><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Psalms) CHAPTER 13-14 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 In Ps. 13 what is David having to endtire? And how does he avoid depression and despair? 2 What can we learn from Ps 14 about the fundamental reasons why men say, 'There is no God'? Cf 2 Cor. 4:3, 4. How could this affect our approach to such people? How are they sometimes made aware of the living God? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Psalms) Chapter 13-14 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- (1) D. says, "I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for HE HAS BEEN GOOD TO ME (v. 5-6)." He beats the blues by focusing on the positive, how the Lord has blessed him throughout his life. Rather than grumbling and complaining, he does lament, but also focuses on the Lord's UNFAILING LOVE. How do you know his faith is real? It is proven in hard times. A real faith in a mighty God who saves does not crumble under pressure. Praise the Lord in song in the darkness; may He give us uncrumbling faith. Iron, and not "cookie" faith! (2)This cross-ref. is powerful, so I've included it, II Cor. 4:3-4: "The god of this age (Satan) has BLINDED THE MINDS OF UNBELIEVERS, SO THAT THEY CANNOT SEE THE LIGHT OF THE GOSPEL OF THE GLORY OF CHRIST, WHO IS THE IMAGE OF GOD." This is a heartbreaking verse. To think that Satan has actually BLINDED many to the Gospel, The Good News, is a terrible thought! If only those who did not accept this message understood that it is independence that causes them to reject God, but spiritual blindness. With this in mind, 2 Cor. 4:6: "FOR GOD, WHO SAID, "LET LIGHT SHINE OUT OF DARKNESS," MADE HIS LIGHT SHINE *IN OUR HEARTS TO GIVE US THE LIGHT OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE GLORY OF GOD IN THE FACE OF CHRIST."** -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) In Psalm 13 David is in the midst of a time where the Lord's presence is not obvious. He is waiting to hear the leading of God. This is one psalm I think all of us can relate to easily. David instead of giving in to depression and despair at the apparent absence of God's voice, reaffirms his trust in God to show him the way. v5 But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. 2) Psalm 14 speaks of a fool(my study Bible say the Hebrew word is actually translated morally foolish). The fundamental reason for disbelief is blindness by Satan. We must view those who deny the Gospel as the spiritually blind. We must make them aware of God using their other senses to "see". Sometimes there is a miracle and they are made able to see, but other times we must be keen to let their other senses experience our wondrous God. Let us strive to be the city on a hill and the salt of the earth and let our light shine so brightly as the stars that we pierce through the blindness around us and also that the blind may taste the salt, hear the commotion in the city, and smell the sweet aroma of our service to The King in proclaiming his all sense envoking Gospel. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Psalm 13 A Confident Appeal David prayed for helps that his enemies might not exult over him. 13:1-2 David lost his fellowship with God. 13:3 Prayed for enlightenment - Give me light in my darkness lest I die. 13:5 David trusted in God's mercy and rejoice in His salvation. 13:6 Sing and praise to overcome the silence and loneliness in spirit. Psalm 14 Salvation Come From Zion 14:3b There is no one who does good, not even one. Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. 14:7 Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion. Romans 3:24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Psalms) CHAPTER 15-16 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 Go through Ps. 15 verse by verse, and use it as a test for your own life and holiness. Then turn to I Jn. I: 8, 9. 2 What according to Ps. 16 are the marks of the believing man (verses 1-4)? What are his privileges (verses 5-8)? And what are his pros- pects (verses 9-11)? Notes 1 15: 5a. Cf Lv. 25:35-38; Dt. 23:19, 20. The laws against usury were enacted more as a protection of the poor than against the legitimate use of capital in the interests of trade. Cf Mt. 25: 27. 2 16: 10. Quoted by Peter (Acts 2:27) and by Paul (Acts 13:35) with reference to Christ. As with Ps. 15, the psalm is fulfilled in Him, and in US through Him. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Psalms) Chapter 15-16 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) David describes the life of a righteous one, a citizen of Zion in Ps 15. The key to his song is verse 2: 2 He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart John echos this in IJo1:8-9: 8 ¶ If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. May we set ourselves apart to be citizens of the Heavenly realm, and let our actions and deeds daily exemplify the behavior of 'model citizens'. 2) The Miktam of David. Many scholars of Hebrew writing believe this to be translated 'golden' as in a writing worthy of being stamped in gold or preserved. In Ps 16. David gives us a platinum record, a #1 hit. David sings about the believing man, who runs after God. The believing man has his lot secure(FAITH in where he is going), has an inheritance(uncorruptable and undefiled), firmly founded(not shaken), assured(will not be abandoned by God), and he is infilled of God and His Spirit with joy(a fruit of the Spirit). What a beautiful picture and a blessing to see. May we all rest in the assurance of this beatiful ballad and rejoice in the promises of this platinum record. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Psalm 15 - Who may dwell in the Lords sanctuary and will never be shaken? He who walk is blameless and does what is righteous; He who speaks the truth from his heart, 15:2; He who has no slander on his tongue; He who casts no discredit on his neighbor; He who does no wrong to his fellowman, 15:3; He who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the Lord; He who keeps his oath EVEN WHEN IT HURTS, 15:4; He who lends his money without usury; He who does not accept a bribe against the innocent, 15:5. Psalms divided into five Divisions. The first division covers Psalms 1 - 41; it is referred as Genesis section. Psalm 1 - Man's blessedness; 2 - 8 Man as fallen; 9 - 15 Man's enmity culminating in the antichrist; and now we are studying 16 - 41 Man's recovery through Christ. [World's Bible Handbook] Psalm 16 Golden/Hidden Treasure Poem Psalm 16 is a miktam of David. In Chinese, it is translated as "golden poem". Some other bible scholars consider it means hidden treasure in Hebrew language. There are six miktam psalms in Psalm. They are Psalm 16, 56, 57, 58, 59 and 60. It takes collecting and refining processes to get gold. The hidden treasures are not being observed like "a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys", Song of Songs 2:1. These roses and lilies grow in the wilderness and no body can find them; only God, Himself enjoys them in the wilderness. This is the background of these psalms. They are David's golden and hidden experiences. Verse 1 Trust in the Creator; Verse 2-4 Apart from you I have no good thing; my lips take up no other gods; Verse 5-6 Christ is my lot, my all; my heritage is Christ and the church; Verse 7-8 Follow the Holy Spirit leading and directing; Verse 9-11 Rest in the peace of God. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Psalms) CHAPTER 17 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 In verses 1-7 On what two grounds does David base his plea? Cf 1 Jn. 3:21,22. 2 Contrast the inward character, the aims and the actions of David and his enemies as revealed in this psalm. In what ways do you resemble David, and in what ways his enemies? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Psalms) Chapter 17 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- (1) D. basically says that he has lived righteously. He has not been deceitful, and may the Lord see what is right and vindicate him. He even is confident to say, "Though you probe my heart and examine me at night, though you test me," you will find nothing..." That's real confidence! The cross reference to I Jn. 3:21-22 seems to show that "our hearts will condemn us" when we are in the wrong. Yes; so if you feel guilty, perhaps there is something wrong. Something I heard on the radio also is to test our desires to see if they are HONESTLY FROM GOD or just in our imagination from God. (2) I think we all resemble D. in that we want the Lord to keep us as the "apple of His eye" and "hide me in the shadow of your wings from the wicked who assail me..." Most also want to be vindicated by the Lord. However, it is hard to say that at times we are not like D.'s enemies somewhat. Have we ever closed our heart to God's Word or been arrogant? I know I have, and the reality is that I was an enemy of God at that time. My only joy is that I can read this psalm today and know that I am saved by grace, through Jesus Christ. THerefore, I am no longer an enemy of God. If I were, God would have to deal with me severely. Romans 5:10: "FOR IF, WHEN WE WERE GOD'S ENEMIES, WE WERE RECONCILED TO HIM THROUGH THE DEATH OF HIS SON, HOW MUCH MORE, HAVING BEEN RECONCILED, SHALL WE BE SAVED THROUGH HIS LIFE?" Praise the Lord, all His saints! -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) David pleas to God based on his clean heart and innocent lips, plus his walking in God's path. This innocent and clean state is also described in 1Jn 3:21-22 21 Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God 22 and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him. 2) David's character is clean, blameless, upright and walking in the paths of God. His enemies who seek to do him harm have closed hearts, arrogant voices, May we model our lives after the prayer of David and live in righteousness that we may "awake and be satisfied by seeing His likeness" -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Psalm 17 A Prayer for Protection - "Hide Me Under the Shadow of Your Wings" O Lord, Attend to my cry; Give ear to my prayer which his not from deceitful lips, 17:1. My enemies encircle me with murder in their eyes. They are pitiless and arrogant. Listen to their boastig. They are ready to throw me to the ground. 17:9-10. Protect me as you would the pupil of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings as you hover over me. 17:8 Save me from these men of the world whose only concern is earthly gain, 17:13. But as for me, my contentment is not in wealth but in seeing you and knowing all is well between us. And when I awake in heaven, I will be fully satisfied, for I will see you face to face. 17:15. The message in this psalm is in verse 15 that when I am resurrected I would like to see you face to face. Lord God! Protect me to live a content and righteous life in you. Amen. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Psalms) CHAPTER 18:1-30 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 David begins by expressing his love for the Lord (verses 1-3). God was to him a rock, fortress, shield and stronghold. What are the equivalent defences and securities in which men trust today? Is God to you all that these can give, and more? Cf Hab. 3: 17, 18; Heb. 13:5,6. 2 From David's testimony concerning God's answer to his prayer, what can we learn as to (a) God's power to help, (1,) the sort of person God will help, and (c) the reasons why this help will be forthcoming? Notes 1 Verses 9-16 are probably not intended to be taken literally, but as a poetic description in vivid imagery of the strength and majesty with which God came to David's aid 2 Verse 29a There is a possible allusion here to I Sa. 30: 8; and in verse 29b to 2Sa.5:6,7. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Psalms) Chapter 18:1-30 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) In Psalm 18 as in many of the psalms, David refers to God as his shield. It's hard for us to understand that feeling of physical security when we live in a rather sheltered world. Perhaps for us God is like our insurance policy or our credit card, a strong secure source of assurance that even if we don't have strength, he extends his strength to us. Habakuk says that no matter if the crops fail(i.e. we have no source of provision[job]) the Lord is with us, and we should rejoice in Him. The writer of Hebrews tells us not to place our trust in money or things of this world, but that God is ALWAYS with us. 2) David testifies that God has helped Him with answers to his prayers and has given him advice. David tells us that God helps in many different ways, but he always helps the righteous. Those who do not forsake God will receive his help. 25 To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless, 26 to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd. 27 You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty. 28 You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- (1) To be honest, I feel that it is very difficult to witness strong faith like David's today in America. I see sophisticated plans for the future, financial security and all kinds of elaborate forms of personal security. I do NOT mean that these are wrong or sinful; just feel that there are so many who bank on these things and not on God. It's kind of ironic to me that it says "In God we trust" on U.S. dollars! My prayer is that God would teach me, kindly but firmly how to place my complete trust in Him for personal safety and financial security, etc. (2) God helps the righteous and saves the humble, He is benevolent to the blameless and pure, but deals with the crooked shrewdly. He protects those who take refuge in Him. He does this because His way is perfect and The Word of The Lord is flawless (v.30). -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Psalm 18: 1 - 30 Thanksgiving for Deliverance by God God is my Strength, Rock, Fortress, Deliverer, Stay, Refuge, Shield, Horn, High Tower. Verse 7 - 19 God's deliverance Verse 20 - 31 God's loyalty to the righteous. This psalm is a repeat of the one in II Samuel 22. David addressed the words of this song to the Lord when He had delivered him from all his enemies and from the hands of saul. II Samuel 22:1. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Psalms) CHAPTER 18:31-50 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 Make a list of all that God did for David as set forth in these verses. What corresponding help may we expect from Him in spiritual service? Cf I Cor. 15: 10; Eph. I: 19. 2 Verse 49 is in Rom. I 5: 9 referred to Christ. Does this mean that the whole psalm can be taken as being in some way prophetic of Christ? If so, to what does it draw attention? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Psalms) Chapter 18:31-50 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 18:31-50 ---------------------------------- 1 Make a list of all that God did for David as set forth in these verses. What corresponding help may we expect from Him in spiritual service? Cf I Cor. 15: 10; Eph. I: 19. 1) David explains how God has blessed him in the 2nd half of Psalm 18. God has: - strenthened him, made his way perfect, quickened his feet, enabled him to stand on high places(dangerous areas), trained him for battle, sustained him, shielded him, widened his path, made his adversaries bow, crushed his enemies, delivered and saved from his enemies. 2) There are many attributes of Christ that are represented in this psalm. Especially concerning victory over Satan. This chapter draws examples from the hart(deer). Deer, as expressed in Hannah Hurnard's book Hind's Feet on High Places can swoop from the very high places to the low country easily because their feet are trained and they can walk the crooked road without turning an ankle or getting injured. So here, David expresses in v 32-36 some of the attributes of hind's feet. May each of us pray daily for the anointing of the Spirit to mold our feet into the hind's feet required to run on high places spiritually. -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- (1) God armed D. with strength, made his way perfect, made his feet like the feet of a deer, enabled him to stand on heights, trained his hands for battle, gave him the shield of victory, sustained him, stooped down to make D. great, broadened the path beneath him so that his ankles would not turn. God makes our enemies turn back in flight, bow at our feet. Eph. 3:20 is one of my favorite verses to claim in the Bible, "NOW TO HIM WHO IS ABLE TO DO *IMMEASURABLY MORE THAN ALL WE ASK OR IMAGINE, ACCORDING TO HIS POWER THAT IS AT WORK WITHIN US, TO HIM BE GLORY IN THE CHURCH AND IN CHRIST JESUS THROUGHOUT ALL GENERATIONS, FOR EVER AND EVER! AMEN." Hallelujah! (2) Yes, I think so many of David's psalms are prophetic of Christ. After all, David is supposed to be the Old Testament symbol of Christ. The last word of this psalm if "forever". This echoes the covenant made to David by the Lord that his descendants would last forever. Jesus Christ, from the line of David, reigns today and is seated at the right hand of God and He will reign forever. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Psalm 18:31-45 David's experience in God through his life to make God know; Psalm 18:46-50 The Lord Lives! He avenges; He holds authority; He saved me; He exalted me; He rescued me; He is worthy for praising; He is victorious; He is kind and He is the everlasting One. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Psalms) CHAPTER 19 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 God has revealed Himself in His creation. What do the things the psalmist mentions in verses 16 tell us about God? Cf Mt. 5: 45;Rom. I: 19-21. 2 Contrast this with the revelation given in 'the law of the Lord' (verses 7-l1). Note how great is the advance, both in cleamess and in fullness of effect. Note in particular its effect upon the psalmist (verses 12-14). Is your study of God's Word producing similar results in your experience? Note. Verse 4. 'Their voice': the Hebrew (see mg.) says 'line', i.e., their 'measuring line'. Cf Je. 31:39. The boundary or extent of their message is earth's farthest limit. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Psalms) Chapter 19 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) This psalm reveals the perfect order of God's universe and his perfect plans. It shows God's eternal power and divine nature as told in Rom 1:19-20 19 ¶ since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities-- his eternal power and divine nature-- have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. 2) The next section talks about the Law of the Lord(The Gospel)and it's power over the soul. It can convert souls, is pure(making wise the simple), is greatly desirable, and joybringing, and eye-opening. May we dig deeper each day into the Law and taste the sweetness of the honeycomb within. -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- (1) God is GLORIOUS, FULL OF KNOWLEDGE, ALMIGHTY CREATOR AND CAN BE SENSED IN HIS CREATION. The Sun, in its intense heat and expanse which encompasses all people, symbolizes the glory of God. His creation reveals Him. The Awesome Creation of an Omnipotent Creator! (2) Upon considering the law and commands of the Lord, D. says in v. 12, "Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults." I think it is so true - in the face of a Holy, Holy, Holy God, how can we stand? We sin all the time and may not even know it. Just an unclean thought is sin before God. The only way we can stand is through the way that God provided - faith in Jesus Christ. Let us be increasingly encouraged by v. 11 about the law/ordinances of the Lord, "By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward." -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Psalm 19 Works and Words of God Works prove His existence; Words demonstrate His power - they are more valuable than gold.