Friday, July 17, 2015

Friday, 17 July 2015 Psalms 18-19; Acts 13: 1-25 Elizabeth

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Psalms 18-19; Acts 13: 1-25

David exults, “The Lord…is worthy to be praised”. This truth makes our failures to render Him thanks and praise a grievous affront. In this psalm, David recounts a time when the very cords of death were dragging him down into the abyss. The deliverance God provided him reminds us of our own victory over the grave, achieved for us by the risen Lord Jesus.
Luther describes Psalm 19 as, “A prophecy. It speaks of how the Gospel would spread to all the world, as far as the heavens extend. Day and night it would be spread, not only in Hebrew but in all languages.” The heavens continually declare God’s praise, and the forces of nature daily show forth His glory as they faithfully carry out the duties He has assigned them. Too bad we so often fail in the fulfillment of our divinely appointed tasks. Marvelous as the heavens are, and eloquent as nature’s testimony to the greatness of the Creator, God’s forgiveness and grace as revealed in His Word are even more glorious.

The momentous missionary journeys of Paul begin with the calling and equipping by the Spirit. The Holy Spirit calls us by the Gospel and enlightens us with His gifts, especially those of teaching and spreading God’s Word, which we use in God’s service and to the benefit of others. At the first mission stop, there is both opposition to and belief in the Gospel. Jesus says, “Whoever is not with Me is against Me”. God’s powerful Word will create and strengthen faith in us and in those who hear His Word from us. Paul’s visit to Pisidian Antioch is typical of his missionary technique and preaching. Today, the unbelieving world often responds in opposition to the messages of salvation. Yet, the Gospel of Christ’s death and resurrection, which fulfilled the OT promises of salvation, “is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes”.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage passage: Psalms 20-22; Acts 13:26-52

5 comments:

Nathan said...

Psalm 19:7 "7 The Lord’s teachings are perfect.
They give strength to his people.
The Lord’s rules can be trusted.
They help even the foolish become wise."

This verse stood,out for me. I'm thankful that I can trust in the Lord, who can make me wise and give me strength by trusting in Him.

Tammy said...

In Psalm 18 we see the psalmist crying out to God, recognizing that God is his only source of hope and strength. A good reminder, but it also made me wonder - do we only call out to God when we need help? Of course, God delights in helping us, but He also delights in rejoicing with us when life is good, and simply enjoying relationship in the day to day of everyday life. Let us now forget to enjoy that fellowship as well!

Tammy said...

*not forget

Conrad said...

The verse that stood out for me is Psalm 19:7. "The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul, the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple."

I was reminded that it is God and only God that revives us - He pulls our lives together.

He also makes wise the simple. His directions are plain and simple. Following them daily is not always easy. We cannot all become doctors and lawyers, but we all have the opportunity to be Christians.

God does not keep any information hidden from us, and David points out some of the life nurturing effects from following the Lord's law.

Pamela said...

This verse stood out for me:

14 May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Not only my words, but my thoughts as well, should be honouring to God....the one who doesn't change and saves me.