Wisdom abounds within the pages of Proverbs; no matter what circumstance you find yourself in you will find hope, direction, and help from the wisdom of Proverbs. Read through Proverbs and you will find that behind all of the experience and wisdom imparted there is a voice that is calling out for you to know it. The voice is that of God who is seeking to save you from your sinful existence. “Do not let kindness and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil.” Proverbs 3:3-7 Continue Reading…
God’s voice of wisdom calling out to you: Proverbs Summary
Will the cross of Jesus Christ enable you to love: Proverbs 19 and 20
Imagine that you are standing before a country meadow that has been recently blanketed by a fresh cover of snow. As you walk across that meadow you enjoy and exhilarate in the wonder of your surroundings. You find great joy and fulfillment in the journey but what impact have you made throughout the meadow. Every step you took is visible in the snow. Every detour taken and every wayside visited is clearly defined in your steps. Would you walk in a straight line with your eyes fixed on your destination our would you wander without focus and determination? “Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than he who is perverse in speech and is a fool.” Proverbs 19:1 Continue Reading…
A question of legacy and posterity: Psalms Summary
The story that God has woven throughout creation, as evidenced in Scripture, speaks to the work of God in the lives of earthen vessels. Creation was perverted by the curse of sin but the grace of God purposed to restore that fellowship long before it was ever broken. God is at work in the lives of mankind and He has given us everything that we need to survive. God offered up Jesus Christ on the cross for our sins and then He tabernacles within us through the Holy Spirit. We are richly blessed beyond all measure and comprehension. Oh that the story ended at this moment with the war over but the truth is that sin still rages in its lost battle causing as much collateral damage as possible. Continue Reading…
Our never slumbering God is our help, hope and deliverance: Psalm 121
Have you ever been in a situation where you needed help and deliverance? Think of a time before mobile phones and automobiles where people traveled by foot or on horseback. Think back to the time in Israel when Psalm 121 was written. If you were threatened by overwhelming forces or hurt in the wilderness, you would be eagerly looking for someone to appear that will offer help, hope and deliverance. “I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; from where shall my help come?” Psalm 121:1 Where do you look for your hope when you are helpless? There are many things in this world that will tell you that they will offer you help in times of trouble, hope when your will is crushed and deliverance when you are oppressed but can they be relied upon in your darkest moment? “My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not allow you foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” Psalm 121:2-4 God is always there for His children. When you face a dark moment, isolated and alone, God is present and aware of your circumstances. Trust in His deliverance in every situation that you face. You can stand firm because God is always there. Continue Reading…
Within the sufficiency of God is our hope, help and salvation: Psalm 120
Where does your soul yearn to reside? Are you at rest in this world filled with complete contentment? Do you long for the wild pleasures of this wicked world? The curse of sin is raging throughout all of creation, setting man bitterly against the reign, authority and love of God. When you face trouble do you rage against God shaking your fist proclaiming that you are empowered to overcome or do you fall down before Him crying out for help? “In my trouble I cried to the Lord, and He answered me. Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue.” Psalm 120:1-2 Will you call out to the faithful and true God who delivers our souls out of the muck and mire of this world? Continue Reading…
Press on to the next tomorrow because God is God: Psalm 103
How many products do you purchase and consume to combat the effects of aging? We use lotions to soften our skin and disguise wrinkles. We workout rigorously to keep our bodies in shape to hold off the eventual problems of life. We supplement, boost and build up our bodies with herbs, minerals, vitamins and medicines to ease the effects of aging. Is there anything within our power that we can do to turn back the clock and renew our youthful vigor or stop death? We are completely helpless and there is nothing that we can do to empower ourselves. If the story of our lives were left in this state of helplessness would there be motivation to press on in life. Continue Reading…
Moments when a cry for help is all we can utter: Psalm 70
Have circumstances weighted you down to the point that you can only cry “Help”? Have words failed you as you look upon a heap of ruined hopes and dreams? Do you feel like an outcast and a reject who has no hopeful outlook for life? You are not alone my friend. When your world closes in around you and help is elusive remember the cry of David in Psalm 70. David was crying for God to quickly help and deliver him from his troubles. If we will focus upon God alone for our help we can have our hope in Him and our simple cry for help is all that we need to utter. “Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; and let those who love Your salvation say continually, ‘Let God be magnified.’ But I am afflicted and needy; Hasten to me, O God! You are my help and my deliverer; O Lord, do not delay.” Psalm 70:4,5 Our hope is secure in the faithfulness of God; rest your burdened heart in the hope and help that is found at the cross of Calvary. Continue Reading…
The best self help book focuses on God and not you: Psalm 62
“I see your having a rough time. I heard about this book that will solve your problem in 10 easy steps that take 30 minutes a day. You should check it out.” Has anyone ever said something like that to you? It is amazing how easily people will acknowledge the problems of your life and suggests ‘proven’ ways for solving them. There are over one-hundred-thousand book results for ‘self help books’ on the Amazon store. There are many voices in the world proclaiming solutions to problems but they will all fall short of the mark. Whenever a solution to the tribulation of the world is sought apart from God failure will be quickly reaped. Continue Reading…
Our eternally faithful help and hope: Psalm 57
Destruction and devastation are all encompassing, emotions have run unchecked and uncertainty fuels an encroaching despair. When trouble of any form rears its head we are left helpless. In moments like these do you believe that God is ready and able to help you weather the storm? We need to seek out and believe that God is able to help us every moment of every day. In Psalm 57 David is affirming his belief that God is able to carry him through any calamity that he may face. “Be gracious to me, O God, be gracious to me, for my soul takes refuge in You; and in the shadow of Your wings I will take refuge until destruction passes by. I will cry to God Most High, to God who accomplishes all things for me.” Psalm 57:1,2 Continue Reading…
Take flight and rise above the perilous battle: Psalm 55
When worry, despair and tragedy encroach around you does a desire to run away develop in your heart? When you decide to run away from the worries and pain of your life where do you go? Where is your refuge and stronghold? In Psalm 55 David places his hope in God to make it through the difficult moments, ”I said, ‘Oh that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. Behold, I would wander away, I would lodge in the wilderness. I would hasten to my place of refuge from the stormy wind and tempest.’” Psalm 55:6-8 To take flight and rise above the pain of this world is our inner desire. As we attempt to take flight we will only fail but fortunately God enables us to fly to Him as a refuge and He lifts us up above the burdens of life. Continue Reading…
