Getting Clean and Staying Clean

Psalm 119:9   How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. Who the poet is of this particular Psalm is unknown; consensus leans toward it being the “young man” referenced in this verse.  He very likely was imprisoned for his faith in God’s word, the Torah.  Some have referenced this…

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Rejoicing in the Lord

Psalm 118: 24   This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. Context of statements is key too much of scripture, as it is in this Psalm.  Israel has returned from Babylonian exile to Jerusalem, Ezra and Nehemiah collaborating on restoration.  When the “cornerstone” had been placed for the restoration…

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A Bold Confession of Faith

Psalm 118: 17    I shall not die, but live, And declare the works of the Lord. Likely written when the second temple was dedicated after the return of Israel from exile and near extinction as a nation, this described the nation.  It was their hope and desire to declare His works.  We know that was short…

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Enduring Mercy

Psalm 118: 1   Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Whether Jew or Gentile, the Psalmist admonishes us to declare “His mercy endures forever”. What is mercy?  The Lord’s mercies are new, fresh every morning (Lam. 3:23).  Here we see they (mercies) have durability as does His truth. It has…

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Enduring Truth

Psalm 117    Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles! Laud Him, all you peoples! For His merciful kindness is great toward us, And the truth of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord! Certainly one of the briefest Psalms written, yet these two verses contain a valuable nugget.  “The truth of the Lord endures forever.”  Recall Pilate asked Jesus the…

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Precious Death

Psalm 116: 15   Precious in the sight of the Lord  Is the death of His saints. Throughout this Psalm we see the heart of a Father in response to issues and situations that confront and challenge His children.  In these brief words we see another facet of the Father’s grandeur. When a saint of God dies,…

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Gifts to God

Psalm 116: 12 – 14   What shall I render to the Lord For all His benefits toward me? I will take up the cup of salvation, And call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows to the Lord Now in the presence of all His people. What does one get for someone who has…

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God’s Protection

Psalm 115: 9 – 11  O Israel, trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield. O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield. You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield. The promises of help and being a shield are given to three groups…

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