David finds assurance that God will protect him during times of trouble. God will hide David in the shelter of His tabernacle and set him high upon a rock, keeping him safe. The document discusses how trouble is an inevitable part of life, but that believers can find refuge and deliverance in God during difficult times, as David knew.
This passage discusses John the Baptist's role in preparing the way for Jesus and decreasing in importance as Jesus' ministry increases. It references John as the friend of the bridegroom who rejoices at the bridegroom's (Jesus') voice. John testifies that Jesus comes from heaven and speaks God's message by the power of the Holy Spirit. The passage emphasizes being ready for Jesus' return by depending on God's power, admiring others, and keeping one's spiritual lamp filled through obedience.
This document discusses the concept of grace and its importance for winning life's race. It states that everyone is already in a race whether they know it or not, and that only through God's grace can one obtain the prize and win. Grace is described as God doing for us what we cannot do for ourselves, and qualifying the unqualified. Several biblical examples are provided of people who won through grace, such as Noah, Elijah, and David. The document encourages depending on God's grace rather than one's own understanding in order to achieve goals and overcome challenges.
This is a study of the love of God which we experience through the Holy Spirit. God pours His love into our hearts by means of the Spirit he has given us.
The document discusses Brian McLaren's travels where he has found four great hungers or needs: 1) a fresh understanding of the biblical narrative, 2) a fresh framework for mission, 3) a fresh view of Christian identity in a multi-faith world, and 4) a fresh approach to the spiritual life. It then provides excerpts from McLaren's works exploring stages of spiritual development from simplicity to complexity to perplexity and finally harmony.
This document provides an overview and summary of Psalm 32. It begins with background on King David's sins with Bathsheba and Uriah, which led to his writing of Psalms 32 and 51 in confession. The summary then examines four Hebrew words for sin, three words for forgiveness, and how guilt affects us. It discusses how we must confess sins to God and forgive others as God forgives us. Total forgiveness is defined as having no negative feelings towards an offender and praying for God to bless them. The document closes with an invitation to next week's sermon and details on God's plan of salvation through Jesus Christ.
This document is a prayer request letter from the Well Fortified Intercessors Army dated November 21, 2011. It includes a daily message about choosing heaven over hell, a prayer for protection and guidance, and a list of over 50 critical prayer needs covering health issues like cancer, depression, and homelessness. It asks readers to pray for these needs and for specific people and regions in India.
This document discusses the power of confession and making the right confessions. It explains that confession is affirming what we believe from scripture and that Christianity is called "the Great Confession." The key points are:
1) We are to confess what God has done for us through redemption, what He has done in us, what we are to the Father, and what God can do through us.
2) Wrong confessions include confessing defeat, failure, Satan's power over us, or our doubts and weaknesses. These glorify the devil and destroy faith.
3) The right confessions affirm our perfection and healing through Christ's redemptive work, that we are new creations with God
God created Adam and Eve to live happily with Him in the Garden of Eden. However, they disobeyed God and ate the forbidden fruit, committing the original sin. As a result, they lost sanctifying grace and were banished from the garden. All humans are now born with original sin and a tendency to sin. However, God promised to send a savior to restore grace. Jesus won back grace on the cross. The Holy Spirit now transmits God's grace to people to transform and sanctify them.
This passage discusses John the Baptist's role in preparing the way for Jesus and decreasing in importance as Jesus' ministry increases. It references John as the friend of the bridegroom who rejoices at the bridegroom's (Jesus') voice. John testifies that Jesus comes from heaven and speaks God's message by the power of the Holy Spirit. The passage emphasizes being ready for Jesus' return by depending on God's power, admiring others, and keeping one's spiritual lamp filled through obedience.
This document discusses the concept of grace and its importance for winning life's race. It states that everyone is already in a race whether they know it or not, and that only through God's grace can one obtain the prize and win. Grace is described as God doing for us what we cannot do for ourselves, and qualifying the unqualified. Several biblical examples are provided of people who won through grace, such as Noah, Elijah, and David. The document encourages depending on God's grace rather than one's own understanding in order to achieve goals and overcome challenges.
This is a study of the love of God which we experience through the Holy Spirit. God pours His love into our hearts by means of the Spirit he has given us.
The document discusses Brian McLaren's travels where he has found four great hungers or needs: 1) a fresh understanding of the biblical narrative, 2) a fresh framework for mission, 3) a fresh view of Christian identity in a multi-faith world, and 4) a fresh approach to the spiritual life. It then provides excerpts from McLaren's works exploring stages of spiritual development from simplicity to complexity to perplexity and finally harmony.
This document provides an overview and summary of Psalm 32. It begins with background on King David's sins with Bathsheba and Uriah, which led to his writing of Psalms 32 and 51 in confession. The summary then examines four Hebrew words for sin, three words for forgiveness, and how guilt affects us. It discusses how we must confess sins to God and forgive others as God forgives us. Total forgiveness is defined as having no negative feelings towards an offender and praying for God to bless them. The document closes with an invitation to next week's sermon and details on God's plan of salvation through Jesus Christ.
This document is a prayer request letter from the Well Fortified Intercessors Army dated November 21, 2011. It includes a daily message about choosing heaven over hell, a prayer for protection and guidance, and a list of over 50 critical prayer needs covering health issues like cancer, depression, and homelessness. It asks readers to pray for these needs and for specific people and regions in India.
This document discusses the power of confession and making the right confessions. It explains that confession is affirming what we believe from scripture and that Christianity is called "the Great Confession." The key points are:
1) We are to confess what God has done for us through redemption, what He has done in us, what we are to the Father, and what God can do through us.
2) Wrong confessions include confessing defeat, failure, Satan's power over us, or our doubts and weaknesses. These glorify the devil and destroy faith.
3) The right confessions affirm our perfection and healing through Christ's redemptive work, that we are new creations with God
God created Adam and Eve to live happily with Him in the Garden of Eden. However, they disobeyed God and ate the forbidden fruit, committing the original sin. As a result, they lost sanctifying grace and were banished from the garden. All humans are now born with original sin and a tendency to sin. However, God promised to send a savior to restore grace. Jesus won back grace on the cross. The Holy Spirit now transmits God's grace to people to transform and sanctify them.
This issue of the Visionary Times newsletter contains information about submitting articles for future issues, a summary of a sermon on building marriages in the body of Christ, and a poem. It lists the staff and announces a submission deadline of October 15th. The sermon discusses biblical roles of husbands and wives and emphasizes keeping communication open, forgiveness, and focusing on Christ to strengthen marriages. The poem expresses a desire to emulate God's qualities like love, light, compassion, and strength.
The prophecy in Daniel 9 outlines a 70 week (490 year) timeline from the decree to rebuild Jerusalem until the final battle at Armageddon. Gabriel revealed to Daniel that there would be 7 weeks, 62 weeks, and 1 final week. Using biblical calendar years of 360 days, this equates to 483 years from the decree in 445 BC until Christ's death in AD 32, fulfilling the first 69 weeks. The final 7 year period is yet to be fulfilled and will begin with the Antichrist signing a peace treaty with Israel, breaking it after 3.5 years. This suggests the final 7 years could begin in 2026 with the battle of Armageddon in 2033. Understanding this prophecy is key to comprehending
God created Adam and Eve to live happily with Him in the Garden of Eden. However, they disobeyed God and ate the forbidden fruit, committing the original sin. As a result, they lost sanctifying grace and were banished from the garden. All humans are now born with original sin and a tendency to sin. However, God promised to send a savior to restore grace. Jesus won back grace on the cross. The Holy Spirit now distributes grace to those who believe.
Dreams & mysteries notes blessing and cursingKaturi Susmitha
This document discusses various famous curses throughout history like the Curse of the Bambino and the Curse of the Hope Diamond. It then explores blessings and curses in the Bible, noting that curses came into the world through Adam and Eve's sin but that Jesus took curses upon himself. It explains that blessings and curses come from words and can set spiritual forces in motion. Blessings were God's original intent for humanity to subdue the earth. The document encourages speaking blessings over oneself to counter curses and live freely under God's blessings.
Jesus was looked at and they are radiantGLENN PEASE
The document provides commentary on Psalm 34:5. It begins with a lengthy summary of the experiences described in the Psalm, including times of trouble, fear, looking to God for help, crying out, and receiving divine aid through answered prayers, angelic ministry, and deliverance. It then discusses how the Psalmist uses these experiences to encourage praise of God, exhortation of other believers, and guidance for young people on living righteously. The commentary emphasizes that though experiences differ, God's principles of rewarding the righteous and helping those who trust in Him remain the same. It encourages believers to recount God's faithfulness to encourage others.
This document summarizes a teaching on the difficult ministry of forgiveness based on 2 Corinthians 2:05-2:11. It discusses how forgiveness is difficult because it involves pain, requires going above and beyond, moving on, and reaffirming love. However, we are called to forgive because it is an act of obedience, tests our faith, is for Christ's sake, and protects ourselves by defeating Satan's schemes. The teacher provides background on the passage and questions for reflection.
The document discusses the fall of man according to the Bible. It describes the steps in the fall as unbelief, changing God's word, and disobedience. Eve was tempted in three ways - by what was good for food, pleasant to the eyes, and what was desired to make one wise. The results of the fall were curses on nature and consequences for the whole human race, including physical death, spiritual death, and eternal death. It defines physical life, physical death, spiritual life, spiritual death, eternal life, and eternal death.
This document summarizes the author's conversations with elderly friends about preparing for old age and finding purpose and meaning. Key points:
- An elderly friend living in a retirement home finds happiness by being grateful, ignoring small annoyances, and focusing on kindness from others.
- Another friend finds joy in living simply and focusing on loving others, despite physical limitations.
- Old age can have a ministry of being examples of God's love and grace to inspire younger generations.
This introduction provides context for the book by explaining that the author will be taken in visions to heaven and hell to witness things firsthand in order to provide detailed accounts. It references biblical examples of prophets like Ezekiel, John, and Paul being taken up spiritually by God to experience visions of the spiritual realm. The author has accepted God's commission through the Holy Spirit to record what she sees in heaven and hell for the purpose of this book. She does not claim the same level of authority or revelation as biblical prophets but believes God has a purpose for revealing more details about the afterlife at this time in history as the end times approach.
This document appears to be a spiritual text that was received by the author through visions and revelations from God. It discusses several visions and messages that were received, including:
1) A vision of a great tidal wave and those who could/couldn't enter Abraham's bosom for shelter.
2) Messages about the last days church being the perfect bride of Christ and being led fully by the Holy Spirit.
3) A vision of the author seeing themselves in three forms, merged into one through the resurrection power of God, angering Satan.
4) Discussion of demonic attacks and games played on a phone that opened the author up to spiritual attack.
This document provides a summary of a sermon on forgiveness based on Matthew 18:21-35. It discusses three aspects of forgiveness:
1. Forgiveness from God - We owe God a debt we can never repay for our sins, but through faith in Jesus we can be forgiven. We should show mercy to others as God has shown mercy to us.
2. Forgiving one another - Jesus teaches we must forgive others not just 7 times but indefinitely. Our forgiveness of others does not impact salvation but does impact our relationship with God.
3. Forgiving ourselves - This is often the hardest but is important so Satan cannot accuse us, for our physical and spiritual well-being, and so we can
This chapter introduces Ian McCormack, a young man from New Zealand who embarked on a surfing adventure called "The Big O.E." after finishing university. He traveled through Australia, Indonesia, and parts of Asia, exploring new places and cultures. Along the way, Ian questioned his Christian upbringing, as he had never personally experienced God. During his travels, Ian had some supernatural experiences that disturbed him. He began to observe the religious practices of others and question idol worship.
The document provides a summary of a revelation received by Brother Richard Antwi about the marine kingdom. Some key points:
- Brother Richard saw a vision of the marine kingdom while sleeping, guided by Jesus. They walked under water and saw human-fish hybrid figures guarding a gate.
- In the marine kingdom, Brother Richard saw machines processing dead humans who drowned into oil, and packaging products like lip shine that cause sickness.
- Brother Richard met the "king of the coast", a human-fish hybrid, who had a book containing the names of men engaged in worldly lifestyles and fashions.
- Many modern dances, hairstyles, piercings, clothing styles originated
This document discusses the importance and necessity of joy for Christians. Some key points:
- Christianity is meant to be a life of celebration, as salvation inherently brings joy. Sadness has no place for those who have been forgiven by God.
- Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit within believers and is essential for peace, patience, kindness and other fruits. Without joy, the Spirit's fire is quenched.
- God wants his children to have joy-filled, trouble-free hearts. Sources of Christian joy include obedience, prayer, worship, faith, giving, and soul-winning.
- Believers are called to rejoice always and find their joy in Christ despite life
This document appears to be a collection of spiritual visions and revelations from Christ End Time Ministries. It describes various visions of spiritual warfare, exorcisms, and end times events. Some key points include:
1. A vision of a Muslim friend with two concrete pillars in his spirit, representing the deception and false beliefs that had taken hold.
2. Experiencing intense spiritual warfare through Facebook and WhatsApp, revealed to be coming through fraudulent users and occult objects like crystal balls.
3. A vision of an "alien demon" that was destroyed when the name of Jesus was spoken.
4. A vision of the author's mother being falsely arrested and threatened with execution by demonic
Third night testimony for the journey of 7 daysLing Siew Woei
The document outlines the schedule for a prayer meeting on the third day of a 7-day journey with the Holy Spirit, including a time of fellowship, encouragement from prayer leaders, breakout sessions for testimonies, and a question and answer session. It also includes journal entries from each day describing experiences with the Holy Spirit like singing in tongues, revelations, and impressions about approaching God with childlike faith.
The document discusses the objectives of life according to major world religions. It states that life is a testing period where people are tested on their obedience, faith, compassion, and good deeds. Religions teach that God tests people to know who obeys and who does not, and that people will be rewarded or punished based on the results of these tests. Tests can come in the form of trials, tribulations, temptation, persecution, or difficulties. The purpose of life is to pass these tests and prepare for the afterlife, where one will receive their true rewards.
1. The document describes a series of spiritual visions and experiences. In one vision, the narrator attends a heavenly school and learns about spiritual warfare.
2. The narrator has an encounter with Jesus disguised as a young warrior who guides them. They develop a deep affection for him.
3. The narrator is given the title of the script, "Spiritual Warfare & The Purple Robe" by an angel teacher. The document goes on to describe more supernatural experiences and spiritual lessons.
The purpose of this work is to make as many good authors and commentators available in one place to save Bible students a great deal of time in research.
Abbott, "This chapter is in the nature of a postcript, and is almost wholly taken up with personal greetings to individuals concerning whom very little is known. *one the less is the chapter significant, since it shows that Paul was one by no means so devoted to the elucidation of great principles, as to be indifferent to individuals with that indifference which often characterizes a nature purely intellectual, nor even so devoted to the well-being of the race as a race, as to be indifferent to individuals with that indifference which often characterizes the mere reformer or
philanthropist. Like his Master, he was individual in his ministry, each soul counted for much; and thus those whom he had once known in spiritual companionship he
did not, apparently, easily forget."
God's patience does have a limit, and persistent rebellion against his will does have severe consequences. When judgment is all that is left as an alternative to God's endurance of evil, his wrath falls like a forest fire and consumes everything in its path. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God, and 70 A. D. is one of the most powerful demonstrations of his anger at Israel. The Roman army destroyed the city of Jerusalem. They demolished the temple and killed masses of people, and ended the sacrificial system of the Jews, which has never been recovered to this day. Those not killed by the sword died in famine. Christians do not study this day of judgment very much at all, and the result is, it is not very well known that Jesus came as a Judge as well as a Savior. He brought about the atonement for sin that made salvation possible for all people who would believe and accept him as
Savior, but he also brought amazing judgment on the people of God that the prophets warned continually was coming.
This issue of the Visionary Times newsletter contains information about submitting articles for future issues, a summary of a sermon on building marriages in the body of Christ, and a poem. It lists the staff and announces a submission deadline of October 15th. The sermon discusses biblical roles of husbands and wives and emphasizes keeping communication open, forgiveness, and focusing on Christ to strengthen marriages. The poem expresses a desire to emulate God's qualities like love, light, compassion, and strength.
The prophecy in Daniel 9 outlines a 70 week (490 year) timeline from the decree to rebuild Jerusalem until the final battle at Armageddon. Gabriel revealed to Daniel that there would be 7 weeks, 62 weeks, and 1 final week. Using biblical calendar years of 360 days, this equates to 483 years from the decree in 445 BC until Christ's death in AD 32, fulfilling the first 69 weeks. The final 7 year period is yet to be fulfilled and will begin with the Antichrist signing a peace treaty with Israel, breaking it after 3.5 years. This suggests the final 7 years could begin in 2026 with the battle of Armageddon in 2033. Understanding this prophecy is key to comprehending
God created Adam and Eve to live happily with Him in the Garden of Eden. However, they disobeyed God and ate the forbidden fruit, committing the original sin. As a result, they lost sanctifying grace and were banished from the garden. All humans are now born with original sin and a tendency to sin. However, God promised to send a savior to restore grace. Jesus won back grace on the cross. The Holy Spirit now distributes grace to those who believe.
Dreams & mysteries notes blessing and cursingKaturi Susmitha
This document discusses various famous curses throughout history like the Curse of the Bambino and the Curse of the Hope Diamond. It then explores blessings and curses in the Bible, noting that curses came into the world through Adam and Eve's sin but that Jesus took curses upon himself. It explains that blessings and curses come from words and can set spiritual forces in motion. Blessings were God's original intent for humanity to subdue the earth. The document encourages speaking blessings over oneself to counter curses and live freely under God's blessings.
Jesus was looked at and they are radiantGLENN PEASE
The document provides commentary on Psalm 34:5. It begins with a lengthy summary of the experiences described in the Psalm, including times of trouble, fear, looking to God for help, crying out, and receiving divine aid through answered prayers, angelic ministry, and deliverance. It then discusses how the Psalmist uses these experiences to encourage praise of God, exhortation of other believers, and guidance for young people on living righteously. The commentary emphasizes that though experiences differ, God's principles of rewarding the righteous and helping those who trust in Him remain the same. It encourages believers to recount God's faithfulness to encourage others.
This document summarizes a teaching on the difficult ministry of forgiveness based on 2 Corinthians 2:05-2:11. It discusses how forgiveness is difficult because it involves pain, requires going above and beyond, moving on, and reaffirming love. However, we are called to forgive because it is an act of obedience, tests our faith, is for Christ's sake, and protects ourselves by defeating Satan's schemes. The teacher provides background on the passage and questions for reflection.
The document discusses the fall of man according to the Bible. It describes the steps in the fall as unbelief, changing God's word, and disobedience. Eve was tempted in three ways - by what was good for food, pleasant to the eyes, and what was desired to make one wise. The results of the fall were curses on nature and consequences for the whole human race, including physical death, spiritual death, and eternal death. It defines physical life, physical death, spiritual life, spiritual death, eternal life, and eternal death.
This document summarizes the author's conversations with elderly friends about preparing for old age and finding purpose and meaning. Key points:
- An elderly friend living in a retirement home finds happiness by being grateful, ignoring small annoyances, and focusing on kindness from others.
- Another friend finds joy in living simply and focusing on loving others, despite physical limitations.
- Old age can have a ministry of being examples of God's love and grace to inspire younger generations.
This introduction provides context for the book by explaining that the author will be taken in visions to heaven and hell to witness things firsthand in order to provide detailed accounts. It references biblical examples of prophets like Ezekiel, John, and Paul being taken up spiritually by God to experience visions of the spiritual realm. The author has accepted God's commission through the Holy Spirit to record what she sees in heaven and hell for the purpose of this book. She does not claim the same level of authority or revelation as biblical prophets but believes God has a purpose for revealing more details about the afterlife at this time in history as the end times approach.
This document appears to be a spiritual text that was received by the author through visions and revelations from God. It discusses several visions and messages that were received, including:
1) A vision of a great tidal wave and those who could/couldn't enter Abraham's bosom for shelter.
2) Messages about the last days church being the perfect bride of Christ and being led fully by the Holy Spirit.
3) A vision of the author seeing themselves in three forms, merged into one through the resurrection power of God, angering Satan.
4) Discussion of demonic attacks and games played on a phone that opened the author up to spiritual attack.
This document provides a summary of a sermon on forgiveness based on Matthew 18:21-35. It discusses three aspects of forgiveness:
1. Forgiveness from God - We owe God a debt we can never repay for our sins, but through faith in Jesus we can be forgiven. We should show mercy to others as God has shown mercy to us.
2. Forgiving one another - Jesus teaches we must forgive others not just 7 times but indefinitely. Our forgiveness of others does not impact salvation but does impact our relationship with God.
3. Forgiving ourselves - This is often the hardest but is important so Satan cannot accuse us, for our physical and spiritual well-being, and so we can
This chapter introduces Ian McCormack, a young man from New Zealand who embarked on a surfing adventure called "The Big O.E." after finishing university. He traveled through Australia, Indonesia, and parts of Asia, exploring new places and cultures. Along the way, Ian questioned his Christian upbringing, as he had never personally experienced God. During his travels, Ian had some supernatural experiences that disturbed him. He began to observe the religious practices of others and question idol worship.
The document provides a summary of a revelation received by Brother Richard Antwi about the marine kingdom. Some key points:
- Brother Richard saw a vision of the marine kingdom while sleeping, guided by Jesus. They walked under water and saw human-fish hybrid figures guarding a gate.
- In the marine kingdom, Brother Richard saw machines processing dead humans who drowned into oil, and packaging products like lip shine that cause sickness.
- Brother Richard met the "king of the coast", a human-fish hybrid, who had a book containing the names of men engaged in worldly lifestyles and fashions.
- Many modern dances, hairstyles, piercings, clothing styles originated
This document discusses the importance and necessity of joy for Christians. Some key points:
- Christianity is meant to be a life of celebration, as salvation inherently brings joy. Sadness has no place for those who have been forgiven by God.
- Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit within believers and is essential for peace, patience, kindness and other fruits. Without joy, the Spirit's fire is quenched.
- God wants his children to have joy-filled, trouble-free hearts. Sources of Christian joy include obedience, prayer, worship, faith, giving, and soul-winning.
- Believers are called to rejoice always and find their joy in Christ despite life
This document appears to be a collection of spiritual visions and revelations from Christ End Time Ministries. It describes various visions of spiritual warfare, exorcisms, and end times events. Some key points include:
1. A vision of a Muslim friend with two concrete pillars in his spirit, representing the deception and false beliefs that had taken hold.
2. Experiencing intense spiritual warfare through Facebook and WhatsApp, revealed to be coming through fraudulent users and occult objects like crystal balls.
3. A vision of an "alien demon" that was destroyed when the name of Jesus was spoken.
4. A vision of the author's mother being falsely arrested and threatened with execution by demonic
Third night testimony for the journey of 7 daysLing Siew Woei
The document outlines the schedule for a prayer meeting on the third day of a 7-day journey with the Holy Spirit, including a time of fellowship, encouragement from prayer leaders, breakout sessions for testimonies, and a question and answer session. It also includes journal entries from each day describing experiences with the Holy Spirit like singing in tongues, revelations, and impressions about approaching God with childlike faith.
The document discusses the objectives of life according to major world religions. It states that life is a testing period where people are tested on their obedience, faith, compassion, and good deeds. Religions teach that God tests people to know who obeys and who does not, and that people will be rewarded or punished based on the results of these tests. Tests can come in the form of trials, tribulations, temptation, persecution, or difficulties. The purpose of life is to pass these tests and prepare for the afterlife, where one will receive their true rewards.
1. The document describes a series of spiritual visions and experiences. In one vision, the narrator attends a heavenly school and learns about spiritual warfare.
2. The narrator has an encounter with Jesus disguised as a young warrior who guides them. They develop a deep affection for him.
3. The narrator is given the title of the script, "Spiritual Warfare & The Purple Robe" by an angel teacher. The document goes on to describe more supernatural experiences and spiritual lessons.
The purpose of this work is to make as many good authors and commentators available in one place to save Bible students a great deal of time in research.
Abbott, "This chapter is in the nature of a postcript, and is almost wholly taken up with personal greetings to individuals concerning whom very little is known. *one the less is the chapter significant, since it shows that Paul was one by no means so devoted to the elucidation of great principles, as to be indifferent to individuals with that indifference which often characterizes a nature purely intellectual, nor even so devoted to the well-being of the race as a race, as to be indifferent to individuals with that indifference which often characterizes the mere reformer or
philanthropist. Like his Master, he was individual in his ministry, each soul counted for much; and thus those whom he had once known in spiritual companionship he
did not, apparently, easily forget."
God's patience does have a limit, and persistent rebellion against his will does have severe consequences. When judgment is all that is left as an alternative to God's endurance of evil, his wrath falls like a forest fire and consumes everything in its path. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God, and 70 A. D. is one of the most powerful demonstrations of his anger at Israel. The Roman army destroyed the city of Jerusalem. They demolished the temple and killed masses of people, and ended the sacrificial system of the Jews, which has never been recovered to this day. Those not killed by the sword died in famine. Christians do not study this day of judgment very much at all, and the result is, it is not very well known that Jesus came as a Judge as well as a Savior. He brought about the atonement for sin that made salvation possible for all people who would believe and accept him as
Savior, but he also brought amazing judgment on the people of God that the prophets warned continually was coming.
Paul wrote 2 Corinthians in response to disturbances in the Corinthian church caused by false teachers known as Judaizers. In this letter, Paul uses sarcasm and irony to defend his authority as an apostle and persuade the Corinthians to reject the false doctrines taught by these opponents. Though boasting of himself is against his nature, Paul feels forced by the situation to engage in this "foolishness" in order to counter the boasting of the false teachers and bring the Corinthians back to the truth.
Moses climbed Mount Nebo to view the Promised Land before his death, as God had shown him. From the mountaintop, the LORD enabled Moses to see the entire territory that would be given to Israel, from Gilead in the north to Dan in the south, despite being over 100 years old. Several commentators note that Moses likely did not write this passage himself, as it describes his own death, and it may have originally been the beginning of the Book of Joshua. The vision gave Moses comfort as he viewed the land the Israelites would inherit, even though he would not enter it.
This document provides a commentary on Psalm 42. It includes introductions and analyses from several authors on the title, background, and themes of the psalm.
The introduction provides context on the Sons of Korah and suggests David as the likely author. It outlines the psalm's two-part structure and reflection of David's experience in exile.
The analyses explore the psalm's instructional purpose, David's longing for God while removed from the temple, and handling feelings of depression. Commentators describe David's struggle with doubt and encouragement of faith. The psalm is presented as teaching how to regain spiritual sunshine during dark moods.
In essence it is a book about the unfaithfulness of God's people, and the faithfulness of God in spite of it. ,o matter how indifferent and unresponsive his people are, God is not going to abandon his plan to bring a Savior into the world
that will bless all mankind, and bring eternal glory to himself. Man's failure will never prevent God's success. God will be faithful to his plan regardless of man's
uncooperative spirit.
Expositor's Bible, “I/ closing his letter to the Corinthians, Paul, as usual, explains his own movements, and adds a number of miscellaneous directions and salutations. These for the most part relate to matters of merely temporary interest, and call for no comment. Interest of a more
permanent kind unfortunately attaches to the collection for the poor Christians of Jerusalem which Paul invites the Corinthians to make. Several causes had contributed to this poverty ; and, among others, it is not improbable that the persecution promoted by Paul himself had an
important place. Many Christians were driven from their homes, and many more must have lost their means of earning a livelihood. But it is likely that Paul was anxious to relieve this poverty, not so much because it had been partly caused by himself as because he saw in it an opportunity
for bringing more closely together the two great parties in the Church.
This document provides commentary on Psalm 55 from multiple sources. It begins with an introduction discussing the emotional range of the psalm from complaint to confidence. Several experts and commentators are then quoted analyzing various aspects of the psalm, including its possible historical context during Absalom's rebellion against David, its literary elements, and its themes of betrayal and finding refuge in God during times of trouble.
Paul reluctantly boasts about visions and revelations from God to defend his apostleship. He describes being caught up to paradise over 14 years ago and witnessing things that are beyond words. Though he cannot say if it was in or out of the body, God knows. This experience gave him insight but to avoid pride, a "thorn in the flesh" was given to keep him humble.
1. THE WOMEN'S QUARTET IN THE GENEALOGY OF CHRIST Based on Matt. 1:1-9
2. LISTEN TO YOUR WIFE Based on Matt. 27:11-26
3. THE MOST FAMOUS FEVER MARK 1:29-31
4. THE STOLEN MIRACLE Based on Mark 5:21-34
5. DARING DEVOTION Based on Mark 14:1-9
6. DARING DEVOTION PART II Based on Mark 14:1-9
7. WOMEN IN THE GOSPEL OF LUKE PART 1
8. WOMEN IN LUKE PART 2
9. WOMEN IN LUKE PART 3
10. WOMEN IN LUKE PART 4
11. WOMEN IN LUKE PART 5
12. WOMEN IN LUKE PART 6
13. WOMEN IN LUKE PART 7
14. WOMEN IN LUKE PART 8
15. WOMEN IN LUKE PART 9
16. THE VOLUNTARY MARY based on Luke 1:26-38
17. THE WOMAN AT THE WELL Based on John 4:1-26
18. MARY MAGDALENE Based on John 20:1-18
Find hope in Christ as you are reminded of His amazing promises. This reading plan comprised of articles from a variety of Bibles by Zondervan Publishers offers insights into having hope during a various aspects of life.
THIS HAS TO DO WITH THE PATIENCE OF THE SAINTS. BECAUSE OF THE MARK OF THE BEAST, THE CRISIS HE [BEAST] WILL BRING UPON GOD'S PEOPLE, ETC, GOD'S PEOPLE MUST HAVE PATIENCE TO ENDURE.
1 Dec 2013: "Every problem has a solution" - "A righteous man may have many t...alfc_media
This document is a summary of a sermon about how problems can cause believers to draw closer to God through trust, prayer, and viewing problems as tests from God. It discusses maintaining self-control and discipline when facing troubles. The sermon argues that problems will never be greater than God's power and that God promises to answer calls for help and deliver the righteous from all their troubles. Maintaining faith and turning to God are presented as the keys to overcoming problems.
11.11.18 the lord's prayer 7th petition-but deliver us from evilJustin Morris
This document discusses the 7th petition of the Lord's Prayer, "But deliver us from evil." It provides commentary on what this petition means, including that we pray to be rescued from every evil of body and soul, possessions and reputation, and to be given a blessed end. When our last hour comes, we pray to be taken from this valley of sorrow to God in heaven. The commentary emphasizes that we pray against our chief enemy, the devil, who hinders everything we pray for, and that God preserves us from this arch enemy.
The document is a collection of daily devotionals from various sources discussing the theme of trust in God. The devotionals explore how trusting God means relying on Him even during difficult times, challenges, and uncertainties. They point to biblical examples like Job who continued trusting God despite immense suffering. Overall the devotionals encourage readers to have faith in God's sovereignty, provision, and promise to use all circumstances for good.
This document is a collection of chapters from a book about prophecies. It discusses a prophecy given to a woman that came to pass, showing God remembers His promises. It compares the current world crisis to Noah's time, saying believers are protected by God's covenant. It encourages keeping prophecies in your heart until fulfillment, as Mary and Simeon did with God's words to them.
The document contains multiple passages from the Bible and commentaries. It discusses offering oneself as a living sacrifice to God; withstanding unjust criticism by trusting God and overlooking insults; praying for strength rather than escape from difficult situations; God's intimate knowledge of us and working all things for good; seeing God's intended shape for our lives in Jesus; and accomplishing great tasks with God's help despite obstacles.
This document provides a commentary on Psalm 27:7. It summarizes that David is feeling frustrated that God does not seem to be listening to his prayers for help. Though David had previously felt victorious and protected by God, he is now struggling with doubts and fears. The commentary explores how believers can experience emotional highs and lows, shifting between faith and doubts. It aims to provide an honest portrayal of the human experience in order to show that struggles are normal for believers and God understands our emotional needs.
This letter describes a man's deeply troubled marriage. He feels constantly criticized and disrespected by his wife, who he believes views him through the lens of her past abuse rather than who he truly is. She dominates conversations, frequently accusing him of abuse and bringing up past issues. He has tried to apologize and make a fresh start but she refuses. Others have witnessed and commented on her disrespectful treatment of him. He feels rejected, unimportant, and lacking a supportive partner. The relationship has deteriorated to the point where he finds it hard to show compassion during her ongoing medical recovery.
Jesus was encamlped around those who fear himGLENN PEASE
This document provides a summary of Psalm 34:7 in 3 paragraphs. It discusses how the angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and how God delivers them. It then provides a lengthy summary of a commentary on Psalm 34:1-22, touching on David's experience with trouble and seeking God's help, and how God answered his prayer and the prayers of others. It discusses how one can turn life's varied experiences to manifold uses by praising God, exhorting other saints, and providing guidance and assurance to others.
The document discusses several topics related to experiencing loss and maintaining integrity as a Christian:
1) It's normal and okay for Christians to grieve and weep when experiencing sudden personal losses, as David did when he lost his family.
2) When facing troubles, Christians should take responsibility for their own faults rather than blaming others.
3) All Christians are vulnerable to sin and temptation, so they must remain continually vigilant through studying God's word and avoiding rationalizing sinful behaviors.
4) Psalm 15 outlines God's standard for how Christians should maintain integrity and fellowship with Him in their daily lives through righteous works prompted by the Holy Spirit. Breaking this fellowship through ongoing sin can result in lost
This Psalm is a paradox, for the first part is about the praise of a man doing very well, but the second part is about one who is fearful in doing very ill. Ambivalence is
when opposite emotions are experienced at the same time. One can be fearful and faithful, courageous and cowardly, joyful and sad all in the same few moments. Our capacity for feeling opposites is great, and we can honestly praise and complain in the same prayer. It can be a good day and a bad day on the same day.
This document discusses depression from a biblical perspective. It provides examples of depression in biblical figures like David, Hezekiah, Asaph, and Elijah by citing passages where they express symptoms of depression like hopelessness, sadness, fatigue, and longing for God. The document also discusses how to treat a depressed person with compassion instead of judgment. It recommends finding relief through prayer, talking to others, helping others, and turning to God and professionals for help when depression has physical causes or is due to sin. The overall message is that God provides hope and solutions for depression through faith, forgiveness, and seeking his mercy and grace.
1) David expresses confidence that he will see God's goodness in this life, not just in the afterlife. While this life has trials, God is good and his goodness should be seen in both this world and the next.
2) A story is told of a minister visiting an old saint on his deathbed who said he was in "the land of the dying," not the living. David, however, had hope of experiencing God's goodness in this life.
3) God's goodness is seen through his giving and forgiving nature, even when we are disobedient. His goodness exceeds our sin.
Spurgeon, "This Psalm is apparently intended to accompany the third, and make a pair with it. If the last may be entitled THE MORNIG PSALM, this from its matter is equally deserving of the title of THE EVENING HYMN. May the choice words Psalms 4:8 be our sweet
song of rest as we retire to our repose!
"Thus with my thoughts composed to peace,
I will give mine eyes to sleep; Thy hand in safety keeps my days, And will my slumbers keep."
This document is an excerpt from a book about understanding the power of praise. It discusses how praise is one of the believer's surest access to God and the realm of miracles. It notes that while people often ask others to pray for their problems, praise may be even more effective. The document provides several biblical examples of how praise brought about miracles, such as Paul and Silas being freed from prison after they praised God. It encourages the reader to praise God from the heart for any problems or obstacles in their life, as praise will cause God to intervene on their behalf.
The document describes various aspects of presentations on Pilgrim's Progress, including:
1) Accompanying videos and presentations can be accessed by emailing the author for access to file sharing accounts.
2) The author asks that he receives credit when others use the presentations.
3) Sources for text, images, and commentary used in the presentations are cited.
4) Additional presentations will be added over time, especially in winter months.
The document provides an introduction to a book containing brief summaries and interpretations of chapters from 12 books of the Bible. It explains that the goal is to show how biblical passages can help with real problems and guide one's daily life. It encourages readers to first read the biblical chapter, then the brief exposition, and meditate on applying the lessons to their own life. The introductions suggest this process can change one's life by opening their understanding of scripture.
This document provides an introduction and overview of the blessings that Christians have from God. It discusses that God intends for Christians to be blessed from the very beginning and that every blessing God promised is still available. It encourages the reader to discover all of God's blessing promises in the Bible and to claim them by faith so that they can be blessed in every area of life. Several Bible passages about blessings, such as Psalm 1 and the 23rd Psalm, are explained to showcase how Christians can live blessed lives through finding delight in God's word. The overall message is that Christians have every reason to say "I am blessed" and to greet others in that way as well.
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Jesus was urging us to pray and never give upGLENN PEASE
This document discusses the importance of perseverance in prayer based on a parable from Luke 18:1-8. It provides three key points:
1. The parable illustrates that believers should always pray and not lose heart, using the example of a widow who persistently asks an unjust judge for justice until he relents. If an unjust judge will grant a request, how much more will a righteous God answer the prayers of his people.
2. Though God may delay in answering prayers, this is not due to his absence or indifference, but for reasons that will become clear later and that are for the benefit of the believers.
3. Believers should continue praying without ceasing and not lose
This is a study of Jesus being questioned about fasting. His disciples were not doing it like John's disciples and the Pharisees. Jesus gives His answer that gets Him into the time of celebration with new wineskins that do away with the old ones. Jesus says we do not fast at a party and a celebration.
The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, scoffed at Jesus when he taught about financial matters. While the Pharisees were outwardly devout and knowledgeable about scripture, their true motivation was greed. Their love of wealth distorted their judgment and led them to actively oppose Christ, culminating in conspiring for his death. True righteousness requires having a humble, trusting heart oriented toward love of God rather than worldly pursuits.
Jesus was clear you cannot serve two mastersGLENN PEASE
This is a study of Jesus being clear on the issue, you cannot serve two masters. You cannot serve God and money at the same time because you will love one and hate the other. You have to make a choice and a commitment.
Jesus was saying what the kingdom is likeGLENN PEASE
This is a study of Jesus saying what the kingdom is like. He does so by telling the Parable of the growing seed. It just grows by itself by nature and man just harvests it when ripe. There is mystery here.
Jesus was telling a story of good fish and badGLENN PEASE
The parable of the dragnet, as told by Jesus in Matthew 13:47-50, describes how the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet cast into the sea that gathers fish of every kind. When the net is full, it is pulled to shore where the fishermen sort the fish, keeping the good in baskets but throwing away the bad. Jesus explains that this is analogous to how he will separate the wicked from the righteous at the end of the age, throwing the wicked into eternal punishment. The parable illustrates that within the church both true believers and unbelievers will be gathered initially, but they will be separated at the final judgment.
Jesus was comparing the kingdom of god to yeastGLENN PEASE
This is a study of Jesus comparing the kingdom of God to yeast. A little can go a long way, and the yeast fills the whole of the large dough, and so the kingdom of God will fill all nations of the earth.
This is a study of Jesus telling a shocking parable. It has some terrible words at the end, but it is all about being faithful with what our Lord has given us. We need to make whatever has been given us to count for our Lord.
Jesus was telling the parable of the talentsGLENN PEASE
This is a study of Jesus telling the parable of the talents, There are a variety of talents given and whatever the talent we get we are to do our best for the Master, for He requires fruit or judgment.
Jesus was explaining the parable of the sowerGLENN PEASE
This is a study of Jesus explaining the parable of the sower. It is all about the seed and the soil and the fruitfulness of the combination. The Word is the seed and we need it in our lives to bear fruit for God.
This is a study of Jesus warning against covetousness. Greed actually will lead to spiritual poverty, so Jesus says do not live to get, but develop a spirit of giving instead,
Jesus was explaining the parable of the weedsGLENN PEASE
This is a study of Jesus explaining the parable of the weeds. The disciples did not understand the parable and so Jesus gave them a clear commentary to help them grasp what it was saying.
This is a study of Jesus being radical. He was radical in His claims, and in His teaching, and in the language He used, and in His actions. He was clearly radical.
This is a study of Jesus laughing in time and in eternity. He promised we would laugh with Him in heaven, and most agree that Jesus often laughed with His followers in His earthly ministry. Jesus was a laugher by nature being He was God, and God did laugh, and being man, who by nature does laugh. Look at the masses of little babies that laugh on the internet. It is natural to being human.
This is a study of Jesus as our protector. He will strengthen and protect from the evil one. We need His protection for we are not always aware of the snares of the evil one.
This is a study of Jesus not being a self pleaser. He looked to helping and pleasing others and was an example for all believers to look to others need and not focus on self.
This is a study of Jesus being the clothing we are to wear. To be clothed in Jesus is to be like Jesus in the way we look and how our life is to appear before the world.
This is a study of Jesus being our liberator. By His death He set us free from the law of sin and death. We are under no condemnation when we trust Him as our Savior and Liberator.
The Book of Samuel is a book in the Hebrew Bible, found as two books in the Old Testament. The book is part of the Deuteronomistic history, a series of books that constitute a theological history of the Israelites and that aim to explain God's law for Israel under the guidance of the prophets.
Sanatan Vastu | Experience Great Living | Vastu ExpertSanatan Vastu
Santan Vastu Provides Vedic astrology courses & Vastu remedies, If you are searching Vastu for home, Vastu for kitchen, Vastu for house, Vastu for Office & Factory. Best Vastu in Bahadurgarh. Best Vastu in Delhi NCR
Trusting God's Providence | Verse: Romans 8: 28-31JL de Belen
Trusting God's Providence.
Providence - God’s active preservation and care over His creation. God is both the Creator and the Sustainer of all things Heb. 1:2-3; Col. 1:17
-God keep His promises.
-God’s general providence is toward all creation
- All things were made through Him
God’s special providence is toward His children.
We may suffer now, but joy can and will come
God can see what we cannot see
Lesson 12 - The Blessed Hope: The Mark of the Christian.pptxCelso Napoleon
Lesson 12 - The Blessed Hope: The Mark of the Christian
SBS – Sunday Bible School
Adult Bible Lessons 2nd quarter 2024 CPAD
MAGAZINE: THE CAREER THAT IS PROPOSED TO US: The Path of Salvation, Holiness and Perseverance to Reach Heaven
Commentator: Pastor Osiel Gomes
Presentation: Missionary Celso Napoleon
Renewed in Grace
Chandra Dev: Unveiling the Mystery of the Moon GodExotic India
Shining brightly in the sky, some days more than others, the Moon in popular culture is a symbol of love, romance, and beauty. The ancient Hindu texts, however, mention the Moon as an intriguing and powerful being, worshiped by sages as Chandra.
The Vulnerabilities of Individuals Born Under Swati Nakshatra.pdfAstroAnuradha
Individuals born under Swati Nakshatra often exhibit a strong sense of independence and adaptability, yet they may also face vulnerabilities such as indecisiveness and a tendency to be easily swayed by external influences. Their quest for balance and harmony can sometimes lead to inner conflict and a lack of assertiveness. To know more visit: astroanuradha.com
Astronism, Cosmism and Cosmodeism: the space religions espousing the doctrine...Cometan
This lecture created by Brandon Taylorian (aka Cometan) specially for the CESNUR Conference held Bordeaux in June 2024 provides a brief introduction to the legacy of religious and philosophical thought that Astronism emerges from, namely the discourse on transcension started assuredly by the Cosmists in Russia in the mid-to-late nineteenth century and then carried on and developed by Mordecai Nessyahu in Cosmodeism in the twentieth century. Cometan also then provides some detail on his story in founding Astronism in the early twenty-first century from 2013 along with details on the central Astronist doctrine of transcension. Finally, the lecture concludes with some contributions made by space religions and space philosophy and their influences on various cultural facets in art, literature and film.
Heartfulness Magazine - June 2024 (Volume 9, Issue 6)heartfulness
Dear readers,
This month we continue with more inspiring talks from the Global Spirituality Mahotsav that was held from March 14 to 17, 2024, at Kanha Shanti Vanam.
We hear from Daaji on lifestyle and yoga in honor of International Day of Yoga, June 21, 2024. We also hear from Professor Bhavani Rao, Dean at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham University, on spirituality in action, the Venerable BhikkuSanghasena on how to be an ambassador for compassion, Dr. Tony Nader on the Maharishi Effect, Swami Mukundananda on the crossroads of modernization, Tejinder Kaur Basra on the purpose of work, the Venerable GesheDorjiDamdul on the psychology of peace, the Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland, KC, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, on how we are all related, and world-renowned violinist KumareshRajagopalan on the uplifting mysteries of music.
Dr. Prasad Veluthanar shares an Ayurvedic perspective on treating autism, Dr. IchakAdizes helps us navigate disagreements at work, Sravan Banda celebrates World Environment Day by sharing some tips on land restoration, and Sara Bubber tells our children another inspiring story and challenges them with some fun facts and riddles.
Happy reading,
The editors
2nd issue of Volume 15. A magazine in urdu language mainly based on spiritual treatment and learning. Many topics on ISLAM, SUFISM, SOCIAL PROBLEMS, SELF HELP, PSYCHOLOGY, HEALTH, SPIRITUAL TREATMENT, Ruqya etc.A very useful magazine for everyone.
Lucid Dreaming: Understanding the Risks and Benefits
The ability to control one's dreams or for the dreamer to be aware that he or she is dreaming. This process, called lucid dreaming, has some potential risks as well as many fascinating benefits. However, many people are hesitant to try it initially for fear of the potential dangers. This article aims to clarify these concerns by exploring both the risks and benefits of lucid dreaming.
The Benefits of Lucid Dreaming
Lucid dreaming allows a person to take control of their dream world, helping them overcome their fears and eliminate nightmares. This technique is particularly useful for mental health. By taking control of their dreams, individuals can face challenging scenarios in a controlled environment, which can help reduce anxiety and increase self-confidence.
Addressing Common Concerns
Physical Harm in Dreams Lucid dreaming is fundamentally safe. In a lucid dream, everything is a creation of your mind. Therefore, nothing in the dream can physically harm you. Despite the vividness and realness of the dream experience, it remains entirely within your mental landscape, posing no physical danger.
Mental Health Risks Concerns about developing PTSD or other mental illnesses from lucid dreaming are unfounded. As soon as you wake up, it's clear that the events experienced in the dream were not real. On the contrary, lucid dreaming is often seen as a therapeutic tool for conditions like PTSD, as it allows individuals to reframe and manage their thoughts.
Potential Risks of Lucid Dreaming
While generally safe, lucid dreaming does come with a few risks as well:
Mixing Dream Memories with Reality Long-term lucid dreamers might occasionally confuse dream memories with real ones, creating false memories. This issue is rare and preventable by maintaining a dream journal and avoiding lucid dreaming about real-life people or places too frequently.
Escapism Using lucid dreaming to escape reality can be problematic if it interferes with your daily life. While it is sometimes beneficial to escape and relieve the stress of reality, relying on lucid dreaming for happiness can hinder personal growth and productivity.
Feeling Tired After Lucid Dreaming Some people report feeling tired after lucid dreaming. This tiredness is not due to the dreams themselves but often results from not getting enough sleep or using techniques that disrupt sleep patterns. Taking breaks and ensuring adequate sleep can prevent this.
Mental Exhaustion Lucid dreaming can be mentally taxing if practiced excessively without breaks. It’s important to balance lucid dreaming with regular sleep to avoid mental fatigue.
Lucid dreaming is safe and beneficial if done with caution. It has many benefits, such as overcoming fear and improving mental health, and minimal risks. There are many resources and tutorials available for those interested in trying it.
1. PSALM 27 VERSE 5 COMMENTARY
Written and edited by Glenn Pease
5 For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle
and set me high upon a rock.
1. David was a relist, for he knew there were going to be days of trouble. Trouble is
part of life in a fallen world, and nobody escapes, including the Son of God himself.
Job 5:7 says, "Yet man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward." In 14:1
we read, "Man born of woman is of few days and full of trouble." Psalm 90.10 does
not lighten the pessimism, for it says, "The length of our days is seventy years— or
eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span [ Or yet the best of them ] is but
trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away." Jesus said in John
16:33, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world
you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." Because trouble
is universal it is not being pessimistic to recognize it is somewhere in everyone's
future. That may sound like pessimism, but it is not, for Jesus was not being
pessimistic when he said trouble was ahead for his followers. When something is
enevitable it is wise to be aware of it and make provisions for its coming. That is
what prevention is all about. It is thinking ahead to things that can go wrong, and
then trying to figure out how to avoid, overcome, or outwit them, or possibly accept
them as the cost for following Jesus. In David's case, the trouble he faced was the
threat of enemy forces trying to kill him. We do not have that trouble to face, but
there are plenty of others that affect us all. David was an optimist in facing his
threat, for he was assured that God would keep him safe, hide him away, and put
him high and out of the reach of his foes.
2. Dr. Norman Vincent Peale was the ultimate optimist as he focused on positive
thinking, all of which is valid and helpful in each of our lives. The Bible supports
positive thinking in many places, and so it is a Christian virtue. However, it can be
taken to an extreme, which goes beyond Scripture and becomes what is called
presumptuous thinking. Peal is certainly on the border when he wrote, "Trouble is
here. It is for a purpose. Use it for the purpose for which it was intended - to help
you grow. Thank God for your troubles." There is much truth in what he says, but
he ends with too radical a statement that says we are to thank God for our troubles.
Paul says we are to be thankful in everything, and so there is no state of life where
2. we are not to be thankful, but he did not says we are to be thankfor for everything.
This becomes presumptuous nonsense if I pray, "Thank you Lord for letting me hit
that little girl on her bike and breaking her body in several places." "Thank you
Lord that I backed out of the garage last week and ran over my three year old that I
thought was in the house." "Thank you Lord that I fell for the sweet talk of a con
man and lost my entire retirement savings." "Thank you Lord that My daughter
was raped last month coming home late at night from her night job." "Thank you
Lord for all the cancer that has killed my mother and my sister." Or what about
what Jesus said in Matthew 13:21 "But since he has no root, he lasts only a short
time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls
away." In the light of this can you pray, "Thank you Lord that my brother was too
weak in his faith, and so when everyone teased him at work for being a religious
fanatic, he fell away and has never returned to the church."
3. We could go on and on with hundreds of kinds of trouble that happen to children
of God every day. You don't pray and thank God for these kinds of troubles. You
pray like David and ask God to protect you from them. David wants escape from the
troubles, and he makes it clear that there is a valid place for escapism in the
believers life. Hide me, rescue me, spare me, get me to a place of refuge and safety. I
don't want to learn anything about life by being maimed, defeated and killed. I want
to be saved from the troubles that attack me and threaten all that is positive in my
life. In I Sam. 26:24 David speaking to Saul just after he spared his life by not killing
him when he had the chance, said, "As surely as I valued your life today, so may the
LORD value my life and deliver me from all trouble." David was not interested in
growing by means of suffering troubles. He had to do it, as we all do, and became a
better man for it, but his goal was always to escape trouble and its consequences.
That was, in fact, one of his major themes in his Psalms. Listen to David's theme.
2 Samuel 4:9 David answered Recab and his brother Baanah, the sons of Rimmon
the Beerothite, "As surely as the LORD lives, who has delivered me out of all
trouble,
Psalm 9:9 The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
Psalm 22:11 Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help.
Psalm 32:7 You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround
me with songs of deliverance. Selah
Psalm 37:39 The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; he is their
stronghold in time of trouble.
3. Psalm 41:1 [ For the director of music. A psalm of David. ] Blessed is he who has
regard for the weak; the LORD delivers him in times of trouble.
Psalm 55:2 hear me and answer me. My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught
Psalm 59:16 But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love;
for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.
Psalm 69:17 Do not hide your face from your servant; answer me quickly, for I am
in trouble.
Psalm 86:7 In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me.
Psalm 107:6 Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered
them from their distress.
Psalm 107:13 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from
their distress.
Psalm 107:19 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from
their distress.
Psalm 107:28 Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he brought
them out of their distress.
Psalm 138:7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch
out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me.
Psalm 143:11 For your name's sake, O LORD, preserve my life; in your
righteousness, bring me out of trouble.
TROUBLES
Psalm 25:17 Relieve the troubles of my heart and free me from my anguish.
Psalm 25:22 Redeem Israel, O God, from all their troubles!
4. Psalm 34:6 This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all
his troubles.
Psalm 34:17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them
from all their troubles.
Psalm 34:19 The righteous may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers them
from them all;
Psalm 54:7 You have delivered me from all my troubles, and my eyes have looked in
triumph on my foes.
3B. When Noah sailed the waters blue,
He had his troubles same as you.
For 40 days he drove his ark
Before he found a place to park.
When trouble comes, where can we go
But to our Savior, brother, friend,
He who our every thought doth know
Will comfort, strengthen and defend.
When trouble comes, our hearts are faint,
We shrink before the stormy blast,
But, pressing on without complaint,
We reach a tranquil spot at last.
The road is long, the path is rough,
But there is One who clasps our hand
And gives us of His grace enough
All evil forces to withstand.
4. I am not trying to say we should never thank God for our troubles, for troubles
can be a part of the greatest blessings in life. I thank God for all the troubles I have
had to endure by having children, for each of them has put us through many trials
and tribulations, but each has also been a source of blessings that outweigh all the
troubles. Paul make it clear that you are asking for troubles when you choose to give
up the single life and get married. In 1 Corinthians 7:28 he says, "But if you do
marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But those
who marry will face many troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this."
Thanks for the warning Paul, but marriage is worth all the troubles it brings, at
least this is the case for those who have a loving relationship for life. So in a sense I
do thank God for my troubles that result from marriage, and children, and
5. grandchildren, and great grandchildren. The troubles they all bring are really
blessings compared to not having them at all. And so the point still stands that I am
not thankful for the actual troubles, but in the troubles I am thankful, because I
would rather have the troubles that come with marriage and children than the less
troubled life of not having a wife and children. These values are worth what they
cost, and so I am thankful, not for the cost, but for the values in spite of the cost. All
my life, however, I have been praying for deliverance from the cost, and not
thanking God for it.
5. II Cor. 1:8-11 "We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about
the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure,
far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. 9 Indeed, we felt
we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on
ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. 10 He has delivered us from such a
deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will
continue to deliver us, 11 as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give
thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of
many." The whole point of Paul here is that the goal is to be saved from troubles,
and that the purpose of prayer is to achieve this goal. Escaping troubles is to be the
ideal goal of Christians in every situation of life.
6. If, for some reason, there is no escape or deliverance from specific troubles, then
the next best thing is comfort in our troubles. Paul says it in 2 Corinthians 1:4 "who
comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the
comfort we ourselves have received from God." Here is the whole vast world of
bearing one another's burdens, and bringing hope and encourgement to fellow
believers in times of trouble. This too is a form of escape, for it eases the pain and
makes it easier to endure and get beyond the trouble.
6B. In a way, David is laughing at trouble because he knows that God will deliver
him from his troubles. Edgar Watson Howe said, "If you don't learn to laugh at
trouble, you won't have anything to laugh at when you're old."
7. Of course, the best way to escape trouble is to avoid it.
NEVER TROUBLE TROUBLE
I used to hear a saying
That had a deal of pith;
It gave a cheerful spirit
To face existence with,
Especially when matters
6. Seemed doomed to go askew,
‘Twas Never Trouble trouble
Till trouble troubles you.
Not woes at hand, those coming
Are hardest to resist;
We hear them stalk like giants,
We see them through a mist.
But big things in the brewing
Are small things in the brew;
So never trouble trouble
Till trouble troubles you.
Just look at things through glasses
That show the evidence;
One lens of them is courage,
The other common sense.
They’ll make it clear, misgivings
Are just a bugaboo;
No more you’ll trouble trouble
Till trouble troubles you. ~St. Clair Adams
8. “Better never trouble trouble Until trouble troubles you. For you’re sure to make
your trouble Double trouble when you do, And your trouble, like a bubble, That
you’re troubling about, May be nothing but a cipher With the rim rubbed out.”
- Dr. David Keppel
9. Trouble is not something that we look for, but the fact is, trouble is not always
bad. David could write, " "It is good for me to have been in trouble." (Psalm 119:71,
Moffatt) Clovis G. Chappell in preaching on this text said, "..as he looks back upon
those days of stress and strain he is conscious of the fact that they have not resulted
half so disastrously as he thought they would when he was passing through them. In
fact, he sees now, with joyous amazement, that they have brought him no abiding
harm at all. On the contrary, they have brought abiding good. The very trouble that
he thought was going to work his utter undoing has been the making of him. His
losses have become gains, and his calamities have been changed into capital. "It is
good for me to have been in trouble," he cries in humble gladness. And looking back
7. to those ugly yesterdays through eyes washed bright by tears, they somehow lose
their ugliness. "As the mountains hard-by look jagged and scarred, but in the
distance repose in their soft, mellow robes of purple and haze, so the rough present
fades into the past, tender, sweet, and beautiful." Paul's trouble's led him to a
Roman prison where he changed the world by his writing. Joseph's troubles led him
to the highest level of power in Egypt where he saved his people to fulfill God's
purpose for Israel. Troubles led David to win many battles, and become a hero for
God in many ways. His troubles led him to a deep and lasting trust in God for
guidance and protection.
10. The main trouble with trouble is that you are tempted to let it take you down,
when the purpose of it in God's plan is to make you look up to the one who can
protect you from its power to hurt you in the long run. Edmund Vance Cooke
wrote this poem below about trouble and how we take it. Some never get over a
tragic event in their lives. They let it rob them of all their future, and they never
have joy again. David had to suffer great losses and sorrows, and keep on singing
praises to God to the end of his days. He did not always escape his trouble, but he
was an expert in not letting them control his life.
"Did you tackle the trouble that came your way, with a resolute heart and cheerful?
Or hide your face from the light of day, with a craven soul and fearful? Oh, a
trouble’s a ton, or a trouble’s an ounce, Or a trouble is what you make it. And it
isn’t the fact that you’re hurt that counts, But how did you take it?
You are beaten to earth? Well, well what’s that? Come up with a smiling face. It’s
nothing against you to fall down flat. But to die there—that’s disgrace. The harder
you thrown, why, the higher you bounce; Be proud of your blackened eye! It isn’t
the fact that licked that counts; It’s how did you fight—and why?
And though you be done to the death, what then? If you battled the best you could,
If you played your part in the world of men, Why, the critic will call it good. Death
comes with a crawl, or with a pounce, And wether he’s slow or spry, It isn’t the fact
that you’re dead that counts, But how did you die?"
he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle
and set me high upon a rock.
1. Sarah Mattioli wrote, "King David, in the scriptures, used words such as refuge,
shelter, hiding place, shield, tower, and fortress to describe the Lord. I believe
David, in times of distress, found the Lord to be a hiding place both spiritually and
8. physically. In Psalm 32:7, he says, “You are a hiding place for me; You Lord
preserve me from trouble. You fill my heart with songs and shouts of deliverance.” I
can picture David running for his life from Saul’s army, crying out to the Lord his
God for help. At times, the Lord’s answer came in the form of providing him shelter
and leading him to places where he was hidden from enemy eyes."
2. Escapism is valid for the believer, for there are times when we need to get away
from forces and people that can harm us, and suffering is not always the most
effective way to learn. No one is critical of those who escape from burning buildings,
or burning forests, and no one will blame the person who tries to escape from an
attacker. This is just common sense, and we see Jesus doing it when the crowd was
going to push him off a cliff and he just used his divine powers and walked away
and thereby escaping their anger. Jesus had work to do, and he could not let
anything take his life and end his labor until he was ready to lay down his life for
the sin of the world. He had to practice escapism just as his parents did when Herod
was out to kill him as a baby. They fled to Egypt for safety to avoid their enemy.
Avoiding troubles and trials, and doing all we can to escape them is just common
sense wisdom. Jesus also practiced the escapism of getting away from the crowds
and his own disciples to be alone with his heavenly Father to pray and seek
guidance.
3. Escapism is often thought of in a negative sense because there are people who will
not face reality at all, but spend all their time in pursuit of what gives them pleasure,
and never face their obligations to be productive for their own sake and the sake of
their family and the community. Taken to an extreme, escapism is a form of
insanity, and those who spend all their time building castles in the sky are locked up
for the safety of the community. People who spend all their time watching movies, or
on the internet, or in some sport are not living a life of balance, and their escapism is
a negative thing. People who take drugs to escape their boredom and troubles are
their own worst enemy. But just because a thing can be vary negative does not
eliminate the possibility that it can also be very positive. To escape into a good
movie, or good book, or some interesting web sites, or a good game of tennis, is one
of the most healthy things you can do, for the dog eat dog rat race of daily life can be
too stressful to endure without a pleasant change of pace.
4. This is a part of temporal salvation, but we need to recognize that every good
thing taken to an extreme becomes a bad thing. The purpose of healthy escapism is
to make you stronger to fight the battles of daily reality. If you don't get back to
these battles, then your escapism becomes your self imposed prison. Any escapism
that saves your life, your mind, or your health is a healthy escapism. Any that hurt
your life, mind and health are folly. The ultimate escapism is the Gospel, for by
receiving Jesus Christ as one's Savior, and by trusting him to forgive all your sin,
and then take you to be with him in an eternal paradise, is to escape the wrath of
God and the Lake of fire made for the Devil and his demons. The good news is that
9. one can escape hell by making the right choices. The biggest mistake a person can
make in life is not choosing to follow God's way of escape.
5. Christian escapism, however, has been criticized from within and without, and it
refers to the escapism of fleeing the worlds problems and needs by retreating into
Christian groups and ignoring the world. Some see the Rapture as Christian
escapism, and they say let the world go to hell, for we will soon be taken to heaven,
and so why bother with the needs of this present world? Let's just hide our eyes
from the mess around us, and wait for the coming of the Lord. This is not a valid
attitude, for the purpose of escape is so we can be refreshed to come back to the
battles of life with renewed energy. The poet captured the true idea-
I have a house inside of me,
A house that people never see;
It has a door through which none pass,
And windows, but they’re not made of glass,
Sometimes I like to go inside
And hide and hide and hide and hide,
And doctor up my wounded pride,
When I’ve been treated rough outside.
And sometimes, when I’ve been to blame,
I go inside and blush for shame,
And get my mind in better frame,
And get my tongue and temper the same.
I meet my heavenly Father there,
And He stoops down to hear my prayer,
To heal my wounds, and cure my care,
And make me strong to do and dare.
Then, after I am made quite strong,
And things are right that were all wrong
I go outside, where I belong,
And sing a new and happy song.
10. And then I hear the people say;
“You’re blithe and bonny, good and gay.”
It’s just because I feel that way,
But they don’t know the price I pay.
You have a house inside of you,
Where you can fight your battle through,
And God will tell you what to do,
And make your heart both strong and true.
6. Sleep is one of the primary ways we escape the troubles of life. God made us to
sleep so that we can be renewed. We need to treasure this hiding place as a gift of
God. Edmund Vance Cooke wrote, "You may batter your way through the thick of
the fray, You may sweat, you may swear, you may grunt; You may be a jack-fool, if
you must, but this rule Should ever be kept at the front;-- Don't fight with your
pillow, but lay down your head And kick every worriment out of the bed."
7. David had his hiding place and shelter where he could sleep in peace and not lie
awake in fear that Saul would find him as he found Saul sleeping and could have
killed him. Saul would take advantage of such a situation and kill David, but David
did not live in fear of it, for he was assured that God would protect him in a secure
place. Barnes wrote, "He shall hide me - The word used here means to hide; to
secrete; and then, to defend or protect. It would properly be applied to one who had
fled from oppression, or from any impending evil, and who should be “secreted” in
a house or cavern, and thus rendered safe from pursuers, or from the threatening
evil.......... the meaning here is, that God would hide him as it were in His own
dwelling; He would admit him near to Himself; He would take care that he should
be protected as if he were one of His own family; as a man protects those whom he
admits to his own abode.
8. Isaac Watts captures David's sense of security in poetry
The Lord of glory is my light,
And my salvation too;
God is my strength, nor will I fear
What all my foes can do.
One privilege my heart desires;
O grant me an abode
11. Among the churches of Thy saints,
The temples of my God!
There shall I offer my requests,
And see Thy beauty still;
Shall hear Thy messages of love,
And there inquire Thy will.
When troubles rise, and storms appear,
There may His children hide;
God has a strong pavilion where
He makes my soul abide.
Now shall my head be lifted high
Above my foes around,
And songs of joy and victory
Within Thy temple sound.
9. Calvin, “For he shall hide me in his tent. Here the Psalmist promises himself that
his prayer would not be in vain. Although he is deprived of the visible sanctuary for
a time, he doubts not that, wherever he may be, he shall experience the protecting
power of God. And he alludes to the temple, because it was a symbol to the faithful
of the divine presence; as if he had said, that in making the request which he
mentioned he by no means lost his labor; for every one who shall seek God sincerely,
and with a pure heart, shall be safely concealed under the wings of his protection.
The figure of the temple, he therefore affirms, was not an unmeaning one, for there
God, so to speak, spread forth his wings to gather true believers under his
protection. From this he concludes, that as he had no greater desire than to flee for
refuge under these wings, there would be a shelter ready for him in times of
adversity, under the divine protection, which, under the figure of a rock, he tells us,
would be impregnable like towers, which, for the sake of strength, were wont to be
built, in ancient times, in lofty places. Although he was, therefore, at this time,
environed by enemies on every side, yet he boasts that he shall overcome them. It is,
indeed, a common form of speech in the Scriptures to say, that those who are
oppressed with grief walk with a bowed down back and dejected countenance,
while, on the other hand, they lift up their heads when their joyfulness is restored.
Thus David spake, Psalm 3:4, "Thou, Lord, art the lifter up of mine head." But
because besieging is here put in opposition to this, he meant to say, that in that
divine refuge he would be as it were lifted on high, so that he might fearlessly
disregard the darts of his enemies, which might have otherwise pierced him. And in
12. hoping for victory, though he was reduced to such straits as threatened instant
death, he gives us a remarkable proof of his faith; by which we are taught not to
measure the aid of God by outward appearances or visible means, but even in the
midst of death to hope for deliverance from his powerful and victorious hand."
10. Spurgeon, "This verse gives an excellent reason for the psalmist's desire after
communion with God, namely, that he was thus secured in the hour of peril. For in
the time of trouble, that needy time, that time when others forsake me, he shall hide
me in his pavilion: he shall give me the best of shelter in the worst of danger. The
royal pavilion was erected in the centre of the army, and around it all the mighty
men kept guard at all hours; thus in that divine sovereignty which almighty power
is sworn to maintain, the believer peacefully is hidden, hidden not by himself
furtively, but by the king, who hospitably entertains him. In the secret of his
tabernacle shall he hide me. Sacrifice aids sovereignty in screening the elect from
harm. No one of old dared to enter the most holy place on pain of death; and if the
Lord has hidden his people there, what foe shall venture to molest them? He shall
set me up upon a rock. Immutability, eternity, and infinite power here come to the
aid of sovereignty and sacrifice. How blessed is the standing of the man whom God
himself sets on high above his foes, upon an impregnable rock which never can be
stormed! Well may we desire to dwell with the Lord who so effectually protects his
people."
11. In the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me. He alludes to the ancient custom
of offenders, who used to flee to the tabernacle or altar, where they esteemed
themselves safe. 1Ki 2:28. Matthew Poole.
In the secret of his tabernacle. Were there no other place, he would put me in the
holy of holies, so that an enemy would not dare to approach me. Adam Clarke.
"You are a hiding place for me;
you preserve me from trouble...." (Psalm 32:7)
"You are my hiding place and my shield;
I hope in your word." (Psalm 119:114)
12. Gill wrote, "...in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; alluding either to
the tents of generals of armies, who receive into them those whom they would
protect from the insults and injuries of others; or rather to the most holy place in
the tabernacle, called the secret place, Ezekiel 7:22; typical of Christ, the hiding
place of his, people, in whom their life is hid, and where it is safe and secure;...he
shall set me up upon a rock; where he would be above and out of the reach of his
enemies; meaning Christ, comparable to a rock for its height, he being higher than
the kings of the earth, than the angels in heaven, than the heavens themselves, and
much more than the sons of men; see Psalm 61:2; and for shelter and safety, he
13. being a munition of rocks, a strong tower, a place of defence, and rock of refuge;
and for firmness, solidity, and strength, he being able to bear the whole weight of
the building of the church, and every believer laid upon him; and for duration, he
being more immovable than rocks and mountains; so that such who are set up upon
him are in the most safe and secure state imaginable."
13. Was David a mommies boy, or was he just a chicken? He is constantly wanting
God to hide him from his enemies and problems. He is forever running away to the
tabernacle or fortress of God, and forever begging to be set upon a high rock where
the enemy cannot get to him. Keep in mind that David was a hunted man, and Saul
had a whole army seeking to fing him and kill him. He had his 600 men, but they
were no match for facing the whole army of Saul. Had he made a stand they would
have been wiped out, and so David was often desperate for a hiding place, and we
find him and his men hiding in a cave when Saul almost found him. It is not being
chicken to avoid a problem where you are almost certain to lose. The great generals
know there is a right time to retreat. In wisdom they pick their battles, and not let
the enemy do the choosing. David knew he was sunk without the providence of God
protecting him, and so he prays constantly for a place of security. It almost sounds
like he would like to hold up in a cave for the rest of his life, and escape all the
enemies and problems of life, but these statements are dealing with times when God
comes to his rescue, or his life is over. He needs a hiding place for survival, or for a
meaningful life free of evil men. David needed a hiding place often.
14. Psalm 17:8 Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your
wings
Psalm 31:19-20
19 How great is your goodness,
which you have stored up for those who fear you,
which you bestow in the sight of men
on those who take refuge in you.
20 In the shelter of your presence you hide them
from the intrigues of men;
in your dwelling you keep them safe
from accusing tongues.
Psalm 64:2 Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked, from that noisy crowd of
evildoers.
14. Psalm 143:9 Rescue me from my enemies, O LORD, for I hide myself in you.
15. An unknown author wrote, "David, then, is giving us advice as to how to remain
sane even though the world has gone mad. David is telling you how to avoid your
psychiatrist. David is telling you how to avoid the tents of Valium, Prozac, alcohol,
cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, and marijuana. David tells us that when it looks like
the whole world has forsaken you -- your family, your friends, your tribe -- that you
can run to the tent of God."
and set me high upon a rock.
1. There are plenty of rocks in Israel. Some even suggest that when God finished
creation he had a lot of rocks left over, and he dumped them in Israel. This is the
place where he became the rock of our salvation, and the rock that saved Israel time
and time again. God is our rock is a common theme in Scripture and songs. To be
high on a rock is to be safe, for you can see the enemy approach and you can more
easily defend yourself. In the world people want to get high on crack and liquor, and
all kinds of drugs, but in Scripture the goal of the believer is to get hight on God, the
rock of our salvation.
2. Not once, and not twice, but 40 times God is called a Rock in the Bible. At first
thought this does not seem like an appealing name for the God of the Bible, and for
His Son the Lord Jesus, but further thought will make it clear that this popular
name for God is indeed a precious one, and one we ought to think about more and
cherish. The rock is mentioned 25 times in the Psalms, and all but 4 clearly refer to
God. We use this metaphor when we say a person can be trusted for he is as solid as
a rock. You can rely on him for he is a rock of Gibralter. I want to list some
passages where God is our Rock, and make some comments on them, or share some
poetry about them.
Psalm 18:2 The LORD is my rock, my
fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock,
in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the
horn [ Horn here symbolizes strength. ] of my
salvation, my stronghold.
15. 1. Here we see the rock for security, and the fortress in the rock even more security,
and the deliverer better yet. The rock is his refuge. God shields him from danger,
and the horn is a symbol of strength, because animals with horns use them as
effective weapons that protect them from dangerous attacks, and the final
stronghold is the ultimate in security. God was a whole lot of things to David, but
the gist of all of them is that he was protected and preserved in the midst of great
dangers to his life. None of these things has a relationship to eternal salvation, but
they all revolve around temporal salvation.
2. The Bottom line is this: Salvation is not a subject limited to religion, for salvation
is basic to the secular life as well. It is not ultimate to be saved from enemies of all
kinds, but if we are not saved on the secular level, which is temporal, we cannot live
a life that produces a major part of God's word, with many Psalms that will be sung
by believers for the rest of history. David had to be saved on the secular and
temporal level to play the major role he played in God's plan, that has been a
blessing to masses of millions. So, again, I stress a theme that is seldom stressed, and
that is that secular and temporal salvation are a vital part of God's plan of eternal
salvation, and we need to praise him endlessly for the fact we are alive to praise him
and serve him. We are alive because of many kinds of temporal salvation based on
God's being our rock, shield, fortress and stronghold, and dozens of more protective
forces and securities.
3. Think about it, if you have watched many western movies in your life, how many
times have you seen either the good guy or the bad guy run up into the rocks to
escape and find protection from those trying to shoot him. The rocks are great
protection, although in most westerns you are just as safe behind a flimsy wooden
post holding up the entry way to the bar, if that is where the director wants you to
hide during gun fire. The rocks are more realistic, for the bullets do glance off of
rocks, and so do spears and arrows, and so it is the best place to be.
4. Clarke wrote, “He was his fortress; a place of strength and safety, fortified by
nature and art, where he could be safe from his enemies. He refers to those
inaccessible heights in the rocky, mountainous country of Judea, where he had often
found refuge from the pursuit of Saul. What these have been to my body, such has
the Lord been to my soul.”
5 The bottom line of all the God is my rock passages is this: the best place to be in a
world filled with trouble, and where you are being shot at by enemies and
temptations of all kinds, is in the Rock. The song says it all, “I go to the rock.” Dotti
Rambo, who wrote 2500 Gospel songs, more than any other person in history, wrote
this one that was made so popular by Whitney Houston.
I Go To The Rock Where do I go?
When there's nobody else to turn to
Who do I talk to?
When nobody wants to listen
Who do I lean on? Oh
16. When there is no foundation stable
I go to the rock
I know he is able, I go to the rock
Chorus:
I go to the rock of my salvation
I go to the stone that the builders rejected
I run to the mountain
And the mountain he stands by me
When the Earth all around me is sinking sand
On Christ the solid rock I stand
When I need a shelter I go to the rock
Where do I go, where do I go
When the storms of life are threatening
Who do I turn to when those winds of sorrow blow
And is there a refuge in the time of tribulation
Go to the rock, I know he is able
I go to the rock
Chorus:
I go to the rock of my salvation
I go to the stone that the builders rejected
I run to the mountain
And the mountain he stands by me
When the Earth all around me is sinking sand
On Christ the solid rock I stand
When I need a shelter I go to the rock
Chorus:
I go to the rock of my salvation
I go to the stone that the builders rejected
I run to the mountain
And the mountain he stands by me
When the Earth all around me is sinking sand
On Christ the solid rock I stand
When I need a shelter I go to the rock
I go the rock when I need a friend
I can go to the rock
I go to the rock when I need a shelter
You can go to the rock
You can go to the rock
You can go to the rock
I can go
I go to the rock
I can go to the rock
I can go to the rock
I can go, I can go to the rock
17. I can go when I need some shelter
When I need a friend
I can go
And when the Earth around me is sinking sand
On Christ the solid rock I stand I can stand
When I need a friend
I go to the rock
I can go to the rock
Hey hey hey oh yeah
Rock of Ages—Fixed and Sure
Be My Faith’s Foundation Stone
Hopes we build on Thee endure
Stable as Thy steadfast Throne
When my heart on Thee is Stayed
Winds may howl—and torrents pour
I shall never be afraid
For I am Safe for ever more. Pastor Jack Anderson
RUTH CAYE JONES
In times like these you need a Savior
In times like these you need an anchor;
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!
This Rock is Jesus, Yes, He's the One;
This Rock is Jesus, the only One!
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!
Psalm 18:31 For who is God besides the Lord?
And who is the Rock except our God?
1. There are trillions of rocks in our world, but there is only one Rock, and
that is God, the God of Israel. The Rock is exclusively that of the God of the
Bible, but the people of God kept going after other rocks, and they became
regular rock collectors with all their pagan idols. In the Old Testament there
is only one Rock, and in the New there is only one Savior. The Bible is
exclusive all the way through, for there are no alternatives to the God who
reveals himself through the Bible. For safety, security, and all that is covered
in the word salvation, you only have one choice.
18. 2. By James Vasquez
I love you, Lord, my rock, my strength,
My fortress and deliverer,
My God shall ever be my rock,
And of my foes the vanquisher.
In him my refuge shall I take,
My stronghold worthy of all praise,
The horn of my salvation who,
The hand of each opponent stays.
The cords of death entangled me,
Destruction overwhelmed my soul,
The grave’s taut arms encircled me,
The snares of death before me stole,
Then to the Lord in my distress,
I called, to God for help I cried,
And from his temple was I heard,
Nor was my plaintive voice denied.
And then the earth’s foundations shook,
The mountains trembled, fire arose,
From burning coals within his mouth,
And darkening smoke from out his nose.
For God was angry and came down,
Like curtains, parting heaven’s veil,
Dark clouds beneath his feet then left,
A wispy presence o’er his trail.
And borne by cherubim he flew,
As though by wind he’d taken wing,
19. He made the clouds his canopy,
And darkness was his covering.
And clouds advanced before him there,
Impelled by brightness from his face,
While bolts of lightning hurled down,
And hailstones filled th’ illumined space.
God thundered from the heav’ns above,
The voice of the Most High was heard,
His arrows scattered every foe,
‘Neath lightening bolts that he bestirred.
The valleys of the sea were known,
And earth’s foundations were laid bare,
At your rebuke, O Lord, when you,
A blast of breath but suffered there.
From high he reached and took me then,
From deepest waters drew me out,
He rescued me from enemies,
From countless foes too strong and stout.
In my disaster they arose,
But my support was from the Lord,
Because he took delight in me,
To spacious sites was I restored.
According to my righteousness,
Has God in kindness dealt with me,
Rewarding me for unstained hands,
And keeping sacred each decree.
20. I have not turned away from God,
But wholly followed all his ways,
My heart I’ve kept from every sin,
Assuring, thus, it never strays.
Now to the faithful, Lord, you show,
Your faithfulness in full degree,
And to the blameless you appear,
From every fault and blemish free.
The pure shall know that you are pure,
For thus are you, in truth, revealed,
But to the crooked shall you seem,
A shrewd contender, well concealed.
The humble by your might you save,
But those of haughty eyes bring low,
My lamp now brightly burns for you,
In place of darkness light bestow.
Now by your help a wall I scale,
Against a troop I move ahead,
For perfect are the ways of God,
And flawless every word he’s said.
He is a shield for those who take,
Their refuge ‘neath his wings so broad,
For who is God besides the Lord?
And who the Rock except our God?
With strength he arms me and my way,
Each day is perfect in the land,
For like a deer’s feet are mine made,
21. And thus upon the heights I stand.
My hands he trains for battle and,
My arms a bow of bronze can bend,
His shield of victory mine, his hand,
To all my permanence does lend.
He stoops that he might make me great,
My path he widens ‘neath my feet,
And thus my ankles do not turn,
When they some rock-strewn passage meet.
And I my enemies pursued,
I overtook them nor turned back,
Till they were crushed beneath me and,
Were thus destroyed by my attack.
They cried for help but none there were,
Who heard their call or succor gave,
E’en to the Lord in their distress,
But he rose not to heed or save.
And fine as dust borne by the wind,
I beat them and their troop did rout,
Like mud that flows within the streets,
When rains descend, I poured them out.
And now delivered from attacks,
The head of nations I am made,
For people I knew not appear,
And homage to my word is paid.
They come, these foreigners, and cringe,
22. Before me does each one lose heart,
They leave their distant strongholds and,
In apt obeisance do their part.
He lives! And praise be to my Rock!
Exalted be my Savior God!
The nations he subdues and leaves,
Their men of violence crushed and awed.
For this I praise you, Lord, and ‘mongst,
The nations shall I sing your fame,
For victories to the king you give,
And kindness to his heirs proclaim.
from the October 2005 Edition of the Jewish Magazine
Psalm 18:46
The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted
be God my Savior!
A popular chorus had the great words and tune, The Lord liveth, and blessed by my
rock, and let the God of my salvation be exalted. People are fanatics in praising
their favorite rock star, and David is just the same kind of fanatic as he praises The
Rock Star of the Bible, his Lord and Savior. The Lord has a unique distinction from
all other so-called rocks, for as David says, He lives. All others are dead, but he lives.
Jesus is the exclusive Savior as well because he lives. You can pile dead saviors from
here to the moon, but they will do nothing for you, for we need a living God and a
living Savior, and Jehovah and Jesus alone fill this requirement. What we have here
is the living Rock. All other rocks are dead. Rocks are inanimate, and by nature
they are dead, but the God of Scripture is able to make Rock live.
GOD IS OUR ROCK
BY Glenn Pease
GOD IS OUR ROCK
23. TO WHOM WE LIFT OUR EYES.
GOD IS OUR ROCK
WE WILL NOT COMPROMISE.
GOD IS OUR ROCK
OH HELP US LORD BE WISE,
AS WE SHOUT IT ALL ABOUT
GOD IS OUR ROCK.
II.
GOD IS OUR ROCK
OUT FEET TO STABILIZE.
GOD IS OUR ROCK
OUR ROAD TO VITALIZE.
GOD IS OUR ROCK
THIS FAITH WE EXERCISE.
AS WE SHOUT IT ALL ABOUT
GOD IS OUR ROCK.
Psalm 19:14
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of
my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my
Rock and my Redeemer.
1. He needs a Rock that supports him, but he needs a Redeemer as well, for
sometimes his mouth does not say the right words, and his mind does not think the
right thoughts that please his Lord. We all need the stability of the Rock, but also
the salvation the rock supplies when we lose our stability.
2. John Newton
24. Glorious things of thee are spoken,
Zion, city of our God!
He, Whose Word cannot be broken,
Formed thee for His own abode.
On the Rock of Ages founded,
What can shake thy sure repose?
With salvation’s walls surrounded,
Thou may’st smile at all thy foes.
3. HE Is my Rock!!!
THE Rock of my Salvation,
Rock of my Elation!!!
HE Is my Rock of Revelation!!!
I give HIM all of my Adulation!!!
Cause he kept me and carried me through all trials and tribulations..
And gives me Great Expectations!!!
In HIM, In The fullness of The Godhead is my TRUST!!!
HE IS MY ROCK!!!
by Stephanie Smith
Psalm 28:1
[ Of David. ] To you I call, O LORD my Rock; do
not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent,
I will be like those who have gone down to the pit.
1. Here God is addressed in prayer as his Rock. This does not fit our culture and
environment and so we never pray this way, even though we say we believe the Bible
from cover to cover. You will seldom to never hear a Christian pray to God as my
Rock, for this is a part of the Bible that is ignored.
Psalm 31:2
Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue;
be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me.
1. God is a living rock, and so he does not sit somewhere and we have to run to him.
He is a moving rock that comes to rescue and deliver.
2. Hedley Palmer, "Consider the advantages of the Rock. A rock in a weary land is
a place of shade. David as a shepherd, had often used a rock for its shadow. He
would sit in its shade and lean his back against the rock. Believers never have their
backs to the wall - we always have our backs to the rock. He is our shade from the
25. heat of the day. The rock is a vantage place. Higher ground was always an
advantage in ancient warfare. We are in the oldest battle of all - the battle of life;
the best place to take our stand is in God."
Psalm 31:3
Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the
sake of your name lead and guide me.
1. Here again the rock moves and guides, and this is the image of what Jesus did in
guiding the people of Israel through the desert as they came out of Egypt. He was
their rock that guided.
1 Corinthians 10:1-4
For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact,
brothers, that our forefathers were all under the
cloud and that they all passed through the sea.
2They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud
and in the sea. 3They all ate the same spiritual
food 4and drank the same spiritual drink; for they
drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied
them, and that rock was Christ.
1. Life has no stability without a rock to stand on. On Christ the solid rock I stand,
all other ground is sinking sand.
2. Connie Bratcher wrote,
The eternal spiritual Rock—
The One upon which we stand,
Is not Peter, Paul, or Moses,
Though they were part of God’s plan.
It’s not a place in Jerusalem,
That we can visit and see,
26. Nor a temple made by human hands,
Where we can bow our knee.
This Rock is so much more than these,
And can weather any storm…
All who are founded upon it
Are kept safe, secure, and warm.
The Rock is the person of Christ…
The prophesied One who came,
The mighty Rock of Ages…
God’s Son…Jesus is His Name.
Oh, come and drink of the water,
Flowing from the Rock so pure…
It will cleanse your heart forever,
Giving peace that will endure.
Praise God for The Spiritual Rock!
3. "...the rock was Christ, and he was the source of life in the Old as he is in the
New Testament. There has always been just one Savior, and it is Christ. Clarke in
his commentary says, "The same rock is in the vale of Rephidim to the present day;
and it bears aboriginal marks of the water that flowed from it in the fissures that
appear on its sides. It is one block of fine granite, about seven yards long..."
4. I Go To The Rock Written by: Dottie Rambo
Verse I
Where do I go, when there’s nobody else to turn to
Who do I talk to, when no one wants to listen
Who do I lean on, when there’s no foundation stable
I go to the Rock I know He’s able
I go to the Rock
Chorus
I go to the Rock of my Salvation
I go to the Stone that the builders rejected
I go to the mountain and the mountain stands by me
27. When the earth all around me is sinking sand
On Christ the Solid Rock I stand
When I need a shelter, when I need a friend
I go to the Rock
Verse II
Where do I hide, when the storms of life are threatening
Where do I run to, when the winds of sorrow blow
Is there a refuge, in the time of tribulation
Cause I go to the Rock, I know He’s able
I go to the Rock
Repeat Chorus twice, then:
When I need a shelter, when I need a friend
I go to the Rock
When I need a shelter, when I need a friend
I go to the Rock
5. Jesus The Rock by Bernice Ward
I go to the Rock that is higher than I
I find in Him, my full supply,
He is my Rock, my strength and guide,
I will go to Him, what' ever betide.
This Rock holds the world in His hands
Things that happen are part of His plan,
He is in control all over the land,
I'll go to the Rock, He holds my hand.
He's the Rock of my salvation
My joy and inspiration,
28. He wraps me and draws me to His side,
So I'll cling to the Rock and there abide...
he's the rock of my salvation
my joy and inspiration
I go the Rock that is higher than I
He waits to hear each time I cry,
He wraps me in His arms of love,
I go to the Rock....From up above.
If tears will take me to the Rock
Than Lord just let it be,
I'll yield to Your unfailing love,
I'll go to the Rock, Higher than me.
He's the rock of my salvation
my joy and inspiration
Will you stay close to the Rock?
While the clouds are hanging low,
Pray and press in closer and closer,
Allow Him always to take full control.
In Him I find life's full supply
He grips me with His love and grace,
I find in Him such amazing love,
My precious Rock of Ages took my place.
6. James Banfield wrote,
I'm Standing on the Rock, Well the Rock of Ages
Learnin all about Him, in my bible pages
I'm standing on the Rock, The Rock that wont roll
Jesus is the Rock, that freed my soul (* to chorus)
So what we got to say to you, we'll speak to the crowd
Jesus is the only one, who can be found
What the Devil's got for you – I cant really say
Remember where the Joker is – Get ready to play( * back to chorus above)
I'm standing on the Rock, Well the Rock of Ages
Learning all about Him, In My Bible Pages
29. Standin on the Rock, The Rock that won't Roll
Jesus is the Rock, That Freed My Soul
Jesus is The Rock! (He's The Rock) The Rock of Ages
Jesus is The Rock! (He's The Rock) The Rock of Ages
Jesus is The Rock (The Rock of Ages) The Rock of Ages... JESUS IS THE ROCK!
7. Author: William O. Cushing, 1823-1902
O safe to the Rock that is higher than I,
My soul in its conflicts and sorrows would fly;
So sinful, so weary, Thine, Thine, would I be;
Thou blest “Rock of Ages,” I’m hiding in Thee.
Refrain
Hiding in Thee, hiding in Thee,
Thou blest “Rock of Ages,”
I’m hiding in Thee.
In the calm of the noontide, in sorrow’s lone hour,
In times when temptation casts over me its power;
In the tempests of life, on its wide, heaving sea,
Thou blest “Rock of Ages,“ I’m hiding in Thee.
Refrain
How oft in the conflict, when pressed by the foe,
I have fled to my refuge and breathed out my woe;
How often, when trials like sea billows roll,
Have I hidden in Thee, O Thou Rock of my soul.
7. John Macduff has appropriate words to end this study of Jesus the Rock of our
salvation. He wrote, "We need hardly say that the emblem of a Rock, as applied to
the Divine Redeemer, is alike the most sublime and appropriate of figures--
suggestive as it is of strength, durability, shelter, safety, protection, rest. It speaks of
Nature's noblest monumental edifices--as ancient as creation--as fresh as when at
first sculptured by the Great Craftsman--older, grander, more lasting than obelisk
and pyramid, or the most colossal work of human power. Over these rocks have the
winds of heaven continually swept. Age after age has the sun discharged upon them
30. his quiver of golden arrows--but resisting all changes--defying all elements--
outliving all political convulsions--no wrinkle can be traced on their majestic brow--
now in sunny robes of roseate light--now gleaming in the moonbeams with silver
mantle--now swathed in white garments of cloud--but every hoary peak remaining
immutably the same. Such is the rock of our salvation!"