Author: Brian

Follower of Jesus, Husband, Dad, Grandpa, and Pastor

Psalms 110-118: All Glory To The One True God

On By BrianIn OT Studies

(115) When are we tempted to glory in ourselves (v1)?  Why?

(115) How does the psalmist respond to the nations’ taunt in v2-3?

How does God’s ability compare to the nations’ idols (v3-7)?

How would you define an idol (see v8 for a hint)?

What are some modern idols in our culture today?  Which idols are you tempted to follow?

What does the psalmist mean when he says people become like their idols (v8)?

(115) Unlike the idols, our God can act.  How does God act towards his people in v9-15?

(111, 113-114, 118) What further examples of God’s actions toward his people do you find in 111:5-9, 113:7-9, 114:1-8, and 118:13-16?

(115) Why then should we glory in God and not ourselves (v1)?

(115) How should we respond to God’s actions toward us?

v9-11 (118:8-9) –

v18 (111:1, 113:1-3, 117:1-2, 118:28-29) –

v11, 13 (111:10) –

(110, 118) How do the following passages point to Jesus?

118:22-24 (Matthew 21:42) –

118:26 (Matthew 21:9) –

110:1-3 (Matthew 22:41-45) –

110:4 (Hebrews 5-7) –

(110-118) Which verse(s) or psalm especially speaks to you, and why?

Passion Points

On By BrianIn PASSION Points

Here are some good posts for your weekend reading:

4 Times In Life You Should Expect To Face Temptation – Tim Challies

How to Fight for Faith in the Dark: Three Lessons for Depression – Stephen Altrogge (DG)

3 Reasons We’re Addicted to Digital Distraction – Tony Reinke (Crossway)

An Exercise in Friendship – Tim Chester

Hope you have a great Lord’s Day!

 

Suppose

On By BrianIn PASSION Quotes

FaithfulnessHolinessSuppose for a moment that you were allowed to enter heaven without holiness.  What would you do?  What possible enjoyment could you feel there?  To which of all the saints would you join yourself, and by whose side would you sit down?  Their pleasures are not your pleasures, their tastes not your tastes, their character not your character.  How could you possibly be happy, if you had not been holy on earth?

– J.C. Ryle in Holiness

Sermon Songs: Mark

On By BrianIn Mark Hymns

MusicNotes

Tell of his amazing pow-er
Behold his authority
Tell of his love ev’ry ho-ur
Proclaim His grace and glory
He healed the sick, made the blind see
Caused all the demons to flee
He stilled the storm, fed the hungry
He touched and cleansed even me
Tell me the story of Jesus,
Write on my heart every word.
Tell me the story most precious,
Sweetest that ever was heard.

(To the tune of “Tell Me the Story Of Jesus” – Chorus by Fanny Crosby)

We Must Be Holy

On By BrianIn PASSION Quotes

FaithfulnessHolinessWe must be holy:

  • Because the voice of God in Scripture plainly commands it.
  • Because this is the one grand end and purpose for which Christ came into the world.
  • Because this is the only sound evidence that we have saving faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
  • Because this is the only proof that we love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.
  • Because this is the only sound evidence that we are true children of God.
  • Because this is the most likely way to do good to others.
  • Because our present comfort depends much upon it.
  • Because without holiness on earth we shall never be prepared to enjoy heaven.

– J.C. Ryle in Holiness

Reflections on Psalms 105-109

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Which psalm or verse especially reflects your heart today?  Use those words to talk to the Lord.

  • Saved to Walk with God – Psalm 105 recounts God saving Israel from Egypt – that “they might keep his statutes and observe his laws” (v45). Psalm 106 tells of Israel’s repeated failure to do what they were saved to do.  What about you?  God saved you that you might walk with him.  Are you?  What changes do you need to make?
  • Saved by Love – Psalm 107 recounts several stories of people who were in deep trouble who cried out to God, and God saved them. In response they should give thanks to God for his love.  What story from your life could you add to this psalm?  Thank God for his saving love.

What God Hates

On By BrianIn Idolatry, PASSION Collections

Tim Challies recently finished an excellent series on eight things God hates.  In Challies’ words:

The God who loves must also hate. The God who loves all that is good and pure and holy must hate all that is evil and defiled and perverse. 

If we are going to love God, we must hate what he hates.  If we are going to love people, we must hate what God hates since these things that he hates are also hurtful to people.

So below are links to the first four.  I encourage you to take the time to read them, and examine your life.  Where do you see these tendencies in your life?  For which of these might you need to repent and find forgiveness in the sacrifice of our Savior?

God Hates Idolatry

God Hates Sexual Immorality

God Hates Injustice

God Hates Hypocrisy

Reflections on Psalms 101-104

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Which psalm or verse especially reflects your heart today?  Use those words to talk to the Lord.

  • Integrity – In Psalm 101, David expresses his desire to walk with integrity. He ponders the way that is blameless.  He guards his eyes from worthless things.  He wants nothing to do with evil.  How well does this describe you?  What steps do you need to take to walk with integrity before God?
  • God’s Love – Psalm 104 presents God as our Creator and Sustainer. Despite the fact that we are small before him (and even sinners), God still shows his compassion to us (Psalm 103).  Ponder his care for you – and give thanks.