Podcast appearances and mentions of selah psalm

God's voice in creation and scripture compels us to respond.

Sabbath School panel discussion and insight by 3ABN pastors and teachers. This podcast episode follows 2025 quarter 2, lesson 9 of the adult Bible study guide book. This quarter's book topic is “Allusions, Images, Symbols: How to Study Bible Prophecy”. and this week's Sabbath School lesson is titled “In the Psalms, Part 2” Join us every week for a fresh and relevant study of the word of God. Reading: Psalm 46 | Jer. 4:23-26 | Ps. 47:1-4 | 1 Thess. 4:13-17 | Psalm 75 | Rev. 14:6-12. Memory Text: "Let the peoples praise You, O God; let all the peoples praise You. Oh, let the nations be glad and sing for joy! For You shall judge the people righteously, and govern the nations on earth. Selah" (Psalm 67:3, 4, NKJV). (May 24 - May 30) Sunday (John Dinzey) - “A Very Present Help in the Time of Trouble”Monday (Daniel Perrin) - “Hope Amid Turmoil” Tuesday (Jill Morikone) - “Under His Feet”Wednesday (James Rafferty) - “Wine and Blood”Thursday (Shelley Quinn) - “That Your Salvation May Be Known” Want the Panelists' notes? You can sign up here: https://3abnsabbathschoolpanel.com/notes/ Questions or Comments? Email us at mail@3abn.org Donate: https://3abn.org/donate-quick.html

May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, Selah- Psalm 67:1 This Episode's Links and Timestamps:00:25 – Scripture Reading01:27 – Introduction04:53 – Commentary on Psalm 6720:23 – Commentary on ‘I Don't Want to Set the World onFire' by The Ink Spots50:24 – What Is a Podcast?1:16:25 – The Results of the Grand Experiment

Passage: 1 Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,  whose sin is covered. 2 Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity,  and in whose spirit there is no deceit. 3 For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away  through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;  my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah 5 I acknowledged my sin to you,  and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,”  and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah (Psalm 32:1–5) Song: Forgiven by Brian Johnson, Graham Moore, Jeremy Riddle, and Joel Taylor Lyrics: I will sing for You alone have rescued this life Jesus You have set me free You alone took away all sin and disgrace When You gave Your life to ransom me I am forgiven at the foot of the cross I am accepted by the power of Your love My every stain is washed away I am forgiven Here I stand in the light of Your glory and grace Where heaven's love and justice meet Now I live for the One who has called me by name Who is risen and alive in me I'm embraced at the foot of the cross By the love and the mercies You have lavished on us My every stain is washed away And I am forgiven Prayer: O most mighty God, and merciful Father, who has compassion upon all men, and who does not despise the sighing of a contrite heart, nor the desire of such as are sorrowful; mercifully assist our prayers that we make before you in all our troubles and adversities, whensoever they oppress us; and graciously hear us, that those evils, which the craft and subtlety of the devil or man work against us, may, by your good providence, be brought to nothing, that we your servants, being hurt by no persecutions, may evermore give thanks unto you in your holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. —Book of Common Prayer (1552)

“You ascended on high, leading a host of captives in your train and receiving gifts among men, even among the rebellious, that the Lord God may dwell there. Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation. Selah” ‭‭- Psalm‬ ‭68‬:‭18‬-‭19‬ ‭ESV‬‬

For strangers have risen against me; ruthless men seek my life; they do not set God before themselves. Selah- Psalm 54:3 This Episode's Links and Timestamps:00:25 – Scripture Reading01:27 – Introduction13:23 – Commentary on Psalm 5427:41 – Reviewing ‘Starship Troopers' by Robert A. Heinlein47:18 – About the Author1:00:00 – The Power of Science Fiction to Help and Hinder1:20:21 – What's Under the Pyramids in Egypt?1:29:34 – Captain Kirk: Not a Fan of Not the Bee

Trust in Him at all times, you people;Pour out your heart before Him;God is a refuge for us. Selah - Psalm 62:8Please memorize this Bible verse and whenever trouble arrives on your doorstep, or you feel sad or concerned about nothing just say the words quietly to yourself "Trust in Him at all times."Thank you for watching - Joe

Remember that the Lord had said the gospel would progress from Jerusalem to Judaea, to Samaria, and then to the uttermost parts of the earth. The books of Acts begins in Jerusalem. After the murder of Stephen, the disciples scatter into the province of Judaea, and also Samaria. Philip went to Samaria and ministered there. An angel then sends him into the wilderness toward Gaza, but does not tell him why. While there, Philip sees a chariot (and probably a caravan, given the importance of this man). As the gospel fans out across the world, this is the next stepping stone, and the word of the psalmist is fulfilled. “Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God” (Psalm 68:31). And as the next verse makes plain, Ethiopia is the harbinger of all the other nations coming to Christ. “Sing unto God, ye kingdoms of the earth; O sing praises unto the Lord; Selah” (Psalm 68:32).

Sunday, 16 February 2025   “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Matthew 7:21   “Not all, the ‘saying to Me, “Lord, Lord,”' he will enter into the kingdom of the heavens, but the one doing the will of My Father the ‘in heavens'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus, having used the metaphor of trees concerning the character of people, said that people will be known by their fruits. He now continues His words to the people, saying, “Not all, the ‘saying to Me, “Lord, Lord.”'”   This is the first time that the word kurios, meaning, sir, master, or the Lord God is used in Matthew when not specifically referring to the Lord, Yehovah, the God of Israel. However, chronologically, the first instance was when Elizabeth spoke to Mary –   “Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, 40 and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. 45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.'” Luke 1:39-45   In her words, Elizabeth notes “the mother of my Lord,” but it is certain she was stating this as an honorific title and not referring to Jesus as Yehovah. In her second use of the word, she was referring to the Lord, Yehovah.   Jesus' use of kurios, Lord, here is equivalent to adon in Hebrew. Each is a title that is given to indicate master, lord, sir, etc. In hearing His words, the people would not assume that He was referring to Himself as Yehovah incarnate any more than one would assume today that somebody saying “Sir, sir” about himself was making such a claim.   This doesn't mean Jesus isn't fully God. He is, but at this point, the people did not know this. He was merely tying His position of authority to that of the Messiah, thus making a claim to that position. That is seen in the next words. Not all who call Him Lord, Lord, “he will enter into the kingdom of the heavens.”   The meaning of “kingdom of the heavens” here is not the same thought as what believers in the church think of today, meaning the heavenly hope of eternal glorified bodies. Rather, it is the messianic hope found in the Old Testament where the shamayim, heavens, is spoken of in relation to a future rule of righteousness. For example –   “He shall call to the heavens from above, And to the earth, that He may judge His people: 5 ‘Gather My saints together to Me, Those who have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice.' 6 Let the heavens declare His righteousness, For God Himself is Judge. Selah” Psalm 50:4-6   Such writings indicated to the nation of Israel, to whom Jesus is currently speaking, that there would be a time when there would be a heavenly rule even while they lived on earth. This was their expectation and anticipation, and it is what they believed the Messiah would come to provide. Jesus is telling them that not all who claimed Him as the kurios, the Lord, of this rule would enter into that kingdom. Rather, He says, “but the one doing the will of My Father the ‘in heavens.'”   Of this, Bengel incorrectly states, “The meaning is, ‘unto Me and My Father;' and again, ‘My Father's Will and Mine.'—Κύριε, Lord) Jesus acknowledged that this Divine appellation was due to Him.”   The problem with this is that outside of Mary and anyone she talked to, nobody at this time knew of Jesus' true nature. Even Mary probably didn't grasp this. The expectation was that God would send a Messiah, but none knew that the Messiah would be God incarnate.   Bengel and others take their current understanding of theology, and shove it into these events of the past, where it does not yet belong in the minds of the people hearing Jesus' words.   Jesus does not say “Me and My Father,” nor does He say, “My Father's Will and Mine.” That thought may be implied in His coming words, but it is no proof to the people of divinity. Rather, David could have said the same thing, “I am the king, and I am doing the will of my heavenly Father in destroying the enemies of the people of God.”   The idea of God's Father relationship to Israel was known as far back as Moses, such as in Deuteronomy 32:7. It is repeated all the way through Scripture to Malachi 2:10. Though Jesus is the only begotten Son of God, this is not the context of His words in the minds of the people.   As for what the Father's will is, that is ultimately summed up in John 6 –   “Then they said to Him, ‘What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?' 29 Jesus answered and said to them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.'” John 6:29   To do the will of the Father is to do the works of God. It is to have faith in Jesus, believing in His nature, His completion of the work set before Him, and His all-sufficiency in that work for our lives.   Life application: Today, properly trained students of the Bible believe that Jesus is fully God and fully Man because this is what the Bible teaches. However, we cannot take our understanding of such doctrines, only understood later after Jesus completed His earthly ministry, and apply them to the minds of the people of Israel without doing harm to the narrative.   An example of this is when people take precepts of the Law of Moses and refer to them in the times before the law was introduced, such as in the life of Abraham or Jacob. No dietary restrictions were levied upon them, and yet commentaries will speak of their lives and conduct as if they were obedient to the law.   And example of such thinking is found in the account of Noah –   “You shall take with you seven each of every clean animal, a male and his female; two each of animals that are unclean, a male and his female; 3 also seven each of birds of the air, male and female, to keep the species alive on the face of all the earth.” Genesis 7:2, 3   Jews and others claim that the words about “clean” animals implies that they had the precepts of the law already given to them. This is incorrect. The idea of a clean animal at the time of Noah had nothing to do with the Law of Moses.   Rather, the animals that were considered clean were those that did not eat dead things. Instead of feeding off of death, like a cat might, they fed off of that which is provided from the ground, like sheep. Shoving the law into prelaw times negates the purpose of the giving of the law!   Keep things in their intended context. In doing so, you will avoid many errors in your thinking and doctrine.   Glorious God, when we come to difficult issues in our time reading the Bible, give us the wisdom to stop and think about why things are detailed as they are. Help us to have clarity of thought in how we approach this precious word so that we do not fall into error. Amen.  

Friday, 10 January 2025   so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. Matthew 6:18   “That not you may appear to men fasting, but to your Father, the ‘in the secret,' and your Father, the ‘seeing in the secret,' He will reward you in the manifest” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus noted that when one fasts, he should anoint his head and wash his face. This is so “that not you may appear to men fasting.”   The point of fasting is for afflicting oneself or denying oneself for one of various reasons, but other than for health issues, it is usually centered on a spiritual matter. Thus, to have others know that you are fasting defeats the purpose of fasting. It becomes a self-centered “look at my piety” type of thing.   Therefore, to make oneself appear normal or even joyous then hides the fact that one is fasting, while at the same time, it keeps the people around that person upbeat. There is no reward to be gained from them or their knowing. However, God knows the intent of the heart. And so, when one is fasting it may not be known to others, “but to your Father, the ‘in the secret,'” it will be known.   Such things, because they are based on something that is important to the person in the presence of God, will not be unknown to Him. He is the One who reads the hearts and minds of man, as the Bible notes several times. Therefore, because He sees what is done in secret, Jesus next says, “and your Father, the ‘seeing in the secret,' He will reward you in the manifest.”   As the fasting referred to here is for a spiritual matter, the one fasting can be assured that the petition that was set forth is noticed by God. It will be responded to accordingly. Saying it will be rewarded in the manifest, meaning openly, doesn't have to mean in front of others or in a way that is recognized as such at this time.   Rather, if fasting is for humbling oneself because of sin, the person can be sure that the sin has been dealt with by God, and the pardon will be granted. Thus, at the judgment, there will not be sin imputed for the wrongdoing.   Something along these lines would fully satisfy the thought of having the purpose of fasting being rewarded openly. This appears to be exactly what was on the mind of David in Psalm 32 –   “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered. 2 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no deceit. 3 When I kept silent, my bones grew old Through my groaning all the day long. 4 For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was turned into the drought of summer. Selah 5 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. Selah 6 For this cause everyone who is godly shall pray to You In a time when You may be found; Surely in a flood of great waters They shall not come near him. 7 You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah” Psalm 32:1-7   A person under the law, by the very nature of the law, is imputed sin. And yet, David is stating that there is the non-imputation of sin in his case. That must have come about through a contrite heart. One can assume that David may have even fasted along with his contrition. This is the type of thing Jesus is saying now.   There was nothing open and external for others to see, and yet the non-imputation of sin is something that is open and evident to David. Further, it will be seen as such at the final judgment.   Life application: It is common for people to want to be seen and noticed. It is why many strive to be actors, politicians, etc. But people want to be noticed even beyond that. And so, we will identify ourselves by the famous people we have met. It can become a comparison party at times. “I once met the president of Uruguay.” “How cool for you. I met the Prime Minister of the UK! I got a photo with him!” “That's great for both of you. I got to have dinner with the President of the United States!”   It is as if our level of importance is elevated by the important people we have met. And yet, without Jesus, we have no true and lasting importance at all. Nobody being cast into the Lake of Fire is going to brag about having met the Pope. If we want our true level of importance brought forth, we can say, “Yes, that's great for all of you, but I met the King of the Universe – Jesus.”   What we did “in the secret” by believing in Jesus in our hearts is the thing that will be truly rewarded “in the manifest.” As this is so, and we know it is true, the other things we do in secret will also be rewarded openly. Let us not seek after vainglory, but rather, let us have hearts that are always geared toward pleasing the Lord.   How wonderful it is, O God, to have the knowledge that we are saved through the shed blood of Christ Jesus our Lord. We didn't see Jesus die, but we believed the word that we heard. Help us to live by that same faith now as we continue our walk toward glory. Amen.

Send us a text“This is Jacob, the generation of those who seek Him, Who seek Your face. Selah” (Psalm 24:6).  “One thing I have desired of the Lord, That will I seek: 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” (Psalm 27:4). “When You said, ‘Seek My face,' My heart said to You, ‘Your face, Lord, I will seek'” (Psalm 27:8).Written and sent out from the morning prayer time of Tommy Hays each day.God bless you and may you have a great day!—Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministrieshttp://messiah-ministries.org

O Yahweh, how many are my foes!    Many are rising against me; many are saying of my soul,    “There is no salvation for him in God.” Selah - Psalm 3:1-2   This Episode's Links and Timestamps: 00:00 – Scripture Reading 01:29 – Introduction 04:35 – My Commentary on Psalm 3 32:40 - What Does Selah Mean? – Ashley Lyon, Bible Study Magazine, Logos.com 46:12 - How Many Imprecatory Psalms Are There, and Where They Are 1:12:29 - What are the imprecatory psalms? – GotQuestions.org 1:24:53 - How Should Christians View the Imprecatory Psalms? – Nathan W. Bingham & W. Robert Godfrey, Ligonier.com 1:41:58 - Conclusion

Send us a comment!Today's Treasure Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah Psalm 62:8Support the show

Psalm 46 is a very popular chapter in scripture and understandably so. There is much about the character and attributes of our God in the Psalm, but we must be careful when applying it in this age to ourselves. What we are dealing with nations in this section and God's plan and promise concerning the land are the backdrop. #theologyGod is OUR refuge and strength,A very present help in trouble.Therefore WE will not fear-Psalm 46:1Be still, and know that I am God;I will be exalted among the nations,I will be exalted in the earth!The Lord of hosts is with US;The God of JACOB is OUR refuge. Selah-Psalm 46:10-11

BOMBS FROM PSALMS | WHO GOD IS TO ME: Ps62 “My soul, wait silently for God, for my hope is from Him.  He only is my rock and my salvation;  He is my refuge; I will not be moved.  In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my shelter, is in God.  Trust in Him at all times; you people, pour out your heart before Him; God is a shelter for us. Selah” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭62‬:‭5‬-‭8‬ ‭MEV‬‬ Verse 5 For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.  WHO IS HE? MY HOPE WHAT I DO:  I REFLECT Verse 6 He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.  WHO IS HE? MY ROCK WHAT I DO:  I RELY Verse 7 On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God.  WHO IS HE? MY RESCUE WHAT I DO:  I REST Verse 8 Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭62‬:‭5‬-‭8‬ ‭ WHO IS HE? MY REFUGE WHAT I DO:  I REMEMBER 

June 1, 2024 Today's Reading: Introit for Pentecost 2 - Psalm 62:5-8; antiphon: Psalm 62:1Daily Lectionary: Ecclesiastes 9:1-17; John 9:24-41For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,  for my hope is from him.  He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.  On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God.  Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah (Psalm 62:5–8)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Who can you trust? Perhaps the list is very long for you. Trust is not something one should give out very easily. This is especially true if you've been the victim of injury or wrong by other people. Maybe you've lived a life where you can trust people and give it out freely and easily, for better or for worse. Maybe someone who was supposed to be trustworthy hurt you. Maybe a parent. Maybe a boyfriend or girlfriend. Maybe a teacher. Maybe your friends at the lunch table aren't acting like friends should. Maybe someone told everyone something only they were supposed to know. The trust is broken, and it's harder to trust them in the future. Maybe you'll never trust them again. This is sin and its consequences. It poisons families, it destroys relationships, it shatters trust. But who then can you trust? For sure, you should not adopt a hermit mindset, where you can trust nobody, and so you withdraw from society. That will make you go crazy (and you'll become depressed pretty quickly). But recognize that there is One who sits above the swampy bog of lies and sin. That One is God. The same God who saves you, the same God who knows you, the same God who called you by name; He is a rock and fortress, a mighty refuge from sin and death. When nobody else can be trusted, dear Christian, flee to God. Remember that He has called you in your Baptism and feeds you at His table. In Him can you trust. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Grant peace, we pray, in mercy, Lord;  Peace in our time, O send us! For there is none on earth but You, None other to defend us. You only, Lord, can fight for us.  Amen. (LSB 777:1)-Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.A Complete Guide to Christian Symbols . This collection of over 600 hand-drawn Christian symbols by artist and author Edward Riojas will teach you the extensive history of the imagery of the Church. Each symbol is a beautiful and historical connection to generations of Christians that have worshiped before you. A Complete Guide to Christian Symbols. Now available from Concordia Publishing House. 

In this episode, we take a look at some of the verses that mention the United States in them...yes, you are right. The United States isn't in the Bible. But, it is among the nations, and the nations are in the Bible. Listen to what the Bible says about our God and his relationship to the nations. See if it doesn't help you not to fear. The simple takeaway is this: Do Not Fear! NOTES: Psalm 2 -- Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against his Anointed, saying, 3 "Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us." 4 He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision. 5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying, 6 "As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill." 7 I will tell of the decree: The LORD said to me, "You are my Son; today I have begotten you. 8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. 9 You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel." 10 Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. 11 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. 12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him. Psalm 9:19-20 -- Arise, O LORD! Let not man prevail; let the nations be judged before you! 20 Put them in fear, O LORD! Let the nations know that they are but men! Selah Psalm 10:16 -- The LORD is king forever and ever; the nations perish from his land. Psalm 22:27-28 -- All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations shall worship before you. 28 For kingship belongs to the LORD, and he rules over the nations. Psalm 33:10 -- The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. Psalm 46:6-10 -- The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts.7 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah 8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, how he has brought desolations on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire. 10 "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" Psalm 47:7-9 -- For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with a psalm! 8 God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne. 9 The princes of the peoples gather as the people of the God of Abraham. For the shields of the earth belong to God; he is highly exalted! Psalm 59:7-8 -- There they are, bellowing with their mouths with swords in their lips-- for "Who," they think, "will hear us?" 8 But you, O LORD, laugh at them; you hold all the nations in derision. Psalm 66:6-7 -- There did we rejoice in him, 7 who rules by his might forever, whose eyes keep watch on the nations-- let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah Psalm 82:8 -- Arise, O God, judge the earth; for you shall inherit all the nations! Psalm 86:8-10 -- There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours. 9 All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name. 10 For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God. Psalm 113:3-6 -- From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the LORD is to be praised! 4 The LORD is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens! 5 Who is like the LORD our God, who is seated on high, 6 who looks far down on the heavens and the earth? Psalm 115:2-3 -- Why should the nations say, "Where is their God?" 3 Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases. Isaiah 40:15-17 -- Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, and are accounted as the dust on the scales; behold, he takes up the coastlands like fine dust. 16 Lebanon would not suffice for fuel, nor are its beasts enough for a burnt offering. 17 All the nations are as nothing before him, they are accounted by him as less than nothing and emptiness. Isaiah 42:1-3, 5-9 -- Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. 2 He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; 3 a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. 5 Thus says God, the LORD, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people on it and spirit to those who walk in it: 6 "I am the LORD; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations, 7 to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness. 8 I am the LORD; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols. 9 Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them." Isaiah 52:13-15 -- Behold, my servant shall act wisely; he shall be high and lifted up, and shall be exalted. 14 As many were astonished at you-- his appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of the children of mankind-- 15 so shall he sprinkle many nations; kings shall shut their mouths because of him; for that which has not been told them they see, and that which they have not heard they understand. Daniel 7:13-14 -- "I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. 14 And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed. Malachi 1:11 -- For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense will be offered to my name, and a pure offering. For my name will be great among the nations, says the LORD of hosts. (All verses in ESV version). RECAP/TAKEAWAYS A Christian who believes in the God of the Bible has no reason to fear. GET IN TOUCH: We'd love to hear from you. Please send us an email or question at comment@cithonahillpodcast.com. MUSIC: Little Lily Swing, Tri-Tachyon, Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 International, https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Tri-Tachyon/the-kleptotonic-ep/little-lily-swing

“Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle! Lift up your heads, O gates! And lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory! Selah” - Psalm‬ ‭24‬:‭7‬-‭10‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“O LORD, God of my salvation, I have cried out day and night before You. Let my prayer come before You; Incline Your ear to my cry. For my soul is full of troubles, And my life draws near to the grave. I am counted with those who go down to the pit; I am like a man who has no strength, Adrift among the dead, Like the slain who lie in the grave, Whom You remember no more, And who are cut off from Your hand. You have laid me in the lowest pit, In darkness, in the depths. Your wrath lies heavy upon me, And You have afflicted me with all Your waves. Selah You have put away my acquaintances far from me; You have made me an abomination to them; I am shut up, and I cannot get out; My eye wastes away because of affliction. LORD, I have called daily upon You; I have stretched out my hands to You. Will You work wonders for the dead? Shall the dead arise and praise You? Selah”   Psalm 88 is called, “A Maschil or Comtemplation of Heman”. Heman was probably a man that lived in the time of King David that was going through a time of trial and deep trouble. He is a man who is desperate, a man who is in despair and anguish of soul. He is crying out in desperation for help. What do you do when your world is falling apart? What do you do when you are down at the bottom? What do you do when nothing else seems to help and no one else can help you? What can you do? You can pray!   God has given every human being the gift of prayer. Prayer is our means of communicating with God. Prayer is calling out to God. Someone said that prayer is a sense of helplessness. The best prayers are when you are weak, when you are down and feel you have no strength, and everything appears to be against you! That's when you can really pray!   I'll never forget years ago when a man walked into my office off the street and began to tell me his story. His wife had just left him for another man. He had two precious children, and he was broken and had no idea what to do. After we talked awhile, I asked him to pray. He told me that he had no education, and that he could neither read nor write, and he had no idea how to pray. I told him just to tell God how he felt. We bowed our heads, and it was very quiet for a minute and then I heard what is believe was someone really praying for the first time in my life. I'll never forget it! With tears running down his face, this dear man cried out three words with a very loud voice, “God, help me!” That's all he said, but that was all he needed to say! If you are reading this and see me sometime, ask me what happened the next Sunday. It is an amazing story!   Remember this is a Psalm of instruction and we can learn at least four things from Heman's experience. First, in verses 1-2, we learn that we should still come to the LORD by faith no matter what or how we are feeling! Three times we are told that Heman cried to the Lord, and three different Hebrew words are used for “cry”. In verse 1, it was "a cry for help in great distress".  In verse 2, it was "a loud shout". And in verse 13, it was "a cry of anguish." He was fervent in his praying.   Heman believed in a God who could hear his prayers and do wonders (vv. 10, 12). He believed he had a God who loved him and was faithful to His people (v. 11). All of this is evidence of faith in Heman's heart, even though he spoke as though he was ready to give up. He prayed day and night (vv. 1, 9) and trusted that no obstacle would come between his prayers and the Lord (v. 2; Psalms 18:6; 22:24; 35:13; 66:20; 79:11). No matter how we feel and no matter how impossible our circumstances, we can always come to the Lord with our burdens.   Today, we also have access to the New Testament which assures us in 1 Peter 5:7, “Casting all your cares upon Him, because He cares for you!” Jesus will never disappoint you when you truly put your faith and trust in Him!   God bless!

“His foundation is in the holy mountains. The LORD loves the gates of Zion More than all the dwellings of Jacob. Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God! Selah   Psalm 87 is primarily about the city of Jerusalem. As a pastor I have had the privilege of traveling to many places in the world over the years. My first trip overseas was to Japan in 1976. In my early years, I also went to the Philippines ten times. I've been to India so many times that I have lost count. I've made numerous trips to Europe, Russia, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, and England. I've visited China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Uganda Africa, Haiti, and Guatemala in Central America. But my most favorite place to visit in all the world is the city of Jerusalem, “The City of God”!  I have been there on at least thirty occasions.   Psalm 87 was probably written in the time of King Hezekiah, after the Assyrian army had been defeated and Babylon was on the rise (Isaiah 36-39). Following this great victory, the neighboring nations, usually hostile to the Jews, honored Hezekiah and brought gifts to him as well as sacrifices to the Lord (2 Chronicles 32:23). The inscription tells us that it was a Psalm of the sons of Korah. They were the worship leaders of Israel who led in praise and song. You can imagine after the Assyrian army had been destroyed by one angel in one night that the people celebrated with song, praise and dancing! God had protected His Holy City!   Jerusalem is very much in the news these days. It always has been. It is the most important city on earth. Not Washington or London, Paris or Peking, Moscow or Rome, but Jerusalem is this world's true center. God has said of Jerusalem that He has set it in the midst of the nations (Ezekiel 5:5). And this is so. Draw a circle on a map with Jerusalem as its center and with a radius of about nine hundred miles; it will take in almost the entire Middle East. Within that circle will lie Athens, Istanbul, Antioch, Beirut, Damascus, Baghdad, Alexandria, Cairo, and Mecca. Much of modern civilization is the offshoot of what happened within the compass of that circle, and Jerusalem is at its heart.   The primary appeal of Psalm 87 has to do with the national life of Israel in historic times. It celebrates the national pride of the native-born Hebrew in the impressive capital city which crowned the hills of Judah. It was written to sing the praises of Jerusalem in the days of the kings. Psalm 87 also has a prophetic aspect. It can be taken as a prophetic commentary on David's statement in the previous psalm: "All nations whom Thou hast made shall come and worship before Thee, O LORD; and shall glorify Thy name." It is also a millennial psalm anticipating the day when Jesus will reign and Jerusalem, trodden down of the Gentiles since the days of Nebuchadnezzar, will at last be the world's capital city.   But there is also a personal application, for, in type and shadow, we come in. In Jerusalem was not only the temple of the true God, but also the throne of David, and it would be the Davidic line that would give us the Savior, Jesus Christ. It was outside the gates of the City of Jerusalem that Jesus was crucified for our sins. It was where He resurrected from the grave on the third day! It is the birthplace of His church. What a privilege and honor it was for a Jew to say that they were “born in Jerusalem” (vv. 4-6).   My friend, because of what happened in Jerusalem two-thousand years ago, if we have received Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we can now say, “I have been born again! I have a new life. I have been forgiven! And I will live forever in the heavenly Jerusalem!”   God bless!

Today's TreasureO Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah Psalm 84:8Support the show

Today's TreasureO Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah Psalm 84:8Support the show

Commands to praise or be thankful:Sacrifices of thanksgiving were commanded for the Israelites: Levicitus 7:12-15, but He wanted it to be from their own free will (Lev 22:29)Deut 10:20-21: "You shall fear the Lord your God; you shall serve Him, and to Him you shall hold fast, and take oaths in His name. He is your praise, and He is your God, who has done for you these great and awesome things which your eyes have seen."Many of the psalms are trying to stir up the speaker or the crowd to praise, vowing "I will" praise (sometime in the future), or do such-and-such, that I might praise, or (these people) will praise, or saying "let me" or "let [some third party]" praise the Lord, as if asking for God's help in doing it, in addition to actually praising God:Psalm 9:11: "Sing praises to the Lord, who dwells in Zion! Declare His deeds among the people."Psalm 29:1: "Give unto the Lord, O you mighty ones, Give unto the Lord glory and strength."Psalm 30:4: "Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name."Psalm 33:2: "Praise the Lord with the harp; Make melody to Him with an instrument of ten strings."Psalm 47:1, 6-7: "Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph!... Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises! For God is the King of all the earth; Sing praises with understanding."Psalm 66:1-2, 8: "Make a joyful shout to God, all the earth! Sing out the honor of His name; Make His praise glorious.... Oh, bless our God, you peoples! And make the voice of His praise to be heard."Psalm 68:4, 32: "Sing to God, sing praises to His name; Extol Him who rides on the clouds, By His name Yah, And rejoice before Him... Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth; Oh, sing praises to the Lord, Selah"Psalm 98:4: "Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth; Break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises."Psalm 100:4: "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name."Psalm 117:1: "Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles! Laud Him, all you peoples!"Romans 15:11: “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles! Laud Him, all you peoples!”2 Cor 2:14: "Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place."2 Cor 4:15: "For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God."We should bring praise to God (when people see us): Eph 1:11-12: "In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory."The Holy Spirit in us is to the praise of His glory: Eph 1:13-14When we bear fruits of righteousness, it is to God's glory and praise: Phil 1:11Our faith brings praise to God: 1 Peter 1:7Eph 5:20: "giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."Col 3:15: "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful."Col 4:2: "Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving"1 Thess 5:18: "in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."1 Tim 2:1: "Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,"1 Tim 4:4: "For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving;"Heb 13:15: "Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name."1 Peter 2:9: "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light."Rev 7:12: “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, Thanksgiving and honor and power and might, Be to our God forever and ever. Amen.”Rev 19:5: "Then a voice came from the throne, saying, “Praise our God, all you His servants and those who fear Him, both small and great!”Effects of thanksgiving:It was a battle strategy a at least once, when Jehoshaphat sent out the worshippers in the front lines of battle: 2 Chronicles 20:1-30It led to a prison break at least once, when Paul and Silas were singing to God, triggering an earthquake: Acts 16:25-34It leads to peace: Phil 4:6-7: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."It's how we abound in faith: Col 2:6-7: "As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving."Examples of thankfulness:Moses' song after God parts the Red Sea: Exodus 15:1-18, and Miriam's, Ex 15:21 - to memorialize it. It's like a poetic retelling of what just happened.Deborah's song after their defeat of Sisera: Judges 5:1-31Hannah's song after she bears Samuel: 1 Samuel 2:1-10David's psalm when God makes a covenant with his line: 2 Sam 7:18-29David appointed singers to rejoice as the ark returned from the Philistines, and he was dancing himself with all his might (2 Sam 6:12-23 and 1 Chron 15:16-29).David after his mighty men killed the last of the Philistine giants: 2 Sam 22:1-51 (also Psalm 18).David set aside a company of men appointed just for worship: 1 Chronicles 25, and also made them their instruments for that purpose: 1 Chron 23:5 (and they still used them during Solomon's reign, 2 Chron 7:6), and they did it morning and evening every day: 1 Chron 23:30.Solomon followed suit (2 Chron 8:14).Later Hezekiah reinstituted temple worship according to David's pattern, even using the instruments he had made (2 Chron 29:20-36), and reinstituted Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread with accompanying praise (2 Chron 30:21).David's psalm at the end of his reign: 1 Chron 29:10-15The Levites rejoice when the ark is brought into the new temple: 2 Chron 5:13The people of Israel in response to the glory of the Lord in the new temple: 2 Chron 7:3Most of the psalms: 7:17, 9:1-2, 14, 18:3, 49, 21:13, 22:3, 22-26, 26:7, 27:6, 28:7, 30:4, 30:12, 33:1, 34:1, 35:18, 28, 40:3, 42:5, 11, 43:4-5, 44:8, 45:17, 50:14, 51:15, 52:9, 54:6, 56:4, 12, 57:7, 57:9, 59:17, 61:8, 63:3, 5, 69:30, 34, 71:6, 8, 14, 22, 72:15, 75:1, 9, 78:4, 79:13, 86:12, 89:5, 92:1, 95:2, 96:1, 4, 97:1, 12, 98:1, 100:1, 100:4, 101:1, 103:1, 104:1, 33, 35, 105:1, 106:1-2, 48, 107:1, 8, 15, 21, 22, 31, 108:1, 3, 109:30, 111:1, 112:1, 113:1, 3, 9, 115:18, 116:1, 17, 19, 117:12, 118:1, 19, 21, 28-29, 119:7, 62, 164, 171, 175, 135:1, 3, 21, 136:1-3, 26, 138:1-2, 139:14, 140:13, 144:9, 145:1-4, 10, 21, 146:1-2, 10, 147:1, 7, 12, 20, 148:1-5, 7, 13-14, 149:1, 3, 6, 9, 150:1-6Many of the major and minor prophets prophesy that Israel will rejoice when God redeems them, brings them back to the land, reveals the Messiah, in the Millennium, etcJeremiah prays for deliverance: Jer 17:14 and his praise that God will deliver him from those who are against him: Jer 20:13Daniel praises God for revealing Nebuchadnezzar's dream: 2:23Nebuchadnezzar praises God: Daniel 4:34-37Daniel prayed and praised daily (despite opposition): Daniel 6:10Ezra 3:10-11: the people rejoice when the foundation of the temple is re-laid.Nehemiah on dedication of the rebuilt temple: he commands the people to rejoice and hold a feast, not mourn at the reading of the law they haven't kept (Nehemiah 8:10) and the Levites lead them in a psalm of praise to God and remembrance of their history: Nehemiah 9:5-38. Then Nehemiah appoints thanksgiving choirs with lots of instruments to rejoice loudly (Nehemiah 12:27-43). It's interesting that the story is long over by this point, but several more chapters are dedicated to their thanksgiving, praise, and remembrance of Israel's history and God's goodness to them.

Merry Christmas my friend!I didn't record a new episode for Christmas. In fact, I hope you don't even hear this today. But just in case you're driving or working out and need something to listen to, here's one of my favorite episodes ever, because the best Christmas present I could give you would be to teach you how to find hope no matter what you're going through. So here's Hope Surgery, with a little Christmas music thrown in. It's time for some hope surgery!Life can be very difficult, and sometimes it seems like we're all alone and without hope in a dark world. But here's a few minutes about the self-brain surgery technique that will help you find hope and see the light again!Scriptures mentioned in this episodeHabakkuk 1:2 “How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen?”Isaiah 30:18 (NIV)18 Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you;therefore he will rise up to show you compassion.For the Lord is a God of justice.Blessed are all who wait for him!Habakkuk 2:3 “Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.”2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.Isaiah 1:19 IF you are willing and obedient, (THEN) you will eat the best from the landDeuteronomy 28:1 IF you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, (THEN) the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations on earth.Daniel 10 (NIV)2 At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. 3 I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over.4 On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the great river, the Tigris, 5 I looked up and there before me was a man dressed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. 6 His body was like topaz, his face like lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude.7 I, Daniel, was the only one who saw the vision; those who were with me did not see it, but such terror overwhelmed them that they fled and hid themselves. 8 So I was left alone, gazing at this great vision; I had no strength left, my face turned deathly pale and I was helpless. 9 Then I heard him speaking, and as I listened to him, I fell into a deep sleep, my face to the ground.10 A hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. 11 He said, “Daniel, you who are highly esteemed, consider carefully the words I am about to speak to you, and stand up, for I have now been sent to you.” And when he said this to me, I stood up trembling.12 Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. 13 But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia. 14 Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the future, for the vision concerns a time yet to come.”Romans 4:18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed.Hosea 12:6Therefore, return to your God, Observe kindness and justice,And wait for your God continually.Psalm 27:14Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage;Yes, wait for the LordPsalm 33:20, 21 NIV “We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.”Psalm 33:3, 4 NLT “Sing a new song of praise to him; play skillfully on the harp, and sing with joy. For the word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does.”Romans 15:13 NLT “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”Psalm 27:14 ESV “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!”Psalm 46:1-3 CSB “God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble. Therefore we will not be afraid, though the earth trembles and the mountains topple into the depths of the seas, though its water roars and foams and the mountains quake with its turmoil. Selah”Psalm 121:1,2 NIV “I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Listener did this- look for help!)Romans 8:37 NIV “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” We will conquer the gap with self-brain surgery of doing, seeking, praying, trusting, pressing in, looking for help. Hope-tox doesn't inject itself.John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”Ephesians 3:“14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.20 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, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”John to Know, James to Grow bible studyBooks mentioned in this episode Almost Everything: Notes on Hope by Anne LamottI've Seen the End of You by Dr. Lee WarrenTommy Walker's song, Wait on the Lord!(Music shared on The Dr. Lee Warren Podcast is authorized under BMI license #61063253 and ASCAP license #400010513 )Self-Brain Surgery with Dr. Lee Warren is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drleewarren.substack.com/subscribe

Nov 27, 2022Hebrews 6:13-20The Power of Hope1. Our hope is based on certainty, v.17a) to showb) more convincinglyc) to the heirs of the promised)the unchangeable character of his purpose“There is tremendous relief in knowing that His love for me is utterly realistic, based at every point on prior knowledge of the worst about me, so that no discovery can now disillusion Him about me, in the way that I am so disillusioned about myself, and quench His determination to bless me.”                   -J.I. Packer, Knowing Gode) he guaranteed it with an oathf) so that by two unchangeable thingsThe two unchangeable things… 1) God's promise2) the oath that confirms it2. Our hope gives us a refuge, v. 18“For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah”                   -Psalm 62:5-8“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”                   -Psalm 91:1-23. Our hope encourages us to continue, v. 184. Our hope is in what has been accomplished, v. 19"And it was not without an oath. For those who formerly became priests were made such without an oath, but this one was made a priest with an oath by the one who said to him: “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest forever.'” This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant. The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself. For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.”                 -Hebrews 7:20-28Mental worship…Is it enough for God to show you or does he have to convince you of certain things?Is there anybody or anything you are close to giving up on?Is your life more about “from” or “for?”If God were to accommodate you this Advent season, how would He come to you? What encourages you when you feel hopeless?

Today we will be looking a Psalm 9 and thinking about how our God is the righteous judge of all the earth. The title of this Psalm tells us that David is the writer. But we can't be sure when he wrote it or what was the occasion that motivated him to write it. The commentators have dozens of various opinions and speculations as to the specifics as to why and when it was written. The most common view is that “the Death of the Son” is referring to the victory God gave David over Goliath, and years later when David as king of Israel is dealing with Israel's national enemies, he is reminding himself of God's righteous judgment that will take care of them too. The emphasis of this Psalm 9 is on joyful praise. Read verses 1, 2, 11, and 14. “I will praise you…” (v. 1). “I will be glad and rejoice in you…”(v. 2). “I will sing praises to your name…” (v. 2). “Sing praises to the LORD…” (v. 11). “That I may tell of all your praise…” (v. 14). David was assured, that in the midst of all his troubles and his enemies, that his greatest defense was a joyful heart full of praise for his righteous God! In this Psalm we especially see the emphasis on God's care of Israel and His righteous judgment on the nations that attacked His people. You find the theme of judgment and justice in verses 4, 7-8, 16 and 19-20. “You sat on the throne judging in righteousness” (v. 4). “But the LORD shall endure forever; He has prepared His throne for judgment. He shall judge the world in righteousness, And He shall administer judgment for the peoples in uprightness” (vv. 7-8). “The LORD is known by the judgment He executes”(v. 16). The chapter ends with this plea from David, “Arise, O LORD, Do not let man prevail; Let the nations be judged in Your sight. Put them in fear, O LORD, That the nations may know themselves to be but men. Selah” (Psalm 9:19-20). This prophetic prayer and plea is not only a cry of David for his present situation, but it also looks forward to the day when the Lord Jesus Christ will return to the earth at the end of the Tribulation with the armies of heaven to defeat all His enemies. We are reminded that there has been an epic battle being waged ever since the Lord spoke the words recorded in Genesis 3:15, when God said there would be enmity between the seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent. Ever since there has been a war going on between the forces of Satan and the forces of God. In Genesis 12:1-3, when God called Abram to become the father of the nation of Israel, that would give us the Bible and produced the Messiah, the focus of this conflict has been on the nation of Israel. (See Rev. 12.) That battle goes on today. Since as believers, we are spiritually Abraham's seed, we face daily warfare with these evil forces! Psalm 9 is a great assurance that our God is a righteous judge, and we are on the winning side! You can put your trust in Him (v. 10). God bless!

2022 - 09 - 11 - Craig Middleton - Selah, Psalm 46 by Buford Church of Christ

Background Material On The Psalms Having examined some of unique characteristics of Hebrew poetry in general, let's now focus on the book of Psalms itself... The Origin Of The Word "Psalm" a.)‘Mizmor'  is the  Hebrew word for PSALMS & means melody (music), or songs (words –poetry with/without Music)…Ps. 67 & 68…used 57 times…used in Praise & Worship..From a root  word meaning to ‘prune or cut off' ..thus speaks of a composition that cuts off all else, is simple & to the point The Greek word is "psalmos", from the Hebrew word "zmr" meaning "to pluck"; i.e., taking hold of the strings of an instrument with the fingers. It implies that the psalms were originally composed to be accompanied by a stringed instrument. "Psalms are songs for the lyre, and therefore lyric poems in the strictest sense."(Delitzsch, Psalms, Vol. I, p. 7) David and others therefore originally wrote the Psalms to be sung to the accompaniment of the harp. In New Testament worship, we are told to sing the psalms to the accompaniment of the heart: "...in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord" (Ep 5:19) The phrase, "making melody," comes from the Greek word "psallontes" (literally, plucking the strings of). Therefore, we are to "pluck the strings of our heart" as we sing the psalms (i.e., to sing with emotion). b)Tehillium  There is NOT a Hebrew Title for the Book of Psalms that encompasses all of the Psalms…Many Psalms (2 out of 3) had individual Titles. Probably the most common Title was ‘Tehillium' ( used of Ps. 96 + 30 other Psalms) …The root  of Tehillium is ‘Hallal'(Hallelujah) or ‘Praise'…literally means to show, be brilliant, be clear(SHINE)……Point: As we Praise God we begin to see things more clearly than any other timeJ!   There is NOT a Normal TITLE For the Book of Psalms in its entirety, about a 116 of the 150 Psalms were given each an individual ‘TITLE' or inscription showing it was intended for a specific Instrument or Chief Musician ‘UPON' means theme ,occasion, object of attention, could also mean the type of instrument used ‘OF' = Author ‘FOR' = Whom the Psalm was directed to for use or attention(Ps.72,84) BREAKDOWN of Titles: 52 had simple title of ‘A Psalm of David', 14 had Historical Titles( ex. When David fled from His enemies) 4 Tiles listed a specific purpose like for Sabbath day,15 Had a Degree , 31 had special & unique inscriptions No paragraphs in Hebrew so had to decide beginning of next Psalm Some TITLES… MICHTAM(Mik-tam)  Meaning “To Teach”,also suggests engraving on tablets, alluding to the 12 tribes engraved on precious stones on the breast plate of the High Priest, signifying Israel was His special Treasure engraved upon  God's Heart… Psalm 16,56,57,58,59,60 SHIGGAION,SHIGIONOTH Means Obscure, wild , rhythmic song & dance, ‘Moffatt' says of this title, means a song of irregular form; wild & vehement in character,' they were beside themselves as they danced', A reaction to a heavy anointing of the Spirit of the Lord, dancing , praising , shouting, singing with unrestraint… see David in II Sam. 6:16..Psalm 7, Hab. 3:1 Shoshannim Means ‘Lilies or Choice Ones' 45,69,80 MASCHIL (Mas-kil) Means Instruction & also alludes to skillful singing & playing  Psalm32,42,44,45,52,53,54,55,74,78,88,89,142 JEDUTHUN Means ‘A Choir of Praise' Jeduthun was formerly Ethan..A Levite  one of the three masters of music appointed by David. (1 Chr. 16:41, 42; 25:1-6) His office was generally to preside over the music of the temple service. They set up a perpetual order of praise & worship in the Temple…Through their singing & playing of instruments God was glorified & spoke prophetically to His people(II Chron 25:1)…PSALM 39,66,77 LEANNOTH Ellicot says of this title..a very perplexing meaning …it encompasses sickness, distress, sadness, afflictions…played or sung in a melancholy dirge , had to do with repentance & humbling of oneself..Psalm 12,13,88,53,14..Hos.5:3-15,6:1-3, Isa. 1:4-9 Deut.32:26-36 SHUSHAN-EDUTH _Means ‘Lily of Testimony' or ‘Lily of Speech'…a beautiful song of worship or Praise Psalm 60 HIGGAION means thought, reflection, meditation, solemn sound(identical to Selah) Psalm 9,19,92 SELAH IS Not a Title, yet this word is found 71 times throughout the PSALMS….means a Pause also means ROCK SHIR means to stroll or skip along in song found in 30 Titles ALL These Speak of JESUS     3.)      The History Of The Psalms The oldest of the Psalms originate from the time of Moses (1400 B.C.). We have three psalms penned by Moses: Exo 15:1-15 - a song of triumph following the crossing of the Red Sea Deut 32, 33 - a song of exhortation to keep the Law after entering Canaan Ps 90 - a song of meditation, reflection, and prayer After Moses, the writing of Psalms had its "peaks" and "valleys"... In David (1000 B.C.), the sacred lyric attained to its full maturity. With Solomon, the creation of psalms began to decline; this was "the age of the proverb." Only twice after this did the creation of psalms rise to any height, and then only for a short period: under Jehoshaphat (875 B.C.) and again under Hezekiah (725 B.C.). The Authors Of The Psalms David - Commonly thought to be the author of the book of Psalms, but he actually wrote only about seventy-three (73), less than half. David's experiences can be found in the Psalms, yet NOT HIS alone. Asaph - The music director during the reigns of David and Solomon (1 Chr 16:1-7). He wrote twelve (12) psalms. The Sons of Korah - These were Levites who served in the Temple (1 Chr 26:1-19). They wrote twelve (12) psalms. Solomon - At least two (2) psalms are attributed to him (Ps 72, 127). That he wrote many more is stated in 1Ki 4:29-32. Moses - As indicated above, he wrote the earliest psalms; one is included in Psalms (Ps 90). Heman - Contemporary with David and Asaph, and is known as "the singer" (1Ch 6:33). He wrote one psalm (Ps 88) that has been preserved. Ethan - A companion with Asaph and Heman in the Temple worship (1 Chr 15:19). He wrote one psalm (Ps 89). Anonymous - The authorship of forty-eight (48) of the psalms is unknown.                 4.)  The Arrangement Of The Psalms The Psalms were originally collected into five "books", apparently according to the material found within them...some say each ‘book' coincides with the 5 books of the  TORAH Book I (Ps 1-41) emphasizes how God is besideus.(Ps.1,Ps. 23,,dox.=Ps.41:13) Book II (Ps 42-72)emphasizes how God goes beforeus (Ps. 51)(dox. 72:19) Book III (Ps 73-89) reminds us that God is all aroundus.(Ps. 78 Asaph, God was w/Isr. Thruout their History )(dox. Ps.89:52) Book IV (Ps 90-106) focuses on how God is aboveus.(Moses Man is finite, God is Eternal) (dox. 106:48) Book V (Ps 107-150) the spotlight is on how the God is among (Ps. 128 How a man who fears God is Blessed by God) (dox. 150:1-6) The Psalms can also be arranged into chief "groups"... Alphabetic or Acrostic - These psalms have lines which in Hebrew start with words whose first letters follow a certain pattern. For example, in Ps 119 the first eight lines start with words beginning with the Hebrew letter ALEPH, the second eight lines with words beginning with BETH, etc. This may have been done to aid in the memorization of the psalm. Ethical - These psalms teach moral principles. A good example is Psa 15. Hallelujah - These are psalms of praise, beginning and/or ending with "hallelujah" or "praise Jehovah". Ps 103 is one such example. Historical - Psalms which review the history of God's dealings with His people. A good sample would be Ps 106. Imprecatory - These psalms invoke God to bring punishment or judgment upon one's enemies. Consider Ps 69 as an example. Messianic - Psalms pertaining to the coming Messiah. For example, look at Ps 2 or Ps 110. Penitential - These are psalms expressing sorrow for sins that have been committed. A classic example is David's psalm in Ps 51. Songs Of Ascent (or Songs Of Degrees) - These psalms were possibly sung by pilgrims on the way to Jerusalem to observe the feasts. They are grouped together as Ps 120-134. Suffering - These psalms are cries of those suffering affliction. Psa 102 is a typical example. Thanksgiving - Psalms of grateful praise to Jehovah for blessings received. For example, take a look at Ps 100. The various "styles" of the psalms can be described as... Didactic - Psalms of teaching and instruction (e.g., Ps 1). Liturgical - Responsive readings, for use in special services (e.g., Ps 136). Meditation - The ancient Hebrews were given to meditation, which spirit finds expression in many of the psalms (e.g., Ps 119). Praise and Devotion - Psalms of joyful praise (e.g., Ps 148). Prayer and Petition - Psalms which were sung in an attitude of prayer (e.g., Ps 51). The Music of The Psalms…. King David chose Chief Musicians & Their sons to give forth music in the Temple CHIEF MUSCIANS.. Asaph,  Hemen,  Jeduthun(also called Ethan) I Chronicles 25:1-7   David, together with the commanders of the army, set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman and Jeduthun for the ministry of prophesying, accompanied by harps, lyres and cymbals. Here is the list of the men who performed this service: 2 From the sons of Asaph: Zakkur, Joseph, Nethaniah and Asarelah. The sons of Asaph were under the supervision of Asaph, who prophesied under the king's supervision. 3 As for Jeduthun, from his sons: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei,[a] Hashabiah and Mattithiah, six in all, under the supervision of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied, using the harp in thanking and praising the Lord. 4 As for Heman, from his sons: Bukkiah, Mattaniah, Uzziel, Shubael and Jerimoth; Hananiah, Hanani, Eliathah, Giddalti and Romamti-Ezer; Joshbekashah, Mallothi, Hothir and Mahazioth. 5 (All these were sons of Heman the king's seer. They were given him through the promises of God to exalt him. God gave Heman fourteen sons and three daughters.) 6 All these men were under the supervision of their father for the music of the temple of the Lord, with cymbals, lyres and harps, for the ministry at the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun and Heman were under the supervision of the king. 7 Along with their relatives—all of them trained and skilled in music for the Lord—they numbered 288. I CHRONICLES 9:33,34  Many Levites were also Musicians who played & sang before God in the Temple 24/7 Specific Musical Instruments were used (I Chron. 16:4-6, 42)  Psalterys,  harps,cymbals,trumpets (for priests only), flute like & wind like instruments Words have stayed, Music has changed Music was meant to set the mood for Temple Worship God created us to Enjoy & create Music….music helps us become more vulnerable before each other & God…Zeph. 3:17 Song of Songs a book that is a SONG Songs help instruct you & aid our memories…..Isaiah 5:1, 35:10, Deut. 31:19,32:1 Songs are an ultimate medium of expression to God… RE. 5:9,14:2,3,15:3   TYPES of PSALMS Petitions, Prayers, Protection….Ps. 86,Ps.102 Praise…Psalm 145-150, Ps.47 Confessions of Faith…Ps. 33 & 94 Repentance…. Ps.51,130 Intercession….Psalms 6,21,67,122 Cursing (Imprecatory), Judgment of the wicked…Psalm 35,59,109 Instruction…Ps. 37,73,122 Questioning God…Psalm 9,10,14,49 Memorial ,historical, narrative, teaching, & parable Allegory, enlightenment, revelation, & prophetic TYPES of PSALMS Praise, hope, trust,  faith, exaltation of God, Love for God & His Word, thanksgiving, joy + longing Exultation, rejoicing, gladness, happiness, & deliverance Dedication, confession, repentance, prayer, & petition Humility, intercession, refuge, inquiry, need, & fear Lamentation, woe, sorrow, oppression, bondage, & trouble Acknowledgement of God's love & blessings, mercy, grace, truth, power, position, & love for His willing people; & their reciprocal love for their lover, bridegroom, espoused husband, king, redeemer, & Lord.   Conclusion: The Psalms provides to us,  BOTH,  a beautiful, meditational  book of Song & worship as well as containing bits & pieces of ALL Major Doctrine  to be studied along with All of the aspects of  Life physically & spiritually mankind experiences on earth. It has been said of the Psalms one finds “expressed an eager yearning & longing for God's PRESENCE” Psalms certainly contains ‘prayers & songs of joyous praise' Psalms are a collection of honest, needy, expressions of vulnerable hearts to God.  All emotions known to man are expressed in beautiful  & inspired prose within this book. Whatever state you find yourself in you can begin to find comfort & answers in the PSALMS….just start to read through them…If you are depressed, feeling anger & hate, in grief,, in fear, in joy, feeling sadness, feeling wronged & misunderstood by others, needing Justice, seeking to run & hide, seeking someone to be vulnerable with, seeking prayer, in need of repentance, Feeling Joy & Delight, Feeling doubt or Faith…The PSALMS cover the whole Gamut of Human Emotions & Thought…You CAN ADOPT THEM AS YOUR OWN PRAYERS, as well as pen your own ‘personal Psalms' before Abba!!!     James 1:23-25 J.B. Phillips New Testament 21-25 Have done, then, with impurity and every other evil which touches the lives of others, and humbly accept the message that God has sown in your hearts, and which can save your souls. Don't I beg you, only hear the message, but put it into practice; otherwise you are merely deluding yourselves. The man who simply hears and does nothing about it is like a man catching the reflection of his own face in a mirror. He sees himself, it is true, but he goes on with whatever he was doing without the slightest recollection of what sort of person he saw in the mirror. But the man who looks into the perfect mirror of God's law, the law of liberty (or freedom), and makes a habit of so doing, is not the man who sees and forgets. He puts that law into practice and he wins true happiness.        

Passage: To the choirmaster. Of the Sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A Song. 1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. 5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. 6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. 7 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah 8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, how he has brought desolations on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire. 10 “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” 11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah (Psalm 46:0–11 ESV) Song: I Have a Shelter (https://open.spotify.com/track/5AdaaN0Beb5S9UvHHTMuPQ?si=9986b6bb83664020) by Vikki Cook, Steve Cook, and Bob Kauflin Lyrics: We worship the God who was We worship the God who is We worship the God who evermore will be He opened the prison doors He parted the raging sea My God, He holds the victory yeah There's joy in the house of the Lord There's joy in the house of the Lord today And we won't be quiet We shout out Your praise There's joy in the house of the Lord Our God is surely in this place And we won't be quiet We shout out Your praise We sing to the God who heals We sing to the God who saves We sing to the God who always makes a way 'Cause He hung up on that cross Then He rose up from that grave My God's still rolling stones away We were the beggars Now we're royalty We were the prisoners Now we're running free We are forgiven, accepted, Redeemed by His grace Let the house of the Lord sing praise Prayer: This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.

I Cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice, and he gave ear to me Psalm 77 1. In my distress I Cried unto the Lord and he heard me some 120:1. I Cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah Psalm 3:4. And these are just a few scriptures that make me want to holler, that make me want to cry out to God from the depths of my soul with a promise in mind that he will hear me, and he will answer My Cry. Hallelujah! Praise God! Amen!

Transcript: Hello, this is Pastor Don of Christ Redeemer Church. Welcome to The Kingdom Perspective. God made us emotional beings, but emotions are tricky things. If you are like me, you have been repeatedly, in various ways and at various times, overwhelmed by your emotions. What are we to do with these seemingly “unwanted guests”? We need to take our emotions to our Maker and process them before Him. My good friend Alasdair Groves in his book Untangling Emotions does a great job looking at our inner life through the lens of Scripture. I commend his book to you. He shows that our emotions are a way to explore the deepest movements of our soul—what we most deeply believe, treasure and desire. Thus, engaging our emotions honestly—understanding and processing them—is intended by God to drive us to Him, so that we might more fully believe, treasure and long for Him. He writes: “Every time you run to a bottle, a screen, or an event instead of your heavenly Father, you are disengaging from your emotions and from him. “Don't be deceived. Each of the many above actions is ultimately more than an action. Actions always reveal our core beliefs and confidence.” (Untangling Emotions by Alasdair J. Groves and Winston T. Smith, p. 166) How you engage your emotions will either drive you to God or away from Him. One is the way of spiritual life; the other the way of death. Something to think about from The Kingdom Perspective. “For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken. How long will all of you attack a man to batter him, like a leaning wall, a tottering fence? They only plan to thrust him down from his high position. They take pleasure in falsehood. They bless with their mouths, but inwardly they curse. Selah For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah” ~ Psalm 62:1-8 (ESV) Citation: Untangling Emotions by Alasdair J. Groves and Winston T. Smith (Crossway, 2019).

If, Wait, Then: The Surgery of Hope Life can be very difficult, and sometimes it seems like we're all alone and without hope in a dark world. But here's a few minutes about the self-brain surgery technique that will help you find hope and see the light again! Scriptures mentioned in this episode Habakkuk 1:2 “How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen?” Isaiah 30:18 (NIV) 18 Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him! Habakkuk 2:3 “Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV 14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Isaiah 1:19 IF you are willing and obedient, (THEN) you will eat the best from the land Deuteronomy 28:1 IF you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, (THEN) the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. Daniel 10 (NIV) 2 At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. 3 I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over. 4 On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the great river, the Tigris, 5 I looked up and there before me was a man dressed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. 6 His body was like topaz, his face like lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude. 7 I, Daniel, was the only one who saw the vision; those who were with me did not see it, but such terror overwhelmed them that they fled and hid themselves. 8 So I was left alone, gazing at this great vision; I had no strength left, my face turned deathly pale and I was helpless. 9 Then I heard him speaking, and as I listened to him, I fell into a deep sleep, my face to the ground. 10 A hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. 11 He said, “Daniel, you who are highly esteemed, consider carefully the words I am about to speak to you, and stand up, for I have now been sent to you.” And when he said this to me, I stood up trembling. 12 Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. 13 But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia. 14 Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the future, for the vision concerns a time yet to come.” Romans 4:18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed. Hosea 12:6 Therefore, return to your God, Observe kindness and justice, And wait for your God continually. Psalm 27:14 Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord Psalm 33:20, 21 NIV “We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.” Psalm 33:3, 4 NLT “Sing a new song of praise to him; play skillfully on the harp, and sing with joy. For the word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does.” Romans 15:13 NLT “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” Psalm 27:14 ESV “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” Psalm 46:1-3 CSB “God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble. Therefore we will not be afraid, though the earth trembles and the mountains topple into the depths of the seas, though its water roars and foams and the mountains quake with its turmoil. Selah” Psalm 121:1,2 NIV “I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Listener did this- look for help!) Romans 8:37 NIV “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” We will conquer the gap with self-brain surgery of doing, seeking, praying, trusting, pressing in, looking for help. Hope-tox doesn't inject itself. John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Ephesians 3: “14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 20 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, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Books mentioned in this episode  Almost Everything: Notes on Hope by Anne Lamott I've Seen the End of You by Dr. Lee Warren Check out the prayer wall! Subscribe to my weekly letter!  Consider supporting the podcast! Patrons get bonus episodes, transcripts, free books, and more! Tommy Walker's song, Wait on the Lord! Tommy Walker's song, All About Your Glory

••• Bible Study Verses: Romans 8:28, Jeremiah 29:11, Genesis 37:27-28, Genesis 50:20, Genesis 39:1-6, Genesis 41:1, Numbers 23.19, Psalm 2.1-4 . ••• “Prayer is our most formidable weapon, the thing which makes all else we do efficient...Faith, and hope, and patience and all the strong, beautiful, vital forces of piety are withered and dead in a prayerless life. The life of the individual believer, his personal salvation, and personal Christian graces have their being, bloom, and fruitage in prayer”, McKendree Bounds, Pastor/Chaplin, 1835-1913 . ••• “Arise, O Lord; Save me, O my God! For You have struck all my enemies on the cheekbone; You have broken the teeth of the ungodly. Salvation belongs to the Lord. Your blessing is upon Your people. Selah” Psalm 3.7-8, NKJV . ••• What is one of the most seemingly paradoxical messages to The Beloved of God? ••• How do we know that our Creator is involved in the affairs of man? ••• Where did the phrase “ what you meant for evil against me but God meant it for good” come from? ••• What is a function of what happens in your season of harvest? ••• What are 6-life actions to help you Survive Your Waiting Season? ••• How do we live in reality of an invisible enemy determined to waste and devour our dreams? ••• Are you going to ask your small group to pray that your prayer life will be more formidable than that of enemy of your soul? Pastor Godwin Otuno expounds on this and much more on the exciting journey of Fresh Encounters Radio Podcast originally aired on May 14, 2022 on WNQM, Nashville Quality Ministries and WWCR World Wide Christian Radio broadcast to all 7-continents on this big beautiful blue marble, earth, floating through space. Please be prayerful before studying The Word of God so that you will receive the most inspiration possible . ••• This Discipleship Teaching Podcast is brought to you by Christian Leadership International and all the beloved of God who believe in it's mission through prayer and support. Thank you . ••• Study Guides at - www.shows.acast.com/fresh-encounter-radio-podcast/episodes . ••• Exceeding Thanks to Universe Creator Christ Jesus AND photo by rois martin Photography, (PayPal Donations: contact.roismartin@gmail.com), art direction by gil on his mac . ••• † www.christian-quotes.ochristian.com/E.M.-Bounds-Quotes/ . ••• Broadcaster's Website - www.lifelonganointing.com/ . ••• RESOURCE - www.biblegateway.com/audio/mclean/kjv/john.1%20 . ••• RESOURCE - www.spurgeon.org/resource-library/ . ••• FERP220514 Episode #224 GOT220514 ep224 . ••• Surviving the Waiting Season - The Blessings of a Formidable Enemy . Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/fresh-encounter-radio-podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

If, Wait, Then: The Surgery of Hope (Originally played in March of 2021, I'm bringing this to you today since it's perfect for Action April, and because I can't stop sneezing!) Life can be very difficult, and sometimes it seems like we're all alone and without hope in a dark world. But here's a few minutes about the self-brain surgery technique that will help you find hope and see the light again! Scriptures mentioned in this episode Habakkuk 1:2 “How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen?” Isaiah 30:18 (NIV) 18 Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him! Habakkuk 2:3 “Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV 14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Isaiah 1:19 IF you are willing and obedient, (THEN) you will eat the best from the land Deuteronomy 28:1 IF you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, (THEN) the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. Daniel 10 (NIV) 2 At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. 3 I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over. 4 On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the great river, the Tigris, 5 I looked up and there before me was a man dressed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. 6 His body was like topaz, his face like lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude. 7 I, Daniel, was the only one who saw the vision; those who were with me did not see it, but such terror overwhelmed them that they fled and hid themselves. 8 So I was left alone, gazing at this great vision; I had no strength left, my face turned deathly pale and I was helpless. 9 Then I heard him speaking, and as I listened to him, I fell into a deep sleep, my face to the ground. 10 A hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. 11 He said, “Daniel, you who are highly esteemed, consider carefully the words I am about to speak to you, and stand up, for I have now been sent to you.” And when he said this to me, I stood up trembling. 12 Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. 13 But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia. 14 Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the future, for the vision concerns a time yet to come.” Romans 4:18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed. Hosea 12:6 Therefore, return to your God, Observe kindness and justice, And wait for your God continually. Psalm 27:14 Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord Psalm 33:20, 21 NIV “We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.” Psalm 33:3, 4 NLT “Sing a new song of praise to him; play skillfully on the harp, and sing with joy. For the word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does.” Romans 15:13 NLT “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” Psalm 27:14 ESV “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” Psalm 46:1-3 CSB “God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble. Therefore we will not be afraid, though the earth trembles and the mountains topple into the depths of the seas, though its water roars and foams and the mountains quake with its turmoil. Selah” Psalm 121:1,2 NIV “I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Listener did this- look for help!) Romans 8:37 NIV “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” We will conquer the gap with self-brain surgery of doing, seeking, praying, trusting, pressing in, looking for help. Hope-tox doesn't inject itself. John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Ephesians 3: “14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 20 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, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Books mentioned in this episode  Almost Everything: Notes on Hope by Anne Lamott I've Seen the End of You by Dr. Lee Warren Check out the prayer wall! Consider supporting the podcast! Patrons get bonus episodes, transcripts, free books, and more! Tommy Walker's song, Wait on the Lord!

Place of the Skull “He will drink of the brook by the way; therefore will He lift up His head [triumphantly].” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭110:7‬ ‭ “Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle! Lift up your heads, O gates! And lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory! Selah” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭24:7-10‬ “In the west, people respect the Lord's reputation; in the east they recognize his splendor. For he comes like a rushing stream driven on by wind sent from the Lord.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭59:19‬ ‭NET‬‬ “And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭9:58‬ ‭ “The depths of the sea were exposed; the inner regions of the world were uncovered by your battle cry, Lord, by the powerful breath from your nose. He reached down from above and took hold of me; he pulled me from the surging water. He rescued me from my strong enemy, from those who hate me, for they were too strong for me.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭18:15-17‬ ‭NET‬‬ “Acknowledge the majesty of the Lord's reputation! Worship the Lord in holy attire! The Lord's shout is heard over the water; the majestic God thunders, the Lord appears over the surging water. The Lord's shout is powerful, the Lord's shout is majestic. The Lord's shout breaks the cedars, the Lord shatters the cedars of Lebanon.” Psalms‬ ‭29:2-5‬ ‭NET‬‬ “For this reason every one of your faithful followers should pray to you while there is a window of opportunity. Certainly when the surging water rises, it will not reach them. You are my hiding place; you protect me from distress. You surround me with shouts of joy from those celebrating deliverance. (Selah)” Psalms‬ ‭32:6-7‬ ‭NET‬‬ “You delivered your people by your strength – the children of Jacob and Joseph. (Selah) The waters saw you, O God, the waters saw you and trembled. Yes, the depths of the sea shook with fear. The clouds poured down rain; the skies thundered. Yes, your arrows flashed about.” Psalms‬ ‭77:15-17‬ ‭NET‬‬ “Then we cried out, “Lord, help us! Rescue us!” And he did! God stilled the storm, calmed the waves, and he hushed the hurricane winds to only a whisper. We were so relieved, so glad as he guided us safely to harbor in a quiet haven.” Psalms‬ ‭107:28-30‬ ‭TPT‬‬ “Hurl lightning bolts and scatter them! Shoot your arrows and rout them! Reach down from above! Grab me and rescue me from the surging water, from the power of foreigners, who speak lies, and make false promises. O God, I will sing a new song to you! Accompanied by a ten-stringed instrument, I will sing praises to you, the one who delivers kings, and rescued David his servant from a deadly sword.” Psalms‬ ‭144:6-10‬ ‭NET‬‬ So no combination of family 2D, church and state 3D-4D can produce the theocracy, for they do not have their being in the same “dimensional” sphere as the Theocracy. They exist in the sphere of common grace; but the Theocracy in the sphere of Consummation. As G. Vos points out: “The significance of the unique organization of Israel can be right measured only by remembering that the theocracy typified nothing short of the perfected kingdom of God the consummate state of heaven” (Old and New Testament Biblical Theology, 1942, P. 80). Kline interprets Exodus through Malachi under the rubric of the Old Covenant, which is patterned by the standing and falling of the theocratic kingdom of Israel. Under the theocratic kingdom, Kline argues that there was not a fusion between state and church but sui generis. Decrease time over target: PayPal.me/mzhop or Venmo @clastronaut

But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: For he shall receive me. Selah (Psalm 49:15 KJV). Be vigilant family and stay blessed! We love you. 

Your words were found and I ate them

Rev. Jason Piland O LORD, in your strength the king rejoices, and in your salvation how greatly he exults! You have given him his heart's desire and have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah (Psalm 21:1–2 ESV)

Michael Morris and Green Bouzard offer Selah, a chant based on Psalm 78 And the ate and were well filled for God gave them what they craved.  Produced by Jami Goetz

Michael Morris and Green Bouzard offer Selah, a chant based on Psalm 145 The Lord upholds all who are fallen and raises up all who are bowed down Produced by Jami Goetz

Michael Morris and Green Bouzard offer Selah, a chant based on Psalm 23. The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not wantThe Lord is my shepherd, I shall not wantI shall dwell in the house of the LordI shall dwell in the house of the Lord Produced by Jami Goetz

Michael Morris and Green Bouzard offer Selah, a chant based on Psalm 85.  Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet. Righteousness and peace will kiss each other. Faithfulness will spring up from the ground. And righteousness will look down from the sky.  Produced by Jami Goetz

We all desire to be known. But how can we feel safe to be real about our inner darkness?

There are those times in your life when you really need God to answer your prayer. A crisis. An opportunity. A fork in the road. Something big is happening and only God can help! A crisis with a family member. A sudden health issue. Or finances. Or at work. There are a thousand things that can go “wrong” in the course of our lives. And it's in those times we sense a stronger need to pray. Psalm 4 was one of those times for King David. This episode will discuss how David's prayer gives us helpful direction in those anxious times.  Psalm 4 ESV 1 Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have given me relief when I was in distress. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer! 2 O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame? How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah Psalm 4:2 in the NAS is a better translation... How long will you love what is worthless and aim at deception? 3 But know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD hears when I call to him. 4 Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah 5 Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the LORD. 6 There are many who say, “Who will show us some good? Lift up the light of your face upon us, O LORD!” 7 You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound. 8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.  1 Peter 5:7 NIV Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Philippians 4:6 NIV Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God  Follow Dave Cover on Twitter @davecover. Like this content? Make sure to share it with others and leave us a rating, so others can find it too. To learn more, visit our website and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @TheCrossingCOMO. Social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCrossingCOMO Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecrossingcomo/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecrossingcomo

There are those times in your life when you really need God to answer your prayer. A crisis. An opportunity. A fork in the road. Something big is happening and only God can help! A crisis with a family member. A sudden health issue. Or finances. Or at work. There are a thousand things that can go “wrong” in the course of our lives. And it's in those times we sense a stronger need to pray. Psalm 4 was one of those times for King David. This episode will discuss how David's prayer gives us helpful direction in those anxious times.  Psalm 4 ESV 1 Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have given me relief when I was in distress. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer! 2 O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame? How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah Psalm 4:2 in the NAS is a better translation... How long will you love what is worthless and aim at deception? 3 But know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD hears when I call to him. 4 Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah 5 Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the LORD. 6 There are many who say, “Who will show us some good? Lift up the light of your face upon us, O LORD!” 7 You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound. 8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.  1 Peter 5:7 NIV Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Philippians 4:6 NIV Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God  Follow Dave Cover on Twitter @davecover. Like this content? Make sure to share it with others and leave us a rating, so others can find it too. To learn more, visit our website and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @TheCrossingCOMO. Social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCrossingCOMO Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecrossingcomo/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecrossingcomo

Envy is a distorted interpretation of what is. It robs us of our joy. How do we have a perspective shift away from envying this world to desiring God above all else?

Psalm 51 confronts us with the dark reality of sin and guilt. As David confesses to God, we're left with the question: How can I experience cleansing from sin?

Transcript: What should the church do in the face of the coronavirus pandemic? We can take some inspiration from our shared Christian history. The great German reformer Martin Luther is one who knew fear and tragedy. But he also one who knew the power of Christ to overcome these. When the plague hit the German university town of Wittenberg in August 1527, the pastor and reformer along with his wife Katharina maintained their post, ministering to both the spiritual and physical needs of those suffering. Katharina was pregnant at the time, but they opened their home to the sick and needy. How could they do this? Well, their hope was in the God of Psalm 46. Psalm 46 1 God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea… History suggest to us that it was about this time that Luther wrote his most famous hymn based on this Psalm. The opening lines declare: “A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing; Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing …[Later he goes on to end his hymn with the following]… Let goods and kindred go, This mortal life also: The body they may kill: God's truth abideth still, His kingdom is for ever. Something to think about from The Kingdom Perspective. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah” ~ Psalm 46