Tuesday, July 15, 2014

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE SOME TRUTHS ABOUT GOD"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE SOME TRUTHS ABOUT GOD"
Psalm 11:7 For the LORD is righteous, He loves righteousness; His countenance beholds the upright.
Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions and a prayer:
There is no way to know for sure what the circumstances were when David wrote this Psalm. He may have been running and hiding from Saul, or his own son Absalom may have been causing him trouble, or it may have been just the normal fights he endured against the enemies of Israel. But, as you read this Psalm, you can see that David remained faithful. And, as he gets to the end of this Psalm he speaks of the greatness of God. There are three things that he says about God. And, these things are as true today for you who know the Lord, as they were for David when he penned them.
1. For the LORD is righteous.
Psalm 11:7 For the LORD is righteous, He loves righteousness; His countenance beholds the upright.
So, here is the first truth about God. The word LORD means, Jehovah, or the existing one. This is one of the primary names of God throughout the Bible. It's the proper name of the one true God. God is the "existing one"
And, the LORD is righteous. Or the LORD is just, right, in conduct and character, justified, correct, and lawful.
That's who the Existing one is.
He is all of that today for you.
2. He loves righteousness.
Psalm 11:7 For the LORD is righteous, He loves righteousness; His countenance beholds the upright.
Here's the second thing said about the LORD. Here is something He loves. He loves justice. And, justice means, righteousness, it's one of God's attributes, it speaks of truthfulness, of righteous acts, and simply, that which is right.
God loves justice.
What a great God we have and serve.
3. His countenance beholds the upright.
Psalm 11:7 For the LORD is righteous, He loves righteousness; His countenance beholds the upright.
Not only is the LORD righteous and He loves righteousness or justice, but, notice this third thing that is said about Him.
It means, "Those who do what is right will see His face"
Jesus said it this way in Matt 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.
Or, God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.
Some questions:
1. Do you ever take the time to really think about who the Lord is, and what His character is like?
2. When we do, isn't it a blessing indeed?
3. In fact, is there anything you could compare it to in terms of the blessings you receive?
4. Would You agree "how great is our God?"
5. And, do you know today, that this is our LORD who loves us so much?
A prayer:
Father, Your Word is so enlightening and revealing to us. It shows us who You are. And, in this one simple verse, penned by Your inspiration so long ago, we learn once again about Your greatness. Thank You for being righteous, and for loving righteousness, and for loving us so, and allowing us to know You and to see your face. We love You Lord, and pray that today, You would help us to be mindful of You throughout the day.
In Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia