Bible Pathways - June 30, 2009
June 30
Highlights In Today's Reading:
David's life is filled with his daily conversations with the Lord, just as ours should be. These psalms describe: his dependence on the Lord for protection and deliverance from his ever-present enemies (chap. 31,35); his admission of sin and of his need to receive forgiveness (chap. 32); and his complete joy and rejoicing in the love of the Lord (chap. 33 — 34) — all examples of how to live our lives.
When a Christian is consistent in giving praise to God, the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad (34:2), and others will also be encouraged to exalt the Lord: O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together (34:3). I will praise Thee among much people (35:18).
Praise in our worship services on the Lord's day, at mealtime, and during daily devotions is good and right and expected. But the psalmist went beyond the expected times of praise and said: My tongue shall speak of Thy righteousness and of Thy praise all the day long (35:28). Through the Apostle Paul we are admonished to rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice (Phil. 4:4); and be filled with the Spirit . . . giving thanks always for all things unto God (Eph. 5:18,20).
Some may ask, "How is it possible to praise the Lord continually?" This exhortation is directed towards those who have been humbled and made teachable — often through much affliction and suffering. We must realize that God sees and knows our every trial — as well as our every joy. Our loving god is always working to accomplish good for us, then we can rejoice . . . always. Even though, at times, we may not "feel" like praising Him, He is still greatly to be praised (Ps. 48:1). God used the Apostle Peter to remind us: Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings (I Pet. 4:12-13).
Constant praise to God — through our conversation and actions — we do bring honor to His Name. As we bless the Lord at all times (Ps. 34:1), we shall be delivered . . . from all . . . fears. . . . troubles. . . . (and) afflictions (34:4,6,17,19). Let them say continally, Let the Lord be magnified (35:27).
By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His Name (Heb. 13:15).
Thought for Today:
I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth (Ps. 34:1).
Christ Revealed:
In the prophecy that not one of His bones would be broken as recorded concerning His crucifixion (Ps. 34:20). These things were done, that the Scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of Him shall not be broken (John 19:36).
Word Studies:
31:4 privily = secretly; 31:6 lying vanities = all other gods; 31:8 shut me up = given me over; 32:2 guile = deceit; 32:3 roaring = complaining; 35:12 spoiling = determined to take my life; 35:15 abjects = slanderers.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Dr. John A. Hash in memory of Letha Hash • Staff: Karen Hawkins • Country: Solomon Islands (455,000) in the southwestern Pacific • Major languages: 120 indigenous languages • Religious freedom • 66% Protestant; 17% Roman Catholic; 4% spirit worship, ancestor worship, and sorcery • Prayer Suggestion: Thank God in prayer for His faithfulness to His Word and His desire that all come to repentance (II Pet. 3:9).
Optional Reading: Colossians 3
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 7:20
