"...for those blessed by the LORD shall inherit the land, but those cursed by the LORD shall be cut off."
Connecting to the previous verse, believers in Christ should also be generous with their possessions because they know these things will not last into eternity. True followers of God have an inheritance with Christ in heaven. We should not act like those whose ultimate end is to be cut off from God. Our hearts have been freed from sin so we may draw close to God...why would we choose to do otherwise? Once we do this, seeking God with our whole heart, it will be evident, and God can be glorified through us.
Peace.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Psalm 37:21
"The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives..."
Unfortunately, these two principles may not necessarily differentiate between those who utterly reject God and those who claim to follow Him. Those who are made righteous by believing in Jesus are called to be generous, and should freely give of the resources God has entrusted to them...however, this doesn't always happen. Let us draw near to God so He can change our hearts. When this happens, our habits will change as well, and others will be able to see clearly what God has done in our lives. All of this is for His glory.
Peace.
Unfortunately, these two principles may not necessarily differentiate between those who utterly reject God and those who claim to follow Him. Those who are made righteous by believing in Jesus are called to be generous, and should freely give of the resources God has entrusted to them...however, this doesn't always happen. Let us draw near to God so He can change our hearts. When this happens, our habits will change as well, and others will be able to see clearly what God has done in our lives. All of this is for His glory.
Peace.
Psalm 37:20
"But the wicked will perish; the enemies of the LORD are like the glory of the pastures; they vanish - like smoke they vanish away."
Those who do prosper because of their own evil may seem for a while like they can't be stopped...but this will only last for a season. Such people place their trust and treasure in earthly things. Those who know Jesus Christ have a different hope, however, one which surpasses the earthly and enters into the eternal. An eternal hope can't be blown away like smoke in the wind. We follow God in this life, facing hate and discomfort, because we know after this life is over we will be with Him forever, worshiping Him in the light of eternity.
Peace.
Those who do prosper because of their own evil may seem for a while like they can't be stopped...but this will only last for a season. Such people place their trust and treasure in earthly things. Those who know Jesus Christ have a different hope, however, one which surpasses the earthly and enters into the eternal. An eternal hope can't be blown away like smoke in the wind. We follow God in this life, facing hate and discomfort, because we know after this life is over we will be with Him forever, worshiping Him in the light of eternity.
Peace.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Psalm 37:19
"They are not to be put to shame in evil times, in the days of famine they have abundance."
In their times of spiritual darkness, God is still looking out for His children. Our hope in Christ will never fail because He is true to His Word. Even if everything else in life falls away, we still have abundance in God's Spirit. Thank You, Jesus.
Peace.
In their times of spiritual darkness, God is still looking out for His children. Our hope in Christ will never fail because He is true to His Word. Even if everything else in life falls away, we still have abundance in God's Spirit. Thank You, Jesus.
Peace.
Psalm 37:18
"The LORD knows the days of the blameless, and their heritage will remain forever."
Sometimes it's hard to remember that we are blameless in Christ. Reading a passage like this, one may be tempted to start thinking selfishly, "Well, I'm not blameless...I guess I'm not good enough," or even (unconsciously), "I need to make myself blameless so I can feel better about reading things like this in Scripture." When Scripture refers to "the blameless," it is usually referring to those who have been justified in God's sight. This applies to all who are in Christ, whether you feel like it on any given day or not, and it has nothing to do with how "good" you think you have been lately. The focus here, although we are the ones being called "blameless", is actually not on us; it's on Christ and His sacrifice.
Peace.
Sometimes it's hard to remember that we are blameless in Christ. Reading a passage like this, one may be tempted to start thinking selfishly, "Well, I'm not blameless...I guess I'm not good enough," or even (unconsciously), "I need to make myself blameless so I can feel better about reading things like this in Scripture." When Scripture refers to "the blameless," it is usually referring to those who have been justified in God's sight. This applies to all who are in Christ, whether you feel like it on any given day or not, and it has nothing to do with how "good" you think you have been lately. The focus here, although we are the ones being called "blameless", is actually not on us; it's on Christ and His sacrifice.
Peace.
Psalm 37:17
"For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous."
Again, illustrating how although it may seem that the wicked are reaping the most benefits, God's favour ultimately rests with those who follow Him.
Peace.
Again, illustrating how although it may seem that the wicked are reaping the most benefits, God's favour ultimately rests with those who follow Him.
Peace.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Psalm 37:16
"Better is the little that the righteous has than the abundance of many wicked."
Throughout Scripture, God tells us that it is those who are downtrodden for His name who will ultimately receive the highest reward. It may seem little on earth, but if we resort to the methods of those who reject God (thus rejecting Him ourselves), then we will join in their eternal punishment. Be content, then, with suffering for the sake of Christ. The hope we have in Him is worth the wait.
Peace.
Throughout Scripture, God tells us that it is those who are downtrodden for His name who will ultimately receive the highest reward. It may seem little on earth, but if we resort to the methods of those who reject God (thus rejecting Him ourselves), then we will join in their eternal punishment. Be content, then, with suffering for the sake of Christ. The hope we have in Him is worth the wait.
Peace.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Psalm 37:15
"...their sword shall enter their own heart, and their bows shall be broken."
The ultimate end of those who reject God. The consequences listed here reflect a physical, earthly punishment. Sin always does have an effect in the here and now, whether or not it is blatantly obvious. It erodes our relationships, both with God and with other people on earth, and makes us more susceptible to the traps of the devil. More reasons to avoid envying the wicked, and to trust God.
Peace.
The ultimate end of those who reject God. The consequences listed here reflect a physical, earthly punishment. Sin always does have an effect in the here and now, whether or not it is blatantly obvious. It erodes our relationships, both with God and with other people on earth, and makes us more susceptible to the traps of the devil. More reasons to avoid envying the wicked, and to trust God.
Peace.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Psalm 37:14
"The wicked draw the sword and bend their bows to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose way is upright..."
More examples showing why we should not envy such people. Jesus said we would always have the poor with us; this is in part because there will always be evil people trying to make themselves more rich by exploiting the needy. Not only this, but they also are trying to destroy those who walk in truth...probably because they prefer their own deeds to stay in darkness. Fortunately, God has something else planned in the long run.
Peace.
More examples showing why we should not envy such people. Jesus said we would always have the poor with us; this is in part because there will always be evil people trying to make themselves more rich by exploiting the needy. Not only this, but they also are trying to destroy those who walk in truth...probably because they prefer their own deeds to stay in darkness. Fortunately, God has something else planned in the long run.
Peace.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Psalm 37:13
"...but the LORD laughs at the wicked, for he sees that his day is coming."
The resolution to the previous verse. Although evildoers and Satan are always out to take advantage of others, God's plan is sovereign. He has their punishment waiting in the wings, and all their best-laid plans are ultimately futile. If we trust in the LORD, there is no reason to fear the wicked, as our hope lies in Christ, eternal life.
Peace.
The resolution to the previous verse. Although evildoers and Satan are always out to take advantage of others, God's plan is sovereign. He has their punishment waiting in the wings, and all their best-laid plans are ultimately futile. If we trust in the LORD, there is no reason to fear the wicked, as our hope lies in Christ, eternal life.
Peace.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Psalm 37:12
"The wicked plots against the righteous and gnashes his teeth at him..."
This is reason enough for us to not envy wrongdoers: they are out for their own gain, and relish opportunities to take advantage of others. However, this is not the sole extent of the danger. The Enemy also plots and seethes at the righteous. By envying the wicked, we give him opportunity to take hold of our hearts and distort God's will in our lives. This battle goes on around us every day, and one of the Enemy's favorite plots is to convince us that he is not around. Complacency results, then comes the letting down of our guard, and we give him a foothold. He is always plotting and gnashing his teeth...but God knows his every move, and has a grander plan in store for those who wait for Him.
Peace.
This is reason enough for us to not envy wrongdoers: they are out for their own gain, and relish opportunities to take advantage of others. However, this is not the sole extent of the danger. The Enemy also plots and seethes at the righteous. By envying the wicked, we give him opportunity to take hold of our hearts and distort God's will in our lives. This battle goes on around us every day, and one of the Enemy's favorite plots is to convince us that he is not around. Complacency results, then comes the letting down of our guard, and we give him a foothold. He is always plotting and gnashing his teeth...but God knows his every move, and has a grander plan in store for those who wait for Him.
Peace.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Psalm 37:11
"But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace."
The joys of waiting on and trusting in the Lord. As previously noted, those who place their hope in Christ have been brought into God's family and into the promise made to His children. When we follow Him, everything will turn out for the better in the long run, even if it doesn't look like it will in our immediate circumstances.
Peace.
The joys of waiting on and trusting in the Lord. As previously noted, those who place their hope in Christ have been brought into God's family and into the promise made to His children. When we follow Him, everything will turn out for the better in the long run, even if it doesn't look like it will in our immediate circumstances.
Peace.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Psalm 37:10
"In just a little while, the wicked will be no more; though you look carefully at his place, he will not be there."
God's assures us that although it may seem like wrongdoers prosper more than the righteous, they and their prosperity will soon vanish. At that time, we may even be baffled, especially if we have lost hope that God was going to do anything about it. God is just, though; He will not allow wickedness to go unpunished.
Peace.
God's assures us that although it may seem like wrongdoers prosper more than the righteous, they and their prosperity will soon vanish. At that time, we may even be baffled, especially if we have lost hope that God was going to do anything about it. God is just, though; He will not allow wickedness to go unpunished.
Peace.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Psalm 37:9
"For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the LORD shall inherit the land."
The eternal end of every person falls within these two categories. Those who reject God will be rejected by Him, but those who trust and place their hope in Him are made a part of His family. As such, they become co-heirs with Christ partakers of God's promise to His people.
Peace.
The eternal end of every person falls within these two categories. Those who reject God will be rejected by Him, but those who trust and place their hope in Him are made a part of His family. As such, they become co-heirs with Christ partakers of God's promise to His people.
Peace.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Psalm 37:8
"Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil."
Anger, wrath, and worrying are all closely related. When something doesn't go our way, we begin to fret about all the work we put into it or about the consequences; anger often follows. Here, Scripture provides a rare insight into the consequences of worrying. Anxiety is often pointed to as a lack of trust in God; this is implied from other passages. This verse actually states that it normally leads to evil. All this is just more reason to wait on God.
Peace.
Anger, wrath, and worrying are all closely related. When something doesn't go our way, we begin to fret about all the work we put into it or about the consequences; anger often follows. Here, Scripture provides a rare insight into the consequences of worrying. Anxiety is often pointed to as a lack of trust in God; this is implied from other passages. This verse actually states that it normally leads to evil. All this is just more reason to wait on God.
Peace.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Psalm 37:7
"Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!"
"The one who prospers in his way" is equated to "the man who carries out evil devices." Again, we should not be anxious about those who are doing better than us because of some evil they have done. We should not desire what they have; we are to wait patiently on God. He will both reward us for waiting and punish those who presumptuously take what is not theirs.
Peace.
"The one who prospers in his way" is equated to "the man who carries out evil devices." Again, we should not be anxious about those who are doing better than us because of some evil they have done. We should not desire what they have; we are to wait patiently on God. He will both reward us for waiting and punish those who presumptuously take what is not theirs.
Peace.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Psalm 37:6
"He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday."
Since Christ sacrificed Himself for us, and since we no longer live, but rather Christ lives in us, the righteousness and justice we may have is not even our own. God counts them as our own, but they originated from Jesus Christ. Through the power of the Holy Spirit and true faith in Christ (delighting yourself in God, committing your way to Him, etc.), God will show off this righteousness in us, and all of the glory goes back to Him. It's all about Him.
Peace.
Since Christ sacrificed Himself for us, and since we no longer live, but rather Christ lives in us, the righteousness and justice we may have is not even our own. God counts them as our own, but they originated from Jesus Christ. Through the power of the Holy Spirit and true faith in Christ (delighting yourself in God, committing your way to Him, etc.), God will show off this righteousness in us, and all of the glory goes back to Him. It's all about Him.
Peace.
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