IT IS THE PSALM OF THE ATHEIST
WHO SAYS IN HIS HEART
THERE IS NO GOD
BUT WE ALSO SEE, AS THE PSALM PROGRESSES,
THAT WE ARE ALL FOOLS UNTIL HIS LOVE BREAKS THROUGH.
IN KEITH GREEN’S SHORT TIME ON EARTH, HOW I REMEMBER HIM
SELLING HIS RECORDS FOR “WHATEVER PEOPLE COULD PAY”
STIRRING THE LUKEWARM CHURCH WITH HIS PASSION
SINGING FROM HIS TRANSFORMED HEART:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h89-3_kIRDA
WHAT I AM PRAYING FOR EACH OF US THIS LENT,
IS THAT WE WILL NOT LIVE LIKE FOOLS,
BUT SEEK HIM WITH ALL OUR HEARTS,
FOR AS THIS PSALM PROMISES,
HIS LOVE WILL KEEP BREAKING THROUGH.
FOR GOD IS PRESENT WITH HIS FORGIVEN CHILDREN.
There is justified anger in this psalm against those who lead others astray. I see so much poison coming from the media, but also from pulpits — sheer lies about how the Bible was formed, about the cross, and about our Lord. I remember sitting next to a young man on a plane who was reading Christopher Hitchen’s book: God Is Not Great and trembling at Hitchen’s lack of fear of God. When you pray this psalm, remember Bonhoeffer’s exhortation to hear the voice of Christ in the background — His anger, His pain at the rebellion against God, His compassion for those who are oppressed and neglected, which is the fruit of those who are fools. Their thinking is twisted, therefore, so are their hearts. Hitler tore down the cross in the churches to have his twisted cross put up. Hitler reasoned, “Nature is cruel, therefore we can be as well.” And how inhumane he was. Remembering this, hear the voice of Christ in this psalm.
Psalm 14, like Romans 1, shows the root of unbelief. They want to follow their own will so they refuse to believe. Blaise Pascal (one of the keenest intellects who ever lived) believed that the evidence for Christianity was overwhelming, but that men resist Christ because they resist giving up control of their lives. I know that was true of me. Pascal wrote:
Men despise religion. They hate it and are afraid it may be true. The cure for this is first to show that religion is not contrary to reason, but worthy of reverence and respect. Next make it attractive, make good men wish it were true, and then show that it is.
This is also what we have been hearing from a contemporary intellect: Michael Reeves. We have reduced Christianity to a formula instead of showing people how beautiful Jesus is. I am finding when I show how beautiful Christ is, and the beauty of the gospel, walls come down. One woman said to me recently, “I don’t know why I keep crying when you talk, but something is happening in my heart.” His love, as Keith Green sang, is breaking through.
Sunday Icebreakers:
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
2. If His love has broken through to you, share one thing you remember about when it did.
Songs to Prepare Your Heart:
In the wonderful sermon you will hear next week, Dick Lucas says a real hymn must reveal something about God. These two do. The Psalm project caught the heart of Psalm 14 — God’s anger against the fool, but also His compassion for the poor, and His knowledge that one day the captive will be set free and there will be a great reversal of fortune. The second song was by one of the first women hymn-writers, and made contemporary by Indelible Grace. This world is hard, and the lies of the fool can make it hard to trust in times of trouble, but as the second part of the Psalm shows, God is a refuge to the oppressed, and one day there will a great reversal.
Monday-Friday Bible Study and Sermon (Pace yourself so you finish — I’ve given a guideline, but do as you feel led.)
Monday
3. Read Psalm 14 out loud as an overview.
A. What do you learn about the fool in verse 1?
B. Verses 1-3 shows how fools rebel against the law of God. Derek Kidner says the essence of sin is believing we know better than God.
C. Verses 4 shows the fruit of fools. What metaphor is given? The verb is “devour.” How did HItler devour God’s people?
D. What causes the fool concern, according to verse 5? Can you think of an example from Scripture or life?
E. What promise is there to the poor in verse 6?
F. Describe the end of the story, according to verse 7.
4. Bonhoeffer urges us to hear the voice of Christ in these psalms — His anger, His compassion. How do you hear His voice in Psalm 14?
Tuesday-Wednesday: Some Lies of The Atheist and The Response of a Wise Man
Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. In the wildly popular song by John Lennon, Imagine, see how beautiful people, beautiful settings, and beautiful music are used, like an angel of light. Yoko and John look very serious — as if doing away with God, heaven, and hell would solve our problems and we need to know this. This is what so many of the books from atheists say. It can seem plausible when you realize wars are so often a result of the clash of religious beliefs. But there are huge holes in this argument which Keller skillfully uncovers. In order to dismantle the lie, we must first see what it is, what people are hearing, and what can even penetrate our souls if we are naive:
5. How is the lie set up with beauty? What are the lies that are articulated?
Listen to Tim Keller’s response to these lies in this free sermon (download it first) and share your notes: LINK
6. Share your notes to Keller’s sermon:
Thursday-Friday: Lies Against Christian Missionaries and The Response of Research
I was in a secular book club for twenty years. Though we read many well written books, some very good, we also read several books against Christianity. One that particularly angered me was Poisonwood Bible which told the story of a legalistic missionary who was completely insensitive culturally. Indeed, I know there are missionaries like that, but do they represent the norm? I’d like you to read one of the best articles I think Christianity Today has published in my lifetime and share your notes: Click below:
7. What did you learn from the article?
8. In contrast, what does Psalm 14:3-4 tells us is the fruit of ignoring God?
9. In your own life, when you were cool toward God, what was the fruit? How about when you were passionate?
10. As we will see more next week, though this psalm is about the atheist, it is about all of us, for we can all live like fools. Pray for your own heart, that God will rekindle the flame. Indeed, that is what Lent is all about. Then pray the same for your loved ones.
Saturday
11. What is your take-a-way and why?
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1. What stood out to you from the above and why? The Keith Green song. The lyrics painted such a beautiful and accurate picture of the moment of realization of His hand in the world and in your life.
2. If His love has broken through to you, share one thing you remember about when it did. Only 1?! =)
i remember the clarity. It was truly as if a veil had been torn and pulled back from my vision. I saw me different, I saw the world different, I saw Hm different…though there is still much to learn about all 3 of those.
I love the hymn He Touched Me. It is good to remember the times that He touched me to help battle the lies of the evil one that fight through so many sources. When I was baptized as a college student I heard God’s voice deep within me, so strong that I could not disobey and it made me tremble, and when I was led out into the water (a lake high up in the Montana mountains in October, frigid!) I audibly heard the spiritual battle for my soul and palpably felt His presence wash me new. And when I emerged from the water it was silent (which hadn’t happened before nor since because I have tinnitus) and my heart was calm and I was still, amazing because that water was freezing I should have been shivering!
Times like these are a great weapon of truth. He touched me! Sometimes in intense battle that’s all I have but it is solid and then allows me to see more and more evidence of His hand.
Beautiful, Jill. Thank you for starting us off so well!
“I audibly heard the spiritual battle for my soul and palpably felt His presence wash me new. And when I emerged from the water it was silent”
Jill, this is amazing…thanks for sharing. I sometimes think about the spirit realm battle occurring all around us and our obliviousness to it…it is rather frightening to think of the ferociousness of the evil one, the conniving, deception, etc. …thankfully Jesus has overcome, He has fought the ultimate battle and won…
Jill, that was an absolutely wonderful testimony you posted. Thank you for sharing all those details about your baptism. I am so happy that you have the solid times to turn back to when the battles become intense!
Beautiful, it is amazing how different we view Him, how real He becomes as a person. So beautiful; thanks for this.
Jill, this is a beautiful recollection of your baptism. I must say you are much hardier than me…I don’t know if I could have gone into a frigid lake!
It must have been a beautiful setting…in Montana.
Not even read it all yet, just saw Keith Green right off and wanted to say I LOVE KEITH GREEN! He is one of my favorite Christian singers of all time! I also read the biography about him; No Compromise and it was soooo good!! I ALMOST put one of his songs on here a couple weeks ago b/c it was one of the psalms we did. Of course for anyone who doesn’t know, he died many years ago, just at 26 or 27 years of age.
Dee, like with Keller sermons, every Sunday morning I think-this is Dee’s best one yet! Same with this week…and I can’t wait for Isaac to see it. 🙂
Now you are seeing this through Isaac’s eyes t00 — so wonderful.
Sunday icebreakers: what stood out to me? When I read Psalm 14 hearing Christ’s voice, each instance of unbelief is me being a fool and saying there is no God. Quite an illuminating moment for me, I’ve previously read the Psalm and deferred it’s message to atheists exclusively. This revelation makes the playing field level. How am I different from the one who says there is no God if my unbelief speaks loudly that there is no God? What have I to give to the atheist if I don’t have faith? Very humbling thoughts. When the Lord’s love breaks through to me, I feel so whole and complete and loved. It’s such a wonderful reassuring feeling that I am His. On a side note to Dee, I had the opportunity to hear you speak at a retreat I was at last weekend. Your talk was such a blessing and now your website. I just want to thank you for that!
Oh yes, Brenda — you and I have had the same awakening!
Brenda, first I want to welcome you here and then, your post is very insightful. “When I read Psalm 14 hearing Christ’s voice, each instance of unbelief is me being a fool and saying there is no God. Quite an illuminating moment for me. I’ve previously read the Psalm and deferred it’s message to atheists exclusively. This revelation makes the playing field level.”
This is so true. We are not above acting in a way that expresses unbelief, of acting like fools. I’m so glad you were able to hear Dee speak at the retreat last weekend…what a blessing!
Okay, now I read it all 🙂
1. As stated above, I LOVE Keith Green, but what stood out to me most in the above was this statement:
“…when I show how beautiful Christ is, and the beauty of the gospel, walls come down.”
YES!!!!! People can resist religion and institutions but love from a pure heart seen in believers and in Christ, Himself (of course) is less resistible! Just in this Lent season it has occurred to me that (while Jesus despises foolishness and how foolish people treat others) Jesus loved not only the very people who put Him on the cross (as He said, “Father forgive them”) and the thief on the cross next to Him to whom he said, “Today you shall be with me in paradise.” but also the man on the cross on His other side, who was hurling abuse at him. I’m sure it grieved His heart to NOT be able to say to that man “today you shall be with me in paradise.”
2. I remember when I was saved (at age 5) but that was mostly to avoid hell, not so much because I had a revelation of His love for me on a deep level. I had been asking my mom to read the creation and fall of man story repeatedly and when we got to the part of Adam and Eve eating the fruit I would say, “God said, ‘in THE DAY you eat of it you will die’ why didn’t they die???” My mom would say, “they died on the inside, their souls died…and their bodies BEGAN to die.” Then I’d say (b/c I was very into second chances) “That’s too hard, why didn’t God give them a second chance???” And mom my would explain that Jesus is our “second chance” that God knew we would all sin, so He sent Jesus to take our punishment for us. So, mostly to avoid punishment, I prayed and told God I wanted forgiveness for my sins since Jesus had died for me and asked Him to come live in my heart. My mom said she noticed changes in me even at that young age, more compassion for other kids. However, It has really been in my FORTIES(!) that His love has truly broken through on a grand scale and it has been a process (in fact I don’t think I fully understand it now!) It changes not only how I feel (less stressed, more REST) but how I view others as well (with more grace/mercy.)
What a wise mother…
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
I don’t know who Keith Green was but I feel like you had us listen to another one of his songs in the past.
Never liked that John Lennon song (find the tune annoying to me, so I never listened to many of the words) so I can’t wait to hear what you have to say about it!
I’m interested to see what you mean about lies from the pulpit and the week before Easter a lie as a headline. I’m not sure I’m following you there, however I have not thought to look for that; I can be naïve.
2. If His love has broken through to you, share one thing you remember about when it did.
I think it’s been a roller coaster ride for me throughout my life. He breaks through and then I lose him and then he breaks through again and then I lose him again.
I remember as a youth at my church acccepting Jesus. We had an awesome youth group. I actually wrote it in my Bible! When my father died (I was 13) I knew that God would always be with me and take care of me. I think that was the real breaking through. He actually spoke to me. Then I hit college and didn’t think about God for many years. When I had my first child I felt like something was missing so I went back to church. That same child nearly drove me insane as a teenager. When there was nothing left for me to do I turned to Jesus and he saved me again. Since then I know Jesus is with me. Nothing has come very easily during my life; I always seem to have to work hard! He saves me over and over again. I do know though, if I listen I can hear him guiding me. It’s when I’m on my ownpath that I don’t hear him as clearly. When He’s in charge life is easier.
Recently with my mom’s medical condition, I have known that these were the end of her days here on earth. Especially when I couldn’t talk to her on the phone anymore a couple months ago. I believe that God gave me that time and allowed me to recognize this so that when she did pass away it wasn’t so difficult for me. I had come to grips with it. I believe this was his grace, his love for me breaking through, allowing me this time.
Love this Laura-dancer “I do know though, if I listen I can hear him guiding me.” Praying for you dear sister
Laura, I have to say that I actually like the tune of Imagine, but I have been offended by the lyrics. For some reason, the song seems to be used frequently by figure skaters as their background music. I don’t know all the lyrics, but I know it starts out:
Laura, I am so sorry you lost your sweet mother. I seen that you did on the private page on fb…hope that you seen that I am praying for you and your family. Love this Laura…”I think it’s been a roller coaster ride for me throughout my life. He breaks through and then I lose him and then he breaks through again and then I lose him again”.
I’ve been absent here and I am sorry. I would like to welcome all the new sister’s here tho! WELCOME!
I do too love Keith Green…didn’t she also loose a child or two in the plane accident? I have always love “Imagine”…mostly the tune..never really paid much attention to the words. Was he a atheist? I love all the songs and the beautiful pictures on her Dee!
The story of Anne Steele really hit me hard. I’m still thinking and praying for the lady that lost her daughter and then her son in a car accident that night. I fear hard, horrible times, like they experienced and just pray I could be like Job and never lose hope and faith and just keep my eyes on Jesus, no matter what happens…after all God reins no matter what…he is our refuge and our fortress….he is all that matters.
This is all so good, Laura. It is true that He saves us (from ourselves) again and again and again. I read your post from last week and I am praying for you as you learn to live this chapter of your life without your mom. I imagined you dancing for your mom and then at her funeral…what a beautiful tribute to her, Laura.
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
Well, I am with Mary E. and loved the Keith Green song–the piano enthralls me. But you know how I LOVE Indelible Grace and “Dear Refuge of my Weary Soul” is one of many we sing at Church–beautiful, so fitting. I agree with Dee in seeing “poison coming from the media, but also from pulpits”. I heard about something yesterday with a major Church leader that made me angry, but more sad. In Church today, we heard from Luke 10, and Jesus says in verse 4 “behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves”. Reading this lesson now, I think not just of us disciples as lambs, but that he Truth is the Lamb and the world is full of wolves that want to cover, twist, and destroy.
2. If His love has broken through to you, share one thing you remember about when it did.
A flood of memories came as I pondered this question! Truly, He breaks through to me daily, if I open my eyes to it. I think of times when I was very young, like my 6x bathing suit story many of you have heard, or the double rainbow amidst a storm at Young Life camp in my teens, just when I was crying out to Him, wanting to know He saw me, heard me. The covering of peace when my Dad died so suddenly in my 20s. Many, many times with my kids, or arguments with my husband when I would have thought there was no hope of reconciling and yet, it a moment, He came. The common thread in each of these stories, the answer to “what it did” for me–it stopped me in my tracks and humbled me. He reminds me who He is and who I am to Him. I am small, yes, but I am dearly loved and treasured, and I am His. And He will not let me fall from His hands. And every memory He gives of these times His love broke through the darkness, I am reminded of His great power–power fueled by incomprehensible LOVE. For ME.
You humble me, Elizabeth…I could listen to those stories over and over and never tire of them!
I was telling your stories to my daughters on our away weekend — love how God’s hand was on you as a little girl.
“The common thread in each of these stories, the answer to “what it did” for me-it stopped me in my tracks and humbled me. He reminds me who He is and who I am to Him. I am small, yes, but I am dearly loved and treasured, and I am His.” Lovely string of pearls He is making for you, Elizabeth.
Oh, Lord, break through my stubborn heart. I am undone. Let me see Your beauty, Your love. Put me together again YOUR way.
Amen, Diane! My prayer for myself, too, and I’m seeing Him answering — deconstructing and reconstructing this formerly rule-following church girl.
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
I read this several times this morning — pondering the intro above as a whole. It’s all SO GOOD. Some of what stood out to me:”FOR AS THIS PSALM PROMISES, HIS LOVE WILL KEEP BREAKING THROUGH.” This stood out to me because I SO NEED his love to keep breaking through my defenses. It’s definitely not a one time thing.
AND the Pascal quote (because I wanted to know more about what he said about evangelism) and “I am finding when I show how beautiful Christ is, and the beauty of the gospel, walls come down.” This stood out because my walls are coming down.
2. If His love has broken through to you, share one thing you remember about when it did.
His love has broken through many times, both recently and years ago. This morning I’ve been pondering what those times had in common. What I remember is knowing that God loved me and He was absolutely trustworthy. I didn’t experience “get with the program” or performance expectations. The results were RELIEF from letting go of a burden or the responsibility of “holding it together” or meeting expectations. I’m convicted that I likely would get sucked into a performance-based Christianity if I had the strength or ability. But so often, I either don’t fit the mold or don’t have the stamina to try. For many years, my mantra has been “be cautious about trusting Christians.” As I write this, I’m also seeing that my quickness to put up walls when I sense legalism or moralism is, in itself, a form of forcing expectations on others. Rather than loving as Christ loved, I’m keeping Christians at a distance if I think they might hurt me.
O Lord, continue to break through my walls with your love so that I reflect your love and your beauty to others.
DEE, THANK YOU for your faithfulness in presenting the beauty of Gospel. Seeing God’s love for me and knowing that I am safe in Him is what is penetrating my walls. I know I am slow to “get it;” yet I believe that the slow pace is part of God’s timing in healing me at a level deeper than I would have expected in this life.
Loving as Christ does. So good. I often have trouble giving grace — Bonhoeffer is convicting me. Good thoughts, Renee.
I was having trouble accessing the complete Christianity Today article, in case anyone else has trouble, here is the article in full: http://eaglemissions.org/about/the-surprising-discovery-about-those-colonialist-proselytizing-missionaries/
Thank you so much, Elizabeth. I changed it.
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
(Michael Reeves) We have reduced Christianity to a formula instead of showing people how beautiful Jesus is.
I recall when we first heard this…it still conjures the same feelings in my heart…oh that we could stop with formulas and “processes” and rather be authentic and genuine…that we would be light in the darkness shining bright and bold and unafraid…that the world would truly know us by our love; a Jesus kind of love that is from a pure heart… I am disturbed by the lack of Christian unity and wonder what a difference could be made in this world if Christians unified and moved on common values rather than getting caught up in differences of less significance and pride. I so wish (hope, pray) for Christian unity…Christian unity that could move beyond politics, church stature, pride, etc. …be the church that our Lord and Savior has called and allows us to be. Many thanks for prayers, gals…I am feeling much better today…still a little sniffle and cough here and there, but the difference is night and day…:) Thankfully next week is spring break. Although I won’t likely be able to take time away from the office as I had hoped, it will allow me time to catch up from last week.
Nanci, Glad you are feeling better! I react strongly against formulas (I think I’d like them better if they worked for me). After reading your answer, I am wondering if formulas are attempts to control God, or at least to control spiritual growth. I’m also disturbed by the lack of Christian unity. During the last couple of days, I’ve also felt convicted about my typical response to lack of Christian unity (i.e., withdrawal) and wonder if God is going to break down more of my walls.
Yes, have been praying for you Nanci! And for you Diane..and for Joel and Krista and boys. You too, Renee!
Thanks, Joyce…you are a true prayer warrior.
By the way, I too will be praying for your daughter’s interview March 31 and SO glad that the doctors figured out what was giving Kendra issues…crazy that it was the Prilosec.
Thanks Renee…:)
I too am convicted of “my typical response to lack of Christian unity (i.e., withdrawal)”…I think about how yeast has the capacity to impact a batch of bread for good, causing the batter to rise…if yeast isn’t put into the bread mixture, what impact can it possibly have?…eek, you see what I mean?
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
This part of Keith Green’s song has special meaning to me, because it doesn’t matter how old I am in the Lord, His gentle touch and love keeps breaking through.
2. If His love has broken through to you, share one thing you remember about when it did.
I’ve been a Christian since 1970, but not until 1990, as a patient in a psychiatric hospital did His love begin to break through the lies and strongholds in my mind. Not until my husband, the nurses and Doctors showed me how beautiful Jesus is— did the thick walls begin to crumble on the inside— rubble everywhere. But the words are true that says,
“FOR GOD IS PRESENT WITH HIS FORGIVEN CHILDREN”, even in a psychiatric hospital.
Cindy from PA, thanks so much for sharing this about how His love broke through in a psychiatric hospital. I am friends with a young woman who struggles with mental issues, has attempted suicide multiple times, is a cutter, etc. She is currently struggling again. She is a Christian but is currently not walking closely with God. I will pray that God’s love breaks through to her again.
The young woman you mentioned is so fortunate to have a friend like you Diane.
I recall the LORD asking me, “Do you want to be made well”?
I felt like the man in John 6, When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” It took me some time to answer that question.
Being depressed for so long (42 years)— it was now 1990, I couldn’t even imagine living any other way. I never doctored for the depression. I saw it as a lack of faith on my part which only caused me to spiral down deeper and deeper into a black hole of despair until I could not function any more and was forced to make a choice— a hospital or a mental institution.
The psychiatric hospital I chose was in Florida. It had a Christian unit for highly motivated people who wanted to get well. One thing that surprised me— the number of Christians there. They lived in shame and embarrassment and felt they couldn’t share their struggles with depression with anyone, not even their pastor or Christian friends.
God’s timing is perfect— the church Dick was pastoring at the time was unique. Many of our friends we ran around with from school— now Christians came there so I had a good network of support that proved to be of great help (after coming home from the hospital) since I now needed to deal with many issues from the past. I still offer joyful prayer and praise every time I think of them all.
Like Bonhoeffer, Dick and I have come to value genuine Christian fellowship— it is a precious gift.
Thanks for sharing your testimony about your life and depression. It helps to know its human to be weak and God is able when we are weak, it doesnt mean our faith is weak, just we need him even more so. His comfort and grace. I think I felt so odd or beat up for not always feeling ‘happy’. I wondered what is wrong with me Lord. Thankfully I did go through some intense counseling when we lived in Italy with a wonderful, God sent pastor. It was not easy and many days I dreaded going….but God met me every time and carried me through some painful counseling sessions.Now that Im soon to be 43 this year, I find Im struggling again with depression at times, not all the time, but wonder if its hormones or I need to seek some Godly help again. Thanks for making me feel not so odd and comfortable in sharing here.
Thanks so much for sharing your struggles with depression, Cindy. I too have struggled with depression. I pray that God will give me the right words to say with this young woman. She hopes medication or secular counseling should cure her, but she needs to really turn fully to Jesus, though the other things may be part of the whole picture.
Beautiful Cindy…I’m so thankful he broke through!
What a wonderful testimony
My take a way: I really loved the third song. I have never heard this song! I love the simple tune….makes it easy to repeat the tune in my head, I guess! I don’t think I could do that with the other two songs.
Part of this Psalm is quoted by the apostle Paul in Romans 3:10-12. Contextually, I think, Paul had spoke about the unbelief of the world(or more precisely, the world did not honor God when it was manifested all around them) and then shifted the focus to the Jews, who were ‘favored’ yet did not honor God either. All the world, or both groups are guilty.
I wonder, when David wrote this Psalm if he thought about Gen 6:5, the days before Noah. That came to my mind when reading Psalm 14.
Not sure if I agree with Pascal on making “religion” attractive. Isn’t that what’s going on today? With the mega church buildings. the entertainment type setting? Paul’s letter to Timothy was to be wary of false teachers…not from the outside, but from the inside. From what I have read on Church History, once Paul and the other apostles died, it didn’t take long for the Gospel message to get intertwined with pagan rituals and jewish customs again.
God’s love broke through to me when I realized I was dead and I could do nothing. It was His quickening that energized my being. (Eph 2:8)
3. Read Psalm 14 out loud as an overview. It’s still hard to read out loud, even when I’m alone. The more times I read it, the more clearly I saw myself. At first, I wanted to defend some atheists because I know some who have high ethical standards. How often I am a “practical atheist.”
A. What do you learn about the fool in verse 1? The fool believes in his heart that there is no God, they are corrupt, “do abominable deeds,” and none do good. This is the opposite of one who whose righteousness is in Christ. It’s not that those who are righteous in Christ don’t sin, but we are righteous because of Him. Similarly, those who aren’t in Christ have no righteousness because righteousness is in him alone. I might be reading too much into this, but it’s how I am making sense of atheists that are sometimes decent and believers who sometimes are mean.
B. Verses 1-3 shows how fools rebel against the law of God. Derek Kidner says the essence of sin is believing we know better than God. As the fool who “says in his heart,” I might not have the nerve to say out loud that there is no God — but I can think of times that I have been SO distressed that it is obvious I have forgotten that he is my refuge and my righteousness.
C. Verses 4 shows the fruit of fools. What metaphor is given? “eat up my people as they eat bread” The verb is “devour.” How did Hitler devour God’s people? Hitler deceived some of God’s people by exploiting Luther’s anti-Semitic writing. (A few years ago, I read some of Luther’s anti-Semitic quotes and was troubled. What I don’t know until I read Metaxas was that Luther wasn’t anti-Semitic earlier in life, but he became anti-Semitic and anti-everything-else closer to the end of his life). Hitler imprisoned and/or put to death Christians who did not go along with the deception and all the Jews he could capture.
When I was in grad school, I took a family therapy class with someone from Poland (later a housemate). She was unable to trace her family history because during WWII so many people took on different identities to hide their lineage; much family history was lost. Another classmate (Israeli) was alive because a Christian couple took her mom, then a child, out of Germany by saying she was their daughter. Several of this person’s relatives went to Brazil because the U.S. turned them away. I’m only familiar with bits and pieces of Jewish history in this country (e.g., couldn’t own real estate?), but it seems as if many in the U.S. either were deceived or else chose to ignore WWII and earlier atrocities, too. A German Christian I knew from InterVarsity (also during that grad school era ~ 20 yrs ago) felt defensive because he felt as if Americans judged Germans for Nazi atrocities but we were unable to see the equally bad sins/ genocide/ discrimination in U.S. history.
God, grant us discernment and courage.
From Spurgeon on Ps 14 (similar to Pascal, but I appreciated that Pascal said that religion is not contrary to reason.) “Let the preacher aim at the heart, and preach the all-conquering love of Jesus, and he will by God’s grace win more doubters to the faith of the gospel than any hundred of the best reasoners who only direct their arguments to the head.”
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
The photo of the sunset stood out to me. So beautiful! Such brilliant colors!! I thought to myself, only a fool could look at a gorgeous sunset like that and say ‘there is no God!”
2. If His love has broken through to you, share one thing you remember about when it did.
Because we are just getting started on this week and there weren’t so many comments to read yet, I did manage to read them all. I found it interesting and also comforting to see that so many of you indicated that the Lord’s love had broken through to you on several occasions, not just once. That has certainly been my experience, although I tend to go back repeatedly in my memories to one particular time that was extreme. I’m thinking I may have shared it once before, not sure. It was when I was a teenager at church camp and had gone out early walking into the woods for morning watch. I finally found a tree that seemed to call to me, and I sat down at its base. My prayer that morning was extremely sincere and one of total submission. While I was talking to God, the sun suddenly broke through the leaves and for that moment seemed to shine directly on me. I felt like I wanted to stay there forever, but after what seemed like a long time, I finally became concerned that I might be missed and didn’t want to upset the camp staff. I got up and glanced at my watch — I was still right on time – I wasn’t late despite the fact that I strongly expected to be. As I walked back to join everyone else in the breakfast hall, I just remember feeling so “refreshed and pumped.” I was so impressed with what had occurred that I was afraid to tell anyone, thinking they might not believe me.
Love hearing about your church camp experience, Deanna!
1. What stood out to you from the above and why? Listening and watching Keith Green sing is always an emotional experience for me. 1. Because his music and prophetic lyrics molded my young heart immensely. I still have all of his vinyl records….yep-records. I still play them fairly often. 2. The news of his death hit me harder than any well known person’s death ever has. I was 23 or 24. Weeping. Couldn’t eat. Disbelief. 3. The most emotional one: I have a 30 year old son who is very musically gifted. He plays piano by ear and has a style much like Keith’s. He is a very skilled writer. As a high school student wrote and sang songs that reflected his faith in Jesus. I always felt that he too, had the gift of prophecy in his writings. AND he was very influenced by my Keith Green records too….and by the story of Keith’s life which I told him many times as a child. I gave him a copy of his biography No Compromise as a teen. I think he read it. I have and it’s very convicting and challenging. And ironically, my son has very curly hair 🙂 But, here’s the part that makes my heart say, ‘How long, Oh Lord?’ The year my son went to Christian college, he began to turn his back on Christianity. Much of his doubt and hurt was churning inside him during high school and I didn’t recognize it. He wanted to please us. He was a leader in our church youth group. At Christian college when confronted by hypocritical behaviors and the indifference that so many had toward the pain and hurt in society, he not only withdrew from Christianity. He began a path of actively seeking out other beliefs. All the while, he maintained and still maintains an incredibly loving relationship with us. And we all weep. He hurts knowing we hurt. And knowing that we don’t share the same beliefs. There’s so much more to the complexity of the story. But here we are 12 years later…..he is still far away from the Lord. And so is my 28 year old daughter whose story is maybe even more complex…as she lives with life threatening illness. And I cry all the time, ‘How long O Lord?’ How many years? How many prayers? When does His love break through again to my children? I do see pinpoints of hope on the horizon some days. I would never say that my son has run away FROM God. It seems to me, that he just keeps trying to get TO God…keeps looking, keeps trying to make everything else fit. He knows the Word. He knows a lot of Christian writings, history etc. He has a brilliant mind. But nothing can stir our souls unless His love breaks through. So, that’s my long answer but there’s so much more than just a song going through my heart and mind when I hear from Keith Green. Praying that this study helps me to see clearly God’s love breaking through in my own heart in places where I have grown cold or indifferent.
Oh, Wanda S., what a sad sorry about your son. My heart goes out to you. I will pray for you and with you for your children.
Wanda, I thought of you as soon as I listened to the Keith Green song — I think you were the one who introduced me to his music way back when, and I remember your response when he died. Praying for A & C (doesn’t seem like they should be that old yet!)
Wanda, I felt your sorrow over your two children. We are going though a similar situation with our daughter. She, too is a very gifted child, including in the area of music. But the world has slowly gotten a good hold of her. Although we are still very connected with her, she has refused to talk about faith and God. “Open our children’s eyes, Lord to your truth and let your love break through their hearts. How long, O Lord must our children stay where they are-away from you and from your blessings? Chisel the hardness, Lord around their hearts. Help us, parents know how to pray and how to love them and point them to the Lover of their souls. May we see your good ness, Lord in the land of the living. Help us not forget what we have learned from last week that though we may not feel/see you, your are present and your are working behind the scenes. In you, we put our trust. Thank you, Lord.
Wanda,
Your words about your son and daughter, I can hear your pain and heartache as a mom. Many hugs and prayers to you.
Wanda, I’m praying for your son and daughter as well. I also LOVE Keith Green. Can’t wait to meet him one day! 🙂 Love the song he and Melody wrote together: “There is a Redeemer “and how she wrote all the verses but the last one, and he wrote the last verse just weeks before he died “When I stand in glory, I will see His face, and there I’ll serve my King forever in that holy place.”
Wanda, praying for you and your children this morning–praying for Him to break through. So sorry for all these years of waiting and pain.
Wanda, my heart also goes out to you…it does sound like your son is seeking…trying to find that authenticity. It must be so painful for you…know that your prayers are heard for them.
Wanda. Thanks for your testimony about Keith green. Son’s story reminds me of Blue like Jazz. We pray with you
For Deanna from Ohio: I like the story from your youth at camp. There’s something about those impressionable young years, that makes God’s presence so sweet. Sometimes now, I read a verse that I had forgotten and I suddenly remember when I first learned it at Bible Camp and I have even had a ‘wave’ of sensation run through me, just remembering how precious that word was when I first learned it. Your story reminded me of this…..those early moments of realization with our Lord remain so precious.
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
I loved Keith Green but have not listened to him for awhile now. I have not heard of this particular song of his but what a powerful message of hope for those of us who have prodigal sons or daughters. Or as we pray for others to know the Way, the Truth and the Life.
I did not hear the words properly at first when he was singing the part “Blinded me”. I thought he meant blind, dead me! Well, that was what I was before His love broke through. Blind and dead!
2. If His love has broken through to you, share one thing you remember about when it did.
I grew up in a Christian home. Church, hymns and being a good person was part and parcel of everyday life. Not until I heard our pastor preached at a revival did I realize that I was a sinner and I need Christ to be my Savior. My good works did not amount to much. And that He died for me because He loves me. Up to now, whenever I see a cross, I couldn’t help but be thankful for what Jesus has done for me. And to know that He loves me while I was yet a sinner just confounds me. It is love beyond anything I could ask for or imagine. And because I know that nothing can separate me from his love, I can live this earthly life with confidence and purpose.
Beautiful Ernema!
If His love has broken through to you, share one thing you remember about …..When I first gave my heart to the Lord, I was about 23, in the 70’s. I was in a horribly, abusive marriage, as he just came back from Viet Nam and it had changed him mentally. I remember getting up early and would go to the garden (after he left for work) and sing “In the garden” as I pulled weeds and would weep, on my knees in prayer. Hard times have always broken me down, but he lifted me up when I could not stand on my own, in those times. I’m so thankful for all the trials in my life because without them…I would be so lost.
oh Joyce, I have really missed you. So good to see you post–and this testimony, you really have been through such fiery storms–I am so sorry for all your pain. But oh how He has refined you through them. You are so beautiful Joyce. I love the picture of you singing in your garden! How is Kendra?
Thanks for asking…she is doing great…it was the prilosec making her sick!
I’ve missed you too, Joyce!
I have seen this very thing, heard it preached and more so from feel good, prosperity preachers on and off T.V.. But with the true love of Christ showing forth in our hearts towards others, the lost see this. The beauty of the cross shines through us as Christ love in us shown. It’s just beautiful how that happens. I cant even put it into words.
2. If His love has broken through to you, share one thing you remember about when it did.
I too sat and just wept not knowing why, when God broke through to my heart. I didnt realize that was God breaking through my walls of hurt,despair,my being lost, abused and abandoned from my past. It took wonderful Christian people that God placed in my life to show the beauty of Christ, the beauty of the Gospel. God used people to help chisel away at my walls until they came down and I wept like I had never wept before once I surrendered into the arms of the heavenly Father and gave my life to Jesus. I remember it well, a Wednesday night, the month of August, 1992. I had barely just turned 21; 2 weeks prior. I was running a fever all day, but for some reason I was determined to attend church that night with a friend’s mom. Im so glad God continued shine through others to guide and lead me to the truth and love of Jesus.
To add to my #2….Jesus to me is the most real, tangible, unconditionally loving person I know . Jesus became REAL the night I gave my life to Him. No one, no thing, no false religion or person had ever been that real to me. I have always said to my husband, you can take everything away from me, but not Jesus….He is the best person that has ever came into my life. My parents failed, but Jesus is where I found the meaning of true love, grace and mercy. I can not fathom life without Jesus.
3. Read Psalm 14 out loud as an overview.
A. What do you learn about the fool in verse 1?
That fools abound on earth. There is no one good on earth. This is confusing to me though, if we are to read this Psalm with Jesus in mind, and he was here on earth, he would be the one good person, right?
C. Verses 4 shows the fruit of fools. What metaphor is given? The verb is “devour.” How did HItler devour God’s people?
That the fools devour everyone like bread. Of course I have tried to limit bread from my diet the past year, and this Psalm would have to use bread as the analogy! my most favorite thing to eat 🙂 I suppose in the past that was one of the few things people actually had to eat. So the ate a lot of it.
Hitler took the people of Germany and killed them; in a sense “ate them up” like the bread.
When Love broke through. I have loved reading the stories of Christ breaking through in your lives. Isn’t He good at doing just that, crashing the walls, the pain, the hurt and disbelief? He very recently broke through for me as I was wrestling with a dark night of soul. I am Praising Him for His constant reminders of His presence!
Keith Green is my all time favorite artist, one of the first Christian artist for me. I am so excited about what he has been doing in heaven all these years. I will enjoy hearing the music of eternity he has composed. Jesus has used his earthly music to cut my heart and see Him more clearly.
Rebecca Louise, Mrs. Maryheartsong posted a biography of Keith that is wonderful..I loved the end where it said Glorifying God was more important to him than his music. I loved how you said you will enjoy hearing the music of eternity he has composed.
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
That HIS BEAUTY can make the walls come down-even in oppressors-in liars-in thiefs. EVEN IN ME-and I am no better than the oppressor, the liar, the thief, or the one in prison.
2. If His love has broken through to you, share one thing you remember about when it did.
I hadn’t thought of the ways as a child-but His love was breaking through then. I wasn’t brought up in a family who went to church or even talked about God yet He made me a daydreamer in love with His creation. I was in awe of him every time I went outside-of the beauty of creation knowing deep down that he made it for me-this was Him wooing me. His love broke through whenever I would fly in a plane above the clouds-there is something about the beauty of the clouds-the vastness and power of the sky that took my breath away. This was Him wooing me. These were moments he came in a whisper-like he was peering through the lattice! But even when God peers through the lattice it can be intense.
But then he came even more intensely when His love broke through with my brother who was a new believer and who I will say oppressed me growing up. My brother held my hand after being unkind to me asking for forgiveness-he would have NEVER done that in the past so I knew without a doubt this was HIM. I saw His beauty right then and there. I didn’t want to give up control of my life to Him yet..but when His love broke through my brother to me He came in with the most powerful wooing yet! He melted my heart and I yielded to Him-and told him I believed and wanted him to forgive me. I wanted him to have the reigns. I wanted to follow him and be with him. I will never forget that day-I will never forget that at that moment He gave me His Holy Spirit-when I opened my Bible and understood it for the first time..and the love story accelerated! 🙂
Wow, I felt like you wrote my heart right there…same as my childhood. I didnt grow up in a home where we went to church, if anything, I went on my own just to enjoy other kids and fellowship. I too daydreamed a lot as a kid at God’s marvelous creation. The one statement about flying and clouds….wow…I always thought that as well and still do to this day. My most breathtaking moment as God’s creation was flying over the snow capped Alps here in Europe…It almost makes me tear up every time I see his vast creation. Beautiful Rebecca, thanks for sharing that. Makes my heart smile. 🙂
Staci, It is sweet to know God made you a daydreamer too. :))) Were you enamored with butterflies too? I was and got into trouble in school for staring at them through the window. 🙂
Rebecca–you make me smile. I just ordered a LIVE caterpillar kit for my kids for Easter to watch them create cocoons and become butterflies. They will remind me of you 🙂
Too funny on your butterflies…I collected caterpillars in a huge glass pickle jar. I collected the white/black/yellow caterpillars that turned into monarch butterflies. I loved watching them spin their cacoons and later turn into butterflies. I looked forward to this every year as a child.
Elizabeth-you are such a sweetie and an awesome mom-how beautiful to do this at Easter- butterflies emerging from cocoons remind me of your beautiful heart. 🙂
All of the comments resonate with me. The quote of Michael Reeves also stood out to me. I sense the urgency of revival in my church in Vt. and I too, desire to show the beauty of Christ and the gospel.
Renee, your prayer is also mine: for the Lord to break through my walls so that I might reflect His beauty and love. To take my thoughts off self and just concentrate on Him.
My joy is in singing His praises and feeling His work in times of trouble. It has been a lonely time for me and somewhat discouraging, but then I read the hymn writer’s story and feel so humbled by her faith. Thanks for the music messages.
Keith Green’s inspired me to go back to my hymnal and sing, My Eyes Are Dry- a plea for revival.
” I know how I ought to be, Alive to You and dead to me. The oil is You, Your spirit of love, Please wash me anew in the wine of your blood.”
Are you in a vibrant church in Vermont? I do pray it could be a city on a hill shining His light
Shirley Hodges, I had never heard this song by Keith Green’s song, My Eyes Are Dry. He was an amazing person. Thanks so much for sharing it. Here is the link if anyone wants to listen to it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyxoqHBkwqY
3. A. What do you learn about the fool in verse 1? He (or she) does not believe in God, he is corrupt, his deeds are vile.
B. Verses 1-3 shows how fools rebel against the law of God. Derek Kidner says the essence of sin is believing we know better than God. I agree, though many would just say that they know best, not acknowledging God. I can also see how some are misguided in what they know about God. Some are happy in their ignorance thinking that they know enough about God to make a decision about Him, or I have met people who follow, strictly, the concepts they do believe about God but they are not scriptural concepts, applying attributes or assuming Gods opinions based off of who they think God should be. I guess we need to make sure that we allow God in our life and continue to seek Him to learn more and have our thoughts and beliefs refined.
I see this in my children all the time. They react to circumstances or deliberately disobey thinking that their perspective is the ultimate and best. They have not yet learned that I know better and want so much to teach and guide them, not for me but for them! I see this in me with God, reacting in the assumption that I know all or best. Sometimes it is defiant sometimes it is ignorance. Lord, help me to trust and pause to hear Your voice guiding.
C. Verses 4 shows the fruit of fools. What metaphor is given? The verb is “devour.” How did Hitler devour God’s people? The obvious is that he killed so many. He also tortured so many with “medical experiments” …. Breaks my heart to see such a fundamental disregard for human life! He also devoured many with his manipulation of the churches and what they were allowed to do or teach.
D. What causes the fool concern, according to verse 5? Can you think of an example from Scripture or life? This is so interesting to me! They will be overwhelmed with dread because God is with the righteous. Oh. I see so many who just keep running toward whatever their goals are, or chasing after something to make them happy but they refuse to stop or go to church because they associate those places with dread in their soufor I think because they subconsciously know what God would ask of them? So many become defensive in their beliefs to not believe, this is why? So many argue away the miracles of God, because if they didn’t they would be overtaken by dread? I have a particular interest in the atheist, I have had conversations with people who say that anything is possible, and I ask then why isn’t God a possibility? And they just reply it is not. So sad.
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
The opening picture of the beautiful sky, full of glorious color over the water…then the stark contrast of the first verse of the psalm, “…there is no God.” To see such beauty in nature and not have your mind thinking about the One who made it. I have been greeted the past two mornings, very early, by a magnificent, huge, full moon in the western sky. Yesterday it glowed a pale orange and was shrouded, mysteriously, in the clouds. Today it hung there, huge, in a clear pale blue sky. Wow. The artistry of God. And then, “What is man, that You are mindful of him?”
The words from Keith Green’s song certainly expressed the transformation of the heart, from living in a fantasy, thinking we are wise, and then having the curtains fall from our eyes, and now we see.
I also want to be prepared to deal with the lies that are all around me, wanting to sway me from the truth, to make me doubt the reality of my faith. In particular, the essence of the opposition against Christ…against His importance in an individual’s life” .
2. If His love has broken through to you, share one thing you remember about when it did.
God really began drawing me around the age of 26. I remember so clearly being at a spiritual retreat given by the church my husband and I had attended after we got married, and the lady leading us asked us to close our eyes and imagine Jesus standing there, telling us to come to Him (all you who are weary and need rest) no matter what you have done. I felt a sense of conviction, knowing I had done things that were wrong, and the thought that He wanted me to come to Him even still…that was the day He “stepped out of the painting” and became real to me, as, in my mind, yet it was so real, I ran to His open arms and felt them around me.
As many of you have also said, His love still breaks through. He has used my dad as a vehicle to convey that love, which is so redeeming because growing up, my dad was a workaholic and not around much, and especially in my teenage years, I thought my dad did not love me. We have developed a close relationship since I’ve been an adult, and especially in the last several years. I remember after my daughter was born having to go to the ER, having chest pain, and sitting there with my eyes closed, alone in the waiting room, waiting to be seen, and thinking of the verse in Isaiah, “For I am the Lord who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear, I will help you” and suddenly I felt a hand on top of mine. Opening my eyes, there was my dad. My mom and dad had come to the ER.
Last summer on my birthday, my parents came over and my dad had flowers for me. As he gave them to me, he said something like these flowers reminded me of my daughter…beautiful and lovely. That was the first time my dad ever bought flowers for me…those words could just as well have been from my heavenly Father. (BTW I saved a few of the dried flowers in an envelope so I won’t forget:))
Susan–love all of #2! I always love the ER story, but the flowers on your birthday–wow. So many ways the Lord has used your earthly Father to affirm His great great love for you–and yes, He calls you “beautiful and lovely” 🙂
The story of your dad is so heartwarming, thanks for sharing that. Just a beautiful story and testament of God’s love.
Oh Susan that brings tears to my eyes…in a happy way!
I love these stories about your Dad, Susan. Thanks so much for sharing them. Yes, beautiful and lovely.
It was a joy to read how the LORD customized his breaking through for each of you ladies— we say more please!
3. Read Psalm 14 out loud as an overview.
A. What do you learn about the fool in verse 1?
The “fool” is defined as the one who says there is no God. They are corrupt, they do terrible things. I am convicted of how often I act like a fool, trying to coerce with my words, responding with impatience, instead of trusting in Him in every moment.
Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”
B. Verses 1-3 shows how fools rebel against the law of God. Derek Kidner says the essence of sin is believing we know better than God.
“They do not seek after God. Together they are corrupt.”—The “together” part grabbed my attention—maybe how easily influenced we can be by false theology and teaching. Like we discussed last week, the lies the world screams at us each day, or even whispers.
Kidner unveils the root of sin—always that we want to rule. We enthrone ourselves in our hearts. I see this mostly when I am growing impatient in the waiting—even for something good, I want to rush in and say “one more thing” surely this will “fix” it. But He has told me clearly in this one area, to wait. He hears, He sees, He has it.
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
I just thought it was interesting how people lie. No one can comprehend God’s power. No one seems to be scared of him but they should. God is really amazing and he can shape our lives but that doesn’t even begin to show his power-his power is way beyond anything we have ever seen-His love is powerful, amazing. When you read the bible it is like he is talking to you. That is what I feel whenever I read the Bible that he is talking to me. Yet the world that lies just sees the bible as just a text.
2. If His love has broken through to you, share one thing you remember about when it did.
He broke through to me recently as I struggled with something life changing and He broke through when I read one of my favorite verses Philippians 4:4-8 where it talks about thinking about whatever is holy and true which is Him. It bothers me that no one seems to realize that except for the real Christians in this world.
Isaac, I love having you here with your good comments!
I truly appreciate the comments, care and prayers for my son and daughter. I am touched and blessed by those expressions. Thank you so much.
Susan: I loved your ER story and wanted to share that Isaiah 41:13 was my O.R. verse. 🙂 I had several cancer surgeries 9 years ago and as I was getting prepped with my IV administered in my left arm, I repeated over and over in my mind, that verse…”I am the Lord your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear. I will help you.’ ” It always gave me assurance that God was right with me. (oh…and I’m well. The cancer was all removed.) It was so neat to hear your similar story….with the wonderful touch of your earthly father there as well.
3. Read Psalm 14 out loud as an overview.
A. What do you learn about the fool in verse 1?
The fools do not believe in God , and their lives reflect that –they are corrupt and do wicked things.
B. Verses 1-3 shows how fools rebel against the law of God. Derek Kidner says the essence of sin is believing we know better than God.
I agree with Kidner. Defiinitely I am more apt to sin while I am functioning as if I am still the one in control. I may not vocalize the words “I know better than God,” but my actions show that I am still trying to shape events the way I think they should be.
C. Verses 4 shows the fruit of fools. What metaphor is given? The verb is “devour.” How did HItler devour God’s people?
They devour God’s people in the same way men eat bread. They act as if people are just a “commodity” for them to consume — as if they have the right to do that.
Hitler had the Jews tortured and killed. Supposedly in his own mind he thought he was making the world a better place — forming a greater society. People who aren’t in touch with the Lord can get that far astray by taking a wrong idea and running as far as they can with it. They also have no idea of being accountable to God for what they do. I guess that is the equivalent of having no conscience.
D. What causes the fool concern, according to verse 5? Can you think of an example from Scripture or life?
They are overwhelmed with dread. There is no peace for the fool, but being the fool they don’t realize why there is no peace. Eventually they run right smack up against God, for God is taking care of the righteous.
I’m not sure if this example is right on target or not. I’m thinking of King Herod who ordered all of the young boys 2 years and under to be killed, trying to snuff out Jesus so he couldn’t become the Messiah/King of the Jews. Herod had to at least partially believe the predictions of the prophets or he wouldn’t have bothered to go to such an extreme. He seemed to be filled with dread, as he called for all of his scholars and soothsayers to give him advice. He was playing the fool. If he truly thought there was no truth in the predictions, he would have just let things coast. He would have thought “these ideas will just come to rubbish, I don’t need to bother to address them.” He was not connected to God, and there was no peace –he felt he had to see to his own security.
E. What promise is there to the poor in verse 6?
The Lord will save them. He will be their refuge.
F. Describe the end of the story, according to verse 7.
The Lord will take care of his people and put them in their rightful place. Everyone will be happy and rejoicing!
PRAYER REQUEST: My daughter, Karen, who was laid off about 6 weeks ago, has an important interview with a new company tomorrow (Tuesday). I would so appreciate prayers for her! I will post the results when I know them. Even at best, I would be surprised if she would be offered a job right on the spot — there would probably be a waiting period. Just guessing here! Thank you, Sisters!
Praying for Karen and God’s perfect will in her job. 🙂
Father I thank you and praise you for Karen’s interview on Tuesday. May she be aware of your presence with her and may this job or the job you have for her be custom tailored to her giftings
Deanna, Praying for Karen and the interview.
Praying for Karen!
Speaking of interviews…please pray my daughter to get the job in Denver (lives in San diego now) with the Fed’s..can’t say her name…but it would be so wonderful…being so close to Nebraska! I only get to see her once every 2 years now:( I miss her so much. Her interview is the 31st of this month. Thank you!
I’m praying Joyce.
I will definitely pray for your daughter in her interview in Denver. You don’t have to say her name — God knows who “Joyce’s daughter” is! 🙂
Oh Joyce, it would be so great if your daughter could move closer.
Just seeing this prayer request for Karen. How did the interview go?
Deanna, I didn’t see this prayer request until late this afternoon…hope the interview went well…as Staci said, prayers will be offered for “God’s perfect will in her job.”
Deanna, how did the interview go? I wrote a prayer that day and then must have “lost” it before submitting. I didn’t realize it never posted. Happens a lot to me here lately 🙁 Thinking about you and your daughter.
3. Read Psalm 14 out loud as an overview.
A. What do you learn about the fool in verse 1?
1) a fool says, there is no God 2) fools are corrupt 3) fools do abominable deeds 4) fools do no good.
B. Verses 1-3 shows how fools rebel against the law of God. Derek Kidner says the essence of sin is believing we know better than God.
C. Verses 4 shows the fruit of fools. What metaphor is given? The verb is “devour.” How did HItler devour God’s people?
He had no regard for them. Like people devour bread Hitler devoured (killed) God’s people.
D. What causes the fool concern, according to verse 5? Can you think of an example from Scripture or life?
“There they are in great terror, for God is with the generation of the righteous”.
This verse could be referring to David and Nabal. “As a result his heart failed him and he lay on his bed paralyzed.”(I Sam. 25:37) Ten days later, Nabal dies and David marries Abigail illustrating verse 5 of Psalm 14: “…God is with those who obey him”.
Nabal lost his wife and his life because of foolishness.
E. What promise is there to the poor in verse 6?
The Lord will protect them (He is their refuge).
F. Describe the end of the story, according to verse 7.
“Oh, that salvation would come…” and then a prophecy: “For when the Lord restores his people…” pointing to the new covenant of faith and love.
Heb. 12:22 “…you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to thousands of angels in joyful assembly…”
T. Austin Sparks says of this verse, The final picture that we have in the New Testament, while so full of symbolism, is an embodiment of these spiritual principles. It is the picture of the City. Now again get your mind clear, and do not think of a literal city. It is only an illustration, a figure, a symbol.
This city is undoubtedly the Church. Need I argue that? “The Jerusalem that is above… which is our mother” (Gal. 4:26). “Ye are come unto… the heavenly Jerusalem” (Heb. 12:22).
“Ye are come…” We are not coming later on, afterwards. “Ye ARE come… unto the heavenly Jerusalem… and to the… church of the firstborn”. So that that city which is said to be the “new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God” (Rev. 21:2), is the Church.
This article really impacted me. How did it speak to you?
B. Verses 1-3 shows how fools rebel against the law of God. Derek Kidner says the essence of sin is believing we know better than God.
I missed verses 1-3.
Paul quotes verses 1-3 of Psalm 14 in his letter to the Romans to prove that both Jews and Gentiles, are equally guilty of sin and need a savior: “Well then, are we Jews better than others! No, not at all, for we have already shown that all people, whether Jews or Gentiles, are under the power of sin. As the Scriptures say, No one is good- not even one…” (Rom. 3:9-10)
I agree with Paul and Kidner. Even though I’ve been a Christian for years— there are still times (more than I’d like to admit) that I act like a fool, believing I know better than God.
<strong>D. What causes the fool concern, according to verse 5? Can you think of an example from Scripture or life? </strong>They are afraid because God (who they don’t believe exists!) is with the righteous. Example from Scripture: The first verses of this Psalm remind me of Elijah, but although I thought that the prophets of Baal would experienced terror, I didn’t read that specifically. An explicit example was the fear of the Egyptians when all their firstborn were killed. <strong>E. What promise is there to the poor in verse 6? </strong>the Lord is their refuge<strong>F. Describe the end of the story, according to verse 7. </strong>Jesus! Here’s what the Gospel Transformation Bible says:<blockquote>On the cross, Immanuel, Jesus Christ, tore down the dividing curtain of the temple, making that intersection an unhindered highway (<a href=”http://www.esvbible.org/Matthew+27.51-54″ rel=”nofollow”>Matt. 27:51–54</a>; <a href=”http://www.esvbible.org/Hebrews+10.20″ rel=”nofollow”>Heb. 10:20</a>) and also removing the wall of ethnic separation. As a consequence, sinners from every race may stand righteously and safely in God’s presence and have their joy restored according to the promises made to the patriarchs of Israel</blockquote><strong>4. Bonhoeffer urges us to hear the voice of Christ in these psalms — His anger, His compassion. How do you hear His voice in Psalm 14?</strong>I hear his anger in the description of those who are corrupt, both their rejection of God and the way they treat God’s people. One phrase that particularly intrigues me is “together they have become corrupt.” This reminds me of the corruption in the religious and political systems and Jesus’ anger toward those who kept religious laws but had hardened their hearts toward God.I also hear his compassion: “Have they no knowledge…?” This reminds me of Luke 23:34, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” And Jesus’ ultimate compassion is that of being the “salvation for Israel [that] would come out of Zion.” He became human, suffered beyond comprehension, and died to redeem us. Personally, I am hearing his voice regarding my lack of compassion toward those who do evil (and I’m not enjoying it). “Have they no knowledge?” I tend to take the side of the underdog, and I get angry at oppressors and oppression. Sometimes, I even see the role I play in oppression. But I often have a bad attitude toward those who are in positions of authority in organizations who also are oppressors (or else my walls go up so fast that I don’t have time to develop much of an attitude). Jesus didn’t give up on all of them…
Sorry — ran out of time formatting in editing box. WIll try again here:
D. What causes the fool concern, according to verse 5? Can you think of an example from Scripture or life? They are afraid because God (who they don’t believe exists!) is with the righteous. Example from Scripture: The first verses of this Psalm remind me of Elijah, but although I thought that the prophets of Baal would experienced terror, I didn’t read that specifically. An explicit example was the fear of the Egyptians when all their firstborn were killed.
E. What promise is there to the poor in verse 6? the Lord is their refugeF. Describe the end of the story, according to verse 7. Jesus! Here’s what the Gospel Transformation Bible says:
4. Bonhoeffer urges us to hear the voice of Christ in these psalms — His anger, His compassion. How do you hear His voice in Psalm 14?I hear his anger in the description of those who are corrupt, both their rejection of God and the way they treat God’s people. One phrase that particularly intrigues me is “together they have become corrupt.” This reminds me of the corruption in the religious and political systems and Jesus’ anger toward those who kept religious laws but had hardened their hearts toward God.I also hear his compassion: “Have they no knowledge…?” This reminds me of Luke 23:34, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” And Jesus’ ultimate compassion is that of being the “salvation for Israel [that] would come out of Zion.” He became human, suffered beyond comprehension, and died to redeem us.
Personally, I am hearing his voice regarding my lack of compassion toward those who do evil (and I’m not enjoying it). “Have they no knowledge?” I tend to take the side of the underdog, and I get angry at oppressors and oppression. Sometimes, I even see the role I play in oppression. But I often have a bad attitude toward those who are in positions of authority in organizations who also are oppressors (or else my walls go up so fast that I don’t have time to develop much of an attitude). Jesus didn’t give up on all of them…
Renee–this is all so good. I’m loving the Gospel Transformation Bible too–and love that I can use the app when on the computer!
Elizabeth, I like it, too — EXCEPT that I was hoping to get away from the Internet and back to using a “paper” Bible more often! The app is too convenient 😉
Elizabeth and Renee-now I need to get that Bible! you two have really talked me into it-it sounds wonderful.
3. Read Psalm 14 out loud as an overview.
Monda
A. What do you learn about the fool in verse 1?
~the fool believes in his heart there is no God. The fool is corrupt, vile and to them no one does good or even exist that does good.
B. Verses 1-3 shows how fools rebel against the law of God. Derek Kidner says the essence of sin is believing we know better than God.
~my commentary books on Psalms arrived from Kinder today. Hurray. I do like his point on the fools, its not as if the fool disbelieves in God, its more of a moral defiance towards God. Sin.
C. Verses 4 shows the fruit of fools. What metaphor is given? The verb is “devour.” How did HItler devour God’s people?
~Hitler did not seek God, he was morally evil in all his ways and tortured, persecuted and killed God’s people.
D. What causes the fool concern, according to verse 5? Can you think of an example from Scripture or life?
~dread has overcome the evil one, they are in fear. God is with the righteous. The great flood was an example in the bible or when God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah. Kinder gives Isaiah 2:19 “Men will flee to caves in the rocks and to holes in the ground from dread of the Lord and the splendor of his majesty,when he rises to shake the earth.” When I read this I think of Osama Bin Laden how many years they hunted him in caves looking for his capture.
E. What promise is there to the poor in verse 6?
The Lord is their refuge, He protects the poor.
F. Describe the end of the story, according to verse 7.
The Lord brings back captives to Zion, Kinder links this with Psalm 126, which has been one of my favorite Psalms since I was first saved. We eagerly wait for this day, when we are restored, no more sorrow or tears, but with songs of joy. The kind of joy that only God can bring.
Just a quick question as I continue to try to catch up on what I missed last week and work on this week’s lesson. I am sure I saw a video link that featured an African American woman singing. I don’t remember her name, but I think she had recently passed away. I wasn’t able to open the link when I saw it and would like to find it again. I can’t find it on the blog. Anyone know what I’m looking for?
Wanda, I hope I can help you. The woman’s name was Mary Janet Black. To find it you need to go back to last week’s blog (Singing the Blues). I assume you know to find it by scrolling down the opening screen of the Bible Study blog (it would be the session just below the one you are on now). Then when you are on last week’s blog, scroll down to the bottom near the comment box and you will see that it indicates you are on page 3 of the comments. You need to click on the “1”. When you get on page 1, scroll down to find J.R.’s comment in which he placed the link. It is easy to spot because it is a big colored box-type link, not the kind with underlined characters. Let me know whether you are able to find it or not!
In verse 2 and 3, when God looks down from heaven, he not only finds no one who understands, but also no one who seeks. This made me think again about those I love who are not following the Lord. From my perspective and in my thinking, they are not understanding who God is. But they ARE seeking. They are not declaring there is no God, nor are their deeds vile and corrupt. They do many good deeds. I guess this was in some way, reassuring to me, that at least for the ones most prominent on my mind….’fool’ is not a descriptor for them. They are completely in need of God but are still seeking Him, even though their paths have turned far aside from His.
Vs. 5 puzzles me. ‘There they are, overwhelmed with dread, for God is present in the company of the righteous.’ I’m not sure that I see this dread in people who arrogantly declare there is no God…..or who act in only vile, corrupt ways. I know there are exceptions and can think of testimonies of those who have been so convicted of their rejection of God, that they have trembled and repented, but I am struggling to find a generality in which this is true. The verse makes it sound this fear and dread is the norm for those who rebel, reject and mock God’s presence. ???
How do you hear the voice of Christ in the psalm. His anger? A lot of superlatives are used. NO one understands. NO one seeks. ALL have turned aside. NO one does good. NOT even one. Will evildoers NEVER learn? Humanly speaking, it is good counsel to avoid saying ‘never’ and ‘always’ when we are expressing our anger or disappointment with someone. God is His sovereignty, pulls out all the stops. He sounds angry!
His compassion: Three statements. They are not questions. 1. God IS present in the company of His people. 2. The Lord IS the refuge of the poor. 3. WHEN the Lord restores the fortunes of His people….. No room for doubting in these statements. They are facts.
I am also convicted by Renee’s thought of not being as ready to show compassion to those who oppress. It’s so much easier for me to take the side of those who are harmed and in so doing, to show no mercy in my attitudes toward those who are in the wrong. This psalm doesn’t really reinforce this aspect of God…..but clearly, we know that He is ‘full of compassion and will abundantly pardon’.
Wanda–Deanna did all the hard leg work so I thought I’d go get the youtube link from JR’s post and and paste it here in case you didn’t find it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTKayWR1bKY
Thanks Deanna!
5. Imagine My initial reaction was “oh crap, I like that song,” but I’d never paid attention to the lyrics.
How is the lie set up with beauty? dreamy, beautiful music; young, healthy people; white, peaceful surroundings; and some of the words: imagine, “you may say I am a dreamer;” the seeming inclusiveness of all people
What are the lies that are articulated? Oh my!! This is Marxism on steroids, in the setting of clouds, fairy dust, and cotton candy. It’s saying this world is all that exists, and that humans are so wonderful that we can make peaceful unity happen — without religiosity or nationalism. The sweetness of the music and hopefulness of the words are deceptive. Imagine was released in the VietNam era. Although it makes sense that people would be open to a message of peace, it still seems ironic that this Marxist message became SO popular. “Angel of light” — what an example! I’ve observed the extent to which music softens my heart so that the Word of God penetrates. I imagine (no pun intended!) that some music might make me more receptive to lies, too 🙁
Thank you Deanna and Elizabeth! I will listen to the song. I had forgotten that it may be in another page of comments. Appreciate the help!
I’ve been bothered by ‘Imagine’ for a long time, but not in an angry way. I feel really sad for John Lennon. I knew that some of the Beatles were really involved in Hare Krishna and did a little research today. It seems that Lennon didn’t embrace it as much as George Harrison but they both followed the mantra…..Harrison to an extreme. That was in the late 60’s. In 1971, Lennon wrote ‘Imagine’. In 1980, he died. I see a very confused young man seeking desperately for the truth. To be painfully honest, I see two of my own children. THEN, in my internet cruising today, I came upon this article about Lennon. It appears that he came very close to following Jesus for awhile and indeed he said some things that really indicate a longing for our Lord. How terribly, terribly sad that his heart didn’t transform. Think of all the people who followed his example. https://www.cbn.com/entertainment/books/Carey_John_Lennon.aspx
Wanda, What an article. I checked the dates in the description. He was “a fan” of Jesus at the time he wrote/released Imagine, but it wasn’t until several years later that he saw Jesus of Nazareth. Sounds as if he didn’t have a good grasp of who Jesus was (or he did and denied him) during the late 60s/early 70s & seeing Jesus of Nazareth may have changed that. I was hoping to listen to the interview itself when I went to another link from the article… Interview “was bought three years ago by National Museums Liverpool, which is playing an extract at a new exhibition at World Museum Liverpool.” Maybe when the exhibition is over, it will be available online?? I’m pondering the difference/similarities between “I want happiness/Explain what Christianity can do for me” and wanting to know Jesus. Thankful that God is sovereign and knew his heart.
Seems like Lennon also rejected the image/message of the Beatles after they were done.
Glad I didn’t get thrown out of church for getting the giggles. We’d laugh so hard, holding in the sounds, that the pews would shake (regularly).
Renee…..glad you could find some dates etc. I also wanted to figure out when that article was written, but didn’t see a date anywhere on it. Thanks for the summary of what you found. I can remember some particularly notorious nights of giggling and rocking the pews as well! And also many Sunday school Christmas program rehearsals….where we got some very stern looks…..but weren’t booted out :).
The article linked to it was posted 8:16PM BST 12 Jul 2008. So maybe the interview is available some place online now.
4. Bonhoeffer urges us to hear the voice of Christ in these psalms — His anger, His compassion. How do you hear His voice in Psalm 14?
~I dont know if I hear His voice so much, I do see God’s heart seeking for righteous people among the evil in the world, and letting His righteous know to not lose hope when it seems evil has prevailed. Because God protects His own and one day soon, God will restore His people. I hear He has not forgotten us in a dry, desolate world…that’s what it is appearing more and more these days.
5. How is the lie set up with beauty? What are the lies that are articulated?
~in todays society, you see ‘lies’ of just ‘acceptance’, just accept and respect everyones views, and we will all get along just fine…the lie in that, sin is real and it does lead to hell. There is no salvation, no heaven, no true joy or real peace accepting everyones beliefs,God or no God, and in the end it leads to hell. That is the deception I hear in this song and many others in the secular music industry, to include television. It truly breaks my heart I see so many Christians deceived by such ‘angels of light’ in music, and even preachers on t.v., and or ‘movements’ within churches. The bible warns us they are false prophets appearing as angels of light. Paul warns us of this in 2 Corinthians 11. I do feel people are searching for something tangible and real, the reason there is so much deception to mislead those that are really looking for God and just dont realize it. I was one of them before I was saved. I would dabble in astrology, numerology, palm reading….but it never lead to real peace or truth…only Jesus can lead a person to peace, truth, freedom and life. Most of all, His love is real.
D. What causes the fool concern, according to verse 5? Can you think of an example from Scripture or life?
They believe God is with the righteous but not with them. It is bothersome to them. I suppose an exame would be pastors, priests, the pope, etc. fools believe these higher clergy have child with them but the “regular” people do not?
E. What promise is there to the poor in verse 6?
The poor have God as a refuge.
F. Describe the end of the story, according to verse 7.
That there will be salvation from Jerusalem and all would rejoice. This salvation would be Jesus.