DOCSLIB.ORG

Psalm 25 Who Is the Man? (Memorial Day Weekend)

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Psalm 25 Who Is the Man? (Memorial Day Weekend) Psalms Schedule May 20 Psalm 8 Who is the Rock? May 27 Psalm 25 Who is the Man? (Memorial Day Weekend) June 3 Psalm 107 Oh Give Thanks! June 10 Psalm 139 Where Shall I go? SERIES: PSALMS, PREACHING TO THE CHOIR WGBC & CITY CHRUCH Psalm 25 Teach Me Your Ways Overview It is important again to remind everyone what is the nature of the Psalms. They are prayers and songs of worship to God. The point of a Bible Study on the Psalms should more so be upon the orientation of the heart than determining precise doctrinal content. Remember knowledge without love is useless and just as ungodly as love without knowledge. Psalm 25 is a penitent prayer seeking the Lord’s help to teach the psalmist his ways and to not be put to shame because of their enemies or their sins. It is an acrostic with a few lines as exceptions. Meaning each line begins with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet implying it may be considered a guideline to prayer. It beings and ends with a prayer that one would not be disgraced in their community by their enemies. It repeats several times desires to know the Lord’s ways and for him to forgive their sin. Proper prayer then comes from a position of weakness and trust in the Lord. It acknowledges we are moral failures and seeks to do the will of the Lord. Present Context Have you ever thought you won’t ever be able to go into politics because of your past? Perhaps you fear that because certain things have not been going well in your life that people will think your faith is not working or that you have not been faithful. At one time or another we have all been there. We all have skeletons in our closet. Things we don’t want anybody to know. Things that prevent us from living in freedom because then people would find out. Things we are embarrassed about. Things we regret. Or maybe you don’t want people to know what your real struggles are because they will be like Job’s friends and question your faithfulness. You know you haven’t done anything wrong but if they knew your real circumstances it would be difficult for them to assume you haven’t sinned or that faith in Christ is of no use. There is not recourse left but to pray, but to give one last heartfelt cry out to God to deliver us from this living hell. This Psalm is just such a prayer. In it we see that we need not fear our skeletons in the closet for the Lord lifts up those who are honest and recognize they cannot hide but need the Lord to be their cover. For he is abundantly gracious to those who trust in him and his ways. Cultural Context 25:1-3; 19-21 Shame and Honor - It is difficult to communicate to Westerners the significance of honor and shame in eastern cultures. The difference is due to the fact Westerners sense of identity is rooted in the self or the individual. Middle Eastern and Asian cultures sense of self is rooted in their community. Honor is one’s community is almost as good as money. Perhaps the closest we come is in small towns where negative rumors may make it impossible for the PAGE 1 OF 4 BY CHRIS TENNY, DISCIPLESHIP PASTOR SERIES: PSALMS, PREACHING TO THE CHOIR WGBC & CITY CHRUCH disgraced person to do business or have pleasurable conversations since everyone knows who they are and what they have done. Being respected in the community is almost akin to having salvation in the Old Testament and in the days of Jesus. Bible Context 25:11 God alone forgives sin - the word pardon/forgive in v. 11 (Heb. selah) has only God as its subject throughout the entire OT. The more general word for forgive (Heb. nasa) is used in all kinds of ways. The idea that God alone forgives sin is reflected in Luke 5:17-26 & 7:35-50 and was a common idea in the Old Testament. The problem is that there are consequences for our sins that a power beyond us can only correct. Hence only God can fix and cancel the consequences. For example, if one’s sickness is due to their sin only God can forgive and heal. 25:4, 8-10, 12 The way of the Lord - This Psalm repeats the word for way or paths five times. The way of the Lord is a frequent subject of the Proverbs. It is not focused on knowing the particulars of God’s will like we often pray - such as whether God wants me to be a scientist or a lawyer. It is focused more on being committed to him or not. It more focused on our dependence on him alone and doing what is morally right. Apart from that there is freedom to do as Augustine and Luther said, “Love God and do what you want.” Beyond devotion and morality is choices we make that may impact mission of the church. These matter to God as well and should be considered but first and foremost is loving him and obeying his commands. Passage Context 25:1-3 To You O Lord, I lift up my soul - The writer is expressing trust in the Lord because of the possibility they will be disgraced in their community.1 Perhaps they have committed sins that if exposed would threaten their status and influence within the community. Perhaps they have been circumstances that would give the appearance that they have sinned and their enemies here are more like Job’s friends. The writer expresses trust in God to not allow them to be disgraced but that God will disgrace those who seek to be wicked. 25:4-7 Lord teach me and forgive me - The repetition of the need for forgiveness indicates to me that their is some tangible sin involved. The Psalmist asks that God would teach them, in fact make them, acknowledge his ways. Often times sin is result of not knowing what is good and we need God to transform us to desire that which is good. A fact that is frequently true in one’s youth when they lack wisdom. God is his salvation because God is merciful and loving and able to correct the way of a rebellious person. 25:8-14 The Lord guides the sinner - The Lord teaches sinners his way. He leads those who are humble where the word also means weak and vulnerable. All of Yahweh’s ways are steadfast love and faithfulness. He alone forgives sin. The Psalmist is stating their utter confidence in God’s character to show goodness to those who don’t deserve it. The Lord’s goodness actually increases their own commitment to him. He then proclaims the benfits of the humble, the weak, 1 John Goldingay, The Psalms, vol. 1 (Nashville, TN: Baker Academic, 2008), 369. PAGE 2 OF 4 BY CHRIS TENNY, DISCIPLESHIP PASTOR SERIES: PSALMS, PREACHING TO THE CHOIR WGBC & CITY CHRUCH the sinner who acknowledges their need for Yahweh’s mercy. The Lord will not turn them away but actually graciously show them His way. They will find life and longevity and know his will. 25:15-21 I turn to you, so turn to me - His eyes look to the Lord and he desires that the Lord would face him and look to him. When the Lord looks down up his people he delivers them. The writer expresses confident hope that the Lord will extend to him deliverance and grace. That God will forgive his sin where here the word forgive is literally “carry.” That God will carry his troubles and accept him as he is. Lastly he returns to the desire that his enemies would not prevail over him because he finds refuge in the Lord, and that he would live with integrity and righteousness. 25:22 Redeem Israel - This last line indicates this Psalm is not just about the individual and their need for God but the whole nation, the entire church. We as a people, need God to deliver us from our sins and our enemies who seek to destroy us. PAGE 3 OF 4 BY CHRIS TENNY, DISCIPLESHIP PASTOR SERIES: PSALMS, PREACHING TO THE CHOIR WGBC & CITY CHRUCH Questions Explanation 1. What are some themes that are repeated in the Psalm? 2. Why does the Psalmist fear the shame from their enemies? 3. How do they reflect trust in God’s mercy to deliver them? Discussion 4. The word pardon (v.11) is used only with respect to God forgiving sins. Why is it that God alone can forgive sin? 5. God’s goodness leads him to show sinners his way with grace and love. Why do we often fail to pursue sinners and not separate from them? 6. What is the difference between needing forgiveness from God and from other people? Application 7. Group exercise: Share one of your most embarrassing moments. 8. Are you scared of people knowing your darkest or most embarrassing secrets? Why or why not? 9. What are things you need to the Lord to teach you about his ways? 10. How does Jesus provide the deliverance you seek from ostracizing of other people (cf. Luke 7:36-50)? Resources Psalms, Goldingay, Baker Commentary on the Old Testament: Wisdom and Psalms The Bible Jesus Read, Philip Yancey PAGE 4 OF 4 BY CHRIS TENNY, DISCIPLESHIP PASTOR.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • AD TE LEVAVI • “Hosanna” Literally Means, “Help” Or “Save, I Pray.” It Is Most Prominent in the Hallel: Psalms 113-118
    Covenant was brought forward was pulled by “two cows which had never been yoked.” (see John 19:41) 8 Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. • The crowds laid their cloaks on the road just as it was done at the inauguration of Jehu (2 Kings 9:12-13). • Branches and palms were used for religious processions (see 1 Maccabees 13:51; 2 Maccabees 10:6-7). THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT 9 And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” AD TE LEVAVI • “Hosanna” literally means, “help” or “save, I pray.” It is most prominent in the Hallel: Psalms 113-118. The Hallel was a collection of Psalms for morning prayer. The crowds sang out Psalm 118:25-26, specifically. This To You I Lift Up part of the Hallel was sung during the feasts of the Passover and of the tabernacles, Israel’s great Jubilee, when the people walked around Study Notes for the Christian Layperson the altar with the branches of the palm and trees (Leviticus 23:40). by: Rev. Roberto E. Rojas, Jr. These were also the words of the Great Hosanna, the song of praise used in the time of the second temple when the people passed around the altar of the sacrifice, during the feast of the tabernacles. Collect of the Day: Stir up Your power, O Lord, and come, that by Your protection we may be • “Name of the Lord” — See the 2nd Commandment, the 1st Petition of rescued from the threatening perils of our sins and saved by Your mighty the Lord’s Prayer, the Sanctus (LSB 195), and the hymn “O Lord, How deliverance; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one Shall I Meet You” (LSB 334).
    [Show full text]
  • Tender Mercies in English Scriptural Idiom and in Nephi's Record
    Tender Mercies in English Scriptural Idiom and in Nephi’s Record Miranda Wilcox Nephi records divine beings inviting humans to participate in the sacred story of salvation and humans petitioning divine beings for aid in their mortal affliction. The first chapter of Nephi’s story introduces linguistic, textual, and narrative questions about how humans should engage with and produce holy books that memorialize these divine- human relations in heaven and on earth. For Nephi, a central element of these relationships is “tender mercies” (1 Nephi 1:20). What are tender mercies? How do the Lord’s tender mercies make the chosen faithful “mighty, even unto the power of deliverance”? Nephi’s striking phrase has become popular in Latter-day Saint discourse since Elder David A. Bednar preached of the “tender mercies of the Lord” at general conference in April 2005. He defined tender mercies as “very personal and individualized blessings, strength, pro- tection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ.”1 I would like to extend this discussion and reconsider this definition with respect to Nephi’s record by explor- ing the biblical sources and the transmission of this beloved phrase through English scriptural idiom. 1. David A. Bednar, “The Tender Mercies of the Lord,”Ensign , May 2005, 99. 75 76 Miranda Wilcox Nephi explains that he has acquired “a great knowledge of the good- ness and the mysteries of God” and that he will share this knowledge in his record (1 Nephi 1:1).
    [Show full text]
  • Psalms Psalm
    Cultivate - PSALMS PSALM 126: We now come to the seventh of the "Songs of Ascent," a lovely group of Psalms that God's people would sing and pray together as they journeyed up to Jerusalem. Here in this Psalm they are praying for the day when the Lord would "restore the fortunes" of God's people (vs.1,4). 126 is a prayer for spiritual revival and reawakening. The first half is all happiness and joy, remembering how God answered this prayer once. But now that's just a memory... like a dream. They need to be renewed again. So they call out to God once more: transform, restore, deliver us again. Don't you think this is a prayer that God's people could stand to sing and pray today? Pray it this week. We'll pray it together on Sunday. God is here inviting such prayer; he's even putting the very words in our mouths. PSALM 127: This is now the eighth of the "Songs of Ascent," which God's people would sing on their procession up to the temple. We've seen that Zion / Jerusalem / The House of the Lord are all common themes in these Psalms. But the "house" that Psalm 127 refers to (in v.1) is that of a dwelling for a family. 127 speaks plainly and clearly to our anxiety-ridden thirst for success. How can anything be strong or successful or sufficient or secure... if it does not come from the Lord? Without the blessing of the Lord, our lives will come to nothing.
    [Show full text]
  • Psalm-25-Digging-Deeper.Pdf
    Chico Alliance Church Message February 1, 2015 Digging Deeper on the Message Pastor David Welch “Lord, Do Remember Me” Psalm 25 - The Psalms can be approached in so many different ways. This particular Psalm divides nicely under the R.A.P categories. Resolve, Affirmation and Petition appear all through the song. Not accounting for the Hebrew poetry factor, which often repeats similar thoughts in differing words, I identified 16 resolves, 13 affirmations and 18 petitions scattered throughout this Psalm. These categories can be found in many of the Psalms. Most of the time they appear randomly throughout the Psalm. Try identifying the categories in another Psalm. I gathered all the verses of Psalm 25 under these three categories. RESOLVE -- David’s desire to trust God alone Since David began with resolve, I want to explore his resolves first and then the affirmations of truth that stimulated the resolves and inspired the petitions. David expressed his personal action throughout the song. To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul. O my God, in YOU I trust… Psalm 25:1-2 Lift up is another way of saying, Lord I appeal to you or give my attention to you. I trust in You. You are the object of my trust. I wait for YOU. Psalm 25:21 For YOU I wait all the day. Psalm 25:5 The term “wait” goes deeper than waiting around wishing something will happen. It indicates a certain expectation that God will act in His way and His time and I continue on in the present anticipating God’s appearance in the future.
    [Show full text]
  • To You I Lift up Study Notes for the Christian Layperson By: Rev
    THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT AD TE LEVAVI To You I Lift Up Study Notes for the Christian Layperson by: Rev. Roberto E. Rojas, Jr. Matthew 21:1-9 ESV Collect of the Day: Author and Date: Stir up Your power, O Lord, and come, Matthew Levi the apostle around AD 50. This is the Triumphal Entry of Jesus that by Your protection we may be rescued from Bethany to Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1-9; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; from the threatening perils of our sins John 12:12-19). and saved by Your mighty deliverance; for 1 Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount You live and reign with the Father and the of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. • This text is recorded by all four Evangelists and is read twice in the course of a year: Advent 1 and Palm Sunday. Note also that the text for Trinity 10 takes Introit: place immediately after this. Psalm 25:4-5, 21-22 (antiphon: Psalm 25:1-3a) • Bethphage was a village on the Mount of Olives around 1 mile from the — To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. temple in Jerusalem. The Mount of Olives was named in the prophecy Psalm: of the Lord’s advent (Zechariah 14:4). 24 (antiphon: v. 7) — The King of Glory • The two disciples are unidentified (see Mark 6:7; Luke 10:1). Old Testament Reading: • This all took place on the first day of the week, Sunday, on the 10th Jeremiah 23:5-8 — The Righteous Branch of Nisan (see John 12:1, 12).
    [Show full text]
  • Metrical Psalter Book 1 V 1-0-3
    The Psalms in metre Book 1 Psalms 1-41 Book 1 ; Page 1 © Dru Brooke-Taylor 2015, the author’s moral rights have been asserted. For further information both on copyright and how to use this material see https://psalmsandpsimilar.wordpress.com v 1.0.3 : 15 vi 2015 Book 1 ; Page 2 Table of Contents Psalm 1 (SHa) CM 5 Psalm 2 (SHa)CM 6 Psalm 3 (SHa) CM 8 Psalm 4 (SHa)CM 10 Psalm 5 (TBa) CM 11 Psalm 6 (TBa) CM 13 Psalm 7 (SHa) CM 14 Psalm 8 (SHa) CM 16 Psalm 8-B (DBT) 13,13,13,13,13,13 18 Psalm 9 (SHa) CM 20 Psalm 10 (SHa) CM 22 Psalm 11 (DBT) CM 24 Psalm 12 - (SHa) CM 25 Psalm 13 (SHa) CM 26 Psalm 14 - (SHa) CM 27 Psalm 14-B - Another version (TB unaltered) LM 28 Psalm 15 - (SHa) CM 30 Psalm 16 - (SHa) CM 31 Psalm 17 - (SHa) CM 33 Part 2 34 Psalm 18 - (SHa) CM 35 Psalm 19 (SHa) CM 40 Psalm 20 (SHa) CM 42 Psalm 21 (SHa) DCM 43 Psalm 22 (SHa) CM 45 Part 2 46 Part 3 46 Psalm 23 (R) CM 48 Psalm 23 - B (SHa) CM 48 Psalm 23 - C A version by Sir H. W. Baker 8787 49 Psalm 23 - D - a version by Addison 88 88 88 50 Psalm 24 (TBa) DCM 52 Psalm 24 - B Dr Watts version to Kingsbridge in LM 54 Part 2 55 Psalm 25 (SHa) DSM 56 Part 2 57 Psalm 26 (SHa) CM 59 Psalm 27 (SHa) CM 60 Psalm 28 (SHa) CM 62 Psalm 29 (SHa) CM 63 Psalm 30 (DBT) DCM 65 Psalm 31 (SHa) CM 67 Psalm 32 (SHa) CM 70 Psalm 33 (TB) CM 72 Part 2 73 Psalm 34 (TB) CM 74 Part 2 75 Psalm 35 (TBa) CM 76 Book 1 ; Page 3 Part 2 77 Part 3 77 Psalm 36 (SHa) CM 79 Psalm 37 (TBa) 888 888 81 Part 2 82 Part 3 83 Part 3 84 Psalm 38 (SHa) CM 86 Part 2 87 Psalm 39 (SHa) CM 88 Psalm 40 (SHa) CM 90 Psalm 40 - B (TBa) LM 92 Psalm 41 (SHa) DCM 94 Book 1 ; Page 4 Psalm 1 (SHa) CM Playford has a good tune in three line harmony, which floats between Emi and G Maj, which is below as ‘Old First’ with the addition of an alto line and some ornamentation.
    [Show full text]
  • 2 Samuel & 1 Chronicles with Associated Psalms
    2 Samuel& 1 Chronicles w/Associated Psalms (Part 2 ) -Psalm 22 : The Psalm on the Cross . This anguished prayer of David was on the lips of Jesus at his crucifixion. Jesus’ prayed the psalms on the cross! Also, this is the most quoted psalm in the New Testament. Read this and then pray this the next time you experience anguish. -Psalm 23 : The Shepherd Psalm . Probably the best known psalm among Christians today. -Psalm 24 : The Christmas Processional Psalm . The Christmas Hymn, “Lift Up Your Heads, Yet Might Gates” is based on this psalm; also the 2000 chorus by Charlie Hall, “Give Us Clean Hands.” -Psalm 47 : God the Great King . Several hymns & choruses are based on this short psalmcelebrating God as the Great King over all. Think of “Psalms” as “Worship Hymns/Songs.” -Psalm 68 : Jesus Because of Hesed . Thematically similar to Psalms 24, 47, 132 on the triumphant rule of Israel’s God, with 9 stanzas as a processional liturgy/song: vv.1-3 (procession begins), 4-6 (benevolent God), 7-10 (God in the wilderness [bemidbar]), 11-14 (God in the Canaan conquest), 15-18 (the Lord ascends to Mt. Zion), 19-23 (God’s future victories), 24-27 (procession enters the sanctuary), 28-31 (God subdues enemies), 32-35 (concluding doxology) -Psalm 89 : Davidic Covenant (Part One) . Psalms 89 & 132 along with 2 Samuel 7 & 1 Chronicles 17 focus on God’s covenant with David. This psalm mourns a downfall in the kingdom, but clings to the covenant promises.This psalm also concludes “book 4” of the psalter.
    [Show full text]
  • Wisdom Editing in the Book of Psalms: Vocabulary, Themes, and Structures Steven Dunn Marquette University
    Marquette University e-Publications@Marquette Dissertations (2009 -) Dissertations, Theses, and Professional Projects Wisdom Editing in the Book of Psalms: Vocabulary, Themes, and Structures Steven Dunn Marquette University Recommended Citation Dunn, Steven, "Wisdom Editing in the Book of Psalms: Vocabulary, Themes, and Structures" (2009). Dissertations (2009 -). Paper 13. http://epublications.marquette.edu/dissertations_mu/13 Wisdom Editing in the Book of Psalms: Vocabulary, Themes, and Structures By Steven Dunn, B.A., M.Div. A Dissertation submitted to the Faculty of the Graduate School, Marquette University, in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Milwaukee, Wisconsin December 2009 ABSTRACT Wisdom Editing in the Book of Psalms: Vocabulary, Themes, and Structures Steven Dunn, B.A., M.Div. Marquette University, 2009 This study examines the pervasive influence of post-exilic wisdom editors and writers in the shaping of the Psalter by analyzing the use of wisdom elements—vocabulary, themes, rhetorical devices, and parallels with other Ancient Near Eastern wisdom traditions. I begin with an analysis and critique of the most prominent authors on the subject of wisdom in the Psalter, and expand upon previous research as I propose that evidence of wisdom influence is found in psalm titles, the structure of the Psalter, and among the various genres of psalms. I find further evidence of wisdom influence in creation theology, as seen in Psalms 19, 33, 104, and 148, for which parallels are found in other A.N.E. wisdom texts. In essence, in its final form, the entire Psalter reveals the work of scribes and teachers associated with post-exilic wisdom traditions or schools associated with the temple.
    [Show full text]
  • Psalm 25 — the Right Road Is Not an Easy Road
    Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs: The Master Musician’s Melodies Bereans Sunday School Placerita Baptist Church 2004 by William D. Barrick, Th.D. Professor of OT, The Master’s Seminary Psalm 25 — The Right Road Is Not an Easy Road “The prayer is that of a person who has made the choice and is walking the road of the righteous; but the dispassionate wisdom has been transformed to passionate petition, for the right road is not an easy one on which to walk. … The essence of the road of the righteous is this: it is a road too difficult to walk without the companionship and friendship of God. … Ps 1 is a signpost which directs the wise to the choice of the right road; Ps 25 is a companion for use along the way.” — Peter C. Craigie, Psalms 1–50, Word Biblical Commentary (Waco, Tex.: Word Books, 1983), 222. 1.0 Introducing Psalm 25 Psalm 25 is an acrostic or alphabetic psalm. ♦ The Hebrew acrostic psalm begins each verse with successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet (22 letters). ♦ Psalms 9–10, 25, 34, 37, 111, 112, 119, 145 are all acrostic psalms. Psalm 25 is irregular (3 letters are omitted, 3 are repeated). ♦ Function of the acrostic. Provides a framework for the poem. Eye-appeal as a literary work — displays artistic skill. Some think they may have been aids for memorization. Could have been a way to convey completeness (= “A to Z”). An account regarding two Scottish Covenanter martyrs: “Twice a day, up the deep channel of the sluggish Blednoch, fringed by steep and sloping mudbanks, sweeps the yellow tide of the sea.
    [Show full text]
  • Fr. Lazarus Moore the Septuagint Psalms in English
    THE PSALTER Second printing Revised PRINTED IN INDIA AT THE DIOCESAN PRESS, MADRAS — 1971. (First edition, 1966) (Translated by Archimandrite Lazarus Moore) INDEX OF TITLES Psalm The Two Ways: Tree or Dust .......................................................................................... 1 The Messianic Drama: Warnings to Rulers and Nations ........................................... 2 A Psalm of David; when he fled from His Son Absalom ........................................... 3 An Evening Prayer of Trust in God............................................................................... 4 A Morning Prayer for Guidance .................................................................................... 5 A Cry in Anguish of Body and Soul.............................................................................. 6 God the Just Judge Strong and Patient.......................................................................... 7 The Greatness of God and His Love for Men............................................................... 8 Call to Make God Known to the Nations ..................................................................... 9 An Act of Trust ............................................................................................................... 10 The Safety of the Poor and Needy ............................................................................... 11 My Heart Rejoices in Thy Salvation ............................................................................ 12 Unbelief Leads to Universal
    [Show full text]
  • Psalms Praise Confession Petition Intercession Thanksgiving
    Psalms Praise Confession Petition Intercession Thanksgiving PSALMS OF PRAISE Gathering Music Welcome Announcements Introduction to Psalm Sunday Rev. Nancy Mikoski Prelude Psalm 33 Emma Lou Diemer Introit O Praise God in His Holiness - Psalm 150 Charles Villiers Stanford Adult Choir *Call to Worship – Psalm 122 by Leslie Brandt How good it is to enter the sanctuary of the Lord! In the beauty and quietness of God’s house I find His presence very real and fulfilling. I rejoice as I enter His sanctuary and mingle with those who honor His name and seek His grace. There, shielded from the screaming tensions and ear-splitting sounds of the city, in the company of those who love one another, I happily open my heart to the loving mercy of God. *Processional Hymn Make a Joyful Noise All the Earth – Psalm 100 Lift Up Your Hearts #12 Congregational Psalm From the Rising of the Sun – Psalm 113 John L. Bell Men: All you who are God’s servants, praise the Lord’s name for ever. Women: From the rising of the sun and until its setting, let the servants of the Lord praise his holy name. PSALMS OF CONFESSION Call to Confession – Psalm 32 by Leslie Brandt Every time I attempt to handle my own guilt—by ignoring it, rationalizing it, or just running away from it—some unseen power or pressure from the depths of my being squeezes my life dry, leaving me empty. But when I face up to my failures and confess them, when I open my guilt-ridden heart to You, O God, then I realize the blessed meaning of forgiveness.
    [Show full text]
  • Psalm 121 Commentary
    Psalm 121 Commentary PSALM 119 PSALMS Psalm 121 1 (A Song of Ascents.) I Will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From whence shall my help come? 2 My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. 3 He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber. 4 Behold, He who keeps Israel Will neither slumber nor sleep. 5 The LORD is your keeper; The LORD is your shade on your right hand. 6 The sun will not smite you by day, Nor the moon by night. 7 The LORD will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul. 8 The LORD will guard your going out and your coming in From this time forth and forever. INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY EXERCISE BEFORE YOU CONSULT THE COMMENTARY ON PSALM 121 Need "Help"? Click and meditate on… Jehovah Ezer: The LORD our Helper Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir's version "My Help" Study the Comments on Psalm 121 (below) Do a Greek/Hebrew Word Study on Help Commentaries on the Psalms Before you read the notes on Psalm 121, consider performing a simple Inductive Study on this great Psalm, so that you might experience the joy of personal discovery of its rich treasures. If you take time to do this before you read the comments, you will be pleasantly surprised how much illumination your Teacher, the Holy Spirit will provide (1Jn 2:20, 27, 1Cor 2:10-16 - and you will be better able to comment on the commentaries even as the Bereans "commented" on what Paul taught them in Acts 17:11-note).
    [Show full text]