Psalm 12

Scripture

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭12:6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“The Lord’s promises are pure, like silver refined in a furnace, purified seven times over.”  

 

Observation-What does it say?

 

In this psalm, David cries out to God for help. David is living in a shattered world where the righteous and faithful are quickly disappearing. The wicked seem to be flourishing and walking around thinking that they are untouchable. But David knows that God sees all. David knows justice will be served. David is standing firm on the promises of God.

 

Understanding-What does it mean?

 

Stand on the promises of God.

 

Have you ever felt like David? Have you ever been so discouraged with your life and the world around you? Have you ever felt as though God is letting the unruly rule? I know I have. But like David, I choose to find encouragement in God and His Word. Like verse 6 in this morning’s passage says, “The Lord’s promises are pure, like silver refined in a furnace, purified seven times over.” But what are some of God’s promises?

 

Here are a few promises of God I know of:

 

•He will be with you.

•He will protect you.

•He will be your strength.

•He will provide your every need.

•He will give you peace.

•He will love you unconditionally.

 

There are hundreds, if not thousands of promises found in the Bible. And if you’re like me, (or David here), and trust and believe that God’s promises are pure, you are sure to find strength and encouragement in them.

 

Life Application

 

Seek and you will find.

 

“If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.”-Jeremiah‬ ‭29:13‬ ‭NLT

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We worship the God of the universe. He is faithful and just. His promises never fail. Will you choose to stand on His promises when times are tough? I encourage us all to dive into His Word daily, seek His promises, and see just how faithful our God is.

 

-Moses Gaddi

 

Psalm_11

Scripture

Psalm 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.”

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 is even a question we as Christians can find ourselves asking. 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 or go on social media. 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, especially during this season. 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

James_____4

ScriptureJames 4:7 NLT“So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”Observation-What does it say?James originally wrote this book of the Bible for the “twelve tribes” of Jewish believers scattered abroad. In this particular passage he is giving advice on how they can draw closer to God.Understanding-What does it mean?Want a closer relationship with God?Draw close to God, and He will draw close to you.-James 4:8James tells us we can have a closer relationship with God by acting on these 2 things.

1. Humbling yourself
2. Resisting the devil

Being humble requires us to submit to God. We need to understand that we are nothing without Him, and that we need Him-(Jesus), in our lives to be our savior. We need to let go of our way of doing things and do things God’s way. Resisting the devil requires us being humble, and understanding that we cannot do it under our own strength, but only through God’s strength. The devil knows our weaknesses and will do everything he can to tug on them, to bring you down. His main purpose is to create that wedge of our sinfulness to separate us from having that personal and intimate relationship with God. Don’t let him do it! Be humble and resist!

Life Application

Jesus is the perfect example.

Jesus showed us how to have that closer relationship (father-son/child) with God. As powerful as Jesus was, he still went to God in prayer. He often would seek a quiet place to go and reside to, to get “re-energized” to continue his daily ministry. Jesus was also tempted by the devil when he went into the wilderness without food for 40 days. Jesus was able to resist the devil’s temptations. Jesus knew the word of God, and used the word to combat everything the devil threw his way. Jesus is the perfect example of how we should live our lives, and have that closer relationship with God. By remaining humble, seeking God constantly in prayer, and reading His word, God will give me all that I need to combat the evil one. And by doing these things, I know I will be pleasing God, and I will have an even closer relationship to my father in Heaven. 😊

 

-Moses Gaddi