This Is NOT Dichotomy

"You have given him his heart's desire, and have not withheld the request of his lips....My God, My God, why have You forsaken me?  Why are You so far from helping me, and from the words of my groaning?"  (Psalm 21:2 & Psalm 22:1)

When one reads Psalm 21 and then Psalm 22, one notices quite a contrast.  Psalm 21 is mostly a Psalm which relates "victory."  Psalm 22 is a Psalm which relates a lot of "defeat."  The question remains:  What do we do with these life experiences?

Now I can pass on some "glory, hallelujah" encouragement, but I can also pass on an equal reality:  This is life, yes, life in Jesus Christ.  Every person in the Bible reveals this truth.  My encouragement to us today is that we live our lives in Jesus Christ as the Hebrews 11 people chose, "But You are holy, enthroned in the praises of Israel"------- no matter what.

Father, in Jesus' Name, "Our fathers trusted in You."  So do I.  Amen.

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2

"Uphold My Steps In Your Paths...."

"Uphold my steps in Your paths, that my footsteps may not slip." (Psalm 17:5)

One meaning for the Word translated, "uphold," is, "support."  I'll take both.  

New translations translate our text as a fact.  "My footsteps have held fast to Your paths...."  Have they?  The translation which I use as my "default" translation, however, the NKJV, translates it as a prayer. 

The human race has lived out many regrets because it has not followed Jesus in the prayer, "Uphold, support my steps in Your paths."  Had we surrendered our lives to Jesus Christ in such a prayer/life style, "....footsteps may not (have) slip[ped]."

Father, in Jesus' Name, I repeat David's prayer, "Uphold my steps in Your paths...."  Amen.

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2

That Which Is Heard And Seen

"The revelation from Jesus Christ...to His servant John, who testifies to everything he saw-- that is, the Word of God...."  (Revelation 1)

Notice that John saw, "the Word of God."  Before the appearing of Jesus Christ, people of old heard, "the Words of God."  When Jesus appeared, they, "....saw...the Word of God."  Blessed seeing.  

Father, as man's designated year comes to a close, I am so thankful that You have not only made Yourself heard, You have also made Yourself seen.  Amen.

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2

"Taste And See...."

"I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches.  I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star."  (Revelation 22:16)

This may sound strange to some, but I must say it.  Some people read the Bible attempting to understand everything.  I read the Bible because, "the Words of God," taste good.  I'm not alone in this.  Psalm 119:130 says, "How sweet are Your Words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth."

Father, in Jesus' Name, Just as Your, "....Flesh is food indeed, and [Your] Blood is drink indeed," so too Your Words.  Amen.

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2