24:14 I the LORD have spoken it: it shall come to pass, and I will do it; I will not go back, neither will I spare, neither will I repent; according to thy ways, and according to thy doings, shall they judge thee, saith the Lord GOD.
Reject the attitudes of God’s enemies. Satan motivates rebellions against God.
Jas.4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
Submit to God in humility. God humbles the proud.
Eze.30:19 Thus will I execute judgments in Egypt: and they shall know that I am the LORD.
We please God when we deliberately choose obedience over hypocrisy and pride, so respond to God’s desire to walk with you.
Eze.33:11 Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, …?
Find hope in God Who is our life. God restores the repentant.
Eze.37:14 And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken it, and performed it, saith the LORD.
Dedicate yourself for God’s use. God demonstrates His holiness when He fulfills His Word.
Eze.39:7 So will I make my holy name known in the midst of my people Israel; and I will not let them pollute my holy name any more: and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, the Holy One in Israel.
Enjoy rich fellowship with God. Worship of God is the proper response after restoration from sin.
Eze.48:35 …and the name of the city from that day shall be, The LORD is there.
Paraphrase of the Nineteenth Psalm
1. The spacious firmament on high,
With all the blue ethereal sky,
And spangled heavens, a shining frame,
Their great Original proclaim:
2. The unwearied sun from day to day,
Does his Creator’s power display,
And publishes to every land
The work of an Almighty hand.
3. Soon as the evening shades prevail,
The moon takes up the wondrous tale,
And nightly, to the listening earth,
Repeats the story of her birth:
4. While all the stars, that round her burn,
And all the planets in their turn,
Confirm the tidings as they roll,
And spread the truth from pole to pole,
5. What though, in solemn silence, all
Move round this dark terrestrial ball!
What though nor real voice, nor sound,
Amid their radiant orbs be found!
6. In reason’s ear they all rejoice,
And utter forth a glorious voice,
For ever singing, as they shine,
“The Hand that made us is Divine.”
With all the blue ethereal sky,
And spangled heavens, a shining frame,
Their great Original proclaim:
2. The unwearied sun from day to day,
Does his Creator’s power display,
And publishes to every land
The work of an Almighty hand.
3. Soon as the evening shades prevail,
The moon takes up the wondrous tale,
And nightly, to the listening earth,
Repeats the story of her birth:
4. While all the stars, that round her burn,
And all the planets in their turn,
Confirm the tidings as they roll,
And spread the truth from pole to pole,
5. What though, in solemn silence, all
Move round this dark terrestrial ball!
What though nor real voice, nor sound,
Amid their radiant orbs be found!
6. In reason’s ear they all rejoice,
And utter forth a glorious voice,
For ever singing, as they shine,
“The Hand that made us is Divine.”
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Prayer for Endurance
Please Lord Jesus help us to focus our lives on You, to keep our faith strongHeb.12:1, 2. Let us worship You, knowing in our hearts and souls that You are the Creator who is above and apart from all creationHeb.1:1, 2. Let us count on Your sympathy in our sufferings, assured by Your Word that You know how we feel and will help us when we hurtHeb.2:9. Make us now and forever remain faithful, for You our Lord are always faithfulHeb.3:14, 15. Help us to enter Your rest through faith, understanding that God’s special blessing is eternal rest in Jesus Heb.4:11, 12. Please let us grow in spiritual maturity through Your mediation, seeing that Jesus Christ is the perfect High Priest for believersHeb.5:13, 14. Forbid that we should slip back into doubt, but rather, lay hold of hope in Christ our LordHeb.6; 11, 12. We rejoice in our great High Priest, Jesus Christ, who gives us confidence and stabilityHeb.7:25. Oh Lord, it is in You that we find peace, joy and hope. You have provided in the new covenant what the old covenant could only picture Heb.9:14. Help us to encourage others while we are being encouraged in the face of pressure. Make us in practice what we already are in Christ Heb.10:25. Let us exercise faith in God no matter what the circumstances, understanding that faith is essential in living a godly life Heb.11:6. Help us face challenges with eternal certainty knowing from Your Word that a godly person endures in hope Heb.12:1,2 . Teach us to demonstrate practical love without hypocrisy, living godly livesHeb.13:5. Amen.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Praying for God’s Blessing from His Word
Lord Jesus, you are the Lord of all of our journeys. Lead us every day, keeping us close to You, for our God is the Lord of all journeys. You have given us an eternal treasure, life everlasting. Help us to read Your Word, hear Your blessing, and value our lives as treasures from You, for you have claimed us for Your own. Holy God, bless us this day that we may be a blessing to others, let Holy awe fill our hearts. Father, You have blessed every detail of our lives. Help us entrust all of our days and all of our ways to You, for we know that nothing shall ever separate us from Your love. Almighty God and Saviour, You have freely bestowed your blessings on this world. Bless us with divine generosity that we might share Your mercy without measure, knowing that we are blessed. There are those that have blessed us and others that we desire to bless, grant us Your guidance to faithful service. You are the Father of all mercies, every morning You bring blessings known and unknown into our lives. Teach us to listen that we may know your bountiful, merciful work as You continue to bless. Humble Lord, in bending your knee you blessed the lowly. Help us bring the low points of our lives to You to find Your blessing there. Lord, You enter the lowly places and fill them. Risen Lord, You ascended into Heaven with Your hands raised in blessing. Bless us now in our journeys. Take our worldly wanderings and make them a faithful following of You, for we know that Your blessings cover all of our journeys. Our great protecting Saviour, You keep us from all evil. Help us to entrust our lives and loved ones to Your sheltering care, Make us know that Jesus is the One who promises to keep us. Blessed Saviour, when others curse, You bless. You turn even their curses into blessings. Strengthen us when faced with enemies, so that we may trust Your blessing and share Your life-giving love. Help us to learn how to take up our crosses and be used for good? Let us bring past and future before You and grant us Your blessing, as we bring both thanksgiving and concerns before You in prayer. Heavenly Father, You hid Your face from Jesus on the cross so that You might always look on us with love. Give us confidence in that love and forgiveness, so that we may be patient and strong even when we face those who are unloving. You promised in Your Word never to hide Your face from us. Gracious Lord Jesus, when we are under pressure, teach us to love that which is good, to fight that which is evil, and to work for that which is godly, drawing our strength from You, for You used Your strength in love to die for us. Let Your grace inspire us to radical, holy , heartfelt prayer. Your Word has changed our lives. Teach us now to live for You, for Your blessing spans eternity. We bring before You all our work. Bless it as You bless us with Your amazing love letting Your face shine on us. We bring You our needs, because you have turned Your face toward us, and we know our God’s love is personal. Dear Lord, when faith in You brings conflict in our lives, teach us to trust Your peace that saves the world, knowing to You, some things are still worth fighting for. Give us courage to speak Your Word, so in the midst of trouble You might bring peace and we might know Your Son better, who brings that peace. Your loving presence brings us peace. Eternal God of eternal blessing, teach us to trust wherever we go, whatever we do, You have put Your name on us. We are Yours for Your heart beats with eternal love. In Your wounds, Lord Jesus, we see the marks of your strong love. Give us strength to share Your love with the world, let the mark of Your love be upon us. Our Father, You have planned for our blessings. When so much of our lives are out of our control, teach us to live in the certainty of Your love, knowing You leave nothing to chance. Teach us to see You now, Your hands upraised and blessing still. Please, Lord, live with us, and we will be strong. Lead us, and we will follow. Bless us, and we will share Your boundless blessing with the world. Amen!
Praying for God’s Blessing from His Word
Lord Jesus, you are the Lord of all of our journeys. Lead us every day, keeping us close to You, for our God is the Lord of all journeys. You have given us an eternal treasure, life everlasting. Help us to read Your Word, hear Your blessing, and value our lives as treasures from You, for you have claimed us for Your own. Holy God, bless us this day that we may be a blessing to others, let Holy awe fill our hearts. Father, You have blessed every detail of our lives. Help us entrust all of our days and all of our ways to You, for we know that nothing shall ever separate us from Your love. Almighty God and Saviour, You have freely bestowed your blessings on this world. Bless us with divine generosity that we might share Your mercy without measure, knowing that we are blessed. There are those that have blessed us and others that we desire to bless, grant us Your guidance to faithful service. You are the Father of all mercies, every morning You bring blessings known and unknown into our lives. Teach us to listen that we may know your bountiful, merciful work as You continue to bless. Humble Lord, in bending your knee you blessed the lowly. Help us bring the low points of our lives to You to find Your blessing there. Lord, You enter the lowly places and fill them. Risen Lord, You ascended into Heaven with Your hands raised in blessing. Bless us now in our journeys. Take our worldly wanderings and make them a faithful following of You, for we know that Your blessings cover all of our journeys. Our great protecting Saviour, You keep us from all evil. Help us to entrust our lives and loved ones to Your sheltering care, Make us know that Jesus is the One who promises to keep us. Blessed Saviour, when others curse, You bless. You turn even their curses into blessings. Strengthen us when faced with enemies, so that we may trust Your blessing and share Your life-giving love. Help us to learn how to take up our crosses and be used for good? Let us bring past and future before You and grant us Your blessing, as we bring both thanksgiving and concerns before You in prayer. Heavenly Father, You hid Your face from Jesus on the cross so that You might always look on us with love. Give us confidence in that love and forgiveness, so that we may be patient and strong even when we face those who are unloving. You promised in Your Word never to hide Your face from us. Gracious Lord Jesus, when we are under pressure, teach us to love that which is good, to fight that which is evil, and to work for that which is godly, drawing our strength from You, for You used Your strength in love to die for us. Let Your grace inspire us to radical, holy , heartfelt prayer. Your Word has changed our lives. Teach us now to live for You, for Your blessing spans eternity. We bring before You all our work. Bless it as You bless us with Your amazing love letting Your face shine on us. We bring You our needs, because you have turned Your face toward us, and we know our God’s love is personal. Dear Lord, when faith in You brings conflict in our lives, teach us to trust Your peace that saves the world, knowing to You, some things are still worth fighting for. Give us courage to speak Your Word, so in the midst of trouble You might bring peace and we might know Your Son better, who brings that peace. Your loving presence brings us peace. Eternal God of eternal blessing, teach us to trust wherever we go, whatever we do, You have put Your name on us. We are Yours for Your heart beats with eternal love. In Your wounds, Lord Jesus, we see the marks of your strong love. Give us strength to share Your love with the world, let the mark of Your love be upon us. Our Father, You have planned for our blessings. When so much of our lives are out of our control, teach us to live in the certainty of Your love, knowing You leave nothing to chance. Teach us to see You now, Your hands upraised and blessing still. Please, Lord, live with us, and we will be strong. Lead us, and we will follow. Bless us, and we will share Your boundless blessing with the world. Amen!
Friday, October 9, 2009
God’s Cure for Anxiety
The section builds to a climax in verse 31 when the disciples were instructed to seek God’s kingdom. In building to that climax Jesus said three things about anxiety.
Luke 12:22 And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. 23 The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment. 24 Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? 25 And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? 26 If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest? 27 Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? 29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neitherb be ye of doubtful mind. 30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. 31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. 32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
12:22-24. Jesus first noted that anxiety is foolish because life consists of far more than what one eats or wears (cf. v. 15). Jesus again referred to birds (cf. vv. 6-7) to point out that since His disciples were more valuable than ravens, which God feeds, He cares for them. (Unlike sparrows, ravens were not sold for they are scavengers.)
12:25-28. Jesus next pointed out that worry is foolish because it cannot change the situation. Not one hour can be added to one’s life so it is ridiculous to worry. Again Jesus went to the natural realm (lilies and grass) to point out that God takes care of what belongs to Him.
12:29-31. Finally Jesus pointed out that worry is foolish because worry is the attitude of pagans. The pagan world is concerned with the material things of life and not with life’s ultimately important spiritual realities. On the other hand one who pursues spiritual matters (seeking God’s kingdom) will also receive from God material provisions.
12:32-34. Jesus then told His disciples not to fear (cf. vv. 4, 7). He compared them to a little flock, a seemingly defenseless group which could be preyed on. To make them even more defenseless Christ instructed, Sell your possessions and give to the poor. (Luke later came back to this subject in chaps. 16 and 19.) This is also what the early church did (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-37). Jesus’ point was that if His followers had a treasure on earth they would think about it. But if they instead had a treasure in heaven, which is safe from theft and decay by moths, and were “rich toward God” (Luke 12:21), they would be concerned with matters pertaining to the kingdom and therefore would not be in a state of anxiety.
[1]
b neither...: or, live not in careful suspense
cf. confer, compare
v. verse
vv. verses
chaps. chapters
[1]Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1983-c1985). The Bible knowledge commentary : An exposition of the scriptures (2:238). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
Luke 12:22 And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. 23 The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment. 24 Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? 25 And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? 26 If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest? 27 Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? 29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neitherb be ye of doubtful mind. 30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. 31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. 32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
12:22-24. Jesus first noted that anxiety is foolish because life consists of far more than what one eats or wears (cf. v. 15). Jesus again referred to birds (cf. vv. 6-7) to point out that since His disciples were more valuable than ravens, which God feeds, He cares for them. (Unlike sparrows, ravens were not sold for they are scavengers.)
12:25-28. Jesus next pointed out that worry is foolish because it cannot change the situation. Not one hour can be added to one’s life so it is ridiculous to worry. Again Jesus went to the natural realm (lilies and grass) to point out that God takes care of what belongs to Him.
12:29-31. Finally Jesus pointed out that worry is foolish because worry is the attitude of pagans. The pagan world is concerned with the material things of life and not with life’s ultimately important spiritual realities. On the other hand one who pursues spiritual matters (seeking God’s kingdom) will also receive from God material provisions.
12:32-34. Jesus then told His disciples not to fear (cf. vv. 4, 7). He compared them to a little flock, a seemingly defenseless group which could be preyed on. To make them even more defenseless Christ instructed, Sell your possessions and give to the poor. (Luke later came back to this subject in chaps. 16 and 19.) This is also what the early church did (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-37). Jesus’ point was that if His followers had a treasure on earth they would think about it. But if they instead had a treasure in heaven, which is safe from theft and decay by moths, and were “rich toward God” (Luke 12:21), they would be concerned with matters pertaining to the kingdom and therefore would not be in a state of anxiety.
[1]
b neither...: or, live not in careful suspense
cf. confer, compare
v. verse
vv. verses
chaps. chapters
[1]Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1983-c1985). The Bible knowledge commentary : An exposition of the scriptures (2:238). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
God’s Blessing from His Word
Num.6:22 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 23 Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them, 24 The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: 25 The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: 26 The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. 27 And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them.
In pronouncing God’s favor on the people, the priest was to use a formula for blessing. This beautiful blessing may be only a model, as the so-called ”Lord’s Prayer“ is a model for prayer, but its purpose is clear: it communicates the desire of the Lord to invest His people with His name. The name of the Lord is tantamount to the Lord Himself so that this blessing becomes a petition that God might live among His people and meet all their needs. He alone can bless His people, keep them, look on them with favor (make His face shine and turn His face toward them), be gracious to them, and give them peace.
Lord Jesus, you are the Lord of all of my journeys. Lead me every day, keeping me close to You, for My God is the Lord of all journeys. You have given me an eternal treasure, life everlasting. Help me to read Your Word, hear Your blessing, and value my life as a treasure from You, for you have claimed me for Your own. Holy God, bless me this day that I may be a blessing to others, let Holy awe fill my heart. Father You have blessed every detail of my life. Help me entrust all my days and all my ways to you, for I know that nothing shall ever separate me from Your love. Almighty God and Saviour, You have freely bestowed your blessings on this world. Bless me with divine generosity that I might share Your mercy without measure, knowing that I am blessed. There are those that have blessed me and others that I desire to bless, grant me Your guidance to faithful service. You are the Father of all mercies, every morning you bring blessings known and unknown into our lives. Teach me to listen that I may know your bountiful, merciful work as You continue to bless. Humble Lord, in bending your knee you blessed the lowly. Help me bring the low points of my life to You to find Your blessing there. Lord, You enter the lowly places of my life and fill them. Risen Lord, You ascended into Heaven with Your hands raised in blessing. Bless me now in my journeys. Take my worldly wanderings and make them a faithful following of You, for I know that Your blessings cover all my journeys. My great protecting Saviour, You keep me from all evil. Help me to entrust my life and my loved ones to Your sheltering care, Make us know that Jesus is the One who promises to keep us. Blessed Saviour, when others curse, You bless. You turn even their curses into blessings. Strengthen me when faced with enemies, so that I trust Your blessing and share Your life-giving love. Help me to learn how to take up my cross and use it for good? Let me bring past and future before You and grant me Your blessing, as I bring both thanksgiving and concerns before You in prayer. Heavenly Father, You hid Your face from Jesus on the cross so that You might always look on us with love. Give us confidence in that love and forgiveness, so we may be patient and strong even when we face those who are unloving. You promised in Your Word never to hide Your face from us. Gracious Lord Jesus, when I am under pressure, teach me to love that which is good, to fight that which is evil, and to work for that which is godly, drawing my strength from You, for You used Your strength in love to die for me. Let Your grace inspire me to radical, holy , heartfelt prayer. Your Word has changed my life. Teach me now to live for You, for Your blessing spans eternity. I bring before You all my work. Bless it as You bless me with Your amazing love letting Your face shine on me. I bring You my needs, because you have turned Your face toward me, and I know my God’s love is personal. Dear Lord, when faith in You brings conflict in my life, teach me to trust Your peace that saves the world, knowing that to You, some things are still worth fighting for. Give me courage to speak Your Word, so that in the midst of trouble you might bring peace and I might know Your Son better, who brings that peace. Your loving presence brings me peace. Eternal God of eternal blessing, teach me to trust that wherever I go, whatever I do, You have put Your name on me. I am Yours for Your heart beats with eternal love. In Your wounds, Lord Jesus, I see the marks of your strong love. Give me strength to share Your love with the world, let the mark of Your love be upon me. Our Father, You have planned for my blessings. When so much of my life is out of my control, teach me to live in the certainty of Your love, knowing You leave nothing to chance. Teach me to see You now, Your hands upraised and blessing still. Please, Lord, live with me, and I will be strong. Lead me, and I will follow. Bless me, and I will share Your boundless blessing with the world. Amen!
In pronouncing God’s favor on the people, the priest was to use a formula for blessing. This beautiful blessing may be only a model, as the so-called ”Lord’s Prayer“ is a model for prayer, but its purpose is clear: it communicates the desire of the Lord to invest His people with His name. The name of the Lord is tantamount to the Lord Himself so that this blessing becomes a petition that God might live among His people and meet all their needs. He alone can bless His people, keep them, look on them with favor (make His face shine and turn His face toward them), be gracious to them, and give them peace.
Lord Jesus, you are the Lord of all of my journeys. Lead me every day, keeping me close to You, for My God is the Lord of all journeys. You have given me an eternal treasure, life everlasting. Help me to read Your Word, hear Your blessing, and value my life as a treasure from You, for you have claimed me for Your own. Holy God, bless me this day that I may be a blessing to others, let Holy awe fill my heart. Father You have blessed every detail of my life. Help me entrust all my days and all my ways to you, for I know that nothing shall ever separate me from Your love. Almighty God and Saviour, You have freely bestowed your blessings on this world. Bless me with divine generosity that I might share Your mercy without measure, knowing that I am blessed. There are those that have blessed me and others that I desire to bless, grant me Your guidance to faithful service. You are the Father of all mercies, every morning you bring blessings known and unknown into our lives. Teach me to listen that I may know your bountiful, merciful work as You continue to bless. Humble Lord, in bending your knee you blessed the lowly. Help me bring the low points of my life to You to find Your blessing there. Lord, You enter the lowly places of my life and fill them. Risen Lord, You ascended into Heaven with Your hands raised in blessing. Bless me now in my journeys. Take my worldly wanderings and make them a faithful following of You, for I know that Your blessings cover all my journeys. My great protecting Saviour, You keep me from all evil. Help me to entrust my life and my loved ones to Your sheltering care, Make us know that Jesus is the One who promises to keep us. Blessed Saviour, when others curse, You bless. You turn even their curses into blessings. Strengthen me when faced with enemies, so that I trust Your blessing and share Your life-giving love. Help me to learn how to take up my cross and use it for good? Let me bring past and future before You and grant me Your blessing, as I bring both thanksgiving and concerns before You in prayer. Heavenly Father, You hid Your face from Jesus on the cross so that You might always look on us with love. Give us confidence in that love and forgiveness, so we may be patient and strong even when we face those who are unloving. You promised in Your Word never to hide Your face from us. Gracious Lord Jesus, when I am under pressure, teach me to love that which is good, to fight that which is evil, and to work for that which is godly, drawing my strength from You, for You used Your strength in love to die for me. Let Your grace inspire me to radical, holy , heartfelt prayer. Your Word has changed my life. Teach me now to live for You, for Your blessing spans eternity. I bring before You all my work. Bless it as You bless me with Your amazing love letting Your face shine on me. I bring You my needs, because you have turned Your face toward me, and I know my God’s love is personal. Dear Lord, when faith in You brings conflict in my life, teach me to trust Your peace that saves the world, knowing that to You, some things are still worth fighting for. Give me courage to speak Your Word, so that in the midst of trouble you might bring peace and I might know Your Son better, who brings that peace. Your loving presence brings me peace. Eternal God of eternal blessing, teach me to trust that wherever I go, whatever I do, You have put Your name on me. I am Yours for Your heart beats with eternal love. In Your wounds, Lord Jesus, I see the marks of your strong love. Give me strength to share Your love with the world, let the mark of Your love be upon me. Our Father, You have planned for my blessings. When so much of my life is out of my control, teach me to live in the certainty of Your love, knowing You leave nothing to chance. Teach me to see You now, Your hands upraised and blessing still. Please, Lord, live with me, and I will be strong. Lead me, and I will follow. Bless me, and I will share Your boundless blessing with the world. Amen!
Friday, October 2, 2009
Thanks to the Lord
God’s riches are free, unearned or deserved.
Man’s path in sin is crooked and swerved.
A conflict arises to boggle man’s mind,
Though God being Holy, Righteous, Divine,
He is also Merciful, Loving, and Kind.
This problem is of men by rebellion indeed,
Christ is the answer meeting man’s need,
Paying the penalty of debt that we owe,
Purchasing Heaven for men here below.
This gift is received by faith we are shown,
By trusting in Christ’s work and not our own.
This gift, eternal, is given to beggar from King,
The payment for which was not a light thing!
To finish this deal, to make of it done,
The Blood that was shed was that of God’s Son.
If this that I’ve said makes sense to do,
This day transfer your trust to God from you.
Let us tell God what you’ve just told me,
Giving Him thanks for setting you free.
Man’s path in sin is crooked and swerved.
A conflict arises to boggle man’s mind,
Though God being Holy, Righteous, Divine,
He is also Merciful, Loving, and Kind.
This problem is of men by rebellion indeed,
Christ is the answer meeting man’s need,
Paying the penalty of debt that we owe,
Purchasing Heaven for men here below.
This gift is received by faith we are shown,
By trusting in Christ’s work and not our own.
This gift, eternal, is given to beggar from King,
The payment for which was not a light thing!
To finish this deal, to make of it done,
The Blood that was shed was that of God’s Son.
If this that I’ve said makes sense to do,
This day transfer your trust to God from you.
Let us tell God what you’ve just told me,
Giving Him thanks for setting you free.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Prayer of Teacher Dedication:
Dear God,
Help these that stand before you to teach with wisdom, for they work with you to shape minds. Let them ask the hard questions and work through the answers, and then frame provocative questions to stimulate the thinking of their learners. Let them analyze their subject matter into parts and see the relationships and discover the unity of the whole. Help them to know the problems their learners experience with the subject matter, and let them encourage them to get over the humps of discouragement. Equip these teachers to teach with truth as they work with You to shape their learners conscience. Encourage these teachers, before You, to teach with vision for they help to shape their student’s future. A good teacher foresees objections and thinks them through so they can answer their pupils intelligently. Help them to put themselves in the place of a variety of learners, and therefore explain hard things in terms we as learners can understand. Help our teachers to be concrete not abstract, specific not general, precise not vague, vulnerable and not evasive. Empower them to teach with love for they help to shape the world. Finally, dear Father, let their goal as good teachers be to transform life and thought into a Christ-honoring unity. Amen.
Help these that stand before you to teach with wisdom, for they work with you to shape minds. Let them ask the hard questions and work through the answers, and then frame provocative questions to stimulate the thinking of their learners. Let them analyze their subject matter into parts and see the relationships and discover the unity of the whole. Help them to know the problems their learners experience with the subject matter, and let them encourage them to get over the humps of discouragement. Equip these teachers to teach with truth as they work with You to shape their learners conscience. Encourage these teachers, before You, to teach with vision for they help to shape their student’s future. A good teacher foresees objections and thinks them through so they can answer their pupils intelligently. Help them to put themselves in the place of a variety of learners, and therefore explain hard things in terms we as learners can understand. Help our teachers to be concrete not abstract, specific not general, precise not vague, vulnerable and not evasive. Empower them to teach with love for they help to shape the world. Finally, dear Father, let their goal as good teachers be to transform life and thought into a Christ-honoring unity. Amen.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Learning to Endure – A Better Way
To keep your faith strong, focus your life on Christ.
Heb.12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 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 is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Because Christ is superior to all, worship Christ as superior to all creation.
Heb.1:1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
Our Lord Jesus knows how we feel, He helps when we hurt, so count on Christ’s sympathy in suffering.
Heb.2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
Our Lord has been faithful, so we should remain faithful since Christ is faithful.
Heb.3:14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; 15 While it is said, Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.
God provides His special blessings of eternal rest, so enter God’s rest through faith.
Heb.4:11 Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief . 12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Jesus Christ is the perfect priest for believers, so grow in spiritual maturity through His mediation.
13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age , even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Christians need to move forward in hope, not slip back into doubt, so lay hold of the hope that is in Christ.
Heb.6:11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
Christ’s priesthood gives confidence and stability to His people, so rejoice in Christ, the Great High Priest.
Heb.7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
In Christ, God has provided a new covenant that fulfills what the old covenant could only picture, so find joy and hope in Christ’s priesthood.
Heb.9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
Believers must be in practice what they already are in Christ, so be encouraged in the face of pressure.
Heb.10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Faith is essential in living a godly life, so exercise faith in God no matter what.
Heb. 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
The godly person endures in hope, so face challenges with eternal certainties.
Heb.12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 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 is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
A godly life will demonstrate practical love, so demonstrate practical love without hypocrisy.
Heb.13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Heb.12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 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 is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Because Christ is superior to all, worship Christ as superior to all creation.
Heb.1:1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
Our Lord Jesus knows how we feel, He helps when we hurt, so count on Christ’s sympathy in suffering.
Heb.2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
Our Lord has been faithful, so we should remain faithful since Christ is faithful.
Heb.3:14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; 15 While it is said, Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.
God provides His special blessings of eternal rest, so enter God’s rest through faith.
Heb.4:11 Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief . 12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Jesus Christ is the perfect priest for believers, so grow in spiritual maturity through His mediation.
13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age , even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Christians need to move forward in hope, not slip back into doubt, so lay hold of the hope that is in Christ.
Heb.6:11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
Christ’s priesthood gives confidence and stability to His people, so rejoice in Christ, the Great High Priest.
Heb.7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
In Christ, God has provided a new covenant that fulfills what the old covenant could only picture, so find joy and hope in Christ’s priesthood.
Heb.9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
Believers must be in practice what they already are in Christ, so be encouraged in the face of pressure.
Heb.10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Faith is essential in living a godly life, so exercise faith in God no matter what.
Heb. 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
The godly person endures in hope, so face challenges with eternal certainties.
Heb.12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 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 is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
A godly life will demonstrate practical love, so demonstrate practical love without hypocrisy.
Heb.13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
God Is My Strength and Portion Forever
73 A Psalm of Asaph.
1 Truly God is good to Israel,
to those who are pure in heart.
2 But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled,
my steps had nearly slipped.
3 For I was envious of the arrogant
when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4 For they have no pangs until death;
their bodies are fat and sleek.
5 They are not in trouble as others are;
they are not stricken like the rest of mankind.
6 Therefore pride is their necklace;
violence covers them as a garment.
7 Their eyes swell out through fatness;
their hearts overflow with follies.
8 They scoff and peak with malice;
loftily they threaten oppression.
9 They set their mouths against the heavens,
and their tongue struts through the earth.
10 Therefore his people turn back to them,
and find no fault in them.
11 And they say, “How can God know?
Is there knowledge in the Most High?”
12 Behold, these are the wicked;
always at ease, they increase in riches.
13 All in vain have I kept my heart clean
and washed my hands in innocence.
14 For all the day long I have been stricken
and rebuked every morning.
15 If I had said, “I will speak thus,”
I would have betrayed the generation of your children.
16 But when I thought how to understand this,
it seemed to me a wearisome task,
17 until I went into he sanctuary of God;
then I discerned their end.
18 Truly you set them in slippery places;
you make them fall to ruin.
19 How they are destroyed in a moment,
swept away utterly by terrors!
20 Like a dream when one awakes,
O Lord, when you rouse yourself, you despise them as phantoms.
21 When my soul was embittered,
when I was pricked in heart,
22 I was brutish and ignorant;
I was like a beast toward you.
23 Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
you hold my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will receive me to glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
27 For behold, those who are far from you shall perish;
you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.
28 But for me it is good to be near God;
I have made the Lord God my refuge,
that I may tell of all your works.
III. Book III (Pss. 73-89)
Eleven of the 17 psalms in this section are attributed to Asaph (Pss. 73-83), one to David (Ps. 86), three to the sons of Korah (Pss. 84-85; 87), one to Heman (Ps. 88), and another to Ethan (Ps. 89). Asaph, Heman, and Ethan were Levite musicians in David’s day (1 Chron. 15:17, 19).
Psalm 73
This psalm strikes the same theme as Psalm 49, and thus may be classified as a wisdom psalm or at least may be studied for its wisdom motifs. In it “Asaph” told of the doubts which nearly overwhelmed him when he compared the life of a worldly man with his own. But then he confessed the sinfulness of his thoughts and explained that the contrast in their destinies enabled him to keep a proper perspective.
A. Prosperity of the wicked (73:1-14)
73:1-3. Asaph began this psalm by affirming that though God is good to those in Israel who trust Him and are pure in heart (cf. v. 13), he himself nearly slipped (cf. 94:18) in his confidence in the Lord. The psalmist emphasized his own situation by beginning four verses with the Hebrew expression translated But as for me (73:2, 22-23, 28). His offense was that he was envious of the prosperity of the wicked. Why should the people who oppose God be better off than those who trust Him? This problem was so overwhelming he almost lost faith in God’s goodness.
73:4-12. Asaph explained the prosperity that troubled him. He observed that the wicked do not seem to suffer trouble as other people do (vv. 4-5). They cover themselves with pride and violence (v. 6). Their evil devices are unbounded (v. 7). Their speech is scornful, malicious, and arrogant, as if they owned the earth (vv. 8-9). Many people are carried away by their evil (they turn to them, v. 10) and presumptuous self-confidence, thinking God does not know of their sin (v. 11; cf. 94:7). With no cares in the world (cf. 73:4-5, 12) wicked, arrogant people continue to prosper.
73:13-14. Asaph said he was confused over the value of his salvation. He felt that he had cleansed himself in vain (cf. pure in v. 1) because since trusting the Lord he had been plagued and chastened. Like many saints before and after him, Asaph was puzzled that God seemed to prosper the wicked and punish the righteous.
B. Destiny of the wicked and the righteous (73:15-28)
73:15-20. Asaph overcame his doubts by considering the destiny of the wicked. First, he acknowledged the impiety of his former conclusion in view of this consideration. His words are like a confession, for he knew the treachery his words could have been to the congregation (v. 15). The entire conflict was painful (oppressive) to him, till in the sanctuary he understood what will happen to the wicked. God will set them in dangerous (slippery; cf. “slipped” in v. 2) places where they will stumble and fall, be cast . . . down in ruin, and suddenly be destroyed.
When God finally sets things right, the wicked will be like fantasies (a dream), counterfeits of reality. This was the negative aspect of the solution to Asaph’s problem.
73:21-26. The positive aspect of the solution was Asaph’s conviction of his own glorious destiny. He confessed that his perspective had been dulled by brutish ignorance. If he had not been so ignorant, he admitted, his heart would not have been so bitter (vv. 21-22). (Grieved is lit., “grew sour”; embittered is lit., “felt stinging pains.”) His true position was in stark contrast with the wicked, for he knew God was always with him (v. 23) and would guide him wisely (with His counsel) and receive him into glory (v. 24). “Into glory” could also be translated “with glory,” meaning that God would guide him through his troubles so that he would enjoy honor (and not shame; cf. 4:2) in this life. Since “glory” for individuals in the Old Testament seldom meant heavenly glory the psalmist was probably looking for deliverance in his lifetime. This would demonstrate that he was in God’s favor. Of course believers today know from the New Testament that God’s punishment of the wicked and blessing of the righteous extend beyond death.
In addition, Asaph affirmed that God was his only possession in heaven or on the earth. Though Asaph was overwhelmed, God was his Strength (cf. 18:1) and His Portion (cf. 16:5; 119:57; 142:5). Some wicked people prosper materially but only the spiritual “possessions” of the righteous will last.
73:27-28. Asaph concluded that those who are far from God and are unfaithful will be destroyed, but that those who are near God find joy and safety. Though he had nearly slipped in his confidence in God (cf. v. 2) he now was reassured that God was keeping him secure. God was his Refuge (maḥseh, “shelter from danger”; cf. 14:6; 46:1; 61:3; 62:7-8; 71:7; 91:2, 9). Nearness to God always helps believers maintain a balanced perspective on material things and on the wicked.
cf. confer, compare
v. verse
vv. verses
lit. literal, literally
1 Truly God is good to Israel,
to those who are pure in heart.
2 But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled,
my steps had nearly slipped.
3 For I was envious of the arrogant
when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4 For they have no pangs until death;
their bodies are fat and sleek.
5 They are not in trouble as others are;
they are not stricken like the rest of mankind.
6 Therefore pride is their necklace;
violence covers them as a garment.
7 Their eyes swell out through fatness;
their hearts overflow with follies.
8 They scoff and peak with malice;
loftily they threaten oppression.
9 They set their mouths against the heavens,
and their tongue struts through the earth.
10 Therefore his people turn back to them,
and find no fault in them.
11 And they say, “How can God know?
Is there knowledge in the Most High?”
12 Behold, these are the wicked;
always at ease, they increase in riches.
13 All in vain have I kept my heart clean
and washed my hands in innocence.
14 For all the day long I have been stricken
and rebuked every morning.
15 If I had said, “I will speak thus,”
I would have betrayed the generation of your children.
16 But when I thought how to understand this,
it seemed to me a wearisome task,
17 until I went into he sanctuary of God;
then I discerned their end.
18 Truly you set them in slippery places;
you make them fall to ruin.
19 How they are destroyed in a moment,
swept away utterly by terrors!
20 Like a dream when one awakes,
O Lord, when you rouse yourself, you despise them as phantoms.
21 When my soul was embittered,
when I was pricked in heart,
22 I was brutish and ignorant;
I was like a beast toward you.
23 Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
you hold my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will receive me to glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
27 For behold, those who are far from you shall perish;
you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.
28 But for me it is good to be near God;
I have made the Lord God my refuge,
that I may tell of all your works.
III. Book III (Pss. 73-89)
Eleven of the 17 psalms in this section are attributed to Asaph (Pss. 73-83), one to David (Ps. 86), three to the sons of Korah (Pss. 84-85; 87), one to Heman (Ps. 88), and another to Ethan (Ps. 89). Asaph, Heman, and Ethan were Levite musicians in David’s day (1 Chron. 15:17, 19).
Psalm 73
This psalm strikes the same theme as Psalm 49, and thus may be classified as a wisdom psalm or at least may be studied for its wisdom motifs. In it “Asaph” told of the doubts which nearly overwhelmed him when he compared the life of a worldly man with his own. But then he confessed the sinfulness of his thoughts and explained that the contrast in their destinies enabled him to keep a proper perspective.
A. Prosperity of the wicked (73:1-14)
73:1-3. Asaph began this psalm by affirming that though God is good to those in Israel who trust Him and are pure in heart (cf. v. 13), he himself nearly slipped (cf. 94:18) in his confidence in the Lord. The psalmist emphasized his own situation by beginning four verses with the Hebrew expression translated But as for me (73:2, 22-23, 28). His offense was that he was envious of the prosperity of the wicked. Why should the people who oppose God be better off than those who trust Him? This problem was so overwhelming he almost lost faith in God’s goodness.
73:4-12. Asaph explained the prosperity that troubled him. He observed that the wicked do not seem to suffer trouble as other people do (vv. 4-5). They cover themselves with pride and violence (v. 6). Their evil devices are unbounded (v. 7). Their speech is scornful, malicious, and arrogant, as if they owned the earth (vv. 8-9). Many people are carried away by their evil (they turn to them, v. 10) and presumptuous self-confidence, thinking God does not know of their sin (v. 11; cf. 94:7). With no cares in the world (cf. 73:4-5, 12) wicked, arrogant people continue to prosper.
73:13-14. Asaph said he was confused over the value of his salvation. He felt that he had cleansed himself in vain (cf. pure in v. 1) because since trusting the Lord he had been plagued and chastened. Like many saints before and after him, Asaph was puzzled that God seemed to prosper the wicked and punish the righteous.
B. Destiny of the wicked and the righteous (73:15-28)
73:15-20. Asaph overcame his doubts by considering the destiny of the wicked. First, he acknowledged the impiety of his former conclusion in view of this consideration. His words are like a confession, for he knew the treachery his words could have been to the congregation (v. 15). The entire conflict was painful (oppressive) to him, till in the sanctuary he understood what will happen to the wicked. God will set them in dangerous (slippery; cf. “slipped” in v. 2) places where they will stumble and fall, be cast . . . down in ruin, and suddenly be destroyed.
When God finally sets things right, the wicked will be like fantasies (a dream), counterfeits of reality. This was the negative aspect of the solution to Asaph’s problem.
73:21-26. The positive aspect of the solution was Asaph’s conviction of his own glorious destiny. He confessed that his perspective had been dulled by brutish ignorance. If he had not been so ignorant, he admitted, his heart would not have been so bitter (vv. 21-22). (Grieved is lit., “grew sour”; embittered is lit., “felt stinging pains.”) His true position was in stark contrast with the wicked, for he knew God was always with him (v. 23) and would guide him wisely (with His counsel) and receive him into glory (v. 24). “Into glory” could also be translated “with glory,” meaning that God would guide him through his troubles so that he would enjoy honor (and not shame; cf. 4:2) in this life. Since “glory” for individuals in the Old Testament seldom meant heavenly glory the psalmist was probably looking for deliverance in his lifetime. This would demonstrate that he was in God’s favor. Of course believers today know from the New Testament that God’s punishment of the wicked and blessing of the righteous extend beyond death.
In addition, Asaph affirmed that God was his only possession in heaven or on the earth. Though Asaph was overwhelmed, God was his Strength (cf. 18:1) and His Portion (cf. 16:5; 119:57; 142:5). Some wicked people prosper materially but only the spiritual “possessions” of the righteous will last.
73:27-28. Asaph concluded that those who are far from God and are unfaithful will be destroyed, but that those who are near God find joy and safety. Though he had nearly slipped in his confidence in God (cf. v. 2) he now was reassured that God was keeping him secure. God was his Refuge (maḥseh, “shelter from danger”; cf. 14:6; 46:1; 61:3; 62:7-8; 71:7; 91:2, 9). Nearness to God always helps believers maintain a balanced perspective on material things and on the wicked.
cf. confer, compare
v. verse
vv. verses
lit. literal, literally
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Doxologies of the Bible
Ps.41:13 Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen.
Ps.72:18 Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things. 19 And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen.
Ps.89:52 Blessed be the LORD for evermore. Amen, and Amen.
Ps.106:48 Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the LORD.
Ps.150:1 Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. 2 Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. 3 Praise him with the sound of the trumpet : praise him with the psaltery and harp. 4 Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. 5 Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. 6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.
Eph.3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
Jude 24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever.† Amen.
† A Greek word occurs that is not directly translated in the King James Version. Greek Strongs: 165
Ps.72:18 Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things. 19 And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen.
Ps.89:52 Blessed be the LORD for evermore. Amen, and Amen.
Ps.106:48 Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the LORD.
Ps.150:1 Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. 2 Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. 3 Praise him with the sound of the trumpet : praise him with the psaltery and harp. 4 Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. 5 Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. 6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.
Eph.3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
Jude 24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever.† Amen.
† A Greek word occurs that is not directly translated in the King James Version. Greek Strongs: 165
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Words spoken @ Betty’s (my Mom's) grave site
The death of a Saint is always precious in the sight of God:
Ps.116:15 Precious in the sight of the Lord
is the death of his saints.
It is full of
a. Faith. Heb 11:13. These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.
b. Peace. Isa 57:2. …taken away from calamity; he enters into peace; they rest…
c. Hope. Pr 14:32. …the righteous finds refuge in his death.
Sometimes for a saint death is desirable: Simeon, spoke these words revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
Luke 2:29 “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,
according to your word;
30 for my eyes have seen your salvation
31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”
It leads to
a. Rest. Job 3:17; 2Th 1:7. …there the weary are at rest. …to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us
b. Comfort. Lu 16:25. …now he is comforted here,
c. Christ’s presence. 2Co 5:8; Php 1:23. …we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.
d. A crown of life. 2Ti 4:8; Re 2:10. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.
e. A joyful resurrection. Isa 26:19; Da 12:2. Your dead shall live; their bodies shall rise. You who dwell in the dust, awake and sing for joy! For your dew is a dew of light, and the earth will give birth to the dead…. those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake,
Sometimes it is waited for:
Job14:14 If a man dies, shall he live again?
All the days of my service I would wait,
till my relief should come.
Consolation & Encouragement for survivors is always appropriate:
1Thes. 4:13 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. 15 For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.
Ps.116:15 Precious in the sight of the Lord
is the death of his saints.
It is full of
a. Faith. Heb 11:13. These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.
b. Peace. Isa 57:2. …taken away from calamity; he enters into peace; they rest…
c. Hope. Pr 14:32. …the righteous finds refuge in his death.
Sometimes for a saint death is desirable: Simeon, spoke these words revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
Luke 2:29 “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,
according to your word;
30 for my eyes have seen your salvation
31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”
It leads to
a. Rest. Job 3:17; 2Th 1:7. …there the weary are at rest. …to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us
b. Comfort. Lu 16:25. …now he is comforted here,
c. Christ’s presence. 2Co 5:8; Php 1:23. …we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.
d. A crown of life. 2Ti 4:8; Re 2:10. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.
e. A joyful resurrection. Isa 26:19; Da 12:2. Your dead shall live; their bodies shall rise. You who dwell in the dust, awake and sing for joy! For your dew is a dew of light, and the earth will give birth to the dead…. those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake,
Sometimes it is waited for:
Job14:14 If a man dies, shall he live again?
All the days of my service I would wait,
till my relief should come.
Consolation & Encouragement for survivors is always appropriate:
1Thes. 4:13 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. 15 For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Let It Be So!
Father, at times the way of Christ is complex to our “sin–stained” and finite minds. Forgive us for the times we have justified our vanity in the name of a good reputation. O, Lord, grant us, in this brief life, the wisdom and courage to please others, or not to please others, for the sake of Christ alone, and not our own praise. In Jesus’ name, let it be so.
Father in heaven, have mercy on the misery of this world. Forgive us for our part in causing the pain of others. Waken us as never before to the preciousness of your mercy bought by the blood of Christ. Fix our hopes so fully on the joy of heaven, that we become freest of all people on earth. May our everlasting memories of your grace make us glad of all you changed and all you forgave. In Jesus’ name, let it be so.
Gracious Father of light, give us eyes to see Your worth. Heal our blindness. Save us from the deadly disease of seeing the world as worth more than its Maker. Restore the capacity of our hearts to cherish infinite beauty and savor infinite sweetness. Deliver us from the deadening effects of thinking this short life is the main thing. In Jesus’ name, let it be so.
Omnipotent, all-governing Father, not a bird falls to the ground apart from You, and not a hair of our heads turns gray apart from You. Grant that we may know these great truths about You, and that we may speak them with winsome joy. Forgive us for the arrogance of denying them, and for the pride of vaunted self-sufficiency. Make us like children in our daily reliance on You, we pray. In Jesus’ name, let it be so.
Father, deliver us from the self-deception that makes us believe anxiety is mere precaution, and that unfaithful precaution is anything other than cloaked anxiety. O, how devious is the self-protecting soul! Have mercy on us, and make us bold. Free us from fear and from prudential avoidances of love. Make us more eager for the joy of giving than for the security of keeping. In Jesus’ name, let it be so.
Father, I love Your patience towards me. I love it when You describe Yourself as slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. Oh, to be more like You! Have mercy on my easily angered heart! Forgive my many peeves and murmurings. Grant that I would be saturated with grace, and let me show it to others, as I desperately need it for myself. Because of Jesus, let it be so.
Lord, I pray that you would fill us with hope and joy and expectation that You have the power to put Your hand on us, and grant us the will to do what You command. You have made it plain:
We are responsible to do what you tell us to do. But we know that in ourselves we do not have the will to do it. And so we cry with Augustine, “Lord, command what You will, and give what You command.” Leave us not to ourselves. Have mercy. In Jesus’ name, let it be so.
Gracious Father, grant me a lowly spirit of gratitude. Make me feel the preciousness of past grace. Give me an honest memory of mercy. Forgive me for the pride of unremembered gifts of callous thanklessness. Waken faith in my wavering soul and give me strong confidence in your solid promises. Where past and future meet, make me humble and bold. In Jesus’ name, let it be so.
Dear Father, I confess with shame that I am wired to love the praise of man. I know this is sin, and deeply offensive to Your infinite worth and beauty. Forgive me, I pray, and make the truth of Your election and Your faith-awakening gift kill all vanity in me. Set me, O Lord, not to brooding silence, but to boasting in Your glorious name. Through Christ I pray, let it be so.
O Lord, forbid that I would be so foolish as to be a lover of wages more than a lover of undeserved rewards. Make me feel the sweetness of being shown mercy. Work childlikeness deeply into my soul, and make me find my joy and my rest in Your free gift of grace. In Jesus’ name, let it be so.
Yes, Lord, yes! This is our heart’s desire. Forgive us for adrenaline spurts of righteousness. Forgive us for little sprints of holiness. Forgive us for short flashes of noble-minded sacrifice. Build into the fiber of our faith a rugged, resilient, never-say-die perseverance in the cause of truth and love! Make us coronary Christians! In Jesus’ name, let it be so.
Dear God and Creator and Father, I praise You for Your infinitely wise imagination! I bow with wonder at Your power to put in place the universe so full of marvels for our joy. I pray for the grace of imagination, lest I fail to render Your glory for what it really is, most beautiful of all beauties. Through Christ, I pray, let it be so.
Thank You, Lord, for the lives of flawed and faith-filled saints! Thank You for grace, amazing grace that saves and uses sinners! Lord, don’t let us limit Your power by what we see in the mirror. Help us to trust You. Help us, as William Carey said, to expect great things from God and attempt great things for God. We are not great. But You are great. Your power is made perfect in our weakness. We surrender all worldly claims on our lives. Come. Make us useful for the glory of Christ. In Jesus’ name, let it be so.
O Lord, Your ways are not our ways, and Your thoughts are not our thoughts. Yours are unsearchable and often baffling to our finite minds. You have chosen to give Satan freedom to do great damage, when it would be no injustice to him to destroy him now. We bow before Your wisdom. We embrace with Jesus the cross that saves our souls and sends us into battle with faith in the superior beauty and worth of Christ. Go with us. Help us. In His great name, let it be so.
O God, You are all wise and sovereign. Therefore we thank You for keeping in Your hands, not ours, the final determination of which paths are influential for Christ in our lives. We confess our sin and our fallibility. We do not want to run the world. We want You to run it. We rejoice that our best efforts may yield modest fruit. And our most foolish choices may be made the means of great fruit. In Jesus’ name, let it be so.
O Lord of hope, give us the eyes of John Newton and George Herbert. Give us eyes to see the utter unlikeliness of being loved by Christ. Take away the feeling that we deserve happiness. Cause us to be amazed at the wonder of grace. May grumbling and murmuring depart from our lips, O Lord, and make us tender toward sinners. Thank You, Father, for mercy. We cherish Your kindness and long to give to others the way You have given to us. In Jesus’ name, let it be so.
O Lord, this is our heart’s desire: Make us meek, and make us mighty. Give us confidence in the finished work of Christ, and give us humility because we are so far from perfection. Open our eyes to the wonder of what You have already done. And forbid that we would claim more now than is true. We are weak, we are sinful, and we need Your help. Thank You for our permanent acceptance in Christ. Thank You for our daily help from Christ. Thank You for laying hold on us. Now complete the work You have begun. In Jesus’ name, let it be so.
Open the eyes of our hearts, Father, to see precious and limited role of Your Law in bearing the fruit of love in our lives. Lead us into deep and personal union with Jesus. Let this relationship with the living Christ transform our minds and wills so that we want what He wants and hate what He hates. Make us, by this union, radically loving people. In Jesus’ name, we pray, let it be so.
Gracious, all-knowing Father, we praise You for Your infinite wisdom, and for Your wise and holy purposes that govern all You do, and all You permit to be done. We rejoice and take heart from the precious truth that nothing befalls us but by Your loving will toward us Your children. We pray that You will protect Your church from harmful error, and lead Your flock in the path of truth. Expose our idols, O God. And grant us to treasure Christ above all things. In His name we pray, let it be so.
Father, we confess that we are the children, and You are the Father. We are the learners, and You are the Teacher. We are sinful and fallible, You are holy and all-wise. Teach us to measure our thoughts by Yours and not the other way around. Humble us under Your mighty hand. Forbid that we would get angry with You, or criticize You, or be disappointed with You. Make us tremble at such insults. Oh, how deep are Your riches and Your wisdom! How unsearchable Your judgments! How inscrutable Your ways! We praise You! In Jesus’ name, let it be so.
Lord, have mercy on us in our frail and fallible condition. You are very powerful, and grass but we. We flourish and are gone. Grant us grace to trust that You are good in all Your works and all Your ways. May we never doubt Your sovereignty, even in the most painful times? Let the bones, which You have broken rejoice. Though You cause grief, have compassion on us according to Your steadfast love. In Jesus’ name, let it be so.
Yes, Lord, we do take heart from Your New Covenant promises. They are the sweetest ones of all. And from this side of the cross we see that they are all blood bought and secure. Thank You, Father, for sending Jesus Christ to be for us, by His blood, the yes and the AMEN to all Your promises. He is now the great ground of our hope and joy. Don’t let us despair in the battle of this brief life. In Jesus’ name, let it be so.
AMEN, Lord! Grant that we will love Christ above all things. And may we spend our pilgrim life learning to love this world less and heaven more. Put us out of taste with the delicacies of the devil, and give us a liking for the solid joys of Christ. Guard us from the allurements of the lodgings of this journey, and fix our eyes on the end. And so, Father, make us useful to this world, loving, helping, serving here, while leading people up to God. In Jesus’ name, let it be so.
Merciful Father, help us be ready to die well, Teach us how to help each other die! You have shown us that it will not be easy. But, Oh, how many promises You have given to help us say, “To die is gain.” Deliver us from fear. Give us unshakeable hope. Remind us that suffering may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning. Make us feel that this slight momentary affliction, this vapor, is working for us an eternal weight of glory. In Jesus’ name, let it be so.
Father in heaven, we pray that You will work in us the will to fight the suicidal sin that our will desires. We confess that there is a war within us. We grieve over the remnants of our corruption. Help us to set our faces like flint against the desire for anything above Christ. And grant that we would treasure Him above all. In His name we pray, let it be so.
So, Father, open our minds, enlarge our minds, fill our minds, transform our minds, so that we think Your thoughts after You. Incline our hearts to Your word, and not getting gain. Have mercy on us in our foolish additions to things that dull us to the delights of knowing You in Your Word. You have multiplied, O Lord our God, Your wondrous thoughts toward us. Your thoughts are very deep! All praise and honor to You! In Jesus’ name, let it be so.
Father, indeed we do pray for gainsayers, but not for them only, but for ourselves also. We have not seen and savored You as we ought. We have not worshiped You with the white-hot affections that You deserve. We have been lukewarm and half-hearted. Forgive us, O Lord, our merciful God. And lead us now into lasting joy. Enthrall us with Yourself. And break the power of all lesser pleasures. In Jesus’ name, let it be so.
And so, Father, take the swagger out of our indignation. Take self-pity out of our hearts, and presumption from our lips. Make us feel that mercy is our life. Teach us deeply that freely we have received, and freely we must give. Make us brokenhearted, happy, useful sojourners. In His name we pray, let it be so.
Lord, let us never cease to marvel at Your mercy and Your might! These are the twin wonders along with Your wisdom that give us hope when all around our soul gives way. Your mercy, Your might, Your wisdom! You are very great, and we praise You. Strengthen us the way You did Paul by word and, if necessary, by affliction. May Satan’s devices in our lives ever be turned against his evil designs and made to serve Your righteous ones. Grant us always to believe that Your invisible hand rules the world and is ruled by a heart of holy love and perfect wisdom. In Jesus’ name, let it be so.
Come quickly, Lord Jesus! And while You tarry, keep us free from the sin of this world. Oh, make our little lives count for the glory of Your name and for the fame of You Father. Rivet our attention on Your cross, and fuse our affections to Yourself. Waken our compassion for all who suffer, especially those who are rushing toward everlasting misery because of unbelief. So open our mouths and open our hands and open our wallets while we have breath, and make us the most radically loving people on earth, for the joy of all peoples and renown of Your name, AMEN.
Father in heaven, have mercy on the misery of this world. Forgive us for our part in causing the pain of others. Waken us as never before to the preciousness of your mercy bought by the blood of Christ. Fix our hopes so fully on the joy of heaven, that we become freest of all people on earth. May our everlasting memories of your grace make us glad of all you changed and all you forgave. In Jesus’ name, let it be so.
Gracious Father of light, give us eyes to see Your worth. Heal our blindness. Save us from the deadly disease of seeing the world as worth more than its Maker. Restore the capacity of our hearts to cherish infinite beauty and savor infinite sweetness. Deliver us from the deadening effects of thinking this short life is the main thing. In Jesus’ name, let it be so.
Omnipotent, all-governing Father, not a bird falls to the ground apart from You, and not a hair of our heads turns gray apart from You. Grant that we may know these great truths about You, and that we may speak them with winsome joy. Forgive us for the arrogance of denying them, and for the pride of vaunted self-sufficiency. Make us like children in our daily reliance on You, we pray. In Jesus’ name, let it be so.
Father, deliver us from the self-deception that makes us believe anxiety is mere precaution, and that unfaithful precaution is anything other than cloaked anxiety. O, how devious is the self-protecting soul! Have mercy on us, and make us bold. Free us from fear and from prudential avoidances of love. Make us more eager for the joy of giving than for the security of keeping. In Jesus’ name, let it be so.
Father, I love Your patience towards me. I love it when You describe Yourself as slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. Oh, to be more like You! Have mercy on my easily angered heart! Forgive my many peeves and murmurings. Grant that I would be saturated with grace, and let me show it to others, as I desperately need it for myself. Because of Jesus, let it be so.
Lord, I pray that you would fill us with hope and joy and expectation that You have the power to put Your hand on us, and grant us the will to do what You command. You have made it plain:
We are responsible to do what you tell us to do. But we know that in ourselves we do not have the will to do it. And so we cry with Augustine, “Lord, command what You will, and give what You command.” Leave us not to ourselves. Have mercy. In Jesus’ name, let it be so.
Gracious Father, grant me a lowly spirit of gratitude. Make me feel the preciousness of past grace. Give me an honest memory of mercy. Forgive me for the pride of unremembered gifts of callous thanklessness. Waken faith in my wavering soul and give me strong confidence in your solid promises. Where past and future meet, make me humble and bold. In Jesus’ name, let it be so.
Dear Father, I confess with shame that I am wired to love the praise of man. I know this is sin, and deeply offensive to Your infinite worth and beauty. Forgive me, I pray, and make the truth of Your election and Your faith-awakening gift kill all vanity in me. Set me, O Lord, not to brooding silence, but to boasting in Your glorious name. Through Christ I pray, let it be so.
O Lord, forbid that I would be so foolish as to be a lover of wages more than a lover of undeserved rewards. Make me feel the sweetness of being shown mercy. Work childlikeness deeply into my soul, and make me find my joy and my rest in Your free gift of grace. In Jesus’ name, let it be so.
Yes, Lord, yes! This is our heart’s desire. Forgive us for adrenaline spurts of righteousness. Forgive us for little sprints of holiness. Forgive us for short flashes of noble-minded sacrifice. Build into the fiber of our faith a rugged, resilient, never-say-die perseverance in the cause of truth and love! Make us coronary Christians! In Jesus’ name, let it be so.
Dear God and Creator and Father, I praise You for Your infinitely wise imagination! I bow with wonder at Your power to put in place the universe so full of marvels for our joy. I pray for the grace of imagination, lest I fail to render Your glory for what it really is, most beautiful of all beauties. Through Christ, I pray, let it be so.
Thank You, Lord, for the lives of flawed and faith-filled saints! Thank You for grace, amazing grace that saves and uses sinners! Lord, don’t let us limit Your power by what we see in the mirror. Help us to trust You. Help us, as William Carey said, to expect great things from God and attempt great things for God. We are not great. But You are great. Your power is made perfect in our weakness. We surrender all worldly claims on our lives. Come. Make us useful for the glory of Christ. In Jesus’ name, let it be so.
O Lord, Your ways are not our ways, and Your thoughts are not our thoughts. Yours are unsearchable and often baffling to our finite minds. You have chosen to give Satan freedom to do great damage, when it would be no injustice to him to destroy him now. We bow before Your wisdom. We embrace with Jesus the cross that saves our souls and sends us into battle with faith in the superior beauty and worth of Christ. Go with us. Help us. In His great name, let it be so.
O God, You are all wise and sovereign. Therefore we thank You for keeping in Your hands, not ours, the final determination of which paths are influential for Christ in our lives. We confess our sin and our fallibility. We do not want to run the world. We want You to run it. We rejoice that our best efforts may yield modest fruit. And our most foolish choices may be made the means of great fruit. In Jesus’ name, let it be so.
O Lord of hope, give us the eyes of John Newton and George Herbert. Give us eyes to see the utter unlikeliness of being loved by Christ. Take away the feeling that we deserve happiness. Cause us to be amazed at the wonder of grace. May grumbling and murmuring depart from our lips, O Lord, and make us tender toward sinners. Thank You, Father, for mercy. We cherish Your kindness and long to give to others the way You have given to us. In Jesus’ name, let it be so.
O Lord, this is our heart’s desire: Make us meek, and make us mighty. Give us confidence in the finished work of Christ, and give us humility because we are so far from perfection. Open our eyes to the wonder of what You have already done. And forbid that we would claim more now than is true. We are weak, we are sinful, and we need Your help. Thank You for our permanent acceptance in Christ. Thank You for our daily help from Christ. Thank You for laying hold on us. Now complete the work You have begun. In Jesus’ name, let it be so.
Open the eyes of our hearts, Father, to see precious and limited role of Your Law in bearing the fruit of love in our lives. Lead us into deep and personal union with Jesus. Let this relationship with the living Christ transform our minds and wills so that we want what He wants and hate what He hates. Make us, by this union, radically loving people. In Jesus’ name, we pray, let it be so.
Gracious, all-knowing Father, we praise You for Your infinite wisdom, and for Your wise and holy purposes that govern all You do, and all You permit to be done. We rejoice and take heart from the precious truth that nothing befalls us but by Your loving will toward us Your children. We pray that You will protect Your church from harmful error, and lead Your flock in the path of truth. Expose our idols, O God. And grant us to treasure Christ above all things. In His name we pray, let it be so.
Father, we confess that we are the children, and You are the Father. We are the learners, and You are the Teacher. We are sinful and fallible, You are holy and all-wise. Teach us to measure our thoughts by Yours and not the other way around. Humble us under Your mighty hand. Forbid that we would get angry with You, or criticize You, or be disappointed with You. Make us tremble at such insults. Oh, how deep are Your riches and Your wisdom! How unsearchable Your judgments! How inscrutable Your ways! We praise You! In Jesus’ name, let it be so.
Lord, have mercy on us in our frail and fallible condition. You are very powerful, and grass but we. We flourish and are gone. Grant us grace to trust that You are good in all Your works and all Your ways. May we never doubt Your sovereignty, even in the most painful times? Let the bones, which You have broken rejoice. Though You cause grief, have compassion on us according to Your steadfast love. In Jesus’ name, let it be so.
Yes, Lord, we do take heart from Your New Covenant promises. They are the sweetest ones of all. And from this side of the cross we see that they are all blood bought and secure. Thank You, Father, for sending Jesus Christ to be for us, by His blood, the yes and the AMEN to all Your promises. He is now the great ground of our hope and joy. Don’t let us despair in the battle of this brief life. In Jesus’ name, let it be so.
AMEN, Lord! Grant that we will love Christ above all things. And may we spend our pilgrim life learning to love this world less and heaven more. Put us out of taste with the delicacies of the devil, and give us a liking for the solid joys of Christ. Guard us from the allurements of the lodgings of this journey, and fix our eyes on the end. And so, Father, make us useful to this world, loving, helping, serving here, while leading people up to God. In Jesus’ name, let it be so.
Merciful Father, help us be ready to die well, Teach us how to help each other die! You have shown us that it will not be easy. But, Oh, how many promises You have given to help us say, “To die is gain.” Deliver us from fear. Give us unshakeable hope. Remind us that suffering may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning. Make us feel that this slight momentary affliction, this vapor, is working for us an eternal weight of glory. In Jesus’ name, let it be so.
Father in heaven, we pray that You will work in us the will to fight the suicidal sin that our will desires. We confess that there is a war within us. We grieve over the remnants of our corruption. Help us to set our faces like flint against the desire for anything above Christ. And grant that we would treasure Him above all. In His name we pray, let it be so.
So, Father, open our minds, enlarge our minds, fill our minds, transform our minds, so that we think Your thoughts after You. Incline our hearts to Your word, and not getting gain. Have mercy on us in our foolish additions to things that dull us to the delights of knowing You in Your Word. You have multiplied, O Lord our God, Your wondrous thoughts toward us. Your thoughts are very deep! All praise and honor to You! In Jesus’ name, let it be so.
Father, indeed we do pray for gainsayers, but not for them only, but for ourselves also. We have not seen and savored You as we ought. We have not worshiped You with the white-hot affections that You deserve. We have been lukewarm and half-hearted. Forgive us, O Lord, our merciful God. And lead us now into lasting joy. Enthrall us with Yourself. And break the power of all lesser pleasures. In Jesus’ name, let it be so.
And so, Father, take the swagger out of our indignation. Take self-pity out of our hearts, and presumption from our lips. Make us feel that mercy is our life. Teach us deeply that freely we have received, and freely we must give. Make us brokenhearted, happy, useful sojourners. In His name we pray, let it be so.
Lord, let us never cease to marvel at Your mercy and Your might! These are the twin wonders along with Your wisdom that give us hope when all around our soul gives way. Your mercy, Your might, Your wisdom! You are very great, and we praise You. Strengthen us the way You did Paul by word and, if necessary, by affliction. May Satan’s devices in our lives ever be turned against his evil designs and made to serve Your righteous ones. Grant us always to believe that Your invisible hand rules the world and is ruled by a heart of holy love and perfect wisdom. In Jesus’ name, let it be so.
Come quickly, Lord Jesus! And while You tarry, keep us free from the sin of this world. Oh, make our little lives count for the glory of Your name and for the fame of You Father. Rivet our attention on Your cross, and fuse our affections to Yourself. Waken our compassion for all who suffer, especially those who are rushing toward everlasting misery because of unbelief. So open our mouths and open our hands and open our wallets while we have breath, and make us the most radically loving people on earth, for the joy of all peoples and renown of Your name, AMEN.
Four Faithful Sayings
1Tim.1:12And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; 13Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 15This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 16Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. 17Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
1Tim. 4:6If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. 7But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. 8For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. 9This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. 10For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. 11These things command and teach. 12Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 13Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 14Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. 15Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. 16Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
2 Tim.2:8Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: 9Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. 10Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 11It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: 12If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: 13If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
Titus 3:1Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, 2To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. 3For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. 4But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
“It is a faithful saying.”
— 2 Timothy 2:11
Paul has four of these “faithful sayings.” The first occurs in 1 Timothy 1:15, “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” The next is in 1 Timothy 4:6, “Godliness is profitable unto all things, having the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation.” The third is in 2 Timothy 2:12, “It is a faithful saying—If we suffer with him we shall also reign with him”; and the fourth is in Titus 3:8, “This is a faithful saying, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works.” We may trace a connection between these faithful sayings. The first one lays the foundation of our eternal salvation in the free grace of God, as shown to us in the mission of the great Redeemer. The next affirms the double blessedness, which we obtain through this salvation—the blessings of the upper and nether springs—of time and of eternity. The third shows one of the duties to which the chosen people are called; we are ordained to suffer for Christ with the promise that “if we suffer, we shall also reign with him.” The last sets forth the active form of Christian service, bidding us diligently to maintain good works. Thus we have the root of salvation in free grace; next, the privileges of that salvation in the life which now is, and in that which is to come; and we have also the two great branches of suffering with Christ and serving with Christ, loaded with the fruits of the Spirit. Treasure up these faithful sayings. Let them be the guides of our life, our comfort, and our instruction. The apostle of the Gentiles proved them to be faithful, they are faithful still, not one word shall fall to the ground; they are worthy of all acceptation, let us accept them now, and prove their faithfulness. Let these four faithful sayings be written on the four corners of my house.
1Tim. 4:6If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. 7But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. 8For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. 9This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. 10For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. 11These things command and teach. 12Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 13Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 14Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. 15Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. 16Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
2 Tim.2:8Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: 9Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. 10Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 11It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: 12If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: 13If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
Titus 3:1Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, 2To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. 3For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. 4But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
“It is a faithful saying.”
— 2 Timothy 2:11
Paul has four of these “faithful sayings.” The first occurs in 1 Timothy 1:15, “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” The next is in 1 Timothy 4:6, “Godliness is profitable unto all things, having the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation.” The third is in 2 Timothy 2:12, “It is a faithful saying—If we suffer with him we shall also reign with him”; and the fourth is in Titus 3:8, “This is a faithful saying, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works.” We may trace a connection between these faithful sayings. The first one lays the foundation of our eternal salvation in the free grace of God, as shown to us in the mission of the great Redeemer. The next affirms the double blessedness, which we obtain through this salvation—the blessings of the upper and nether springs—of time and of eternity. The third shows one of the duties to which the chosen people are called; we are ordained to suffer for Christ with the promise that “if we suffer, we shall also reign with him.” The last sets forth the active form of Christian service, bidding us diligently to maintain good works. Thus we have the root of salvation in free grace; next, the privileges of that salvation in the life which now is, and in that which is to come; and we have also the two great branches of suffering with Christ and serving with Christ, loaded with the fruits of the Spirit. Treasure up these faithful sayings. Let them be the guides of our life, our comfort, and our instruction. The apostle of the Gentiles proved them to be faithful, they are faithful still, not one word shall fall to the ground; they are worthy of all acceptation, let us accept them now, and prove their faithfulness. Let these four faithful sayings be written on the four corners of my house.
The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards (1722-1723)
Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God's help, I do humbly entreat him by his grace to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to his will, for Christ's sake. Remember to read over these Resolutions once a week.
1. Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God's glory, and my own good, profit and pleasure, in the whole of my duration, without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriad's of ages hence. Resolved to do whatever I think to be my duty and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved to do this, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many and how great soever. 2. Resolved, to be continually endeavoring to find out some new invention and contrivance to promote the aforementioned things. 3. Resolved, if ever I shall fall and grow dull, so as to neglect to keep any part of these Resolutions, to repent of all I can remember, when I come to myself again. 4. Resolved, never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God; nor be, nor suffer it, if I can avoid it. 5. Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can. 6. Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live. 7. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life. 8. Resolved, to act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God. 9. Resolved, to think much on all occasions of my own dying, and of the common circumstances, which attend death. 10. Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell. 11. Resolved, when I think of any theorem in divinity to be solved, immediately to do what I can towards solving it, if circumstances don't hinder. 12. Resolved, if I take delight in it as a gratification of pride, or vanity, or on any such account, immediately to throw it by. 13. Resolved, to be endeavoring to find out fit objects of charity and liberality. 14. Resolved, never to do anything out of revenge. 15. Resolved, never to suffer the least motions of anger to irrational beings. 16. Resolved, never to speak evil of anyone, so that it shall tend to his dishonor, more or less, upon no account except for some real good. 17. Resolved, that I will live so as I shall wish I had done when I come to die. 18. Resolved, to live so at all times, as I think is best in my devout frames, and when I have clearest notions of things of the gospel, and another world. 19. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if I expected it would not be above an hour, before I should hear the last trump. 20. Resolved, to maintain the strictest temperance in eating and drinking. 21. Resolved, never to do anything, which if I should see in another, I should count a just occasion to despise him for, or to think any way the more meanly of him.
(Resolutions 1 through 21 written in on setting in New Haven in 1722)
22. Resolved, to endeavor to obtain for myself as much happiness, in the other world, as I possibly can, with all the power; might, vigor, and vehemence, yea violence, I am capable of, or can bring myself to exert, in any way that can be thought of. 23. Resolved, frequently to take some deliberate action, which seems most unlikely to be done, for the glory of God, and trace it back to the original intention, designs and ends of it; and if I find it not to be for God's glory, to repute it as a breach of the 4th Resolution. 24. Resolved, whenever I do any conspicuously evil action, to trace it back, till I come to the original cause; and then both carefully endeavor to do so no more, and to fight and pray with all my might against the original of it. 25. Resolved, to examine carefully, and constantly, what that one thing in me is, which causes me in the least to doubt of the love of God; and to direct all my forces against it. 26. Resolved, to east away such things, as I find do abate my assurance. 27. Resolved, never willfully to omit anything, except the omission be for the glory of God; and frequently to examine my omissions. 28. Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same. 29. Resolved, never to count that a prayer, nor to let that pass as a prayer, nor that as a petition of a prayer, which is so made, that I cannot hope that God will answer it; nor that as a confession, which I cannot hope God will accept. 30. Resolved, to strive to my utmost every week to be brought higher in religion, and to a higher exercise of grace, than I was the week before. 31. Resolved, never to say anything at all against anybody, but when it is perfectly agreeable to the highest degree of Christian honor, and of love to mankind, agreeable to the lowest humility, and sense of my own faults and failings, and agreeable to the golden rule; often, when I have said anything against anyone, to bring it to, and try it strictly by the test of this Resolution. 32. Resolved, to be strictly and firmly faithful to my trust, that that in Prov. 20:6, "A faithful man who can find?" may not be partly fulfilled in me. 33. Resolved, always to do what I can towards making, maintaining, establishing and preserving peace, when it can be without over-balancing detriment in other respects. Dec.26, 1722. 34. Resolved, in narration's never to speak anything but the pure and simple verity. 35. Resolved, whenever I so much question whether I have done my duty, as that my quiet and calm is thereby disturbed, to set it down, and also how the question was resolved. Dec. 18, 1722. 36. Resolved, never to speak evil of any, except I have some particular good call for it. Dec. 19, 1722. 37. Resolved, to inquire every night, as I am going to bed, wherein I have been negligent, what sin I have committed, and wherein I have denied myself: also at the end of every week, month and year. Dec.22 and 26, 1722. 38. Resolved, never to speak anything that is ridiculous, sportive, or matter of laughter on the Lord's day. Sabbath evening, Dec. 23, 1722. 39. Resolved, never to do anything that I so much question the lawfulness of, as that I intend, at the same time, to consider and examine afterwards, whether it be lawful or no; except I as much question the lawfulness of the omission.
40. Resolved, to inquire every night, before I go to bed, whether I have acted in the best way I possibly could, with respect to eating and drinking. Jan. 7, 1723. 41. Resolved, to ask myself at the end of every day, week, month and year, wherein I could possibly in any respect have done better. Jan. 11, 1723. 42. Resolved, frequently to renew the dedication of myself to God, which was made at my baptism; which I solemnly renewed, when I was received into the communion of the church; and which I have solemnly re-made this twelfth day of January, 1722-23. 43. Resolved, never henceforward, till I die, to act as if I were any way my own, but entirely and altogether God's, agreeable to what is to be found in Saturday, January 12. Jan.12, 1723. 44- Resolved, that no other end but religion, shall have any influence at all on any of my actions; and that no action shall be, in the least circumstance, any otherwise than the religious end will carry it. Jan.12, 1723. 45. Resolved, never to allow any pleasure or grief, joy or sorrow, nor any affection at all, nor any degree of affection, nor any circumstance relating to it, but what helps religion. Jan.12 and 13.1723. 46. Resolved, never to allow the least measure of any fretting uneasiness at my father or mother. Resolved to suffer no effects of it, so much as in the least alteration of speech, or motion of my eve: and to be especially careful of it, with respect to any of our family. 47. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to deny whatever is not most agreeable to a good, and universally sweet and benevolent, quiet, peace_able, contented, easy, compassionate, generous, humble, meek, modest, submissive, obliging, diligent and industrious, charitable, even, patient, moderate, forgiving, sincere temper; and to do at all times what such a temper would lead me to. Examine strictly every week, whether I have done so. Sabbath morning. May 5,1723. 48. Resolved, constantly, with the utmost niceness and diligence, and the strictest scrutiny, to be looking into the state of my soul, that I may know whether I have truly an interest in Christ or no; that when I come to die, I may not have any negligence respecting this to repent of. May 26, 1723. 49. Resolved, that this never shall be, if I can help it. 50. Resolved, I will act so as I think I shall judge would have been best, and most prudent, when I come into the future world. July 5, 1723. 51. Resolved, that I will act so, in every respect, as I think I shall wish I had done, if I should at last be damned. July 8, 1723. 52. I frequently hear persons in old age say how they would live, if they were to live their lives over again: Resolved, that I will live just so as I can think I shall wish I had done, supposing I live to old age. July 8, 1723. 53. Resolved, to improve every opportunity, when I am in the best and happiest frame of mind, to cast and venture my soul on the Lord Jesus Christ, to trust and confide in him, and consecrate myself wholly to him; that from this I may have assurance of my safety, knowing that I confide in my Redeemer. July 8, 1723. 54. Whenever I hear anything spoken in conversation of any person, if I think it would be praiseworthy in me, Resolved to endeavor to imitate it. July 8, 1723. 55. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to act as I can think I should do, if I had already seen the happiness of heaven, and hell torments. July 8, 1723. 56. Resolved, never to give over, nor in the least to slacken my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be. 57. Resolved, when I fear misfortunes and adversities, to examine whether ~ have done my duty, and resolve to do it; and let it be just as providence orders it, I will as far as I can, be concerned about nothing but my duty and my sin. June 9, and July 13 1723.
58. Resolved, not only to refrain from an air of dislike, fretfulness, and anger in conversation, but to exhibit an air of love, cheerfulness and benignity. May27, and July 13, 1723. 59. Resolved, when I am most conscious of provocations to ill nature and anger, that I will strive most to feel and act good-naturedly; yea, at such times, to manifest good nature, though I think that in other respects it would be disadvantageous, and so as would be imprudent at other times. May 12, July ii, and July 13. 60. Resolved, whenever my feelings begin to appear in the least out of order, when I am conscious of the least uneasiness within, or the least irregularity without, I will then subject myself to the strictest examination. July 4, and 13, 1723. 61. Resolved, that I will not give way to that listlessness which I find unbends and relaxes my mind from being fully and fixedly set on religion, whatever excuse I may have for it-that what my listlessness inclines me to do, is best to be done, etc. May 21, and July 13, 1723. 62. Resolved, never to do anything but duty; and then according to Eph. 6:6-8, do it willingly and cheerfully as unto the Lord, and not to man; "knowing that whatever good thing any man doth, the same shall he receive of the Lord." June 25 and July 13, 1723. 63. On the supposition, that there never was to be but one individual in the world, at any one time, who was properly a complete Christian, in all respects of a right stamp, having Christianity always shining in its true luster, and appearing excellent and lovely, from whatever part and under whatever character viewed: Resolved, to act just as I would do, if I strove with all my might to be that one, who should live in my time. Jan.14' and July '3' 1723. 64. Resolved, when I find those "groanings which cannot be uttered" (Rom. 8:26), of which the Apostle speaks, and those "breakings of soul for the longing it hath," of which the Psalmist speaks, Psalm 119:20, that I will promote them to the utmost of my power, and that I will not be wear', of earnestly endeavoring to vent my desires, nor of the repetitions of such earnestness. July 23, and August 10, 1723. 65. Resolved, very much to exercise myself in this all my life long, viz. with the greatest openness I am capable of, to declare my ways to God, and lay open my soul to him: all my sins, temptations, difficulties, sorrows, fears, hopes, desires, and every thing, and every circumstance; according to Dr. Manton's 27th Sermon on Psalm 119. July 26, and Aug.10 1723. 66. Resolved, that I will endeavor always to keep a benign aspect, and air of acting and speaking in all places, and in all companies, except it should so happen that duty requires otherwise. 67. Resolved, after afflictions, to inquire, what I am the better for them, what good I have got by them, and what I might have got by them. 68. Resolved, to confess frankly to myself all that which I find in myself, either infirmity or sin; and, if it be what concerns religion, also to confess the whole case to God, and implore needed help. July 23, and August 10, 1723. 69. Resolved, always to do that, which I shall wish I had done when I see others do it. Aug. 11, 1723.70. Let there be something of benevolence, in all that I speak. Aug. 17, 1723
1. Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God's glory, and my own good, profit and pleasure, in the whole of my duration, without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriad's of ages hence. Resolved to do whatever I think to be my duty and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved to do this, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many and how great soever. 2. Resolved, to be continually endeavoring to find out some new invention and contrivance to promote the aforementioned things. 3. Resolved, if ever I shall fall and grow dull, so as to neglect to keep any part of these Resolutions, to repent of all I can remember, when I come to myself again. 4. Resolved, never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God; nor be, nor suffer it, if I can avoid it. 5. Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can. 6. Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live. 7. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life. 8. Resolved, to act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God. 9. Resolved, to think much on all occasions of my own dying, and of the common circumstances, which attend death. 10. Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell. 11. Resolved, when I think of any theorem in divinity to be solved, immediately to do what I can towards solving it, if circumstances don't hinder. 12. Resolved, if I take delight in it as a gratification of pride, or vanity, or on any such account, immediately to throw it by. 13. Resolved, to be endeavoring to find out fit objects of charity and liberality. 14. Resolved, never to do anything out of revenge. 15. Resolved, never to suffer the least motions of anger to irrational beings. 16. Resolved, never to speak evil of anyone, so that it shall tend to his dishonor, more or less, upon no account except for some real good. 17. Resolved, that I will live so as I shall wish I had done when I come to die. 18. Resolved, to live so at all times, as I think is best in my devout frames, and when I have clearest notions of things of the gospel, and another world. 19. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if I expected it would not be above an hour, before I should hear the last trump. 20. Resolved, to maintain the strictest temperance in eating and drinking. 21. Resolved, never to do anything, which if I should see in another, I should count a just occasion to despise him for, or to think any way the more meanly of him.
(Resolutions 1 through 21 written in on setting in New Haven in 1722)
22. Resolved, to endeavor to obtain for myself as much happiness, in the other world, as I possibly can, with all the power; might, vigor, and vehemence, yea violence, I am capable of, or can bring myself to exert, in any way that can be thought of. 23. Resolved, frequently to take some deliberate action, which seems most unlikely to be done, for the glory of God, and trace it back to the original intention, designs and ends of it; and if I find it not to be for God's glory, to repute it as a breach of the 4th Resolution. 24. Resolved, whenever I do any conspicuously evil action, to trace it back, till I come to the original cause; and then both carefully endeavor to do so no more, and to fight and pray with all my might against the original of it. 25. Resolved, to examine carefully, and constantly, what that one thing in me is, which causes me in the least to doubt of the love of God; and to direct all my forces against it. 26. Resolved, to east away such things, as I find do abate my assurance. 27. Resolved, never willfully to omit anything, except the omission be for the glory of God; and frequently to examine my omissions. 28. Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same. 29. Resolved, never to count that a prayer, nor to let that pass as a prayer, nor that as a petition of a prayer, which is so made, that I cannot hope that God will answer it; nor that as a confession, which I cannot hope God will accept. 30. Resolved, to strive to my utmost every week to be brought higher in religion, and to a higher exercise of grace, than I was the week before. 31. Resolved, never to say anything at all against anybody, but when it is perfectly agreeable to the highest degree of Christian honor, and of love to mankind, agreeable to the lowest humility, and sense of my own faults and failings, and agreeable to the golden rule; often, when I have said anything against anyone, to bring it to, and try it strictly by the test of this Resolution. 32. Resolved, to be strictly and firmly faithful to my trust, that that in Prov. 20:6, "A faithful man who can find?" may not be partly fulfilled in me. 33. Resolved, always to do what I can towards making, maintaining, establishing and preserving peace, when it can be without over-balancing detriment in other respects. Dec.26, 1722. 34. Resolved, in narration's never to speak anything but the pure and simple verity. 35. Resolved, whenever I so much question whether I have done my duty, as that my quiet and calm is thereby disturbed, to set it down, and also how the question was resolved. Dec. 18, 1722. 36. Resolved, never to speak evil of any, except I have some particular good call for it. Dec. 19, 1722. 37. Resolved, to inquire every night, as I am going to bed, wherein I have been negligent, what sin I have committed, and wherein I have denied myself: also at the end of every week, month and year. Dec.22 and 26, 1722. 38. Resolved, never to speak anything that is ridiculous, sportive, or matter of laughter on the Lord's day. Sabbath evening, Dec. 23, 1722. 39. Resolved, never to do anything that I so much question the lawfulness of, as that I intend, at the same time, to consider and examine afterwards, whether it be lawful or no; except I as much question the lawfulness of the omission.
40. Resolved, to inquire every night, before I go to bed, whether I have acted in the best way I possibly could, with respect to eating and drinking. Jan. 7, 1723. 41. Resolved, to ask myself at the end of every day, week, month and year, wherein I could possibly in any respect have done better. Jan. 11, 1723. 42. Resolved, frequently to renew the dedication of myself to God, which was made at my baptism; which I solemnly renewed, when I was received into the communion of the church; and which I have solemnly re-made this twelfth day of January, 1722-23. 43. Resolved, never henceforward, till I die, to act as if I were any way my own, but entirely and altogether God's, agreeable to what is to be found in Saturday, January 12. Jan.12, 1723. 44- Resolved, that no other end but religion, shall have any influence at all on any of my actions; and that no action shall be, in the least circumstance, any otherwise than the religious end will carry it. Jan.12, 1723. 45. Resolved, never to allow any pleasure or grief, joy or sorrow, nor any affection at all, nor any degree of affection, nor any circumstance relating to it, but what helps religion. Jan.12 and 13.1723. 46. Resolved, never to allow the least measure of any fretting uneasiness at my father or mother. Resolved to suffer no effects of it, so much as in the least alteration of speech, or motion of my eve: and to be especially careful of it, with respect to any of our family. 47. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to deny whatever is not most agreeable to a good, and universally sweet and benevolent, quiet, peace_able, contented, easy, compassionate, generous, humble, meek, modest, submissive, obliging, diligent and industrious, charitable, even, patient, moderate, forgiving, sincere temper; and to do at all times what such a temper would lead me to. Examine strictly every week, whether I have done so. Sabbath morning. May 5,1723. 48. Resolved, constantly, with the utmost niceness and diligence, and the strictest scrutiny, to be looking into the state of my soul, that I may know whether I have truly an interest in Christ or no; that when I come to die, I may not have any negligence respecting this to repent of. May 26, 1723. 49. Resolved, that this never shall be, if I can help it. 50. Resolved, I will act so as I think I shall judge would have been best, and most prudent, when I come into the future world. July 5, 1723. 51. Resolved, that I will act so, in every respect, as I think I shall wish I had done, if I should at last be damned. July 8, 1723. 52. I frequently hear persons in old age say how they would live, if they were to live their lives over again: Resolved, that I will live just so as I can think I shall wish I had done, supposing I live to old age. July 8, 1723. 53. Resolved, to improve every opportunity, when I am in the best and happiest frame of mind, to cast and venture my soul on the Lord Jesus Christ, to trust and confide in him, and consecrate myself wholly to him; that from this I may have assurance of my safety, knowing that I confide in my Redeemer. July 8, 1723. 54. Whenever I hear anything spoken in conversation of any person, if I think it would be praiseworthy in me, Resolved to endeavor to imitate it. July 8, 1723. 55. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to act as I can think I should do, if I had already seen the happiness of heaven, and hell torments. July 8, 1723. 56. Resolved, never to give over, nor in the least to slacken my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be. 57. Resolved, when I fear misfortunes and adversities, to examine whether ~ have done my duty, and resolve to do it; and let it be just as providence orders it, I will as far as I can, be concerned about nothing but my duty and my sin. June 9, and July 13 1723.
58. Resolved, not only to refrain from an air of dislike, fretfulness, and anger in conversation, but to exhibit an air of love, cheerfulness and benignity. May27, and July 13, 1723. 59. Resolved, when I am most conscious of provocations to ill nature and anger, that I will strive most to feel and act good-naturedly; yea, at such times, to manifest good nature, though I think that in other respects it would be disadvantageous, and so as would be imprudent at other times. May 12, July ii, and July 13. 60. Resolved, whenever my feelings begin to appear in the least out of order, when I am conscious of the least uneasiness within, or the least irregularity without, I will then subject myself to the strictest examination. July 4, and 13, 1723. 61. Resolved, that I will not give way to that listlessness which I find unbends and relaxes my mind from being fully and fixedly set on religion, whatever excuse I may have for it-that what my listlessness inclines me to do, is best to be done, etc. May 21, and July 13, 1723. 62. Resolved, never to do anything but duty; and then according to Eph. 6:6-8, do it willingly and cheerfully as unto the Lord, and not to man; "knowing that whatever good thing any man doth, the same shall he receive of the Lord." June 25 and July 13, 1723. 63. On the supposition, that there never was to be but one individual in the world, at any one time, who was properly a complete Christian, in all respects of a right stamp, having Christianity always shining in its true luster, and appearing excellent and lovely, from whatever part and under whatever character viewed: Resolved, to act just as I would do, if I strove with all my might to be that one, who should live in my time. Jan.14' and July '3' 1723. 64. Resolved, when I find those "groanings which cannot be uttered" (Rom. 8:26), of which the Apostle speaks, and those "breakings of soul for the longing it hath," of which the Psalmist speaks, Psalm 119:20, that I will promote them to the utmost of my power, and that I will not be wear', of earnestly endeavoring to vent my desires, nor of the repetitions of such earnestness. July 23, and August 10, 1723. 65. Resolved, very much to exercise myself in this all my life long, viz. with the greatest openness I am capable of, to declare my ways to God, and lay open my soul to him: all my sins, temptations, difficulties, sorrows, fears, hopes, desires, and every thing, and every circumstance; according to Dr. Manton's 27th Sermon on Psalm 119. July 26, and Aug.10 1723. 66. Resolved, that I will endeavor always to keep a benign aspect, and air of acting and speaking in all places, and in all companies, except it should so happen that duty requires otherwise. 67. Resolved, after afflictions, to inquire, what I am the better for them, what good I have got by them, and what I might have got by them. 68. Resolved, to confess frankly to myself all that which I find in myself, either infirmity or sin; and, if it be what concerns religion, also to confess the whole case to God, and implore needed help. July 23, and August 10, 1723. 69. Resolved, always to do that, which I shall wish I had done when I see others do it. Aug. 11, 1723.70. Let there be something of benevolence, in all that I speak. Aug. 17, 1723
Thursday, August 20, 2009
A TEACHER'S PRAYER
Dear God,
Enable me to teach with wisdom, for I help to shape the mind.
Equip me to teach with truth, for I help to shape the conscience.
Encourage me to teach with vision, for I help to shape the future.
Empower me to teach with love, for I help to shape the world.
Amen.
Enable me to teach with wisdom, for I help to shape the mind.
Equip me to teach with truth, for I help to shape the conscience.
Encourage me to teach with vision, for I help to shape the future.
Empower me to teach with love, for I help to shape the world.
Amen.
I Pray for My Pastors
23And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. 25Brethren, pray for us. 26Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss. 27I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. 28The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
[The first epistle to the Thessalonians was written from Athens.] [1]
“Brethren, pray for us.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:25
This one morning in the year we reserved to refresh the reader’s memory upon the subject of prayer for ministers, and we do most earnestly implore every Christian household to grant the fervent request of the text first uttered by an apostle and now repeated by us. Brethren, our work is solemnly momentous, involving weal or woe to thousands; we treat with souls for God on eternal business, and our word is either a savour of life unto life, or of death unto death. A very heavy responsibility rests upon us, and it will be no small mercy if at the last we be found clear of the blood of all men. As officers in Christ’s army, we are the especial mark of the enmity of men and devils; they watch for our halting, and labour to take us by the heels. Our sacred calling involves us in temptations from which you are exempt, above all it too often draws us away from our personal enjoyment of truth into a ministerial and official consideration of it. We meet with many knotty cases, and our wits are at a non plus; we observe very sad backslidings, and our hearts are wounded; we see millions perishing, and our spirits sink. We wish to profit you by our preaching; we desire to be blest to your children; we long to be useful both to saints and sinners; therefore, dear friends, intercede for us with our God. Miserable men are we if we miss the aid of your prayers, but happy are we if we live in your supplications. You do not look to us but to our Master for spiritual blessings, and yet how many times has He given those blessings through His ministers; ask then, again and again, that we may be the earthen vessels into which the Lord may put the treasure of the gospel. We, the whole company of missionaries, ministers, city missionaries, and students, do in the name of Jesus beseech you
“Brethren, pray for us.”[2]
[1]The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.
[2]Spurgeon, Charles H., Morning and Evening, (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.) 1995.
[The first epistle to the Thessalonians was written from Athens.] [1]
“Brethren, pray for us.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:25
This one morning in the year we reserved to refresh the reader’s memory upon the subject of prayer for ministers, and we do most earnestly implore every Christian household to grant the fervent request of the text first uttered by an apostle and now repeated by us. Brethren, our work is solemnly momentous, involving weal or woe to thousands; we treat with souls for God on eternal business, and our word is either a savour of life unto life, or of death unto death. A very heavy responsibility rests upon us, and it will be no small mercy if at the last we be found clear of the blood of all men. As officers in Christ’s army, we are the especial mark of the enmity of men and devils; they watch for our halting, and labour to take us by the heels. Our sacred calling involves us in temptations from which you are exempt, above all it too often draws us away from our personal enjoyment of truth into a ministerial and official consideration of it. We meet with many knotty cases, and our wits are at a non plus; we observe very sad backslidings, and our hearts are wounded; we see millions perishing, and our spirits sink. We wish to profit you by our preaching; we desire to be blest to your children; we long to be useful both to saints and sinners; therefore, dear friends, intercede for us with our God. Miserable men are we if we miss the aid of your prayers, but happy are we if we live in your supplications. You do not look to us but to our Master for spiritual blessings, and yet how many times has He given those blessings through His ministers; ask then, again and again, that we may be the earthen vessels into which the Lord may put the treasure of the gospel. We, the whole company of missionaries, ministers, city missionaries, and students, do in the name of Jesus beseech you
“Brethren, pray for us.”[2]
[1]The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.
[2]Spurgeon, Charles H., Morning and Evening, (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.) 1995.
John Piper defines what a good teacher is...
· A good teacher asks himself the hardest questions, works through to answers, and then frames provocative questions for his learners to stimulate their thinking.
· A good teacher analyzes his subject matter into parts and sees relationships and discovers the unity of the whole.
· A good teacher knows the problems learners will have with his subject matter and encourages them and gets them over the humps of discouragement.
· A good teacher foresees objections and thinks them through so that he can answer them intelligently.
· A good teacher can put himself in the place of a variety of learners and therefore explain hard things in terms that are clear from their standpoint.
· A good teacher is concrete, not abstract, specific, not general, precise, not vague, vulnerable, and not evasive.
· A good teacher always asks, "So what?" and tries to see how discoveries shape our whole system of thought. He tries to relate discoveries to life and tries to avoid compartmentalizing.
· The goal of a good teacher is the transformation of all of life and thought into a Christ-honoring unity.
· A good teacher analyzes his subject matter into parts and sees relationships and discovers the unity of the whole.
· A good teacher knows the problems learners will have with his subject matter and encourages them and gets them over the humps of discouragement.
· A good teacher foresees objections and thinks them through so that he can answer them intelligently.
· A good teacher can put himself in the place of a variety of learners and therefore explain hard things in terms that are clear from their standpoint.
· A good teacher is concrete, not abstract, specific, not general, precise, not vague, vulnerable, and not evasive.
· A good teacher always asks, "So what?" and tries to see how discoveries shape our whole system of thought. He tries to relate discoveries to life and tries to avoid compartmentalizing.
· The goal of a good teacher is the transformation of all of life and thought into a Christ-honoring unity.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Monday Evening: Bounty
Great and only Potentate, You have made summer and winter, day and night; each of these revolutions serves our welfare and is full of Your care and kindness.
Your bounty is seen in the relations that train us, the laws that defend us, the homes that shelter us, the food that builds us, the raiment that comforts us, the continuance of our health, members, senses, understanding, memory, affection, will.
But as stars fade before the rising sun, You have eclipsed all these benefits in the wisdom and grace that purposed redemption by Jesus, Your Son.
Blessed be Your mercy that laid help on one that is mighty and willing, one that is able to save to the uttermost.
Make us deeply sensible of our need of His saving grace, of the blood that cleanses, of the rest He has promised.
And impute to us that righteousness which justifies the guilty, gives them a title to eternal life, and possession of the Spirit, May we love the freeness of salvation, and joy in its holiness, Give us faith to grasp Thy promises, that are our hope, provide for every exigency, (particular situation) and prevent every evil;
Keep our hearts from straying after forbidden pleasures;
May Your will bind all our wishes; Let us live out of the world as to its spirit, maxim, manners, but live in it as the sphere of our action and usefulness;
May we be alive to every call of duty, accepting without question You determination of our circumstances and our service. Amen.
Your bounty is seen in the relations that train us, the laws that defend us, the homes that shelter us, the food that builds us, the raiment that comforts us, the continuance of our health, members, senses, understanding, memory, affection, will.
But as stars fade before the rising sun, You have eclipsed all these benefits in the wisdom and grace that purposed redemption by Jesus, Your Son.
Blessed be Your mercy that laid help on one that is mighty and willing, one that is able to save to the uttermost.
Make us deeply sensible of our need of His saving grace, of the blood that cleanses, of the rest He has promised.
And impute to us that righteousness which justifies the guilty, gives them a title to eternal life, and possession of the Spirit, May we love the freeness of salvation, and joy in its holiness, Give us faith to grasp Thy promises, that are our hope, provide for every exigency, (particular situation) and prevent every evil;
Keep our hearts from straying after forbidden pleasures;
May Your will bind all our wishes; Let us live out of the world as to its spirit, maxim, manners, but live in it as the sphere of our action and usefulness;
May we be alive to every call of duty, accepting without question You determination of our circumstances and our service. Amen.
Monday Morning: God Over All
O God All Sufficient, You have made and uphold all things by the word of Your power, darkness is Your pavilion, You walk on the wings of the wind; all nations are nothing before You; one generation succeeds another, and we hasten back to dust; the heavens we behold will vanish away like the clouds that cover them, the earth we tread on will dissolve as a morning dream;
But You are, unchangeable and incorruptible, forever and ever, God over all, blessed eternally.
Infinitely great and glorious are You.
We are Your offspring and Your care.
Your hands have made and fashioned us.
You have watched over us with more than parental love, more than maternal tenderness.
You hold our soul in life, and not suffered our feet to be moved.
Your divine power has given us all things necessary for life and godliness.
Let us bless You at all times and forget not how You have forgiven our iniquities, healed our diseases, redeemed our lives from destruction, crowned us with loving-kindness and tender mercies, satisfied our mouths with good things, renewed our youth like the eagle’s.
May Your Holy Scriptures govern every part of our lives, and regulate the discharge of all our duties, so that we may adorn Your doctrine in all things. Amen.
But You are, unchangeable and incorruptible, forever and ever, God over all, blessed eternally.
Infinitely great and glorious are You.
We are Your offspring and Your care.
Your hands have made and fashioned us.
You have watched over us with more than parental love, more than maternal tenderness.
You hold our soul in life, and not suffered our feet to be moved.
Your divine power has given us all things necessary for life and godliness.
Let us bless You at all times and forget not how You have forgiven our iniquities, healed our diseases, redeemed our lives from destruction, crowned us with loving-kindness and tender mercies, satisfied our mouths with good things, renewed our youth like the eagle’s.
May Your Holy Scriptures govern every part of our lives, and regulate the discharge of all our duties, so that we may adorn Your doctrine in all things. Amen.
Tuesday Evening: Before Sleep
God of All Sovereignty,
Your greatness is unsearchable, Your name most majestic, Your glory above the heavens;
Ten thousand ministers to You, ten thousand times ten thousand stand before You;
In Your awful presence we are less than nothing.
We do not approach You because we deserve Your notice, for we are sinners;
Our necessities compel us, our broken hearts incite us, The Mediator draws us, Your acceptance of the others moves us.
Look upon us and be merciful unto us;
Give us faith to believe, and, believing, to have life in Jesus;
May we enter into His sufferings?
Let us see Your hand in the instruments of our grief, rejoicing that they are from Your over-ruling providence.
Let not our weeping hinder sowing; nor sorrow, duty.
While living in a world of change let us seek the abiding city.
Be with us to our journey’s end that we may glorify You in death as in life.
We bless You for preservation, supplies, mercies, and to You, keeper of souls, we commit all we are and have.
May not evil befall us, nor sickness come nigh us, no horror disturb us!
May our conscience be clear, our hearts pure, and our sleep sweet!
And with the innumerable company, who neither slumber nor rest we join in ascribing blessing, honor, glory, and power to the Lamb upon the throne, for ever and ever.
Your greatness is unsearchable, Your name most majestic, Your glory above the heavens;
Ten thousand ministers to You, ten thousand times ten thousand stand before You;
In Your awful presence we are less than nothing.
We do not approach You because we deserve Your notice, for we are sinners;
Our necessities compel us, our broken hearts incite us, The Mediator draws us, Your acceptance of the others moves us.
Look upon us and be merciful unto us;
Give us faith to believe, and, believing, to have life in Jesus;
May we enter into His sufferings?
Let us see Your hand in the instruments of our grief, rejoicing that they are from Your over-ruling providence.
Let not our weeping hinder sowing; nor sorrow, duty.
While living in a world of change let us seek the abiding city.
Be with us to our journey’s end that we may glorify You in death as in life.
We bless You for preservation, supplies, mercies, and to You, keeper of souls, we commit all we are and have.
May not evil befall us, nor sickness come nigh us, no horror disturb us!
May our conscience be clear, our hearts pure, and our sleep sweet!
And with the innumerable company, who neither slumber nor rest we join in ascribing blessing, honor, glory, and power to the Lamb upon the throne, for ever and ever.
Tuesday Morning: God Creator and Controller
Most High God,
The universe with all its myriad creatures belongs to You, made by Your Word, upheld by Your power, governed by Your will.
But You are also the Father of mercies, the God of all grace, the bestower of all comfort, the protector of the saved.
You have been mindful of us, have visited us, preserved us, given us a goodly heritage- the Holy Scriptures, the joyful gospel, the Saviour of souls,
We come to You in Jesus’ name, making mention of His righteousness only, pleading His obedience and sufferings Who magnified the law both in its precepts and penalty, and made it honorable.
May we be justified by His blood, saved by His life, joined to His Spirit.
Let us take up His cross and follow Him.
May the agency of Your grace prepare us for Your dispensations.
Make us willing that You should choose our inheritance and determine what we shall retain or lose, suffer or enjoy;
If blessed with prosperity may we be free from its snares, and use, not abuse its advantages;
May we patiently and cheerfully submit to those afflictions which are necessary.
When we are tempted to wander, hedge up our way, excite in us abhorrence of sin, wean us from the present evil world,
Assure us that we shall at last enter Immanuel’s land where none is ever sick, and the sun will always shine. Please let this be so.
The universe with all its myriad creatures belongs to You, made by Your Word, upheld by Your power, governed by Your will.
But You are also the Father of mercies, the God of all grace, the bestower of all comfort, the protector of the saved.
You have been mindful of us, have visited us, preserved us, given us a goodly heritage- the Holy Scriptures, the joyful gospel, the Saviour of souls,
We come to You in Jesus’ name, making mention of His righteousness only, pleading His obedience and sufferings Who magnified the law both in its precepts and penalty, and made it honorable.
May we be justified by His blood, saved by His life, joined to His Spirit.
Let us take up His cross and follow Him.
May the agency of Your grace prepare us for Your dispensations.
Make us willing that You should choose our inheritance and determine what we shall retain or lose, suffer or enjoy;
If blessed with prosperity may we be free from its snares, and use, not abuse its advantages;
May we patiently and cheerfully submit to those afflictions which are necessary.
When we are tempted to wander, hedge up our way, excite in us abhorrence of sin, wean us from the present evil world,
Assure us that we shall at last enter Immanuel’s land where none is ever sick, and the sun will always shine. Please let this be so.
Wednesday Evening: God All-Sufficient
King of Glory, Divine Majesty,
Every perfection adorns Your nature and sustains Your throne;
The heavens and earth are Yours; the world is Yours and its fullness.
Your power created the universe from nothing; Your wisdom has managed all its multiple concerns, presiding over nations, families, individuals.
Your goodness is boundless; all creatures that wait on You are supplied by You, are satisfied by You.
How precious are the thoughts of Your mercy and grace!
How excellent Your loving-kindness that draws men to You!
Teach us to place our happiness in You, the blessed God, never seeking life among the dead things of earth, or asking for that which satisfies the deluded; But may we prize the light of Your smile, find our heaven in You.
You have attended to our happiness more than we can do;
Though we are fallen creatures You have not neglected us.
In love and pity You have provided us a Savior;
Apply His redemption to our hearts, by justifying our persons, and sanctifying our natures.
We confess our transgressions, have mercy on us.
We are weary, give us rest, ignorant, make us wise unto salvation, helpless, let Your strength be made perfect in our weakness, poor and needy, bless us with Christ’s unsearchable riches, perplexed and tempted, let us travel on unchecked ,undismayed, knowing that You have said,
“I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.”
Blessed be Your name! Amen.
Every perfection adorns Your nature and sustains Your throne;
The heavens and earth are Yours; the world is Yours and its fullness.
Your power created the universe from nothing; Your wisdom has managed all its multiple concerns, presiding over nations, families, individuals.
Your goodness is boundless; all creatures that wait on You are supplied by You, are satisfied by You.
How precious are the thoughts of Your mercy and grace!
How excellent Your loving-kindness that draws men to You!
Teach us to place our happiness in You, the blessed God, never seeking life among the dead things of earth, or asking for that which satisfies the deluded; But may we prize the light of Your smile, find our heaven in You.
You have attended to our happiness more than we can do;
Though we are fallen creatures You have not neglected us.
In love and pity You have provided us a Savior;
Apply His redemption to our hearts, by justifying our persons, and sanctifying our natures.
We confess our transgressions, have mercy on us.
We are weary, give us rest, ignorant, make us wise unto salvation, helpless, let Your strength be made perfect in our weakness, poor and needy, bless us with Christ’s unsearchable riches, perplexed and tempted, let us travel on unchecked ,undismayed, knowing that You have said,
“I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.”
Blessed be Your name! Amen.
Wednesday Morning: True Christianity
Lord of Heaven,
Your goodness is inexpressible and inconceivable.
In the works of creation You are the almighty, in the dispensations of providence all-wise, in the gospel of grace all love, and in Your Son You have provided for our deliverance from the effects of sin, the justification of our persons, the sanctification of our natures, the perseverance of our souls in the path of life.
Though exposed to the terrors of Your law, we have refuge from the storm; though compelled to cry, “Unclean”, we have a fountain for sin; though creature-cells of emptiness we have a fullness accessible to all, and incapable of reduction.
Grant us always to know that to walk with Jesus makes other interests a shadow and a dream.
Keep us from intermittent attention to eternal things; save us from the delusion of those who fail to go far in religion, who are concerned but not converted, who have another heart but not a new one, who have light, zeal, confidence, but not Christ.
Let us judge our Christianity, not only by our dependence upon Jesus, but by our love to Him, our knowledge of Him.
Give us religion that is both real and progressive, that holds on its way and grows stronger, that lives and works in the Spirit that profits by every correction, and injured by no carnal indulgence. This I pray, Amen.
Your goodness is inexpressible and inconceivable.
In the works of creation You are the almighty, in the dispensations of providence all-wise, in the gospel of grace all love, and in Your Son You have provided for our deliverance from the effects of sin, the justification of our persons, the sanctification of our natures, the perseverance of our souls in the path of life.
Though exposed to the terrors of Your law, we have refuge from the storm; though compelled to cry, “Unclean”, we have a fountain for sin; though creature-cells of emptiness we have a fullness accessible to all, and incapable of reduction.
Grant us always to know that to walk with Jesus makes other interests a shadow and a dream.
Keep us from intermittent attention to eternal things; save us from the delusion of those who fail to go far in religion, who are concerned but not converted, who have another heart but not a new one, who have light, zeal, confidence, but not Christ.
Let us judge our Christianity, not only by our dependence upon Jesus, but by our love to Him, our knowledge of Him.
Give us religion that is both real and progressive, that holds on its way and grows stronger, that lives and works in the Spirit that profits by every correction, and injured by no carnal indulgence. This I pray, Amen.
Thursday Evening’s Prayer for Protection
O Lord our God, You are our Preserver, Governor, Saviour, and coming Judge.
Quicken our souls to call upon Your name; detach us from the influence of the flesh and the senses;
Impress us with the power of faith; Promote in us spirituality of mind that will render our services acceptable to You, and delightful and profitable to ourselves.
Bring us into that state which attracts Your eye, and prepare us to receive the proofs of Your love.
Show us our danger that we may fly to thee for refuge.
Make us sensible of our sin’s disease, that we may value the good Physician.
Placard to us the cross, that it may slay the enmity of our hearts.
Help us to be watchful over our ways, jealous over our tempers, diligent over our hearts.
When we drop, revive us, when we loiter, quicken us, when we go astray, restore us.
Possess us with more of that faith which is the principle of all vital godliness.
May we be rich in faith, be strong in faith, live by faith, walk by faith, experience the joy of faith, do the work of faith, hope through faith.
Perceiving nothing in ourselves, may we find in the Saviour , wisdom, Righteousness , Sanctification, and Redemption. Amen.
Quicken our souls to call upon Your name; detach us from the influence of the flesh and the senses;
Impress us with the power of faith; Promote in us spirituality of mind that will render our services acceptable to You, and delightful and profitable to ourselves.
Bring us into that state which attracts Your eye, and prepare us to receive the proofs of Your love.
Show us our danger that we may fly to thee for refuge.
Make us sensible of our sin’s disease, that we may value the good Physician.
Placard to us the cross, that it may slay the enmity of our hearts.
Help us to be watchful over our ways, jealous over our tempers, diligent over our hearts.
When we drop, revive us, when we loiter, quicken us, when we go astray, restore us.
Possess us with more of that faith which is the principle of all vital godliness.
May we be rich in faith, be strong in faith, live by faith, walk by faith, experience the joy of faith, do the work of faith, hope through faith.
Perceiving nothing in ourselves, may we find in the Saviour , wisdom, Righteousness , Sanctification, and Redemption. Amen.
Thursday Morning: The Giver
Creator, Upholder and Proprietor of all things,
We cannot escape from Your presence and control, nor do we desire to do so.
Our privilege is to be under the agency of Your omnipotence, righteousness, wisdom, patience, mercy and grace;
For You are Love with more than parental affection.
We admire Your goodness, stand in awe of Your power, abase ourselves before Your purity.
It is the discovery of Your goodness alone that can banish our fear allure us into Your presence, help us to bewail and confess our sins.
We review our past guilt and are conscious of present unworthiness.
We bless You that Your steadfast love and attributes are essential to our happiness and hope;
You have witnessed to us Your grace and mercy in the bounties of nature, in the fullness of Your providence, in the revelations of Scripture, in the gift of Your Son, in the proclamation of the gospel.
Make us willing to be saved in Your own way, perceiving nothing in ourselves but all in Jesus.
Help us not only to receive Him but to walk in Him, commune with Him, follow Him as dear children, imperfect, but still pressing forward, not complaining of labor, but valuing rest, not murmuring under trials, but thankful for our state.
And by so doing let us silence the ignorance of foolish men. Amen.
We cannot escape from Your presence and control, nor do we desire to do so.
Our privilege is to be under the agency of Your omnipotence, righteousness, wisdom, patience, mercy and grace;
For You are Love with more than parental affection.
We admire Your goodness, stand in awe of Your power, abase ourselves before Your purity.
It is the discovery of Your goodness alone that can banish our fear allure us into Your presence, help us to bewail and confess our sins.
We review our past guilt and are conscious of present unworthiness.
We bless You that Your steadfast love and attributes are essential to our happiness and hope;
You have witnessed to us Your grace and mercy in the bounties of nature, in the fullness of Your providence, in the revelations of Scripture, in the gift of Your Son, in the proclamation of the gospel.
Make us willing to be saved in Your own way, perceiving nothing in ourselves but all in Jesus.
Help us not only to receive Him but to walk in Him, commune with Him, follow Him as dear children, imperfect, but still pressing forward, not complaining of labor, but valuing rest, not murmuring under trials, but thankful for our state.
And by so doing let us silence the ignorance of foolish men. Amen.
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