God’s Word For Today
By Gospel Light Filipino
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God’s Word For TodayMar 21, 2024
24.124 | JESUS IS LORD OF THE SABBATH | Mark 2:23-28 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Sinon
23 May 2024
23 One Sabbath he was going through the grainfields, and as they made their way, his disciples began to pluck heads of grain. 24 And the Pharisees were saying to him, “Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?” 25 And he said to them, “Have you never read what David did, when he was in need and was hungry, he and those who were with him: 26 how he entered the house of God, in the time of Abiathar the high priest, and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those who were with him?” 27 And he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. 28 So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.”
-Mark 2:23-28 ESV
JESUS IS LORD OF THE SABBATH
The Sabbath is an extremely important part of Judaism. As the fourth of the Ten Commandments, God commonly condemned the Israelites should they refuse to honor the Sabbath (Eze 20:13, 16, 21). It is kept in order to honor the seventh day of creation, on which God rested (Ex 20:11), trust Him for their needs (Ex 16:22–26), rest from labor (Ex 20:9–10), exhibit righteousness (Ex 31:14), and as a mark of distinction between Israel and pagan nations (Eze 20:12).
According to Deut 23:25, plucking corn from someone’s field is not stealing as long as they use their hands not sickle. The question is whether plucking grain is allowed on Sabbath or it is categorized as ‘work’. It is said that Jewish leaders had created thirty-nine Melachot (working) prohibitions to ensure no good Jew came close to breaking the Law. It's reasonable to assume these Pharisees lived by similar prohibitions. By plucking grain, separating the wheat from the chaff, disposing of the chaff, and eating the grain, the disciples violate at least four of the Melachot: reaping, threshing, winnowing, and selecting.
This was the reason why the Pharisees questioned Jesus as they saw His disciples plucking grain. According to their traditional laws, this was an act of "work" dishonoring the Sabbath. Interestingly, Jesus did not argue with them about the law. He cited the hungry David who ate the ‘bread of the Presence’ inside the tabernacle which no one is supposed to do except the priest[1 Sam 21:1-9]. In other words, he did something related to ceremonial laws which was arguably far "worse" than His disciples did. Evidently, he addressed the heart-attitude of the Pharisees.
What the priest did by giving David and his men the bread, they acknowledged a "higher law" at work. In that particular case, the command to have mercy on the needy supersedes the purely ceremonial law limiting who can eat the bread. While not explicitly stated, implicitly woven into the Law is the idea that feeding the hungry is a God-given priority. Caring for the needs of the needy, for instance, is more important than ceremonial rituals. Grace supersedes the law. He said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.
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24.123 | NEW GARMENT & NEW WINESKINS | Mark 2:18-22 | God’s Word for Today
24.122 | JESUS CAME FOR SINNERS | Mark 2:13-17 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon
Text: Mark 2:13-17 (ESV)
13 He went out again beside the sea, and all the crowd was coming to him, and he was teaching them. 14 And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.
15 And as he reclined at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. 16 And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 17 And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
JESUS CAME FOR SINNERS
Jesus called Levi[Matthew], son of Alphaeus, to follow Him as one of His 12 disciples. Did he know of Him prior to this moment? Perhaps, he knew Jesus like Peter and Andrew. This explains his willingness to abandon his very lucrative post as a tax collector and follow Jesus. He was collecting taxes on behalf of the Roman ruler, most likely Herod Antipas.
Immediately, Levi invited Jesus and others for a great feast at his home. They reclined at the table, laying on their sides or bellies with their legs behind them, leaning on their left arms and eating with their right hand. He also invites "sinners." This is a technical term given by the Pharisees to Jews who do not have no interest or inclination to follow their rigid religion.
This gathering for dinner in the house of ungodly Levi and his friends with Jesus and His followers has angered the devout Jewish religious leaders. But, many ‘sinners’ followed Him. On hearing this, Jesus said to them, 'It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.'
His words offer a double implication in a sense. Firstly, He explains His mission as a friend of sinners who comes to save lost people. Secondly, Jesus also subtly rebukes the religious leaders who see themselves as righteous and without need of Jesus and the salvation He provides.
Like Jesus, we must have a heartbeat for the least and lost, the sin-sick people in this world. And, unlike the religious leaders, we must not be proud to think we’re better than others - branding others as less spiritual than ourselves.
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24.121 | THE QUESTIONING IN THE HEARTS | Mark 2:6-12 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon
Text: Mark 2:6-12 (ESV)
6 Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, 7 “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8 And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you question these things in your hearts? 9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk’? 10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic— 11 “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” 12 And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”
THE QUESTIONING IN THE HEARTS
The healing of the leper in the synagogue has marvelled everyone except the scribes. They were sitting and watching, questioning in their hearts, “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Unlike the four friends with strong faith, they were adamant in unbelief. Their hardened hearts led them to discredit Jesus as a liar and blasphemer. The real problem is their hearts are "evil."[Mat 9:4]
Jesus saw their questioning hearts. Jesus addressed their problems by asking questions. “Why do you question these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk’?” If Jesus can command the obvious miracle of healing a paralytic so that he can walk, before their eyes, what right have the scribes to discredit His authority to declare that the man's sins are forgiven, a situation which only God can see?
Thus, Jesus had asserted by saying, “But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” Later, Jesus declared, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”[Mat 28:18]
Jesus' words are authoritative. In front of their eyes, He said to the paralytic— “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” He rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all. Hence, they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!” May we will continue to be amazed by the words and works of Jesus, not to question in our hearts.
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24.120 | The Four Faithful Friends | Mark 2:1-5 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon
Text: Mark 2:1-5 ESV
1 And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home.
2 And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them.
3 And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men.
4 And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay.
5 And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
-Mark 2:1-5 ESV
THE FOUR FAITHFUL FRIENDS
Jesus’ popularity had increased in Galilee. At the village in Capernaum, the crowd was flocking inside a house. Jesus was inside. Jesus was welcomed in this hospitable home. The idea of hospitality is important in the culture and in the Bible. The apostle John in his epistle of 3 John is devoted to the idea. In Hebrews 13:2, it says that we must be hospitable for we may entertain angels without knowing it. In the Old Testament, Abraham received guests which included not only angels but the LORD Himself (Gen 18:1–8).
Jesus was preaching. And, many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. The news reached to these four men. They have to bring their paralytic friend to Jesus for healing. But, they couldn’t get in even near at the door.
It seems there was no way to enter in. However, an old adage says, “Necessity is the mother of creativity and invention.” They refused to surrender and created way. They removed the roof above him to make an opening. Then, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay in front of Jesus. For them, there was no close door but a new strategy. May we emulate their tenacity, relentlessness and creativity in advancing the gospel.
Jesus saw their ‘faith’. It’s not the faith of their paralytic friend that Jesus saw. Immediately, Jesus healed the sick man. Their faith made a big difference, in fact, paved a miracle to happen. Like them we must bring the least and the lost to Jesus by creating opportunities.
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24.119 | A Certain Kind Of Disobedience | Mark 1:40-45 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon
Text: Mark 1:40-45 ESV
40 And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.”
41 Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.”
42 And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean.
43 And Jesus sternly charged him and sent him away at once,
44 and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to them.”
45 But he went out and began to talk freely about it, and to spread the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in desolate places, and people were coming to him from every quarter.
-Mark 1:40-45 ESV
A CERTAIN KIND OF DISOBEDIENCE
A leper came near to Jesus. As an outcast, he was imploring and kneeling in desperate need for healing. Moved with much compassion, he touched and healed him instantly. There was no fanfare. His leprosy was gone immediately. Jesus' healing is marked with supernaturality.
Jesus charged him, saying, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to them.” Jesus was asking the priests to validate His work. His intent was to reach out to the religious leaders not to undermine them.
But the man went away telling everyone else about His healing. Who won’t be excited? What was wrong? He disobeyed Jesus. He did not seek popularity. Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in desolate places, and people were coming to him from every quarter.
Sadly, this man has valued the physical and social blessings more than the spiritual cleansing. Consequently, he drew the attention away from Jesus' teaching and onto His miracles. Remember, this was the first temptation that Jesus triumphed over in the wilderness (see Mat 4:1–4).
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24.117 | THE HOLY ONE OF GOD | Mark 1:21-28 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon
God’s Word for Today
15 May 2024
21 And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching. 22 And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. 23 And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, 24 “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” 25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” 26 And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him. 27 And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” 28 And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.
-Mark 1:21-28 ESV
THE HOLY ONE OF GOD.
As the Lord Jesus began His travel, His next stop was Capernaum. He went to the synagogue during the Sabbath. Teaching in the synagogue becomes the norm of Jesus’ ministry. And, the people were ‘astonished’ at His teaching as one with authority unlike the scribes.
Why?
Jesus taught with authenticity. His life and works backed up His message. For example, He healed a man with an unclean spirit inside the synagogue. The demon recognized and proclaimed, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” That, the demon expressed Jesus as the Holy One of God is quite fascinating! Indeed, the demons believe and tremble.[Jas 2:19]
Jesus is the holy one of God.
Nobody could argue His authority. The unclean spirits obeyed Him. He is the God incarnate. At the wilderness temptation and here, Jesus has expressed His authority by subjugating the demons. Yet, He did not exercise it to annihilate the demons as yet. He was fixated upon His goal to sacrifice at the cross.
Jesus, the Holy One, has humbled Himself by being born like us. As Paul articulated, “though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”[Phil 2:6-8]
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24.116 | FOLLOW ME | Mark 1:16-20 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon
Text: Mark 1:16-20 (ESV)
16 Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19 And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20 And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him.
FOLLOW ME
Jesus started His ministry by chosing His followers or disciples. He called the fishermen brothers Simon [Peter] and Andrew, while casting their nets into the sea. A little while, Jesus also invited Zebedee’s sons James and John, while mending their nets. No one was thinking and expecting that Jesus will invite them to follow Him that day. Life’s opportunities come at an unexpected moment. They were busy in their daily routines when the invitation came.
The choice is either to remain a fisherman or be a follower of Jesus. Opportunity is a blessing disguised as difficulty. Should they follow Jesus, they have to drop everything – nets, boats and even parents. And they did it immediately and unequivocably. To be a disciple of Jesus is a tall order as a call of a lifetime commitment, is it not?
Jesus promised them a more meaningful life of catching men.Jesus is inviting them how to live not how to earn a living. To be men catchers, they should be first faithful Jesus’ followers. The cart could not be before the horse, could it be?
The disciples have been with Jesus for three years, wherever He goes. Hence, our primary concern everyday is how to be a faithful follower of Jesus like them. And He would transform us to become effective fishers of men.
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24.115 | YOU ARE MY BELOVED SON I AM WELL PLEASED | Mark 1:9-15 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon
Text: Mark 1:9-15 (ESV)
9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
12 The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13 And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.
14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”
YOU ARE MY BELOVED SON I AM WELL PLEASED
Jesus grew up as a Galilean, from Nazareth. Before He started His public ministry, He was baptized by John the baptizer. John’s baptism was for repentance but Jesus needed no repentance. Jesus argued that it should be done because “it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness” (Mat 3:15). His baptism confirmed Himself as the Messiah. Secondly, it confirmed John as the forerunner to the Messiah. Both Jesus and John were acting in fulfillment of prophecy. Interestingly, God the Father was pleased.
Immediately, the Spirit led Him to the wilderness to be tempted. It should be noted that His obedience led Him to trials and in danger with wild animals. The devil was allowed to tempt Him but the angels were ministering to Him. God won’t lead us to where He isn’t able to protect us.[1 Cor 10:13]
Afterwhich, He began preaching in Galilee, for the people to repent and believe the good news. His message is backed up by His impeccable character. His courage was notable that though John was arrested, it did not deter Him to preach the truth. What prompts us to proclaim the good news to others?
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24.114 | Repentance | Mark 1:4-8 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon
Text: Mark 1:4-8 ESV
4 John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
5 And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.
6 Now John was clothed with camel's hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey.
7 And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.
8 I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
-Mark 1:4-8 ESV
REPENTANCE
John's message to the people to repentance [turn away from their sins] is the spiritual truth behind the geographic metaphor. Their repentance would prepare them for the coming Messiah. In like manner, by rejecting our sins and seeking God's forgiveness, we smooth the way for our hearts to receive God and the forgiveness we so desperately need.
John did appear much different than others. He was clothed with camel's hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. He himself has recognized that he was the ‘voice from the wilderness.’ And as such, he and his message of repentance was counter-culture and unpopular.
He was a simple prophet with a straight forward prophetic message. The Messiah would soon appear. He exalted Him so much, expressing that the Messiah is so great that a menial job of untying the sandal he felt so unworthy to do. In other words, serving Him is the greatest privilege for John. Do you feel the same?
Why?
He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. He grants forgiveness and baptizes us with the Holy Spirit. His giving us the Spirit is the best expression of God’s goodness. As Jesus said, “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” [Luke 11:13]
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24.113 | Prepare The Way Of The Lord | Mark 1:1-3 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon
Text: Mark 1:1-3 ESV
1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way,
3 the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’”
-Mark 1:1-3 ESV
PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD
Mark begins by quoting Isaiah’s prophecy [Isa 40:3] which anticipated John's ministry. The phrase "before your face," in the ESV, simply means John preceded Jesus. In the the NASB this is stated as "I send my messenger ahead of you." The first 13 verses [Mark 1:1–13] is the first section of this book describing how God used John the Baptist, Israel’s last prophet, to prepare His people.
In this section, John "prepares the way" for Jesus and the message of salvation, and shows how John prepared for His ministry. The Messiah's arrival had happened finally as prophesied in Genesis 3:15.
He introduced Jesus as both the Christ[Messiah] and the Son of God. The term "Messiah," means the "anointed one." By His anointing, God has chosen or commissioned Him to save us from our sins and restore our relationship with God. And, as the "Son of God," Jesus is both Messiah and divine. Jesus is the one who has come from the Father and is equal with the Father. He is God and man in one person, fully God and fully human.
God has been warning His people not to sin. A number of prophecies exhorting the Israelites to look for the Messiah's coming. Similarly today, He will often send messengers to us, preparing our hearts for His truth. Our responsibility is to listen and take God's warning.
John's message to the people to repentance [turn away from their sins] is the spiritual truth behind the geographic metaphor. Their repentance would prepare them for the coming Messiah. In like manner, by rejecting our sins and seeking God's forgiveness, we smooth the way for our hearts to receive God and the forgiveness we so desperately need.
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24.112 | LET EVERYTHING THAT HAS BREATH PRAISE THE LORD! | Psalm 150:1-6 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon
God’s Word for Today
9 May 2024
Praise the LORD!
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens!
2 Praise him for his mighty deeds;
praise him according to his excellent greatness!
3 Praise him with trumpet sound;
praise him with lute and harp!
4 Praise him with tambourine and dance;
praise him with strings and pipe!
5 Praise him with sounding cymbals;
praise him with loud clashing cymbals!
6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD!
Praise the LORD!
-Psa 150:1-6 ESV
LET EVERYTHING THAT HAS BREATH PRAISE THE LORD!
The final psalm forms a climax to the whole book. Worshippers at the temple join with angels in the heavens to praise God for the greatness of his person and his deeds (v.1-2)
Praise the LORD!
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens!
2 Praise him for his mighty deeds;
praise him according to his excellent greatness!
In every way possible people everywhere should praise God (v.3-6).
3 Praise him with trumpet sound;
praise him with lute and harp!
4 Praise him with tambourine and dance;
praise him with strings and pipe!
5 Praise him with sounding cymbals;
praise him with loud clashing cymbals!
6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD!
Praise the LORD!
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24.111 | LET ISRAEL BE GLAD IN HIS MAKER | Psalm 149:1-9 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon
God’s Word for Today
8 May 2024
Praise the LORD!
Sing to the LORD a new song,
his praise in the assembly of the godly!
2 Let Israel be glad in his Maker;
let the children of Zion rejoice in their King!
3 Let them praise his name with dancing,
making melody to him with tambourine and lyre!
4 For the LORD takes pleasure in his people;
he adorns the humble with salvation.
5 Let the godly exult in glory;
let them sing for joy on their beds.
6 Let the high praises of God be in their throats
and two-edged swords in their hands,
7 to execute vengeance on the nations
and punishments on the peoples,
8 to bind their kings with chains
and their nobles with fetters of iron,
9 to execute on them the judgment written!
This is honor for all his godly ones.
Praise the LORD!
-Psa 149:1-9 ESV
LET ISRAEL BE GLAD IN HIS MAKER
God is the one who created them. However, as they gather to worship, they have a reasonable cause to praise God. He is their king and the one who rules over them.(v.1-3).
Praise the LORD!
Sing to the LORD a new song,
his praise in the assembly of the godly!
2 Let Israel be glad in his Maker;
let the children of Zion rejoice in their King!
3 Let them praise his name with dancing,
making melody to him with tambourine and lyre!
Moreover, they are chosen as His representatives in promoting his rule throughout the world. Hence, salvation from their attackers and enemies is a cause for the whole nation to praise God.(v.4-5).
4 For the LORD takes pleasure in his people;
he adorns the humble with salvation.
5 Let the godly exult in glory;
let them sing for joy on their beds.
But, if God’s rule is to be established in the world, the rebels must first be punished (v.6-9).
6 Let the high praises of God be in their throats
and two-edged swords in their hands,
7 to execute vengeance on the nations
and punishments on the peoples,
8 to bind their kings with chains
and their nobles with fetters of iron,
9 to execute on them the judgment written!
This is honor for all his godly ones.
Praise the LORD!
The phrase “high praises of God be in their throats and two-edged swords in their hands” is something to note. Worship God while engaging in warfare. This is possible because God is fighting for us.
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24.110 | LET ALL PRAISE THE NAME OF THE LORD | Psalm 148:1-14 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon
Text: Psalm 148:1-14 (ESV)
1 Praise the LORD!
Praise the LORD from the heavens;
praise him in the heights!
2 Praise him, all his angels;
praise him, all his hosts!
3 Praise him, sun and moon,
praise him, all you shining stars!
4 Praise him, you highest heavens,
and you waters above the heavens!
5 Let them praise the name of the LORD!
For he commanded and they were created.
6 And he established them forever and ever;
he gave a decree, and it shall not pass away.
7 Praise the LORD from the earth,
you great sea creatures and all deeps,
8 fire and hail, snow and mist,
stormy wind fulfilling his word!
9 Mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars!
10 Beasts and all livestock,
creeping things and flying birds!
11 Kings of the earth and all peoples,
princes and all rulers of the earth!
12 Young men and maidens together,
old men and children!
13 Let them praise the name of the LORD,
for his name alone is exalted;
his majesty is above earth and heaven.
14 He has raised up a horn for his people,
praise for all his saints,
for the people of Israel who are near to him.
Praise the LORD!
LET ALL PRAISE THE NAME OF THE LORD
All creation displays the wonders of God. Thereby, every created thing should praise him.
Praise the LORD!
Praise the LORD from the heavens;
praise him in the heights!
2 Praise him, all his angels;
praise him, all his hosts!
3 Praise him, sun and moon,
praise him, all you shining stars!
4 Praise him, you highest heavens,
and you waters above the heavens!
5 Let them praise the name of the LORD!
What is the reason behind?[v.5a-6]
For he commanded and they were created.
6 And he established them forever and ever;
he gave a decree, and it shall not pass away.
Creatures including the angelic beings and all the beasts of the earth should praise him. From the farthest regions of outer space to the depths of the sea, his name should be praised (v.7-10).
7 Praise the LORD from the earth,
you great sea creatures and all deeps,
8 fire and hail, snow and mist,
stormy wind fulfilling his word!
9 Mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars!
10 Beasts and all livestock,
creeping things and flying birds!
Above all, human beings in particular should praise him. Without distinction of age or rank, the people of the world should exalt God. They should praise him not only because he is the sovereign Lord of the universe, but also because through Israel he has made himself known to them (11-14).
11 Kings of the earth and all peoples,
princes and all rulers of the earth!
12 Young men and maidens together,
old men and children!
13 Let them praise the name of the LORD,
for his name alone is exalted;
his majesty is above earth and heaven.
14 He has raised up a horn for his people,
praise for all his saints,
for the people of Israel who are near to him.
Praise the LORD!
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24.109 | IT IS GOOD TO SING PRAISES TO OUR GOD | Psalm 147:1-20 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon
Please read the text: Psalm 147:1-20 (ESV)
IT IS GOOD TO SING PRAISES TO OUR GOD
God’s people should praise him constantly. It’s pleasant and befitting. (v.1-2),
Praise the LORD!
For it is good to sing praises to our God;
for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting.
2 The LORD builds up Jerusalem;
he gathers the outcasts of Israel.
God’s care extends over to those who are sorrowing and humble as He takes care His creation intimatetly through His power (v.3-6).
3 He heals the brokenhearted
and binds up their wounds.
4 He determines the number of the stars;
he gives to all of them their names.
5 Great is our Lord, and abundant in power;
his understanding is beyond measure.
6 The LORD lifts up the humble;
he casts the wicked to the ground.
God delights to sustain creation and provide for the physical needs of his creatures (v.7-9).
7 Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving;
make melody to our God on the lyre!
8 He covers the heavens with clouds;
he prepares rain for the earth;
he makes grass grow on the hills.
9 He gives to the beasts their food,
and to the young ravens that cry.
But of all his creatures, He does not delight in those who are proud but toward those who humbly trust in his steadfast love (v.10-11).
10 His delight is not in the strength of the horse,
nor his pleasure in the legs of a man,
11 but the LORD takes pleasure in those who fear him,
in those who hope in his steadfast love.
That is why he delights in Israel above other nations. He protects his people and gives them food to enjoy (v.12-14).
12 Praise the LORD, O Jerusalem!
Praise your God, O Zion!
13 For he strengthens the bars of your gates;
he blesses your children within you.
14 He makes peace in your borders;
he fills you with the finest of the wheat.
He sends them a tough winter weather to make them tough in order to endure hardship. After the winter, He sends them pleasant weather to remind them of His continual care(v.15-18).
15 He sends out his command to the earth;
his word runs swiftly.
16 He gives snow like wool;
he scatters frost like ashes.
17 He hurls down his crystals of ice like crumbs;
who can stand before his cold?
18 He sends out his word, and melts them;
he makes his wind blow and the waters flow.
Most importantly, He has given them his word. Through His word, they can know him better and as a result bring him further joy. (v.19-20).
19 He declares his word to Jacob,
his statutes and rules to Israel.
20 He has not dealt thus with any other nation;
they do not know his rules.
Praise the LORD!
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24.108 | The Lord Will Reign Forever | Psalm 146:1-10 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon
Text: Psa 146:1-10 ESV
1 Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul!
2 I will praise the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.
3 Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation.
4 When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish.
5 Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God,
6 who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever;
7 who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free;
8 the LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous.
9 The LORD watches over the sojourners; he upholds the widow and the fatherless, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.
10 The LORD will reign forever, your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the LORD!
-Psa 146:1-10 ESV
THE LORD WILL REIGN FOREVER
No matter how stable people may appear to be, they can never be fully relied upon. They do not have unlimited power and their lives may be cut short at any time (v.1-4).
1 Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul!
2 I will praise the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.
3 Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation.
4 When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish.
God, on the other hand, can be relied upon, for he is the all-powerful Creator and his life never ends (v.5-6).
5 Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God,
6 who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever;
Also, he has special care for those suffering from poverty, injustice, physical handicaps and social insecurity (v.7-10).
7 who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free;
8 the LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous.
9 The LORD watches over the sojourners; he upholds the widow and the fatherless, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.
10 The LORD will reign forever, your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the LORD!
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24.107 | Great Is The Lord, And Greatly To Be Praised! | Psalm 145:1-21 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon
Text: Psa 145:1-21 ESV
1 I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever.
2 Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever.
3 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable.
4 One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.
5 On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.
6 They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness.
7 They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.
8 The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
9 The LORD is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.
10 All your works shall give thanks to you, O LORD, and all your saints shall bless you!
11 They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom and tell of your power,
12 to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations. [The LORD is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works.]
14 The LORD upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season.
16 You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing.
17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works.
18 The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
19 He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them.
20 The LORD preserves all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.
21 My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD, and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.
-Psa 145:1-21 ESV
GREAT IS THE LORD, AND GREATLY TO BE PRAISED!
The last 6 chapters of the book of Psalms are six hymns of general praise.
This psalm [chap 145] is David’s ‘Song of Praise’ and is an acrostic. Whereas, he other five have no titles. Notedly, each begins and ends with the words ‘Praise the Lord’.
God’s greatness is unsearchable. Thus, He is worthy to be the object of people’s praise, day and night, for ever and ever (v.1-3).
Those who know God’s greatness should meditate upon it and proclaim it to the next generations.(v.4-7).
He is full of goodness too, showing His covenant faithfulness to his people and gracious love to all people (v.8-9).
Those who have experienced his love should show their gratitude by praising him and telling others of his mighty works. In this way they will help spread his rule to the lives of others (10-13a).
His generosity and graciousness are always available to all his creatures (13b-16).
[The LORD is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works.]
14 The LORD upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season.
16 You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing.
He is always on the side of those who call upon him, honour him and love him. But he is against those who in their sin reject the offer of his mercy (17-20).
17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works.
18 The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
19 He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them.
20 The LORD preserves all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.
All creation, and most specially His people, should bring him continual praise (v.21).
21 My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD, and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.
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24.106 | BLESSED ARE THE PEOPLE WHOSE GOD IS THE LORD! | Psalm 144:1-15 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon
God’s Word for Today
2 May 2024
-Psa 144:1-15 ESV
BLESSED ARE THE PEOPLE WHOSE GOD IS THE LORD!
Most of the verses in this psalm are found in some other parts of the book, especially Psa 18. David praised God for granting victory in past battles and requested success in a present military encounter with an enemy. He was confident that God would save His people. This is used by the king on a special occasion of national celebration.
Israel’s king praises the almighty God for his continual protection and deliverance over their enemies. And, he is confident that He is still his present refuge (v.1-2).
Blessed be the LORD, my rock,
who trains my hands for war,
and my fingers for battle;
2 he is my steadfast love and my fortress,
my stronghold and my deliverer,
my shield and he in whom I take refuge,
who subdues peoples under me.
As he thinks much deeper, the king praises God for his concern for the human race. How could God be interested to insignificant and weak creatures (v.3-4).
3 O LORD, what is man that you regard him,
or the son of man that you think of him?
4 Man is like a breath;
his days are like a passing shadow.
Since God has saved his people in the past, they are confident in God to save them in present and future crises (v.5-8).
5 Bow your heavens, O LORD, and come down!
Touch the mountains so that they smoke!
6 Flash forth the lightning and scatter them;
send out your arrows and rout them!
7 Stretch out your hand from on high;
rescue me and deliver me from the many waters,
from the hand of foreigners,
8 whose mouths speak lies
and whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood.
Hence he is favored of God’s victories, the king will praise and worship. He concluded with expressions of his continued trust in God as his deliverer alone (v.9-11).
9 I will sing a new song to you, O God;
upon a ten-stringed harp I will play to you,
10 who gives victory to kings,
who rescues David his servant from the cruel sword.
11 Rescue me and deliver me
from the hand of foreigners,
whose mouths speak lies
and whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood.
Projecting his thoughts to the future, the king prays that the nation will enter a renewed life and joy of God’s blessings. (12-15).
12 May our sons in their youth
be like plants full grown,
our daughters like corner pillars
cut for the structure of a palace;
13 may our granaries be full,
providing all kinds of produce;
may our sheep bring forth thousands
and ten thousands in our fields;
14 may our cattle be heavy with young,
suffering no mishap or failure in bearing;
may there be no cry of distress in our streets!
15 Blessed are the people to whom such blessings fall!
Blessed are the people whose God is the LORD!
There is security and prosperity where families will grow and flourish, fields and flocks will be fruitful, and that people will enjoy peace and contentment. However, he warns them such blessings are given only if they maintain their loyalty to God.
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24.105 | YOU ARE MY REFUGE | Psalm 143:1-12 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon
God’s Word for Today
1 May 2024
Hear my prayer, O LORD;
give ear to my pleas for mercy!
In your faithfulness answer me, in your righteousness!
2 Enter not into judgment with your servant,
for no one living is righteous before you.
3 For the enemy has pursued my soul;
he has crushed my life to the ground;
he has made me sit in darkness like those long dead.
4 Therefore my spirit faints within me;
my heart within me is appalled.
5 I remember the days of old;
I meditate on all that you have done;
I ponder the work of your hands.
6 I stretch out my hands to you;
my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Selah
7 Answer me quickly, O LORD!
My spirit fails!
Hide not your face from me,
lest I be like those who go down to the pit.
8 Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love,
for in you I trust.
Make me know the way I should go,
for to you I lift up my soul.
9 Deliver me from my enemies, O LORD!
I have fled to you for refuge.
10 Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God!
Let your good Spirit lead me
on level ground!
11 For your name's sake, O LORD, preserve my life!
In your righteousness bring my soul out of trouble!
12 And in your steadfast love you will cut off my enemies,
and you will destroy all the adversaries of my soul,
for I am your servant.
-Psa 143:1-12 ESV
YOU ARE MY REFUGE
David knows that he is a sinner like others. There is no way of escaping God’s punishment of sin. God is righteous. Perhaps, he was thinking that God might be using the enemy to punish him for his sins. There were not so much options. He therefore casts himself entirely upon the mercy of God(v.1-2).
Hear my prayer, O LORD;
give ear to my pleas for mercy!
In your faithfulness answer me, in your righteousness!
2 Enter not into judgment with your servant,
for no one living is righteous before you.
David expressed his troubles as to how he has been pursued and was forced to hide under the shadow of darkness in the cave (v.3-4).
3 For the enemy has pursued my soul;
he has crushed my life to the ground;
he has made me sit in darkness like those long dead.
4 Therefore my spirit faints within me;
my heart within me is appalled.
But, he remembers God’s mighty deeds in the past. And, he prays that God will deliver him once more. (5-6).
5 I remember the days of old;
I meditate on all that you have done;
I ponder the work of your hands.
6 I stretch out my hands to you;
my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Selah
He fears himself to languish in hopelessness as those who die without God. He longs for a fresh experience of God’s steadfast love. (v.7-8).
7 Answer me quickly, O LORD!
My spirit fails!
Hide not your face from me,
lest I be like those who go down to the pit.
8 Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love,
for in you I trust.
Make me know the way I should go,
for to you I lift up my soul.
He prays that God, having rescued him, will instruct and guide him in the future (v.9-12). His petition of deliverance is for his desire to fulfill God’s desire.
9 Deliver me from my enemies, O LORD!
I have fled to you for refuge.
10 Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God!
Let your good Spirit lead me
on level ground!
11 For your name's sake, O LORD, preserve my life!
In your righteousness bring my soul out of trouble!
12 And in your steadfast love you will cut off my enemies,
and you will destroy all the adversaries of my soul,
for I am your servant.
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24.104 | I CRY TO YOU, O LORD | Psalm 142:1-7 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon
Text: Psalm 142:1-7 (ESV)
1 With my voice I cry out to the LORD;
with my voice I plead for mercy to the LORD.
2 I pour out my complaint before him;
I tell my trouble before him.
3 When my spirit faints within me,
you know my way!
In the path where I walk
they have hidden a trap for me.
4 Look to the right and see:
there is none who takes notice of me;
no refuge remains to me;
no one cares for my soul.
5 I cry to you, O LORD;
I say, “You are my refuge,
my portion in the land of the living.”
6 Attend to my cry,
for I am brought very low!
Deliver me from my persecutors,
for they are too strong for me!
7 Bring me out of prison,
that I may give thanks to your name!
The righteous will surround me,
for you will deal bountifully with me.
I CRY TO YOU, O LORD
Having been pursued by his enemies relentlessly, David has escaped from Gath and fled to the cave of Adullam.[1 Sam 22:1). He was a fugitive and alone.
He is overwhelmed with a terrible feeling of loneliness. He feels that no one cares for him. Thus, he cries out to God (v.1-4).
With my voice I cry out to the LORD;
with my voice I plead for mercy to the LORD.
2 I pour out my complaint before him;
I tell my trouble before him.
3 When my spirit faints within me,
you know my way!
In the path where I walk
they have hidden a trap for me.
4 Look to the right and see:
there is none who takes notice of me;
no refuge remains to me;
no one cares for my soul.
God does know all about David’s problems beforehand, does He not? But, David did not eliminate the necessity of his calling upon God for help. Jesus said, “Your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things” (Mat 6:32).
He prayed that God will deal with his enemies. That God will bring him out of prison. And for him to live a normal life in freedom and security again (v.5-7).
5 I cry to you, O LORD;
I say, “You are my refuge,
my portion in the land of the living.”
6 Attend to my cry,
for I am brought very low!
Deliver me from my persecutors,
for they are too strong for me!
7 Bring me out of prison,
that I may give thanks to your name!
The righteous will surround me,
for you will deal bountifully with me.
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24.103 | MY EYES ARE TOWARD YOU, O GOD, MY LORD | Psalm 141:1-10 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon
Text: Psalm 141:1-10 (ESV)
1 O LORD, I call upon you; hasten to me!
Give ear to my voice when I call to you!
2 Let my prayer be counted as incense before you,
and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!
3 Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth;
keep watch over the door of my lips!
4 Do not let my heart incline to any evil,
to busy myself with wicked deeds
in company with men who work iniquity,
and let me not eat of their delicacies!
5 Let a righteous man strike me—it is a kindness;
let him rebuke me—it is oil for my head;
let my head not refuse it.
Yet my prayer is continually against their evil deeds.
6 When their judges are thrown over the cliff,
then they shall hear my words, for they are pleasant.
7 As when one plows and breaks up the earth,
so shall our bones be scattered at the mouth of Sheol.
8 But my eyes are toward you, O GOD, my Lord;
in you I seek refuge; leave me not defenseless!
9 Keep me from the trap that they have laid for me
and from the snares of evildoers!
10 Let the wicked fall into their own nets,
while I pass by safely
MY EYES ARE TOWARD YOU, O GOD, MY LORD
David has been maligned and slandered. How should he respond? He was tempted to use strong words and vile speech in return but he did not. David prays that he may be kept from such sins. That he won’t follow the evil ways of the wicked (v.1-4).
O LORD, I call upon you; hasten to me!
Give ear to my voice when I call to you!
2 Let my prayer be counted as incense before you,
and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!
3 Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth;
keep watch over the door of my lips!
4 Do not let my heart incline to any evil,
to busy myself with wicked deeds
in company with men who work iniquity,
and let me not eat of their delicacies!
If ever a godly person has a cause to rebuke him, David prays that he may receive it as a blessing. I is as if he has been anointed with oil. But, he will always remain opposed to evil (v.5).
5 Let a righteous man strike me—it is a kindness;
let him rebuke me—it is oil for my head;
let my head not refuse it.
Yet my prayer is continually against their evil deeds.
People will be forced to take notice when God acts, for his punishments will leave the wicked completely shattered (v.6-7).
6 When their judges are thrown over the cliff,
then they shall hear my words, for they are pleasant.
7 As when one plows and breaks up the earth,
so shall our bones be scattered at the mouth of Sheol.
Even when the wicked is still actively on attack mode, David prays that he will be saved from the traps and deception they have set for him (v.8-10).
8 But my eyes are toward you, O GOD, my Lord;
in you I seek refuge; leave me not defenseless!
9 Keep me from the trap that they have laid for me
and from the snares of evildoers!
10 Let the wicked fall into their own nets,
while I pass by safely.
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24.102 | I Say To The Lord, You Are My God | Psalm 140:1-13 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon
Text: Psa 140:1-13 ESV
1 Deliver me, O LORD, from evil men; preserve me from violent men,
2 who plan evil things in their heart and stir up wars continually.
3 They make their tongue sharp as a serpent's, and under their lips is the venom of asps. Selah
4 Guard me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from violent men, who have planned to trip up my feet.
5 The arrogant have hidden a trap for me, and with cords they have spread a net; beside the way they have set snares for me. Selah
6 I say to the LORD, You are my God; give ear to the voice of my pleas for mercy, O LORD!
7 O LORD, my Lord, the strength of my salvation, you have covered my head in the day of battle.
8 Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked; do not further their evil plot, or they will be exalted! Selah
9 As for the head of those who surround me, let the mischief of their lips overwhelm them!
10 Let burning coals fall upon them! Let them be cast into fire, into miry pits, no more to rise!
11 Let not the slanderer be established in the land; let evil hunt down the violent man speedily!
12 I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and will execute justice for the needy.
13 Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name; the upright shall dwell in your presence.
-Psa 140:1-13 ESV
I SAY TO THE LORD, YOU ARE MY GOD
The next four chapters belong to the time when David was fleeing from Saul. David was a fugitive who went to the Philistine city of Gath. But, he found no refuge there and narrowly escaped. Those events are recorded in 1 Samuel 21:10 - 22:1. Subsequently, David went to the cave at Adullam where many desperate men joined him later.
David’s enemies used treacheries and slanders to attack him. These wicked men are like venomous snakes, asps and cunning hunters (v.1-5).
1 Deliver me, O LORD, from evil men; preserve me from violent men,
2 who plan evil things in their heart and stir up wars continually.
3 They make their tongue sharp as a serpent's, and under their lips is the venom of asps. Selah
4 Guard me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from violent men, who have planned to trip up my feet.
5 The arrogant have hidden a trap for me, and with cords they have spread a net; beside the way they have set snares for me. Selah
But, David’s confidence is in Yahweh, His God, God is his defender in whom he trusts for deliverance and salvation (v.6-8).
6 I say to the LORD, You are my God; give ear to the voice of my pleas for mercy, O LORD!
7 O LORD, my Lord, the strength of my salvation, you have covered my head in the day of battle.
8 Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked; do not further their evil plot, or they will be exalted! Selah
David’s enemies will receive a fitting retribution. They would suffer the torments that they intended to inflict upon David (v.9-11).
9 As for the head of those who surround me, let the mischief of their lips overwhelm them!
10 Let burning coals fall upon them! Let them be cast into fire, into miry pits, no more to rise!
11 Let not the slanderer be established in the land; let evil hunt down the violent man speedily!
David praises God confidently to see his justice in punishing the wicked and delivering the innocent to the afflicted and needy like himself. (v.12-13).
12 I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and will execute justice for the needy.
13 Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name; the upright shall dwell in your presence.
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24.101 | Search Me, O God, And Know My Heart! | Psalm 139:1-24 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon
Text: Psa 139:1-24 ESV
1 O LORD, you have searched me and known me!
2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar.
3 You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.
4 Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether.
5 You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.
7 Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?
8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
9 If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
10 even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,”
12 even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.
13 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!
18 If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you.
19 Oh that you would slay the wicked, O God! O men of blood, depart from me!
20 They speak against you with malicious intent; your enemies take your name in vain.
21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD? And do I not loathe those who rise up against you?
22 I hate them with complete hatred; I count them my enemies.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!
24 And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!
-Psa 139:1-24 ESV
SEARCH ME, O GOD, AND KNOW MY HEART!
God is all knowing. He knows all about the psalmist’s life - what he does, what he thinks, where he goes and what he says (v.1-4).
Because of the realization that God is all around him, the psalmist sometimes feels helpless (v.5-6).
A person may be tempted to run away from such an overpowering presence, but no escape is possible. Surely, this may bring fear to rebels. But, it brings comfort to believers (v.7-8).
Wherever he goes, God is present with him (v.9-10).
Whether in darkness or in light, God sees him constantly (v.11-12).
Being the Creator, God has perfect knowledge of those he created. He knows their innermost thoughts as well as their physical characteristics, and has a detailed knowledge of their lives that are yet to be (v.13-16).
As the psalmist contemplates about the wonderful works of God, he finds they are too vast to understand and too numerous to count. When he awakes after his meditation he knows that God is still with him (v.17-18).
Through his meditation, the psalmist has grown so close to God. As a result, he sees the wicked as God sees them and hates evil as God hates it. His heartbeat is as God’s heartbeat. He therefore prays that God will act in righteous judgment (v.19-22).
Nevertheless, he also looks at her heart. He is also aware that he himself is not perfect. He honestly prays that God will show him his sin, cleanse him, and lead him into a life of holiness (v. 23-24).
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24.100 | GREAT IS THE GLORY OF THE LORD | Psalm 138:1-8 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon
God’s Word for Today
25 Apr 2024
I give you thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart;
before the gods I sing your praise;
2 I bow down toward your holy temple
and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness,
for you have exalted above all things
your name and your word.
3 On the day I called, you answered me;
my strength of soul you increased.
4 All the kings of the earth shall give you thanks, O LORD,
for they have heard the words of your mouth,
5 and they shall sing of the ways of the LORD,
for great is the glory of the LORD.
6 For though the LORD is high, he regards the lowly,
but the haughty he knows from afar.
7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
you preserve my life;
you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies,
and your right hand delivers me.
8 The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me;
your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever.
Do not forsake the work of your hands.
-Psa 138:1-8 ESV
GREAT IS THE GLORY OF THE LORD
David, showing his love to God, contrasted all lifeless gods how useless they are and how great is the only true God. This God loves his people, answers their prayers and gives them the strength to face life’s difficulties with boldness (v.1-3).
I give you thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart;
before the gods I sing your praise;
2 I bow down toward your holy temple
and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness,
for you have exalted above all things
your name and your word.
3 On the day I called, you answered me;
my strength of soul you increased.
The rulers of other nations ought also to honor this God. In God’s sight, their status doesn’t matter. That is, their high position does not make them any better than the poor and lowly (v.4-6).
4 All the kings of the earth shall give you thanks, O LORD,
for they have heard the words of your mouth,
5 and they shall sing of the ways of the LORD,
for great is the glory of the LORD.
6 For though the LORD is high, he regards the lowly,
but the haughty he knows from afar.
God is not respecter of persons. This truth encourages the psalmist. It is because those who are in positions of power are most abusive and wicked. They even try to kill him. However, he knows that God in His plan and steadfast love will save him (v.7-8).
7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
you preserve my life;
you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies,
and your right hand delivers me.
8 The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me;
your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever.
Do not forsake the work of your hands.
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24.099 | WHEN WE REMEMBER ZION | Psalm 137:1-9 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon
God’s Word for Today
24 Apr 2024
By the waters of Babylon,
there we sat down and wept,
when we remembered Zion.
2 On the willows there
we hung up our lyres.
3 For there our captors
required of us songs,
and our tormentors, mirth, saying,
“Sing us one of the songs of Zion!”
4 How shall we sing the LORD's song
in a foreign land?
5 If I forget you, O Jerusalem,
let my right hand forget its skill!
6 Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth,
if I do not remember you,
if I do not set Jerusalem
above my highest joy!
7 Remember, O LORD, against the Edomites
the day of Jerusalem,
how they said, “Lay it bare, lay it bare,
down to its foundations!”
8 O daughter of Babylon, doomed to be destroyed,
blessed shall he be who repays you
with what you have done to us!
9 Blessed shall he be who takes your little ones
and dashes them against the rock!
-Psa 137:1-9 ESV
WHEN WE REMEMBER ZION
The Israelites who sang this song were captives in Babylon. They were working in a slave camp beside one of Babylon’s rivers. As a torment for their victims, the Babylonian slavedrivers created some amusement for themselves by asking the downcast slaves to sing some of the merry and glorious songs of Zion.(v.1-3).
By the waters of Babylon,
there we sat down and wept,
when we remembered Zion.
2 On the willows there
we hung up our lyres.
3 For there our captors
required of us songs,
and our tormentors, mirth, saying,
“Sing us one of the songs of Zion!”
This cruel insult from their oppressors had grieved them greatly because their beloved Jerusalem is in ruins. How can they forget? Jerusalem means so much to them. And singing glorious songs that would now be a mockery? They would rather be struck dumb and forget their skills than do such a thing (4-6).
4 How shall we sing the LORD's song
in a foreign land?
5 If I forget you, O Jerusalem,
let my right hand forget its skill!
6 Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth,
if I do not remember you,
if I do not set Jerusalem
above my highest joy!
At the time of Jerusalem’s destruction, the Edomites had encouraged the Babylonians (7).
7 Remember, O LORD, against the Edomites
the day of Jerusalem,
how they said, “Lay it bare, lay it bare,
down to its foundations!”
Undoubtedly, the Babylonians were the ones mainly responsible for the merciless slaughter of God’s people. The psalmist announces a retribution on the Babylonians. That they might be punished by similar infliction of barbarism that they did upon them. (v.8-9).
8 O daughter of Babylon, doomed to be destroyed,
blessed shall he be who repays you
with what you have done to us!
9 Blessed shall he be who takes your little ones
and dashes them against the rock!
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24.098 | FOR HIS STEADFAST LOVE ENDURES FOREVER | Psalm 136:1-26 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon
Please read the text: Psalm 136:1-26 (ESV)
FOR HIS STEADFAST LOVE ENDURES FOREVER
In the Jewish tradition, Psalms 136 was sung after the Hallel at the Passover Feast. As a reminder, Psalms 113 to 118 form a collection called the Hallel or Praise songs. Israelites sang the Hallel at various annual festivals, the most important of which was the Passover.
In each verse from verse 1 to 26, the leader sings of the greatness of God, and the congregation replies that this is seen in his loyal love to his people, a love that will never end.
Israel’s God is good, and He is the only true God (v.1-3).
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
He has perfect wisdom and he created all things (V.4-9).
4 to him who alone does great wonders,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
5 to him who by understanding made the heavens,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
6 to him who spread out the earth above the waters,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
7 to him who made the great lights,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
8 the sun to rule over the day,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
9 the moon and stars to rule over the night,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
He saved his people from bondage in Egypt (V.10-15)
10 to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
11 and brought Israel out from among them,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
12 with a strong hand and an outstretched arm,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
13 to him who divided the Red Sea in two,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
14 and made Israel pass through the midst of it,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
15 but overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
He gave them victory over their enemies (V.16-20)
16 to him who led his people through the wilderness,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
17 to him who struck down great kings,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
18 and killed mighty kings,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
19 Sihon, king of the Amorites,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
20 and Og, king of Bashan,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
And, He guided them into Canaan (v.21-22).
21 and gave their land as a heritage,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
22 a heritage to Israel his servant,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
All this was not because his people deserved his blessings, was it? No, but because he exercised his steadfast love towards them (v.23-26).
23 It is he who remembered us in our low estate,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
24 and rescued us from our foes,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
25 he who gives food to all flesh,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
26 Give thanks to the God of heaven,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
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24.097 | PRAISE THE LORD! | Psalm 135:1-21 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon
Please read the text: Psalm 135:1-21 (ESV)
PRAISE THE LORD!
This psalm of descriptive praise extols God for His greatness and for blessing His people. Like Psalms 134, it calls on the priests to praise the Lord. There is a call to the worshippers to gather in the temple to praise God because he has chosen the nation Israel to be his people (v.1-4).
Praise the LORD!
Praise the name of the LORD,
give praise, O servants of the LORD,
2 who stand in the house of the LORD,
in the courts of the house of our God!
3 Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good;
sing to his name, for it is pleasant!
4 For the LORD has chosen Jacob for himself,
Israel as his own possession.
God’s choice of Israel is particularly significant, because anything God does is deliberate. It is as sure and certain as his acts in the creation and control of nature (v.5-7).
5 For I know that the LORD is great,
and that our Lord is above all gods.
6 Whatever the LORD pleases, he does,
in heaven and on earth,
in the seas and all deeps.
7 He it is who makes the clouds rise at the end of the earth,
who makes lightnings for the rain
He demonstrated his special care for the people of Israel by rescuing them from Egypt, conquering their foes and giving them Canaan for their homeland (v.8-14).
8 He it was who struck down the firstborn of Egypt,
both of man and of beast;
9 who in your midst, O Egypt,
sent signs and wonders
against Pharaoh and all his servants;
10 who struck down many nations
and killed mighty kings,
11 Sihon, king of the Amorites,
and Og, king of Bashan,
and all the kingdoms of Canaan,
12 and gave their land as a heritage,
a heritage to his people Israel.
13 Your name, O LORD, endures forever,
your renown, O LORD, throughout all ages.
14 For the LORD will vindicate his people
and have compassion on his servants.
By contrast the so-called gods of other nations are merely useless and lifeless pieces of stone or metal (v.15-18).
15 The idols of the nations are silver and gold,
the work of human hands.
16 They have mouths, but do not speak;
they have eyes, but do not see;
17 they have ears, but do not hear,
nor is there any breath in their mouths.
18 Those who make them become like them,
so do all who trust in them.
All Israelites should therefore offer thankful worship to their covenant God (v.19-21).
19 O house of Israel, bless the LORD!
O house of Aaron, bless the LORD!
20 O house of Levi, bless the LORD!
You who fear the LORD, bless the LORD!
21 Blessed be the LORD from Zion,
he who dwells in Jerusalem!
Praise the LORD!
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24.096 | Come, Bless The Lord, All You Servants Of The Lord | Psalm 134:1-3 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon
Text: Psa 134:1-3 ESV
1 Come, bless the LORD, all you servants of the LORD, who stand by night in the house of the LORD!
2 Lift up your hands to the holy place and bless the LORD!
3 May the LORD bless you from Zion, he who made heaven and earth!
-Psa 134:1-3 ESV
COME, BLESS THE LORD, ALL YOU SERVANTS OF THE LORD
This is the last of the fifteen Psalms called Songs of Ascents. And, it is closely connected with the two preceding Psalms [132 & 133]. It is an exhortation to the priests and Levites who kept nightly watch in the temple, to serve zealously in praising the Lord.
It seems to consist of two parts: 1. An exhortation, probably from the high priest, to those priests and Levites who kept watch in the temple by night, to spend their time profitably, and duly celebrate the praises of God.[v.1-2]
Priests were on duty round the clock at the temple. They served as guards, offered sacrifices and carried out other priestly functions during the daylight hours. The psalmist exhorted them to praise God even during the night.
They are to lift their hands unto the Lord. Lifting up the hands in prayer was a common posture that symbolized the petitioners offering praise up to God and receiving
blessings from Him.
The second part is the prayer of the priests and Levites for the high priest, who seems now to be going to his rest.[v.3]
The pilgrim then asked God to bless these special servants of His. The reference to God being the Maker of heaven and earth recalls and highlights His greatness (see Psalms 115:15). That, He alone is worthy of praise and worship. This verse is also an appropriate book end to the collection of the 15 ascent psalms, from Psalms 120 to Psa 134.
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24.095 | When Brothers Dwell In Unity | Psalm 133:1-3 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon
Text: Psa 133:1-3 ESV
1 Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!
2 It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes!
3 It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the LORD has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.
-Psa 133:1-3 ESV
WHEN BROTHERS DWELL IN UNITY
This refers to the priests and Levites having returned from captivity, and are united in the service of God in the sanctuary. They enter God's temple and pour out their benediction. And, here, the beautiful order and harmony of the temple service had been pointed out.
Unity is good and pleasant. “Unity is, according to this scripture, a good thing and a pleasant; and especially among brethren-members of the same family, of the same Christian community, and of the same nation. And why not among the great family of mankind? On the other hand, disunion is bad and hateful. The former is from heaven; the latter, from hell.”[Clarke’s Commentary]
How the pleasantness of it is illustrated?
It’s as the holy anointing oil, which was strongly perfumed, and diffused its odors, to the great delight of all the bystanders, when it was poured upon the head of Aaron. This has an undeniable application as a symbol of the Holy Spirit’s infilling. Brethren dwelling together in unity is possible only when such fruits of the Holy Spirit as love, joy, peace, goodness, longsuffering, kindness, faithfulness, self-control, etc. (Gal 5:22,23) are found among them, isn’t it? Where these are present, one finds a little breath of heaven on earth. Blessed indeed is such unity.
What’s the result?
It sets the blessing from God. It is God's prerogative to command the blessing, man can only beg a blessing. Blessings according to the promise are commanded blessings, for he has commanded his covenant forever. Blessings that take effect are commanded blessings, for he speaks and it is done. There is ‘life’ where love is.[John 13:35]
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24.094 | MY RESTING PLACE FOREVER | Psalm 132:1-18 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon
God’s Word for Today
18 Apr 2024
-Psa 132:1-18 ESV
MY RESTING PLACE FOREVER
As they arrive at the temple, it is a fitting occasion to recall the beginnings of the temple. David, with much difficulty, eagerly brought the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem with the aim of building God a house for it later (see 2 Samuel 6:3-13; 2 Samuel 7:1-3; Psalms 24).
Remember, O LORD, in David's favor,
all the hardships he endured,
2 how he swore to the LORD
and vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob,
3 “I will not enter my house
or get into my bed,
4 I will not give sleep to my eyes
or slumber to my eyelids,
5 until I find a place for the LORD,
a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob.”
Previously, the ark had been stationed at Kiriath-jearim, also known as Baale-judah. Here, it is called ‘the fields of Jaar’. David therefore went from Bethlehem (Ephrathah) to Kiriath-jearim to collect the ark and bring it to Jerusalem ( see 2 Samuel 6:2,2 Samuel 6:14-19; 1 Chronicles 13:5; 1 Chronicles 13:5).
6 Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah;
we found it in the fields of Jaar.
7 “Let us go to his dwelling place;
let us worship at his footstool!”
8 Arise, O LORD, and go to your resting place,
you and the ark of your might.
9 Let your priests be clothed with righteousness,
and let your saints shout for joy.
Although David wanted to build God a house in Jerusalem, God wanted to do something far greater for David. God wanted to build David a house in Jerusalem; not a house of stone, but a line of royal descendants to rule from Zion where the living God dwelt ( cf. 2 Samuel 7:4-16).
10 For the sake of your servant David,
do not turn away the face of your anointed one.
11 The LORD swore to David a sure oath
from which he will not turn back:
“One of the sons of your body
I will set on your throne.
12 If your sons keep my covenant
and my testimonies that I shall teach them,
their sons also forever
shall sit on your throne.”
13 For the LORD has chosen Zion;
he has desired it for his dwelling place:
14 “This is my resting place forever;
here I will dwell, for I have desired it.
God would give his people all they needed for healthy lives, physically and spiritually (v.15-16).
15 I will abundantly bless her provisions;
I will satisfy her poor with bread.
16 Her priests I will clothe with salvation,
and her saints will shout for joy.
He would give the Davidic king power, prosperity, victory and glory (17-18).
17 There I will make a horn to sprout for David;
I have prepared a lamp for my anointed.
18 His enemies I will clothe with shame,
but on him his crown will shine.”
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24.093 | I HAVE CALMED AND QUIETED MY SOUL | Psalm 131:1-3 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon
God’s Word for Today
17 Apr 2024
O LORD, my heart is not lifted up;
my eyes are not raised too high;
I do not occupy myself with things
too great and too marvelous for me.
2 But I have calmed and quieted my soul,
like a weaned child with its mother;
like a weaned child is my soul within me.
3 O Israel, hope in the LORD
from this time forth and forevermore.
-Psa 131:1-3 ESV
I HAVE CALMED AND QUIETED MY SOUL
“Some think that David composed this Psalm as a vindication of himself, when accused by Saul's courtiers that he affected the crown, and was laying schemes and plots to possess himself of it. Others think the Psalm was made during the captivity, and that it contains a fair account of the manner in which the captives behaved themselves, under the domination of their oppressors.”[Clarke Commentary]
David expressed his disinterest about cravings of the world. He might be accused of being proud and ambitious. But, he was consciously aware that he is not ambitious and greedy for ‘things too great and too marvelous’ for him. He vehemently expressed that he distanced himself from lofty ambition of advancing himself, to any position or status of the state, rank and honor.
As quoted in Dr. Constable’s Expository Notes, "The godly knows that true godliness begins in the ’heart’ that is not proud (cf. Proverbs 18:12), with eyes that do not envy (cf. Psalms 18:27; Psalms 101:5; Proverbs 16:5), and with a walk of life (MT, ’I do not walk’ for NIV, ’I do not concern myself’) that is not preoccupied with ’greatness’ (cf. Jeremiah 45:5) and with accomplishments (’wonderful,’ i.e., ’difficult’ or ’arduous’; cf. Deuteronomy 17:8; Deuteronomy 30:11)." [Note: VanGemeren, p. 803.]
Why?
He has ‘calmed and quieted’ his soul. He is as a ‘weaned’ child not to crave wildly for his mother’s milk anymore. ‘A little child thus clinging to its mother - laying its head gently down on the bosom - languishing - looking for nourishment - would be a most tender image of meekness and gentleness.’[Barnes Notes]
There is an apparent reflection to the teachings of Jesus, who set a little child in the midst of the overtly ambitious apostles. They were quarreling about who was going to get the chief seats in the Kingdom of God. And, He emphatically taught them, saying,“ “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3,4).
The human soul needs “weaning” from all of its anxious ambitions and worldly things, doesn’t he? Then and only then, he can enjoy the tranquillity of a heart in tune with God’s will. The psalmist here affirms that he is indeed weaned from such fleeting things. Like the merchantman in the New Testament parable seeking goodly pearls, and when he discovered the `pearl of great price,’ sold everything for it.
Instead of being restless, Israel should ‘hope ‘ in God, now and always.
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24.092 | WITH YOU THERE IS FORGIVENESS | Psalm 130:1-8 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon
Text: Psalm 130:1-8 (ESV)
1 Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD!
2 O Lord, hear my voice!
Let your ears be attentive
to the voice of my pleas for mercy!
3 If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities,
O Lord, who could stand?
4 But with you there is forgiveness,
that you may be feared.
5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,
and in his word I hope;
6 my soul waits for the Lord
more than watchmen for the morning,
more than watchmen for the morning.
7 O Israel, hope in the LORD!
For with the LORD there is steadfast love,
and with him is plentiful redemption.
8 And he will redeem Israel
from all his iniquities.
WITH YOU THERE IS FORGIVENESS
A great sense of their own sinfulness overwhelms the travelers as they approach the temple.[v.1] There is no deeper pit than the black hole of despair. It is when the soul has painful realization that one’s sins have separated him from God. “The beginning of true personal religion is the sense of personal sin. An insufficient realization of that is the mother of heresies in the creeds and superficial deadness in the practice of Christianity.”[Alexander Maclaren]
Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD!
They know that they badly need forgiveness. No person in a sinful condition can stand before the holy God in his holy presence at the temple (v.2-4). “The only hope is in God’s forgiveness, which in turn quickens the feeling of awe”[Wycliffe Bible Commentary
2 O Lord, hear my voice!
Let your ears be attentive
to the voice of my pleas for mercy!
3 If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities,
O Lord, who could stand?
4 But with you there is forgiveness,
that you may be feared.
They wait for the assurance of God’s forgiveness with the same longing as watchmen on night duty waiting for the light of dawn (v.5-6). The repetition occurring in verse 5 is emphatic; implying, that he trusted in God even with the deepest affections of his soul. Verse 6 could be rendered, "My soul waiteth for the Lord from the morning watches to the morning watches." That is, "I wait both day and night."
5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,
and in his word I hope;
6 my soul waits for the Lord
more than watchmen for the morning,
more than watchmen for the morning.
And at all times, they have unwavering confidence that God, in his stedfast love, will forgive them (v.7-8).
7 O Israel, hope in the LORD!
For with the LORD there is steadfast love,
and with him is plentiful redemption.
8 And he will redeem Israel
from all his iniquities.
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24.091 | THE LORD IS RIGHTEOUS | Psalm 129:1-8 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon
Text: Psalm 129:1-8 (ESV)
1 “Greatly have they afflicted me from my youth”—
let Israel now say—
2 “Greatly have they afflicted me from my youth,
yet they have not prevailed against me.
3 The plowers plowed upon my back;
they made long their furrows.”
4 The LORD is righteous;
he has cut the cords of the wicked.
5 May all who hate Zion
be put to shame and turned backward!
6 Let them be like the grass on the housetops,
which withers before it grows up,
7 with which the reaper does not fill his hand
nor the binder of sheaves his arms,
8 nor do those who pass by say,
“The blessing of the LORD be upon you!
We bless you in the name of the LORD!”
THE LORD IS RIGHTEOUS
Recalling their sorrows when they were in bondage, the travelers recall that the days of the nation’s ‘youth’ in Egypt where they suffered much. The backs of the people had been whipped and severely bruised as slaves. (v.1-3).
“Greatly have they afflicted me from my youth”—
let Israel now say—
2 “Greatly have they afflicted me from my youth,
yet they have not prevailed against me.
3 The plowers plowed upon my back;
they made long their furrows.”
But, God is righteous. He’ll save them from slavery and set them free.
4 The LORD is righteous;
he has cut the cords of the wicked.
However, the enemy hated and troubled them. The traveler prays that God will turn back their enemies. That, He will make them wither as stalks of grass and die under the sun (v.5-7).
5 May all who hate Zion
be put to shame and turned backward!
6 Let them be like the grass on the housetops,
which withers before it grows up,
7 with which the reaper does not fill his hand
nor the binder of sheaves his arms,
The destruction of the enemy is overwhelming. They’re left without friends, and have no one to help them. This caused them to bless God. (v.8).
8 nor do those who pass by say,
“The blessing of the LORD be upon you!
We bless you in the name of the LORD!”
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24.090 | Blessed Is Everyone Who Fears The Lord | Psalm 128:1-6 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon
Text: Psa 128:1-6 ESV
1 Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in his ways!
2 You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.
3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table.
4 Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the LORD.
5 The LORD bless you from Zion! May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life!
6 May you see your children's children! Peace be upon Israel!
-Psa 128:1-6 ESV
BLESSED IS EVERYONE WHO FEARS THE LORD
Blessedness is always a result of fearing God (v.1,4).
1 Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in his ways!
4 Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the LORD.
Wherever God dwells, whether in the sense of dwelling in the family or in the sense of dwelling in Jerusalem, his people there will enjoy his fullest blessing. First, he would be blessed in his labor (v.2). Labor isn’t a curse but a blessing.
2 You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.
Moreover, there is a metaphor of fruitfulness as vine and olive shoots. These refer to his wife and children, respectively.[v.3]
3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table.
The fear of the Lord is the backbone that provides stability. And ultimately, as families that fear God today are blessed, so is the next generation that follows and the city of Jerusalem.[v.5-6]
5 The LORD bless you from Zion! May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life!
6 May you see your children's children! Peace be upon Israel!
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24.089 | The Lord Builds The House | Psalm 127:1-5 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon
Text: Psa 127:1-5 ESV
1 Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.
2 It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.
3 Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.
4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth.
5 Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
-Psa 127:1-5 ESV
THE LORD BUILDS THE HOUSE
The travelers have to take note that God is in-charge in building the city of Jerusalem or a family. In both cases, they must acknowledge the sovereign rule of God. Their days, maybe, are filled with worry and they have sleepless nights. And, these could affect them adversely. Thus, they have to recognize God and Him alone as the builder (v.1-2)
1 Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.
2 It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.
Moreover, these travelers should be encouraged to trust in God by reminding themselves that their large and healthy family is a blessing from God. Their children provide stability, strength and honor in society (v.3-5)
3 Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.
4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth.
5 Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
Today, let’s not forget that Jesus is the builder of our lives and family.[1 Cor 3:11]Apart from Him we are nothing.[John 15:5,16]. God is indespensable. Otherwise, we are building in vain.
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24.088 | THE LORD HAS DONE GREAT THINGS FOR US | Psalm 126:1-6 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon
God’s Word for Today
11 Apr 2024
When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dream.
2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then they said among the nations,
“The LORD has done great things for them.”
3 The LORD has done great things for us;
we are glad.
4 Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
like streams in the Negeb!
5 Those who sow in tears
shall reap with shouts of joy!
6 He who goes out weeping,
bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
bringing his sheaves with him.
-Psa 126:1-6 ESV
THE LORD HAS DONE GREAT THINGS FOR US
Jerusalem was plundered and the land was threatened for a while. But, God won’t allow it to happen for a long time. Israel rejoiced in God’s loving deliverance in an unexpected fashion (v.1-2a).
When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dream.
2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with shouts of joy;
The nations recognized that it is the work of God.[v.2b-3] The deliverance could be attributed to God alone.
then they said among the nations,
“The LORD has done great things for them.”
3 The LORD has done great things for us;
we are glad.
However, their problems were not over as yet. Hard work is what they need to do if they were to restore the land. They relied on God to provide water in the dry Negeb region.
4 Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
like streams in the Negeb!
But, they recognized that they would have to work hard and long before they could enjoy the fruits of the land again. (v.5-6).
5 Those who sow in tears
shall reap with shouts of joy!
6 He who goes out weeping,
bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
bringing his sheaves with him.
The lesson for the travelers, even for us, is that we must persevere if we are to enjoy God’s blessing. God promises to provide the rain but we have to be industrious to prepare the land and sow the seeds.
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24.087 | THE LORD SURROUNDS HIS PEOPLE | Psalm 125:1-5 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon
God’s Word for Today
10 Apr 2024
Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion,
which cannot be moved, but abides forever.
2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
so the LORD surrounds his people,
from this time forth and forevermore.
3 For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest
on the land allotted to the righteous,
lest the righteous stretch out
their hands to do wrong.
4 Do good, O LORD, to those who are good,
and to those who are upright in their hearts!
5 But those who turn aside to their crooked ways
the LORD will lead away with evildoers!
Peace be upon Israel!
-Psa 125:1-5 ESV
THE LORD SURROUNDS HIS PEOPLE
As the worshipers approach Jerusalem, they recall some of the hardships that the city has gone through. They reflect these as typical of their experiences as God’s chosen people. Like the formidable city of Jerusalem, they are completely secured and fully protected (v.1-2).
Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion,
which cannot be moved, but abides forever.
2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
so the LORD surrounds his people,
from this time forth and forevermore.
There were times that Jerusalem came under the rule of its enemies. But, God would never allow these enemies to control it for long. These happens as God’s chastisement when His people lost their devotion to him (v.3).
3 For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest
on the land allotted to the righteous,
lest the righteous stretch out
their hands to do wrong.
God is just and righteous. Their security rests in the character of God. Surely God cares for the righteous and punishes their enemies (v.4-5).
4 Do good, O LORD, to those who are good,
and to those who are upright in their hearts!
5 But those who turn aside to their crooked ways
the LORD will lead away with evildoers!
Peace be upon Israel!
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24.086 | THE LORD WHO WAS ON OUR SIDE | Psalm 124:1-8 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon
Text: Psalm 124:1-8 (ESV)
1 If it had not been the LORD who was on our side—
let Israel now say—
2 if it had not been the LORD who was on our side
when people rose up against us,
3 then they would have swallowed us up alive,
when their anger was kindled against us;
4 then the flood would have swept us away,
the torrent would have gone over us;
5 then over us would have gone
the raging waters.
6 Blessed be the LORD,
who has not given us
as prey to their teeth!
7 We have escaped like a bird
from the snare of the fowlers;
the snare is broken,
and we have escaped!
8 Our help is in the name of the LORD,
who made heaven and earth.
THE LORD WHO WAS ON OUR SIDE
These travelers were persecuted in the foreign lands where they dwelt. Once more, they recall the experience of David’s affliction as persecuted and sing one of his psalms that reflects their own experience. Their help was in the Lord entirely [v.1,2]
If it had not been the LORD who was on our side—
let Israel now say—
2 if it had not been the LORD who was on our side
when people rose up against us,
Only through God’s grace and power have they been kept from much worse treatment. Their oppressors are as violent and destructive as a raging flood (v.3-5) as cruel as wild animals and as cunning as bird-trappers (v.6-7),
But, the travelers have the great Protector. He is the Creator on their side (v.6-8).
6 Blessed be the LORD,
who has not given us
as prey to their teeth!
7 We have escaped like a bird
from the snare of the fowlers;
the snare is broken,
and we have escaped!
8 Our help is in the name of the LORD,
who made heaven and earth
Let’s not forget that in most cases, God allows us to pass through hardships. He permits the enemy to attack us but ‘with the trials He would give us a way to bear and escape it.’ [1 Cor 10:13] Thus, we say, ‘If it had not been the LORD who was on our side”. The Lord is our help. In short, the battle is the Lord’s.
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24.085 | O LORD, HAVE MERCY UPON US | Psalm 123:1-4 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon
Text: Psalm 123:1-4 (ESV)
1 To you I lift up my eyes,
O you who are enthroned in the heavens!
2 Behold, as the eyes of servants
look to the hand of their master,
as the eyes of a maidservant
to the hand of her mistress,
so our eyes look to the LORD our God,
till he has mercy upon us.
3 Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us,
for we have had more than enough of contempt.
4 Our soul has had more than enough
of the scorn of those who are at ease,
of the contempt of the proud.
O LORD, HAVE MERCY UPON US
The pilgrims are persecuted. Though tempted to look for worldly help, he resolved to only seek God and his help. This was not an equivocal decision.
To you I lift up my eyes,
O you who are enthroned in the heavens!
How did he describe his trust unto God?
2 Behold, as the eyes of servants
look to the hand of their master,
as the eyes of a maidservant
to the hand of her mistress,
so our eyes look to the LORD our God,
till he has mercy upon us.
He perseveres for he believes God is merciful. He pleaded for mercy patiently. And, nobody can demand God’s mercy.
3 Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us,
for we have had more than
enough of contempt.
The enemy is relentless. They had more than enough troubles. But he trusts God won’t tolerate their wicked works.
4 Our soul has had more than enough
of the scorn of those who are at ease,
of the contempt of the proud.
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24.084 | Let Us Go To The House Of The Lord | Psalm 122:1-9 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon
Text: Psa 122:1-9 ESV
1 I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD!”
2 Our feet have been standing within your gates, O Jerusalem!
3 Jerusalem—built as a city that is bound firmly together,
4 to which the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, as was decreed for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD.
5 There thrones for judgment were set, the thrones of the house of David.
6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! “May they be secure who love you!
7 Peace be within your walls and security within your towers!”
8 For my brothers and companions' sake I will say, “Peace be within you!”
9 For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your good.
-Psa 122:1-9 ESV
LET US GO TO THE HOUSE OF THE LORD
This psalm expresses the excitement of the pilgrim to worship. Like David, he is imagining himself as standing in Jerusalem to worship (v.1-2).
1 I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD!”
2 Our feet have been standing within your gates, O Jerusalem!
He sees Jerusalem as a beautiful, well-built city. The tribes of Israel are united in their worship of God. He recognizes that God rules his people through the throne of David (v.3-5).
3 Jerusalem—built as a city that is bound firmly together,
4 to which the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, as was decreed for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD.
5 There thrones for judgment were set, the thrones of the house of David.
He encourages everyone to pray that God will always preserve the city and prosper its people (v.6-8).
6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! “May they be secure who love you!
7 Peace be within your walls and security within your towers!”
8 For my brothers and companions' sake I will say, “Peace be within you!”
He himself will do all he can for the city’s good (v.9).
9 For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your good.
Yes the Lord is the builder of the city. But, he is not a passive bystander. He is actively involved to enhance the good of the city’
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24.083 | The Lord Is Your Keeper | Psalm 121:1-8 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon
Text: Psa 121:1-8 ESV
1 I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?
2 My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot be moved; 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 shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life.
8 The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.
-Psa 121:1-8 ESV
THE LORD IS YOUR KEEPER
The pilgrim journeys through the hill country. He looks up and that God who made the hills cares for him (v.1-2).
1 I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?
2 My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
He could be tired and weary so that he sleeps by the roadside at night. But, God, who never sleeps, watches over him (3-4).
3 He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.
4 Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
God protects him from dangers by day and by night (5-6).
5 The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right hand.
6 The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.
Surely, they will be back home again safely. For God will keep him through his journey to Jerusalem and bring him safely home again (V.7-8).
7 The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life.
8 The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.
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24.082 | I AM FOR PEACE | Psalm 120:1-7 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon
God’s Word for Today
4 Apr 2024
In my distress I called to the LORD,
and he answered me.
2 Deliver me, O LORD,
from lying lips,
from a deceitful tongue.
3 What shall be given to you,
and what more shall be done to you,
you deceitful tongue?
4 A warrior's sharp arrows,
with glowing coals of the broom tree!
5 Woe to me, that I sojourn in Meshech,
that I dwell among the tents of Kedar!
6 Too long have I had my dwelling
among those who hate peace.
7 I am for peace,
but when I speak, they are for war!
-Psa 120:1-7 ESV
I AM FOR PEACE
Each of the psalms from Psa 120 to 134 is entitled ‘A Song of Ascents’ (RSV; NIV). These psalms were apparently sung by worshippers as they journeyed up to Jerusalem for the various annual festivals.
It is also noted that they have been arranged in a sequence that reflects the feelings of the travelers. That is, the travelers are singing expressing their emotions through these songs as they step-out and begin their journey from distant regions to Jerusalem, and ultimately join in the temple ceremonies.
This chapter opens with a cry from one who lives in a distant region and is bitterly persecuted by his neighbours (v.1-2).
In my distress I called to the LORD,
and he answered me.
2 Deliver me, O LORD,
from lying lips,
from a deceitful tongue.
They suffered insults, as like sharp arrows piercing and burning him like red-hot coals. He prays that God’s punishment of them will be just as painful (3-4).
3 What shall be given to you,
and what more shall be done to you,
you deceitful tongue?
4 A warrior's sharp arrows,
with glowing coals of the broom tree!
He is tired of being victimized. He feels as if he lives in a far-off land where he is surrounded by attackers from hostile tribes. He will set out for Jerusalem and seek some peace and refreshment of spirit in God’s house (v.5-7).
5 Woe to me, that I sojourn in Meshech,
that I dwell among the tents of Kedar!
6 Too long have I had my dwelling
among those who hate peace.
7 I am for peace,
but when I speak, they are for war!
He closes this psalm in a mild lament. The psalmist is displeased with his neighbors. They are traveling from distant lands, where they were often persecuted. Most scholars agree, however, that Meshech and Kedar here are idiomatic references to “barbarous and hostile people.”[The Pulpit Commentary] “Meshech was a nation of Asia Minor, and Kedar was part of the Syrian desert south of Damascus.” [The Interpreter’s Bible] Apparently, they were actually pilgrims from such hostile places to join the annual processions to Jerusalem.
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24.081 | LET MY SOUL LIVE AND PRAISE YOU | Psalm 119:161-176 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon
God’s Word for Today
3 Apr 2024
Princes persecute me without cause,
but my heart stands in awe of your words.
162 I rejoice at your word
like one who finds great spoil.
163 I hate and abhor falsehood,
but I love your law.
164 Seven times a day I praise you
for your righteous rules.
165 Great peace have those who love your law;
nothing can make them stumble.
166 I hope for your salvation, O LORD,
and I do your commandments.
167 My soul keeps your testimonies;
I love them exceedingly.
168 I keep your precepts and testimonies,
for all my ways are before you.
169 Let my cry come before you, O LORD;
give me understanding according to your word!
170 Let my plea come before you;
deliver me according to your word.
171 My lips will pour forth praise,
for you teach me your statutes.
172 My tongue will sing of your word,
for all your commandments are right.
173 Let your hand be ready to help me,
for I have chosen your precepts.
174 I long for your salvation, O LORD,
and your law is my delight.
175 Let my soul live and praise you,
and let your rules help me.
176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant,
for I do not forget your commandments.
-Psa 119:161-176 ESV
LET MY SOUL LIVE AND PRAISE YOU
His enemies tried to hurt him but he wasn’t hurting inside.
161Princes persecute me without cause,
but my heart stands in awe of your words.
162 I rejoice at your word
like one who finds great spoil.
He keeps himseLf occupied with God’s word. Peace is the result of his discipline of meditating God’s word.
163 I hate and abhor falsehood,
but I love your law.
164 Seven times a day I praise you
for your righteous rules.
165 Great peace have those who love your law;
nothing can make them stumble.
There is a commitment to keep God’s word no matter what his circumstances was.
167 My soul keeps your testimonies;
I love them exceedingly.
168 I keep your precepts and testimonies,
for all my ways are before you.
169 Let my cry come before you, O LORD;
give me understanding according to your word!
170 Let my plea come before you;
deliver me according to your word.
Again, he expressed his joy, delight and anticipation in God’s word.
171 My lips will pour forth praise,
for you teach me your statutes.
172 My tongue will sing of your word,
for all your commandments are right.
173 Let your hand be ready to help me,
for I have chosen your precepts.
174 I long for your salvation, O LORD,
and your law is my delight.
He ended this psalm, with the pleading to God’s favor of preserving him. There is always a sense of weakness as a lost sheep who needs a shepherd to look for him.
175 Let my soul live and praise you,
and let your rules help me.
176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant,
for I do not forget your commandments.
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24.080 | THE SUM OF YOUR WORD IS TRUTH | Psalm 119:145-160 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon
Text: Psalm 119:145-160 (ESV)
145 With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O LORD!
I will keep your statutes.
146 I call to you; save me,
that I may observe your testimonies.
147 I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I hope in your words.
148 My eyes are awake before the watches of the night,
that I may meditate on your promise.
149 Hear my voice according to your steadfast love;
O LORD, according to your justice give me life.
150 They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose;
they are far from your law.
151 But you are near, O LORD,
and all your commandments are true.
152 Long have I known from your testimonies
that you have founded them forever.
153 Look on my affliction and deliver me,
for I do not forget your law.
154 Plead my cause and redeem me;
give me life according to your promise!
155 Salvation is far from the wicked,
for they do not seek your statutes.
156 Great is your mercy, O LORD;
give me life according to your rules.
157 Many are my persecutors and my adversaries,
but I do not swerve from your testimonies.
158 I look at the faithless with disgust,
because they do not keep your commands.
159 Consider how I love your precepts!
Give me life according to your steadfast love.
160 The sum of your word is truth,
and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.
THE SUM OF YOUR WORD IS TRUTH
In the midst of difficulties, we can hang on and hope in God’s word.[v.145-147]
145 With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O LORD!
I will keep your statutes.
146 I call to you; save me,
that I may observe your testimonies.
147 I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I hope in your words.
With great expectations, we should saturate our minds with the words of God.[v.148,152-154]
148 My eyes are awake before the watches of the night,
that I may meditate on your promise.
152 Long have I known from your testimonies
that you have founded them forever.
153 Look on my affliction and deliver me,
for I do not forget your law.
154 Plead my cause and redeem me;
give me life according to your promise!
Ironicallly, his persecutors just drove him nearer to God. [v.149,150-151]
149 Hear my voice according to your steadfast love;
O LORD, according to your justice give me life.
150 They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose;
they are far from your law.
151 But you are near, O LORD,
and all your commandments are true.
A godly life is far better than wickedness[v.155-158]
155 Salvation is far from the wicked,
for they do not seek your statutes.
156 Great is your mercy, O LORD;
give me life according to your rules.
157 Many are my persecutors and my adversaries,
but I do not swerve from your testimonies.
158 I look at the faithless with disgust,
because they do not keep your commands.
He concludes expressing his satisfaction in God alone.[v.159-160]
159 Consider how I love your precepts!
Give me life according to your steadfast love.
160 The sum of your word is truth,
and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.
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24.079 | YOUR TESTIMONIES ARE WONDERFUL | Psalm 119:129-144 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon
Text: Psalm 119:129-144 (ESV)
129 Your testimonies are wonderful;
therefore my soul keeps them.
130 The unfolding of your words gives light;
it imparts understanding to the simple.
131 I open my mouth and pant,
because I long for your commandments.
132 Turn to me and be gracious to me,
as is your way with those who love your name.
133 Keep steady my steps according to your promise,
and let no iniquity get dominion over me.
134 Redeem me from man's oppression,
that I may keep your precepts.
135 Make your face shine upon your servant,
and teach me your statutes.
136 My eyes shed streams of tears,
because people do not keep your law.
137 Righteous are you, O LORD,
and right are your rules.
138 You have appointed your testimonies in righteousness
and in all faithfulness.
139 My zeal consumes me,
because my foes forget your words.
140 Your promise is well tried,
and your servant loves it.
141 I am small and despised,
yet I do not forget your precepts.
142 Your righteousness is righteous forever,
and your law is true.
143 Trouble and anguish have found me out,
but your commandments are my delight.
144 Your testimonies are righteous forever;
give me understanding that I may live.
YOUR TESTIMONIES ARE WONDERFUL
There is pleasure to the soul in keeping God’s Word. [v.129-130]
129 Your testimonies are wonderful;
therefore my soul keeps them.
130 The unfolding of your words gives light;
it imparts understanding to the simple.
As a hungry and desperate man, he longs for the word.[v.131-133]
131 I open my mouth and pant,
because I long for your commandments.
132 Turn to me and be gracious to me,
as is your way with those who love your name.
133 Keep steady my steps according to your promise,
and let no iniquity get dominion over me.
He is sad for people who dishonor His word. And, he desires to be free from anyone who would pull him away from God [v134-136]
134 Redeem me from man's oppression,
that I may keep your precepts.
135 Make your face shine upon your servant,
and teach me your statutes.
136 My eyes shed streams of tears,
because people do not keep your law.
He always maintains the truthfulness of God’s word.[v.137-138]
137 Righteous are you, O LORD,
and right are your rules.
138 You have appointed your testimonies in righteousness
and in all faithfulness.
In the midst of pressure, he did not cave in for his confidence is in the faithfulness of God. He delights in God’s word despite his difficulties.[v.139-144]
139 My zeal consumes me,
because my foes forget your words.
140 Your promise is well tried,
and your servant loves it.
141 I am small and despised,
yet I do not forget your precepts.
142 Your righteousness is righteous forever,
and your law is true.
143 Trouble and anguish have found me out,
but your commandments are my delight.
144 Your testimonies are righteous forever;
give me understanding that I may live.
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24.078 | You Have Been Raised With Christ | Col 3:1-4 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon
Text: Colossians 3:1-4 ESV
1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
- Col 3:1-4 ESV
YOU HAVE BEEN RAISED WITH CHRIST
Paul's use of "if" here is not really a question, but an assumption. He writes for those who are saved by faith in Christ. Appropriately, their goal was to live with an eternal perspective rather than a focus on the rules and regulations of this world. We live because Jesus lives. Christians are to set their minds above, because that is where Christ is. Christ didn’t remain in the grave—He is at God's right hand. This was the consistent teaching of Jesus, and of the early church (see Luke 22:69; Acts 2:33; 5:31; 1 Peter 3:22).
The "things of the earth" are associated with ungodly activities. This does not mean that believers should ignore all earthly concerns completely. It does, however, mean that believers ought to give their time and attention to things pleasing to God, rather than things pleasing to men. Or, using the things in this world as means to glorify God.
Why?
We have died and live in Christ. This metaphor that a believer has "died" to sin, in the sense of being separated from it. Thus, his life is "hidden," or "contained" within Christ. Let’s remember that Christ is not only the giver and sustainer of life (Colossians 1:16); Christ is our life [v.4]
And that we will appear with Him in glory. There is an anticipation to Christ’s return at any moment. This is a subject both consistent and clear through the New Testament. When Christ "appears," believers will be with Him in glory (1 Thess 4:13–18; 1 John 3:2).
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24.077 | Let's Bear Christ's Reproach | Hebrew 13:13 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon
Text: Hebrew 13:13 ESV
Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured.
-Heb 13:13 ESV
LET’S BEAR CHRIST’S REPROACH
Today, as we comemorate the gruesome sacrifice of Christ, we ask. “What does His sacrifice mean to me today?” This verse encouraged us to endure like Him.
We read in the gospels the way Jesus was taken outside the city walls of Jerusalem for His merciless execution. One thing certain. It was a journey of no return. Jesus won’t be coming back to the city again alive. In John 19:17–20, we read;
“17 and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. 18 There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them. 19 Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” 20 Many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Aramaic, in Latin, and in Greek.”
This parallels to the way sacrificed animals to consecrate Aaron's priesthood were also taken outside the camp to be burnt and forgotten. Jesus is the fulfilment of the animal scrifices in the Old Testament. We read this in Exodus 29:14, that is, “But the flesh of the bull and its skin and its dung you shall burn with fire outside the camp; it is a sin offering.”
Christians, having been scattered and persecuted for their faith, need to "hold fast" to faith in Christ, despite persecution (see Hebrews 3:6; 4:14; 6:18; 10:23). It’s worth for them to look unto the example of Christ. They should hold on firmly the superiority of the new covenant in Christ over the old covenant of animal sacrifices.
Our difficulties today are not signs of failures, are they? God allows them. They’re often part of God's plan to grow our faith (Hebrews 12:3–11). And, tribulations are expected for believers living in a fallen world (John 16:33). Elsewhere in the New Testament, we're told that hardships, particularly persecutions, comes because we're so closely identified with Christ. It is a vital sign of our relationship with Him (1 Peter 4:14).
Rather than despairing when that hardship comes, or running from it, we should embrace being identified with Christ. Did not Jesus teach us to bear our cross on daily basis? [Luke 9:23]
The actor of the infamous film ‘The Passion of the Christ’[2004], Jim Caviezel was warned by Mel Gibson, the director-producer, about the adverse effect of his role as Jesus to his carreer at Hollywood. He said, 'We all have to embrace our crosses.” He added: "Jesus is as controversial now as he has ever been. Not much has changed in 2,000 years."
If Jesus has given His all for us, should we not give our all for Him as well.
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24.076 | MY FLESH TREMBLES FOR FEAR OF YOU | Psalm 119:113-128| God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon
God’s Word for Today
28 Mar 2024
I hate the double-minded,
but I love your law.
114 You are my hiding place and my shield;
I hope in your word.
115 Depart from me, you evildoers,
that I may keep the commandments of my God.
116 Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live,
and let me not be put to shame in my hope!
117 Hold me up, that I may be safe
and have regard for your statutes continually!
118 You spurn all who go astray from your statutes,
for their cunning is in vain.
119 All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross,
therefore I love your testimonies.
120 My flesh trembles for fear of you,
and I am afraid of your judgments.
121 I have done what is just and right;
do not leave me to my oppressors.
122 Give your servant a pledge of good;
let not the insolent oppress me.
123 My eyes long for your salvation
and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise.
124 Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love,
and teach me your statutes.
125 I am your servant; give me understanding,
that I may know your testimonies!
126 It is time for the LORD to act,
for your law has been broken.
127 Therefore I love your commandments
above gold, above fine gold.
128 Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right;
I hate every false way.
-Psa 119:113-128 ESV
MY FLESH TREMBLES FOR FEAR OF YOU
There is a corresponding expressions of love and hope to God and His words. He only hope in God and His promises alone. [v.113-114,127-128]
I hate the double-minded,
but I love your law.
114 You are my hiding place and my shield;
I hope in your word.
127 Therefore I love your commandments
above gold, above fine gold.
128 Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right;
I hate every false way.
A strong craving to God’s word means a strong dislike to wickedness.[v.115-119]
115 Depart from me, you evildoers,
that I may keep the commandments of my God.
116 Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live,
and let me not be put to shame in my hope!
117 Hold me up, that I may be safe
and have regard for your statutes continually!
118 You spurn all who go astray from your statutes,
for their cunning is in vain.
119 All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross,
therefore I love your testimonies.
There is a strong reverence to God. As the saying goes, “He who fears God has nothing else to fear.”[v.120]
120 My flesh trembles for fear of you,
and I am afraid of your judgments.
There is a complete trust on God’s control. There is no need to be manipulative. We can rest in God.[v.121-126]
121 I have done what is just and right;
do not leave me to my oppressors.
122 Give your servant a pledge of good;
let not the insolent oppress me.
123 My eyes long for your salvation
and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise.
124 Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love,
and teach me your statutes.
125 I am your servant; give me understanding,
that I may know your testimonies!
126 It is time for the LORD to act,
for your law has been broken.
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24.075 | OH, HOW I LOVE YOUR LAW! | Psalm 119:97-112| God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon
God’s Word for Today
27 Mar 2024
97 Oh how I love your law!
It is my meditation all the day.
98 Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies,
for it is ever with me.
99 I have more understanding than all my teachers,
for your testimonies are my meditation.
100 I understand more than the aged,
for I keep your precepts.
101 I hold back my feet from every evil way,
in order to keep your word.
102 I do not turn aside from your rules,
for you have taught me.
103 How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104 Through your precepts I get understanding;
therefore I hate every false way.
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.
106 I have sworn an oath and confirmed it,
to keep your righteous rules.
107 I am severely afflicted;
give me life, O LORD, according to your word!
108 Accept my freewill offerings of praise, O LORD,
and teach me your rules.
109 I hold my life in my hand continually,
but I do not forget your law.
110 The wicked have laid a snare for me,
but I do not stray from your precepts.
111 Your testimonies are my heritage forever,
for they are the joy of my heart.
112 I incline my heart to perform your statutes
forever, to the end.
-Psa 119:97-112 ESV
OH, HOW I LOVE YOUR LAW!
The writer just fell in love with God’s word. How did he express it?.[v.97, 101-102]
97 Oh how I love your law!
It is my meditation all the day.
101 I hold back my feet from every evil way,
in order to keep your word.
102 I do not turn aside from your rules,
for you have taught me.
103 How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
Why?
It’ is because the word of God provides him wisdom more than his enemies, even the wisest men on earth.
98 Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies,
for it is ever with me.
99 I have more understanding than all my teachers,
for your testimonies are my meditation.
100 I understand more than the aged,
for I keep your precepts.
Moreover, he found out that the word of God is his source of light in darkness.[v.104-106]
104 Through your precepts I get understanding;
therefore I hate every false way.
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.
106 I have sworn an oath and confirmed it,
to keep your righteous rules.
Though severely afflicted, he holds on to the overwhelming trustworthiness of God through His words.[v107-112]
107 I am severely afflicted;
give me life, O LORD, according to your word!
108 Accept my freewill offerings of praise, O LORD,
and teach me your rules.
109 I hold my life in my hand continually,
but I do not forget your law.
110 The wicked have laid a snare for me,
but I do not stray from your precepts.
111 Your testimonies are my heritage forever,
for they are the joy of my heart.
112 I incline my heart to perform your statutes
forever, to the end.
He offered his freewill offerings. He testified that God’s testimonies are his heritage forever for they are the joy of his heart.
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24.074 | I Hope In Your Word | Psalm 119:81-96 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon
Text: Psalm 119:81-96 (ESV)
81 My soul longs for your salvation;
I hope in your word.
82 My eyes long for your promise;
I ask, “When will you comfort me?”
83 For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke,
yet I have not forgotten your statutes.
84 How long must your servant endure?
When will you judge those who persecute me?
85 The insolent have dug pitfalls for me;
they do not live according to your law.
86 All your commandments are sure;
they persecute me with falsehood; help me!
87 They have almost made an end of me on earth,
but I have not forsaken your precepts.
88 In your steadfast love give me life,
that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth.
89 Forever, O LORD, your word
is firmly fixed in the heavens.
90 Your faithfulness endures to all generations;
you have established the earth, and it stands fast.
91 By your appointment they stand this day,
for all things are your servants.
92 If your law had not been my delight,
I would have perished in my affliction.
93 I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have given me life.
94 I am yours; save me,
for I have sought your precepts.
95 The wicked lie in wait to destroy me,
but I consider your testimonies.
96 I have seen a limit to all perfection,
but your commandment is exceedingly broad.
I HOPE IN YOUR WORD
The writer has experienced hardships. See v. 83-87.
83 For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke,
yet I have not forgotten your statutes.
84 How long must your servant endure?
When will you judge those who persecute me?
85 The insolent have dug pitfalls for me;
they do not live according to your law.
86 All your commandments are sure;
they persecute me with falsehood; help me!
87 They have almost made an end of me on earth,
but I have not forsaken your precepts.
His anguish and longing for help is understandable [v.81-82, 88]
81 My soul longs for your salvation;
I hope in your word.
82 My eyes long for your promise;
I ask, “When will you comfort me?”
88 In your steadfast love give me life,
that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth.
His faith towards the stability of God’s word kept his feelings at bay.[v.89-91]
89 Forever, O LORD, your word
is firmly fixed in the heavens.
90 Your faithfulness endures to all generations;
you have established the earth, and it stands fast.
91 By your appointment they stand this day,
for all things are your servants
His resolve is to grasp firmly to God’s word. It’s his delight[v.9-96]
92 If your law had not been my delight,
I would have perished in my affliction.
93 I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have given me life.
94 I am yours; save me,
for I have sought your precepts.
95 The wicked lie in wait to destroy me,
but I consider your testimonies.
96 I have seen a limit to all perfection,
but your commandment is exceedingly broad.
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