The Two Ways!

‘Blessed’ or ‘happy’ expresses a sense of joy and satisfaction in one’s circumstances or state of life. Very often it is the ultimate result of trusting God completely in all life situations, obeying His written Word; Ref: Psa: 34:8; 40:4. This also shows the faithfulness of those who trust in God fully, and not taking things into ones’ own hands, or going to another source for help. God (Yahweh) is the only source of help for those who trust in Him.

The Hebrew words:

The word for Psalms: ‘tehilim’ which means Praise.

Happy is ‘Blessed’; ‘Ashrey, an interjection frequent in Psalms, means ‘happy’; Psa 1:1. It is similar to ‘baruk’ which means ‘blessed’ and it is more often used in a secular term.

‘Torah’ is some times translated as ‘law’ and very often it is understood as ‘teaching’ or ‘instruction’.

‘Hgh’ is based on Josh 1:8; which means literally mumbling to one self; or closely related to concentrating on some thing in order to understand it well.

Book of Psalms are mainly ‘Lyrics’ and one can not but deeply be affected by the emotions, strengths, and petitions contained in the Psalm. Psalm 1 definitely talks about two ways of life: one leading to everlasting life; and the other one leading to everlasting death. This Psalm gives the revelation of God’s will for His people, and not a body of legislative material or a collection of judicial decisions often associated with the English word ‘law’. It brings out that God’s (Yahweh’s) instructions are a delight and not a burden to those who trust in Him. The image of the righteous (Ps 1; 3) as flourishing trees is a very common metaphor used through out Scriptures; Psa 92:12-14; Jer 17; 8. The tree bearing fruit is the extension of the metaphor, and is very much related to the individual giving spiritual fruit, and shows the spiritual status of the believer.

This Psalm talks about and focuses on the destiny of the two ways in verse 4. “The ungodly are not so, But are like the chaff which the wind drives away.” Psa 1:4. Chaff is in contrast to the fruit; but the fruit is the valuable product from the field whereas the ‘chaff’ is the useless byproduct which comes in threshing. The Word of God says that the wicked will be like the chaff, useless and will be carried away by the wind; and will be separated from the fruit which is useful and valuable.

“Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment; nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.” Psa 1:5. This verse definitely talks about the judgment. Some people argue that it is only the final judgment which is definite; but it is better to understand the judgment whether it is in this life or the life to come. It is very clear as sinners are not equated with the righteous they will be judged and removed from the scene.

“For the Lord knows the way of the righteous; but the way of the wicked shall perish.’ Psa1: 6. This verse shows the final summary of the ‘Two Ways’; The first way is the way of the righteous and God’s protection will be there and their way will be flourishing. The second way is for ruin and destruction and the wicked will follow that way and will be utterly destroyed.

Dear friends, it is a great blessedness to know and experience the love of Christ. Jesus’ death on the cross is the only the source of forgiveness of sin; Jn 3:16. “For this is what love of God is; to keep his commandments, now His commandments are not a burden, because whatever has been born of God conquers the world: our faith.”1 Jn 5:3. Love of God is not separate from keeping His commandments. God’s commands teach His people how to do what God accepts as pleasing; Rom12:1-2. Knowledge of God transforms the human will, making what was burden easy and light to carry; Matt 11:30.

Some have referred to the Psalms as Israel’s hymnbook; and more than one third of its collection contain prayers to God and were used in the context of Israel’s worship. My prayer as I write this would be as follows: ‘Lord I pray that whomever who reads this would delight in Your law and that they would meditate on it, pondering it day and night.’ Psa: 1:2.

References:

1.The Matthew Henry Study Bible, ‘King James version’ The best of Matthew Henry’s Notes in a Handy One Volume Reference Bible, World Bible Publishers, Inc; 1994, Iowa Falls, U.S.A.

2. David Seeking A Heart Like His, ‘Beth Moore’ Life Way Christian resources, Nashville, Tennessee, 2010, pgs: 149-157.

3. Jay E. Adams, ‘Critical Stages of Biblical Counseling’ Finishing Well, Breaking Through, Getting Started, (New Jersey: Zondervan, 2002, p.6-7)

4. Jay E. Adams, ‘How to Help People Change’ The Four-step Biblical Process, (Grand rapids: Zondervan, 1986, p. 20-28)

5. John F. MacArthur, JR. Wayne A. Mack & The Master’s College Faculty, ‘Introduction To Biblical Counseling’, “A Basic Guide To The Principles And Practice Of Counseling”(Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers,1994, P. 76-77)

6. Jay E. Adams, ‘The Christian Counselor’s Manual, The Practice of Nouthetic Counseling’ (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1973, p. 15-16, 21-23; 92-97)

7. Jay E. Adams, ‘Lectures on Counseling’ (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1978, p.192-203)

8.The Holy Bible, New King James version, Women of Destiny Bible, “Women Mentoring women Through the Scriptures” A Spirit Filled Life Bible, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, Tennessee, Copyright 1982.

9. HCSB Study Bible, Holman Christian Standard Bible, ‘God’s Word for Life’ Nashville, Tennessee, 2010.

A Heart far Away from God?

Spring is a perfect time for Kings to march out to war, and the crops were growing and so men were not needed to work in the fields. David remained in Jerusalem and did not participate fully in some other battles; 2 Sam 10:7. The roof of the palace provides a good view to the King as Bathsheba was bathing. She was the daughter of Eliam one of David’s elite warriors, 2 Sam 23:34 and the wife of Uriah the Hittite, one of David’s faithful soldiers, 2 Sam 23; 39. There is also a possibility that she is the grand daughter of Ahithophel, who was David’s trusted counselor; 2 Sam 23:34. David slept with her 2 Sam 11:4; and the biblical writer placed the ultimate blame where it belonged and that is with the Israel’s King!

Hebrew word; ‘Kasah’ means “to cover, conceal, hide, to clothe … to forgive, to keep secret, to hide one self, wrap one self up.”

2 Samuel chapter 11 talks about how David committed adultery with Bathsheba and then manipulatively arranged Uriah’s death, in order to conceal his misbehavior. Let us observe carefully the progressive nature of sin in this story. David sent orders to Joab without revealing the reason he was summoning Uriah, 2 Sam 11:6. Israel’s King suggested a gentle time of relaxing to Uriah at his house, with a gift, where Bathsheba might arrange an intimate evening with her husband to make it appear that Uriah was the baby’s father, 2 Sam 11;8. David questioned Uriah about his refusal to go home in spite of his orders to him, yet being careful not to appear overly eager to make sure Uriah the Hittite went home; 2 Sam 11:10.

David did not stop here; he delayed Uriah’s return a few days while he contrived another plan; 2 Sam 11:12. David got Uriah drunk in an effort to get him home to Bathsheba, but Uriah did not go home, and David was getting very desperate to cover his misdeed; 2 Sam 11; 13. David sent an order for Uriah’s death to Joab, by Uriah’s own hand; 2 Sam 11:14. In the letter David wrote: “Put Uriah at the front of the fiercest fighting, then withdraw from him so that he is struck down and dies.”2 Sam 11:15. The scheme of David ends with Uriah the Hittites’ death in the battlefield; 2 Sam 11:17; but the finale of the story did not end here. However David did not repent of his sin and misdeed, and “So the Lord sent Nathan the prophet to David.”2 Sam 12:1a.

The Bible says, “But the thing David had done displeased the Lord.’ 2 Sam 11:27. David’s heart was further away from the Lord, which means it was characterized by selfishness and self-absorbency. We see David’s sin began in his thought life, and end up in the conception of an innocent child with another man’s wife. The news of Bathsheba’s pregnancy presented special problems for King David, because her husband Uriah had been fighting in the battlefield with the Ammonites and thus could not be the father of Bathsheba’s child. His heart went far away from the Lord and the evidence for this can be seen in how he reacted to Bathsheba’s pregnancy. Obviously David has quenched the Spirit of God to such a degree that he was able to resist the convicting power of God’s Spirit.

He sinned in thought, word and in deed. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time; failed to protect himself with a group of accountability partners; and was lonely. One has to be very careful about the God given responsibilities; and deliberately set up accountability figures around them, and avoid long isolation understanding the progressive nature of sin. He resisted many opportunities to repent of his sins; unmoved by Uriah’s integrity; tried to cover his own sins. Also, in his selfishness he involved a servant in his plans; invited Bathsheba to a season of guilt and grief; enticed Uriah to compromise his values; and involved Joab and killed Uriah the Hittite, the warrior who is a man of Integrity.

Intense selfishness accompanies a heart far away from the Lord, and we can measure this against the selflessness of Christ. David was a man after God’s own heart, and that is the caliber to which he has risen, and from that pinnacle he has fallen! Dear friends in Christ, we need not have to commit adultery for our hearts to move away from God; but what about any thing else in our lives which would make us self-absorbed in our selfishness? It could be the money, power, authority, pride, surfing the internet, friends, even ministry or anything else which takes our heart away from God and we may be worshipping it if unchecked! It is important for us to make sure whom we worship; self or God?

“Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” 1 Cori 10” 11-12.

References:

1.The Matthew Henry Study Bible, ‘King James version’ The best of Matthew Henry’s Notes in a Handy One Volume Reference Bible, World Bible Publishers, Inc; 1994, Iowa Falls, U.S.A.

2. David Seeking A Heart Like His, ‘Beth Moore’ Life Way Christian resources, Nashville, Tennessee, 2010, pgs: 149-157.

3. Jay E. Adams, ‘Critical Stages of Biblical Counseling’ Finishing Well, Breaking Through, Getting Started, (New Jersey: Zondervan, 2002, p.6-7)

4. Jay E. Adams, ‘How to Help People Change’ The Four-step Biblical Process, (Grand rapids: Zondervan, 1986, p. 20-28)

5. John F. MacArthur, JR. Wayne A. Mack & The Master’s College Faculty, ‘Introduction To Biblical Counseling’, “A Basic Guide To The Principles And Practice Of Counseling”(Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers,1994, P. 76-77)

6. Jay E. Adams, ‘The Christian Counselor’s Manual, The Practice of Nouthetic Counseling’ (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1973, p. 15-16, 21-23; 92-97)

7. Jay E. Adams, ‘Lectures on Counseling’ (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1978, p.192-203)

8.The Holy Bible, New King James version, Women of Destiny Bible, “Women Mentoring women Through the Scriptures” A Spirit Filled Life Bible, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, Tennessee, Copyright 1982.

9. HCSB Study Bible, Holman Christian Standard Bible, ‘God’s Word for Life’ Nashville, Tennessee, 2010.

My Times are in His Hand

“But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in Your hand; Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me.” Psa: 31: 14-15.

Conflicts seem to be the package of King David’s life and it seemed they would never end. It seemed to sap his energy and caused him to rely on another’s strength.

2 Samuel 22:1-51, talks about the testimony of King David in Lyrics with a great passion.

King David presents these words to the Lord, because God has delivered him from the hand of his enemies in His time; from Absalom his own son, King Saul and also delivered him from the pit of despair. The pit of despair arose not only because of his enemies outside in his court and the battlefield but also of the enemy in his own heart. David’s enemies were too strong for him but not too strong for the Lord.

Any Christian who is attempting to live a life of self-sufficiency may not be able to relate to having a close personal relationship with God. Claiming God personally is the most precious right of any believer because of our Risen Savior Jesus Christ and blessed Calvary.

The circumstances one face may be completely different. May be the enemy has succeeded in pushing you into a corner, or being held in a small place with little hope of escape; and in all this one can be strengthened by God’s Word. “I will be glad and rejoice in Your mercy, for You have considered my trouble; You have known my soul in adversities; and have not shut me up into the hand of the enemy; You have set my feet in a wide place.” Psa 31: 7-8.

The One who delivered David from his enemies was the object of his deepest emotions, and he shared an authentic relationship with the living God. David deeply loved God and he is the man after God’s own heart because of his deep desire to please God and love Him.

Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8; talks about Times and seasons and to realize God’s promises in our lives we should set ourselves to God’s beat. When we talk about His beat, it is His rhythm, sequence, order, structure and timings of our lives. If we miss His timing by moving too fast or too slow we will fall out of step, and that will affect everything else in our lives. Can we say that everything in our lives must be in God’s predetermined time so that we can be effective and fruitful?

For every problem and situation in our lives there is a set time for its answer and God is very much involved in a believer’s situation. We may have to wait for God and step back because what He is going to do in our lives is a matter of timing and it is His timing. As we are anxiously asking God for an answer right now, He is thinking beyond our anxious heart about our requests or His purpose may be to fine-tune us through adversity. Out of our brokenness is coming something valuable – a man or a woman after His own heart!

With references to 2 Samuel 22 and Psalm 18, can we say; God is our strength when we are weak; He is our Rock when we are on a slippery slope; He is our Deliverer when we are fenced and trapped by our enemies; He is our strong Fortress when we are crumbling down to thousand pieces; He is our Refuge when our enemies chases us and conflicts seem to be part of our package of our life; He is our only shield when I am exposed to our enemies; and He is our Lord, our God when life spins out of control in all directions?

We all can say with one accord that focusing on God alone is hard when life issues spins on a down ward spiral and spins out of control. King David’s life continuously challenges each one of us about our walk with God. Are we becoming committed to God more and more? “For I have kept the ways of the Lord; and have not wickedly departed from my God?” 2 Sam 22; 22. 2 Samuel 22 shows the history of King David with God, and he has allowed God to reveal himself in many experiences of life.

Do we actively build a history with God? Have we done lots of living together with God ever since our salvation? Can we remember the various times and seasons we have experienced with the Living God as our Father? Can we genuinely say that our ‘Times are in His hand’? If we believe can we say, “Lord, teach me the timing and sequence You have set for my life so that I may dance to Your beat for me?”

References:

1.The Matthew Henry Study Bible, ‘King James version’ The best of Matthew Henry’s Notes in a Handy One Volume Reference Bible, World Bible Publishers, Inc; 1994, Iowa Falls, U.S.A.

2. David Seeking A Heart Like His, ‘Beth Moore’ Life Way Christian resources, Nashville, Tennessee, 2010, pgs: 206-210.

3. Jay E. Adams, ‘Critical Stages of Biblical Counseling’ Finishing Well, Breaking Through, Getting Started, (New Jersey: Zondervan, 2002, p.6-7)

4. Jay E. Adams, ‘How to Help People Change’ The Four-step Biblical Process, (Grand rapids: Zondervan, 1986, p. 20-28)

5. John F. MacArthur, JR. Wayne A. Mack & The Master’s College Faculty, ‘Introduction To Biblical Counseling’, “A Basic Guide To The Principles And Practice Of Counseling”(Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers,1994, P. 76-77)

6. Jay E. Adams, ‘The Christian Counselor’s Manual, The Practice of Nouthetic Counseling’ (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1973, p. 15-16, 21-23; 92-97)

7. Jay E. Adams, ‘Lectures on Counseling’ (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1978, p.192-203)

8.The Holy Bible, New King James version, Women of Destiny Bible, “Women Mentoring women Through the Scriptures” A Spirit Filled Life Bible, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, Tennessee, Copyright 1982.