I AM EXCITED ABOUT BEING A PART OF A NEW CHURCH PLANT
IN MY LITTLE THUMB OF WISCONSIN.
BUT, OH, THE SPIRITUAL WARFARE HAS BEEN INTENSE!
I CAN BECOME
FRIGHTENED & DISCOURAGED.
THIS LIFE IS CHALLENGING AND I AM CONSTANTLY
BATTLING THE WORLD, MY OWN FLESH, AND THE DEVIL.
I KNOW YOU FEEL IT TOO.
SO WHAT CAN WE DO?
JOHN PIPER SAYS “BEHOLDING IS BECOMING.”
BEHOLDING CHRIST IN THE PSALMS
WILL CHANGE US INTO OVERCOMERS.
WE CAN, IN CHRIST, OVERCOME
THE WORLD, OUR FLESH, AND THE DEVIL.
Recently our own Susan was contemplating how Tim Keller often emphasizes that if we try to follow Jesus, we will be crushed, but if we let His glory melt our hearts, we will be changed. This is what the psalter can do for us when we see Jesus in every psalm. And then our own Jill shared how when she prays the psalms directly it is not as powerful as seeing Christ in it and then praying them.
WE ARE AT A CAPSTONE THIS WEEK IN PSALM 24 WHEN WE READ:
.
THE PSALMS, AS MIKE REEVE EXPLAINS, HAS A FLOW —
LIKE HANDEL’S MESSIAH. IT’S ALL ABOUT JESUS.
- Handel’s Messiah performed in Toronto
AND JUST AS IN THE MESSIAH, THERE ARE THEMES.
WE HAVE JUST FINISHED ONE THEME WHICH BEGAN
IN PSALM 15 AND IS CAPPED IN PSALM 24.
WHO SHALL DWELL ON YOUR HOLY HILL? (PSALM 15:1)
WHO SHALL ASCEND THE HILL OF THE LORD? (PSALM 24:3)
WHO IS THIS KING OF GLORY?
JESUS, THE LORD OF HOSTS,
HE IS THE KING OF GLORY!
The flowing theme between these two bookends is this Lord of Glory.
He is our Portion in Psalm 16,
our Savior in Psalm 17,
our Fortress in Psalm 18,
our Bridegroom who comes forth like the rising sun in Psalm 19,
our Anointed One in Psalm 20,
our Exalted One in Psalm 21,
our Crucified One in Psalm 22,
our Shepherd in Psalm 23,
and our Ascended One in Psalm 24!
SEEING CHRIST, PRAISING HIM BY USING THE PSALTER, CAN MELT OUR HEARTS OF STONE INTO HEARTS OF FLESH.
This Psalm was sung on Ascension Day and has some fascinating associations to the day David ascended the hill of Zion with the Ark of the Covenant. He danced for joy to know that the presence of God was now going to be in Jerusalem. This foreshadowed the day Christ Himself would ascend to the heavenly Jerusalem. But we have so much more, for when Christ ascended, the Spirit descended to be with us, that we might have the presence of God within us all the time.
SUNDAY ICEBREAKER:
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
2. What are you facing right now which will overwhelm you without your Lord of Glory?
Monday-Thursday Bible Study:
David dancing before the Lord. Bronze Sculpture. C. Malcom Powers
Charles Spurgeon explains: “This sacred hymn was probably written to be sung when the ark of the covenant was taken up from the house of Obed-edom to remain within curtains upon the hill of Zion The words are not unsuitable for the sacred dance of joy in which David led the way upon that joyful occasion. The eye of the Psalmist looked, however, beyond the typical upgoing of the ark to the sublime ascenseion to the King of Glory.”
Psalm 24: LIFT UP YOUR GATES, O ANCIENT DOORS, THAT THE KING OF GLORY MAY COME IN!
This psalm was traditionally sung on Ascension Day, and you may find some great hymns to go with this to share with us. There is great rejoicing that Jesus has ascended. As wonderful as it was to have Him on earth bodily, He told Mary not to cling to Him for He needed to ascend. When He was with them bodily, He couldn’t always be with them, but He told them, when He ascended, He would send the Holy Spirit so that He would always be with them. This was not just true for them, but for every believer. He never leaves us or forsakes us. His Spirit helps us pray, comforts us, and one day will be with us as we cross the river. The ancient doors will open for us as well, for we are washed in HIs blood, and able therefore to enter in and ever be with the Lord.
3. Read 1 Chronicles 15:25-29 as background.
A. Describe the scene.
B. What did bringing the ark up to the hill in Jerusalem represent and why was David so joyful?
C. There is spiritual warfare in his own household. Describe Michal’s response. Why, do you think?
Puritan Arthur Pink writes:
Before it ended, the joyful day of David’s bringing up of the ark to Jerusalem was overcast by a domestic cloud. There was one in his own household who was incapable of entering into the fervor of his heart toward God, who was irritated by his devotion, and who bitterly condemned his zeal: one who was near and dear to him railed upon the king for his earnestness in Jehovah’s cause and service. The enmity of the Serpent was stirred by the honor accorded the holy ark, the procession of the Levites, the jubilation of Israel’s ruler, and the offerings which had been presented before the Lord. The anointed eye has no difficulty in discerning behind Michal him who is the inveterate enemy of God and His people, and in her biting denunciation of David, the Christian of today may learn what to expect from those who are not one with him in the Lord.
D. How does Arthur Pink’s comment help you understand opposition you may be facing?
4. Read Acts 1:4-11
A. What promise did Jesus give them in verse 5?
B. What question did they ask in verse 6 and what misunderstanding did their question reveal?
C. How did Jesus answer in verses 7-8 and then how did He demonstrate that answer in verse 9?
5. Read Psalm 24 aloud.
A. How is the LORD seen as Creator and Sustainer in verses 1-2?
B. See Christ in verses 3-5 and describe what you learn.
C. What do you learn from verse 6? Compare this to Hebrews 9:11-14 and explain how we too may enter in, and why the ancient gates will open for those who have sought Him as well.
D. Patrick Reardon comments on the closing (Psalm 24:7-10) “The King of Glory comes to the entrance of heaven with the blood of conflict still fresh upon Him (cf. Isaiah 63:1-6; Revelation 19:13) and a kind of dialogue takes place as the angels call for the opening of the portcullis at the approach of the returning Warrior.” What call is given in these verses to the ancient gates and why?
E. Using this psalm, write your own prayer of praise to the King of Glory.
Friday: Teaching from Mike Reeves
I posted this a few weeks ago, but because we had technical difficulties on the blog, many of you didn’t get to hear it. It is such a good summary that I’m posting it again.
6. Please share your notes and comments.
Saturday:
7. What is your take-a-way and why?
212 comments
May we boldly worship the King of Glory today! I am already convicted as we begin this week. Sadly, I can’t read about David joyfully bringing the ark into Jerusalem without thinking of Michal’s bitter denunciation. Likewise, the people-pleaser part of me hesitates to ‘break free’ in worship and service because of fear of criticism and misunderstanding. The controller part of me is fearful to fully let go in the same way because I fear deep soul surrender to One so powerful. I believe these are fears that I have to let go so that my worship and service to the Lord would be wholly God-focused. As the Lord sets a table before me in the presence of my enemies, may I eat and celebrate with full attention on the Lord of the Feast, whose enemies are under His feet. “I will fear no evil for Thou art with me.”
Diane, your comments convict me. Especially the fear to “fully let go in deep soul surrender to One so powerful.” Thank you for your honesty it has shined a light on an area of my heart that I need to bring to the Lord in prayer. Paying for you, too, friend.
What enormous insight you have into yourself Diane.
Father, I pray that Diane will release the people pleaser part of her this morning and truly worship, and the controller part of herself this morning to surrender to You, who are Good, Wise, and Love her more than she can even imagine.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Just when I thought it couldn’t get better than last week! What is so wonderful about Dee’s blog studies is that I never know upon first reading on that Sunday morning how God will weave this in to us-to me- the rest of the week and He always surprises me!
Here are the things that stood out-basically the whole thing: I am so excited Dee is part of this church plant- I hate that the spiritual warfare is intense yet I know God is giving satan enough rope to hang himself and God will be glorified in this. This church will shine with His beauty because of it I know it!
-David danced for joy knowing the presence of God was going to be in Jerusalem, yet WE HAVE HIS HOLY SPIRIT-His presence within us all the time.
Jill and Susan’s comments resonated with me-I love how God moves so in both of them.
I LOVE the flowing theme as well.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? Beholding is becoming – when we truly behold Christ He will change us
Seeing Christ will change my heart of stone into a heart of flesh.
If I seek to perfect the behavior I should have, I am crushed, but if I seek Him and to understand who He is then I am changed.
2. What are you facing right now which will overwhelm you without your Lord of Glory? All of it. This question brings to mind so many situations, people hurting, tasks to be completed, impending changes, the endless work of mothering and being a wife…. But the answer is any one of those situations (let alone all of them together) will crush me and drag me down, devour me, without my Lord.
Good strong perspective and I echo your affirmation to Diane’s comment, Jill.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
“that if we try to follow Jesus, we will be crushed, but if we let His glory melt our hearts, we will be changed.” And “Beholding is becoming”, reminds me of 2 Cor 3:18: “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another”
2. What are you facing right now which will overwhelm you without your Lord of Glory?
There are many things—truly, to try to face anything without my Lord overwhelms me! But for here I will say parenting would crush me if I thought the “outcome” depended on my actions, or on teaching them the “right” actions. As we read a devotion on Shadrach…last night—I was so thankful to be able to stop and say, this isn’t about being brave like they were, though that’s a good lesson—but the Bible is not a book a book about moral heroes for us to model, it is about God, what He has done. A friend asked me once ‘how do I teach my kids the Gospel?’ and all I could answer was, show them Jesus. There isn’t a formula to follow, the Word isn’t a step by step process, it is a Person, it is Jesus. I still love what Mike Reeves said about evangelism, and believe it holds true in every relationship—show them Jesus, let them fall in love with Him, and hearts will be changed. And this truth moves beyond evangelism, to every situation–when my own heart is stuck, set in a stubborn, self-justifying mode-when I run to Him, behold His glory, I am changed.
I love it when you give us glimpses into your mothering, for you mentor. But yes, the outcome does not depend on your skill in mothering, though it is noteworthy.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
I commented after Diane earlier this morning on what stood out to me but it isn’t there now. 🙂 I love what stood out for Elizabeth, Diane and Jill so I hope everyone reads it!
2. What are you facing right now which will overwhelm you without your Lord of Glory?
Elizabeth’s answer resonates with me. Daily, to face anything without Him overwhelms me. I need Him and especially so with mothering.
1. What stands out/why?
When I read this earlier, what stood out was the the list of how Christ, the Lord of Glory, is in the Psalms we’ve studied. Focusing on him does help me rest; He has changed me by drawing me to himself — and I fell asleep again. And when I woke up, I started thinking about the past few days and became overwhelmed (I still feel that way).I came back and reread the first part of the study. This is what stands out now:
I do feel it. How quickly I forget that the battle is constant, daily. Sometimes when I am discouraged, I look at other things to confirm that life is “bad” or “too much.” Then I become more discouraged. Life is too much for me, and how I NEED to constantly focus on the Overcomer. Just writing this and focusing on Him now is changing my perspective. I am so thankful for his shelter and protection. I had never thought about this before, but I think my internal signals to withdraw & to pay attention to my health might be the Shepherd calling this sheep who is starting to turn her head elsewhere — to the problems instead of to Him.
2. What are you facing right now which will overwhelm you without your Lord of Glory?
Ugh! Exhaustion and medication mix-up precipitated depression and exacerbated other health problems (which I hadn’t taken time to address). Then at the end of the week, I discovered a financial mess at work which impacts my work — and it is close to “the straw that broke the camel’s back.” (The computer I was using died on Friday — and I had begun to write a letter to address the problem; I believe this was God’s gift so that I would not focus on the problem all weekend.). …And grief, and being too exhausted to attend a family funeral. A chronic condition which had taken a couple years to get under control reappeared in full force during the past couple of days because I wasn’t careful for several weeks. That’s just a nuisance, but this morning I realized that I shouldn’t continue to ignore a couple more serious issues. As I am coming out of the fog of spring schedule, I’m also embarrassed that I have been ignoring my health to this extent. To top it all off (and this clearly is spiritual warfare), I read several articles about the “changes” in The Gospel Coalition and fell for the temptation of becoming disillusioned with evangelicalism. Those were some of the challenges of Friday and Saturday: the devil, the world, and my own flesh. The Lord of Glory has power over all of them — The image with the crown makes me smile. He is MY KING, and that’s a big relief.
Renee – praying for you now, friend. Sorry to hear of battle after battle in your life. May He continue to come to you, renew you ayou show His love to you.
Renee, so sorry to hear of your struggles. Life can be overwhelming at times, can’t it? When it happens to me I try and refocus on Jesus. I have to “press in” as Dee would say. Last week was a killer for me as well. Work was consuming every single day. The thought of grading any papers or projects, was just overwhelming. Still not through even half of it, but believe that I’m taking it at a pace Jesus would want me to. Trying to balance it all: exercise, my health, my work, my family; my family usually loses out though. I’m tired of it being that way. I’m tired of work always winning. I’m not going to let that happen anymore. I went to my sons play on Saturday. I exercised a couple of times this weekend, and spent time watching a new series with my husband on Netflix, which I never do. I will pray for us to keep focused on Him.
1. What stands out and why?
“If we try to follow Jesus, we will be crushed, but if we let His glory melt our hearts, we will be changed.” This has happened to me so many times. I try to do this or that. I try to make sure I am following this law to the letter. I try to make sure I look or sound more Christ-like in my behavior. What or who am really glorifying or relying on? ME. But when I let His glory, His love, His burden for me and others melt my heart, I am relying solely on Him. When I fail not to gossip, even if it is true (my justification), or I fail to not lose my temper, or to not make that cutting, sarcastic remark, I am crushed by the weight of my sinfulness and my inability to “get it right,” to pull myself up by my bootstraps, etc. But when I ask Him to help me see others like He sees them, or when I let Him break my heart for what breaks His, or when I realize that He died for me even though He knew how I would fail Him so many times, my heart is melted, and I am changed.
2.What are you facing now that will overwhelm you without your Lord of Glory?
I am facing a situation at work that is about to take me under. There is a new co-worker that I have been trying to share Christ with and love. We are from very different backgrounds, but we actually share many things in common. I am having a hard time loving this person as Christ would, yet also being in a supervisory role. I am very non-confrontational. If a co-worker is doing something wrong, I would rather re-do it myself than correct that co-worker. How do you show people the love of Christ at the same time your are showing them the mistakes they made? I appreciate being corrected if it is done in a loving way, rather than be led to believe I am doing something right when, in fact, I am not, but not everyone appreciates correction. I am ready to walk away from 21 years of working at this office rather than deal with this. I know that is not the answer. I have to face it. I just dread it. I went to the altar this morning and asked Jesus to help me to love this person as He did, to show me where my pride and selfishness is the problem (and I know that they come into play), and to let this play out in a way that will honor Him alone. I know that I am still at this job because God wants me to be. If He didn’t want me there, He would provide the way out, so I guess I will see what He has in store and trust Him with and for the outcome.
I have read all of your comments, and I just love your honesty. I will be lifting up everyone in prayer.
Kristy — I’m so glad you have come on. I am also you gained strength to know you should stay on the job. It is hard to be in a supervisory position and be a friend, but I think God has already given you wisdom in what you know it best. If she continues not to receive it, would you consider letting her go? I know that is so hard — or maybe you don’t have the authority to do it. Here I am giving counsel when what you need most is prayer.
Kristy – I wanted to you encourage you. I struggle with trying to BE Christ…feeling as through I need to do everything right in order to win someone to His love, to save them. But He has shown me that His love is not shown in me being perfect or avoiding ‘looking bad’ or even in winning someone over but in honest humility of what a mess I am and what He has done in my life and obedience. When we behold Him we are changed. I pray that you would be given peace in taking whatever action He leads you to, rejoicing all the way of His work in your heart. If you are obeying then you can trust Him for the outcome, even if it is undesirable or unexpected. my apologies for the unsolicited advice, your story spoke to my heart and reminded me of what He has shown me for my own difficult circumstances, so thank you for your honesty.
Kristy-OH your answer to #2 is exactly what I am facing with a new employee and I am going to be her manager next year. Wow..it is really the exact same struggle. :)) I will pray.. I would like to make a suggestion as to something that God has used to prepare and encourage me as I go through this somewhat hard valley- Dee’s latest book Idol Lies-and the study in the back of the book was really where the life changing came in and where God really moved in my life to strengthen me in the area you are talking about and you can watch Dee’s Idol Lies teaching videos for free on this website. He had me study it four or five years ago and really God used it and this blog to help me massage the Gospel in deeper and He is helping me to trust Him more in this new job as I do things that are hard or against my nature of being a non-confrontational person. 🙂 I hope this helps! 🙂 I would hate to see you leave your job of 21 years because of this-but as Dee said it is good to see that God is giving you wisdom.
Kristy–I read this late last night, no time to reply but prayed for you AND then I prayed Rebecca would be able to respond because I knew she was in a very similar situation–SO thankful to see her post to you this morning! Her wisdom is golden. Will continue to pray for this stressful situation. I love your heart towards this person–I see such a tender, teachable heart in you. The “simple” truth that God will not call us to something (even way out of our comfort zone) without equipping us, greatly helps me. Really glad you are here.
Renee…I am so sorry for recurring health issues….could it be because your under so much stress at work? Praying for you sweet sister.
I couldn’t get the you tube song…can someone post it here again? Thank you
I love the flowing theme between the two bookends.
Joyce, The link above is for Crown Him With Many Crowns: Hmmm… can’t get the link thingy to work. Will re-paste it here and see if it “takes.”
Health challenges only are indirectly related to work…from working too much, but I don’t think these particular issues are directly from stress, more from absent-mindedness or not prioritizing making appts soon enough to prevent the problems from getting worse. Thanks so much for your prayers.
Joyce, I don’t know if this will be helpful at all. If nothing else, just copy and paste the link below into your browser.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdK4lzg8gsU
Wow, I was so surprised when that happened. I thought I was just giving you a link to copy and paste. When I submitted it, it turned into what you see above. I was afraid to try to edit my comments for fear the video would disappear. Hope it works for you, Joyce.
Thank Renee and Deanna…got it!
I believe Jesus saw himself as a shephard. That’s my favorite description. He told Mary not to cling to him. I know that death is made difficult for individuals when those love him/her cannot him/her go. If I were dying, I would hope my loved ones would tell me they loved me and they would be all right. I do believe the spirits of those we love stay with us.
I am sorry there is not more empathy for Michal. It was sad if she “despised” David in her heart. I did not hear her “biting dennciation” of David. Life is a process, and it’s important to give each human being their personal journey. How best would Jesus react to this? He would be the best example of what we should do. His would be the “anointed eye” and he would see all that is positive as well as negative.
In regard to Acts Chapter 1 vs. 7 “It is not for you to know times or seasons that thee Father has fixed by his authority.” I believe this of many happenings. It’s interesting to me to reflect that that God may not know at a particular time when he will do anything, such as “…restore the kingdom to Israel.” I like to think that there is an order as to when a thing might happen or not; what man does in relationship to that eventuallity may have something to do with the efforts man offers one way or another. I think God “hopes” we will learn what our efforts might be to contribute to positive, desireable outcomes. God has a covenant, a partnership, with us.
Bonnie — this response may make no sense ifyou are not my sister — but I think you are! It sounds like you. But if you are not, maybe it will still make some sense. Your comments are thought provoking — you come from a different slant, and that’s good, for it challenges me (and others, I’m sure!) Yes, we can be sure Jesus saw Himself as a Shepherd, for in John 10 He says “I am the good shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep.” And it is a picture I resonate with too — and that our mother did. She loved Philip Keller’s A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23.
Good insight into how we must let go of our loved ones. In this case, Jesus also added that in his case, what was coming (His Spirit) would be better, and in a mystery, unless He left, His Spirit could not come. But His Spirit is better for He is not locked into space, as Jesus was in His earthly body. But oh, how hard it must have been for Mary to let Him go after having just lost Him. Sometimes I have thought I’d like Steve to come back for a day — but then I’d have to let him go all over again.
Empathy for Michael. Now that is stretching me — but it is so good, Bonnie. When people despise us because we love the Lord, how should we respond? She was embarrassed — and I do understand that. My daughter Sally and I are going over photos and letters, she is helping me sort out this Memorial Day weekend, and we found a Christmas letter I wrote as a new Christian. I would imagine that did embarrass people who were close to me — it absolutely gushed. That’s how new Christians can be. I think I was quite intolerable! You ask a good question — how would Jesus react to this? He would love. And when He was despised, even crucified, He forgave, for He said “they know not what they do.”
I think God does know when He will do everything — it is such a mystery. I know He sees time differently. I sometimes ponder the verse that Jesus was the lamb who was slain before the foundation of the world — and I think — how does that work?
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
I loved the way Dee listed the one descriptive term for Jesus from Psalm 16 through Psalm 24: “Portion, savior fortress, bridegroom, anointed one, exalted one, crucified one, shepherd, and ascended one.” The flow is fascinating to me, and something brand new that I have learned — I had never looked at the Psalms in this way before.
2. What are you facing right now which will overwhelm you without your Lord of Glory?
Two enormous things! First of all my daughter’s wedding which is scheduled for August 2015 — there is so much to do, and some of the things are not within our control. We need the Lord’s help big time or we just won’t make it!! The second thing is the relocation of our church to ???? That’s the problem, we don’t know where we are supposed to go! The church leadership needs a revelation from the Lord on this — and I want to say “soon,” but we all know it has to be in keeping with His time.
It is so good to see Christ in the psalms — isn’t it, Deanna? And I pray this will be a close and sweet time for your daughter — and that you can relax about the things that will go wrong — they are part of the memory. She’ll be married in any case! 🙂 I wish I’d relaxed more about the first weddings I had with my children — did better as I went along! Learned to let go and let them do it even if sometimes I questioned the choices! With our last to marry, Beth, I just gave her a budget and let her go! 🙂
Hello Everyone, I’ve been following for quite some time but, never joined in the discussions. So, I’m a newbie and here’s what stands out to me… 1Chronicles 15:29 “…and she despised him in her heart.” To me it’s interesting how the heart is wicked, deceitful and who can know it? This reminded me about what I say to people and that is “think about what you are thinking”. So many times, we have thoughts and never really think about them and yet God wants us to bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. For me, it’s easy to dwell in my mind and I’m ashamed to say that the more I hear my thoughts the more I desperately need Jesus.
Today, I am facing the challenge to surrender my will, mind and emotions to the rulership of Jesus Christ. I thought I’d surrender a long time ago however, when provoke the inside self rises up again… not to the extent of the past but, it does so, I cry out “who can deliver me from this body of death” and it’s only through Jesus Christ the Lord.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and encouragements…
Judy so glad to have you here. Your good comment reminds me of something Jim Elliot said, and we are all learning, “It is impossible to surrender a whole lifetime to the Lord in a single moment.”
Judy- this is encouraging and convicting. I really l like your thoughts about thoughts. I must realize not only what I am thinking to take them captive, but also the thoughts contained in my actions – the why behind what I am doing. Thank you for sharing.
Welcome Kristy….Bonnie and Judy!
Judy–so glad you posted–such wise insight..much to “think” about and yes, surrender–moment by moment
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
With him I have everything without him some things, but not everything. Have always loved that Hymn. I went back and looked up all the Psalms to see how Dee’s summary of each fit in. I seem to forget each Psalm as we move forward. They all blend together except the ones where I specifically did something different to remember; like Psalm 3. I’m still singing the Brooklyn Tabernacle choir and God is still my shield! I need a review and it is as if Dee is providing that with the “link” between the Psalms. It is so cool that they are (linked); I never knew that 🙂 maybe I will remember these 10 Psalms because of the one word that describes Jesus for each? The savior, portion, fortress, etc. excited for that!
2. What are you facing right now which will overwhelm you without your Lord of Glory?
I am struggling with my flesh. My idol is overcoming me and pulling me down. I have no control and feel like I am drowning. It is sad. I don’t want to be controlled by my flesh. I want to break from that. I need You Jesus; I know You are here, but I am ignoring You. I love You Lord! Help me hear You and not my flesh. Amen
Praying for you Laura.
3. Read 1 Chronicles 15:25-29 as background.
A. Describe the scene. Is the same story as 2 Samuel 6? Seems like it. The scene is all in the city gathered with musicians and gate-keepers appointed, and the Levites have consecrated themselves. This is a big celebration! Noisy! And I imagine colorful, but don’t know why.
B. What did bringing the ark up to the hill in Jerusalem represent and why was David so joyful? It was God’s presence returning. After Uzzah had been struck down for touching the ark David had been afraid and so put the ark at Obed-edom’s house but then David saw that Obed-edom was blessed so David prepared a place for the ark and had the Levites prepare for carrying the ark because they had not done it in the prescribed way prior.
This, to me, represents what I go through in my life. Fear of the Lord (Diane, what we were speaking of above) keeps me from bringing Him into the most intimate place. So I keep Him to the side…but then I remember He is good and so I prepare a place and make sacrifices – repent and seek – and then relationship is restored. His presence returns. This is why David is so joyful! The presence of God is coming! Is here! And David’s clothes represent our cultures restrictions (and Michal’s response sort of confirms that). That we would recognize that expectations and cultural norms inhibit our praise and that we, I, would shed these in order to “dance before The Lord with all my might” – that is give everything in me to Him…..
C. There is spiritual warfare in his own household. Describe Michal’s response. Why, do you think? This is interesting because Michal had been a good friend to David when he came to live with Saul so that makes me think her attitude is s change from earlier affections toward David? I agree with Bonnie that we must give grace for each person’s journey in life. Michal’s response makes me much more sad that she is missing the point and fails to see the joy in Gods presence. Instead she is distracted by an idol – This is the king! He should act like the king, maintaining control and decorum. She misses David’s heart as well as God’s heart. It is ironic that the very thing she falls victim to is what David is shedding when he dances with all his might. I am reminded of Keller quote: “Satan doesn’t control us with fang marks on the flesh but with with lies in the heart.”
David dancing before the Lord is one of my absolute favorite stories.
Jill, WOW-This is GOLDEN insight: ” It is ironic that the very thing she falls victim to is what David is shedding when he dances with all his might.” SO SO GOOD..then this: ” I am reminded of Keller quote: “Satan doesn’t control us with fang marks on the flesh but with with lies in the heart.”
Jill — love how you tied this into Diane’s fear.
Jill I agree…this is good insight in your answer in C. about Michal.
This is a song written from 2Samuel 6:22. It is very upbeat and exciting. =)
http://youtu.be/amMZ1Uh7JbU
3. Read 1 Chronicles 15:25-29 as background.
A and B
This wasn’t a solemn procession, but LOUD REJOICING that the presence of God is with them and David tore off his linen robe and danced with all his might. I noticed the musicians were instructed to play LOUDLY. This is a celebration of joy and delight in God-David stripping off his robes and dancing with all his might to me is a wild abandonment of himself in joy to God that His presence will be in Jerusalem. This really shows David’s heart truly did delight in God..This blows me away and encourages me so for David’s life wasn’t exactly perfect-it was chocked full of idolatrous and selfish choices, yet He loved God and proof is in how he repented and turned- God so delighted in David’s heart for Him! 🙂
Rabbit trailing here but I wonder if this isn’t also what it is going to be like in the future when we celebrate with Jesus face to face in full in his presence.
C. There is spiritual warfare in his own household. Describe Michal’s response. Why, do you think?
I did a bit of review in regard to Michal in 2 Samuel 6:16-23 but my guess is that the reason for her response of being ashamed that David ripped his royal clothes off to dance before God was that she was deeply bound in idolatry-so much so that she thirsted for prestige and power over thirsting for God-which we all can relate to! Yet Michal had a disdain for God-yes she was broken like David was and David struggled with idolatry, but the difference is that David revered and loved God even though he was a broken person so there was repentance and turning. Michal didn’t love God-instead of turning and repenting her heart grew harder and stonier.
I do see God’s mercy for Michal as I see His mercy for anyone who doesn’t love Him-some yield to His love and others don’t. He gave Michal so much time to turn to Him but she kept refusing and her heart grew hard like stone over time.
I was thinking that the most humble thing a King can do is rip off his royal clothes-and David did so before God which says so much about his confident humility and his heart thirsting for God. I love in 2 Samuel how He gives all credit to God for his position as leader over Israel. This reminds me so much of Jesus.
SUNDAY ICEBREAKER:
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? The picture of the ‘ancient doors’ intrigues me so much. I can’t wait to learn more of what that is all about. I remember Susan’s contemplation when she wrote it and the reference from Keller. I’m so glad she brought it out and that you emphasized it this week, Dee, because now it is sinking in. Martin Luther said something similar. I should find that quote. Oh….so much to learn in this earthly pilgrimage. And I love Jill’s thoughts also. I am only beginning to see all of the pieces of the psalms come together and it is so exciting. Praying the psalms. Holding the psalter in such high esteem and seeing Christ in the psalms are somewhat new concepts to me. I have always loved the book but have never known so much depth about its consistency and meaning. Oh….and I love the concise statements about each psalm and how we find Christ there. I think I need to print these out and add the titles that were written for the others and try to make this more a part of my mind. Thank you.
2. What are you facing right now which will overwhelm you without your Lord of Glory? Most everything, if I’m honest. Last time, we had a similar question, I was very specific. This time, I’m starting out vague…..but hoping that as the week goes by, I can process things as I go along.
Wanda-your # 2 answer is mine! Mine also is vague but I am sure as the week goes by He will narrow it down and help me process as I go along-which I am sure will be a painful beautiful thing.
I haven’t read the previous comments yet but see that a couple other songs have been posted. I shared this one late in the week a couple lessons ago. It fits so well with this week too. ‘Who is this King of Glory?……who pursues me with His love…….The Lord of earth and heaven….the creator of all things….’ are themes and the photography is stunning. Made me tremble.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8az35QcCas#t=34
Perfect song and amazing photography! Thank you.
Wanda, thanks for the song. What a tribute to Jesus, the king of glory! I so pray I can grasp this truth day by day.
Renee, Kristy, Laura and Rebecca: Wanted to respond to all of you and let you know that your stories about the struggles you face at work, touch my heart. I will be praying for all of you this week. It also occurs to me to be grateful that there are women like you (and indeed grateful for each of YOU) who so deeply want to follow Jesus into the work place. Since I’m not at a ‘real job’ (which is sorta nice and also has its drawbacks and awkwardness) I don’t often realize what a struggle it is to navigate all those difficult dynamics. Prayers for direction and for peace that transcends the circumstances.
Wanda , thank you so much for sharing the song and video “He is the King of Glory”. When I look at His creation, I realize how BIG, GOD IS and He is concerned for me… the pain and preparation of this vessel grows strangely dim in light of His glorious.grace God is amazing!
3. Read 1 Chronicles 15:25-29 as background.
A. Describe the scene.
There was a parade (or a procession) consisting of King David, the elders of Israel, the Levites carrying the Ark of the Covenant, and military commanders with their large units of at least 1,000. There was a choir and a choir director named Kenaniah; also there were musicians with lyres, cymbals, and harps. This procession would have produced a lot of noise/music! They were all decked out in fancy robes. This account of the story specifies that under his robe, David was wearing a linen ephod, sometimes referred to as an apron.
B. What did bringing the ark up to the hill in Jerusalem represent and why was David so joyful?
Since God had shown favor to Obed-Edom while the ark had resided with him, David felt he could again try to move the ark (this time making sure all of God’s instructions were followed). I think to David it was as if he was transferring God’s favor back to Jerusalem. David’s dancing was a “We-love-the-Lord-and-the-Lord-loves-us” dance.
C. There is spiritual warfare in his own household. Describe Michal’s response. Why, do you think?
I think the waters get a little muddy at this point when we try to discern what was really bothering Michal.
Perhaps it was just that she was uncomfortable seeing someone worshipping in such a emotional and extreme manner. However, there is an account of this same story in 2 Samuel 6: 16-22. In that account, Michal expresses her disdain for David verbally, saying “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, dancing in the sight of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would.” I get the impression that Michal felt that David’s dance was immodest and indecent. Maybe even Michal didn’t sort it all out, and she may have just responded with an overall disgust with David. His dance may have only been the last straw! However, it happened, she despised David then.
Deanna....thanks for bringing up the other reference to the story of Michal and David. I hadn’t looked for it, but thought there must be somewhere else to read more.
D. How does Arthur Pink’s comment help you understand opposition you may be facing?
I don’t mean to sound flippant — but I didn’t need Arthur Pink’s comment to help me understand the opposition I might be facing. I have already experienced it first hand in my own church. Approximately 10 years ago we had both a contemporary and a traditional worship service each Sunday. There was a definite tension between those who attended the two services. The attendees at the contemporary service were a smaller group, but it was the traditional congregation that complained the loudest about the church being “split in half.” They didn’t like the empty pews in the traditional service. I attended both services, because I didn’t want to show favoritism, and I benefitted from both. In the contemporary service, we tended to hold our hands in the air — some indicated they were “feeling the Spirit,” while others said they were “reaching for God.” After awhile, the pastor we had then decided to move on to another pastorate, and the last thing she did before she left was to put the two congregations back together with one “blended service.” Those of us who had been in the contemporary service continued to put our hands in the air when we felt like it, and believe me, those who didn’t feel comfortable with that let us know in subtle and not-so-subtle ways that they didn’t like it! That was such a time of great sadness for me, as I had to choose between stifling my own worship or offending my Christian brothers and sisters!
Your last sentence I think is a struggle in a lot of churches. It is sad. I think this is one reason I love Revelations – all living things are just praising, consumed by His goodness and His worth! =)
I thought I would put together 1 verse from each psalm to try to remember Dee’s linking from 16-24. Here it is and I hope it helps others:
Psalm 16 – my portion; “Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure.” (Psalm 16:5 NIV)
Psalm 17 – my savior; “Rise up, Lord, confront them, bring them down; with your sword rescue me from the wicked. By your hand save me from such people, Lord, from those of this world whose reward is in this life.” (Psalm 17:13, 14 NIV)
Psalm 18 – my fortress; “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” (Psalm 18:2 NIV)
Psalm 19 – my bridegroom; “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” “It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is deprived of its warmth.” (Psalm 19:1, 6 NIV)
Psalm 20 – my anointed one; “Now this I know: The Lord gives victory to his anointed. He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of his right hand.” (Psalm 20:6 NIV)
Psalm 21 – my exalted one; “Be exalted in your strength, Lord; we will sing and praise your might.” (Psalm 21:13 NIV)
Psalm 22 – my crucified one; “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish?” (Psalm 22:1 NIV)
Psalm 23 – my shepherd; “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (Psalm 23:6 NIV)
Psalm 24 – my ascended one; “Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place?” (Psalm 24:3 NIV)
Excellent, Laura! Thank you so much.
Very Nice Laura!
Thanks for your summary Laura! (I think you get an “A” on this:))
Even an A+ 😉 Thanks, Laura!
🙂
What a great idea, Laura! Thank you.
Laura–this is SO encouraging to read through–thank you! Yes, A++++!
Thanks so much Laura…. I’m going to print it out and attempt to memorize those verses.
Good idea to print, Judy!
Trying to spend a little time in worship this morning before my busy day. I listened to “I Will Become even More Undignified Than This” and want to add this link to “Tip of my Toes”. Might David have worshipped the Lord in the same spirit as this? (Can’t get the “Link” in the comment box to work this morning for me.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkWldbXusyA
Anyway, it’s Moving Day today, ladies. I would appreciate your covering us in prayer that God may be glorified even in this.
Diane, praying that all will go smoothly today for Krista moving…
Praying for you & your family Diane.
Thanks for sharing the link. It stirred up something in me — including a smile!
Praying for you today, Diane, and all the details.
Just popping on to say that the move went smoothly. We’re tired and there’s lots to do yet, but all went well. Thanks for praying!
Diane–SO thankful for this update–praying for good sleep and all the days ahead!
Diane — so glad and I know that is a relief.
Praying Diane. Breathe…..He is with you.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
“I CAN BECOME FRIGHTENED AND DISCOURAGED. THIS LIFE IS CHALLENGING AND I AM CONSTANTLY BATTLING THE WORLD, MY OWN FLESH, AND THE DEVIL. I KNOW YOU FEEL IT TOO.”
I feel like Dee read my mind! Especially with feeling frightened and discouraged. Oh, how, I think, the enemy uses fear as a weapon to sideline us, to always keep us off-balance, to make us look at our Lord with mistrust and uncertainty, to make us look at ourselves and feel hopeless.
I also like the list Dee made for us on the flowing theme of these Psalms, and, now that Laura made her own list, I am inspired to do the same.
2. What are you facing right now which will overwhelm you without your Lord of Glory?
Sometimes it’s just the challenge of life itself – of keeping it “all together”. Life can seem like juggling and trying to keep all the balls in the air without dropping one. When I do drop one…forget to make the call to someone that I intended to do; fail to show care or concern or to help someone – I feel like a failure. Parenting a pre-teenage daughter can be overwhelming, especially with all the messages the culture sends and unfortunately, we have not escaped it even within Christian schools – she has been exposed to bad stuff even there.
I get overwhelmed by the thought of losing people I love, especially someone like my mom who doesn’t know the Lord personally. How can that not be overwhelming? I do not think I will be able to cope with it if she leaves this earth without Jesus.
oh Susan–I so pray for Him to draw your mom to Himself, and to give you peace in it…I know she sees Jesus in you, with all the many ways you minister to her, so selflessly. I do believe that has planted more seeds than you may see.
Praying for your mom too ….Susan.
So agree about Susan’s set example of Jesus’ love for others!!!
Susan, I’ve had that discussion SEVERAL times, with my mom about family members who had died, with pastors, and even more recently, with a grief counselor who was speaking at church. It IS overwhelming. The grief counselor reminded me that only God knows peoples’ hearts. With some people, I tend to draw conclusions from their behavior — including what they say. But after reading more from other streams of Christianity and also from our study here, I’m thinking that it’s too easy to draw the in & out circles in the wrong places. I’m no longer convinced that everyone who has followed the evangelical protocol of praying the prayer is “in” and those who haven’t “accepted Jesus as their personal Savior” are out. And I trust God’s love and His holiness. It is too overwhelming not to. I’m also concerned for good evangelical church goers who might have (false) assurance, yet haven’t experienced Jesus’ love. I agree with Elizabeth … I know your Mom sees Jesus in you. I’m praying that He will woo her to himself and that He will give you peace.
Renee, I can tell you’ve wrestled with these questions, too. The more different opinions I hear, the more confused I seem to get. I know that other denominations/churches do not emphasize the “evangelical protocol” of “trusting Jesus as your personal Savior”. Just the other day I listened to a message by Charles Stanley, a Baptist preacher, talk about the difference between intellectual faith and saving faith. Even when I do try to talk to some people about the Lord, they will say back to me things like “you can’t judge someone else’s heart-only God knows. So-and-so is a good person, and just because he/she doesn’t go to church or read the Bible or seem interested in God, you don’t know.” But then I’m left with, well, I guess I should just keep my mouth shut and never say anything to anyone about the Lord. It’s His business. But when I know people who clearly have no interest in God/spiritual things, or who live in habitual sin without ever seeming to be convicted, what am I supposed to think? That they are “okay” with God…but it is hard for me to understand that if a person is saved, they don’t seem to have any desire or interest in Him. I know many people in different churches may not have the language of the evangelicals. but at some point in their life, doesn’t a person have to “lay hold’ of Jesus, or put their faith in Him in a personal way, or is just saying “I believe in Jesus” enough? That’s the point Charles Stanley was making, that you can have a belief in a set of facts without ever having really trusted in Him for forgiveness of sins.
Susan..…I hear your heart as a daughter. For me, it is as a mother because I am unsure about some of my children. And I understand your question about…’do we say nothing, because it’s all God’s business?’ I think that all plays into the never ending discussion between Christians about predestination vs. free will and all the nuances within that topic too. I love that one of the pastors at our church describes that he believes both to be true…..and God is the only one who is Sovereign to put the pieces together. I also have wrestled with these kinds of questions along the way and know it can be a stumbling block for those who struggle with accepting that God is a God who loves unconditionally, to think that some will not spend eternity in heaven. Indeed, I have loved ones who asked these questions in their youth and have not settled the question but have taken the path of unbelief instead of trust. Everything within me feels like I must trust God’s sovereignty and not draw my own conclusions about who’s ‘in or out’ because we really don’t know what happens and when that moment of conversion takes place. I have had friends pass away who haven’t left the ‘clear evangelical testimony’ or followed the protocol that Renee wrote about, but I have felt surely in my heart that the comments they made that pointed to God and trusting in him even though sometimes vague, were indicative of a saving faith….even if their words did not resound with the same language that we get used to hearing in the church. And I can’t explain nor prove it but I believe so deeply that ‘there’s a wideness in God’s mercy’ that goes beyond what we can discern. I think we are responsible to live as followers of Christ. Speak when He prompts us. Teach our children. But we have to rest secure that the outcomes are in His hands. Which I know is very hard and can be completely emotional when we are unsure. When I long to see the fruit of salvation in the loved ones who haven’t professed trusting in Him…it is because of their eternal salvation but it is ALSO for the abundant living that I see missing in their life without Him on earth. And I will be praying for your mother and for your peace of mind, Susan. I know it is a struggle. I feel it often with some of my children and others I love.
Susan, I don’t expect my wrestling to end anytime soon. I definitely agree that belief is more than intellectual acknowledgment or belief in a set of facts. But I’m not even comfortable with the word “personal” because the degree of individualism here isn’t even comprehended in some cultures; nor do I comprehend some aspects of thinking in other cultures. Yet God transcends culture. Not sure I am at a point at which I even have words, but here goes: Knowing people with dementia & seeing others with dementia respond or connect to people — and to the Holy Spirit helps me to realize that God’s work in our lives is GOD’s WORK. It doesn’t depend on my ability even to make a decision. As others have said, those seeds are there — God desires that people know Him. Sometimes I wonder if one of the hardest things we have to do is get out of the way. I get a little defensive (and some of it might be due to guilt) when people with dementia are written off because I’ve seen situations in which people who are deep into Alzheimer’s disease do respond. And that has influenced my thinking about what it means to be a Christian. I believe that the Holy Spirit works in ways I don’t understand. When I’ve been the most dependent, unable to think, work, eat, make a choice to trust Him, God was there. If anything, I was “more Christian” then (I don’t agree with the use of that phrase, but easier to express myself if I use it) than when I made personal faith decisions. It’s not that I don’t believe in the importance of personal faith in Jesus, but I think I am missing the big picture when I focus on it. I can’t describe what that “big picture” is, but when I interact with believers from other cultures, see “unresponsive” people (dementia) respond, and even learn more about the times and places in which Scripture was written, I get glimpses of what I don’t often see among those who have church experiences similar to mine. AND THAT GIVES ME SO MUCH HOPE. I am concerned that people I love have died without knowing Jesus —- it scares me/makes me sick. But then I remember that God works in and through my weakness; He does that in others, too. What scares me most now is that people might be misled because they’ve followed certain “evangelical protocol” and then think they’re more “in” than those in _____ denomination. (I’m still interested in Pascal’s approach to evangelism!!)When I think of the seeds in your Mom’s heart or in the hearts of my loved ones, I also think of I Cor 3:6 “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.” Though I agree with Stanley that you can believe in a set of facts without having trusted in Him for forgiveness of sins, I’d take it a step (or a couple steps) further. We only can trust because He is trustworthy, because He loved us first and draws us to himself. And I wonder how often “trusting in Him for forgiveness of sins” is just one more intellectual phrase that has become commonplace in some Christian circles and in evangelism methods.
I guess I do wrestle with this 🙂 But I am so hopeful because I have a clearer sense of what is God’s responsibility and what is (and isn’t) mine. When I think of all the times I trusted Jesus for the forgiveness of my sins and still wasn’t sure — or did it one more time because I was scared, I realize that none of those times was when God began working in my life. It was when seeds were planted much earlier, and God made them grow.Anyhow, that’s my current wrestling. I am praying for your Mom; the seeds have been planted, and God makes them grow. I strongly believe that people even in the most advanced stages of Alzheimer’s are not beyond God’s reach (and often can connect with other people, too).
These comments are really thought provoking…great points, Renee.
My two cents…I believe that only the Lord truly knows one’s heart…we see only from the outside and can only make educated guesses of what resides within one’s heart, but the Lord sees us from the inside-out and knows what is genuine and sincere. We have no idea of all the experiences others have had that have impacted them in one way or another, but all is known by the Lord. He knows us better than we know our selves…Psalm 147:5, “Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit.”
Susan, I will continue to pray for your Mom (and you).
My mother put her trust in Christ when she had dementia at 92. I agree with Elizabeth that the seeds are there — and I know God is good.
Good morning all. I fear that you might think I have left the blog…I have not; I am just having a really difficult time keeping up. I’m still in last week…finishing Keller’s book (great!) and completing the questions and reading/listening from the study for myself. I cannot recall who it was that commented on how rich the comments are (Anne?)…it is so true. I really must figure out a way to get back on track…I so miss fully participating. It is consolation to still be able to read through the wonderful insights from the many comments, but I miss being a participant.
Diane, I hope moving day went well. Take care…time away for yourself will do wonders to re-fresh and re-energize.
And we miss you, Nanci! =) I hope you catch up on life soon!
Great to see you, Nanci! I’ve fallen behind this week too. And I’m still finishing Keller’s book too. It’s a challenge to keep up and I know I have more time than many here. But there’s always a benefit in whatever I’m able to do and read!
Nanci, we love when you are here more often-but we understand and you can always get back on track! Take courage though-your comments are wise and timely- and He is sovereign. 🙂 Love you sister.
Nanci, I always love to see your beautiful face pop up here! Praying for you now and all the many “hats” you wear! We do understand and just love you & your thoughts whenever you are able to share 🙂
Nanci, Good to see you here, and I do understand. I didn’t finish last week, and I’m not quite “all here” yet! Hope your schedule is a little more relaxing during the summer???
Nanci, even though you’re behind, I’m glad you’re hanging-in there, reading and listening and you haven’t quit…we all get busy at times in our lives!
Glad to know you are there — and when life gets crazy we all understand not keeping up on comments.
What gracious ladies you all are…thank you for your fellowship.
D. How does Arthur Pink’s comment help you understand opposition you may be facing?
That it is spiritual warfare-I think God corrected my insight into Michal on the last question for I loved Pink’s insight. He reminded me of that verse that my struggle isn’t against flesh and blood but it is against the spiritual forces of evil.
I have encountered opposition at work that is similar to what David encountered with Michal-although a lot less painful. The opposition comes in forms of teasing me because I don’t get dirty innuendo’s, jokes and varying dirty catch phrases. Sometimes satan comes in because he knows my approval and comfort idol issues-and he attacks me from those angles. There is pressure to laugh or join in on gossip, yet what is really cool is that God has rescued me from that. Everyone except one gal quit-so it is just she and I for next year and the rest are new. 🙂 Yet, I was sad that everyone left for I loved them too even though their talk made me want to leave the room several times-I mean they don’t know Him so how can I expect them to honor him? satan doesn’t have a foothold like he had before. I fully believe Jeshua came like in Psalm 18, but again it is about His Glory shining. It was horrible before. I warned the new girls and the one that stayed that there won’t be as much drama and that things will probably be boring. 🙂
Praying that it will be “boring,” Rebecca 🙂
Renee, ;~)
You are a shining and loving light, Rebecca.
C. There is spiritual warfare in his own household. Describe Michal’s response. Why, do you think?
She despised him in her heart. She probably was embarrassed at his behavior; she didn’t understand because she wasn’t worshiping the Lord with him. She may have wondered what others would thing. She also may have been jealous that he gave all that attention to the Lord.
Thinking about 2 things, and I am confused (but not as confused as yesterday 🙂 ).
1) Beholding is becoming.
2) Spiritual warfare: I have so much “junk” on my brain and heart from this — a lot of teaching from my teens throughout my 20s (some kinda strange); some was associated with pain. I’ve read some of what was popular Christian fiction and also nonfiction. And when I read the Arthur Pink quote and question on Sunday, both my brain and my heart shut down. It makes sense this morning, and though I could start to dig in now, the phrase “spiritual warfare” feels heavy. I’d run away, but I want Jesus more than I want to run away (so I’m jumping in again!).
Just as I relearned at a deeper level “Jesus loves me, this I know” through Song of Songs and praying the Psalms, seeing Jesus in both, I want/need to do some relearning and simplification regarding spiritual warfare. But I want to do it by/when beholding the King, not by focusing on the enemy and fear.
The phrase “spiritual warfare” brings up this whole jumbled mess of knowledge (some might be wrong) and emotions. In the semi-recent past, I’ve sought to understand intellectually (books), but I have checked out emotionally when faced with the topic. When I behold the King, the tangled up messes in my life are put in perspective — and I wonder if God is getting ready to untangle these knots which, in the past, seemed too big to touch. In the light of His love, they don’t seem quite so insurmountable.
I do think I need some correction in my big blob of messy tangled beliefs (I can laugh at parts of my experiences, but I don’t understand others — and eventually avoidance seemed best, or at least automatic). It seems that God is continuing to restore me through His Word. But I don’t want to jump in and focus on what was wrong (already know some of that). I want to focus on Him and understand spiritual warfare from His perspective, knowing that He already has won the war. How do I rightly prepare for battle without dragging along the burdens of past teaching and experiences?
Please pray for wisdom — and give me ideas where to start! How do I behold Jesus AND rightly understand (but not behold) the enemy? (I wouldn’t have touched this “with a 10 foot pole” a year ago)
love this Renee “When I behold the King, the tangled up messes in my life are put in perspective” and how you applied it to looking into spiritual warfare. Such a healthy perspective to look through the lens of the King rather than the grip of fear. Keller says ‘fear is a poor motivator’–and in reading your post, I am thinking, fear is also a really poor lens!
“In the light of His love they don’t seem quite so insurmountable.” Amen.
For some reason the bronze sculpture escaped my full notice but today it grabbed me! The look on David’s face is so good! Serene and joyful! Though I always imagined him getting a bit more “down” in his dance moves – his face in the sculpture touches my heart today. What grace He gives us to have serenity and foundation in Him.
D. How does Arthur Pink’s comment help you understand opposition you may be facing? Well, this is hard to answer because if I think about people’s choices (such as Michal) as having the enemy behind them then I must admit the same in my life. Some choices seem obviously of the Devil, hateful horrific deeds are easy to attribute to the enemy. However, it makes me squirm when I then think of the poor choices in my life and then shudder…. if the enemy is the one behind those choices, behind the moments when I turn from God then I have to admit that the enemy is at work in my life. Just saying those words make me “gird myself” in preparation. I do not desire to use the enemy as a scape goat but I think I need to be wise in knowing I am under attack. This is different, stronger language.
From The Sacred Romance – “C.S. Lewis said there are two mistakes when dealing with the devil: to blame everything on him, or to blame nothing on him. The church at present has fallen mostly to the second error. We don’t live as if the story has a villain. And so we are deeply confused about many things that are happening. “
This made me look more carefully at the bronze face. Thank you!
3. Read 1 Chronicles 15:25-29 as background.
A. Describe the scene.
David, the elders of Israel, and the commanders of thousands went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD from the house of Obed-edom. They rejoiced as they went, and because God helped the Levites, they sacrificed 7 bulls and 7 rams, as an act of worship. They were all dressed in fine linen, and David wore a prayer shawl. They brought up the ark with shouting, and horns, trumpets, cymbals, harps and lyres all playing.Michal watched and despised David in her heart.
B. What did bringing the ark up to the hill in Jerusalem represent and why was David so joyful?
The ark represents the covenant of Grace between God and His people. It was a foreshadowing of Jesus’ entry to Jerusalem.
C. There is spiritual warfare in his own household. Describe Michal’s response. Why, do you think?
David is at peace with God, his worship is pure, He is truly delighting in Him. Michal, sees him and is filled with anger. She is consumed with her own disappointments, focused on herself—she cannot see the importance of the Ark. Her own sin has blinded her. She reminded me here of the elder brother of the prodigal son. Her heart is hardened towards God, she is focused on her self and she cannot rejoice in His plans. I’m sad for her too, in the ways I have been like her. The times when I have been so self-focused that I wanted to control the way another was acting, and even their joy was hard to watch. Jealousy hardens our hearts, so thankfl we have The Stonecutter who transforms even my hardened places.
D. How does Arthur Pink’s comment help you understand opposition you may be facing?
It reminds me that I cannot depend on others’ approval to know if my actions are in line with God’s will. It is difficult when those we are close to do not agree or understand our decisions, and yet we must stay strong in the conviction the Lord has given us, not be faltered by what others may think of us. It also reminds me that the spiritual warfare is real, the enemy uses others to try to trip us—but the Lord is greater, and if my eyes are stayed on Him, I cannot be shaken.
Yes, indeed…
“but the Lord is greater, and if my eyes are stayed on Him, I cannot be shaken”
Oh to keep my eyes stayed on Him…may it be so…
4. Read Acts 1:4-11
A. What promise did Jesus give them in verse 5?
He promised that they would be baptized with the Holy Spirit. I’m pretty sure the disciples were all very clueless as to what that meant for them.
B. What question did they ask in verse 6 and what misunderstanding did their question reveal?
They asked, ” Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” The disciples were always wondering about Christ’s kingdom — When would it come? What would their role be in it? In the traditional (I want to say, Old Testament) view, the Messiah would be an earthly conqueror who would free Israel from Rome.
C. How did Jesus answer in verses 7-8 and then how did He demonstrate that answer in verse 9?
He told them that it wasn’t for them to know the times or dates that God the Father has set. But he assured them that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit would come to them, and that they would carry the gospel to the ends of the earth. In verse 9, he demonstrates that God’s plans would be a surprise for them — I’m sure they were astonished to see Jesus ascend into heaven. However, it was very important that they witnessed his ascension, because then they would know without any doubt that he was the Son of God and that his home was in heaven.
D. How does Arthur Pink’s comment help you understand opposition you may be facing?
I was thinking of my answer to c. about why Michal reacted the way she did. I was thinking about her emotions and thought processes and such, then I read Arthur Pink’s comments. It puts the focus in a whole new place. It is Satan who is the despiser and hates to see anyone trusting, worshiping and rejoicing in the Lord or even doing what is right. I have to always keep that in mind and remind myself, it is not a battle between me and whoever is hurting me at the moment, but the Lord and Satan. A battle which has already been won.
Dawn, MS-me too! Pink’s comment really reminded me of this-and that helps so much. It also reminds me that this can happen at church too. satan loves to destroy churches. Like with Dee’s opening when she talked about warfare in setting up their local church plant. This helps us to know how to pray.
Satan will stop at nothing to try to derail God’s people and His purposes. As I mentioned previously, I was intimately involved in a nasty church battle several years ago. I was part of the ministry team serving as office manager for a two-point parish for nearly 9 years. This battle rallied over a period of about two years…it all appeared to stem from mission focus fears, but really had much more to do with pride and control. There was eventually a split of the ministry team and churches. ..mistrust ran rampant. In hindsight I can see Satan’s work in provoking fear, pride, control, etc. with many taking the “bait” (pastors, youth director, church council leadership, congregation members…I can include myself with these folks as well; I allowed fear to immobilize me and did not speak up when I should have)…Satan snapped the trap and mortally wounded two congregations, a parish, and many people, and at the time I’m not sure that anyone realized Satan’s subtle maneuvers. I ponder what great thing(s) might have been accomplished had so many not succumbed to Satan’s ploys and lost focus on our Lord, loving one another, and humility.
Just wanted to jump in and say I’m still lurking around here and reading your posts and really enjoying it. 🙂 Just can’t be a very active participant at this time. Finished Friendships study at my church and starting Idol Lies this coming Sunday. After that I might be able to participate more here.
oh Mary! Fun to see your face here–we do miss you, glad you’re following along on your own and glad you “jumped in”. Let us know when/how we can be praying for you~
If you see this…thanks for asking about how to pray for me. I feel really in adequate to “teach” this next study, Idol Lies. I love Dee’s many analogies to the marriage relationship (and those in the Bible) but I have never been married or even in love so I feel a little like someone out in the cold, trying to peer into a fogged up window of a house to catch a glimpse of what is inside. I don’t really grasp it all. I guess you could say I feel handicapped in this area. But, in our weakness He is strong. Pray He shows up strong. Thanks Elizabeth.
Mary–just saw this and yes, I will commit to praying for you as you teach! I just love your humble, honest heart. That is beauty–and that is what He will use to shine through you. Lord, I thank You for the opportunity Mary has to teach Idol Lies. Father, we all have so many areas where we feel weak, vulnerable, and not equipped..and as Mary said, that is when You are strong, and Lord I ask You to show Yourself mighty in this group she leads. Let them see the ultimate Lover of their soul, of Mary’s soul is not an earthly one, but is YOU. I pray You would give her the words, the confidence, the peace to speak Your truths. Thank You for her heart and how she models to all of us such a tender love for others and You. In Your Name I pray~
Oh, Mary, I have no doubt that the Lord will equip you…indeed, in our weakness He is our strength. I will be eager to hear how He shows up strong for you…:) Blessings, sister…and best wishes and prayers will be offered for your Idol Lies study. What day does your group meet?
Yes Dawn…already won…Praise God!
3. Read 1 Chronicles 15:25-29 as background.
A. Describe the scene.
It is a joyous scene. The Levites had finally done what God wanted them to do!
B. What did bringing the ark up to the hill in Jerusalem represent and why was David so joyful?
It meant that God was with them always in Zion. David was happy because it was this way. The covenant God made with them was being kept.
C. There is spiritual warfare in his own household. Describe Michal’s response. Why, do you think?
Michal was unhappy that David was acting so irreverent. She thought it was not becoming and he wasn’t acting like a king dancing all around. Kings have status and he was acting like a “commoner.”
On a personal note, I’ve had many times when people didn’t want us to dance in church. They too thought it was irreverent. We always try to watch what we wear, how we act, etc. even down to whether we wear nail polish or jewelry, something like that’s considered adornment. We don’t want to be drawing attention to ourselves, but more so to God. He is our focus.
Laura, as a dancer, you bring such good insight to this scene in your answer
3. Read 1 Chronicles 15:25-29 as background.
A. Describe the scene.
David, the elders of Israel, units of a thousand men and their commanders, the Levites carrying the ark…”all Israel”…this was one massive parade. There were choirs of singers and the people were shouting, dancing, celebrating. The sounds of rams’ horns, trumpets, cymbals, lyres and harps were heard. David himself is dancing and celebrating during this triumphal entry of the ark into the city of David. Only Michal, Saul’s daughter, looking-on from a window, seems disgusted by the scene.
B. What did bringing the ark up to the hill in Jerusalem represent and why was David so joyful?
Bringing the ark back into Jerusalem represented the presence of God-God dwelling in their midst once again. I imagine of all David’s accomplishments as king, this one was the most special to him – returning the ark to Israel. David loved God, and this gave him joy.
C. There is spiritual warfare in his own household. Describe Michal’s response. Why, do you think?
When Michal saw David dancing and celebrating, she despised him in her heart. Rebecca and Jill pointed out that she may have had idols operating; Elizabeth saw her being self-focused. Perhaps she was jealous of David making all that fuss over the Lord-like she was somehow in competition with God for David’s affections; she wanted to be number one. She may have been embarrassed by his “un-kingly” behavior and worried about what others would think…approval idol.
Hello friends,
I am happy to be able to read this blog, it is so helpful and insightful. Though I feel crushed by constraints, of time, travel and a few other challenges, but it all comes down to the same spiritual battles, as Dee states, the world, my flesh and the devil.
My desire is to honor my Lord and Savior, in spite of all my personal dilemmas. Elizabeth’s comments, as stated about mothering , I can apply to my neighbors and friends, “just show them Jesus.” And Susan’s comment also resonates with me. “Let Jesus’ glory melt our hearts” . How I have failed as I tried…on my own strength to follow. No way can I accomplish that. Again it is what Jesus has done and is doing in my heart of stone and my weak flesh.
Th Psalm studies and praying the Psalms is a blessing. I am seeming to always be a day behind, or a week behind, but I still am growing, little by little. Thanks everyone for sharing. Please pray with me for my decisions this summer. I am on the verge of renting my home in Vermont and residing in Massachusetts, yet I am struggling with this decision.
Father, we lift up Shirley to You–and this decision she is seeking Your guidance in. Please give her wisdom regarding renting her home in Vermont and living in Massachusetts. Lord I pray that You would make it clear to Shirley what You desire, and give her peace. Thank You for her desire to honor You in this, thank You for her fellowship with us here.
I agree with Elizabeth, Shirley.…prayers for guidance and peace for you.
Shirley, I also echo Elizabeth’s prayer…may the Lord help you discern and give you peace in your decision-making. Take care, friend.
4. Read Acts 1:4-11
A. What promise did Jesus give them in verse 5?
That they will be baptized with the Holy Spirit
B. What question did they ask in verse 6 and what misunderstanding did their question reveal?
They wanted to know if Jesus would restore the physical or earthly kingdom to Israel right now-overthrow the Romans and give them back their kingdom. Their misunderstanding revealed they hadn’t a clue why Jesus came, died and was resurrected.
C. How did Jesus answer in verses 7-8 and then how did He demonstrate that answer in verse 9?
Jesus answered them relating spiritually to restoring the kingdom. He also told them that they will not know the season or times-there are things God doesn’t want them to know. He told them they will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them to be His witnesses throughout all the earth. He demonstrated it by His power in His ascension right before their eyes.
4. Read Acts 1:4-11.
A. What promise did Jesus give them in verse 5? That they would be baptized by the Holy Spirit.
B. What question did they ask in verse 6 and what misunderstanding did their question reveal? They asked if Christ was going to restore Israel “at this time.” They were still seeing shallowly, temporarily. Expecting the kingdom to have a Godly king. They didn’t not see that Israel, and all mankind, had already been restored, eternally. I didn’t realize this before. But after they received the Holy Spirit they understood, because the Holy Spirit gave them understanding, open eyes.
C. How did Jesus answer in verses 7-8 and then how did He demonstrate that answer in verse 9? He said that they would be His witnesses and then He had them witness the power able to take Him home, ascend.
Laura-dancer in inspiring in coming up with her own titles from Psalm 14-24!
My mind is still thinking on Psalm 23. Even though it is a familiar passage, it is so rich, I feel He is still showing teaching me from it. Last week, He steadied me on the image of Him filling my cup. “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” (Psalm 23:5)
I meditated on what it meant that He fills my cup to overflowing–He gives abundantly more than I even know to ask or imagine. And He never runs out. Then this past Sunday, we had the Lord’s supper, which is always my favorite and I always cry–but when I heard “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” (1 Corinthians 11:25), I was overwhelmed. We drink the wine, His blood poured out–and then I remembered one of my favorite hymns we sing–“There is a fountain filled with blood drawn from Emmanuel’s veins; And sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains. Lose all their guilty stains, lose all their guilty stains;And sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains.”
For me, there is something so beautiful about the connection, at least I see, of this feast in Psalm 23, and the overflowing cup–and then the Lord’s supper, and His blood poured out, overflowing, washing all our sins away. A bit jumbled, I know, but still wanted to share what He is putting on my heart
4. Read Acts 1:4-11 A. What promise did Jesus give them in verse 5?
The baptism of the Holy Spirit
B. What question did they ask in verse 6 and what misunderstanding did their question reveal?
They asked if He would now restore the kingdom to Israel. Christ came to set up his own kingdom, a kingdom of heaven, not to restore the earthly kingdom to Israel. Their expectations were set on a temporal kingdom. Ezekiel 39:25,29: “I will restore the fortunes of Jacob, and have mercy on the whole house of Israel . . . I will not hide my face any more from them, when I pour out my Spirit upon the house of Israel, says the Lord God” so they assumed when He said the Spirit was coming, that it meant it was time for God to establish His kingdom on earth.
C. How did Jesus answer in verses 7-8 and then how did He demonstrate that answer in verse 9?
He does not correct their theology, but their assumption that they could determine the tiing of God’s work. He said “It is not for you to know times or seasons…but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” He knew that when they received the Holy Spirit, they would no longer be looking for an earthly kingdom.
5. Read Psalm 24 aloud.
A. How is the LORD seen as Creator and Sustainer in verses 1-2?
Words like “founded” and “established” indicate the Lord is Creator. The earth, everything in it, and all who live in it belong to the Lord; so He is the one who keeps it all going and sustains life.
B. See Christ in verses 3-5 and describe what you learn.
These verses remind me of the beginning verses of Psalm 15:
“Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary, Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless, and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue…” Psalm 15:1-3a
Compared to:
“Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false…” Psalm 24: 3-4
In each case it is Jesus Christ who fits that description, as He is the one person who is blameless, righteous and pure.
C. What do you learn from verse 6? Compare this to Hebrews 9:11-14 and explain how we too may enter in, and why the ancient gates will open for those who have sought Him as well.
Verse 6: “Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob.” Hebrews 9:14 reads “How much more, then, will the blood of Christ who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God.” In each case, these Scriptures would seem to be indicating that we can gain entrance to heaven by the righteousness of Jesus Christ and his sacrifice for us. We are the generation of those who seek Him.
D. Patrick Reardon comments on the closing (Psalm 24:7-10) “The King of Glory comes to the entrance of heaven with the blood of conflict still fresh upon Him (cf. Isaiah 63:1-6; Revelation 19:13) and a kind of dialogue takes place as the angels call for the opening of the portcullis at the approach of the returning Warrior.” What call is given in these verses to the ancient gates and why?
It is a call for the gates to open to allow Jesus Christ’s future entry into the new Jerusalem to reign forever.
The commentary from the Life Application Study Bible says in regard to verses 7-10:
This psalm, often set to music, was probably used in corporate worship. It may have been re-enacted many times at the temple. The people outside would call out to the temple gates to open up and let the King of glory in. From inside, the priests or another group would ask, “Who is this King of glory?” Outside the people would respond in unison”The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle,” proclaiming his great power and strength. The exchange was then repeated, and the temple gates would swing open, symbolizing the people’s desire to have God’s presence among them.
E. Using this psalm, write your own prayer of praise to the King of Glory.
Dear Lord, I have goose bumps!! It is so amazing to me that the people of Israel would develop a ritual of worship (with your help, of course!) that would parallel what will happen in the New Jerusalem. They stood outside the temple giving the call for the gates to open. Thank you that we can look forward to participating in an even greater opening of the gates. Because of the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, we are cleansed from our sins, and we are made worthy to enter into your eternal presence! Such a gift! My heart overflows with praise! I can only sing “How Great Thou Art!”
Hi everyone, I have a prayer request for my mom…this is the second day she has been extremely lethargic/sleeping all day. My sisters and I learned yesterday that when she went to her doctor last Friday to get her ears checked, a new physician who is now in practice with her regular doctor came in and the nurse had taken her blood pressure. It was a little high, and he gave my dad samples of a blood pressure medication to give to her. My dad explained that last year, after monitoring her blood pressure at home for two weeks, keeping a log, her doctor had taken her off blood pressure medication, saying she didn’t need to be on it anymore. However, this doctor who saw her last Friday said to take this new pill. He wouldn’t even check her chart to see what she had been taking previously, nor did he consult with her regular doctor.
I took her blood pressure this morning and it went down to 80/40 when she sat-up. When she first got out of bed this morning, she fell. She was extremely weak and fatigued. My sister and I took her to the ER. She had several tests, and even though this new medication was stopped two days ago, the doctor feels it may have been the reason for this, plus she has a bladder infection. We were at the ER most of the day, and mom is staying at my sister’s home tonight. She does not remember being at the ER today or understand what is wrong with her…but this is the Alzheimer’s. But she still isn’t “right”…still very tired and wants to sleep. Plus, other family issues going on…too much to write. Just please pray for my mom, and thank you…
Oh Susan – what a long and unsettling day for all of you. Will pray! Especially for a wise caretaker.
Thank you, Jill…wow, you guys get right to it…thank you again! I feel she is in good hands tonight with my sister and her husband, who is a nurse, too!
Lord, we lift up Virginia to you and ask that You come quickly. Please hold her–bring peace and steady her heart. Please give the doctors wisdom to discern what is going on and how to best care for her. I lift up Susan and her sisters and all that is going on–Lord, please cover them with Your peace, Your healing. In Your Name we pray~
Thank you for your prayers, dear friend!
Amen to Elizabeth’s prayer. Praying here too, Susan. For answers, recovery for your mom from this long and hard day and rest for all.
Thank you, Wanda…I was so missing the blog today but able to recite a couple of Psalms by memory, which helped.
Oh Susan, I’m praying for your mom and for you. So glad you took her bp this morning. Will continue to pray. Alz is bad enough without the messed up meds and bladder infection.
Thank you Renee. I couldn’t reply to your reply to me above…but thanks for your thoughtful response. Sometimes, I think my real frustration lies in this: when I read the gospels and say, the book of Acts, I see people being saved, and it seems so simple. They “believed”. It seems to me today that “man” – and all our denominations, “church-talk” – the phrases we use, etc…have made the good news so horribly confusing and complicated! It’s like we explain it to death and use lots of big words. Then I listen to sermons (and I’ve heard many) where the pastor says that if a person is really saved, you will be able to tell by __________evidence in their life. Listening to a lot of those made me look at myself, my life, and begin to doubt my own salvation. (I resonated with you saying that after you had trusted Jesus for forgiveness – that you did it again, just to be sure…I’ve done the same thing). I know you have so much experience with Alzheimer’s – from your own mom. The hopeful thing is that, since my mom’s had it, and it’s still in the early stages, she is very receptive to talking about the Lord or reading the Scriptures with me, whereas several years ago, she would not.
Susan, I am praying for your mom right now! I feel so sorry for you and your sister having to go through such anxiety. This is just my personal opinion, of course, but I feel that doctors need to be more careful about switching people’s blood pressure medicines around. I have seen this same sort of thing happen way too much!
Oops. posted in wrong place! attempting to copy it elsewhere.
Praying, Susan, for your mom’s lethargy and bladder infection as well as Alzheimers. If it is the blood pressure medication, I hope she improves soon. This must be very hard on your father (not to mention you and your sister). Praying also for your other family issues.
Getting such a late start this week, I should probably just stick with reading comments and learning from all of you. But I’ll give it a shot and see how far I get:
3. Read 1 Chronicles 15:25-29 as background.
A. Describe the scene. The players are in three groups. 1. David…the King (the executive/ruler) 2. the elders of Israel (the representatives of the people?) 3. The Commanders of a thousand (military leaders) There were 3 cymbal players, 8 lute players (would that be ‘loutists’ ? since a flute player is a ‘floutist’? ) 6 harps, 2 + 2 doorkeepers, and 7 priests blowing trumpets. And also Kenaniah, who was a good singer and their song leader. They were singing and rejoicing as they went to retrieve the ark from the home of Obed-Edom, (where it had been since they had tried to retrieve it once before, but when Uzzah stumbled and reached over to steady himself by touching the ark, the wrath of God struck him down and he died….which made David very angry and he was afraid to continue to bring the ark to Jerusalem so he left it with Obed-Edom who was a Levite, for 3 months and O-E’s house was greatly blessed along with all he had. (Chapter 13) ) So….now they are going to retrieve it/ Scene One/ Take Two…..
B. What did bringing the ark up to the hill in Jerusalem represent and why was David so joyful?
It symbolized….in a powerful way, the presence of God and His glory was returning to Jerusalem.
C. There is spiritual warfare in his own household. Describe Michal’s response. Why, do you think?
Did she not believe in the true God? Was she upset because David showed true allegiance to someone other than her? Jealous? Felt like he was acting in an undignified way? Not sure.