What Does God Desire?
Recently, our pastor was reading Psalm 51 out loud to a group of men. He was reading it without comment and using it as an introduction to a prayer meeting. When he got to verse 6, something jumped out at me, so to speak, that I had not seen before. David said to the Lord, "Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts;" If the Lord desires truth in the inward parts of man what is He looking for?
The Lovingkindness of the Lord
Psalm 107 is an amazing Psalm with an amazing end. The last verse of this Psalm says, "Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD." On the surface, you would expect this Psalm to deal with the sweet times of blessings and gifts from God, but the opposite is true. The chapter gives five examples of troubles or trials in the lives of people. Some experience troubles because of sin and some because the Lord led them into troubles and some just because of everyday life. Two verses are repeated four times each. One of these verses is repeated in verses 6, 13, 19 and 28 and it says, "Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses." The other verse is repeated in verses 8, 15, 21, and 31 and it says, "Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!" These verses demonstrate not only a purpose for trials in the lives of men and women, but it also builds on the idea of the lovingkindness of the LORD. The lovingkindness of the Lord seems to be connected to His dealings as a Father. He allows or causes trials and troubles in our lives to bring us to a point where we cry out to Him and then He delivers us. When He delivers us, He desires praises from our lips. Through these trials we are drawn closer to Him and are strengthened in faith. This truly is the lovingkindness of the Lord.
Mass of Meaningless Madness
Whilst sorting out my bookcase over the recent holiday period I was struck by just how many books I have that I've never read and got thinking about just how long it will take me to read them all. I guess if I did read them all I would never need to buy another book again.
God's People will Triumph (Daily Portion 10309)
In this chapter, Isaiah describes difficult times in the history of God
Disobedience Angers God (Daily Portion 10308)
The history of Israel demonstrates that they were often a people of doubt and rebellion against God. But that is also the history of all of God
A Generous Offering (Daily Portion 10307)
In this passage, David takes up an offering for building of the temple. He uses the youth of Solomon, the greatness of the project, and his own example of giving as incentives for the people to give freely. The people respond and bring a generous offering for which David blesses the Lord before the entire congregation.
Passing on the Truth (Daily Portion 10301)
This passage teaches us the supreme importance of passing the truth of God from one generation to another. It also describes what happens when a generation of God
An Evil Spirit From the Lord
What does it mean when the Bible says that an evil spirit was sent by God to torment Saul (reference 1 Samuel 16:14-15)?
The Woman of Revelation Twelve
Can you explain the woman being hid in Revelation 12 and Israel's part in the tribulation?
Even There
In Psalm 139, David speaks of his inability to flee from the presence of God. He cannot escape him in heaven, in hell, or in...