Sunday, February 3, 2008
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Studying Psalm 33
Interpretation
God is a SOVEREIGN GOD
v.6 By the word of the Lord were the heavens made,
their starry host by the breath of His mouth.
v.9 For He spoke, and it came to be;
He commanded, and it stood firm.
Such power in the words of God!
Such an Almighty God we serve.
Application
Q: Are you praying to God for certain answers for your life?
>> Press on, knowing that when 'we call on Him, He will answer' (Psalm 17:6). And when He speaks, there will be breakthroughs!
Q: Do you depend on yourself and feel self-confident? Or are you God-confident?
Look at v. 16-19.
No king is saved by the size of his army;
no warrior escapes by his great strength;
a horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength, it cannot save (anyone).
BUT the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear Him,
on those whose hope is in His unfailing love,
to deliver them from death, and keep them alive in famine.
>> They tell us that “God does not save the self-confident. Rather, the Lord saves and preserves those who trust and hope in Him”.
>> What is your position when coming before God? Do you choose to submit to His Lordship and come humbly before Him in recognizing that apart from Him, we can do nothing?
Read the Psalm again and allow praises to arise within you in knowing that the Lord knows our every thought and give him the praises due to Him for it is fitting for us to praise the dependable and righteous God, who is sovereign and considers all of our works.
Source (from SL Tribe, ZhaoHua's materials)
“NKJV Bible – The Open Bible” (OB)
“Psalms – Classic Library Edition” by Marilyn Hickey (MH)
“The Bible Knowledge Commentary – Old Testament” by John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck; Cook Communications Ministries (BC)
God is a SOVEREIGN GOD
v.6 By the word of the Lord were the heavens made,
their starry host by the breath of His mouth.
v.9 For He spoke, and it came to be;
He commanded, and it stood firm.
Such power in the words of God!
Such an Almighty God we serve.
Application
Q: Are you praying to God for certain answers for your life?
>> Press on, knowing that when 'we call on Him, He will answer' (Psalm 17:6). And when He speaks, there will be breakthroughs!
Q: Do you depend on yourself and feel self-confident? Or are you God-confident?
Look at v. 16-19.
No king is saved by the size of his army;
no warrior escapes by his great strength;
a horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength, it cannot save (anyone).
BUT the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear Him,
on those whose hope is in His unfailing love,
to deliver them from death, and keep them alive in famine.
>> They tell us that “God does not save the self-confident. Rather, the Lord saves and preserves those who trust and hope in Him”.
>> What is your position when coming before God? Do you choose to submit to His Lordship and come humbly before Him in recognizing that apart from Him, we can do nothing?
Read the Psalm again and allow praises to arise within you in knowing that the Lord knows our every thought and give him the praises due to Him for it is fitting for us to praise the dependable and righteous God, who is sovereign and considers all of our works.
Source (from SL Tribe, ZhaoHua's materials)
“NKJV Bible – The Open Bible” (OB)
“Psalms – Classic Library Edition” by Marilyn Hickey (MH)
“The Bible Knowledge Commentary – Old Testament” by John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck; Cook Communications Ministries (BC)
Second Chance . Hillsongs
You called my name
Reached out Your hand
Restored my life
And I was redeemed
The moment You entered my life
Amazing grace
Christ gave that day
My life was changed
When from my shoulders
Fell the weight of my sin
So it’s with everything I am
I reach out for Your hand
The hope for change
The second chance I’ve gained
On You I throw my life
Casting all my fears aside
How could greater love than this
Ever possibly exist
Consume my thoughts
As I rest in You
I’m now in love
With a Saviour
Bearing the marks of His love
So I’ll wait upon You now
With my hands released to You
Where a little faith’s enough
To see mountains lift and move
And I’ll wait upon You now
Dedicated to Your will
To this love that will remain
A love that never fails
Reached out Your hand
Restored my life
And I was redeemed
The moment You entered my life
Amazing grace
Christ gave that day
My life was changed
When from my shoulders
Fell the weight of my sin
So it’s with everything I am
I reach out for Your hand
The hope for change
The second chance I’ve gained
On You I throw my life
Casting all my fears aside
How could greater love than this
Ever possibly exist
Consume my thoughts
As I rest in You
I’m now in love
With a Saviour
Bearing the marks of His love
So I’ll wait upon You now
With my hands released to You
Where a little faith’s enough
To see mountains lift and move
And I’ll wait upon You now
Dedicated to Your will
To this love that will remain
A love that never fails
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Studying Psalm 25
Psalm 25 (and many other Psalms) expresses David confiding in the Lord, where he poured his heart out to Him.
Yet Psalm 25:14, rather unexpectedly, switched around to tell us that even 'the LORD confides in those who fear him; He makes His covenant known to them'.
What a two-way communication of intimacy and deep reliance David shares with the Lord.
Imagine having the Prime Minister of Singapore calling you up and saying, 'Can i tell you what is on my heart? Can we have a heart-to-heart talk?'
Yes, the King of Kings, the God of the Universe, the Supreme Lord wants to confide in us!
*
In the New Testament, there is also an example of this.
In John 20:10-18, Jesus, after He resurrected, appeared to Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb.
+ He called her by her name, Mary (verse 16)
+ Then He told Mary what was going to happen to Him soon, where He was going (back to the Father) after this. (verse 17)
Mary Magdalene was one of the few who did not abandon Jesus even when she might not have understood Jesus' predicament. She had a relationship and encounter with Jesus; she continued to love Him as Lord.
Little will we doubt why Jesus would choose to appear to Mary and tell her His plans.
*
Not only does Jesus want to confide in us, through an intimate relationship with Him, know that He will do it first by calling our names! What a personal God we have.
Yet Psalm 25:14, rather unexpectedly, switched around to tell us that even 'the LORD confides in those who fear him; He makes His covenant known to them'.
What a two-way communication of intimacy and deep reliance David shares with the Lord.
Imagine having the Prime Minister of Singapore calling you up and saying, 'Can i tell you what is on my heart? Can we have a heart-to-heart talk?'
Yes, the King of Kings, the God of the Universe, the Supreme Lord wants to confide in us!
*
In the New Testament, there is also an example of this.
In John 20:10-18, Jesus, after He resurrected, appeared to Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb.
+ He called her by her name, Mary (verse 16)
+ Then He told Mary what was going to happen to Him soon, where He was going (back to the Father) after this. (verse 17)
Mary Magdalene was one of the few who did not abandon Jesus even when she might not have understood Jesus' predicament. She had a relationship and encounter with Jesus; she continued to love Him as Lord.
Little will we doubt why Jesus would choose to appear to Mary and tell her His plans.
*
Not only does Jesus want to confide in us, through an intimate relationship with Him, know that He will do it first by calling our names! What a personal God we have.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Studying Psalm 23 - Why Sheep?
(drawn by me!)1. Sheep has virtually no defenses.
Most of God's animal creations have some kind of effective defense mechanism, whether claws or teeth, special colouring or speed, strength or sharp senses.But sheep have none. They are weak, slow, and awkward. They cannot even growl. Their only protection comes from their shepherd. And the same is true with the Christian.
2. Sheep have difficulty finding food and water.
They must depend totally on their shepherd for sustenance. If they fail to get it, they will eat poisonous weeds and die. We are just as dependent on God who sustains us.
3. Sheep can be easily frightened.
And fright can lead them to do things that can threaten their lives. So the shepherd attempts to keep them calm, by singing and simply being with them.We can have the same kind of reassuring relationship with our Shepherd.
4. Sheep have a poor sense of direction.
They get lost easily - even in their own territory. Believers can behave very similarly. We simply cannot be our own guide; we get in trouble every time we do. We must trust our Shepherd and listen to His voice implicitly.
5. Sheep cannot clean themselves very well.
It falls on the shepherd to keep them clean. We too are by nature, unclean. Only our Shepherd can cleanse us.(Source: Your Daily Walk, Bruce Wilkinson)
My Shepherd King... You're watching over me...
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Studying Psalm 18
Psalm 18 is a Song of Praise from David unto God when he was delivered from his enemies and Saul (historical background in 2 Samuel 22). What a big and awesome victory that surely David would remember for the rest of his life!
As David dwelled on the memories of God's deliverances in his life, he had these action steps of obedience:
(From verses 21-23)
- I WILL keep the ways of the Lord
- I WILL NOT do evil by turning from God
- I WILL NOT turn away from His decrees
- I WILL keep myself from sin
Do we become complacent when we bask in our past victories and times of God's help?
Resolve to follow the action steps of obedience of David.
He knows he can and always has to rely on the God who 'reached down from on high to take hold of us' (v.16) and who 'stooped down to make us great' (v.35b).
The God of the universe, the almight God, worthy of the highest praise and authority, humbled Himself so low for us!
Could you imagine that???
Below is a writing by Max Lucado which echoes this mindblowing thought:
__________________________________________________
He Loves to Be with the Ones He Loves
by Max Lucado
Holiday travel. It isn't easy. Then why do we do it? Why cram the trunks and endure the airports? You know the answer. We love to be with the ones we love.
The four-year-old running up the sidewalk into the arms of Grandpa.
The cup of coffee with Mom before the rest of the house awakes.
That moment when, for a moment, everyone is quiet as we hold hands around the table and thank God for family and friends and pumpkin pie.
We love to be with the ones we love.
May I remind you? So does God. He loves to be with the ones he loves. How else do you explain what he did? Between him and us there was a distance--a great span. And he couldn't bear it. He couldn't stand it. So he did something about it.
Before coming to the earth, "Christ himself was like God in every-thing.... But he gave up his place with God and made himself nothing. He was born to be a man and became like a servant" (Phil. 2:6--7 NCV).
Why? Why did Jesus travel so far?
I was asking myself that question when I spotted the squirrels outside my window. A family of black-tailed squirrels has made its home amid the roots of the tree north of my office. We've been neighbors for three years now. They watch me peck the keyboard. I watch them store their nuts and climb the trunk. We're mutually amused. I could watch them all day. Sometimes I do.
But I've never considered becoming one of them. The squirrel world holds no appeal to me. Who wants to sleep next to a hairy rodent with beady eyes? (No comments from you wives who feel you already do.) Give up the Rocky Mountains, bass fishing, weddings, and laughter for a hole in the ground and a diet of dirty nuts? Count me out.
But count Jesus in. What a world he left. Our classiest mansion would be a tree trunk to him. Earth's finest cuisine would be walnuts on heaven's table. And the idea of becoming a squirrel with claws and tiny teeth and a furry tail? It's nothing compared to God becoming a one-celled embryo and entering the womb of Mary.
But he did. The God of the universe kicked against the wall of a womb, was born into the poverty of a peasant, and spent his first night in the feed trough of a cow. "The Word became flesh and lived among us" (John 1:14 NRSV). The God of the universe left the glory of heaven and moved into the neighborhood. Our neighborhood! Who could have imagined he would do such a thing.
Why? He loves to be with the ones he loves.
From Next Door Savior
Available in Hardback or Paperback
Copyright (W Publishing Group, 2003) Max Lucado
_______________________________________________________
As David dwelled on the memories of God's deliverances in his life, he had these action steps of obedience:
(From verses 21-23)
- I WILL keep the ways of the Lord
- I WILL NOT do evil by turning from God
- I WILL NOT turn away from His decrees
- I WILL keep myself from sin
Do we become complacent when we bask in our past victories and times of God's help?
Resolve to follow the action steps of obedience of David.
He knows he can and always has to rely on the God who 'reached down from on high to take hold of us' (v.16) and who 'stooped down to make us great' (v.35b).
The God of the universe, the almight God, worthy of the highest praise and authority, humbled Himself so low for us!
Could you imagine that???
Below is a writing by Max Lucado which echoes this mindblowing thought:
__________________________________________________
He Loves to Be with the Ones He Loves
by Max Lucado
Holiday travel. It isn't easy. Then why do we do it? Why cram the trunks and endure the airports? You know the answer. We love to be with the ones we love.
The four-year-old running up the sidewalk into the arms of Grandpa.
The cup of coffee with Mom before the rest of the house awakes.
That moment when, for a moment, everyone is quiet as we hold hands around the table and thank God for family and friends and pumpkin pie.
We love to be with the ones we love.
May I remind you? So does God. He loves to be with the ones he loves. How else do you explain what he did? Between him and us there was a distance--a great span. And he couldn't bear it. He couldn't stand it. So he did something about it.
Before coming to the earth, "Christ himself was like God in every-thing.... But he gave up his place with God and made himself nothing. He was born to be a man and became like a servant" (Phil. 2:6--7 NCV).
Why? Why did Jesus travel so far?
I was asking myself that question when I spotted the squirrels outside my window. A family of black-tailed squirrels has made its home amid the roots of the tree north of my office. We've been neighbors for three years now. They watch me peck the keyboard. I watch them store their nuts and climb the trunk. We're mutually amused. I could watch them all day. Sometimes I do.
But I've never considered becoming one of them. The squirrel world holds no appeal to me. Who wants to sleep next to a hairy rodent with beady eyes? (No comments from you wives who feel you already do.) Give up the Rocky Mountains, bass fishing, weddings, and laughter for a hole in the ground and a diet of dirty nuts? Count me out.
But count Jesus in. What a world he left. Our classiest mansion would be a tree trunk to him. Earth's finest cuisine would be walnuts on heaven's table. And the idea of becoming a squirrel with claws and tiny teeth and a furry tail? It's nothing compared to God becoming a one-celled embryo and entering the womb of Mary.
But he did. The God of the universe kicked against the wall of a womb, was born into the poverty of a peasant, and spent his first night in the feed trough of a cow. "The Word became flesh and lived among us" (John 1:14 NRSV). The God of the universe left the glory of heaven and moved into the neighborhood. Our neighborhood! Who could have imagined he would do such a thing.
Why? He loves to be with the ones he loves.
From Next Door Savior
Available in Hardback or Paperback
Copyright (W Publishing Group, 2003) Max Lucado
_______________________________________________________
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Studying Psalms 7-11
1. Observation
You could have noticed that David began Psalm 7-11 all with 'O Lord', whether it is:
- Asking God to cover him in danger/accusation (Ps 7, 11)
- Proclaiming the majesty of God (Ps 8)
- Praising God in times of adversary (Ps 9)
- Asking God to come near and reveal again (Ps 10)
2. Inference
This tells me:
- God was the first thing in David's mind (and heart) in every situation.
- He chose to 'O Lord' rather than 'Oh dear, oh no'.
- He focused on God and not the problems.
- He shares a very intimate relationship with God, in which God is truly His confidant whom he leaned on
3. Going Deeper
Zooming into Psalm 7 as focus:
Historical background of Ps 7 -> 2 Samuel 16:5-14
Many bible scholars believed that the Benjamite, Cush which David wrote about in Ps 7, is actually Shimei in 2 Samuel 16. The verses show that Shimei cursed David when he was on the runaway from his son Absalom, and also throwing stones at him.
Special Note -> Watch David's response to the cursings of Shimei in 2 Sam 16:11-12.
- He did not retaliate with cursing or violence.
- He rebuked his follower Abishai who wanted to cut Shimei's head.
- David focused back unto God in the midst of the situation (2 Sam 16:12 'It may be that the Lord will see my distress and repay me with good for the cursing I am receiving today')
In Psalm 7, we see that David:
- asked the Lord to check his heart if he did anything against Shimei
- Even in anguish, he asked God to deliver him because 'the Lord is his shield' (Ps 7:10)
4. Application
How do you know God's heart more?
David not only knew God's heart; his own heart was like Jesus.
In 2 Sam 19:18b-23 (which happened on the day that David was restored as King of Israel), Shimei came to David to repent and ask for forgiveness.
Once again, David's response was:
- He spared Shimei at once.
- He rebuked his follower Abishai again for wanting to put Shimei to death.
- And he even made an oath not to kill Shimei.
This brought me to remember the scene where Jesus was being arrested in the garden of Gethsemane in Luke 22:47-51.
Jesus' response was:
- He scolded his followers for wanting to strike with their swords, especially the one who cut off one of the enemy soldier's ears.
- Then he immediately healed the ear.
Notice how similarly David and Jesus responded?
*How to know God's heart closer and even have a heart that beats like His?
-> Cultivate an intimate relationship with God!
You could have noticed that David began Psalm 7-11 all with 'O Lord', whether it is:
- Asking God to cover him in danger/accusation (Ps 7, 11)
- Proclaiming the majesty of God (Ps 8)
- Praising God in times of adversary (Ps 9)
- Asking God to come near and reveal again (Ps 10)
2. Inference
This tells me:
- God was the first thing in David's mind (and heart) in every situation.
- He chose to 'O Lord' rather than 'Oh dear, oh no'.
- He focused on God and not the problems.
- He shares a very intimate relationship with God, in which God is truly His confidant whom he leaned on
3. Going Deeper
Zooming into Psalm 7 as focus:
Historical background of Ps 7 -> 2 Samuel 16:5-14
Many bible scholars believed that the Benjamite, Cush which David wrote about in Ps 7, is actually Shimei in 2 Samuel 16. The verses show that Shimei cursed David when he was on the runaway from his son Absalom, and also throwing stones at him.
Special Note -> Watch David's response to the cursings of Shimei in 2 Sam 16:11-12.
- He did not retaliate with cursing or violence.
- He rebuked his follower Abishai who wanted to cut Shimei's head.
- David focused back unto God in the midst of the situation (2 Sam 16:12 'It may be that the Lord will see my distress and repay me with good for the cursing I am receiving today')
In Psalm 7, we see that David:
- asked the Lord to check his heart if he did anything against Shimei
- Even in anguish, he asked God to deliver him because 'the Lord is his shield' (Ps 7:10)
4. Application
How do you know God's heart more?
David not only knew God's heart; his own heart was like Jesus.
In 2 Sam 19:18b-23 (which happened on the day that David was restored as King of Israel), Shimei came to David to repent and ask for forgiveness.
Once again, David's response was:
- He spared Shimei at once.
- He rebuked his follower Abishai again for wanting to put Shimei to death.
- And he even made an oath not to kill Shimei.
This brought me to remember the scene where Jesus was being arrested in the garden of Gethsemane in Luke 22:47-51.
Jesus' response was:
- He scolded his followers for wanting to strike with their swords, especially the one who cut off one of the enemy soldier's ears.
- Then he immediately healed the ear.
Notice how similarly David and Jesus responded?
*How to know God's heart closer and even have a heart that beats like His?
-> Cultivate an intimate relationship with God!
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Studying Psalm 6
Step ONE - Observation
What are some of the key idea or word that has been repeated throughout the Psalm?
(Phrases that describe David’s affliction and pain… What are they?)
With the above description, it is not difficult to guess that David must be terribly disturbed and afflicted.
Step TWO - Interpretation
Background:
David was suffering from some kind of illness that brought him great agony. Psalm 6 is one of the 7 penitential psalms which convey David’s sorrow over his sin.
This psalm consists of 4 parts
a. Prayer for relief from suffering (v. 1 – 3)
o David pleaded with the Lord to stop chastening him in anger for his sin. His question of “How long?” reflects of his intense anguish and frustration. He longed for God’s healing and restoration.
b. Prayer for deliverance (v. 4 & 5)
o David gave 2 reasons why God should answer his prayer
i. God will rescue him because of His unfailing live for him. He pleaded healing on the basis of God’s character as time and again God has shown that he is abundant in love.
ii. David reasoned that God would desire to have someone stand in His sanctuary to proclaim the salvation of the Lord. Thus there’ll be absence of praises for God if he were to die because of this illness.
c. His lament over his illness (v. 6 – 7)
o David confessed his anguish. The vivid description of his condition and state in these verses showed that he bared his heart before the Lord and did not hide his feelings and thoughts. He wrestled with God on the basis of his relationship with Him.
d. Assurance of restoration from God (v.8 – 10)
o David was confident that God accepts his prayer and would deliver him from his pain. His enemies would be disgraced and ashamed
Q: What is the theme of this psalm?
A: In the darkest of nights, God is ever present to hear the prayers of the afflicted. He is able to deliver and rescue those who cry out to Him in times of trouble.
Q: What is the key verse?
A: v. 9 & 10 The LORD has heard my cry for mercy, the LORD accepts my prayer. All my enemies will be ashamed and dismayed; they will turn back in sudden disgrace.
Step THREE - Application
Q: Was David still in pain by the time he ended this psalm?
Q: What has helped David to persevere in times of pain and despair?
Subject:
How do we overcome affliction and pain?
Complement:
1. Bare your heart before God and draw near to Him.
o Draw near to God and do not run away from Him in times of pain. You can be honest with Him and tell Him how you feel.
2. Believe in God and rest in the character of God.
o Receive His unfailing love that assures you that He will answer the cry of your heart.
Is there an area in your life that has caused pain and crippled you in life?
Pain is inevitable in life but misery is a choice!
Today, you can make a choice not to live in misery and suffering. Get up and rest in your relationship with God to know that His unfailing love for you will keep you safe from all harm.
Source
• Psalms Library Edition (Marilyn Hickey)
• The Bible Knowledge Commentary (Old Testament; Cook)
• The NIV Study Bible
What are some of the key idea or word that has been repeated throughout the Psalm?
(Phrases that describe David’s affliction and pain… What are they?)
With the above description, it is not difficult to guess that David must be terribly disturbed and afflicted.
Step TWO - Interpretation
Background:
David was suffering from some kind of illness that brought him great agony. Psalm 6 is one of the 7 penitential psalms which convey David’s sorrow over his sin.
This psalm consists of 4 parts
a. Prayer for relief from suffering (v. 1 – 3)
o David pleaded with the Lord to stop chastening him in anger for his sin. His question of “How long?” reflects of his intense anguish and frustration. He longed for God’s healing and restoration.
b. Prayer for deliverance (v. 4 & 5)
o David gave 2 reasons why God should answer his prayer
i. God will rescue him because of His unfailing live for him. He pleaded healing on the basis of God’s character as time and again God has shown that he is abundant in love.
ii. David reasoned that God would desire to have someone stand in His sanctuary to proclaim the salvation of the Lord. Thus there’ll be absence of praises for God if he were to die because of this illness.
c. His lament over his illness (v. 6 – 7)
o David confessed his anguish. The vivid description of his condition and state in these verses showed that he bared his heart before the Lord and did not hide his feelings and thoughts. He wrestled with God on the basis of his relationship with Him.
d. Assurance of restoration from God (v.8 – 10)
o David was confident that God accepts his prayer and would deliver him from his pain. His enemies would be disgraced and ashamed
Q: What is the theme of this psalm?
A: In the darkest of nights, God is ever present to hear the prayers of the afflicted. He is able to deliver and rescue those who cry out to Him in times of trouble.
Q: What is the key verse?
A: v. 9 & 10 The LORD has heard my cry for mercy, the LORD accepts my prayer. All my enemies will be ashamed and dismayed; they will turn back in sudden disgrace.
Step THREE - Application
Q: Was David still in pain by the time he ended this psalm?
Q: What has helped David to persevere in times of pain and despair?
Subject:
How do we overcome affliction and pain?
Complement:
1. Bare your heart before God and draw near to Him.
o Draw near to God and do not run away from Him in times of pain. You can be honest with Him and tell Him how you feel.
2. Believe in God and rest in the character of God.
o Receive His unfailing love that assures you that He will answer the cry of your heart.
Is there an area in your life that has caused pain and crippled you in life?
Pain is inevitable in life but misery is a choice!
Today, you can make a choice not to live in misery and suffering. Get up and rest in your relationship with God to know that His unfailing love for you will keep you safe from all harm.
Source
• Psalms Library Edition (Marilyn Hickey)
• The Bible Knowledge Commentary (Old Testament; Cook)
• The NIV Study Bible
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Studying Psalm 5
Step ONE - Observation
What are some of the key idea or word that has been repeated throughout the Psalm?
Step TWO - Interpretation
Background:
David may have penned psalm 4 in the evening before he went to sleep. And he wrote psalm 5 in preparation for battle in the next morning when he awoke. This psalm is a morning prayer. (Hickey, Psalms)
Q: What is the theme of the psalm?
A : Wickedness and the lies of the enemies will not succeed in attacking the people of God. God is able to defend us from lies spoken against us and negative thoughts lingering around us. He is our shield!
Q: What is the key verse?
A: v. 12 For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.
Q: What gave David the security to lie through the day?
A: He knows of the protection and shield of God over him.
Step THREE - Application
Subject:
How do we stand against the negative thoughts and battle of everyday life and yet be steadfast and immovable?
Complement:
1.Live Smartly. Seek the Lord first in the morning.
Prepare yourself for the day by drawing near to the Lord, recognizing the King and God in your life.
2.Lay Safely. Speak of the blessings of God into every situation of the day.
Win the battle of the day in the spirit before a problem even materialize in the natural. The promises of God are for us to claim. V. 11 & 12. Let there be gladness and joy because he is able to protect you!
Source
The Bible Knowledge Commentary (Old Testament; Cook)
The NIV Study Bible
Psalms Classic Library Edition by Marilyn Hickey
What are some of the key idea or word that has been repeated throughout the Psalm?
Step TWO - Interpretation
Background:
David may have penned psalm 4 in the evening before he went to sleep. And he wrote psalm 5 in preparation for battle in the next morning when he awoke. This psalm is a morning prayer. (Hickey, Psalms)
Q: What is the theme of the psalm?
A : Wickedness and the lies of the enemies will not succeed in attacking the people of God. God is able to defend us from lies spoken against us and negative thoughts lingering around us. He is our shield!
Q: What is the key verse?
A: v. 12 For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.
Q: What gave David the security to lie through the day?
A: He knows of the protection and shield of God over him.
Step THREE - Application
Subject:
How do we stand against the negative thoughts and battle of everyday life and yet be steadfast and immovable?
Complement:
1.Live Smartly. Seek the Lord first in the morning.
Prepare yourself for the day by drawing near to the Lord, recognizing the King and God in your life.
2.Lay Safely. Speak of the blessings of God into every situation of the day.
Win the battle of the day in the spirit before a problem even materialize in the natural. The promises of God are for us to claim. V. 11 & 12. Let there be gladness and joy because he is able to protect you!
Source
The Bible Knowledge Commentary (Old Testament; Cook)
The NIV Study Bible
Psalms Classic Library Edition by Marilyn Hickey
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