Take Up My Cross

Psalm 23 The LORD is my Shepherd Introduction Psalm 23 is a familiar Psalm to most, if not all of us. It is a testimonial Psalm written by David. The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. I've also added this beautiful Psalm to the bottom of this webpage.   Summary Unnecessary due to the length of the Psalm. It's only 6 verses long. The LORD is my shepherd David immediately goes into the image of being a sheep, and God as his shepherd ...

Psalm 22b For He has done it I'll skip through the introduction and summary, if you really want to see it again read the previous post. For he has done it - this is the very last line of this Psalm. More or less, it sums up the whole reason for everything here. Now, the biggest reason as to why all this happens, is found in the previous post. Because of Christ, all this occurs. So let's look at what David has proposed in his positive side of the Psalm. 1. God is enthroned as the Holy One and is the praise of Israel - David first establishes the holiness and greatness of God 2. In you our fathers put their trust, they trusted and you delivered them - David points out that the fathers of Israel trusted God, and were delivered by Him. Notably, to this time, the major personnel who David would be thinking of are Abraham and Moses - as they are similarly mentioned all through the Bible after this. 3. You made me trust in You, even at my mother's breast. From bi...

Psalm 22a Jesus on the cross Introduction Psalm 22 is written as a lament Psalm. It bears many elements which are similar to Christ's death on the cross. Summary The Psalm is an alternating sequence - it switches between God forsaking David and God being with David v1-2, 6-8 and 12-21 are on the forsaking of David v3-5,9-11 and 22-31 are on God with David Messianic links David opens up the Psalm with the line also used by Jesus on the cross. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Matthew 27:46 Eloi, Eloi, lama sabchthani? - the Hebrew (which happens to be the same language Psalms was written in) for the exact same line. Go down further, to verse 6 But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people. All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads: And further still to verse 16 Dogs have surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me, they have pierced my hands and my feet Verse 18 They divide my garments among th...

Psalm 21 God's Power Introduction Psalm 21 is a testimonial Psalm written by David - written as a contrast between God's work for His king and His destruction of His enemies, and a single verse of praise at the end. Summary v1-7 God's relationship with His king v8-12 God's destruction of His enemies v13 Praise God's relationship with His king God's relationship with His king is described by David in many ways - but one thing is common throughout David's description. From verses 1-6, it is focused solely on God giving to the king. -King rejoices in God's strength -King has great joy in the victories God gives -God grants him the desire of his heart -God does not withhold the request of his lips -God welcomes His king with rich blessings - Placed a crown of pure gold on his head - Gave  life to His king, length of days, for ever and ever - Bestowed on him splendor and majesty - Granted eternal blessings - Made  him glad with the joy ...

Psalm 20 Trust in the Lord our God Introduction Psalm 20 is written, again, by David. It is likely to be a Pilgrimage Psalm, judging from the content. Summary v1-5 Benediction - May the Lord grant all your requests v6-8 Trust in God v9 Closing May the Lord grant all your requests David starts Psalm 20 with a benediction-looking segment. Here he tells someone (probably the nation of Israel in general) - May the Lord... 1. Answer you when you are in distress -This seems to be David's favorite line. He often uses it in his own prayers - "Lord, help me for I am in distress", is a generic line in many of David's Psalms. 2. Protect you - David prays for God's protection over this unknown person. Again, very generic. 3. Send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion - These 2 are one and the same. The sanctuary refers to God's holy hill - Zion. David prays that God sends help from above - divine help above what the world can off...

Psalm 19 God's Perfect Law Introduction Psalm 19 is a testimonial Psalm written by David about God's Law, and its' perfection and usefulness. Summary v1-6 The heavens declare the glory of God v7-14 The law of the Lord is perfect The heavens declare the glory of God David expresses 2 major ways in which God's glory is declared 1. In creation, we see the glory of God. All things are created and sustained by God, without Him the sun will not rise. 2. Their "voice" goes out to the ends of the earth. - What this really implies is that God's glory is revealed everywhere we go, and there is no way we can live in this world without experiencing God in our lives. However, it is still possible for us to live God in God's glory, yet not recognise God. The law of the Lord is perfect Here David lists many things in which the law of the Lord does for us - reasons why it is perfect. 1. It revives the soul 2. It makes the simple wise 3. It gives ...

Psalm 18 Who is God? Introduction Psalm 18 is a testimonial Psalm written by David after Good delivered him from Saul. It displays the majesty of God and poses the question of who is God. Summary v1-6 The Lord is my fortress v7-15 God's majesty revealed in His rebuke v16-29 God rewards the righteous v30-36 Who is God beside the Lord? v37-45 God's empowerment for David v46-50 Praise be to the Rock The Lord is my fortress David declares God his rock and his fortress, in whom he takes refuge. He is David's shield, his horn of salvation, his stronghold, his Savior from death and hell. Good hears him in his distress and rescues him. God's majesty revealed in His rebuke David spends verse 7 to 15 in a very descriptive narrative of God's anger against the wicked and His rebuke. He uses grand language to express himself, in an attempt to illustrate the power and majesty of God. God rewards the righteous God rescues David from the waters, he saves him from...

Won't be posting for awhile cos of problems typing on my phone. Will upload when possible!

Psalm 17 Vindication of the righteous Introduction Psalm 17 is a palm written by David, incorporating elements of imprecatory, testimonial and lament Psalms. Summary v1-8 God will vindicate the righteous v9-12 Description of the wicked v13-14a David's prayer for deliverance v14b-15 Blessing and satisfaction for God's cherished Hear a just cause David opens the Psalm with the concept of righteousness. He elaborates 6 things where he believes he can be proven righteous from. 1. His lips are free from deceit. 2. God has tried his heart and visited him by night. - The implication here is that God knows David's secrets that are not made known to other men. 3. God has tested him and will find nothing. - It shows David's steadfastness in the face of trials. 4. Mouth does not transgress. 5. Avoided the ways of the violent by the word of God's lips. - David admits his need for God to help him in avoiding the ways of the violent. By God's order and bless...

Psalm 16 At the table of God Introduction Contrary to how I've titled this Psalm, there's nothing about tables here. Instead, David makes a lot of references to the seating arrangement at God's table. I'll elaborate a little later. Psalm 16 is written as a testimonial Psalm to God's goodness. A traditional royal table would often have its' seats assigned in a way so that the king seats at the end of the table, with his most-valued man on his right. This man is often also a counselor to the king.        _________________________________ king |________________________________|         counselor ^ That was my horrendous description. Summary v1 Prayer by David for God to keep him safe v2-4 God as the only source of all goodness v5-6 God's blessing v7-8 God's counsel v9-11 Rejoice in God's eternal plan Keep me safe, O God  for in you I take refuge David speaks this prayer in full confidence in God to keep His promise - to prot...

Psalm 15 Who can dwell in God's sanctuary? Introduction Psalm 15 is a wisdom psalm written by David. It describes the godly way we should live our lives in order to have God's favor and dwell in His presence and sanctuary. Of course, now, being post-Christ, we know that  we can dwell in God's presence not because of the way we live, but because of Christ's sacrifice for us. Nevertheless, Jesus often points us to godly living - and this is what Psalm 15 points us to. Psalm 15 opens with the very question that this post is titled after - Who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? David then describes this man. He has 6 sets of 2 points, where these 2 points support each other. He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous A blameless walk describes a person who is beyond accusation. No one can bring a complaint against him, not even God, if his life is examined. Doing what is righteous is acting in a way that God would appr...

Psalm 14 God sends salvation Introduction Psalm 14 is a testimonial Psalm by David, describing God's actions against man, who sinfully rejects God, and His salvation for them. Summary v1-3 Godlessness of man v4-6 God with (righteous) man v7 God's Salvation for man Godlessness of man The fool David starts Psalm 14 by describing the fool. The fool is a person who is morally deficient (the original Hebrew word). He rejects the existence of God, he is corrupt and does vile deeds instead of good. The Lord looks down from heaven He looks down on us, assessing us for judgement. God's view of us shows this - there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God, all have turned aside. We have together become corrupt, instead of God's purpose for community to build each other up in godly living. God with man Evildoers never learn God accuses the evildoers of not learning. They continue to devour God's people, do not call on the Lord, and frustrate the pl...

1 Timothy 6:3-10 False doctrine and material gain Introduction Why I'm even writing this! - Preparing for session tomorrow morning (in like.. 10 hours?) - Cos this helps me structure stuff much better. (though seriously this is so different from what I've been doing with Psalms) Paul writes to Timothy on false doctrine and the value of godliness in his last section of his letter to Timothy. Summary v1-5 False teachers v6-8 Value of godliness v9-10 Lack of value of material gain False teachers Paul starts of by identifying these people that he has already ordered Timothy to silence (1 Tim 1:3). There are 4 identifiers: 1. Their teaching does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ - What Paul meant here was to point out that all doctrine must have Christ either at its' center or its' source. Christ cannot be excluded from any doctrine, for the Bible itself - the whole history and future of mankind is centered around Ch...

Psalm 13 Unconditional trust in His unconditional love Introduction What is unconditional love? Unconditional love is "affection without limits or conditions" (dictionary.com) - how God could love us despite us rejecting Him as Creator and ruler of our lives. What then, is unconditional trust? Psalm 13 is a lament Psalm written by David to express this response to God's unconditional love for us Summary v1-2 "How long?" v3-4 "Lest" v5-6 Unconditional trust I've titled the first 4 verses this way because this is the repeated word in those verses - expressing David's thoughts. "How long?" David opens Psalm 13 asking a series of "how long" questions. He wonders how long God will refrain from helping him, from showing his face. David fears that God will forget him forever. He tires of wrestling with his thoughts, the sorrow in his heart and the failure to defeat his enemies. He hints that he is failing in his at...

Psalm 12 Deception Introduction Psalm 12 is another short, testimonial Psalm about God and His reaction against the sin of lying. Summary: v1-4 David's plea to God for help v5-7 God's response v8 Depravity of mankind David's plea to God for help David begins Psalm 12 with a sad truth Help, LORD, for the godly are no more; the faithful have vanished from among men. It is a shocking statement to make - and one that was valid in David time, and more so today than back then. David's time was home to some of the famous saints - Samuel, for example, who is credited 2 books in the Bible. David himself is one more. However, David claims that there are no more godly people, and he is right! None of us, nor anyone back in David's time, will meet God's standard for godliness or faithfulness. He continues to say that everyone lies to his neighbor, and flattering lips speak deception. And rightly so, as in our daily lives we lie and flatter. Ever told someone...

Psalm 11 Refuge in the LORD Introduction Written as a testimonial Psalm by David, it shares similar concepts as Psalm 10. Also, on a little hindsight, Psalms 9 and 10 are believed to be written by the same person - David, even though the authorship of Psalm 10 is not verified. Summary v1-3 Confidence in God v4-6 Actions of God v7 Character of God Confidence in God David expresses great confidence in God - he takes refuge in the LORD, and questions the wicked in his psalm - writing to them - How can they ask him to flee, how can they threaten him with bows and arrows, with destruction of the foundations, how can they question what the righteous can do. He writes mockingly at the wicked, in the knowledge and confidence that the LORD is his refuge. Actions of God Looking at this section, our key takeaway is God is the King. Seated on His heavenly throne, He examines and observes both the righteous and the unrighteous. His soul hates the wicked and the violent, and he will ...

Psalm 10 God's unknown plan Summary V1 - Asking why God is so far off V2 - Confidence of wicked that God will not judge V3 - God's eventual jugement will come Why is God so far off ? The psalmist asks this question hoping to get an answer from God. What the answer is is not revealed to us. However, in asking this question, the psalmist reveals two characteristics we have. 1. We need God, especially in times of trouble. 2. We fail to understand the perfect will of God completely - we do not have, and will not have all the answers to why God does certain things - for example here, withholding His judgement on the wicked. Confidence in the wicked that God will not judge In verses 2 to 11,the psalmist goes on to describe the attitudes, mindsets and atrocities commited by the wicked, all im the confidence that God will not judge. They spite God - "God has forgotten; he covers His face and never sees". The truth is, this is the way things may seem now. Where was ...

Psalm 9 Praise God for His Work Introduction: Written by David as a testimonial in a ABCABC format - he has 3 main points to bring out, with point A being his focus for this Psalm. Summary v1-2, 11-12 - A - Praise & Glory to God v3-6, 13-18 - B - God's earthly work v7-12, 19-20 - C - God's eternal work and His character Praise and Glory to God David declares to praise God - With all his heart - Proclaiming His works and wonders among the nations - Being glad and rejoicing in Him - With singing (expression of joy) - Because God remembers and does not ignore the afflicted David also lists more reasons for him to praise God in sections B and C. God's earthly work Yes, God does work in earthly ways. This section of Psalm 9 seems to focus on the things God does very specifically on earth to glorify Himself on earth amongst the nations. Very specifically it shows how God relates to man, and in particular as judge of the nations. - Stumbles, destroys and...

Had this passage shared at SYFC staff meeting earlier. Thought it was rather applicable to us! Here's the summarised version. I happened to write this for my cell group, so might as well put it up here too. Luke 21:1-4 As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. "I tell you the truth," he said, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on." We know that this widow, in the first place, is the one that the church should be supporting. Yet, here she is at the temple treasure putting in everything she has. The Bible records the two copper coins of value equal to 1/64 of a worker's daily wage - about $1? It could have bought her something to eat, but instead she returns it to God. We often give out of abundance. We have extra money - we give it to...

Psalm 8 God of all Creation Introduction: This Psalm is written by David as a testimonial to God's Creation and God's Creation Plan, as well as a worship to God the King. Summary: v1a, 9 - Praise to God v1b-2 - Glory of God v3-4 - Insignificance of man v5-8 - God's Creation Plan for man Praise to God David starts and ends his Psalm with the phrase "O LORD, our LORD, how majestic is your name in all the earth!" - Declares God as LORD. (Adonai) - Declares God as OUR LORD. (Adonai again). David makes it personal here, and uses a Hebrew way of emphasizing his point that God is LORD - master of his life. - Declares the majesty of God's name in all the earth, nothing is greater than God's name. Glory of God & Creation Psalm 8 tells us a few things about God v1b - His glory is above the heavens. We must be reminded that the heavens were also part of creation (brought up later in Psalm 8), and the source of glory in the heavens is God Hims...

I really liked this passage ever since it was shared to me at Project Serve @ SYFC. Yes, these 2 verses are a Bible story , not a memory verse or something to that effect. In 2 verses, 2 sentences, Luke shares the calling of Levi. 26 After this (healing of the paralytic), Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. "Follow me," Jesus said to him, 27 and Levi got up, left everything and followed him. If we take a short survey of the Gospel of Luke, we notice that Luke loves stories. His gospel is centered on describing the events surrounding Jesus. Yet here, in this pivotal moment where Jesus calls one of His disciples (part of the twelve, if the belief that Matthew and Levi are the same person is true), the story is a 2 sentence long story. What's in this story that's so amazing? First let's address who Levi is. In Matthew 9:9-13, it records the exact same story as Luke does, albeit under the name Matthew. (thus the b...

Psalm 7 God, the Righteous Judge Background: This Psalm is a mixture of Imprecatory - Calls for judgement to be passed on the dispute between David and Cush, a Benjamite - Cush is not recorded specifically in the Bible, but he is likely to be a follower of either Saul or Absalom when then tried to kill David. - David names his foe Cush, perhaps ironically, as the people known as the Cushites are enemies of the state of Israel, however, this man is a Benjamite, part of Israel itself, sadly working against his rightful king. Lament - David calls out to God to help him deal with this Cush Testimonial -  As David testifies to the righteousness of God and his acts against sin Summary: v1-2 David prays to God for help v3-5 David calls for judgement to be passed between himself and Cush, calling for judgement on himself should he be guilty v6-9 David calls on God v10-13 God's war against sin v14-16 God's judgement against the wicked v17 Praise and thanksgiving D...

Was just doing some reading about the Book of Psalms in general. Here's a tidbit of information I guess I'll try to keep in mind! Types of Psalms: The Psalms are classified as: Messianic - Speak of the Person and Work of the Messiah Lament - Cry to God for help Testimonial - Telling others what God has done Pilgrim - Sung during pilgrimage to Jerusalem Imprecatory - Asking for judgement on the wicked Penitential - Expresses sorrow over sin Wisdom - Guidelines for godly living Historical - Looks back at God's dealings with the nation of Israel Nature - About God's work in Creation Hope this helps to understand the Psalms better!

Psalm 6 David's model for Repentance Summary v1-5 David's plea for mercy v6-7 David expresses sorrow for his sin v8-10 Result of true repentance David's plea for mercy Just reading through Psalm 6, it is obvious that David has in some way offended God and is suffering both physically and spiritually. Here in verse 1-2a, he pleads desperately for mercy, fearing God's rebuke, discipline, anger and wrath. Do we fear God's wrath in the same way that David did? What is God's wrath? We often simplify God's wrath to be something simple like "we go to hell". Or "God will be unhappy with us". We downplay the righteousness and power of the Almighty God. We fall into traps such as "whatever happens, Jesus' death is the perfect atonement, so nevermind". We fail to give God the due reverence by not fearing his wrath. Following which, David gives reasons for asking for healing from God In verse 2b-3, because his bones a...

Thought it'd be nice to share some of the music I really liked. Thought this song was really clicking with my life, and it really spoke to me a month or so back. Plus it's a tune I really like, so.. enjoy! Lyrics found below. Kinda meaningful, I really like the imagery given. Starfield - Rediscover You I need to just admit my faith is paper thin I'm feeling so burned out on religion I say an empty prayer, I sing a tired song I need to just admit that the passion's gone And I wanna get it back You told me, look for You and I will find So I'm here like I'm searching for the first time Revive me, Jesus, make this cold heart start to move Help me rediscover I wanna learn to pray the way that David prayed I want my soul to burn when I hear Your name I wanna feel like new, I wanna hunger for You Bring me back to life like only You can do 'Cause I don't wanna stay the same You told me, look for You and I will find So I'm here like I'm searching f...