><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Psalms) CHAPTER 27 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 What do verses 1-6 reveal of David's attitude in life and of his chief desire? Upon what is this attitude and desire based? What equivalent desire should we have today? Cf I Pet. 2:4, 5; I Cor. 6: 19, 20. 2 In verses 7-14 what are David's seven petitions? How does he address God, and how does he encourage himself to continue in prayer? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Psalms) Chapter 27 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- (1) D. desired "...that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple." D. had an attitude of full confidence in the Lord's protection and power, based upon faith. How many of us can say, "Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear..." (v. 3)? Because of Jesus Christ, we have salvation and should have an even stronger desire to honor God with our lives and bodies - to be temples of the living God. (2) D. petitions for God to hear him, answer his prayers, fellowship with the Lord, mercy, not to be rejected or forsaken by the Lord, instruction and guidance, deliverance from enemies. He addresses the Lord in an attitude of humility and with pleas for mercy. D. encourages himself by remembering to take confidence in the Lord, and wait upon the Lord for answers to prayer. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Psalm 27 Wait on the Lord: Be of Good Courage Every other time that I have read this chapter, I always hit the highlight at 27:4-5 "One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock." This time, verse 27:14 is "my light" (verse 27:1a): "Wait on the Lord: be of Good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart: wait, I say, on the Lord!" 25:3a: Indeed, let no one who waits on You be ashamed: 25:4: Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Yours paths. 25:12-13: Who is the man that fears the Lord? Him shall He teach in the way He chooses. He himself shall dwell in prosperity. And his descendants shall inherit the earth. 25: 21: Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait for You. What is the result of waiting on the Lord? Let's see the example through Job: Job 42:1-6: "----- I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, But now my eye sees You. -----" In Job 42:6, he repented for his ignorance. Job was guilty of "Things were too wonderful for me, which I did not know"; "I was blind but now I see". When we wait on the Lord, amazing grace and wonderful deeds will come to pass to make us see our great Savior through His work in our daily lives. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) David expresses his heart in Psalm 27. He reveals the source of his deliverance, and that is Christ/God. His confidence and trust are in the Lord. His chief desire is to see God. Today, we should seek to be 'living stones' built upon Christ as our foundation(1 Peter 2:4,5) and lead lives worthy of our calling as the bride of Christ(THE CHURCH). We must strive to keep ourselves holy and pure for Him. 2) David asks for 1 - Hear my voice 2 - Be merciful 3 - Answer me 4 - do not hide your face 5 - do not turn away in anger 6 - do not reject me or forsake me 7 - do not turn me over to the desires of my foes David encourages himself to continue in prayer by seeing the prize, the end of the road. That he will see the goodness of the Lord. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Psalms) CHAPTER 28-29 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 In Ps. 28 David's prayer is answered. What difference does this make to him? Are you always as thankful about God's answers to your prayers? 2 Ps 29 is the description of a thunderstorm viewed as a mans- festation of God's glory. What spiritual lessons does it teach regarding God, and regarding our duties and privileges as His people? Note. 29: 3. 'The voice of the Lord': Le., thunder, and so throughout the psalm. Cf PS. 15:13. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Psalms) Chapter 28-29 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- (1) Answered prayer gives joy and victory in the believer's life. It creates a deeper fellowship and trust as well. Today, I experienced the Lord's help with a problem. I trusted what I knew I ought to do and the problem was resolved. It was a blessed answer to prayer in my eyes. Without the Spirit's urging, I would probably have followed my own fearfulness and not received the resolution from Him. Praise God for His help! Truly, "To you I call, O Lord my Rock, do not turn a deaf ear to me...Praise be to the Lord for He has heared my cry for mercy...My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song." Let us live with a clear Christian conscience, despite our own fears and weaknesses. Live as Christ would want us to; and set actions right when our conscience condemns us. May we grow more Christlike each day, to walk in His victory. (2) We are to worship and "ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name; worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness." Do not take the Lord's name in vain. It is The Name above all names. Recognize His power and fear God; serve Him with all your heart, mind, soul and strength. "The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace." He is our refuge. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Psalm 28 This is David's Prayer, Do We Pray the Same Way Today? 28:4-5 "Repay them for their deeds and for their evil work; repay them for what their hands have done and bring back upon them what they deserve. Since they show no regard for the works of the Lord and what his hands have done, he will tear them down and never build them up again." People were living under the Law during Old Testament time. David's prayer is appropriate for that period. Now we are living in the age of God's grace. Based on what Jesus told us, I personally would not pray that way. However, so often I wonder why the Lord is not punishing them yet. Being Christians, we have no choice to obey God's words. This is what Jesus said: Matthew 5:43-44: You have heard that it was said, "Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. ---" Romans 12:19: Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. Psalm 29 Praise the Awesome Power of the Lord In this Psalm, David is telling the angels, "mighty ones", the Lord all mighty is worth to receive glory and worship based on his own experience in God through his life. David says in this psalm that the majestic Lord identifies Himself through what He created. How the wind stripped the leaves in the forest, making oaks spins and topples; how the thunder made hind frightened to drop her fetus; divides the flames of fire. In Noah's time, the Lord sent the Flood to destroy all sinful ones in the world and He was still in total control. By observing all these things, everyone in His temple says "Glory" Above all, the Lord gives strength to His people; will bless his people with peace. 29:1-2: "Give unto the Lord, O you mighty ones, Give unto the Lord glory and strength. Give unto the Lord the glory due to his name; Worship the lord in the beauty of holiness" -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) In Psalm 28 David asks for deliverance again. He requests that the Lord judge those opposing him. He glorys in the answer of God to his prayer. Again too, we see the words here trust, strength, shield. These are words David continually uses throughout the Psalms to express his full surrender to the Lord's ways. May each one of us claim our trust as we draw strength from God and allow Him to Shield us. 2) Psalm 29 is a hymn of praise giving glory to God. It is like the hymn How Great Thou Art. David tells how he sees the Lord at work in all nature around him and the Glory of the Lord. There are 18 counts of the word 'Lord' or Yahweh(Hebrew) in this short psalm. In verse 10 David is referring to the Flood of Noah in Genesis 6-11. He describes the voice of the Lord as: powerful, majestic, breaking cedars, hewing out flames, shaking the wilderness, makes the deer calve(calming). Let us listen for this voice in our lives, and take time in our daily prayer to be still and know that He is God! ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Psalms) CHAPTER 30 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 From what danger had God delivered David? What indications are there that the danger had been very great? What was Davi state of mind (a) before the danger, (b) during its presence, (c) after he was delivered from it? 2 In regard to his experience, to what conclusions does David come about (a) the salutary effects of the affliction, and (b) purpose for which he had been delivered? What can he now that he could not do in the same way before? Cf 2 Cor. I: 8-i I, =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Psalms) Chapter 30 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- *Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- (1) God delivered D. from his enemies, and those who sought to take his life. "O Lord my God, I called to you for help and you healed me." (V. 2) This answer to prayer causes D. to praise the Lord, to sing to Him, to be in deeper fellowship with Him. Before the danger, D. felt secure and unshakeable, but during his torment he was humbled, desperate and in prayer for mercy - deeply dependent upon the Lord's strength alone. Afterwards, D. praises the Lord in dance and song, saying "You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy." (2) The salutary/beneficial effects of this danger D. faced were an intimate dependence upon God. He had no strength of his own and had to find strength in God. An analogy to me would be that of organ donation: when one's own heart/organ fails them, they must depend on another (the donor's). The two people would be bonded forever in a unique way, since the weaker-hearted person is literally using the healthy heart to survive. Likewise, when our little strength fails us, we must use God's to face our trials. It gives us a deeper "bond" to use His instrument/organ (the Holy Spirit) as our source of strength. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) David was delivered from his enemies again in Psalm 30. The fact that David mentions the 'pits of hell' indicate the severity of the danger he was being delivered from. He was wondering before, and was concerned during, but now is overflowingly praisful after being delivered from the danger. 2) David reaches the point of realizing all is from the Lord. He is now able to have his mourning turned into dancing. He is able to sing out to the Lord again with a song of praise. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Psalm 30 Praise for Being Saved from Death In this psalm, David expresses his praise after he had been near death, but God brought him through: 30:3 - O Lord, you brought me up from the grave (sheol in Hebrew). You spared me from going down into the pit. 30:9 - "What gain is there in my destruction, in my going down into the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your faithfulness? Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your faithfulness? >From these verses, David pointed out that in Old Testament time God's people live to praise God. In the New Testament, Paul gave us a new prospective in life that we live, not only for praising God, we also ought to live to serve others: Philippians 1:21-24 - For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Psalms) CHAPTER 31 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 What would you pick out as the most bitter ingredients of David's cup of sorrow (verses 9-18)? What would you do if you were in a similar situation? What did David do? 2 In the rest of the psalm what witness does David bear to both in his prayer and praise? What message does he bring fellow-believers everywhere? Note. Verse 5a. Cf Lk. 23:46 as evidence that this psalm was in our Lord's mind upon the cross. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Psalms) Chapter 31 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- (1) It seems the worst part for D. was the physical agony he felt, and the loneliness. He was also slandered, probably felt alienated and despised. He says, "I am a dread to my friends - those who see me on the street flee from me." I think that in this situation the only choices would be suicide, depression, or trust in God. As a Christian, we have the latter and best alternative. Rom. 8: 28. D. decided to put his hope in the Lord. (2) D. received an answer to his prayers. He says, "In my alarm, I said, "I am cut off from your sight?" Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help." I especially like the encouragement he gives to believers, "HOW GREAT IS YOUR GOODNESS, WHICH YOU HAVE *STORED UP* FOR THOSE WHO FEAR YOU...BE STRONG AND TAKE HEART, ALL YOU WHO HOPE IN THE LORD." Note also D.'s attitude, "My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies..." He is surrendered to God's will. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Psalm 31 is a grievous psalm, the first half is devoted to prayer to God, then moving on to lamenting the physical dangers, then wrapping with prayer for delivery and praise for deliverance. I would pick out the wasting away of the body as the most bitter ingredient in David's Cup of sorrow. I hope that if encountering a similar situation I would have the faith to trust in God. Having never as of yet been in any physically harmful situations, I cannot really feel David's situation here. 2) David witnesses the goodness and blessings of the Lord. He brings the message of assurance that God is able and that he will reward those faithful to Him. The last verse is our calling to press on: Be strong and let your heart take courage, All you who hope in the LORD. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Psalm 31 The Lord Preserves the Faithful Ones It takes the ones who have had experiences as David did to appreciate this Psalm. In my mind, the Lord wants us to have the Book of Psalm to read and created those Bible figures, or individuals, to have their life experience so we would have our spiritual fellowship in the Lord with these marvelous praising psalms to praise God. As I mentioned in Psalm 30 study notes, in Old Testament time only the Levite Tribe was selected to serve God and the rest were the ones to praise the creater and to live under the Ten Commandments. Remember, in those days, they did not have the Lord's Prayer to know how to pray. In verse 21, David mentioned the Lord showed His marvelous kindness in a strong city! In fact, we may be able to name a few of them in the Book of Samuel which we recently finished, such as Gath, I Sam. 27:1- 4; Ziklag , 27:5-6; and of course Jerusalem. Verse 6-11: I have hated those who regard useless idols; but I trust in the Lord. David hates what the Lord hates. Further, God hates sin. However, God is also a loving God. As Paul mentioned in Romans 5:8-11:"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. ---- 11 And not only that, but we also rejoice in God throgh our Lord Jesus Christ, through whem we have now received the reconciliation." ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Psalms) CHAPTER 32 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 According to this psalm what are the indispensable conditions for enjoying the forgiveness of God? Cf Pr. 28: 13. 2 What great blessings does the forgiven soul receive, filling the heart with joy? What conditions of their continued enjoyment are laid down? Are you fulfilling these conditions? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Psalms) Chapter 32 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- (1) The conditions are to confess your transgressions to the Lord. And we should do it "while He may be found". Do we look in the mirror and see what we want to see, or do we see what is really there? On the radio (105.1 FM) the other day, I heard a speaker (Dr. Tony Evans on "The Urban Alternative") stressing how we needed to confess our sins (the "-s" on the end of sins means individual, specific sins and not sin as a whole - I John 1:9), and God can and will forgive our sin (no "s" on end) meaning all our sin as a whole. Furthermore, we need to confess AT THE MOMENT we commit it. Recognize it as sin, and confess it then and there. Then change your actions. True forgiveness from the Lord merits true repentance from us. (2) This psalm is, to me, that of a true CHILD OF GOD - "You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance." Then it sounds as thought the Lord is instrucitng D., "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding...[we cannot be too stubborn to be led by Him, must be obedient]" That really sounds like Fatherly guidance. The best thing we have is THE LORD'S UNFAILING LOVE which surrounds the man who trusts in Him. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Psalm 32 Blessed Is He Whose Sins Are Washed David's wrote the psalm at the time that his sins were covered, because the blood of Jesus was not available at his time. God could only cover their sins for the ones who believe in the salvation plan and perform the sacrifice offering accordingly. Today my psalm is that blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is washed away. What a difference between the Old and New Testaments time. The focusing point is God's salvation plan of the love of God and the power of the blood of Jesus Christ. Verse 3 and 4 - When I kept silent ABOUT MY SIN, my body wasted away Through my groaning all day long. For day and night Thy hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was drained away with the fever heat of summer. (NAS) If I do not confess my sin, I will dry up and God's hand is heavy upon me. Therefore, "I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,' and You forgave the iniquity of my sin." 32:5 Confession is the crucial stage of salvation. Without confession there is no salvation. 32:10b: ---he who trusts in the Lord, mercy shall surround him. Ephesians 2:4-7: But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved. And god raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus. In order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) In Psalm 32 David reveals the reason for the need to confess sins and make amends for wrongs. This is echoed in Prov 28:13 He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, But he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion. This psalm is another maskil(lament) it is written about unconfessed sins(v3) and the results being a heavy heart. 2) David speaks of the blessings for a forgiven soul. These blessings include: hiding place in God/preservation, instruction, teaching, and counsel. We must make our slate clean before the Lord to continue to enjoy the fellowship with Him that will allow us to receive His full leading and blessing upon our lives and communication of His will to us. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Psalms) CHAPTER 33 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= This psalm begins where Ps. 32 left off: The Hebrew word translated 'rejoice' in verse 1 is the same as that translated 'shout for joy' in Ps. 32:11. 1 The call to praise (verses 1-3) is followed by reasons for praise (verses 4-19). What are these, and do they help you to join in praising God? 2 What reasons are given as to why the nation whose God is the Lord is blessed above other nations? What is the psalmist's response to this (verses 20-22)? Note. Verse 3. 'A new song': the song of the redeemed. Cf Ps. 40: 3. 'Play skilfully': verb. sap. for all who aspire to lead the praises of God's people. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Psalms) Chapter 33 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- (1) Praise Him for His word, His justice and righteousness, His faithfulness, UNFAILING LOVE, CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE, Ruler of nations, CREATOR OF HUMAN BEINGS, Strong Deliverer. (2) The Lord's people are chosen for His inheritance. The psalmist says, "We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help and shield. In Him our hearts rejouice, for we trust in His holy name..." One verse that struck me was v 13-15, "From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind; from His dwelling place He watches all who live on earth - He who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do." Do we live our lives so that the Lord would be pleased with all He sees? Let us do so for, Eph.5:15-15 says, "BE VERY CAREFUL, THEN, HOW YOU LIVE - NOT AS UNWISE BUT AS WISE, *MAKING THE MOST OF OPPORTUNITY BECAUSE THE DAYS ARE EVIL.*" May Almighty God lend us the strength and wisdom to live wisely. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Psalm 33 The Fruit of Faith Is Joy In Heart This hymn of praise is a call for us to lift up our hearts to shout out that (1) God is truthful, faithful and merciful. (2) His creative power must be honored by all. This psalm urges us to place our confidence in the Lord. 33:21 For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name. We may not at first rejoice, but it comes in due time. We trust the Lord when we are sad, and in due season He so answers our confidence that our faith turns to fruition and we rejoice in the Lord. Doubt breeds distress, but trust means joy in the long run. The Lord is characterized as being: holy, just, true, gracious, faithful and unchanging. This is the way we ought to trust in Him. He is all-wise(omniscient), almighty(omnipotent), and everywhere(omnipresent) and His names are: Jehovah-jireh, God will provide; Jehovah-shalom, God will send peace; Jehovah-tsidkenu, God will justify; Jehovah-shammah, God will be forever near; Jehovah-Nissi, God will conquer every foe, etc. [Salem Kirban Reference Bible] In New Testament time, additional names of the Lord are found: The Second Adam; Bread of Life; The Christ; The Door; Emmanuel; First and Last; Great High Priest; I Am, John 8:58; Jesus; King of Kings; Lamb of God; Master; Nazarene; Only Wise God; Prince of Peace; Resurrection; Son of God; Teacher; Unspeakable gift; Vine; Word of God, etc. Take the name of Jesus with you, child of sorrow and of woe; it will joy and comfort give you - take it, then, wherever you go. Precious name, O how sweet! Hope of earth and joy of heaven. Precious name, O how sweet! Hope of earth and joy of heaven. Amen. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- This psalm begins where Ps. 32 left off: The Hebrew word translated 'rejoice' in verse 1 is the same as that translated 'shout for joy' in Ps. 32:11. This psalms is David's direction to give praise in whatever means, but give it unto the Lord. David gives us many reasons for praise/motivations, these include: Lord's word is upright, work is in faithfulness, His love, His lovingkindness, He is Creater(6-9), He is powerful(10),counsel is eternal, plan is everlasting, God is all-knowing, seeing, and powerful 2) David tells of the reason for God's blessing on Israel. 18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, On those who hope for His lovingkindness, 19 To deliver their soul from death And to keep them alive in famine. 20 Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield. 21 For our heart rejoices in Him, Because we trust in His holy name. David prays that the return on the nation of Israel be as it deals with God. 22 Let Your lovingkindness, O LORD, be upon us, According as we have hoped in You