July 4
Read Psalms 52:1
In Today's
Tendency of corrupt tongue; foolishness of atheism; a prayer for protection; a cry against deceitful friends; the psalmist's trust in God
God will judge all unconfessed sin. It is fitting that David, the man after God's own heart (see I Samuel 13:14), expressed the exceeding hatred God has for the evil which corrupts His creation. Included in Psalm 59 is David's prayer: O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me (vs. 1). He also prayed that God would not be merciful to his enemies, since God cannot be merciful to any sinner who does not repent of his sins (see 59:5,13). True repentance prepares our hearts to receive Christ as our Savior and allows Him to become Lord of our lives (see Acts 2:38; 4:12).
David recognized that sinful acts are rebellion against God as well as against others. David identified himself with God, who hates sin, and declared that he too hated those who rebel against God and counted them as his enemies as well. David loved the Lord and His ways and recognized that he was the anointed representative of God on earth; therefore, he was responsible to administer justice on the Lord's behalf.
There is coming a day of reckoning when God will render to every man according to his deeds: To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life: But to them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Tribulation (Distress) and anguish, (will be) upon every soul of man that does evil (Romans 2:6-9). You can be among those who look forward to Christ's return if you repent and forsake your sins. Let Christ be Lord of your life and read His Word in order to know and do His will. Life is fleeting and judgment is sure. Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation (II Corinthians 6:2).
Though Jesus first came as the Suffering Servant, He will return as the Conquering King who will make war against the forces of Satan and will judge all mankind by His righteousness. The sharp sword that will go forth out of His mouth is the Word of God. Jesus said: He that rejects Me, and receives not My words, has One that judges him: the Word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day (John 12:48).
Christ Revealed:
As the One who saves those who will call on Him (Psalm 55:16-17; compare Romans 10:13).
Word Studies:
53:3 filthy = corrupt; 55:4 sore = grievously; 55:9 divide their tongues = bring confusion to their counsel; 59:10 prevent = go before me.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. William Stevens · Government Official: Rep. Sam Farr (CA) · Country: Dominican Republic (8 million) in the West Indies, occupying the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola · Major language: Spanish · Religious freedom · 96% Roman Catholic (many are spiritists); 2% Protestant; 1% Afro-American spiritist · Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to reveal His will and fill you with His Spirit (Ephesians 5:17-18).
Optional
Memory Verse for the Week: 1 Thessalonians 4:13