Psalm of the Week - Psalm 144:1-2

 

King David had many enemies

However, he always appealed to God for help. How can we use verse 1 today?

 I apply it to spiritual warfare and my weapon is the Sword of the Spirit, the Holy Bible. My hands hold the Sword of the Spirit and my fingers turn the pages as I apply the verses of scripture to each problem I encounter with the wise counsel of the Holy Spirit. 

Verse 2 describes my relationship with Jesus and God. 

He is my lovingkindness and my fortress. He loves me and protects me behind the walls of my faith. He strengthens those fortress of faith walls and gives me peace. He is my high tower and my deliverer from sin, my Savior. He is my shield and the one in whom I take refuge. Obviously I don't have people rebelling under me BUT we have an enemy named Satan whom he subdues. 

Psalm of the Week - 28:7

Psalm of the Week - 18:1-3

I love God with my whole soul. God isn't going to move; he will keep me stable and safe. God will deliver me and give me strength. God is trustworthy and I  am going to trust him. God will shield me because he is the power and strength of my salvation. He will keep me safe from my enemies.

My enemies are anyone, or anything that means me harm, isn't good for me, or keeps my focus off of God and his plan for me. This includes

• Satan 
• Addictions
•  People who tear me down with words or actions
• Busyness

A New Change for 2018 - Beth Moore's Memorize Galatians Challenge

Hi there,
I was checking my FB page and saw that Beth Moore is starting a new challenge for 2018, memorize the book of Galatians. When I saw that, my first thought was,"YES!" I know it is quite the challenge. I watched Beth's video and she states that this should take about 18 months minimum and I agree. It is quite a wordy book of the bible and just studying a book in 4 weeks is tough! At least that was my experience with the book of 2nd Corinthians.
I have decided to post about 4-5 verses from Galatians each week and those will be my Verse of the Week feature for 2018.  Additionally, the Psalm of the Week feature will be dropped in 2018. However, the Psalm of the Week tab on the homepage will give you access to all of the previous posts.
This is a No-Fail Challenge - It is a Win-Win Challenge
Now, I am going to be honest with you. Memorization is tough for me and my recall has become intermittent. I am going to be happy to just study and practice reciting the verses from memory. If I don't get it memorized, I am not stressing at all because studying the bible is a win-win goal. You noticed I said, goal. Yes, it doesn't matter if you memorize the verses or not, what matters is that you try to reach that goal, but if you don't you are not failing anything. Are you with me? This is not a succeed or fail goal. This goal is a success just because you tried and studied the bible verses.

Ways to Help You Memorize and Study Bible Verses

1. Auditory learners - Record the verses on your phone and play them back, or if you have a bible app that will read it to you, then use that. 
2. Visual learners - Put the verses on 3x5 index cards or post it notes and put them on the dash of your car, the bathroom mirror, or other places you are going to spend time looking at them. 
3. What works for me - Practice memorizing the verses in short phrases while making a visual picture of the words in your mind. Close your eyes while you visualize the words. 
4. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you retain the verses.
5. Study the verses by using a study bible with notes and a commentary. Then you will learn the background, context, and how to apply to verses to your life. I use an NIV discipleship bible and a NKJV study bible. Additionally, I use biblehub.com because this website has several bible commentaries, parallel bibles, Hebrew and Greek translations, and an app that you can download onto your phone. 

The Dark Side of Encouragement - Psalm 64:5

Psalm 64 is titled: The Hurtful Tongue. 
David was well aware of his enemies that smiled to his face, but encouraged each other in secret meetings. Don't let people around you encourage you to join the dark side of encouragement such as gossip, slander, cursing others, and planning to hurt others. It is difficult to stand up to a group, but it isn't impossible. When you are in a group that begins to verbally assault someone, ask yourself what Jesus would do. Would He be quiet, or would he remind the group that they have their own faults too? John 8:7 Do not let yourself be pulled into the dark side of encouragement.  
Social Media Messages
Today, the hurtful tongue has become the typing fingers that post dark and negative comments on a social media profile. On social media, people can hide behind a user name and send anonymous, negative messages that can hurt others. These secret users type out posts that are as hurtful as being cut with a knife. Words can be wielded like a knife. Words can stab, slash, and cut into your self-esteem and heart, if you let them. Please, do not let these hurtful messages wound, or harm you.
Use Your Faith
I repeat, do not let words harm you. Pick up your shield of faith and extinguish the negative messages. Believe in and repeat God's messages. God's messages tell you who God says you are. Look into a mirror and say,"I am God's chosen. I am a co-heir to the kingdom of God. I am his beloved child. I am priceless to God."

This Is Who You Are In Christ
I added the bold italics to emphasize the point that you are a son or daughter of God through Jesus Christ. 
Romans 1:12
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Romans 8:16
The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.
1 John 3:1

Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knows us not, because it knew him not.

Galatians 4:6-7

6 And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, you are also an heir through God.

How Long, Lord? - Psalm 13:1-6

The psalmist complains that God had long withdrawn. 

God sometimes hides his face, and leaves his own children in the dark concerning their interest in him: and this they lay to heart more than any outward trouble whatever. But anxious cares are heavy burdens with which believers often load themselves more than they need. It is a common temptation, when trouble lasts long, to think that it will last always. 

Those who have long been without joy, begin to be without hope. 

If we bring our cares and griefs to the throne of grace, and leave them there, we may go away like Hannah, and our countenances will be no more sad, 1Sa 1:18. adapted from Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary

The Right Hand of God - Psalm 110:1

Sitting is a resting posture:
after services and sufferings, to give law, to give judgment. It is a remaining posture: he sits like a king for ever. 
All his enemies are now in a chain, but not yet made his footstool. 
And his kingdom, being set up, shall be kept up in the world, in despite of all the powers of darkness. 
Has the gospel of Christ been to us the power of God in to salvation? 

• Has his kingdom been set up in our hearts? 
• Are we his willing subjects? Once we knew not our need of his salvation, and we were not willing that he should reign over us. 
• Are we willing to give up every sin, to turn from a wicked, ensnaring world, and rely only on his merits and mercy, to have him for our Prophet, Priest, and King? 
• Do we desire to be holy? 

To those who are thus changed, the Saviour's sacrifice, intercession, and blessing belong to the the Lord through Jesus Christ. 
adapted from Matthew Henry's Bible Commentary

Beware Flattery and Faithlessness - Psalm 5:9

For there is no faithfulness in their mouth
Today, you can find biblical standards in the media, but you have to look carefully for it. However, this isn't a media problem, but a social problem. 
Media is viewer-driven. 
It is all about the numbers. If the numbers go down, changes are made. Apparently most viewers would rather see sex, drugs, and unfaithfulness on their tablets, phones, computers, and televisions than wholesome and godly programs. 
Are you supporting ungodly media by watching, rather than boycotting them? 
Their inward part is very wickedness

People are adept at hiding what they are doing in their personal lives. Ask the Lord for discernment so that you will know who is sincere and who is not. Don't let the outside appearance of people catch you off guard. Pray for discernment and expect to receive it. The Holy Spirit will give you discernment.

Their throat is an open tomb

Cursing makes me wince inwardly. In my before-Jesus life, I cursed quite well. I was in the Navy and sailors are known to curse right? This was my excuse for cursing. Today, cursing makes me wince inwardly because through Jesus Christ, I have become a new person. As a new creation through Jesus Christ, I want to speak encouragement and healing words, not negativeness and ugliness. 

They flatter with their tongue.

The comedian and actress Mae West liked to say, "Flattery will get you everywhere." This is a truism because flattering people can make them want to help you. It may not work all the time, but it will work pretty well.Therefore, the motive behind flattery is that the flatterer wants something from you. It might be your time, money, or a commitment, but they are flattering you to get something in return. 
Compliment or Flattery?
My husband likes to compliment people. However, the only motive he has is to make them feel good because someone said something positive to them. Motive is the difference between flattery and compliments. The flatterer wants something in return, but the complimenter is trying to encourage and uplift the person they are complimenting. Brothers and sisters, make sure you are speaking compliments rather than flattery. 

Tap Out to God - Psalm 66:3

Mixed Martial Arts

In MMA, or Mixed Martial Arts, a fighter will tap-out, or submit to their opponent when they find themselves in a position that is impossible to recover, or escape from. Most fighters will wait until the last moment possible to tap out. No one wants to admit that they have been overpowered by the greater strength of an opponent.

God is Formidable

In Psalm 66, the writer says to tell God you KNOW how formidable and impressive his works are and through the greatness of his power, his enemies will submit themselves to him. God is the greater opponent and his enemies will surrender, or tap out to him. 

God is with us and for us. 

His enemies will always tap out before him. Isn't that a great reason to make a joyful noise to the Lord today?

I Will Not Fear - Psalm 118:6

The Lord is On the Side of David, Jesus, and Me

The Lord was on the side of David, hence all his prosperity and victories, the wonderful things done by him, his exaltation to the throne, and the establishment of it.
The Lord was on the side of Christ, he was near by him, at his right hand, to guide, direct, and assist him as man
The Lord is on the side of his people and he will:

• fight their battles for them
• support them under all their afflictions
• supply all their wants
• deliver them from all evil
• carry on the work of grace in their souls
• bring them to glory

David Did Not Fear
He was not afraid of ten thousands of men, no, not of a whole army that encamped against him, God being for him, the strength of his life, and his salvation.
Jesus Did Not Fear
He was not afraid of Herod when he was told he would kill him; nor of the high priests, Scribes and Pharisees, though he knew he should fall into their hands, and they would deliver him to the Gentiles, to be scourged and crucified; nor of Judas and his band of men, who came to take him; nor of Pilate his judge, who had no power against him but what was given him.
Believers Should Not Fear
 The utmost any man can do is to kill the body; he cannot destroy the soul, or hinder the happiness of it.
Adapted from Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible 

How to Live Life - Psalm 119:9-10

Psalm 119 is an amazing psalm to study. 
Study will reveal that this psalm contains instructions on how to live life every day. This life outline includes the following four instructions:

• Study God's commands
• Live according to the word of God, the Bible
• Seek God with all your heart
• Ask God to help you stay focused on his commands

Think About the Word of God Like This

Each verse is like a seed of wisdom that contains his instructions on how to live according to his will. When you bury these seeds in your heart, each word will sprout and give you understanding and insight into God's commands. This is the insight that will keep you from leaving his path for you. The more seeds you bury in your heart, the more insight and understanding you will have about the Lord's commands.  Seek him with all your heart. The rewards will be great. This isn't my promise, it is God's promise. 

You Can't Take It With You - Psalm 49:16-17

Rescued and Redeemed - Psalm 105:28

Psalm 105 was speaking of the plague that God sent so the Egyptian pharaoh would release the Israelites from bondage. 

Matthew Henry wrote this about Psalm 105:24-45:

As the believer commonly thrives best in his soul when under the cross; so the church also flourishes most in true holiness, and increases in number, while under persecution. 

• Yet instruments shall be raised up for their deliverance, and plagues may be expected by persecutors. 
• And see the special care God took of his people in the wilderness. 

All the benefits bestowed on Israel as a nation, were shadows of spiritual blessings with which we are blessed in Christ Jesus. 

• Having redeemed us with his blood, restored our souls to holiness, and set us at liberty from Satan's bondage, he guides and guards us all the way. 
• He satisfies our souls with the bread of heaven, and the water of life from the Rock of salvation, and will bring us safely to heaven. 
• He redeems his servants from all iniquity, and purifies them unto himself, to be a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Adapted from Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary

Power and Strength is Yours - Psalm 68:35

Troubles? God Will Help You

No matter what trials or struggles you are going through,God will give you the power and strength you need because of Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross. Through Jesus, you will be given the same power and strength that Jesus received from God. 

However, there are three things that you should do as one of his people. 

1. Give God the glory for all that you do - praise him and tell others what he has done for you. 
2. Humbly thank Him for enabling you to do all things - thank Him for giving you the power and strength that you need to make it through your trouble, trial, or struggle. 
3. Accept the work of God's hands in you - be willing to be shaped and molded according to God's plan. 

To sum this up, give praise with thanks and be willing to accept the change that God's hands will bring as you face each challenge with his power and strength. 

. 

Tears Today, Joy Tomorrow - Psalm 126:5

Try to remember three things when you are struggling with grief, upsetting circumstances, and life:

1. Suffering saints are often in tears; they share the troubles of human life, and commonly have a greater share than others. 
2. Weeping must not hinder sowing; we must get good from times of trouble. 
3. When we mourn for our sins, or suffer for Christ's sake, we are sowing in tears, to reap in joy. 

adapted from Matthew Henry's Bible Commentary

Look for the Bright Side - Psalm 42:5

• There are two sides to the events which occur, and which seem so discouraging to us - a dark side and a bright side. 
• We are prone to look only at the dark side, to see only what is gloomy and discouraging.
• Looking only at the dark side, often becomes in a sense voluntary, and we find a melancholy satisfaction in being miserable, and in making ourselves more unhappy, as if we had been wronged, and as if there were a kind of virtue in dejection and gloom. It can be because we are mad at God, or we don't want to accept what has happened.
• God's beloved children need  to look at the bright side of things; to think of the past mercies of God; to look at the blessings which surround us still; to look to the future. in this world and the next, with hope. 
• God wants us to come to him, and cast the burden on him. 
• Every sad and grieving Christian ought to say to his soul, "Why am I in despair?"

Adapted from Barnes' Notes on the Bible

The Pit of Doubt and Fear - Psalm 40:2-3

Jesus is My Rock 
 My experience with being in a horrible pit of fear and doubt, feet slippery with miry clay, is a distant memory. However, I know that the minute I stop letting Jesus be in charge of my life; I am in danger of slipping back into the pit of doubt and fear that he took me out of. I am glad that he is firmly in charge of my goings, today and every day.

Jesus did indeed put a new song in my mouth.  
I continue to praise Him daily. Today, my worst day is still better than the best day of my pre-Jesus, pit-dwelling life. 





Doubts and fears are a horrible pit and miry clay to many a beloved child of God. 

• There is power enough in God to help the weakest and grace enough to help the unworthiest of all that trust in him. 
• The psalmist waited patiently; he continued believing, hoping, and praying. 
• This verse is applicable to Christ. His agony, in the garden and on the cross, was a horrible pit and miry clay. 
• Those that wait patiently for God do not wait in vain. 
• Christ is the Rock on which a child of God can stand fast
• Where God has given steadfast hope, he expects there should be a steady, regular walk and conduct. 
• God filled the psalmist with joy, as well as peace in believing and he will do it for all of his children.
• Multitudes, by faith beholding the sufferings and glory of Christ, have learned to fear the justice and trust in the mercy of God through Him. 
• Many are the benefits with which we are daily loaded, by the providence and by the grace of God.

Adapted from Matthew Henry's Bible Commentary

Psalm 40:2 Scripture Prayer
Fill in the blank with whatever doubt or fear you see as a pit in your life and pray this prayer to Jesus.

Lord, I need your help. I know you can hear my cry. Lift me up out of the slimy pit of________________that I find myself in. I know you will lift me out of the mud and mire because you are faithful. You will set my feet on a rock so I will have a firm place to stand. Lord Jesus, put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to you. I will praise you Jesus so that all will see how you helped me and be in awe.  Amen.

.

Trust God - Psalm 56:3-4

David was not bragging, he does not claim never to be afraid.

• He saw the imminence of his peril, or danger from the Philistines, and was afraid.
• He feared, but that fear did not fill the whole area of his mind, for he adds, "I will trust in thee."

It is possible, then, for fear and faith to occupy the mind at the same moment. 

• We are strange beings, and our experience in the divine life is stranger still. We are often in a twilight, where light and darkness are both present, and it is hard to tell which dominates. 

If I fear man I have only to trust God, and I have the best antidote. 

• To trust when there is no cause for fear, is but the name of faith, but to be reliant upon God when occasions for alarm are abundant and pressing, is the conquering faith of God's children.

Though the verse is in the form of a resolve, it became a fact in David's life, let us make it so in ours. 

• Whether the fear arises from without or within, from past, present, or future, from temporals, or spirituals, from men or demons, let us maintain faith, and we shall soon recover courage.

"In God I will praise his word." 

• Faith brings forth praise. 
• He who can trust will soon sing praise. 
• God's promise, when fulfilled, is a great subject for praise.

It is in or through God that we are able to praise. 

• We praise as well as pray in the Spirit. 
• Or we may read it - in celebrating the Lord one of the main points for thanksgiving is his revealed will in the Scriptures, and the fidelity with which he keeps his word of promise. 

"In God I have put my trust. I will not fear what flesh can do to me." 

• Faith exercised, fear is banished, and holy triumph ensues, so that the soul asks, "What can flesh do to me?" 
• What indeed? He can do me no real injury; all his ill will, spitefulness, or hatred shall be overruled for my good. 

Man is flesh, flesh is grass - Lord, in thy name I defy its utmost wrath. 

adapted from The Treasury of David by Charles H. Spurgeon

Praise the Lord - Psalm 100:4

Great encouragement is given us, in worshipping God, to do it cheerfully.

If, when we strayed like wandering sheep, he has brought us again to his fold, we have indeed abundant cause to bless his name. The matter of praise, and the motives to it, are very important. 

Know what God is to you. 
Know it; consider and apply it, then you will be more close and constant, more inward and serious, in his worship. 
                                                                                                                                                      adapted from Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

A Green Olive Tree in God's House - Psalm 52:8

David  was trusting God to keep his covenant loyalty to him because God keeps his word. He is faithful. 

"A green olive tree"; which is a very choice and fruitful tree has:

• fatness in it
• produces an excellent oil
• is beautiful to look at
• delights in hot climates and sunny places
• is found on mountains
• we read of the Mount of Olives in the Bible
• is ever green and durable
• its leaves and branches are symbols of peace

All of the above characteristics are also applicable to truly righteous persons and believers in Christ who are:

•  the excellent of the earth
• are filled with the fruits of righteousness
• are fat and flourishing
• have the oil of grace - the anointing which teaches all things
• are a perfection of beauty - made perfectly comely through Christ's comeliness
• thrive under him - the sun of righteousness
• grow in the mountain of the Lord's house - the church
• their grace is incorruptible
• their leaf withers not
• they are rooted in Christ and ever continue
• they are the sons and daughters of peace
• their last end will be eternal peace.  

                                                                                                                                           adapted from  Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible
A green tree is the emblem of prosperity.
I am safe and happy...I have been kept unharmed, like a green and flourishing tree...protected in the very courts of the sanctuary - safe under the care and the eye of God. A green tree is the emblem of prosperity.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     adapted from Barnes Notes

Those who by faith and love dwell in the house of God, shall be like green olive-trees there. And that we may be as green olive-trees, we must live a life of faith and holy confidence in God and his grace.                                                                                                                                                                                              Matthew Henry's Bible Commentary