July 11, 2006 - Psalms 1-3 and Acts 17:1-15
The Psalms are so personal. They are really suited for an "unhurried time", because we need to take them slowly and meditate on the truths and on the emotions in each one. I know that it will be a great blessing for all of us as we read through them this year.
Psalm 1 is a classic. There is such a symmetry and balance to it. The contrast of the righteous and the wicked is so meaningful. I hope you have spent much time in your life considering the truths of this psalm. The one thing that God said to me today was substance. Notice that those who meditate on God's Word continually have substance to their lives. They are like tress which bear fruit. They have some results to their lives that you can see and touch. However, the wicked do not have substance. Their lives are like the chaff of the wheat that is blown away, because it has very little substance. Then, it is gone. What a contrast! Let's consider the substance of our lives. If there is any lack of substance, let's anchor our lives firmly in the soil of God's Word.
Psalm 2 has a serious truth for today's world. Everyone including the leaders of the world are trying to escape from God's control. (v.3) They are screaming to break their bonds and to be free from God and the Lord Jesus. However, Jesus is Lord of all, and He break all of those who don't come to Him in faith and submit to His control. (v.9) I pray that you will trust Him instead of fighting against Him. (v.12)
Psalm 3 is the basis for a song I listen to when I run. It is a great inspiration and comfort to realize that the Lord is a shield to me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head. (v.3) Do you need a shield from the evils of life today? Run to Jesus. Do you need to know that you are worth something? Jesus is your glory. Since you belong to Him, you are valuable to Him. That is what counts. Do you need your head lifted up? Turn to Jesus, and let Him lift you up.
Acts 17 teaches us a truth about reaching the world for Christ. Do you have to convince them to accept Christ as their Lord and Savior? No. We have to share the Word of God, the Gospel of Jesus. Then, the Holy Spirit will do the convincing. Look at Paul. He went to the synagogues and taught God's Word. He reasoned with them, and explained it to them, but he could not convince them. That comes from the Lord. We must all be ready to share God's Word, so it can be the seed planted in the hearts of others. Then, they will decide whether to accept the Word and allow the seed to grow.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Psalms 4-6 and Acts 17:16-34.
Psalm 1 is a classic. There is such a symmetry and balance to it. The contrast of the righteous and the wicked is so meaningful. I hope you have spent much time in your life considering the truths of this psalm. The one thing that God said to me today was substance. Notice that those who meditate on God's Word continually have substance to their lives. They are like tress which bear fruit. They have some results to their lives that you can see and touch. However, the wicked do not have substance. Their lives are like the chaff of the wheat that is blown away, because it has very little substance. Then, it is gone. What a contrast! Let's consider the substance of our lives. If there is any lack of substance, let's anchor our lives firmly in the soil of God's Word.
Psalm 2 has a serious truth for today's world. Everyone including the leaders of the world are trying to escape from God's control. (v.3) They are screaming to break their bonds and to be free from God and the Lord Jesus. However, Jesus is Lord of all, and He break all of those who don't come to Him in faith and submit to His control. (v.9) I pray that you will trust Him instead of fighting against Him. (v.12)
Psalm 3 is the basis for a song I listen to when I run. It is a great inspiration and comfort to realize that the Lord is a shield to me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head. (v.3) Do you need a shield from the evils of life today? Run to Jesus. Do you need to know that you are worth something? Jesus is your glory. Since you belong to Him, you are valuable to Him. That is what counts. Do you need your head lifted up? Turn to Jesus, and let Him lift you up.
Acts 17 teaches us a truth about reaching the world for Christ. Do you have to convince them to accept Christ as their Lord and Savior? No. We have to share the Word of God, the Gospel of Jesus. Then, the Holy Spirit will do the convincing. Look at Paul. He went to the synagogues and taught God's Word. He reasoned with them, and explained it to them, but he could not convince them. That comes from the Lord. We must all be ready to share God's Word, so it can be the seed planted in the hearts of others. Then, they will decide whether to accept the Word and allow the seed to grow.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Psalms 4-6 and Acts 17:16-34.