Psalm 49, the Redemption of our souls!

Psa 49:6-7, THOSE WHO TRUST IN THEIR WEALTH AND BOAST IN THE MULTITUDE OF THEIR RICHES, NONE OF THEM CAN BY ANY MEANS REDEEM HIS BROTHER, NOR GIVE TO GOD A RANSOM FOR HIM—

Money is a useful tool, yet trusting in it is foolish! You can’t redeem a brother with your riches!

Pro 11:28, He who trusts in his riches will fall, But the righteous will flourish like foliage. 

Psa 49:8-9, FOR THE REDEMPTION OF THEIR SOULS IS COSTLY, AND IT SHALL CEASE FOREVER— THAT HE SHOULD CONTINUE TO LIVE ETERNALLY, AND NOT SEE THE PIT.

The redemption of the soul is the work only GOD can do, and HE did! IT COST JESUS, THE SON OF GOD, HIS EARTHLY LIFE TO REDEEM OUR SOULS! HIS JOY WAS TO PLEASE HIS FATHER BY BRINGING THE LOST TO HIS PRESENCE!

Heb 12:2, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, WHO FOR THE JOY THAT WAS SET BEFORE HIM ENDURED THE CROSS, DESPISING THE SHAME, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 

Those who go down to the pit have no hope in getting out, no hope of being comforted; for they rejected the only way to the Father!

Isa 38:18, For Sheol cannot thank You, Death cannot praise You; THOSE WHO GO DOWN TO THE PIT CANNOT HOPE FOR YOUR TRUTH. 

Psa 6:5, For in death there is no remembrance of You; In the grave who will give You thanks? 

Psa 49:15, BUT GOD WILL REDEEM MY SOUL FROM THE POWER OF THE GRAVE, FOR HE SHALL RECEIVE ME. SELAH

JESUS served the FATHER by coming down from heaven to give HIS life for the ransom of many!

Mat 20:28, just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, BUT TO SERVE, AND TO GIVE HIS LIFE A RANSOM FOR MANY.”

Psa 20:7, Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the LORD our God. 

SOME TRUST IN WHAT THEY HAVE, THEIR MONEY, THEIR INFLUENCE, THEIR STRENGTH, BUT I WILL TRUST IN THE LORD, MY REDEEMBER, MY ONLY HOPE!

Psalm 48, the city of our Great GOD!

Psa 48:1-2, …GREAT IS THE LORD, AND GREATLY TO BE PRAISED IN THE CITY OF OUR GOD, IN HIS HOLY MOUNTAIN. BEAUTIFUL IN ELEVATION, THE JOY OF THE WHOLE EARTH, Is Mount Zion on the sides of the north, THE CITY OF THE GREAT KING.

Today, Jerusalem is a city in the desert, not much beauty to behold YET, HE has chosen Jerusalem! 2Chr 6:6a! The Psalmist is looking at what is to come. The new city of Jerusalem!

Rev 21:2, Then I, John, SAW THE HOLY CITY, NEW JERUSALEM, COMING DOWN OUT OF HEAVEN FROM GOD, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 

The LORD will come again and HE will reign from Jerusalem! It shall be known as the city of truth and the city of the Great KING! Even Abraham waited to see the city not made by human hands, but by GOD!

Heb 11:10, for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. 

Zec 8:3, “Thus says the LORD: ‘I WILL RETURN TO ZION, And dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. JERUSALEM SHALL BE CALLED THE CITY OF TRUTH, THE MOUNTAIN OF THE LORD OF HOSTS, THE HOLY MOUNTAIN.’ 

Psa 48:4-6, For behold, the kings assembled, They passed by together. THEY SAW IT, AND SO THEY MARVELED; THEY WERE TROUBLED, THEY HASTENED AWAY. FEAR TOOK HOLD OF THEM THERE, AND PAIN, as of a woman in birth pangs,

Many people around the world will come to Jerusalem and see the city of GOD and will tremble in fear and reverence to HIM!

Zec 8:22-23, YES, MANY PEOPLES AND STRONG NATIONS SHALL COME TO SEEK THE LORD OF HOSTS IN JERUSALEM, AND TO PRAY BEFORE THE LORD.’ “Thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘In those days TEN MEN FROM EVERY LANGUAGE OF THE NATIONS SHALL GRASP THE SLEEVE OF A JEWISH MAN, SAYING, “LET US GO WITH YOU, FOR WE HAVE HEARD THAT GOD IS WITH YOU.”

Psa 48:8, AS WE HAVE HEARD, SO WE HAVE SEEN IN THE CITY OF THE LORD OF HOSTS, IN THE CITY OF OUR GOD: GOD WILL ESTABLISH IT FOREVER. SELAH 

We have heard of it, and read about it in HIS word! SO SHALL WE SEE IT COME TO PASS! For these are not just words written in a book, But are HIS promises to the believer! HE IS FAITHFUL AND JUST AND WILL COMPLETE HIS WORK! AS YOU HAVE HEARD, YOU WILL SEE!

Psalm 47, the coming KING!

Psa 47:1-2, …Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph! FOR THE LORD MOST HIGH IS AWESOME; HE IS A GREAT KING OVER ALL THE EARTH.

The KJV reads “FOR THE LORD MOST HIS IS TERRIBLE”? HE is awesome in power, and we stand in awe of HIM! HE should be greatly fear, for HE will rule, as KING, with an iron hand!

Zec 14:9, AND THE LORD SHALL BE KING OVER ALL THE EARTH. In that day it shall be “THE LORD IS ONE,” AND HIS NAME ONE. 

Psa 47:3, HE will subdue the peoples under us, And the nations under our feet. 

1Cor 15:24-25, Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, WHEN HE PUTS AN END TO ALL RULE AND ALL AUTHORITY AND POWER. FOR HE MUST REIGN TILL HE HAS PUT ALL ENEMIES UNDER HIS FEET.

Psa 47:5, GOD HAS GONE UP WITH A SHOUT, The LORD with the sound of a trumpet. 

The coming KING will go up and sit on the throne of David, and HIS kingdom will have no end!

Luke 1:32-33, HE WILL BE GREAT, and will be called the SON OF THE HIGHEST; AND THE LORD GOD WILL GIVE HIM THE THRONE OF HIS FATHER DAVID. AND HE WILL REIGN OVER THE HOUSE OF JACOB FOREVER, AND OF HIS KINGDOM THERE WILL BE NO END.”

Psa 47:6-8, Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises TO OUR KING, sing praises! FOR GOD IS THE KING OF ALL THE EARTH; Sing praises with understanding. GOD REIGNS OVER THE NATIONS; GOD SITS ON HIS HOLY THRONE.

On that day there will be no republicans or democrats, socialist and communist; FOR HE SHALL PUT AN END TO ALL RULE AND HE SHALL REIGN AS KING!

Zec 14:16, And it shall come to pass that everyone WHO IS LEFT of all the nations which came against Jerusalem SHALL GO UP FROM YEAR TO YEAR TO WORSHIP THE KING, THE LORD OF HOSTS, AND TO KEEP THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES. 

I’M A MONARCHIST FOR I HAVE A KING BY THE NAME OF JESUS WHO WILL RULE OVER ALL THE EARTH! SING PRAISES TO HIM, SING PRAISES WITH UNDERSTANDING TO THE KING OF ALL THE WORLD! HE IS NEAR!

Psalm 46, HE is our refuge!

Psa 46:1, …God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.

JESUS is our refuge in times of trouble! HE is a fortress to those seeking shelter!

Psa 18:2, The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. 

Psa 46:2-3, THEREFORE WE WILL NOT FEAR, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. SELAH

The Psalmist considered the scariest situation and thought, “THE LORD IS STILL GREATER THAN MY WORST FEARS, WHY BE AFRAID”!

Psa 46:4, THERE IS A RIVER WHOSE STREAMS SHALL MAKE GLAD THE CITY OF GOD, THE HOLY PLACE OF THE TABERNACLE OF THE MOST HIGH. 

The city of GOD is a desert, but in the future, there will be a life-giving river flowing from the throne of GOD!

Rev 22:1, And he showed me A PURE RIVER OF WATER OF LIFE, CLEAR AS CRYSTAL, PROCEEDING FROM THE THRONE OF GOD AND OF THE LAMB.

Isa 44:3, FOR I WILL POUR WATER ON HIM WHO IS THIRSTY, AND FLOODS ON THE DRY GROUND; I WILL POUR MY SPIRIT ON YOUR DESCENDANTS, AND MY BLESSING ON YOUR OFFSPRING; 

GOD wants to pour HIS Spirit on us, not just a few drops of blessing but a river from the throne of GOD!

Joh 7:37-38, On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “IF ANYONE THIRSTS, LET HIM COME TO ME AND DRINK. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, OUT OF HIS HEART WILL FLOW RIVERS OF LIVING WATER.”

Psa 46:10, BE STILL, AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! 

Be anxious for nothing for our hope is in GOD and if HE is with us then WHO CAN BE AGAINST US? SEEK THE LORD, TRUST IN HIM AND HIS STRENGTH!  

Psalm 45, the KING of kings!

Psa 45:1-2, …My heart is overflowing with a good theme; I RECITE MY COMPOSITION CONCERNING THE KING; … You are fairer than the sons of men; GRACE IS POURED UPON YOUR LIPS; THEREFORE GOD HAS BLESSED YOU FOREVER.

The psalmist wrote this psalm concerning the King, but as you read on He’s talking about the KINGS of kings! The LORD JESUS who healed the sick, who gave sight to the blind, raised the dead, and died for all!

Luk 4:22, So all bore witness to Him, and MARVELED AT THE GRACIOUS WORDS WHICH PROCEEDED OUT OF HIS MOUTH. And they said, “Is this not Joseph’s son?” 

Even officers sent to arrest JESUS said.

Joh 7:46, The officers answered, “NO MAN EVER SPOKE LIKE THIS MAN!” 

Psa 45:3, GIRD YOUR SWORD UPON YOUR THIGH, O MIGHTY ONE, WITH YOUR GLORY AND YOUR MAJESTY. 

HIS sword is HIS WORD, and when HE comes back many will be slain by it!

Rev 19:15, Now out of HIS mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. HE HIMSELF TREADS THE WINEPRESS OF THE FIERCENESS AND WRATH OF ALMIGHTY GOD.

Psa 45:6-7, YOUR THRONE, O GOD, IS FOREVER AND EVER; A SCEPTER OF RIGHTEOUSNESS IS THE SCEPTER OF YOUR KINGDOM. You love righteousness and hate wickedness; THEREFORE GOD, YOUR GOD, HAS ANOINTED YOU WITH THE OIL OF GLADNESS MORE THAN YOUR COMPANIONS.

In Heb 1:8-9, we find these same words, but it adds, “BUT TO THE SON HE SAYS: YOUR THRONE, O GOD, IS FOREVER AND EVER…..”,

Mat 8:27, So the men marveled, saying, “WHO CAN THIS BE, THAT EVEN THE WINDS AND THE SEA OBEY HIM?” 

HE IS THE KING OF GLORY, THE KING OF kings and the LORD of lords! One day HIS bride shall be brought to the KING!

Psa 45:14-15, SHE SHALL BE BROUGHT TO THE KING IN ROBES OF MANY COLORS; The virgins, her companions who follow her, SHALL BE BROUGHT TO YOU. WITH GLADNESS AND REJOICING THEY SHALL BE BROUGHT; THEY SHALL ENTER THE KING’S PALACE.

Psalm 44, why are YOU so far off?

Psa 44:1, WE HAVE HEARD WITH OUR EARS, O GOD, OUR FATHERS HAVE TOLD US, THE DEEDS YOU DID IN THEIR DAYS, IN DAYS OF OLD

The psalmist remembers his father telling him about the works of GOD in their days! WE, AS FATHERS NEED TO DO THE SAME! TELL YOUR KIDS WHAT GOD HAS DONE IN YOUR LIFE!

Joe 1:3, TELL YOUR CHILDREN ABOUT IT, LET YOUR CHILDREN TELL THEIR CHILDREN, AND THEIR CHILDREN ANOTHER GENERATION.

Psa 44:3, 6 For they did not gain possession of the land BY THEIR OWN SWORD, Nor did their own arm save them; BUT IT WAS YOUR RIGHT HAND, YOUR ARM, AND THE LIGHT OF YOUR COUNTENANCE, BECAUSE YOU FAVORED THEM…. FOR I WILL NOT TRUST IN MY BOW, NOR SHALL MY SWORD SAVE ME

Israel did fight for the land, BUT VICTORY CAME BECAUSE OF THE LORD! IT WASN’T THEIR BOWS, THEIR MONEY, THEIR SWORDS, IT WAS THE LORD! NEVER TAKE CREDIT FOR THE WORK OF HIS HAND;

Psa 44:9, BUT YOU HAVE CAST US OFF AND PUT US TO SHAME, AND YOU DO NOT GO OUT WITH OUR ARMIES. 

From verses 9-11, the psalmist changes his focus. He remembered the stories of his father, but now it seems that GOD has drawn away from his people?

Jos 1:9, Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, FOR THE LORD YOUR GOD IS WITH YOU WHEREVER YOU GO.” 

It wasn’t GOD that left, but the people who left HIM and stopped following HIS WORD! HE clearly stated what would happen if Israel drew away from HIM! Deu 28:15-68

Deu 28:15, “BUT IT SHALL COME TO PASS, IF YOU DO NOT OBEY THE VOICE OF THE LORD YOUR GOD, to observe carefully all His commandments…THAT ALL THESE CURSES WILL COME UPON YOU AND OVERTAKE YOU: 

HE is a loving Father and is prepared to punish HIS children out of LOVE and never in anger!

Heb 12:6-7, FOR WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE CHASTENS, AND SCOURGES EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVES.” If you endure chastening, GOD DEALS WITH YOU AS WITH SONS; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?

Psalm 43, why do you cast me off?

Psa 43:2, Vindicate me, O God, …Oh, deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man! FOR YOU ARE THE GOD OF MY STRENGTH; WHY do You cast me off? WHY do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?

A continuation of the previous psalm where the psalmist is in deep depression!  He is crying out to the LORD, the source of his strength and asking WHY DO YOU CAST ME OFF? WHY DO I GRIEVE? TRIALS LIKE THESE OFTEN TEST OUR FAITH, BUT RESULTS IN A STRONGER BOND WITH THE LORD!

Jas 1:3-4, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

JESUS said, at the start of HIS ministry!

Isa 61:1, “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon ME, Because the LORD has anointed ME To PREACH GOOD TIDINGS TO THE POOR; HE HAS SENT ME TO HEAL THE BROKENHEARTED, TO PROCLAIM LIBERTY TO THE CAPTIVES, AND THE OPENING OF THE PRISON TO THOSE WHO ARE BOUND; 

Psa 147:3, He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds. 

Psa 43:3-4, Oh, send out Your light and Your truth! Let them lead me; Let them bring me to Your holy hill And to Your tabernacle. Then I will go to the altar of God, To God my exceeding joy; And on the harp I will praise You, O God, my God.

He is in a dark place and is asking the LORD for guidance! LEAD ME LORD OUT OF THIS DEPRESSION THAT I MAY PRAISE YOU AGAIN!

Psa 119:105, YOUR WORD IS A LAMP TO MY FEET AND A LIGHT TO MY PATH. 

2Cor 1:3-4, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and GOD OF ALL COMFORT, WHO COMFORTS US IN ALL OUR TRIBULATION, THAT WE MAY BE ABLE TO COMFORT THOSE WHO ARE IN ANY TROUBLE, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

The LORD may use you and your experiences to comfort others! REMEMBER, HIS WAYS ARE NOT OUR WAYS, HIS THOUGHTS ARE HIGHER THAN OURS! TRUST IN THE LORD

Psa 130:5, I WAIT FOR THE LORD, MY SOUL WAITS, AND IN HIS WORD I DO HOPE. 

Psalm 42, depression!

Psa 42:1-2, AS THE DEER PANTS FOR THE WATER BROOKS, SO PANTS MY SOUL FOR YOU, O GOD. MY SOUL THIRSTS FOR GOD, FOR THE LIVING GOD. WHEN SHALL I COME AND APPEAR BEFORE GOD?

The Psalmist, the Sons of Korah, was suffering from depression and was thirsty for the presence of GOD. He didn’t thirst for vain idols, but for the living GOD!  Scripture tells us..

Php 4:6-7, BE ANXIOUS FOR NOTHING, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; AND THE PEACE OF GOD, WHICH SURPASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING, WILL GUARD YOUR HEARTS AND MINDS THROUGH CHRIST JESUS. 

When we thirst, there is only one place to go!

John 7:37, … JESUS STOOD AND CRIED OUT, SAYING, “IF ANYONE THIRSTS, LET HIM COME TO ME AND DRINK.

Psa 42:4, WHEN I REMEMBER THESE THINGS, I pour out my soul within me. FOR I USED TO GO WITH THE MULTITUDE; I WENT WITH THEM TO THE HOUSE OF GOD, WITH THE VOICE OF JOY AND PRAISE, With a multitude that kept a pilgrim feast. 

Remembering his past joy only makes him sadder! His emotions are stirred up!

Psa 42:5, Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? HOPE IN GOD, FOR I SHALL YET PRAISE HIM FOR THE HELP OF HIS COUNTENANCE. 

Speaking to his own soul, why is my heart so sad? Depression is no joke, but the Psalmist new THAT HE SHALL PRIASE HIM AGAIN!

Psa 30:5b, … Weeping may endure for a night, BUT JOY COMES IN THE MORNING. 

Psa 62:8, TRUST IN HIM AT ALL TIMES, YOU PEOPLE; POUR OUT YOUR HEART BEFORE HIM; GOD IS A REFUGE FOR US. SELAH 

REMEMBER HE IS FAITHFUL AND HE WILL DELIVER YOU FROM EVERYTHING IN HIS TIME! TRUST IN HIM FOR HE IS A REFUGE TO THOSE THAT SEEK HIM! HE IS FAITHFUL!

Psa 30:11-12, You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever.

Psalm 41, Pity on the poor!

Psa 41:1-3, …BLESSED IS HE WHO CONSIDERS THE POOR; THE LORD WILL DELIVER HIM IN TIME OF TROUBLE. The LORD will PRESERVE HIM AND KEEP HIM ALIVE, And HE WILL BE BLESSED ON THE EARTH; You will not deliver him to the will of his enemies. THE LORD WILL STRENGTHEN HIM ON HIS BED OF ILLNESS; YOU WILL SUSTAIN HIM ON HIS SICKBED.

Poor economically, but can also mean weak or helpless! Either way, this is a promise of GOD; The LORD will repay him for his generosity!

Pro 19:17, HE WHO HAS PITY ON THE POOR LENDS TO THE LORD, AND HE WILL PAY BACK WHAT HE HAS GIVEN.

The LORD doesn’t forget even the smallest thing we do! Even if you give a glass of water in HIS name HE will remember!

Mar 9:41, FOR WHOEVER GIVES YOU A CUP OF WATER TO DRINK IN MY NAME, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, HE WILL BY NO MEANS LOSE HIS REWARD. 

Psa 41:9, Even my own familiar FRIEND in whom I TRUSTED, WHO ATE MY BREAD, HAS LIFTED UP HIS HEEL AGAINST ME.

David was indeed betrayed by his trusted advisor Ahithophel, and his own son Absalom, but this was fulfilled by Judas when he betrayed JESUS!

Joh 13:18, “I do not speak concerning all of you. I know whom I have chosen; but that the Scripture may be fulfilled, ‘HE WHO EATS BREAD WITH ME HAS LIFTED UP HIS HEEL AGAINST ME.

Luk 22:21, BUT BEHOLD, THE HAND OF MY BETRAYER IS WITH ME ON THE TABLE. 

Psa 41:12-13, As for me, You uphold me in my integrity, And set me before Your face forever. Blessed be the LORD God of Israel From everlasting to everlasting! Amen and Amen.

MEN MAY BETRAY YOU, BUT THE LORD IS ALWAYS FAITHFUL TO HIS WORD AND PROMISES! DAVID DIDN’T FOCUS ON THOSE THAT RETURN EVIL FOR GOOD, BUT HIS FOCUS WAS ALWAYS ON THE LORD!

Psa 118:8, IT IS BETTER TO TRUST IN THE LORD THAN TO PUT CONFIDENCE IN MAN. 

Psalm 40, HIS Thoughts for us!

Psa 40:1-3, … I WAITED PATIENTLY FOR THE LORD; AND HE INCLINED TO ME, AND HEARD MY CRY. HE ALSO BROUGHT ME UP OUT OF A HORRIBLE PIT, OUT OF THE MIRY CLAY, AND SET MY FEET UPON A ROCK, AND ESTABLISHED MY STEPS. He has put a new song in my mouth—Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the LORD.

In times of trouble it’s hard, at least for me, to patiently wait on the LORD! I remember that we were bleeding out money and nothing coming in, BUT THEN HE OPENED A DOOR FOR ME! ALL I COULD DO IS PRAISE HIM! THAT WAS TWO YEARS AGO TODAY (OCT 1, 2018)! REMEMBER THE LORD KNOWS WHAT HE IS DOING AND IS NEVER LATE!

Psa 40:4, BLESSED IS THAT MAN WHO MAKES THE LORD HIS TRUST…

Psa 40:5, MANY, O LORD MY GOD, ARE YOUR WONDERFUL WORKS WHICH YOU HAVE DONE; AND YOUR THOUGHTS TOWARD US CANNOT BE RECOUNTED TO YOU IN ORDER; IF I WOULD DECLARE AND SPEAK OF THEM, THEY ARE MORE THAN CAN BE NUMBERED. 

The LORD is always working and is never sleeping on the job! HIS thoughts for you can’t be counted for HE is always thinking of you!

Jer 29:11, FOR I KNOW THE THOUGHTS THAT I THINK TOWARD YOU, says the LORD, THOUGHTS OF PEACE AND NOT OF EVIL, TO GIVE YOU A FUTURE AND A HOPE. 

We were at the beach recently, and while looking at the sand it brought this beautiful scripture to memory!

Psa 139:17-18, How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! HOW GREAT IS THE SUM OF THEM! IF I SHOULD COUNT THEM, THEY WOULD BE MORE IN NUMBER THAN THE SAND; When I awake, I am still with You.

The Creator of the universal, the Creator of everything seen and unseen knows your name! HE listens to your voice and looks upon you at every moment! HE is always thinking about you and has a plan for you! WOW!

Psa 40:17, But I am poor and needy; YET THE LORD THINKS UPON ME. You are my help and my deliverer; Do not delay, O my God. 

IT’S NOT WHAT WE HAVE TO OFFER HIM, BUT WHAT HE HAS TO OFFER US! HE IS LOVE, AND A FATHER TO THOSE THAT PLACE THEIR TRUST IN HIM! BLESSED ARE YOU IF YOU TRUST IN HIM!