Read Psalms 101 -- 105
In Today's Reading:
Personal commitment to the Lord's ways; a cry in distress; gratitude to God for His mercy; His mighty power; God's providence over Israel
David was inspired by the Holy Spirit to prophesy beyond the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus to His coming kingdom reign when He will administer equal justice for all the world. Because of this, David declared: I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside (Psalm 101:2-3). David was testifying that all his personal pleasures, as well as his business transactions, were to please the Lord. To maintain this attitude, David chose his friends wisely, saying: A froward (deceitful) heart shall depart from me: I will not know (acknowledge) a wicked person (101:4). He clearly would not have anything to do with anyone who slandered others.
A few of the many reasons for praising the Lord are given in Psalm 103, but it is the loving Lord Himself Who is our highest reason for praise. First, we praise Him for Who He is, the all-powerful, all-wise, righteous Creator We thankfully praise Him because He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear Him (103:10-11). We should never cease to praise the Lord for His mercy and forgiving love in cleansing us from all our sins. Just think, His forgiving love toward those who fear Him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. Therefore, it is an act of unbelief on our part, a deception of Satan, and contrary to the nature of our loving Lord, for us to bring up former sins — either ours or those of others. Forgiven means no longer remembered, not only by God, but by us as well (see I John 1:9; II Peter 1:9). God has assured us that as far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us (Psalm 103:12). Always remember, before you begin praying, forgive anyone you feel has wronged you. When you do that, your Father will forgive your evil deeds, but, if you do not forgive others, your Father will not forgive you.
We are reminded that unlimited forgiveness should characterize every true disciple of Christ, for He said: When ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father . . forgive your trespasses (Mark 11:25-26).
Christ Revealed:
As the One Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; Who healeth all thy diseases (Psalm 103:3). Forgiveness of sin and the healing power of God describe the ministry of our Lord Jesus, Who was sent to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord (Luke 4:18-19; Matthew 9:6).
Word Studies:
101:4 froward heart = an obstinate and evil mind; not know = have nothing to do with; 101:5 cut off = destroy; suffer = tolerate; 101:6 perfect = blameless; one of integrity; 101:7 tarry = continue to dwell; 102:26 wax old = deteriorate; 104:9 bound = boundary; 104:13 chambers = dwelling place, heavens.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Lay Witnesses for Christ and Dr. Sam Mings · Government Officials: Rep. J.D. Hayworth (AZ), Rep. Betty McCollum (MN), and Rep. Bill McCollum (FL) · Country: Jordan (5 million) in southwestern Asia · Major languages: Arabic and English · Religious tolerance · 93% Muslim; 5% Christian · Prayer Suggestion: Pray for boldness to tell others about the Lord (Acts 4:29).
Optional Reading: I Timothy 3
Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 1:18