Psalm 11

Scripture

 

Psalms ‭11:1-7‬ ‭NLT

 

“I trust in the Lord for protection. So why do you say to me, “Fly like a bird to the mountains for safety! The wicked are stringing their bows and fitting their arrows on the bowstrings. They shoot from the shadows at those whose hearts are right. The foundations of law and order have collapsed. What can the righteous do?” But the Lord is in his holy Temple; the Lord still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth. The Lord examines both the righteous and the wicked. He hates those who love violence. He will rain down blazing coals and burning sulfur on the wicked, punishing them with scorching winds. For the righteous Lord loves justice. The virtuous will see his face.”

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Observation-What does it say?

 

In this psalm of David, David reiterates Who he finds refuge in (The Lord Almighty). As chaos and disorder begin to surround David, his counselors urge him to flee. But David stands firm. David knows that God is his protector, and that God is in control. David knows that he serves a God of truth and justice...and despises those who love evil. David understands the wrath of fire and brimstone that awaits the wicked. So David remains steadfast in his faith. David will fight his battles with the Lord God Almighty leading the way.

 

Understanding-What does it mean?

 

God is in control.

 

You ever hear people ask the question, “How can God let this bad stuff happen in the world?!” It’s a question I have heard quite a bit now. With all the tragedies surrounding us, (most recently in Texas and Ohio), it’s a question that one can hear daily. It is even a question we as Christians can find ourselves asking. My response to that question would be “It’s because of a lack of God’s presence in this world is why these bad things are happening.” We as people have managed to kick God out of our schools, workplaces, and governments. We as a people are now so offended when someone brings up God in a conversation, or we see someone praying in a lunch table, or even walking with a Bible in their hand! We as a people have managed to think that we know better than God!..that we can manage this world ourselves! Now where did that leave us?! Just turn on your local news. I’m sure it won’t take long for us to see.

 

But there is good news. God is STILL in control. Even with all the evil in this world, God is in control. He is at the throne of Heaven, observing our every action, hearing our every thought and prayer. God is waiting on us. Are we as a nation ready to turn back to Him? Are we as Christ Followers ready to stand in the gap, and pray on behalf of this nation? I encourage you to trust God (the way David did). See what God can do through all of this. We serve a God of order and justice. Let Him lead our way!

 

“Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.”-2 Chronicles‬ ‭7:14‬ ‭

 

Life Application

 

Pray for our nation and its leaders.

 

Father God, I pray for our nation today. I pray for our leaders. I pray that You may instill them with wisdom on how to lead the people in a way that pleases You. Forgive us God for thinking we know what’s better for us. Forgive us Lord for turning our backs on You. Lord God Almighty, You are in control. Help us trust in You and Your ways once again. Heal our nation Lord. Restore this nation to make us whole again. Make us one nation, under God, (under Your reign and protection Lord). We give You all the glory, all the honor and all the praise Lord. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

 

-Moses Gaddi

 

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1 Timothy__1

Scripture 1 Timothy 1:3-7  3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer 4 or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith. 5 The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6 Some have departed from these and have turned to meaningless talk. 7 They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.

Observation-What does it say?

 

Paul wrote this letter to his protege/disciplee, Timothy.  Timothy was a young Pastor and this is the first letter Paul wrote to him. 

Understanding-What does it mean?

Be on guard towards false doctrines.

 

Paul “urges Timothy to be on guard for false teachers and false doctrine (gotquestions.org).” He also urges him of his call to stay in Ephesus in order to oppose false teachers, as many were teaching false doctrines. Paul didn’t want Timothy to fall into that trap with his own ministry. 

 

Life Application

 

Stay connected to Truth through God’s Word. 

 

With everything we read, listen to, people tell us, we “hear from God” etc., we need to make sure it lines up with what God says in His Word. We should also have it confirmed by a trusted Spirit filled person/leader(s). The reason why we need to bounce it off another Spirit filled person or people is because the enemy is also well versed in Scripture, yet he is the master of deception and lies. He knows how to twist God’s Word out of context. The temptation of Jesus is proof of that. Because Jesus was so immersed in the Scriptures daily,  the enemy couldn’t get a foothold in his life.  I pray that we as Believers would be the same way. Dear Lord, I pray that we would meditate on your word day and night, as David did in the Psalms and be so well versed in Your Word and so connected to You, our vine, that the enemy cannot have a foothold in our life. I pray that we would fill our minds with Your Truth daily. Amen.

 

-Michelle Gaddi

Psalm 9

Psalm 9:9-12 (ETRV) ⁹ Many people are suffering- crushed by the weight of their troubles. But the LORD is a refuge for them, a safe place they can run to. ¹⁰ LORD, those who know your name come to you for protection. And when they come, you do not leave them without help. ¹¹ Sing praises to the LORD, who sits as King in Zion. Tell the nations about the great things he has done. ¹² He punishes murderers and remembers those who are in need. When suffering people cry for help, he does not ignore them.

 

I am always shocked when there is a mass killing anywhere in the world, but even more so in America it seems to be picking up momentum.  The latest one in El Paso has left me feeling even more vulnerable than ever because I am struck by how many of us go to Walmart all the time, never expecting that someone would open fire on us.  I read this Psalm this morning and I felt that God spoke it to my heart - God is a refuge, when we His people call to Him he does not leave us without help - He does not ignore us.  

 

Will you call out to God on behalf of our nation.  Come to Him and pray protection over America and this world.  David reminds us that God will hear and do something about it.  

 

Pastor Gary