Podcasts about these psalms

When life feels out of control and God feels distant, where do you even begin?Psalms 9-16 are one big, honest conversation about what it's like to live in a broken world and still choose to trust God. David, who wrote all of these Psalms, was a man who fought 50+ battles, faced enemies on every side, and somehow kept his faith intact. These Psalms aren't polished theology. They're raw, real, and remarkably relatable.In this episode, we cover everything from crying out in anger when evil seems to win, to finding shelter in God like a bird tucked under a wing. And we end somewhere surprising...with a hidden resurrection prophecy tucked inside a psalm written a thousand years before Jesus walked the earth.What you'll learn:[09:50] When God feels absent: Psalm 10 gives you permission to ask "Where are you, God?" as an act of faith, not doubt.[12:30]  When fear has the upper hand: Psalm 11 reveals why your foundation matters more than your circumstances and what it means that God's eyes are always watching.[15:05] When you're dealing with deception and lies: Psalm 12 shows how to take heart and trust God for protection when people in your life can't be trusted.[16:50] When you need a safe place: Psalms 13 explores the honest cry of someone who feels forgotten, and why "How long, O Lord?" can become one of the most faithful prayers you can pray.[23:03] How to find favor with God: Psalm 15 gives a surprisingly practical list of what it looks like to live in a way that draws you closer to God without making it feel like a checklist.[27:52] A prophecy you didn't see coming: Psalm 16 contains a hidden vision of resurrection that Peter quoted at Pentecost pointing from David all the way to Jesus.Psalms Show Notes:Psalms RoadmapPsalms Playlist on Apple MusicPsalms Playlist on SpotifyPsalm 8 (Hallé) by Phil WickhamACTS Prayer GuideGroup Discussion Questions for Psalm 9–16:[16:50] David asks "how long" four times in a six-verse psalm. Then his mind quickly pivots from lament to trust in God's unfailing love. Do you think this ability to vent without spiraling into despair is the secret to David's faithfulness? How could you imitate this in your own faith walk?[23:12] Psalm 15 describes 10 behaviors of someone who walks closely with God. Which of these 10 behaviors feels most like a place of potential growth for you right now?[27:02] Psalm 16 says our security is not tied to a bank account, a home, or a job. God is our portion. What is one thing you tend to rely on for security more than God, and what would it look like to loosen your grip on it?Contact Bible Book Club!Social: Instagram or FacebookWebsite: Bible Book ClubReview Us: Apple Podcast or SpotifyJoin the Fun: DONATE or Buy merchThis episode is part of our ongoing Bible Book Club series, starting with Genesis and journeying all the way through the Bible. Thanks for listening!

The arrival of the Ark of the Covenant in Jerusalem in the time of David is a foreshadowing of the prophesied return of our King to his earthly throne. This week, we flash back about 250 years to study four psalms we overlooked during the life of David. These Psalms of praise would have been written just after the arrival of the Ark of the Covenant in Jerusalem, as described in 1 Chronicles 13–16. We also discuss the covenants between God and Abraham, Moses, and David, and the difference between the unconditional covenants made with Abraham and David and the Sinaitic covenant with Moses. Though the Israelites, and later Jews, broke faith with God, there are promises. He made that were not dependent on the faithfulness of the people of Israel. Zechariah 12 and 14 tells us of a day when Messiah arrives in Jerusalem at the hour of Israel's greatest need. He will establish His eternal throne there: For the LORD has chosen Zion;he has desired it for his dwelling place:“This is my resting place forever;here I will dwell, for I have desired it. (Psalm 132:13–14, ESV) Here are links to the books we mentioned during the study: Rebooting the Bible Part One by Doug WoodwardRebooting the Bible Part Two by Doug WoodwardThe Battle for the Bible's Truth by Doug Van Dorn Sharon's niece, Sarah Sachleben, has been diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer, and the medical bills are piling up. If you are led to help, please go to GilbertHouse.org/hopeforsarah. Our new book The Gates of Hell is now available in paperback, Kindle, and as an audiobook at Audible! Derek's new book Destination: Earth, co-authored with Donna Howell and Allie Anderson, is now available in paperback, Kindle, and as an audiobook at Audible! If you are looking for a text of the Book of 1 Enoch to follow our monthly study, you can try these sources: Parallel translations by R. H. Charles (1917) and Richard Laurence (1821)Modern English translation by George W. E. Nickelsburg and James VanderKam (link to book at Amazon)Book of 1 Enoch - Standard English Version by Dr. Jay Winter (link opens free PDF)Book of 1 Enoch - R. H. Charles translation (link opens free PDF) The SkyWatchTV store has a special offer on Dr. Michael Heiser's two-volume set A Companion to the Book of Enoch. Get both books, the R. H. Charles translation of 1 Enoch, and a DVD interview with Mike and Steven Bancarz for a donation of $35 plus shipping and handling. Link: https://bit.ly/heiser-enoch Follow us! • X: @gilberthouse_tv | @sharonkgilbert | @derekgilbert• Substack: GilbertHouse.substacdk.com | SharonKGilbert.substack.com• Telegram: t.me/gilberthouse | t.me/sharonsroom | t.me/viewfromthebunker• YouTube: @GilbertHouse | @UnravelingRevelation | @thebiblesgreatestmysteries• Facebook.com/GilbertHouseFellowship Thank you for making our Build Barn Better project a reality! We truly appreciate your support. If you are so led, you can help out at GilbertHouse.org/donate. Get our free app! It connects you to these studies plus our weekly video programs Unraveling Revelation and A View from the Bunker, and the podcast that started this journey in 2005, P.I.D. Radio. Best of all, it bypasses the gatekeepers of Big Tech! The app is available for iOS, Android, Roku, and Apple TV. Links to the app stores are at www.gilberthouse.org/app/. Video on demand of our best teachings! Stream presentations and teachings based on our research at our new video on demand site! Gilbert House T-shirts and mugs! New to our store is a line of GHTV and Redwing Saga merch! Check it out at GilbertHouse.org/store! Think better, feel better! Our partners at Simply Clean Foods offer freeze-dried, 100% GMO-free food and delicious, vacuum-packed fair trade coffee from Honduras. Find out more at GilbertHouse.org/store. Our favorite Bible study tools! Check the links in the left-hand column at www.GilbertHouse.org.

The arrival of the Ark of the Covenant in Jerusalem in the time of David is a foreshadowing of the prophesied return of our King to his earthly throne. This week, we flash back about 250 years to study four psalms we overlooked during the life of David. These Psalms of praise would have been written just after the arrival of the Ark of the Covenant in Jerusalem, as described in 1 Chronicles 13–16.  We also discuss the covenants between God and Abraham, Moses, and David, and the difference between the unconditional covenants made with Abraham and David and the Sinaitic covenant with Moses. Though the Israelites, and later Jews, broke faith with God, there are promises. He made that were not dependent on the faithfulness of the people of Israel. Zechariah 12 and 14 tells us of a day when Messiah arrives in Jerusalem at the hour of Israel's greatest need. He will establish His eternal throne there: For the LORD has chosen Zion; he has desired it for his dwelling place: “This is my resting place forever; here I will dwell, for I have desired it. (Psalm 132:13–14, ESV) Here are links to the books we mentioned during the study:• Rebooting the Bible Part One by Doug Woodward• Rebooting the Bible Part Two by Doug Woodward• The Battle for the Bible's Truth by Doug Van Dorn

Psalm 98 is one of six Enthronement Psalms (Psalms 93, 95-99) that celebrate Yahweh's universal sovereignty and eternal kingship. These Psalms depict God as a just and powerful ruler over creation, calling people to worship and highlighting themes of salvation, later reinterpreted in Christianity as Christ's ultimate reign. Scholars have also linked the Enthronement Psalms to ancient New Year festivals, during which the community would ritually acclaim divine kingship and renew hopes for cosmic order and blessing in the coming year. In the New Year let's sing out a new song orienting our lives around the kingship of God!

Shabbat Evening LessonTeachers: Kerry & Karen BattleAhava ~ Love AssemblyThis message covers Tehillim (Psalms) 134–137 as a unified covenant system establishing service, source, authority, witness, remembrance, and judgment.These Psalms are not isolated songs. They define covenant position. They reveal that service before Yahuah is continuous, that blessing flows from what He established, that authority belongs to Him alone, that His mercy is testified through witness, that identity must be remembered in exile, and that judgment enforces separation.This teaching establishes that covenant alignment is not seasonal or situational. It is maintained in visibility and in obscurity, in provision and in lack, in freedom and in captivity.WHAT WE COVER IN THIS MESSAGEStanding Service Before YahuahTehillim 134:1–2Service is continual. Standing before Yahuah does not stop when unseen. Position defines whether one is in alignment.Source of Blessing Established by YahuahTehillim 134:3Blessing flows from Tsion, the place Yahuah chose. Source is not self-created. Moving outside His order removes supply.Yahuah's Sovereign Rule Over All ThingsTehillim 135Yahuah acts without limitation. Idols cannot speak, act, or deliver. Authority belongs to Him alone.Covenant Witness Through Repeated MercyTehillim 136Repetition establishes testimony. Every act of Yahuah, creation, deliverance, provision, is tied to His enduring mercy.Remembrance in ExileTehillim 137:1–6Exile exposes whether covenant identity has been maintained. Remembrance preserves identity. Adaptation reveals loss of alignment.Judgment and SeparationTehillim 137:7–9Yahuah remembers and repays. Judgment enforces separation. Alignment determines outcome.WHY THIS MESSAGE MATTERSThese Psalms establish a system:Service establishes positionPosition connects to sourceSource defines supplyAuthority governs allMercy is witnessed through remembranceRemembrance preserves identityJudgment enforces separationThis is covenant function.Service that stops is not service.Source that is self-created is not from Yahuah.Trust placed in what cannot act will fail.Forgetting His works disconnects from covenant.Adapting to captivity removes identity.Aligning with what is judged brings judgment.To carry His Name while living outside this order is misrepresentation.SCRIPTURE REFERENCES FOR STUDYTehillim 134–137Tehillim 2:11Tehillim 132:13Tehillim 76:2Tehillim 94:1–2Deuteronomy 6:13Deuteronomy 10:8Deuteronomy 12:5Deuteronomy 19:15Deuteronomy 32:35, 41–43Deuteronomy 6:12Deuteronomy 30:1–3Exodus 27:20–21Exodus 12:141 Kings 8:29, 46–481 Chronicles 23:30Isaiah 46:9–10Daniel 4:17Job 42:2Psalm 78:4Obadiah 1:10–15All teaching is established precept upon precept.ABOUT AHAVA ~ LOVE ASSEMBLYWe teach the Pure Word of Yahuah.No religion.No tradition.No compromise.Our teaching follows the Sovereign Blueprint:Law | Precept | Example | Wisdom | Understanding | Prudence | Conviction | Fruit of the Ruach | Final Heart CheckSUPPORT THE WORK — GIVE VIA ZELLEZelle QR available at:ahavaloveministry.comZelle only. No CashApp. No PayPal.FINAL WORDThese Psalms do not describe devotion.They establish position.You do not choose when to stand.You remain standing.You do not create source.You remain connected.You do not define authority.You submit to it.Final Heart CheckAre you standing continually, or appearing when convenient?Are you connected to what Yahuah established, or operating from your own source?Do you remember His works, or have you adapted to your environment?Are you aligned with covenant, or standing with what is judged?

Shabbat Evening MessageTeacher: Kerry BattleAhava ~ Love AssemblyThis Bible study covers Tehillim (Psalms) 129 through 133, establishing how Yisra'el is to respond to affliction, how to cry out in the depths, how humility governs the soul, how covenant order establishes Yahuah's dwelling, and how unity produces commanded blessing.These Psalms define covenant behavior under pressure. They are not emotional expressions. They are instruction for endurance, repentance, alignment, and obedience.Tehillim 129 teaches that affliction is permitted but does not prevail against those who remain aligned with Yahuah.Tehillim 130 teaches that when in the depths, the requirement is to cry out, confess, and wait on Yahuah's redemption.Tehillim 131 teaches that humility is required, and that a quieted soul reflects submission to Yahuah's authority.Tehillim 132 teaches that Yahuah dwells only where covenant order is upheld.Tehillim 133 teaches that unity, established through truth and obedience, is where Yahuah commands blessing.This is a structured, verse-driven Bible study taught line upon line and requires a response.WHAT WE COVER IN THIS PSALMS 129–133 BIBLE STUDYAffliction and Covenant EnduranceTehillim 129Affliction does not remove covenant position. Enemies rise, but they do not prevail.Repentance and Crying Out to YahuahTehillim 130Crying out from the depths, confession, and humility activate covenant response and redemption.Humility and Quieting the SoulTehillim 131Pride produces disorder. Humility brings stillness and alignment before Yahuah.Covenant Order and Dwelling of YahuahTehillim 132Yahuah's presence is established where covenant order is upheld, not where there is disorder.Unity and Commanded BlessingTehillim 133Unity under truth and authority produces commanded blessing. Division removes it.WHY THIS PSALMS LESSON MATTERSHow to respond to affliction biblicallyWhat it means to cry out to Yahuah correctlyWhy humility is required for stabilityHow to establish order in your life and householdWhy unity is required for blessingThese Psalms establish a covenant system for how Yisra'el stands, responds, aligns, and remains under Yahuah's authority.SCRIPTURE REFERENCESTehillim 129–133Shemot 1:12Vayiqra 26:7–8Devarim 28:7Tehillim 34:17Yonah 2:2Vayiqra 26:40–42Devarim 8:14Mishlei 16:18Mishlei 22:4Devarim 12:5Shemot 25:8Melakim Aleph 6:12–13Vayiqra 19:17–18Devarim 6:5Yechezqel 37:22Every section is taught precept upon precept.ABOUT AHAVA ~ LOVE ASSEMBLYWe teach the Pure Word of Yahuah.No religion.No tradition.No compromise.Teaching structure:Law | Precept | Example | Wisdom | Understanding | Prudence | Conviction | Fruit of the Ruach | Final Heart CheckSUPPORT THE WORK — GIVE VIA ZELLEZelle QR at: ahavaloveministry.comZelle only. No CashApp. No PayPal.FINAL WORDAffliction does not prevail.Crying out is required.Humility must govern the soul.Order must be established for Yahuah to dwell.Unity is where blessing is commanded.FINAL HEART CHECKWhen afflicted, do you remain fixed or shift?When in the depths, do you cry out or remain silent?Is your soul quieted before Yahuah, or still lifted?Is your house ordered for His dwelling, or disordered?Are you maintaining unity in truth, or breaking it?

Evening MessageTeacher: Kerry BattleAhava ~ Love AssemblyThis evening message covers Psalms 125 through 128, a unified witness of stability, restoration, establishment, and order under Yahuah's rule.These Psalms are not emotional expressions. They are covenant evidence. The Writings reveal measurable outcomes, showing what a life produces when aligned with Yahuah and what is exposed when it is not.Psalm 125 establishes stability as the result of trust, revealing that those rooted in Yahuah remain while those who turn aside are removed.Psalm 126 shows restoration as the return of what has been sown, proving that increase follows obedience and emptiness follows neglect.Psalm 127 exposes labor, showing that what Yahuah builds stands and continues, while what man builds without Him collapses.Psalm 128 reveals order as the fruit of fearing Yahuah, where provision, household stability, and peace appear as evidence of alignment.This message is taught with judicial clarity, precept upon precept, and requires a measurable response.WHAT WE COVER IN THIS MESSAGEStability as Evidence, Not EmotionPsalm 125Those who trust Yahuah are established and unmoved. Instability is not circumstance, it is evidence of where a person is rooted.Sowing Determines ReturnPsalm 126What is sown returns without exception. Restoration follows obedience, not desire or expectation.Labor Without Yahuah is WastePsalm 127Effort does not establish. What Yahuah is not in will not remain, regardless of how much labor is applied.Building That Continues or EndsPsalm 127What Yahuah builds continues beyond a man. What He is not in ends, even if it appears successful.Fear Produces OrderPsalm 128Fear of Yahuah is proven by walking in His ways. Order, provision, and peace appear where alignment exists.Disorder Reveals MisalignmentPsalm 128Disorder is not random. It exposes the absence of fear, obedience, and covenant alignment.WHY THIS MESSAGE MATTERSStability is evidence of trustRestoration follows what is sownLabor without Yahuah is emptyWhat Yahuah builds continuesFear produces orderDisorder exposes misalignmentA life reveals its alignment through its outcomesThese Psalms remove assumption and expose reality, showing that a person's life is already testifying.SCRIPTURE REFERENCES FOR STUDYPsalms 125–128Psalm 1Isaiah 26Galatians 6Deuteronomy 30John 15Deuteronomy 8Deuteronomy 28Deuteronomy 6Every section is taught precept upon precept.ABOUT AHAVA ~ LOVE ASSEMBLYWe teach the Pure Word of Yahuah.No religion.No tradition.No compromise.Our teaching follows the Sovereign Blueprint:Law | Precept | Example | Wisdom | Understanding | Prudence | Conviction | Fruit of the Ruach | Final Heart CheckSUPPORT THE WORK — GIVE VIA ZELLEZelle QR at: ahavaloveministry.comZelle only. No CashApp. No PayPal.FINAL WORDThese Psalms do not present possibility.They reveal outcome.A life aligned with Yahuah stands, continues, and produces order.A life outside of Him does not remain.Final Heart Check:Is your life stable or being moved, producing or empty, established or collapsing, ordered or disordered according to Yahuah's standard?

Today's readings.. (Leviticus 23), (Psalm 128-130), (Luke 6) Our Psalms and Luke readings today link together in encouraging us to think and live positively so we can more effectively counteract a world that buffets us more than ever with false values.  There are times when these greatly affect us and they threaten to be overwhelming.      These Psalms provide us with encouragement for the times when the ways of the world around us particularly buffet us and we start to be drawn into its' ways.. Psalm 130 is an outstanding example: “Out of the depths I cry to you O LORD … be attentive to the voice of my pleas for mercy!  If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?  But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.”  [v.1-4]Then the question arises, what counts as iniquities?  In the days of Moses and ancient Israel the people would look to the 10 commandments; but Jesus, as we read in Luke 6 today describes Christ-like behaviour as being much more than avoiding bad behaviour like stealing and committing adultery. Jesus taught, “But I say unto you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you … “  [v.27,28]  Then Jesus lays down what is often called ‘the golden rule' saying,  “as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.” [v.31]   It has always been the greatest challenge to live as God requires.  David knew this.      Jesus came to spell it out in plain language – and live it – to set us an example.  With gratitude we remember David's words – and see his life as an example, especially for us, if we stumble off the narrow pathway that Jesus described. (Matt. 7 v.14).We therefore need more especially to remember David's words that God is “feared” because with him “there is forgiveness.”  He is not feared because he is an angry God, rather he is feared (‘held in the deepest reverence' it means in this context) – because he is a loving God.  Tomorrow's Psalm 131 is specifically by David. He writes, “O LORD, my heart is not lifted up … I have calmed and quieted my soul like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me.” [v.1,2]     Can we do the same?  Christ is, in one sense, our mother, let us make sure we have a real and growing relationship with him. 

Teacher: Kerry BattleAhava ~ Love AssemblyPsalm 117 commands the nations.Psalm 118 governs the redeemed.These Psalms establish that Yahuah's rule is universal, His truth endures, trust reveals allegiance, and access to His gates is not assumed.This is not emotional worship.This is covenant declaration.WHAT WE COVER IN THIS MESSAGE1. The Nations Are Commanded to PraisePsalm 117:1–2Praise is not invitation, it is command.Refusal to acknowledge Yahuah is not neutrality, it is insubordination.His mercy toward Israel is public witness to the world, and His truth does not expire.2. Covenant Categories and Fear of YahuahPsalm 118:1–4Israel.House of Aaron.Those who fear Yahuah.Covenant identity is defined, not assumed.Fear distinguishes the loyal from the indifferent.3. Trust in Yahuah or Functional IdolatryPsalm 118:5–9“It is better to trust in Yahuah than to put confidence in man.”Trust reveals allegiance.Persistent confidence in man over Yahuah becomes functional idolatry.Deliverance confirms ownership.4. Correction, Not AbandonmentPsalm 118:15–18Yahuah chastens but does not immediately give over to destruction.Correction is mercy.But correction despised invites removal.5. The Gate of Righteousness and Restricted AccessPsalm 118:19–21Entrance is not automatic.“The righteous shall enter.”Access belongs to the aligned, not the self-justified.6. The Rejected Stone and Divine VerdictPsalm 118:22–23The stone rejected by builders becomes the cornerstone.Rejection by men does not cancel Yahuah's decree.Those who reject what He establishes remove themselves from the structure.7. Deliverance Demands VowPsalm 118:24–29Public rescue requires public loyalty.Vows are not sentimental.Ingratitude erodes covenant faithfulness.WHY THIS MESSAGE MATTERSThe nations are accountable.Fear defines covenant identity.Trust exposes allegiance.Access is governed.Rejection does not overturn divine appointment.Deliverance demands obedience.Psalm 117 establishes global authority.Psalm 118 enforces covenant loyalty.SCRIPTURE REFERENCES FOR STUDYGenesis 12Deuteronomy 7, 10Psalm 24Psalm 115Isaiah 28, 45Jeremiah 17Daniel 2Malachi 3Matthew 21Every section is taught precept upon precept.ABOUT AHAVA ~ LOVE ASSEMBLYWe teach the Pure Word of Yahuah.No religion.No tradition.No compromise.Our teaching follows the Sovereign Blueprint:Law | Precept | Example | Wisdom | Understanding | Prudence | Conviction | Fruit of the Ruach | Final Heart CheckSUPPORT THE WORK — GIVE VIA ZELLEZelle QR at: ahavaloveministry.comZelle only.FINAL WORDYou are either trusting Yahuah or replacing Him.You are either entering through the gate of righteousness or assuming access.You are either aligning with the cornerstone or standing outside the structure.There is no third category.Final Heart Check:When pressure comes, where does your trust run?When correction comes, do you submit or resist?When Yahuah establishes what others reject, where do you stand?

PSALMS 114–116 — REDEMPTION, FEAR, AND COVENANT RESPONSETeacher: Kerry BattleAhava ~ Love AssemblyThis Psalms lesson covers Psalms 114 through 116, a covenant testimony sequence that establishes how Yahuah delivers His people, why He alone is to be feared, and what lawful response redemption requires.These Psalms are not emotional worship songs.They are covenant declarations.They recount Yahuah's acts of redemption, expose false trust, and demand obedience, vows, and public faithfulness from those He has delivered.This is not inspiration.This is accountability.WHAT WE COVER IN THIS MESSAGE1. Redemption Establishes DominionPsalm 114Israel's deliverance from Egypt immediately establishes Yahuah's ownership and rule.Redemption does not create autonomy.It creates governance.Creation itself responds to Yahuah's authority, commanding fear and trembling before Him.2. False Trust Exposed, Covenant Trust CommandedPsalm 115Glory belongs to Yahuah alone.Idols are exposed as lifeless, and those who trust them become like them.Trust in Yahuah is commanded for Israel, the house of Aaron, and all who fear Him.3. Personal Deliverance Requires Covenant ResponsePsalm 116Answered prayer creates obligation.Mercy restores walking order, not independence.Vows are required, obedience is public, and faithfulness is measured by response, not emotion.WHY THIS MESSAGE MATTERS• Redemption establishes ownership• Fear of Yahuah is commanded• False trust produces lifelessness• Deliverance demands response• Vows matter• Obedience is publicPsalms 114–116 govern how the redeemed are to remember, trust, fear, and respond within covenant.SCRIPTURE REFERENCES FOR STUDYPsalms 114–116Exodus 19Deuteronomy 4 • Deuteronomy 10Joshua 3Job 38Isaiah 42 • Isaiah 57Jeremiah 10 • Jeremiah 17Habakkuk 3Micah 6Romans 1 • Romans 14Every section is taught precept upon precept.ABOUT AHAVA ~ LOVE ASSEMBLYWe teach the Pure Word of Yahuah.No religion.No tradition.No compromise.Our teaching follows the Sovereign Blueprint:Law | Precept | Example | Wisdom | Understanding | Prudence | Conviction | Fruit of the Ruach | Final Heart CheckSUPPORT THE WORK — GIVE VIA ZELLEZelle QR at: ahavaloveministry.comZelle only.No CashApp.No PayPal.FINAL WORDYahuah delivers.Creation trembles.False trust fails.The redeemed respond.Final Heart Check:Has your deliverance produced obedience or entitlement?Has mercy produced vows or excuses?Do you trust Yahuah fully, or only when pressure is low?

PSALMS 111–113 — PRAISE, COVENANT REMEMBRANCE, RIGHTEOUS STABILITY, AND YAHUAH'S EXALTATIONEvening MessageTeacher: Kerry BattleAhava ~ Love AssemblyThis evening Torah message covers Psalms 111 through 113, a unified progression of covenant praise, remembrance, upright stability, and Yahuah's exaltation over all creation.These Psalms are not emotional poetry. They are covenant formation. The Writings witness Torah, call Israel to fear, and define what righteousness produces in the life of the set-apart remnant.Psalm 111 establishes that the fear of Yahuah begins with remembering His works and honoring His covenant.Psalm 112 shows the fruit of that fear, stability, obedience, generosity, and endurance against the wicked.Psalm 113 exalts Yahuah as the Most High who still attends to the lowly, raising the poor and restoring households by covenant mercy.This message is taught with judicial clarity, precept upon precept, and requires a lawful response.WHAT WE COVER IN THIS MESSAGEPraise in the Assembly, Not Private ReligionPsalm 111Praise belongs in the gathered order of the upright, not isolated spirituality. Covenant people worship publicly in truth and remembrance.The Works of Yahuah Are Studied, Not ForgottenPsalm 111The remnant does not admire Yahuah's acts, they study them. Forgetting produces rebellion. Memory is obedience.Covenant Provision and Command Are JoinedPsalm 111Yahuah provides for those who fear Him, and His provision is governed by covenant order, not entitlement.The Fear of Yahuah is the Beginning of WisdomPsalm 111Wisdom begins with trembling submission. No fear, no wisdom. No obedience, no understanding.The Righteous Man Produced by Covenant FearPsalm 112Blessing is attached to delight in commandments. Upright men are stable in darkness and unshaken under trial.Generosity as Covenant Order, Not Charity CulturePsalm 112Giving is covenant justice and stewardship. Ordered care among the set-apart, not forced redistribution.Separation Revealed by OppositionPsalm 112The wicked grind their teeth against righteousness. Distinction returns. Opposition proves separation.Yahuah Exalted, Yet Near the LowlyPsalm 113The Most High humbles Himself to behold the poor, raising them from the dust and seating them with princes.Household Restoration as Covenant FruitPsalm 113Fruitfulness and restoration are governed by Yahuah's mercy, not human control. He builds households by covenant order.WHY THIS MESSAGE MATTERSCovenant praise is public and orderedRemembrance is obedienceFear is the beginning of wisdomRighteousness produces stabilityGiving is governed by Torah justiceOpposition reveals separationYahuah lifts the lowly by covenant mercyHouseholds are restored by His handThese Psalms train the remnant to live upright, fear Yahuah without hypocrisy, and trust His exaltation and governance in every condition.SCRIPTURE REFERENCES FOR STUDYPsalms 111–113Deuteronomy 31Exodus 13Deuteronomy 4Deuteronomy 8Proverbs 1Ecclesiastes 12Isaiah 66Psalm 1Deuteronomy 28Psalm 37Deuteronomy 15Psalm 2Malachi 3Isaiah 571 Samuel 1–2Genesis 21Isaiah 54Revelation 7Every section is taught precept upon precept.ABOUT AHAVA ~ LOVE ASSEMBLYWe teach the Pure Word of Yahuah.No religion.No tradition.No compromise.Our teaching follows the Sovereign Blueprint:Law | Precept | Example | Wisdom | Understanding | Prudence | Conviction | Fruit of the Ruach | Final Heart CheckSUPPORT THE WORK — GIVE VIA ZELLEZelle QR at: ahavaloveministry.comZelle only. No CashApp. No PayPal.FINAL WORDThe remnant must praise without forgetting.Fear without hypocrisy.Walk upright without shaking.And trust Yahuah to lift the lowly in His appointed time.Final Heart Check:Do you praise without forgetting, fear without hypocrisy, walk upright without shaking, and trust Yahuah to lift the lowly in His appointed time?

Psalms LessonTeacher: Kerry BattleAhava ~ Love AssemblyThis Psalms lesson covers Psalms 108 through Psalms 110, a sequence of governmental Psalms that declare covenant confidence, delegated authority, and the certainty of Yahuah's rule.These Psalms are not crisis Psalms and not corrective Psalms. They are written from a position of settled alignment, where the throne of Yahuah is not in question and covenant order is already established.Psalms 108–110 do not introduce law. They activate precepts already established in the Torah, the Writings, the Prophets, and the Renewed Covenant. These Psalms show how praise, confidence, authority, and judgment function after alignment, not before repentance.This is not emotional teaching.This is covenant governance.WHAT WE COVER IN THIS MESSAGEA Fixed Heart and Right PraisePsalm 108:1–5Praise flows from covenant alignment, not from need or desperation. A divided heart cannot sustain righteous worship.Territory and Divine AssignmentPsalm 108:6–9Territory belongs to Yahuah and is assigned by Him. Covenant people occupy what is appointed, not what is seized.Confidence and Dependence on YahuahPsalm 108:10–13Confidence without Yahuah becomes presumption. Victory requires submission, not strength alone.Appeal to Yahuah's JusticePsalm 109Injustice is answered by appeal to Yahuah, not retaliation. Covenant authority is preserved through restraint.Delegated AuthorityPsalm 110:1Authority is granted by Yahuah and cannot be assumed or seized.Rule Through Appointed OrderPsalm 110:2–3Dominion flows from submission to covenant order, not independence.Governance by OathPsalm 110:4Yahuah governs by oath, not impulse. What He establishes cannot be overturned.Lawful and Certain JudgmentPsalm 110:5–7Judgment is covenantal, measured, and exact. Yahuah's justice does not fail.WHY THIS MESSAGE MATTERSConfidence must be rooted in alignmentAuthority must be delegated, not seizedDominion flows from submissionInjustice belongs to Yahuah's courtJudgment is lawful and unavoidablePsalms 108–110 declare that Yahuah's throne is settled and that covenant people do not strive for control when authority is already established.SCRIPTURE REFERENCES FOR STUDYDeuteronomy 6 • Deuteronomy 17 • Deuteronomy 32Numbers 14 • Numbers 23 • Numbers 27Joshua 13Isaiah 2 • Isaiah 33Daniel 4Psalm 57 • Psalms 108–110Proverbs 20 • Proverbs 21Romans 12Hebrews 6 • Hebrews 12Revelation 19Every section is taught precept upon precept.ABOUT AHAVA ~ LOVE ASSEMBLYWe teach the Pure Word of Yahuah.No religion.No tradition.No compromise.Our teaching follows the Sovereign Blueprint:Law | Precept | Example | Wisdom | Understanding | Prudence | Conviction | Fruit of the Ruach | Final Heart CheckSUPPORT THE WORK — GIVE VIA ZELLEZelle QR available at: ahavaloveministry.comZelle only.No CashApp.No PayPal.FINAL WORDPraise flows from alignment.Authority is delegated by Yahuah.Judgment is lawful and certain.Psalms 108–110 declare the stability of Yahuah's throne and the order of covenant rule.Final Heart CheckIs your confidence rooted in covenant alignment,or in circumstances that can shift?Are you submitting to authority assigned by Yahuah,or attempting to claim space without permission?

“When Mercy No Longer Hides Rebellion”Teacher: Kerry BattleAhava ~ Love AssemblyThis Torah-based teaching examines Psalms 106 and 107 as covenant court records documenting Israel's response to law already given.Psalm 106 records repeated rebellion under mercy.Psalm 107 records restoration after affliction.These Psalms do not introduce new instruction.They expose how Israel behaved after instruction was made plain.This lesson moves from covenant indictment to covenant restoration and concludes with wisdom that separates obedience from presumption.This is not encouragement.This is accountability.WHAT WE COVER IN THIS MESSAGE1. Praise Under Law, Not EmotionPsalm 106:1–5Israel praises Yahuah, but blessing is defined by obedience, not expression. Covenant favor is requested, not assumed. Worship is governed by righteousness.2. Deliverance Without ApprovalPsalm 106:6–12Israel is delivered for Yahuah's Name's sake, not because of righteousness. Mercy reveals Yahuah's character, not Israel's standing.3. Desire, Authority, and Internal JudgmentPsalm 106:13–18Unsubmitted desire exposes rejection of counsel. Authority is challenged. Judgment follows. Appetite without restraint produces leanness of soul.4. Intercession Delays Judgment, It Does Not Redefine ObediencePsalm 106:19–23Idolatry provokes destruction. Intercession intervenes. Judgment is delayed, not dismissed. Survival does not equal approval.5. Fear Hardened Into RefusalPsalm 106:24–27Unbelief becomes rebellion. Delay becomes refusal. Judgment is sworn when trust is rejected repeatedly.6. Action That Preserves Life and Cycles That Destroy ItPsalm 106:28–43Righteous action halts death. Repeated compromise sustains cycles. Mercy returns, rebellion repeats.7. Restoration Under GovernancePsalm 107:1–42Those delivered must testify, give thanks, and change conduct. Crying out without transformation perpetuates distress. Increase tests obedience.8. Wisdom Separates After ClarityPsalm 107:43Hearing without obedience now establishes guilt. Wisdom closes the record.WHY THIS MESSAGE MATTERSMercy has been mistaken for approval.Deliverance has been used to excuse disobedience.Hearing has replaced obedience.Psalms 106 and 107 correct this disorder.These Psalms establish that mercy increases responsibility, intercession delays judgment without redefining obedience, and continued rebellion after clarity is no longer ignorance but refusal.Covenant memory does not comfort.It testifies.SCRIPTURE REFERENCES FOR STUDYPsalms 106–107Exodus 32; Exodus 34Numbers 11; Numbers 14; Numbers 16; Numbers 25Deuteronomy 1; Deuteronomy 8; Deuteronomy 10; Deuteronomy 30Judges 2Proverbs 11; Proverbs 13; Proverbs 24; Proverbs 26Ecclesiastes 3Ezekiel 18; Ezekiel 22; Ezekiel 33Isaiah 43; Isaiah 55Matthew 7John 5Romans 9; Romans 13Galatians 6Hebrews 3; Hebrews 10James 1Jude 1Every section is taught precept upon precept.ABOUT AHAVA ~ LOVE ASSEMBLYWe teach the Pure Word of Yahuah.No religion.No tradition.No compromise.Our teaching follows the Sovereign Blueprint:Law | Precept | Example | Wisdom | Understanding | Prudence | Conviction | Fruit of the Ruach | Final Heart CheckSUPPORT THE WORK — GIVE VIA ZELLEZelle QR at: ahavaloveministry.comZelle only.No CashApp.No PayPal.FINAL WORDYahuah remembers His covenant.Rebellion is recorded.Mercy opens a path of return.Wisdom establishes separation.Psalms 106 and 107 govern accountability after mercy has been revealed.Final Heart Check:Now that covenant clarity has been given, will your response show obedience and adjustment, or will it repeat what has already been judged?

The final Psalms from 135 to 145 form a climactic, interconnected epilogue to the entire Book of Psalms, revealing it not as a random collection but as a unified theological narrative that weaves together the stories of Israel's law and David's reign. These Psalms, rich in praise and thanksgiving, echo earlier themes from the Egyptian Hallel, the Songs of Ascent, and key passages in Deuteronomy, demonstrating how the Psalms continually reflect and deepen the covenantal history of God's people. While moving toward exultant worship—marked by repeated calls to hallelujah—the collection also acknowledges the reality of lament, exile, and inner struggle, as seen in Psalm 137's grief and Psalm 141's self-examination, affirming that true worship arises from both divine faithfulness and human frailty. The recurring language and cross-references reveal a profound theological coherence, where God's sovereignty, steadfast love, and redemptive history are the foundation for ongoing praise, even in suffering. Ultimately, these Psalms culminate in a vision of God's unsearchable greatness and enduring faithfulness, inviting the believer to worship not only for what God has done but for who He is—worthy of all honor, praise, and trust.

Sunday Service: November 9, 2025 Pastor Beth        We continue the Psalm series with this new uplifting sermon regarding the Psalms of Ascent, also referred to as the Pilgrim Psalms. These Psalms serve as spiritual support and encouragement for our journey through life.

These Psalms, sung to ‘The Quiet Land of Erin,' share hope in a forgiving God who is with us always, even when we are in the depths. Putting these two Psalms together back to back, this song connects the concept of forgiveness with the deep rest of an infant in its mother's arms ~ loved unconditionally as a beloved child and held with tenderness and compassion.Continue your reflections with the accompanying journal, which includes further questions for reflection and some invitations to prayer and practice.Paid subscribers receive a free journal PDF, or you can purchase a paperback versionVisit the Celtic Psalms website for scores/books, mp3s, CDs, and videos for From the DepthsFind out more about the Habits for the Spirit course: an 8-week online course exploring habits and daily spiritual practices to promote wellbeing in body, mind, and spiritFollow Kiran's monthly reflections on Bless My FeetPsalms for the Spirit 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 psalmsforthespirit.substack.com/subscribe

Psalm 133 - The Psalms of Ascent were songs for the journey—worshippers sang them as they traveled together toward Jerusalem and the Temple. These Psalms give voice to the sorts of things that go through worshippers' hearts as they prepare to worship. Today's Psalm (133) is about relationships, people getting along and how God blesses us as we choose to live in harmony.

Send us a textJourney into one of Christianity's most divisive theological territories as a passionate debate unfolds around divine election, God's sovereignty, and the nature of salvation. What begins as a discussion about 2 Peter's teachings on Christ's return quickly ignites into an emotionally charged confrontation about whether God truly loves everyone or selectively chooses who will be saved.The conversation reaches its boiling point when examining biblical passages stating God "hates evildoers" and "is angry with the wicked every day." These Psalms create profound tension against the backdrop of John 3:16's declaration that "God so loved the world." As one participant emotionally protests, "You cannot sit here and tell me that a loving God produced people destined to spend eternity away from him," we witness the raw human struggle to reconcile divine sovereignty with divine love.This episode doesn't shy away from Scripture's most challenging passages. Through Romans 9, John 15:16, and Acts 13:48, participants build case for election being tied to God's purpose rather than human performance. The discussion culminates in a fascinating comparison: when angels fell, God provided no redemption, yet for fallen humanity, Christ became incarnate to save—but does this salvation extend to all or only to those chosen before time began?Whether you lean Calvinist or Arminian, or simply want to better understand these perspectives, this theological deep-dive will challenge your thinking and encourage you to examine what Scripture truly teaches about God's character. How do we find peace with doctrines that conflict with our intuitive sense of fairness? Listen now and join this crucial conversation.Support the show

Psalm 146 145:21 prepared for these psalms from Psalms 146-150.This psalm “is a general celebration of God's benevolent qualities” Alter, 503. “These five Hallelujah psalms have the characteristic genre of the hymn of descriptive praise” VanGemeren, 846. Psalms 146-150 are psalms of praise. “In these psalms there is no reference to personal need, no petition, little that could be called historical allusion; all is focused on God; all is praise. But there is step-by-step progression in this praise. It begins with the individual (146:1), involves the community (147:1, 12), extends to heaven and earth (148:1, 7). If, however, the whole world is to offer praise for what the Lord has done for Israel (148:13-14) there is need for the praise of a people committed to mission (149) until everything that has breath praises the Lord (150:6)” Motyer, 581. These Psalms bring “the book of Psalms to a conclusion with a crescendo of praise” McCann, 1262. “In this respect as in many others, the Psalms are a miniature of our story as a whole, which will end in unbroken blessing and delight” Kidner, 483. “The LXX and Vulgate attribute Psalm 146 and 147 (which is divided into two psalms (147-148) to Haggai and Zechariah” VanGemeren, 864; Allen, 300.146:1   Praise the LORD, O my soul- 103:1, 22; 104:1, 35. 146:3 Do not trust in princes- 118:8-9; Jer. 17:5-8. Vss. 3-4 emphasizes the negative to stress the importance of putting our trust in God. “Humanism is essentially doomed. To commit oneself wholeheartedly to one's fellows leads to a dead end. Any man or group of men are transitory, and so are their philosophies and panaceas” Laymen's, 700. 146:5 How blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob- Jer. 17:7 “This is the last of twenty-six beatitudes in the Psalter” Miller 445. Psalms 1:1; 2:12; 32:1, 2; 33:12; 34:8; 40:4; 41:1; 65:4; 84:4, 5, 12; 89:15; 94:12; 106:3; 112;1; 119:1, 2; 127:5; 128:1; 137:8, 9; 144:15, 15; 146:5. Miller, 445, groups them in categories. This final beatitude “effectively summarizes all the others (see 1:2; 2:12). 146:6 Who made heaven and earth- 115:15; 124:8; 134:3; Jer. 32:17, 27 Jesus and Psalm 146146:3-4 Jesus can give salvation that earthly rulers cannot give- Acts 4:12146:6 Jesus is the Maker of heaven and earth- John 1:1-3, 10.146:7 Jesus gives food to the hungry- Matt. 14:13-21; 15:32-39; Mark 6:30-44; Mark 8:1-10.146:7 Jesus sets the prisoners free- Luke 4:18-19; Acts 5:17-26; 12:5-12; 16:25-34.146:8 Jesus opens the eyes of the blind- Matt. 20:29-34; Mark 10:46-52.146:8 Jesus raises up all who are bowed down- Luke 13:10-17.“Like Father, like Son. For us, these lines may bring to mind the oracle of Isaiah 61 by which Jesus announced His mission, and the further clues to His identity which He sent back to John the Baptist (Luke 4:18f; 7:21f.)” Kidner, 484. Jesus, the Son of God and Messiah (King), helped the vulnerable. He upheld the cause of the oppressed, gave food to the hungry, set the prisoner free, gave sight to the blind and lifted those who were bowed down….Thus, the psalm can be read as a call to praise Jesus” Longman, 470. 146:9 But He thwarts the way of the wicked- “The relation between judgment and salvation in the work of Christ is one of the themes of the gospel: e.g.( John 3:17-19; 5:25-29). The eventual finality of both is a clearer prospect there than in the psalms” Kidner, 484. 

Happy Easter, listeners!I can't lead a Lenten series without marking its culmination in the joy and hope of Easter. For the next few weeks, I'll be sharing some of the Psalms of joy and hope that come at the end of the book of Psalms. What I love about those Psalms is that the hope they offer doesn't ignore the suffering and brokenheartedness of the world ~ they tend to those hurts and pains, and they recognize the God who offers healing and hope in the midst of life's challenges. These Psalms sing praise to the God who looks after the vulnerable, who looks after those without power, who loves those whom society might cast aside. So in this week after Easter, we hear this Psalm of praise to the God who knows suffering, who stands with the suffering. This is a God who will outlast the rulers of this world, who lifts the lowly and shows care to the stranger, who cares for the widow and orphan, who welcomes the refugee, whose goodness and mercy never come to an end. And so, in this Easter week, we sing “Hallelujah.”You can find lyrics, scores/books, mp3s, CDs for Hallelujah.Find our more about our music at www.celticpsalms.comFollow Kiran's monthly reflections on Bless My FeetPsalms for the Spirit is a listener-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 psalmsforthespirit.substack.com/subscribe

Today, we'll start a two-day look at the Psalms. We'll read Psalms 131-133. These Psalms come near the end of that section of the book. Psalms of ascent are very specific things; these are psalms that were intended to be sung as the pilgrims were climbing Mt. Zion, as they were on the way to the Temple. These are some of the most beautiful Psalms in scripture. The ones we will read today focus on calmness, understanding who God is, and God's desire for unity. Shameless plug: here's a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history. - https://methodisttothemadness.buzzsprout.com/Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20131-133&version=NRSVUEYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

The Eternal Weight of Glory 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 This morning, we are going to finish chapter 4 of 2 Corinthians. Verses 16-18. You can find that on page 1147. In the leadup to our verses this morning, we have been encouraged in our suffering. Even though we are like jars of clay, breakable and fragile, yet we have the surpassing treasure of the Gospel of Jesus within us. As we are given over to death… as our bodies deteriorate… as we suffer, yet, the life of Jesus is at work in us. And we are promised a resurrection hope through Christ. That was the promise of last week's verses. A resurrection hope through Jesus Christ. And that brings us to verse 16. Reading of 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Prayer If you've been following the news in Montana, you'll know that there's a battle over suffering and death. Legislation has been proposed that would make it legal for someone with a terminal disease to end his or her life with the help of a physician. And it's very personal. Those who argue in favor tell stories of difficult suffering of loved ones. Those who argue against it tell stories of difficult suffering of loved ones. To some extent, I think we can each understand the motivation for such a thing. Physical suffering is difficult and it's likewise difficult to watch a loved one endure such a trial, especially when the diagnosis is grave. But life is precious… no matter our age or situation. God is the one who is to numbers our days. Not us. And it may be in those last days or moment that God draws someone to himself – like the thief on the cross next to Jesus. And not only that, but we have been learning in 2 Corinthians that suffering unto death is part of life. It's part of the fallen condition that we live in and the fallen nature that we have. And for the Christian, through our suffering we share in Christ's suffering and because of that, we also share in his comfort. We learned that back in chapter 1. You see, God often fulfills his purposes through suffering. And when we suffer affliction, he will strengthen and give us hope when we look to him. As we come now to verses 16-18… whey do is apply verse 14 to us. Verse 14 is about the resurrection. Since God raised the Lord Jesus, he will raise us and bring us into his presence. Look again at the end of verse 14. Paul writes to the Corinthian church that Jesus will bring “us with you into his presence.” You, believers in Corinth, will join us, Paul and those with him, in that resurrection. That is a great hope. And verses 16-18 then explain how to experience that resurrection hope in our lives… especially in our suffering. Even in despair. The question is, in our present suffering, how can we not lose heart? How can we live through the trials of this life with the hope of heaven? How do you actually do that? How do you actually have hope in suffering? Verses 16-18 tell us how. Look at 16. It begins with those encouraging words. “So, we do not lose heart!” And then Paul goes on to tell us why and how. By the way, this is the second time in this chapter that Paul has used the phrase “do not lose heart.” The first time was up in verse 2. Paul was talking about not losing heart in ministry and focus. Even though some will not respond, “do not lose heart.” God is at work. Remember that? Well, this time, the “do not lose heart” is about suffering and affliction. On the sermon notes page, you'll see the question, How do I not lose heart in my suffering? Three answers listed there: 1. Renew the Gospel hope of Christ in you 2. Compare your affliction to the weight of glory 3. Fix your eyes on the eternal not the temporal Those correlate with the verses, 16, 17, and 18 respectively. 1. Renew the Gospel hope of Christ in you So, again, number 1. Renew the Gospel hope of Christ in you Paul writes, “we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.” He's talking, first, about the impact of the fall, of sin and the curse on our bodies and minds. They are wasting away. Some of us feel it more than others. And Paul is comparing that to the new hearts that we have been given in Christ. Remember earlier in chapter 4 verse 6. “God… has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” That new heart is the treasure that we have in our jars of clay on the outside. So, our outer nature is wasting away. And our new nature, the new creation we have in Christ, is being renewed day by day. It's like one big decrescendo and another big crescendo happening at the same time. If you're musical that will make sense. A decrescendo goes from louder to softer. A crescendo goes from softer to louder. Our minds and bodies are decrescendo-ing. We are always fighting against the effects of the fall. It's not just aging but sickness and disease and accidents. It may, like Paul, include the scars of persecution – or it may include a “thorn in the flesh.”  In chapter 12, Paul describes a thorn in his flesh - some condition that he has endured his whole life. All of it is leading us down a decline in various ways. But there is also a crescendo for Christians. It says here that our “inner self is being renewed day by day.” That is talking about the hope of Christ in us. It's the new creation in us where God through his Holy Spirit has shone his light on us. We've been transformed. We've turned from our sin and shame to Christ for forgiveness and redemption. And as we walk through the trials of this life we are enabled to grow in the hope and grace of Christ. I'm being very intentional using that word “enabled.” We are enabled to be renewed day by day. God has enabled you through his Spirit to mine the depths of the riches of God in Christ. If you are a believer in him, he's given you the opportunity through his Spirit to be renewed day by day. If you are not a believer, he's offered that renewal and crescendo. However, when you are not immersing yourself in his Word. Or not repenting of sin and renewing your faith. Or when you are not weekly participating in worship. Or not communing with the God of the universe through prayer. When you are not engaged in those things, that renewal will not be happening. That lack of daily renewal will have lots of implications in your life. When it comes to suffering, your spiritual stagnation will result in discouragement, in despair, and in disappointment. You will wonder where God is. You will be asking why you are suffering. But, on the other hand, when you are renewing that Gospel hope in you (through all the ways I mentioned), God will strengthen you. Your life in Christ will crescendo. And that will help sustain you through whatever trials and afflictions and grief that you are enduring. You see, that is part of the answer of how not to lose hope in suffering. Engage in all the ways that God has given to be renewed in him. That hope and renewal sustained Paul, and it will help sustain you. So, answer 1: Renew the Gospel hope of Christ in you. 2. Compare your affliction to the weight of glory And now, answer number 2. How do we not lose heart in our suffering? We compare our affliction to the weight of glory. Verse 17. “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison” By the way, this is my favorite verse in the whole book. God is saying that your affliction is “light”… meaning it doesn't weigh much… and it's “momentary” meaning it does last long. Does that make you mad? Because, God, it doesn't feel like my affliction is light and momentary. No, it weighs me down. I can't sleep. The pain doesn't go away. The fear sometimes overwhelms. It's heavy. It doesn't feel light, no, it feels like a ton of bricks. Actually, I brought a brick. This is just a regular clay brick. But we used to have a lead brick in our old house. It was actually there when we moved in… and I think we left it there. It was about this size. Now, this brick weighs like 3-4 pounds. But the lead brick was like 25 pounds. 5-6 times heavier. If we still had it, I would have brought it in. Now I want you to imagine a big pile of lead bricks – a pallet of bricks - maybe 500. That would be very very heavy. Thousands of pounds. In this verse 17 comparison, that pallet of lead bricks represents your suffering. You probably thought I was going to say that the pallet represented the eternal weight of glory. No, that is way beyond what I can describe. The key is in the phrase “beyond all comparison.” The greek phrase is literally “exceedingly exceeded.” Our afflictions are “exceedingly exceeded” by the eternal weight of glory. This verse is not minimizing the weight of our suffering. In fact, that same exact word was used back in chapter 1 verse 8. Paul and those with him had endured intense affliction in Asia. It says they were so “utterly burdened beyond their strength, that they despaired of life.” The same exact Greek word is in there. Their suffering was so “exceedingly exceeded” that they despaired of life itself. They even thought they had the sentence of death. God is not saying, here, that your suffering is not significant or heavy. Not at all! Rather, he's saying that the eternal weight of glory “exceedingly exceeds” the suffering that you are enduring here and now. There are 2 comparisons. First, something that is light and something that is heavy. And second, something that is momentary compared with something that is eternal. The weight of glory exceedingly exceeds the weight of our suffering. By the way, that word “glory” is shorthand for heaven. When you who are in Christ pass from this life, you will be with Christ in glory – you will be in his radience and his presence. In glory we will experience a fulness of joy and peace. We will share the honor of Christ as his redeemed and glorified people. Our worship will be beyond anything in this life. As Revelation 21 puts it, there will be no death, no dying, no pain, no sorrow, no mourning, no crying. There will be no night, there, because of the light of Christ. You see, even though the weight of our suffering on us is great…. it is no comparison to the weight of glory. Not because our suffering is small… but because glory will be so much greater. And think about the second comparison. It will last forever. It will be eternal. Even if your suffering lasts your entire life, it is momentary compared to the eternal weight of glory. Beloved in Christ, the weight of your suffering and trials is heavy. It may feel like a ton of lead bricks. And it may feel like it is never going to end – but it will end one day… and it is nothing compared to the eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. So, the second answer to the question, how do I not lose heart in my suffering? Is this: Compare your affliction to the weight of glory. Don't minimize your suffering. But consider the glory of heaven to come. Get a perspective on what it will be like when God raises you with Christ to heaven. Your affliction will be nothing compared to the eternal weight of glory. Ok, before we get to the third answer, I want to take a tangent. I have been thinking about 2 little words in verse 17 all week. It's right there in the middle of 17. The words, “for us.”  Do you see them there? “This light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.” I think I've been missing out on something about this my whole life. In my mind, I thought it was saying “preparing us.” You know, “preparing us for the eternal weight of glory.” In other words, I thought this verse was saying that through our suffering, God is preparing us for heaven where there will be no more suffering. That when we finally experience glory, we will be even more amazed because of the suffering we endured in this life. That's what I thought this verse was saying. And by the way, it is a true statement. Our suffering is preparing us for glory. However, the focus of verse 17 is a little different. The word “preparing” is not focused on “us.” We are not being prepared. Rather our suffering is preparing glory and we are the recipient of that preparation. Let me read it again for you, it says “this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory.” Somehow our suffering is participating in the preparation of heaven to come. That could mean a couple of different things. That could mean that when we give glory to God while we are suffering, God in Christ is even more glorified. We will experience more of his glory in heaven because of our suffering. It could also mean that because we share in the sufferings of Christ (chapter 1), we are therefore participating in God's preparation of glory in heaven. In other words, because we share in Jesus' suffering unto death and his resurrection, our suffering is in part preparing the glory that is to come for us. As you can tell, I am not fully sure of how Paul's affliction or our affliction is preparing the weight of glory for us. But nonetheless, what is clear is that God has a purpose and meaning for our suffering beyond what we can even understand. Again, that's just a brief side note. 3. Fix your eyes on the eternal not the temporal Back to the question. How do you not lose heart in your suffering? #1 - Renew the Gospel hope of Christ in you. Meditate on what Christ has done for you OR believe in what Chrit offers you… if you don't know him. Be in God's word and in worship and in prayer. Through those things, God will help you to not lose heart. That was answer #1. #2. Compare your affliction to the weight of glory. Consider the amazing eternal weight of glory. Glory infinitely exceeds the burden of our suffering now. And our suffering is, in fact, preparing heaven for us. And now, answer #3. Fix your eyes on the eternal not the temporal. That is verse 18. “look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” Really, this is an extension of #2. We're not just to compare our suffering to that which is eternal, but we are to look up. We are to gaze at that which is promised. We're to look beyond the joys and sorrows of this life. We are to look heavenward. My favorite Psalms are the Psalms of ascent. Psalm 120 to 134. These Psalms were sung by God's people on their annual pilgrimage to Jerusalem. They are called Psalms of ascent because the people were ascending up to Jerusalem. It didn't mater if you were come from north, south, east, or west, you were ascending to mount Zion, to Jerusalem – you were going up. And as they ascended, they sang. We read Psalm 121 earlier. It begins, “I lift my eyes to the hills!” It was not an easy journey, but as they travelled, they looked up toward Jerusalem. They couldn't yet see Jerusalem, but they knew it was there. The Psalms of ascent are a metaphor for life for us. We are journeying through this life to the new Jerusalem. We are bound for the promised land. As we just sang. On Jordan's stormy banks I stand and cast a wishful eye to Cannan's fair and happy land where my possessions lie. I'm bound for the promised land. And the rest of the hymn, as we sang, is about the glory of heaven to come. It is so easy to be caught up in our immediate situation. That's because it's hard. It's hard to lift our head up beyond our pain and struggles and grief. It's easy to just focus on what we are going through and either feel that God doesn't care or even think that suffering in and of itself is virtuous. It's easy to be an Eeyore, isn't it? You know, Eeyore from Winne the Poo. “Woe is me.” Just to be sure, I'm not minimizing our suffering. I'm just cautioning against that first part of verse 18. “look not to the things which are seen… for they are transient.”  Besides not dwelling on our suffering, we should not hope in the things of this world. They will pass. Rather, there is something far greater. We should direct our attention to that which we cannot see, which is eternal. It is that great promise of life beyond this life. The Puritans used to use the phrase “Die before you die.” What they meant by it was, prepare yourself for death before you get to the point of death. Prepare your heart and mind now for future suffering unto death and the glory that is to come. Let me slightly change that. “Live in heaven now before you get to heaven.” I know, it doesn't have quite the same ring to it. But how about “glory in the glory to come.” Look to heaven. Anticipate your presence with Christ in eternity. Consider all the joys of glory. That is what verse 18 means “look to the things that are unseen… because the things that are unseen are eternal” Our physical eyes cannot see it. But we are given the vision and promise in God's word. Conclusion So how do we not lose heart in our suffering? Answer 1. We renew the Gospel hope of Christ in us. We press in, every day, to what Jesus has done for us and in his word and prayer. Answer 2. We compare our affliction to the weight of glory. Eternity in heaven exceedingly exceeds our suffering. And in fact, our affliction is preparing heaven for us. And answer 3. We fix our eyes, our gaze, on that which is eternal and not temporal. We cannot see heaven, but for those who know and believe in Jesus, you are promised to receive it. Suffering is not something that we should search out. But neither is suffering something that we can escape in this life. No, suffering is part of our fallen condition. But God uses our suffering for his glory and for our good AND for his purposes in eternity. So may God enlarge our vision for his purposes in suffering. May we not lose heart when we do suffer. But instead, may we be renewed in the Gospel of grace, may we consider the eternal weight of glory in heaven, and may we fix our eyes on that which God is preparing for us. Amen.

Our text is from Psalm 114: “Why was it, O sea, that you fled, O Jordan, that you turned back, you mountains, that you skipped like rams, you hills like lambs? (Psalm 114:5-6). Psalm 113 asks: “Who is like the Lord our God?” Answer: No one. Nothing. Our God is utterly unique. And in his Son Jesus Christ, we get an even better look at him. He did not consider equality with God as something to be used to his own advantage but instead became nothing. The highest of the high, the utterly transcendent, omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient God was born into this world as the lowest of the low: the baby out-of-wedlock of a poor peasant couple from the unremarkable town of Nazareth. Why did our God take such a lowly path? To raise us up to the highest heights with him, that's why. “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:6). It was Israel who was first brought up from their poverty and need in Egypt: they were set free and made into a people. Among Jews, Psalms 113 & 114 are recited at the beginning of the Passover meal. Why did God's people choose these Psalms to remember the victory of their God? Because it puts the eaters smack dab in the middle of the great saving acts of God. With vivid simplicity Psalm 114 proclaims what happens when God shows up. Showing up in power, his first act is to choose Israel both for His sanctuary and His kingdom. Thus, if anyone else in all the earth wants to meet God or observe life in his realm, all they need do is show up in Israel. All contrary powers are driven from the field by His appearance. The chaotic powers that put salvation in question must flee before Him. In His presence the mountains--the symbols of all that is solid, durable--quake. God's mighty salvific work is proclaimed by all the facts that are brought together in this weighty hymn. When Israel is thirsty, God offers her water from the rocks and desert sands. When she is hungry, she can pluck birds out of the air and bread from the ground. God provides for those who are near Him. The elements of creation react to the powerful appearance of God. Because they move before God's coming, Israel's passage into the Promised Land stretches out before her. All this and more are remembered as the Jews sit down to eat the Passover meal. The early Christians choose to worship on the first day of the week rather than the Jewish seventh because they saw Easter as our Exodus. As much as the Exodus from Egypt shaped the imagination, the memory, and the living faith of Old Testament Israel, the resurrection of Jesus Christ, shapes the imagination, the memory, and the living faith of the church. As much as the Exodus was the birth of Israel, so Easter is the birth of the church. And as much as Israel was God's dominion and sanctuary in the Old Testament, we believe the church is God's kingdom and sanctuary today. Thus, if anyone else in all the earth wants to meet God or observe life in His Kingdom, all they need do is find the church of Jesus. These Psalms are recited as the opening of the Passover meal. They helped the eaters enter the story of God, their story. We worship Jesus today and gather at his table to enter the story of Easter, to make it our story. As you journey on, go with the blessing of God: May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you: wherever he may send you. May he guide you through the wilderness: protect you through the storm. May he bring you home rejoicing; at the wonders he has shown you. May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

Today we explore the raw, vulnerable prayers of lament in three powerful Psalms—Psalm 51, Psalm 3, and Psalm 88. These Psalms reflect different kinds of pain: Psalm 51 is David's cry for mercy when he's caused his own suffering; Psalm 3 is a plea for deliverance from the pain inflicted by others; and Psalm 88 voices the anguish of feeling like God Himself is the source of the pain. We dive into what it means to bring our deepest struggles to God, no matter the source, and how lament can lead us back to hope. If you're wrestling with sorrow, this episode offers a path forward from brokenness to restorationCONNECT Sunburnt Souls Facebook YouTube PARTNERS Podcast Produced by Pretty Podcasts

These Psalms, sung to ‘The Quiet Land of Erin,' share hope in a forgiving God who is with us always, even when we are in the depths. Putting these two Psalms together back to back, this song connects the concept of forgiveness with the deep rest of an infant in its mother's arms ~ loved unconditionally as a beloved child and held with tenderness and compassion.You can find lyrics, scores/books, mp3s, CDs for From the Depths on the Celtic Psalms webpage (www.celticpsalms.com)Listen to Kiran and Celtic Psalms on TEDxThe journal is available in paperback format on Amazon!Here's the link to the paperback journal (available globally), and if you would be so kind as to leave a review on the Amazon platform in your region, that will help other readers find it! Thank you in advance!For the time being, paid subscribers to Bless My Feet (Kiran's spirituality newsletter) or Psalms for the Spirit still receive the free journal ebook (180 pages) with further questions for reflection and some invitations to prayer and practice. You will receive a weekly email with a downloadable mp3 of the song and journal pages, and occasional invitations to Zoom check-ins with others sharing this Psalms journey.Psalms for the Spirit 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 psalmsforthespirit.substack.com/subscribe

These Psalms help us see the antidote to idolatry. Reading Plan: Old Testament - Psalms 60-64New Testament - Philippians 2:12-30Visit https://www.revivalfromthebible.com/ for more information.

In Part 10 of the Summer in the Psalms sermon series, Pastor Caleb shares about Psalms 117, 118, and 119. These Psalms depict the centrality of God's word, His love and Jesus' finished work on the cross!

     For Christians, there is blessing through submission to God. This blessing comes from operating within the sphere of God's love and laws, which establish boundaries for us to thrive and survive.[1] This is because “a man's way is not in himself, nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps” (Jer 10:23); rather, “The steps of a man are established by the LORD, and He delights in his way” (Psa 37:23). As God's children, we are instructed, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Prov 3:5-6).      Living in submission to God means putting His will above our own, trusting in His plan, and following His directives. It entails aligning our thoughts, words, and actions with God's will and commandments. This submission is characterized by humility, trust, and obedience to follow God's directives over personal desires.      In the Old Testament, Abraham exemplified submission when God called him to leave his homeland and go to a land that He would show him. Moses wrote, “Now the LORD said to Abram, ‘Go forth from your country, and from your relatives and from your father's house, to the land which I will show you…So Abram went forth as the LORD had spoken to him” (Gen 12:1, 4). Abraham's obedience to the Lord made him “the friend of God” (Jam 2:23; cf., 2 Ch 20:7; Isa 41:8). When God said to Isaiah, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us? (Isa 6:8a), Isaiah responded, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isa 6:8b). And when it was revealed to Mary that she would conceive in her womb and bear the humanity of Christ, she said, “Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Jesus, the Perfect Example of Submission      Jesus Christ provides the perfect example of submission to God. He's the perfect example because He is perfect and never disobeyed the Lord. Jesus said, “I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me” (John 5:30), and “I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me” (John 6:38). In the Garden of Gethsemane before His crucifixion, Jesus prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will” (Matt 26:39; cf., Matt 26:42, 44). Paul tells us that Jesus “humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Phil 2:8). Jesus' willingness to submit to the Father's will, even to the point of death, is the ultimate example of submission. Jesus never deviated from the Father's course for Him.      Jesus' submission to the Father started when He was very young. By age twelve, Jesus knew God was His Father and what the Father's mission was for Him (Luke 2:40-47).[2] Isaiah wrote, “The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of disciples, that I may know how to sustain the weary one with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple” (Isa 50:4). This passage refers to Jesus' humanity, where God the Father would educate Jesus as His disciple. This education enabled Him to minister to others, as He says, “that I may know how to sustain the weary one with a word” (Isa 50:4b). To those who are weary in their souls, a divinely spoken word can lift the spirit and revive the heart (see Matt 11:28). And Jesus' discipleship training took place in the early morning hours, as Messiah states, “He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple” (Isa 50:4c). According to Arnold Fruchtenbaum, “During His boyhood in Nazareth, every morning, Jesus was awakened by His Father in the early hours of the morning to receive instruction. In this way Jesus learned who He was, what His mission was, and how to act and react accordingly.”[3] As a human boy, Jesus had to be educated, which meant the discipline of acquiring knowledge over time. Because of His daily discipline, Jesus was fluent in the Scriptures by age 12. Fruchtenbaum states: "The New Testament gives us an account of a 12 year old Jesus visiting the Temple in Jerusalem for the first time (Luke 2:41–50). By the age of 12 Jesus was fully conversant with the Hebrew Scriptures and able to debate deep spiritual matters with the leading theologians of the day. Furthermore, when Jesus is later rebuked by His mother for remaining in the Temple, He replies, “Did you not know I would be in My Father's house?” This one statement shows that by the age of 12 Jesus knew that Joseph was not His father, knew that God was His Father, and therefore understood that He was the Messiah of Israel."[4]      Jesus was fully submissive to the Father, saying, “The Lord GOD has opened My ear; and I was not disobedient nor did I turn back” (Isa 50:5). Another translation reads, “The sovereign LORD has spoken to me clearly; I have not rebelled, I have not turned back” (Isa 50:5 NET). The word “disobedient” translates the Hebrew verb marah (מָרָה), which, according to HALOT, means “to be recalcitrant, rebellious.”[5] Jesus was not hardhearted nor defiant to the Lord in any way. When God spoke to Messiah, His Servant, He was in total submission to God in everything. Throughout Scripture we observe where other servants of the Lord tried to escape His call to service. When Moses was called by the Lord (Ex 4:1-12), he replied, “Please, Lord, send someone else” (Ex 4:13 CSB). When God called Jonah, we're informed His prophet rebelled, and “Jonah rose up to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD” (Jon 1:3a). But Messiah never rebelled against the Lord. He was in total submission to Him. And such submission required a mind that was saturated with divine viewpoint, and a will that was totally surrendered to God. Warren Wiersbe states: "His mind was submitted to the Lord God so that He could learn His Word and His will (Isa 50:4). Everything Jesus said and did was taught to Him by His Father (John 5:19, 30; 6:38; 8:28). He prayed to the Father for guidance (John 11:42; Mark 1:35) and meditated on the Word. What God taught the Servant, the Servant shared with those who needed encouragement and help. The Servant sets a good example here for all who know the importance of a daily “quiet time” with the Lord. The Servant's will was also yielded to the Lord God. An “opened ear” is one that hears and obeys the voice of the master. The people to whom Isaiah ministered were neither “willing” nor “obedient” (Isa 1:19), but the Servant did gladly the will of the Lord God. This was not easy, for it meant yielding His body to wicked men who mocked Him, whipped Him, spat on Him, and then nailed Him to a cross (Matt 26:67; 27:26, 30)."[6]      Later, Jewish scholars would marvel at Jesus' wisdom (Matt 13:54; John 7:15); yet, they were unwilling to submit to Him as Messiah. This is an amazing thing, for though “the Light has come into the world” (John 3:19a), and that Light was bright and clear, we are informed that “men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil” (John 3:19b). Here, we are reminded that at the heart of every problem is the problem of the heart, and the human heart is very corrupt and in great need of life and light. King David: An OT Example of Submission      David provides a good example of an OT believer who lived in regular submission to God. The Bible describes David as a man after God's own heart (1 Sam 13:14; cf. Acts 13:22). David walked faithfully with the Lord and surrendered to His will. David was an obedient king, for the most part, and subsequent kings were measured by him (1 Ki 3:14; 9:4-5; 11:4-6, 31-34, 38; 14:7-8; 15:1-5; 11-15; 2 Ki 14:1-4; 16:1-3; 18:1-3; 22:1-2). David set the bar for what it meant to be a good king, and this allowed others to have a standard to guide them. However, we should not conclude that David was perfectly obedient and kept the Lord's will in all matters in his life. He did not. No believer ever does, for there are none who are sinless (Eccl 7:20; 1 John 1:8, 10), except the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Cor 5:21; Heb 4:15; 1 John 3:5).      David personally acknowledged his sins, saying “my iniquities are gone over my head; as a heavy burden they weigh too much for me” (Ps 38:4). He also wrote, “My iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to see; they are more numerous than the hairs of my head, and my heart has failed me” (Ps 40:12). Among David's recorded sins, the most offensive was his adulterous affair with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband, Uriah (2 Sam 11:1-17). Scripture tells us that David had slept with Bathsheba and had her husband, Uriah, killed; and “the thing that David had done was evil in the sight of the LORD” (2 Sam 11:27). What is commendable about David is that he handled his sin in a biblical manner by confessing it and seeking the Lord's forgiveness. Concerning Uriah and Bathsheba, David said, “I have sinned against the LORD” (2 Sam 12:13; read Psalm 51 for the longer version of David's confession). And upon his confession, the prophet Nathan said to David, “The LORD also has taken away your sin; you shall not die” (2 Sam 12:13). Here we see God's grace and government at work; for though David was forgiven and restored to fellowship with God, there were still consequences for his actions and the Lord dispensed judgment upon David and Bathsheba (2 Sam 12:14-18).      On another occasion, David followed Satan's temptation and “sinned greatly” by taking a census in Israel (1 Ch 21:1, 8), presumably because he was trusting in his military strength rather than the Lord. When God judged David for this, David confessed his sin and declared, “I have sinned greatly, in that I have done this thing” (1 Ch 21:8a). Not only did he confess his sin, but he also sought the Lord's forgiveness, saying, “Please take away the iniquity of Your servant, for I have done very foolishly” (1 Ch 21:8b), and “I am in great distress; please let me fall into the hand of the LORD, for His mercies are very great” (1 Ch 21:13). It is a hallmark of mature believers to humble themselves before the Lord through confession.      Furthermore, David practiced the sin of polygamy contrary to the Law of Moses, which specifically commanded the king of Israel, that “he shall not multiply wives for himself” (Deut 17:17). From Scripture we know the names of eight of David's wives: Michal (1 Sam 18:27), Abigail (1 Sam 25:39-42), Ahinoam (1 Sam 25:43), Bathsheba (2 Sam 12:24), Maacah, Haggith, Abital, and Eglah (2 Sam 3:2-5). And he had other wives and concubines that are not named, as Scripture reveals, “David took more concubines and wives from Jerusalem, after he came from Hebron” (2 Sam 5:13a). Interestingly, the Bible says nothing about David's practice of polygamy, and though it is a sin according to Scripture, it was apparently tolerated in David's life, perhaps because it never resulted in his wives leading him into idolatry as it had with his son, Solomon (see 1 Ki 11:1-11).       Despite David's imperfections and sins, he was still regarded as a man after God's own heart (1 Sam 13:14; Acts 13:22). His life demonstrates several key areas of faithfulness that are instructive for Christians. David exhibited a deep love and devotion to God, as reflected in his heartfelt expressions throughout the 75 Psalms he wrote (see Psa 3:1; 4:1; 5:1; 6:1; 8:1; 9:1; 11:1; 12:1; 13:1; 14:1; 15:1; 18:1; etc.).[7] Many of the Psalms reveal David's heart of worship to the Lord. His repentance and humility are evident after his sin with Bathsheba, where he sincerely sought God's mercy and forgiveness (Psa 51:1-2). David's trust in God's sovereignty was unwavering, as witnessed in his confrontation with Goliath and his reliance on God (1 Sam 17:37). His obedience to God's commands is seen in his refusal to harm King Saul, respecting God's anointed king (1 Sam 24:1-6). His commitment to justice and righteousness was evident in his reign, where he sought to administer justice and equity for all his people, for “David reigned over all Israel; and David administered justice and righteousness for all his people” (2 Sam 8:15). Even in difficult times, David depended on God for guidance, protection, and comfort, as beautifully expressed in Psalm 23. Lastly, his desire to build a house for God, although fulfilled by his son Solomon, demonstrated his dedication to honoring and prioritizing the Lord (2 Sam 7:1-2). These aspects of David's life highlight the important areas of faithfulness: devotion to God, humility, trust in God's sovereignty, obedience to God's commands, a heart for worship, commitment to justice and righteousness, dependence on God in difficult times, and a desire to honor and prioritize the Lord. The life of David demonstrates that believers can have a healthy walk with the Lord and be in submission to Him and doing His will in the major areas of their lives. Dr. Steven R. Cook   [1] This truth can be compared to the relationship between a loving and wise parent and their child. Just as a parent establishes boundaries and rules to protect and guide their child, God provides His commandments for our well-being, and this because there is much evil in the world. A loving parent sets these boundaries to ensure the child's safety from evil and help them thrive. They know that without guidance, a child might make harmful decisions because they lack the wisdom and experience to navigate life's complexities on their own. Similarly, God's laws create a framework within which we can experience true freedom and blessing. By submitting to God's guidance, we avoid the pitfalls and dangers that come from relying solely on our own understanding. When we trust in the Lord and acknowledge Him in all our ways, He directs our paths, leading us to a life of purpose and fulfillment. [2] Jesus, in His humanity, was not omniscient, and needed to develop and grow in His understanding. Luke tells us that Jesus “continued to grow and become strong, increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him” (Luke 2:40). When Jesus was twelve, He traveled with Joseph and Mary to Jerusalem (Luke 2:41-42), but after they left, we're informed “Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem” (Luke 2:43b). Joeseph and Mary were not aware that Jesus had stayed behind (Luke 2:43-44), but when they looked for Him and could not find Him, “they returned to Jerusalem looking for Him” (Luk 2:45b). Luke tells us, “Then, after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers” (Luke 2:46-47). Jesus, in His humanity, had great biblical wisdom, but not because He learned from the Rabbinic scholars of the day. The Jewish leadership understood this. John wrote,  “The Jews then were astonished, saying, ‘How has this man become learned, having never been educated?'” (John 7:15). Jesus replied to them, saying, “My teaching is not Mine, but His who sent Me” (John 7:16). [3] Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum, Messianic Christology: A Study of Old Testament Prophecy Concerning the First Coming of the Messiah (Tustin, CA: Ariel Ministries, 1998), 51. [4] Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum, Messianic Christology: A Study of Old Testament Prophecy Concerning the First Coming of the Messiah (Tustin, CA: Ariel Ministries, 1998), 51. [5] Ludwig Koehler et al., The Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament (Leiden: E.J. Brill, 1994–2000), 632. [6] Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Comforted, “Be” Commentary Series (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 126. [7] King David is traditionally attributed with writing 73 of the 150 Psalms in the Book of Psalms. These Psalms often bear his name in their superscriptions, indicating his authorship. Additionally, the New Testament ascribes two other Psalms to David (Psalm 2 in Acts 4:25 and Psalm 95 in Hebrews 4:7), bringing the total traditionally attributed to David to 75.

Do you ever have difficulty dealing with anger? More than a dozen or so Psalms express anger while crying out for justice and revenge. These Psalms are categorized as imprecatory. Psalm 109 is the longest and most detailed in its description of vengeance with words like, “May his days be few; may another take his place.” Let's consider the role that anger plays in our lives, our relationship with God, and in the book of Psalms.Support the Show.

Lesson 5 - The God Who ForgivesPsalm 51, Psalm 32 and Psalm 103. David knew what it was to suffer unjustly; but he also knew the pain of having to endure the consequences of his own sins and failures. These Psalms detail David's repentance for sin and also God's response. Like David we are to remember all that God has done for us and give wholehearted thanks for His love, goodness, compassion, forgiveness, and salvation.

As the "all inclusive" soul, King David's soul was a kaleidoscope of all our souls. His suffering was a compendium of all of our suffering. David's song, his Book of Psalms, is therefore our song, for every person on earth for posterity. No wonder that the Book of Psalms is by far history's greatest best-seller. These Psalms are capable of arousing the heart. So much so, that tears often well up in our eyes when we recite them. Those who say Psalms with sincerity can literally find themselves and their own circumstances within David's holy words. Here's why...

Sometimes, we learn the most profound truths from song lyrics. We've all had that experience of a song that gets stuck in our heads but ends up reminding us of a real truth. In this series, "The Songs that Jesus Sang," we will look at the Old Testament book of Psalms. These Psalms or songs would've been very familiar to him, and he probably could sing them by heart.

Today's podcast episode delves into the rich history of the Psalms and their pivotal role in shaping Israel's spiritual life. The Psalms, though ancient, remain as relevant today as they were when they were written. They guide us, inspire us, and provide solace during times of distress. By delving into the wisdom and insights they offer, we can better navigate our own spiritual journeys.One of the episode's highlights is the personal encounters that lead to unexpected opportunities to share the gospel. These encounters underscore the power of the gospel to bring about transformation, even in the most unlikely places.The guys also discuss the importance of consistency in spiritual growth. It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and neglect our spiritual well-being. However, by setting priorities and making time for our spiritual practices, such as daily scripture reading, we can maintain focus on what truly matters. Regular meditation on the Psalms can help us to keep our attention on the faithfulness and glory of God.The Psalms have played a significant role in Bible history. They were grouped into five general categories, each serving a specific purpose in Israel's spiritual life. Psalm 51 in particular showcases David's raw, heartfelt repentance and his acknowledgment that his sins were ultimately against God. It is also important to gain understanding of messianic prophecy in the Psalms, which can lead to a deeper grasp of the New Testament.Finally, the guys discuss the beauty and power of the Psalms, ranging from Psalm 127 to Psalm 147. These Psalms can be a source of comfort and strength for our lives. By meditating on the Word, we can nurture our spiritual growth. The faithfulness demonstrated by the mighty warrior and sweet psalmist King David in the Psalms which he wrote serves as an inspiration for us all.This episode serves as a reminder of the transformative power of redemption, the importance of moral integrity, and the life-changing influence of the Psalms. May it encourage you to explore the Psalms and allow their ancient words to touch your life today.  Thanks for listening! If you've been helped by this podcast, we'd be grateful if you'd consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating! Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.Ray ComfortEmeal (“E.Z.”) ZwayneMark SpenceOscar Navarro

These Psalms acknowledge God's power and protection in leading David in Israel's battles and success. Order Eden to Eternity and find all of your Bible study needs here. Join our Healthy Christian Women Facebook Group here.

Today we offer an encore Palm Sunday Meditation from our Holy Week Series. This meditation focuses on Psalm 121, known as a Psalm of Ascent. These Psalms were sung by Hebrew pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem and possibly while ascending the steps of the Temple. It's remarkable to note, that Jesus and His disciples would have prayed and sung these same scriptures. "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." Psalm 121:1-2 “Faith is the gaze of a soul…upon a saving God.” - A.W. Tozer

Today's readings.. (Leviticus 23), (Psalm 128-130), (Luke 6) Our Psalms and Luke readings today link together in encouraging us to think and live positively so we can more effectively counteract a world that buffets us more than ever with false values. There are times when these greatly affect us and they threaten to be overwhelming. These Psalms provide us with encouragement for the times when the ways of the world around us particularly buffet us and we start to be drawn into its' ways.. Psalm 130 is an outstanding example: “Out of the depths I cry to you O LORD … be attentive to the voice of my pleas for mercy! If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.” [v.1-4] Then the question arises, what counts as iniquities? In the days of Moses and ancient Israel the people would look to the 10 commandments; but Jesus, as we read in Luke 6 today describes Christ-like behaviour as being much more than avoiding bad behaviour like stealing and committing adultery. Jesus taught, “But I say unto you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you … “ [v.27,28] Then Jesus lays down what is often called ‘the golden rule' saying, “as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.” [v.31] It has always been the greatest challenge to live as God requires. David knew this. Jesus came to spell it out in plain language – and live it – to set us an example. With gratitude we remember David's words – and see his life as an example, especially for us, if we stumble off the narrow pathway that Jesus described. (Matt. 7 v.14). We therefore need more especially to remember David's words that God is “feared” because with him “there is forgiveness.” He is not feared because he is an angry God, rather he is feared (‘held in the deepest reverence' it means in this context) – because he is a loving God. Tomorrow's Psalm 131 is specifically by David. He writes, “O LORD, my heart is not lifted up … I have calmed and quieted my soul like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me.” [v.1,2] Can we do the same? Christ is, in one sense, our mother, let us make sure we have a real and growing relationship with him. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christadelphians-talk/message

Today we're going to study Psalms ninety-two and ninety-three. These Psalms are songs of praise, of admiration and a request for divine protection. I hope you're ready for some praising! To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1425/29

These Psalms, the Songs of Ascent, were the songs families would sing together while on their way to the temple. They are the songs Jesus sang with His disciples while He was on His way up to Jerusalem for one of the feasts. Jesus had about a three year ministry with the disciples. So they […]

Pastor Al Pittman is taking us through the Psalms, and today we are going to finish our look at Psalm seventy-five, and begin a look at Psalm seventy-six. These Psalms of Asaph are Psalms of praise to God for delivering His people from trouble, and holding their enemies accountable. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1425/29

Psalm 1 Sunday Night Study Psalm 1 is not only the first of all 150 Psalms but also the first of Book ______ of the Psalms. It is clear from their content many of them were also __________________, and we will be encouraged at the total honesty these men of God pray with. < This Psalm is the first of many “_________________” psalms. This Psalm is also the first of many in the Psalms that has chiastic ____________. < Notice the progression – sin starts in the head, and then leads to definite steps of action ____________________ from what the godly would do. Now one thing I like about Psalm one is that it does not just present being a godly person in negative terms, but goes on to present a beautiful picture that is _________________ in verses 2-3. Three types of questions that help you meditate on the Word of God--- 1. O_______________ What does the text ___________? 2. I________________ What does the text ___________? 3. A________________ How does this ________________ to my life? “I have no rest but in a nook, with the Book!” Thomas A Kempis, Author of the Imitation of Christ! The water that nourishes the tree is like the nourishment we receive from our ____________________ with our Triune God, Father, Son and Spirit. < I love the phrase “the ______________________ of the righteous!” I think the Psalmist is anticipating what David calls in Psalm 23, “_____________ in the house of the Lord forever!” < What an encouragement in verse six to the righteous person who has ________________ the taunts of mockers… Have you wondered lately if God is there? Have you wondered if God cares? These Psalms will be filled with ___________________ saints crying out to God asking where He is and if He cares! But Psalm one ends with the promise that God is _____________________ over the way of the righteous! < In verse 1 the blessed man chose not to stand or sit with sinners; ___________ God justly forbids the sinner to stand or sit with those who are His! WOW! < Great Helps: Everyman's Bible Commentary on Psalms, Bob Alden The Treasury of David, CH Spurgeon Expositors Bible Commentary

Psalm 71 was written by a man named Asaph. It appears from the context that these Psalms that he penned were written after the destruction of the temple by Babylon. These Psalms that he wrote are great reminders to us that when things look very bleak, we can still trust God to be in charge. He encourages us to sing praises and shout the righteousness of God to the enemies. He also encourages us to tell the stories of what God has done for us in the past to our children and the next generations so that they will know that God can be trusted no matter what things are looking like with our natural eyes. There is great encouragement buried in the Psalms of Asaph. Produced by Steve Rees - Calming Harp If you like what you hear please subscribe: www.youtube.com/peregrinnatti To find us on social media: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/peregrinnatti Calming Harp Page: https://www.facebook.com/Calming-Harp… If you would like to write a testimony of how this music has helped you email me at: steve@calmingharp.com To purchase CDs and MP3s go to our website: https://calmingharp.com/ To donate to the ministry of the Calming Harp: https://calmingharp.com/marketplace Steve Rees has been producing Harp Music from the Psalms of David for the past 20 years. He has discovered a connection between the Hebrew text of the Psalms and music notes that develop into chord progressions that form the basis for musical compositions that have been appreciated by thousands of followers. We invite you to join the many lives that have been positively affected by this wonderful music

These Psalms call for the joyful worship of God in song and sermon. We are instructed to fear God, and give Him the glory, for He is holy-

As we continue our journey through the book of Psalms, we focus in on our second to last thematic focus - Psalms of Trust. These Psalms highlight the attributes of God by declaring the trustworthiness of God over resources, others, and ourselves. In this episode Brent and Trent discuss Psalm 121 and the comfort it provides for those to trust in God amidst changing and uncertain circumstances. For a PDF of the entire reading plan, click HERE Got questions? Email podcast@linworthbaptist.org Cover art by Libby Montgomery Theme music by Max Hunter

Today we offer an encore Palm Sunday Meditation from our Holy Week Series. “Faith is the gaze of a soul…upon a saving God.” - A.W. Tozer "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." Psalm 121:1-2 This meditation focuses on Psalm 121, known as a Psalm of Ascent. These Psalms were sung by Hebrew pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem and possibly while ascending the steps of the Temple. It's remarkable to note, that Jesus and His disciples would have prayed and sung these same scriptures.

Today's message by Pastor Marc Sharp is the final part in the series looking at 15 Psalms (Psalms 120-134) designated as “Songs of Ascents”. These Psalms are God’s guidebook for right worship in the church. Psalm 134 is the conclusion of a spiritual progression, wherein the journey of the Christian life was analogized by the pilgrimage of ancient Jews coming to God’s Temple in Jerusalem to worship and sacrifice. It would be easy for us to see the historical background and miss entirely the call, encouragement, and instruction that comes to New Covenant believers. But in this climax, we see 3 important elements of the spiritual life; worship, service, and watching (waiting). If you would like to view the video of today's service, as well as previous videos, go to: https://www.facebook.com/northridgelife/videos/ (copy and paste into your web browser address bar). For additional information, you may also visit the church website, www.northridgelife.org, and Facebook page, www.facebook.com/northridgelife/.

Today's message is a continuation of the series looking at 15 Psalms (Psalms 120-134) designated as “Songs of Ascents”. These Psalms are God’s guidebook for right worship in the church. In this Part 13, Pastor Marc Sharp looks at Psalms 132, the longest of the Songs of Ascents. King David and the Temple are the subject of this Psalm. It is divided into 3 parts: David’s determination to build a temple to house the Ark of the Covenant for the Lord’s honor, a national prayer to be offered at the dedication of the Temple upon it’s completion, and God’s response to this prayer made by his people. How is all of this relevant to us today? It is, just listen! If you would like to view the video of today's service, as well as previous videos, go to: https://www.facebook.com/northridgelife/videos/ (copy and paste into your web browser address bar). For additional information, you may also visit the church website, www.northridgelife.org, and Facebook page, www.facebook.com/northridgelife/.

Today's message is a continuation of the series looking at 15 Psalms (Psalms 120-134) designated as “Songs of Ascents”. These Psalms are God’s guidebook for right worship in the church. From Psalms 130, Pastor David Walt brings a message for us about living in full assurance of salvation. Satan wants to convince us that sin is "no big deal, God loves us just the way we are". Yes, but... If you would like to view the video of today's service, as well as previous videos, go to: https://www.facebook.com/northridgelife/videos/ (copy and paste into your web browser address bar). For additional information, you may also visit the church website, www.northridgelife.org, and Facebook page, www.facebook.com/northridgelife/.

Today's message is a continuation by Pastor Marc Sharp of the series looking at 15 Psalms (Psalms 120-134) designated as “Songs of Ascents”. These Psalms are God’s guidebook for right worship in the church. Psalms 127 is the only song attributed to someone other than David. In this case, it’s attributed to King Solomon, his son. The people who originally sang this song were making their way to Jerusalem, and specifically to the Temple, the construction of which was overseen by Solomon. If you would like to view the video of today's service, as well as previous videos, go to: https://www.facebook.com/northridgelife/videos/ (copy and paste into your web browser address bar). For additional information, you may also visit the church website, www.northridgelife.org, and Facebook page, www.facebook.com/northridgelife/.

Pastor Marc Sharp continues with part 7 of the series looking at 15 Psalms (Psalms 120-134) designated as “Songs of Ascents”. These Psalms are God’s guidebook for right worship in the church. Last week we learned that the people of God cannot be moved, that God always faithfully defends his people. Today, we see this immovability is not enough. As an outgrowth of this steadfastness, we’re promised a payoff of joy and fruitfulness. Though we have many trials, and must enter the kingdom “through many tribulations”, by the work of the Holy Spirit our lives should be joyfully productive and filled with rejoicing! If you would like to view the video of today's service, as well as previous videos, go to: https://www.facebook.com/northridgelife/videos/ (copy and paste into your web browser address bar). For additional information, you may also visit the church website, www.northridgelife.org, and Facebook page, www.facebook.com/northridgelife/.

Today, Pastor Marc Sharp continues with part two of the new series looking at 15 Psalms (Psalm 120-134) designated as “Songs of Ascents”. The Psalms are God’s guidebook for right worship in the church. In the Old Covenant, Psalms 120-134 were hymns sung to remind actual pilgrims of the Lord’s beauty and faithfulness as they travelled to Jerusalem to worship and sacrifice. Our Journey is real, yet understood spiritually. We are sojourners, traveling to a place far away with the sole purpose of meeting with and seeing God. Our ultimate destination is heaven, and subsequently to reign with Christ. This is the hope of all believers. These Psalms give us guidance for this journey. If you would like to view the video of today's service, as well as previous videos, go to: https://www.facebook.com/northridgelife/videos/ (copy and paste into your web browser address bar). For additional information, you may also visit the church website, www.northridgelife.org, and Facebook page, www.facebook.com/northridgelife/.