Thoughts on Psalm 150

The last psalm.

Regardless of whatever present situation – Praise the Lord.

Because in the end, after all the songs have been sung, Praise will continue. The last song is everlasting.

‭‭“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!” ‭‭(Psalm‬ ‭150:6‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

Thoughts on 1 Timothy 6

I don’t highlight verses much, but I’ve highlighted almost all of 1 Timothy 6..

If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain. (‭1 Timothy‬ ‭6‬:‭3-5‬ ESV)

As I’ve started teaching, I have been really blessed with the lessons I am learning as I prepare. The teacher does learn more than the student. But this is my fear – that I might make a mistake and teach “a different doctrine [that] does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ.” That I might be a worker who does not “correctly handles the word of truth.”

I should keep my motives – my heart – in check.

• Godliness should not be a means to gain. 
• The leader is essentially a servant.
• All knowledge comes from God, especially insight regarding His will. 
• People are more important than the Presentation (or PowerPoint).
• To teach is a great blessing, a great privilege, and a great responsibility.

But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. (‭1 Timothy‬ ‭6‬:‭9-10‬ ESV)

I sometimes find myself struggling with this: the desire to be rich. It creeps up on me. Traps and snares are not meant to be obvious.

But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. (‭1 Timothy‬ ‭6‬:‭11‬ ESV)

Flee from the bad, Purse the good. Cannot be one without the other. Has to be both.

Thoughts on Numbers 36

Wow, it’s been a while..

We close the Book of Numbers today. It’s been a long study, but was pleasantly surprised with all the learnings from a book that seems boring because of the title. Do not judge a book by it’s cover. Especially if God is the author 🙂

God gives commands. But sometimes, circumstances raise questions not specifically covered by God’s commands? What do we do?

We ask God. (Of course!)

The funny thing about us is that many times that’s not our first instinct. We like to discuss and debate amongst ourselves. We ask God too late.

Would a father withhold giving clear instructions to his children when they ask? Of course not. How much more our Heavenly Father will give us guidance when we ask Him how we can better obey Him.

Thoughts on Joel 3

O-oh, you’re gonna get it.

“What are you to me, O Tyre and Sidon, and all the regions of Philistia? Are you paying me back for something? If you are paying me back, I will return your payment on your own head swiftly and speedily. (‭Joel‬ ‭3‬:‭4‬ ESV)

It’s like when my 4 year old son tries to ‘fight’ me and I’m like, “Really son?” As humans, we often forget our place – and size – compared to the All-mighty powerful God. I am very grateful that God’s patience is great towards me. As a father, I understand my son’s frustration and I know that he just needs to learn more about me – and how much I love him. God, as my heavenly Father, probably thinks the same way about me.

Proclaim this among the nations: Consecrate for war; stir up the mighty men. Let all the men of war draw near; let them come up. (‭Joel‬ ‭3‬:‭9‬ ESV)

As someone who avoids conflict as much as I can, I don’t understand what it means to prepare and go to war. It must take a lot of preparation – mentally and physically.

The Lord roars from Zion, and utters his voice from Jerusalem, and the heavens and the earth quake. But the Lord is a refuge to his people, a stronghold to the people of Israel. (‭Joel‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬ ESV)

Love this image! Roar!!!