Psalm 94
Psalm 94
O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself.
2Lift up thyself, thou judge of the earth: render a reward to the proud.
3LORD, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked triumph?
4How long shall they utter and speak hard things? and all the workers of iniquity boast themselves?
5They break in pieces thy people, O LORD, and afflict thine heritage.
6They slay the widow and the stranger, and murder the fatherless.
7Yet they say, The LORD shall not see, neither shall the God of Jacob regard it.
8Understand, ye brutish among the people: and ye fools, when will ye be wise?
9He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see?
10He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not he correct? he that teacheth man knowledge, shall not he know?
11The LORD knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity.
12Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law;
13That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit be digged for the wicked.
14For the LORD will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance.
15But judgment shall return unto righteousness: and all the upright in heart shall follow it.
16Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? or who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?
17Unless the LORD had been my help, my soul had almost dwelt in silence.
18When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O LORD, held me up.
19In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.
20Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law?
21They gather themselves together against the soul of the righteous, and condemn the innocent blood.
22But the LORD is my defence; and my God is the rock of my refuge.
23And he shall bring upon them their own iniquity, and shall cut them off in their own wickedness; yea, the LORD our God shall cut them off.
Outline
May God Shine Out!
Psalm 94 Outline
By Pastor Clinton Macomber
Godly Controls Retribution
1. We wish God was flashy, Psalm 94:1
2. We wish God was visibly adjudicating, Psalm 94:2
3. We wish God was not patient toward others, Psalm 94:3
a. People are allowed to do boasting, Psalm 94:4
b. People are allowed to do damage, Psalm 94:5
c. People are allowed to do murder, Psalm 94:6
d. People are allowed to escape detection, Psalm 94:7
God Controls Wisdom
1. We wish that fools were smart, Psalm 94:8
a. We know our Creator knows all things, Psalm 94:9
b. We know God disciplines and trains, Psalm 94:10
c. We know God knows all thoughts, Psalm 94:11
2. We wish that all men were teachable, Psalm 94:12
a. We enjoy rest from stress, Psalm 94:13
b. We enjoy security from God, Psalm 94:14
Godly Controls Justice
1. Justice returns to righteousness, Psalm 94:15
2. We feel as if we battle alone, Psalm 94:16
a. The Lord helps us, Psalm 94:17
b. The Lord holds us up, Psalm 94:18
c. The Lord captures our thoughts, Psalm 94:19
3. Unjust rulers cannot fellowship with us, Psalm 94:20
a. They seek to condemn defenseless innocents, Psalm 94:21
b. God defends His own, Psalm 94:22
c. God returns unjust penalties to the givers, Psalm 94:23
Photo
God's Commands Will One Day Shine Out!
Sermon
May God Shine Out!
Psalm 94
By Pastor Clinton Macomber
When we “bump” into trouble, we know that God is in control of all things and that He at times shows incredible power in protecting us and in punishing others that seek to damage the cause of righteousness. In our human and natural thinking, we want to know why God allows such activity and does not simply fry the offenders on the spot!
Even as Christ was dying on the Cross, the ungodly shouted at him to save himself and come off the cross. Christ had the power to do so, but if He had done so, we would have died in our sins. Praise God that Christ did not allow human philosophy to override the work He was here to do.
This Psalm mentions the desires we have when we look at things from an earthly perspective. Then it goes over the spiritual truths that override the vain thoughts of our minds, leaving us with a clear answer to the questions we often raise.
Singing this prayer enables us to be able to renounce our own wishes of retaliation and turn such desires over to God, and to rest in His ways and timing.[1]
Godly Controls Retribution
1. We wish God was flashy
Psalm 94:1 O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself.
As we start to deal with a surge of anger, depression, bitterness, frustration, and hopelessness, we turn bitterly to God who reminds us that Vengeance belongs to Him and not to us. We wish we could just go out and hurt those that are causing us trouble, but we cannot. So we go to God and demand He flash forth in anger and just “Zap those miserable buggers!” When they are not vaporized at our command, we then figure God is dead or our does not care about us. The very opposite however is true, as the Psalm goes on to explain.
2. We wish God was visibly adjudicating
Psalm 94:2 Lift up thyself, thou judge of the earth: render a reward to the proud.
We then get upset that so many people are hurt in this world and we want to see God establish a visible throne and visibly humiliate and punish everyone that is not righteous “like we are!” We see ourselves as a spokesman for everyone that suffers in the world, and we cannot understand that there could be a God in Heaven that would allow people to suffer.
3. We wish God was not patient toward others
Psalm 94:3 LORD, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked triumph?
Next, we realize that God has promised to do just what we are wishing would happen right this very minute, but that instead God has decided to hold off on such a kingdom and power until the proper moment. So we want to know the exact date when this action is going to occur! We frame the situation as that of allowing the wicked and evil doers to get away with their crimes and reign victoriously.
This same type of question is asked in Heaven by the Tribulation Saints:
Revelation 6:10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?
a. People are allowed to do boasting
Psalm 94:4 How long shall they utter and speak hard things? and all the workers of iniquity boast themselves?
People and children are raised to be exceedingly cruel to each other. Sinful society has instilled in its members an innate desire to verbally abuse anything that is different from their own ways. This abusive element learned as children in peer oriented settings becomes networks of evil among “professionals” and politicians. Part of the cruelty comes from a fear of losing the freedom to do the evil that they desire to do. Part of it stems from a resentment of anyone that would stand up for what is right. But the results of the inbred hatred are the same. There are a large number in society that seek to condemn and destroy anything that has to do with God, righteousness, morality, peace, and equity. God however does not intend to let this go on much further, and carefully explains in detail how it will be stopped, and exactly who will be stopped.
Proverbs 30:14 There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.
Jeremiah 18:18 Then said they, Come, and let us devise devices against Jeremiah; for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come, and let us smite him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words.
Matthew 12:24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.
Jude 1:14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, 15To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.
b. People are allowed to do damage
Psalm 94:5 They break in pieces thy people, O LORD, and afflict thine heritage.
This “breaking in pieces” is described in Scripture repeatedly in relation to the destruction caused by the heathen nations as they systematically sought to destroy the Jews. It has continued past the Biblical record into our present day, through the Crusades, Jihads, and modern governments like Germany, and the Arab countries. It has also expanded from just being a target of Israel and the Jewish people to include Christians by Communist and Islamic governments. Even “Christian” governments have a long record of martyring anyone that stands up with God’s Word and seeks to educate and encourage others to follow it instead of imposed theology systems and philosophies that are contrary to God’s Word.
The results are the same. The more the Jew is hunted and killed, the more they spread throughout the world seeking pockets where they may raise their children. The more the Christian is hunted, the more the message of salvation spreads and Christianity also spreads to such a degree that it becomes prevalent.
However, there is always a desire of both peoples to someday be able to unite and to freely enjoy the richness of their heritage. While this is done today often to the detriment of a stand, morality and conviction, it will be something that will be enjoyed when Christ sets up His eternal Kingdom on earth. Finally, true Christian fellowship will be everywhere. The Jewish people will have a homeland once again, but this time free of the corrupting and disrupting influences of ungodly peoples and practices.
But for now, the injunction is proclaimed that we must separate ourselves for holy service, and keep ourselves unspotted from the world and its systems.
James 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
c. People are allowed to do murder
Psalm 94:6 They slay the widow and the stranger, and murder the fatherless.
This is strictly forbidden by God, yet found to be commonplace in many a society. While our government tries to protect these people, because their protection does not come from a moral or personally involved level, the damage is deeper. The harder it tries to “humanize” its services, the more impersonal and restrictive it becomes, to the point, these people suffer and die, very much neglected and abused to death.
God’s way is for the family to intervene and when that fails, the church to provide family intervention. Governments are incapable of doing more than dispensing rulings and enforcing the rulings.
d. People are allowed to escape detection
Psalm 94:7 Yet they say, The LORD shall not see, neither shall the God of Jacob regard it.
This is not just a question that is asked by the ungodly, but instead by even God’s people. We must resist such opinions if we are to live openly and godly in this world.
Ezekiel 8:12 Then said he unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the chambers of his imagery? for they say, The LORD seeth us not; the LORD hath forsaken the earth.
God Controls Wisdom
1. We wish that fools were smart
Psalm 94:8 Understand, ye brutish among the people: and ye fools, when will ye be wise? Understand, ye brutish among the people: and ye fools, when will ye be wise?
This is a very frustrating aspect of working with people. People are thick headed. They do not respond to truth, even when they know it is truth. They resist on many different levels, being complacent and while not happy with their lifestyle, they do not want to undergo the necessary changes that Salvation would bring. So they keep on in their sinful ways and habits, fellowshipping with darkness, and doing the work of the devil. This state is brought on by the devil.
a. We know our Creator knows all things
Psalm 94:9 He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see? He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see?
It is important that mankind have every opportunity to do as they wish, so that their ideals are manifest in their actions. It is only in this manner that a person can prove what is in his heart and soul.
God has a curse that is going to go forth upon all that curse. It is going to enter their homes and consume the very timbers of the structure. The instruction is simple, if you curse, lie or steal, a curse will destroy your home and expose you to justice.[2]
Zechariah 5:3-4 Then said he unto me, This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth: for every one that stealeth shall be cut off as on this side according to it; and every one that sweareth shall be cut off as on that side according to it. 4I will bring it forth, saith the LORD of hosts, and it shall enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of him that sweareth falsely by my name: and it shall remain in the midst of his house, and shall consume it with the timber thereof and the stones thereof.
Furthermore, sinners will one day be weeded out from the population of this earth. God does not ignore the damage of such persons, but will see it ends, once He has called out a people that will rule and reign with Him from Heaven.
Isaiah 13:9 Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it.
b. We know God disciplines and trains
Psalm 94:10 He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not he correct? he that teacheth man knowledge, shall not he know?
Discipline is often a private family affair, and not always done publicly. This leads us to wonder why God does not meet out a punishment on the evil doers and much as He does to us. There are two answers to this. First, we are being prepared for eternal service in His Kingdom. As such we are more closely monitored and more carefully corrected. The evil however, are disciplined constantly to cause them to wake up spiritually and to leave them without excuse. Their road is difficult and fraught with great pain and suffering, partly due to their lifestyle and partly due to the fact they are resisting the laws of God which govern the universe.
c. We know God knows all thoughts
Psalm 94:11 The LORD knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity.
This is what sets man apart from God. Mankind is very unsuccessful at discerning the thoughts of others. God however knows them all, and that they are really nothing but empty thoughts and plans. The child of God is taught how to recognize some thoughts through body language and actions, but still is unable to fully discern them apart from the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit who can guide and teach the believer, if He is allowed.
2. We wish that all men were teachable
Psalm 94:12 Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law;
This is a prime reason God does not remove the wicked from our life on our terms. When we are called to salvation we are far from being in the “image of His dear Son.” It takes a large amount of constant and unremitting suffering to get us to conform to be what we were created to do and be.[3]
Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Hebrews 12:5-6 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: 6For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
Proverbs 3:11-12 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: 12For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
a. We enjoy rest from stress
Psalm 94:13 That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit be digged for the wicked.
This is a powerful benefit of being a Christian and actively pursuing holiness. We can rest in the Lord Jesus, until the day the pit is finished that will house the wicked. At that point we arise and take an active role in ridding the world of the sin that causes so much damage.
Hebrews 4:9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
2 Thessalonians 1:7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
b. We enjoy security from God
Psalm 94:14 For the LORD will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance.
This grand truth is mentioned in the psalm to cheer the heart of the afflicted. The Lord chastens His own; but He never forsakes them. The result of the double work of the law and the rod is our instruction, and the fruit of that instruction is a quieting of spirit, a sobriety of mind, out of which comes rest. The ungodly are let alone till the pit is digged into which they will fall and be taken, but the godly are sent to school to be prepared for their glorious destiny hereafter. Judgment will return and finish its work upon the rebels, but it will equally return to vindicate the sincere and godly. Hence we may bear the rod of chastisement with calm submission; it means not anger, but love. [4]
Godly Controls Justice
1. Justice returns to righteousness
Psalm 94:15 But judgment shall return unto righteousness: and all the upright in heart shall follow it.
The book of Romans (11) makes it clear that God has not cast away His people—the Jew. While the majority of the Jewish people have forsaken their Messiah and do not want to hear about Him, they will one day come to their senses, have their judgment restored and will look on the Messiah they had crucified. The whole nation will be converted and become holy. So, things will not always be as they are today.
The same will hold true for all those that resist taking the mark of the beast among the nations of the world. If they are found faithful, and turn to God, they will live and learn the ways of God, without the blinders that Satan imposes on people.
2. We feel as if we battle alone
Psalm 94:16 Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? or who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?
Every generation needs those that will take a public stand against the evildoers. It is our duty to do so until the Lord comes for us. We are to hold back the floodgates of wickedness by hindering the legality and practice of evil. Frankly we are not fighting, and the call is going out again: Where are the Martin Luthers? The William Booths? The George Washingtons? The Billy Sundays? The Roger Williams? The Gideons? The Davids? The Deborahs? Where is the celebrations for the stand such people took in their day?
a. The Lord helps us
Psalm 94:17 Unless the LORD had been my help, my soul had almost dwelt in silence.
God helps us to take the stand of the greats that went before us, just as He helped them. If it was not for the Lord Jesus’ help, we would just be quiet about what is right and what should be done. But because of who He is, we must speak up and do our part to obey and honor God.
b. The Lord holds us up
Psalm 94:18 When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O LORD, held me up.
As we walk forward in obedience and commitment to God, it is a frightening event if we stop to consider the circumstances and the possible risks. Like Peter, when walking on the water and seeing a wave coming, who cried out to the Lord for help, we too cry out and are stabilized.
c. The Lord captures our thoughts
Psalm 94:19 In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.
IF man were a mere animal, his joy and sorrow would depend entirely upon outward things. Let but the trough be full, and the swine are happy; let the pasture be abundant, and the sheep are content. In the sunshine every sparrow will be twittering on the trees; let the heavens weep, and every wing is drooping. In long drought, or severe frost, or pinching famine, the animal creation languishes and pines. You cannot, however, be sure of making a man happy by surrounding him with abundance, nor can you plunge a Christian man into wretchedness by any deprivations which you may cause him. Man’s greatest joy or sorrow must arise from inner springs. The mind itself is the lair of misery or the nest of happiness. Thoughts are the flowers from which we must distil the essential flavorings of life. Paul and Silas sing in the stocks because theft minds are at ease, while Herod frets on his throne because conscience makes him a coward. The soul of Linmeus exults within him at the sight of a common all golden with blooming gorse, while many a millionaire has roamed amid his gardens and conservatories and found no joy amid them all. A crust of bread from one heart brings a song, from another a thousand acres of ripening grain can produce no thanksgiving. Alexander, according to the old classic tale, sits down to weep over a conquered world, while many a peasant who has not a foot of ground to call his own, rejoices in tribulation, and glories in reproach. Our weal or woe is the outgrowth of seeds germinating’ within, not of branches which from without run over the wall. Happiness lies not in the outward, but in the inward; the fairest garden is that whose walks and arbors are in the secret of the soul; the richest and most mellow fruits are not plucked from the trees of the orchard, but are ripened within the spirit. Hence the importance of our guarding well our thoughts. But this is the labor and difficulty, for thoughts are unstable things, unruly as the wild horses of the plains, fickle as the waves of the sea, swift as the swallow’s wing, impetuous as the hurricane, changeable as the clouds of heaven. How are we to rule them? Sometimes they descend in clouds like the locusts, each one eager to devour our peace; they raven as the evening wolves; they howl like hungry dogs. Alas! poor bark, tossed to and fro by forces so subtle, variable, and ungovernable, what shall be done for thee? Hearken, for the text softly tells us that for the tempest-tossed mind there is a haven of rest, an anchorage where the weakest may find shelter from the storm. Even when multitudes of thoughts are let loose, and the soul is seething and raging like a tempestuous sea, there is rest to be had; peace and quiet are yet reserved for the chosen of the Lord.[5]
3. Unjust rulers cannot fellowship with us
Psalm 94:20 Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law?
This is almost always a fatal, nor near fatal mistake in history, and the present day. When a person’s eyes are opened and their understanding awakened, they can see things so clearly, they expect the dispensers of justice to agree and come to the aid of righteousness. But they forget that these same officials are the ones who not only support wickedness, but frame laws to allow it. There is no sympathetic ear among the enforcers of injustice. The ear that will hear is God, and He does hear but has waited to afford all men everywhere a chance for repentance.
a. They seek to condemn defenseless innocents
Psalm 94:21 They gather themselves together against the soul of the righteous, and condemn the innocent blood.
b. God defends His own
Psalm 94:22 But the LORD is my defence; and my God is the rock of my refuge.
c. God returns unjust penalties to the givers
Psalm 94:23 And he shall bring upon them their own iniquity, and shall cut them off in their own wickedness; yea, the LORD our God shall cut them off.
Thinking God is not involved in dispensing justice, disciplining the wicked, and limiting the power of evil doers is very short sighted and quite self-centered. Instead, God is very active. Singing this song states the frustration that is felt in the heart of those that are afflicted, or see affliction, and enables them to realize they are not alone, and that God will change things.
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Endnotes: Click on the number to return to the text portion
[1] Page H. Kelley. “Prayers of Troubled Saints.” Review and Expositor (Review and Expositor, 1984; Galaxie Software Edition: 2004). Vol. 81; Nu. 3; p. 380.
[2] Edward Dennett, Zechariah the Prophet (Garland, Texas: Galaxie Software, 2004). p. 51.
[3] Thomas N. Smith. “‘Behold, What Manner of Love!’: A Divine Family of Human Sons and Daughters.” Reformation and Revival Ministries, Reformation and Revival (Reformation and Revival Ministries, 1998; Galaxie Software Edition: 2003). Vol. 7; Nu. 2; p. 42.
[4] Charles Spurgeon, Faith's Checkbook, electronic ed. (Escondito, California: Ephesians Four Group, 2000). November 17.
[5] Charles H. Spurgeon, Spurgeon's Sermons (Albany, OR: Ages Software, 1998; electronic ed., Logos Library System;). Vol. 15. Nu. 883.
Topic Study
God’s Vengeance in Scripture
by Pastor Clinton Macomber
God waits for the evil doer’s foot to slide and then delivers vengeance with a sudden blow.
Deuteronomy 32:35 To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.
It is the desire of the tormented to demand immediate action from God.
Psalm 94:1 O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself.
Vengeance is poured out with such an overwhelming flood, leaving no doubt it is from God.
Ezekiel 25:17 And I will execute great vengeance upon them with furious rebukes; and they shall know that I am the LORD, when I shall lay my vengeance upon them.
Vengeance is done with anger and fury from God.
Micah 5:15 And I will execute vengeance in anger and fury upon the heathen, such as they have not heard.
Vengeance is an outpouring of reserved wrath upon God’s enemies.
Nahum 1:2 God is jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and is furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies.
The saints are to stop their own anger and attempts for vengeance.
Romans 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Vengeance is done in flames of fire upon those that reject salvation.
2 Thessalonians 1:8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
Vengeance is for God to do, as well as justice upon His people.
Hebrews 10:30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.
Quote
Blessed is the man whom Thou chastenest,… that Thou mayest give him rest. Psalm 94:12-13
The reason of chastening is rest-giving. God chastens us that He may give its rest from the days of adversity. In sorrow we learn lessons which serve us in good stead when others suffer without remedy. In trial-times the child of God falls back upon the lessons his Father taught him out of the black letter-book of pain, and he knows how to comport himself. Thus he finds rest to his soul, rest in the will of God, rest in humble submission to his lot, rest in the wisdom that cannot err, in the love that cannot forget.
God teaches all the scholars in his school. He dares entrust none to an usher. Enter thyself as a scholar in the academy of grace, and thou shalt at once be taught, as all his children are, of God.
There is but one text-book for the whole school. It is always the Law of God. We learn from it when we are babes. In mature life we resort to it at every emergency. In old age we feel we never understood before its meaning or beauty. It is God’s “horn-book.”
Those who have sat longest under God’s tuition profess they know least. Instead of beginning at the lowest class and working up, we begin at the highest, and work down. The grey-heads sit on the infants’ forms, and the simplest are the wisest. There is blessedness, not in roaming the fields, but in sitting on the bench and learning what God teaches each soul that will give heed.
Some day, the lessons will be done, the doors thrown open, and the scholars will be dismissed, never to return to the hard bare forms, but to go for holy-days of never-ending gladness in the Father’s home.
--Frederick Brotherton Meyer, Our Daily Homily (Redding, CA: Pleasant Places Press, 2004). Vol. 3 page 94
Devotions
Monday, Psalm 94:1-4 and 1 Corinthians 12:1-5
Wickedness comes in many forms, but it always causes the same damage, that of being a burden to righteousness. There are evil people who seek to persecute and kill anyone that follow God, and there are evil people that call themselves Christians who distort the truth so that those who follow the truth are persecuted. It is paramount to remember that we used to be of this same group. The difference is that we are equipped with gifts from the Spirit of God to grow during the strife of life on earth.
Tuesday, Psalm 94:5-8 and 1 Corinthians 12:6-10
There is a stark contrast between the working of the Spirit of God, who unites and works through diversity to accomplish a common goal, and that of the evil in the world, who work to break up and destroy the innocent. The Spirit of God works knowing that God sees and knows all. The evil of the world work in hope that God will not see what they do. There is no neutral ground. Either we follow God and honor Him by allowing the Holy Spirit to work in us, or we work to stop God and ignore His presence and workings. Only a fool tries to run from God.
Wednesday, Psalm 94:9-12 and 1 Corinthians 12:11-15
The evil of this world operates on the assumption that they will not have to stand before God and give an account of their deeds. The child of God realizes that he is part of a unit that is here to represent God and function where God has placed them. Dysfunction brings damage to the whole body. Complaining and bitterness is like cancer, damaging healthy parts of the body. As such, we need to spend time each day to make sure we are being led of the Spirit. The health of ourselves and others is dependent on our obedience to God.
Thursday, Psalm 94:13-16 and 1 Corinthians 12:16-20
God’s discipline in life is to bring us to the place where adversity and stress is reduced, and to the place where we learn to rest and depend upon God. Trying to be what we are not is wrong. God knows what we are and what our purpose in life is to be, and without seeking His Word and obeying His laws, we cannot learn this. God is committed to us, and will not forsake us as long as we are committed to Him. He will lead us through each and every trial so that His will is accomplished.
Friday, Psalm 94:17-20 and 1 Corinthians 12:21-25
God provides us with plenty to meditate upon as we go about our duties of life. He is our help and He is the one who enables us to act appropriately so our foot does not slip. He bestows more attention to the person who needs it, and has the goal of seeing that there not be any division in the unit He is creating from sinful creatures. He alone can give comfort by preparing us and our way before us.
Saturday, Psalm 94:21-23 and 1 Corinthians 12:26-31
While the world forms alliances and federations against the righteous man, the child of God can rest assured that he is part of a large body formed in Christ, and by the Holy Spirit. The withering storm hurled against him from these confederations are the best they can do in their desire to rid God from the world. Those who are a part of the body will hurt with the child of God, but know that each part has a purpose to accomplish. Are you a part of the body of Christ or a part of some evil lynch mob?
Puzzle
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| L | C | C | K | T | P | E | S | S | E | S | A | Q | A | G | E | W |
| Y | H | O | N | A | E | H | V | T | I | N | E | H | N | I | L | O |
| T | E | M | O | L | E | G | T | I | R | T | E | L | S | D | I | R |
| I | S | F | W | M | N | C | N | E | L | A | S | T | N | W | G | K |
| U | T | O | L | O | D | T | N | O | P | D | N | A | S | U | H | E |
| Q | M | R | E | S | L | I | H | A | L | P | O | G | H | A | T | R |
| I | K | T | D | T | E | L | T | E | E | E | I | E | E | C | H | S |
| N | V | S | G | R | H | V | O | H | M | G | B | L | R | R | O | C |
| I | T | C | E | R | R | O | C | F | Y | S | N | R | S | S | N | K |
| F | E | L | L | O | W | S | H | I | P | S | E | E | H | Q | C | H |
| W | H | O | M | M | U | R | D | E | R | U | E | L | V | W | G | O |
| N | Y | T | I | S | R | E | V | D | A | H | Y | L | V | Y | G | R |
| M | S | T | H | G | U | O | H | T | F | M | O | L | F | E | U | V |
| H | T | E | A | C | H | E | T | H | E | N | O | W | B | W | S | K |
| ADVERSITY | FOLLOW | TEACHEST |
| ALMOST | FRAMETH | TEACHETH |
| BELONGETH | HELD | THEMSELVES |
| CHASTENEST | INIQUITY | THOUGHTS |
| CHASTISETH | KNOWLEDGE | THYSELF |
| COMFORTS | LONG | UNLESS |
| CORRECT | MISCHIEF | VENGEANCE |
| DELIGHT | MURDER | WHOM |
| DIGGED | SHALL | WORKERS |
| EVILDOERS | SLIPPETH | |
| FELLOWSHIP | STRANGER |
