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Devotional thought for Today – 12/04/2020

Psalm 65 – The Bay Friendship Club

AMP and RVR 1960

Praise Jehovah

CONTEXT: This thanksgiving psalm, which is specifically described as a song, praises God for blessing the land with fertility. Israelites probably used it in a time of harvest. It may also have been a prayer asking for and anticipating God’s blessing. The psalmist begins by praising God’s presence and protection (vv. 1–4). He then praises God’s awesome strength and sovereignty over creation (vv. 5–8), and concludes by thanking God for His provision and blessing on the land (vv. 9–13). – Faithlife Study Bible 

It is hard to miss the intent of this Psalm as David is quite upfront with it in v.1 To You belongs silence [the submissive wonder of reverence], and [it bursts into] praise in Zion, O God;…

While this is a Psalm likely used as a song for the “day of atonement, ” and for the “feast of tabernacles, back in David’s day there is nothing preventing us from shall we say commandeering it for our use today. We might not all be farmers and have a harvest to celebrate but I imagine each of us have something we can. 

Note what David says in v.2 O You who hear prayer,…  the confidence with which he writes those words . As a believer we too should have that same confidence that God hears our prayers and HIS will shall be done, v.5 You answer us in righteousness, O God of our salvation.

No matter you situation take a lesson from David and praise God today for the small victories in life and be confident he hears your prayers about the big things too.  

 

‘Because I Said So’ Government Is a Disaster

Trying to preserve the integrity of American elections by insisting that Americans not speak about their real concerns only makes the 2020 election outcome more suspect. “Why are you forcing me to wear a mask but not forcing me to wear dispo…

Source: ‘Because I Said So’ Government Is a Disaster

Follow the Science (Except When the Results are Inconvenient)

During the COVID pandemic, much science is at play, treated either as gospel or hate speech, enough for science professionals to lose their jobs or be suspended from social media platforms if their views are inconvenient to the establishment’s …

Source: Follow the Science (Except When the Results are Inconvenient)

Trump gave ‘the most important speech’ of his life

Whatever the “outcome” of the election we must remember God is in control and PRAY for America daily. – Mike

President Trump appeared before the American people on Wednesday to give what he described as

Source: Trump gave ‘the most important speech’ of his life

What to Pray Before You Preach

Although obviously written to preachers this article can be applied to anyone who teaches also. – Mike

Prayer is one of the most important aspects of sermon preparation — not only the morning of preaching but all throughout the week as well. Most pastors know this. But when you pray — what should you pray for? “Whatever comes to mind” is usually

Source: What to Pray Before You Preach

Devotional Thought for Today – 12/01/2020

Praying Psalm 65 | Upward Ever...

AMP and RVR 1960

The Way to Approach God

CONTEXT: This thanksgiving psalm, which is specifically described as a song, praises God for blessing the land with fertility. Israelites probably used it in a time of harvest. It may also have been a prayer asking for and anticipating God’s blessing. The psalmist begins by praising God’s presence and protection (vv. 1–4). He then praises God’s awesome strength and sovereignty over creation (vv. 5–8), and concludes by thanking God for His provision and blessing on the land (vv. 9–13). – Faithlife Study Bible

Have you ever considered the what it must have been like for Abraham, Moses or Paul to meet the living God? While is is most doubtful any of in this life will have an opportunity to walk and talk with God, we all the same need to approach Him on a regular (hopefully daily basis). For some that is just as intimidating, but should it be?

Most commentaries think this to be a Psalm to commemorate a remarkable harvest. David begins the Psalm with a lesson on how to approach God v.1-4 let us break it down:

To You belongs silence [the submissive wonder of reverence], and [it bursts into] praise in Zion, O God;  David is says he and the chosen of Israel are just can not wait to burst into praise and adoration for the coming harvest. This is the heart of man that is required entering into prayer. One that has pre-determined that it will praise and adore God no matter the outcome. 

O You who hear prayer,  David acknowledges that God hears and answers prayers of the faithful

Wickedness and guilt prevail against me; Yet as for our transgressions,
You forgive them [removing them from Your sight].  David says even with all the evil encompassed about me my trust is paced in you. For you alone are the sovereign God above all.

Blessed is the one whom You choose and bring near. To dwell in Your courts.  David acknowledges that he will be greatly blessed by being chosen of God and God’s will being applied to his life. 

As David understood approaching the Throne of Grace understood, it is all about having the right attitude of humility and submissive response to His authority;  Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment]. –Hebrews 4:16

Are you prepared today?

Dr. Steven Lawson, Rightly Approaching God’s Presence