Tag: Psalm 49:15
Tough love!
Scripture reading for October 5th: 2nd John, Psalm 49, Proverbs 13
2nd John:6-11 “And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it. For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist. Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward. Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works.”
John’s short letter continues his emphasis on walking in the love of God through obedience, the highest form of worship. The believers must guard against deception and continue to walk in the truth of the Gospel of grace through faith. The deceivers that attacked the church John wrote to were denying that Jesus was truly human and came to earth in the flesh. This teaching undermines the Gospel and leads people away from truth. Those who come to believe this heresy do not know God and are in danger of eternal damnation. It is a serious issue. John warned these believers not to receive these false workers into their homes or even to greet them. To do so was to share in their deception. This is tough love designed to protect believers from deception. Prayer for those caught up in this is still our privilege.
Psalm 49:15 “But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for He will receive me.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for these clear instructions and warning against those who falsely teach against the virgin birth and Jesus, Son of Man and Son of God. Have mercy on those in this darkness and turn them again to the light of truth. May Your pastors and church elders and deacons teach the uncompromised Word of Truth and bring protection to the flock of Jesus Christ.
Proverbs 13:17-18 “A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful envoy brings healing. Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is honored.”
Judging others with specks!
Scripture reading for July 26th: 2nd Kings 9-10, Psalm 49, Matthew 7l
Matthew 7: 1-5 “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured back to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.”
Jesus had a good sense of humor. In this passage from the sermon on the mount, Jesus used specks of dirt in an individual eye and contrasted that with logs in the one who judges eyes! Humans have the propensity to see others faults and be blind to their own. Jesus warned against judging others harshly or at all. The measure we use to judge others will be used on us by God! We must all go to God to have the log taken out of our own eyes first in order to be able to help others with their problems. Hypocrisy is not acceptable in God’s kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Psalm 49:7-8 “Truly no man can ransom another, or give to God the price of his life, for the ransom of their life is costly and can never suffice, that he should live on forever and never see the pit.
Prayer: Father God, forgive me for judging others based on my own feelings or prejudice against their attitudes or actions. By the Holy Spirit, teach me righteousness, peace, and joy as my practice of daily living that will be pleasing to You and allow You to use my life to show others Your great love. Thank You for the mercy and grace that came when You sent Jesus Christ as the ransom for my sins.
Psalm 49:15 “But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for He will receive me.”
Wisdom for salvation and holy living
Scripture reading for October 4th: 2nd Timothy 3, Psalm 49, Proverbs 14
Key Scriptures: 2nd Timothy 3:12-17 “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
The last days before Christ’s return would be marked by evil people, impostors and deception. Godly people would suffer persecution for following Jesus and His Word. This truth should encourage all believers to follow the truth taught by Holy Scripture and reinforced by those of faith who taught them. God wants His people complete and equipped for every good work. It is clear that we are now living in the last days!
Faith confession: I receive God’s Holy Scriptures, Old and New Testaments, as wisdom for salvation and holy living, equipping me for every good work. I am thankful for those God has sent into my life to teach and model His Word for me.
Psalm 49:15 “But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for He will receive me.” Selah