God has given us two great books: His Creation and HIs Word.
Nonverbal and verbal communication,
reinforcing one another, shouting the glory of God.
There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard.
I am so excited about this week. This is my surprise — and I hope it delights you too. A month ago I asked our own Rebecca if she would help make Psalm 19 live in your hearts through her gift of music. Years ago I memorized Psalm 19 with the help of T. M. Moore, who has put the psalms to familiar hymn melodies. He paraphrased Psalm 19 and put it to the music of “Beneath the Cross of Jesus.” Rebecca, with the help of her nephew on guitar, has done it for us and we can see them on vimeo. I want us to take a verse a day and ponder it, and I really encourage you to memorize at least one of the five verses. This psalm is such a beloved psalm — and we have a great free Tim Keller sermon on it as well.
Begin today, with the first verse. Below are T. M. Moore’s lyrics. Then listen to Rebecca sing it — you can stop after the first verse or listen to her sing it all. Here is Rebecca, anointed by Him!
http://vimeo.com/92613958
Psalm 19, paraphrased by T. M. Moore (to be sung with the melody of Beneath the Cross of Jesus) Beginning today, we will go through it slowly.
Sunday: Verse 1
The heavens declare God’s glory, the skies His worth proclaim!
From day to day and night by night they shout His glorious name
No speech, no words, no voice is heard, yet all across the earth
The lines of His all present Word declare His holy worth!
Monday: Verse 2
Behold, the sun arises, a bridegroom strong and bright,
Rejoicing as he runs his course form morning unto night.
From east to west across the skies his circuit he completes,
And none can hide his sinful eyes or shelter from his heat.
Tuesday: Verse 3.
The Law of God is perfect, His testimony sure:
The simple man God’s wisdom learns, the soul receives its cure.
God’s Word is right, and His command is pure, and truth imparts:
He makes our eyes to understand, with joy He fills our hearts.
Wednesday: Verse 4 and 5.
The fear of God is cleansing, forever shall it last,
HIs judgments all are true and just, by righteousness held fast.
O seek them more than gold most fine, than honey find them sweet;
Be warned by every word and line, be blessed with joy complete.
Verse 5
Who, Lord, can know his erros? O keep sin far from me!
Let evil rule not in my soul that I may blameless be.
O let my thoughts, let all my words, before Your glorious sight,
Be pleasing to You, gracious Lord, acceptable and right.
Sunday: Icebreaker
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
2. What stands out to you from the first verse of Psalm 19, as paraphrases by T. M. Moore and sung by Rebecca?
Ask the Lord to show you which verse to memorize, using the song and the paraphrase.
Monday: THE FIRST BOOK
3. What do verses 1-4 tell us that creation does?
4. Romans 10:18 quotes this psalm — what is the point made there?
3. Romans 1:18-20 goes further with this point. What does it say?
4. Tim Keller has said that according to this passage, everyone believes at first — but they suppress the truth. What thoughts do you have on this?
Behold the sun arises,
a bridegroom strong and bright, rejoicing as he runs his race from morning until night,
from east to west throughout the skies, his circuit he completes — and none can hide his sinful eyes or shelter from the heat
5. Read Psalm 19:4-6
A. To what does God compare the literal sun? How is the Son of God like the literal sun?
B. Listen to Rebecca sing this verse. Then, reading the lyrics in the caption of the picture above, sing it yourself to the tune of Beneath the Cross
of Jesus. Let it soak in. Then comment.
Tuesday: THE PERFECT BOOK
6. Read Psalm 19:7-8
A. What do you learn about God’s Word?
B. Listen to Rebecca sing this verse. Then, reading the lyrics in the caption of the picture above, sing it yourself to the tune of Beneath the
Cross of Jesus. Let it soak in. Then comment.
7. Read Psalm 19:9-11
A. Jonathan Edwards says there is a difference between knowing honey is sweet and tasting it. What do you think he means?
B. How have you experienced the power of God’s Word recently?
C. Listen to Rebecca sing this verse. Then, reading the lyrics in the caption of the picture above, sing it yourself to the tune of Beneath the
Cross of Jesus and let it soak in. Comment.
Wednesday: Our Response to God’s Two Great Books
Thursday-Friday Sermon
Listen and share your notes and comments. LINK
What verse are you (or have you) memorized, using T. M. Moore and the music?
Saturday:
What is your take-a-way and why?
234 comments
1. What stood out to you from the above and why? Obviously, Rebeccas singing. =D What a great surprise! Rebecca, thank you for sharing your beautiful voice And please pass thanks and compliments to your nephew, as well, for sharing his great talent. I was touched when he looked at the camera and smiled, a kind heart. =)
2. What stands out to you from the first verse of Psalm 19, as paraphrases by T. M. Moore and sung by Rebecca?
I am always moved by pictures like the first one in this post. I so hope God will allow us to soar through His creation to fully experience His work…though as I type that I am struck by the fact that the Creator is better than the creation so heaven will be even better just being in His presence than if I was able to fly through all the galaxies in a day.
I do experience His reminders of greatness through His creation, they declare His glory, and shout His name, even just walking in my neighborhood, the clouds, the sky, the trees…even the wind which I use to abhor I now see His hand in, almost like His hand reaching down to touch me – Him to me physically.
Jill — I love your response — and I know Wes, her nephew will too. And yes, amazing the Creator is greater than His creation!
What stood out?
Oh, my, Rebecca. Such a beautiful song for a beautiful Psalm. Thank you so much for doing this for us. I will do my best to memorize the first 5 verses of Psalm 19. I used to be able to memorize quickly but that has changed in the last 10 years and now I find memorization difficult, but music helps. Perhaps I will try to memorize the song first and then work on the ESV version of the psalm.
2. What stands out to you from the first verse of Psalm 19, as paraphrases by T. M. Moore and sung by Rebecca?
I am so touched by the part that says “there is no speech of language where his voice is not heard”. When I was younger, I pondered how those who had never heard the gospel might come to know Christ, or if they were doomed to die never having had a chance to be saved. I pray for the day when all can hear the gospel in their own language. Today, however, those thoughts are part of a bigger concern for the many in our own countries who never step foot into a Christian church or have anyone tell them about Christ in a way that they can understand, even though they speak English. The gospel about Jesus has become a foreign language to so many even in our culture. Yet God does speak – through creation, and through His Spirit – to those truly seeking. This is a hope and yet also a mystery to me because I want none to be lost.
I so concur with your thoughts here, Diane.
Forgot to check off the buttons to get followup comments. 🙂
That was a comfort to me, too, and Romans 10 quotes this to show us everyone hears…
Diane, if I may make a recommendation — it is the music paired with T. M. Moore’s paraphrase that makes this so easy to memorize. I think you’ll become confused if you try to do ESV. That’s my thought — to do Moore’s paraphrase which was created to work with the music.
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
Rebecca stood out…yet not “Rebecca” because I know she wouldn’t want all the focus to be on her, but the way she sings to the Lord, just sitting in the living room with her nephew on the guitar-she is singing to Him. And it just makes me feel like saying “Hi Rebecca!” I feel like I’m right there with you! (Sigh:))) You both do a wonderful job with this song and I love hearing your lovely voice.
I also love the thought that God has given us two great “books” – Creation and His Word – non-verbal and verbal communication, reinforcing one another, shouting the glory of God. That is cool!
I so love the two books too — how they reinforce one another.
1. What stands out to you and why?
REBECCA!! Oh my–what an incredible blessing to come here and find my dear Rebecca! Her voice so ministers to me! Layers of richness–her tender, humble heart, combined with such strength–I feel His power through her voice, truly a gift! Creation praising creation–so beautiful!
Yesterday we released our butterflies. OH. We had watched them grow from ugly fuzzy caterpillars, to their cocoons, and hatch–and then their beautiful “painted lady” wings emerged. Knowing Rebecca’s testimony, her heart for Him–she reminds me so of those beautiful butterflies, they were slow to leave the habitat once we opened it, but then they began to fly–it was so amazing to see.Such freedom. Created by Him, for Him, and for us to enjoy.
I love this week already. I LOVE all of nature–I am just in awe of what He has given us, for our enjoyment. I am continually humbled, so deeply touched by His love to us through all He has made. I always think–He didn’t have to do that, He did it for us, just to make us smile. I can be “frugal” by nature, but one thing I always have is fresh flowers, it is just so incredible to me that the Most Holy One, King of All–creates flowers for our smiles. I think all of creation–oh lakes, and trees, mountains…His strength in storms and winds and the reminder that nothing is stronger or greater than the Creator. Creation proves again, to me, He is the True Lover of our soul.
Ahhhh — your comment takes me into His arms. Thank you, Elizabeth — you express it so well, how creation proves He is the true Lover of our soul. What a wonderful thing you did with your children with the butterflies. What a perfect thing to do at Easter.
I love this from you Elizabeth, what a sweet thing to do with your children!
This verse came to mind: 1 Timothy 6:17
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.”
I also tend toward frugality, and have been convicted that sometimes I take that too far. Your post made me ponder how different God is in that regard, how he has made so many beautiful and wonderful things, richly providing us with things to enjoy!
Chris–in the years I’ve known you here (wow, just being able to say “the years” makes me smile!) I have been struck by how often you relate everything to Scripture–what a BEAUTIFUL gift you have of that–so often seeing His Word in whatever you read or think about. Was just loving that about you & wanted to praise Him for that gift He has given you~
I do love you Elizabeth, you are such an encouragement to me!God surley has written his word on my heart, but I am really not at all good at knowing chapter and verse, google makes me look better than I really am 🙂
2. What stands out to you from the first verse of Psalm 19, as paraphrases by T. M. Moore and sung by Rebecca?
I love this “From day to day and night by night they shout His glorious name” there is no end to the praise for Him!—it is day to day, night to night—no ceasing—reminded me of one of my favorite hymns “Take my life, and let it be. Consecrated, Lord, to Thee; Take my moments and my days, Let them flow in ceaseless praise, Let them flow in ceaseless praise.”
Elizabeth-This stuck out to me too but I love that you brought out that day to day and night to night-no ceasing of praise for Him.
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
Love the “barred spiral” galaxy image! Excited to hear Rebecca too!
2. What stands out to you from the first verse of Psalm 19, as paraphrases by T. M. Moore and sung by Rebecca?
Rebecca has a strong, emotional voice 🙂 she sings the first verse so well!
I suppose this line gets me most:
“No speech, no words, no voice is heard, yet all across the earth”
I try I try to remind myself to “stop and smell the roses” because it is a beautiful world. Just yesterday morning I sat in my bedroom and listened to a bird sing. It’s nice that spring has come; finally. Still a bit chilly, however nothing like the past 4 months! No words, just beauty in the bird songs, the wind blowing, the daffodils blooming, the green grass, and sunny skies. It is glorious! He is glorious! No words……
Good word picture — you just listening to the birds glorying in Your Creator
I love you science background here Laura, that you new that the proper term for the image 🙂
Yeah, it’s kind of a curse….love to learn and always teaching 🙂
2. What stands out to you from the first verse of Psalm 19, as paraphrases by T.M. Moore and sung by Rebecca?
I see such contrast in this first verse, between majestic silence and deafening praise, subtleness and boldness. When I think of the heavens and the skies – they have no voice or speech, so they are “silent” and yet they are not silent. They declare, proclaim, and shout His praise. But I think it is a cry made to awaken us out of our sleep, to awaken us to the voice of our Creator God. “No speech, no words, no voice is heard” yet something awakens in our hearts…that “deep calling to deep”.
Susan-The contrast you saw-The heavens and the skies, they are silent yet not silent for they shout His praise–love this Susan.
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
Oh, what a delight that was to hear Rebecca singing Psalm 19! God has blessed her with such a nice, clear voice; and she just sat there singing in such a humble fashion. If she was the least bit on edge, it didn’t show!
I’m sure it is probably a difference in denominational hymn books — that was not the tune I was used to singing for “Beneath the Cross of Jesus.” The tune I am used to is named St. Christopher (76.86.86.86). However, I have discovered that I can easily sing the words of Psalm 19 as paraphrased by T.M. Moore to the St. Christopher tune — fits perfectly! I realize that isn’t too surprising as the meter would be the same.
Dee, It was truly a wonderful surprise and a great way to begin the new week in our study!!
2. What stands out to you from the first verse of Psalm 19, as paraphrases by T. M. Moore and sung by Rebecca?
No speech, no words, no voice is heard, yet all across the earth
The lines of His all present Word declare His holy worth!
Particularly now as Spring is finally bursting out, it is so easy to see God’s message through His creation.
Beautiful lines are spoken through the white pear blossoms, the magnolia blooms, or the tulips dancing to a tune not heard by we mortals. You know, God did not have to go to such lengths when He created the earth. Flowers could have all been one shape or one color, but He made them of such variety so as to make them more pleasing to our sight — because He delighted in us — from the beginning!!
That’s cool it works with both tunes! I’ll have to try that, Deanna!
Wow, Deanna! I love how you said this. I am utterly fascinated by all the kinds of flowers I know…..and I also know there are hundreds of kinds I have never seen. That He delights in us so much that He created all of this…..is mind boggling and an enormous affirmation too.
What you said about wonderful variety of flowers Deanna, I have often thought the same thing about food 🙂
I got it! I just put Rebecca name in YouTube and I found it! It is as beautiful as I knew it would be Rebecca and Wes! Thank you Dee!
Deanna, “that was not the tune I was used to singing for “Beneath the Cross of Jesus.”- I hadn’t heard of the hymn, so when I looked it up and heard it I thought it was beautiful and the lyrics were great-but then when paired with T.M. Moore’s paraphrase of Psalm 19 I thought oh- I like this much better! :))))
Rebecca, I loved hearing you sing. (and seeing you this time!) Thanks for doing this! Now I am curious about this tune too. I grew up with a different tune to Beneath the Cross of Jesus as well…..but this tune also sounds familiar. Do you know which song is a familiar hymn with this tune? It’s on the tip of my tongue and I can’t find it! We’re on vacation for a few days away from home so I don’t have my hymn book sources with me …. BUT either way…thanks!! This was a great surprise!
Rebecca, I listened to you sing this about 50 times today because I was trying to figure out what other hymn/song uses this melody. And now that I have it in my brain, I think it will be easier to memorize the verses uses this than the one I learned with “Beneath the Cross of Jesus!” When I listen from the perspective of the other one, the words of the two become mixed together in my mind. Any idea what other songs use this melody? (I might be better off not knowing because I’ll get them mixed up 🙂 ). THANK YOU for singing this for us, and please thank your nephew, too!
Question/thought—in thinking about how the heavens, the skies, the sun…all praise Him…I was thinking how all reflect His glory, and have no other option BUT to praise Him. We see His beauty in all of creation, and then it saddened me to think–but man–made in His image, and yet, we are the only part of creation that is able to become corrupt and in that man can choose not to praise Him–does that make sense?
Also thought this was very interesting–C.S. Lewis says of Psalm 19 “I take this to be the greatest poem in the Psalter and one of the greatest lyrics in the world.” C.S. Lewis in Reflections on the Psalms
2 thoughts on this Elizabeth –
1. We were also the only ones (besides angels?) to have relationship with Him, is this part of it?
2. Didn’t we talk, in Song of Songs about the earth becoming “corrupt” as well, or rather fallen (not the same thing?)?Remember Ellen Davis’ commentary?
this is a good question ponder worthy.
Elizabeth-Wow-great observation and question-but what is key to me more than the question is how this saddened you- so for me that stood out and encouraged me today. Does this really move us as it has you? It should for I know it saddens God-and it grieved Him so deeply that He came to die to reverse that. :)))
Interesting discussion on only part of creation to become corrupt, and referencing Ellen Davis too — we can choose not to praise Him. However, thinking also that we are the only creatures who think about praising Him — because we have souls.
Happened to be listening to “Breathe” and was so touched by the words; fits right into our study!
“this is the air I breathethis is the air I breatheYour holy presence living in me”
so as I breathe in and out, He is inside of me, filling me up! Way cool word picture 🙂
The heavens declare God’s glory, the skies His worth proclaim!
From day to day and night by night they shout His glorious name
My NIV says, “Day after day they pour forth speech, night after night, they display knowledge.” The paraphrase helped me to think about this. I like the scripture that says, ‘they pour forth speech’ because it expresses a continual flow of of words…..like there are never enough words to express His glory. And since we know that the speech poured forth by day and the knowledge displayed by night are declaring God’s glory, we know that it is not just meaningless utterances. He is in them. He is everywhere in nature.
I am enamored by God’s creation anywhere I go. I could probably spend the rest of my life, just watching stuff in my own yard because there is so much that goes on with the changing seasons and birds and wildlife coming and going. I do a lot of photography of nature and birds and am generally very aware of what is around me. So, when I get to go somewhere new or different, I’m really intrigued to see what God has made there for us to enjoy. These lines really feel relevant to me right now. My husband and I am on the north shore of Lake Superior for a couple of nights. It’s pretty chilly in the evening, still ice in some places and some snow in the woods…..but the sun has been beautiful, no rain is predicted and I think tomorrow night, we need to bundle up and go out to see the stars. It’s SO gratifying to think that they are speaking right to me. Telling me that God is here. And He is glorious and powerful.
It’s great to hear that you are having a few days away, Wanda, and on the north shore of Lake Superior as well. I would love to go there. We went to a quiet spot on Georgian Bay a couple of years ago – so windswept and rugged in its beauty. The Great Lakes are almost like having an ocean in the middle of a continent – God’s mighty power in display, “AWE” inspiring. Have a great time!
Oh Wanda…that sounds so beautiful there…enjoy!
Thanks! It is always beautiful on the north shore of Superior. And SUCH fresh air! I learned that in the early 1900s doctors sent patients to the lodge where we stayed because the fresh air was believed to help with hay fever and tuberculosis. It IS wonderful to fill your lungs with it! It was very cold there though! The ski hills had just closed the day before and my husband, optimistically took his fishing pole to a lake he knows and when we got there, it was still frozen solid! We had a good laugh at that. Superior is open…..I didn’t think the small lakes would be frozen. I wore wool socks and 5 layers there…..and when we got home today….(just 4 and 1/2 hours away) we had t shirt weather, green grass and my daffodils bloomed while I was gone 🙂 I love both places.
Brrrr, Wanda. Glad you had a nice time north of Superior. It really is amazing the variety of climate and temperature there is within a few hours north or south. Fortunately, many of us in Canada are no longer the “great white north” at this time of year, though winter held us in its grip for extra long this year.
1. What stood out to you from the above and why? I just love the ‘two books’ concept. I have heard this in different ways before, but this is so simple and clear. The Bible: the book that we can read and have read to us and understand with our mind….and also with our heart. And Creation: the book that we can breathe in and discover everyday in new ways, by using the senses God gave us. It’s such a complete picture that involves every part of us learning of God.
You are in a perfect place for this psalm this week, Wanda. We still have some ice here — but the water is moving beautifully too.
Wanda, thank you for articulating this so well…”a complete picture that involves every part of us learning of God.”
Verse 2:
“From east to west across the skies his circuit he completes,…”
I love this imagery! I am a traveller around these great United States, and have been to nearly every state in my 50 years. I can just vision Him looking for me and “enveloping” me with warmth (as the NIV says).
“It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is deprived of its warmth”. (Psalm 19:6 NIV)
Laura — I love that east to west picture too. Interesting you are a traveler.
My parents were from the Midwest and I was born and raised in Florida, so we never really got to see our relatives very often because of the great distance. When I left home I really enjoyed seeing a different environment. So my husband I take our kids wherever we can. Plus my geology background just lends itself to going and seeing the beautiful sites of our country. In a couple weeks I’m going to Niagara Falls with my husband for his birthday! Maybe we’ll even make it to the Canadian side!
God brought this song to mind as I prayed and praised this morning. I often feel “my soul wells up” to praise and love Him. Interesting that of all the creation images in this video the one that brought my tears of amazement and joy was the one of the girls smiling together.
http://youtu.be/7BCGtL2JtV0
Perfect song. Kathy Troccoli used to sing that so often when we traveled together. So love it.
I love Kathy Troccoli 🙂 I think she sings it better than the writer! Her voice is so beautiful.
This is a beautiful song, Jill. So appropriate for this week. I had never heard it before. It is called Hallelujahs, by Chris Rice.
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
That God gave us two books reinforcing one another, shouting the glory of God. Also, the Spiral Galaxy picture stood out -Thanks Laura D for identifying the picture. :))
-That picture sticks out because it puts me in wonder of Him-it truly SHOUTS His Glory!
2. What stands out to you from the first verse of Psalm 19, as paraphrases by T. M. Moore and sung by Rebecca?
“From day to day and night by night they shout His glorious name”-The heavens aren’t arrayed in their power and beauty to merely suggest or imply He is God-There is no question, THEY SHOUT His name. :))
Just reading Psalm 19 again this morning and I am struck by how He loves–how creation is His love song to us. It shows us how tender He is, how creative–how He uses His mighty power to shower us with beauty–that is a True Lover. My 7 year, makes sure that on almost every grocery store errand with Daddy, they bring home flowers. He loves them, but I know he most loves how I react when he shows up with a bundle. And that is our Lord, given us SO MUCH MORE than a bundle of our favorite flowers…it is all around us. A dear friend gave me a bird feeder a few years ago, and now I have become a bird person. Amazing the details He puts into all He creates–all for us.
I was reminded of the Ann Voskamp trailer–I love this, “Count the ways He loves…” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhOUaszMGvQ
I hope everyone reads Elizabeth’s post and looks at Voskamp’s video..His love envelops us every day-every night. This is so important and I want to grow in practicing keeping my eyes open.
Love the thought of them bringing flowers home from the store for you!
Oops! Wrote just before midnight last night and forgot to hit “submit.”
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
Rebecca! What a treat!! I looked at this right away this morning to relieve my suspense :)And the first image with Ps 19:1. One of the reasons this stood out to me is the juxtaposition of heavens with the picture of the deep water from last week. It reminds me of “from the highest of heights to the depths of the sea.” One of my take-aways from last week (which I was too tired to post) was related to God rescuing me from deep waters. I was applying, pressing into Him based on those verses throughout the week, and I almost immediately made a connection between the expansiveness of the ocean and expansiveness of the heavens. Though both are beyond my comprehension, the galaxies, the universe are WAY beyond!
What stood out to you from the above and why?
The picture of the heavens was the first thing that struck me. I love looking at images from the Hubble space telescope, they inspire thoughts of worship, how infinite God is, and yet how personal he has chosen to be.
The second was sweet Rebecca and her nephew, using their gifts to glorify God! Having scripture set to music is so helpful for writing it on our hearts, and it is so good to SEE you again Rebecca!
2. What stands out to you from the first verse of Psalm 19, as paraphrases by T. M. Moore and sung by Rebecca?
“The lines of His all present Word declare His holy worth”
The Word…Christ is all present, he is everywhere. I can choose to look for him and wonder rather than fixing my eyes on lesser things.
When we have had a puppy who we are housebreaking, it requires going outside with them. I don’t relish this task, but so often going outside, under the sky especially at night, inspires worship. Stepping out for a moment of the house, out of the mundane, and looking up, so often allows me to feel really small and greatly blessed.
Agreed…”sweet Rebecca and her nephew, using their gifts to glorify God!”…thank you, Rebecca and Wes!
Might be good that I pondered rather than posted yesterday. This speaks to me even more today.
2. What stands out to you from the first verse of Psalm 19, as paraphrases by T. M. Moore and sung by Rebecca?
As much as I love words, over time in a world polluted with speaking, I’ve come to appreciate and even need those times when silence speaks. And for as long as I can remember, God has spoken to me through his creation. Whether with Him or with people, some of the times of greatest “conversations” are when we can “just be” together and not talk. (And this is coming from a motor-mouth who says what she thinks).
Ask the Lord to show you which verse to memorize, using the song and the paraphrase.
No doubt, verse 2! Song of Songs or what?!?!?!?! Like Deanna, I’m going to have to defer to the St. Christopher melody. I was trying to get the other one in my head yesterday and only was able to learn about one line before the tunes were dueling, I couldn’t learn the words.
I’m suspecting based on this page that it might even have been written for the St. Christopher tune. Sort of pathetic how I found this: When I was reading the lyrics, I didn’t know what the word “erros” meant. Rather than use the Bible, I first used a dictionary and then ended up sticking the whole verse and “T.M. Moore” in Google. Would have been much quicker to look up the verse in Scripture 😉
I went back to Google to find the link I just posted above. Maybe it was another search engine I used yesterday, because I can’t imagine that I wouldn’t have become distracted then by the other good links!! In this document, T.M. Moore provides SEVERAL Psalms set to hymns. (hadn’t heard of all of the hymns, though, but I do know some!). I’m not sure if the link will work because I only was able to capture the indirect one through the google search. And it’s over 100 pages of a pdf file, so probably not suitable for a cell phone;) I’ll try to capture the actual link later, but have poked around quite awhile and would rather get back to the Bible Study!
For my St. Christopher melody peeps, piano accompaniment for Beneath the Cross of Jesus and other songs set to that tune:http://youtu.be/FU_3rc9i3ME
Thanks for the link, Renee. Also the info. I had to google T. M. Moore, since like most of the speakers/resources on this blog, I am unfamiliar with him. And now I am googling Celtic Christian Tradition……so more to think about. (I mostly know about the Scandinavian Christian Tradition 🙂 )
🙂 Actually, there may be some connections between Celtic Christian traditions and Scandinavian Christian traditions (or at least their are links between Celtic and Scandinavian traditions), but OUR Scandinavian Christian Tradition is sorta (very?) separatist — So I have a hunch, our tradition was separated from Celtic tradition as well. That doesn’t mean that I am separatist from it!! I’m all about integration 🙂 — looking back at roots and not throwing out TOO much. But I do see why they would want to separate both from State Church and pagan traditions.
What I see happening, even today, when Christianity is introduced to other cultures, often is one extreme or the other: an expectation that Western culture replace native culture OR an integration of false beliefs into Christian practice. Yet, the Gospel is not even on the same continuum, and I would expect worship to look different in different cultures. I suspect that “rightly-expressed” Christianity is evident when groups of people are changed from the inside out and seek wisdom and discernment on form and function. SO MUCH about tradition is good, and earlier movements have been guided by the Holy Spirit for a time and place. May we continue to be guided by His Spirit through the Word for where God has placed us today. It’s the world of my tradition (e.g., St Christopher melody) that helps what I learn today soak in more deeply. Challenging to live in at least two worlds: the one which feeds my soul, and the ones that allow me to reach others where they are.
Sorry for total and complete rabbit trail. I think about this A LOT — from the heavens declaring God’s glory, to Paul in the Areopagus, to the damage done by governments attempting to use religion to destroy indigenous cultures. God’s glory declared through the heavens transcends culture.
Oh Renee…..I love your rabbit trails! AND as I always tell people….you’re my ‘really smart’ friend 🙂 I love how you articulated this information…..I will read again. Can’t wait to talk in person again!
3. What do verses 1-4 tell us that creation does?
Speaks constantly of Gods glory, in every language without words
4. Romans 10:18 quotes this psalm — what is the point made there?
That humans understand, that creation speaks to them, it points them to God.
3. Romans 1:18-20 goes further with this point. What does it say?
God reveals himself to everyone, but people suppress the truth. Our rebellion deserves God’s wrath.
4. Tim Keller has said that according to this passage, everyone believes at first — but they suppress the truth. What thoughts do you have on this?
I keep thinking about this passage from The Message:
Matthew 6:22-23 “Your eyes are windows into your body. If you open your eyes wide in wonder and belief, your body fills up with light. If you live squinty-eyed in greed and distrust, your body is a dank cellar. If you pull the blinds on your windows, what a dark life you will have!”
I know a girl who at the tender age of 8 told me she didn’t believe in God. It was shocking and seemed so very unnatural, for so young a person to say such a thing. I pray for her most every time I drive past her house.
Children usually do have soft hearts and look at the world with wonder, I also thought of this verse:
Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NIV)
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”
Chris, Interesting to see the Message version of Mt 6: 22-23! I need to pull the blinds periodically — parallel to sleep, maybe ;)LOVE the Eccl verse & hadn’t thought of it for a long time. It fits so well; thanks for posting it. The verse is so hope-giving.
3. What do verses 1-4 tell us that creation does?
Creation praises God, demonstrates his work, and reveals part of his nature.
4. Romans 10:18 quotes this psalm — what is the point made there?
Everyone has had the opportunity to hear the good news. Rom 10:18— “But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have, for ‘Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.’”
5. Romans 1:18-20 goes further with this point. What does it say?“by their unrighteousness, they suppress the truth.” and “they are without excuse.”
4. Tim Keller has said that according to this passage, everyone believes at first — but they suppress the truth. What thoughts do you have on this?
Not gonna argue with him because it looks as if that is what Scripture says! But here’s what I wonder: How could people NOT suppress the truth unless Jesus is revealed to them?? “by their unrighteousness [they] suppress the truth.” I’m not connecting all the dots yet, but I know that 1) my/our righteousness is in Jesus; 2) Without Him, I am unrighteous & suppress the truth; 3) People in OT times were made righteous; 4) and I do hear about times when people who have never heard the gospel, in “unreached people groups,” seek and find Jesus. Something/someone was written on their hearts that allowed them to seek and not suppress the truth.O Lord, gently show me your truth, and through your righteousness, keep my heart from suppressing it.
No speech, no words, no voice is heard, yet all across the earth The lines of His all present Word declare His holy worth
So, in this phrase….’His all present Word’ refers to creation. Correct?
I compared it to my NIV which says:
‘There is no speech or language where their voice is NOT heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.” (and we all know that a double negative is a positive! So this means his voice IS HEARD.
At first, I thought they were opposite thoughts. In the song, saying that NO voice is heard….but in the scripture saying there is no where that his voice is NOT heard. But I think what it is really saying is that no audible voice is heard…..and even though there is no voice to read the pages of his written Word to us…..STILL His voice is heard, in every speech and language, because of the glory of creation.
I so concur with others who have written of loving being alone and quiet in the presence of God in his creation. I will compare the NIV to my other versions when I get home. I only brought an NIV. I could look up different versions on the computer I suppose…..but I’m such a ‘hold it in my hand and turn the pages for real” kind of person 🙂
Wanda,
In the versions I’ve read, verses 2-4 all say that his voice is heard through creation — and it does say “words” 🙂 — and I’m thankful that those words transcend language and speech (though some some of those words are loud). At the moment, I’m not up for much more people “chit chat!” (that’ll change with more rest and space!)
The paraphrase above, “No speech, no words, no voice is heard,” then would be accurate in the way that creation and the Spirit of God speak to us.
I think of “His all present Word” as being Jesus/the Triune God, always existing, always present, and the “lines of His all present Word” as referring to Creation. i.e., Word as in “the Word became flesh,” and word as in creation. Multiple layers, but avoiding pantheism and anthropomorphism! That’s also the first way I’m seeing Jesus in this Psalm.
1. What stood out to you from the above and why? The song for sure! Wow, Rebecca you have such a beautiful voice and Wes did such a good job on the guitar!
2. What stands out to you from the first verse of Psalm 19, as paraphrases by T. M. Moore and sung by Rebecca?
From day to day and night by night they shout His glorious name
Some people had the special gift of seeing Jesus, we have a special gift, the Holy Spirit, and every second of every day we also have the heavens reminding us of Him and His glory. It a gift that He gave both those who lived in OT times and NT times. It seems He wanted all people to be able to experience the beauty of His creation. Pretty cool!
3. What do verses 1-4 tell us that creation does?
Creation declares God’s glory. It confirms the power, creativity, and love of our Lord.
4. Romans 10:18 quotes this psalm — what is the point made there?
That the Lord has made Himself known through creation. Creation speaks loud and clear of Him…of His power, creativity, and love.
3. Romans 1:18-20 goes further with this point. What does it say?
There is no excuse for one not to acknowledge/recognize the power and divinity of God. From the time of creation, all that was created provided revelations of Him. (side note…kind of cool to think of oneself as one of those creations that reveal God.)
3. What do verses 1-4 tell us that creation does?
All of creation declares the glory of God; it demonstrates it demonstrates His power– no need to use words!
4. Romans 10:18 quotes this psalm — what is the point made there?
That not everyone who is exposed to the beauty of nature gets the message and glorifies God for it. Some are able to ignore it.
3. Romans 1:18-20 goes further with this point. What does it say?
Man has no excuse for not knowing of God’s existence and power. It has been right there in front of him all along — ever since creation.
4. Tim Keller has said that according to this passage, everyone believes at first — but they suppress the truth. What thoughts do you have on this?
Perhaps mankind suppresses the truth to avoid being overwhelmed by it. Otherwise, one might run down the street exclaiming “Listen to that bird’s beautiful call!” “Smell the fragrance of those flowers!” “What a wonderful shape that tree has!” “I love the feel of the grass between my toes!” And if we acknowledge that God has directed this creation, and that He is in charge of it all — then it is just a small jump to saying “God is in charge of me!!” It is that last one that we are hesitant to admit, and to give up all control of our lives to God.
Deanna, I think your answer to #4 is right on…control has so much to do with it. We like to think we are in control and in charge of our own destiny…independent, when the reality is that the Lord is our security, our provision, and in control thankfully. I do love your descriptions of nature…I can tell that you thoroughly enjoy the world around you…me too 🙂
5. Read Psalm 19:4-6
A. To what does God compare the literal sun? How is the Son of God like the literal sun?
The Son of God is a bridegroom coming for His bride, His beloved ones. He rejoices in the race he is running, in His life and His purpose. Nothing is hidden from God.
B. Listen to Rebecca sing this verse. Then, reading the lyrics in the caption of the picture above, sing it yourself to the tune of Beneath the Cross of Jesus. Let it soak in. Then comment.
I can’t help but rejoice in nature with this verse — in the imagery of the sun being a bridegroom rising to rejoice in running his race from east to west – seeing everything that is happening in each day, spreading its warmth, indeed its fierce, unrelenting heat on all. Then, it is powerful to take that picture and apply it to Jesus – who rejoices in life itself, His purpose and plan, who sees all good and bad, great and small moving forward into His plan.
6. Read Psalm 19:7-8
A. What do you learn about God’s Word?
It is perfect; it revives the soul; it is sure, making wise the simple; it is right, rejoicing the heart; it is pure, enlightening the eyes.
B. Listen to Rebecca sing this verse. Then, reading the lyrics in the caption of the picture above, sing it yourself to the tune of Beneath the Cross of Jesus. Let it soak in. Then comment.
I never noticed this part about how God’s Word makes our hearts rejoice before. As I ponder this, I KNOW this is true. Pondering His Word, knowing its truth, its sure promises, its hope DOES give joy to my heart — sweet, subtle, life-giving joy.
It makes me very sad that so few, even of God’s people spend time in God’s Word, pondering His promises, soaking His truths into their hearts. It is our joy and our life, yet it is so often dismissed as dry and irrelevant while, instead, we spend our time on our little earthly pleasures and distractions which are in fact dust at best, and evil and destructive at worst.
7 B. How have you experienced the power of God’s Word recently?
This is a little thing but it touched me in a sore spot. I was lying awake early one morning, praying and quoting Scripture. I was quoting Psalm 1. “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the way of sinners, or sits in the seat of scoffers…” I was feeling fairly smug. I don’t hang around listening to the counsel of the wicked, sinners or scoffers. I’m pretty careful of the company I keep. Then it hit me like a lightning bolt. “What about television? Do you listen to the counsel of unbelievers there? Do you watch and absorb the ways of sinners and scoffers there?” Yes, Lord, I am guilty there. What is the Lord trying to tell me? Should I stop watching TV completely? I am convicted but unsure what to do now.
Diane–such convicting wisdom here, evidence of His Spirit in you. I too have been convicted lately, our sermon was on Luke 17 and joining God’s war against sin.The enemy is sneaky and deceptive and it is wise that we guard our hearts and minds–thank you for sharing this. I am careful not fill my body with “junk food” but am as I careful with what I feed my mind? Am I fighting for holiness? Good and challenging post, Diane.
We got rid of our satellite TV some time ago. I wish we had done it sooner! We have Roku and Apple TV so we can still watch some, but it is off most of the time. I do not miss it at all!
I have had similar struggles and been convicted by this verse:
Psalm 101:3
(ESV)
I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me.
Thanks, Chris and Elizabeth, for responding to my ponderings regarding TV watching. We only have two local channels, no cable, and try to be careful what we watch but so much of it is totally godless. I like the dramas but the premise is that man can make his own rules with no God to answer to — killing with no consequence, sleeping around as the impulse strikes, and so on. Even the good deeds are shaded with gray intents. Should I really be watching this stuff? Yet, this kind of thinking is everywhere and impossible to avoid. What do we do with the thought that we need to be “in” the world but not “of” the world? I don’t believe we are called to withdraw from the world, though that would be my inclination. How do we shine God’s light and not be taken in by the darkness around us? I am sure each person has to work out their own answer to this question between themselves and God, and all our answers will not look the same. As Jesus said to Peter (my paraphrase) “Never mind what I call John to be or do, YOU follow me.”
This is completely off topic but has been heavy on my heart. With all the preparations for Mother’s day, cards and advertisements surrounding us, it occurs to me that there are “silent followers” with us who may be struggling, as I did for 5 years, with infertility. I know personally there were years it was too painful to go to Church on Mother’s Day. I just wanted to say that I am saying a prayer right now for each of you, God knows your names.
Praying Jeremiah 29:11-13 for you:
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare[a] and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. 13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.
Elizabeth, I love your tender, sensitive heart. I pray with you for those whose arms ache for their missing children – unborn, or lost in other ways.
Elizabeth…how sweet of you to think of all the ones that would be hurting on Mother’s Day. I’m keeping them in my prayers also.
I agree with you, Elizabeth. In fact, so many holidays can be times of sadness and loneliness for many who don’t have family. Just like you to be so sensitive and caring…
You are so tender hearted Elizabeth. It is true that Mothers day is hard for many people for many reasons.
I have a friend whose natural mother and adopted mother both left scars, a young family in our church will have its first mothers day this year after losing their mom to breast cancer. I am sure there are a multitude of hard stories.
Hi Elizabeth- thank you for your prayers for those struggling. I was wondering if you had an email address where I could email you since you have been done this road before.
This quote that I just read from Keller ties in directly with what I posted about being convicted about television in the question on God’s Word. Yep, I don’t like being made uncomfortable so He is real:
I remember this quote as well, Diane…so true.
I’m so sad because I’ve tried and tried to get the song Rebecca sings to play on my smart phone. Oh how I miss my home computor! I can open all the links to YouTube and the sermon. IS THERE ANOTHER WAY I CAN GET THE SONG REBECCA SINGS? I GOING CRAZY HERE…AS I want to hear it so bad! Great surprise Dee!
I found it on youtube! How wonderful you sound Rebecca and Wes…Thank you so much for doing this for Dee…..and thank you so much Dee!!
3. What do verses 1-4 tell us that creation does?
Declare His Glory, proclaim the work of His hands; every day they pour forth speech and every night reveal knowledge. Yet without any words their voice goes out into all the Earth-their words to the end of the world.
4. Romans 10:18 quotes this psalm — what is the point made there?
The Israelites heard through creation-His power, His Holiness, His majesty, yet they suppressed the truth.
3. Romans 1:18-20 goes further with this point. What does it say?
Even though God’s attributes were made clear to them by creation, their wickedness caused them to suppress the truth.
4. Tim Keller has said that according to this passage, everyone believes at first — but they suppress the truth. What thoughts do you have on this?
This may be too simple-but in my case as a child I was in awe of creation and believed in God -Creation is how He told me He is real-He lives and is personal, yet I suppressed the truth until He wooed me and drew me and lifted the veil from my eyes. The reason I suppressed the truth-I don’t know-I guess it is simply because of my sin nature-I didn’t want to yield to Him even though I saw His power, and that He is personal through creation. I guess I didn’t want Him yet and He hadn’t wooed me to that point yet.
Extending this further-I think even now as a Christian my affections can get caught up in a circumstance, blow it up into a mountain bigger than Him and run to my idols instead of Him-this is a way of suppressing the truth-turning my face from His whispers-I think of the Song of Songs and how he stayed at the door-his hair wet with dew and she didn’t want Him because she would rather stay in bed than go to Him. It is like when the Holy Spirit whispers and my heart aches for Him yet at the same time I stubbornly, like the Israelites, say no to Him inside because I want something else more than him.
I love your last paragraph here, Rebecca…that image from Song of Songs and then “It is like when the Holy Spirit whispers and my heart aches for Him yet at the same time I stubbornly, like the Israelites, say not to Him inside because I want something else more than him.”
5A. To what does God compare the literal sun?
a bridegroom…a runner in a race
How is the Son of God like the literal sun?
Jesus completed the course as the sun completes its course each day providing light and heat…Jesus had a task to complete that had a clear beginning, end and purpose. Jesus never wavered from the course…similar to the sun rising and setting as appointed. Jesus began at the beginning and worked through to the end completing the task of salvation/our redemption.
Love your answer for comparing Jesus to the sun. He finished the course and never wavered…. Great insight, Nanci.
To help me memorize, I’ve decided to write each day’s verse on an index card and then I can carry the cards with me during the day. I’ve also enjoyed singing along with Rebecca…she makes me sound good:))
Susan, Such a smart idea to put the verses on index cards. Smiled at your comment about Rebecca making you sound good 🙂
A. To what does God compare the literal sun?
A bridegroom and a champion athlete
How is the Son of God like the literal sun? Life giving-we would all die without the sun even more so without Christ who holds everything together by the word of his power
Source of all light- Illuminating, even the moon shines on us by reflecting the light of the sun, without the sun there would be no light, without Christ we would remain forever in darkness without hope
Constant-Both the sun and Jesus are aways there whether we can perceive that or not. It is neat to be in an airplane that rises up over the clouds, to see that while things may appear very dark from the ground, the sun is still there, shining brightly on the other side of the clouds. That thought has helped in times when I have felt like I had been led into the desert and left alone. I know that my perception is not truth.
Trustworthy- We know that the sun will rise, and that it will travel from east to west rising and falling in predictable rhythm. Christ has made himself know to us, he will do what he has promised, our redeemer is faithful and true
I keep thinking too about the sun as an enemy, if you have no covering from the heat it can be deadly. How in Christ, covered by his blood we can draw near to God. Our sinful selves would be incinerated immediately if we were not covered in Christ’s righteousness. Hallelujah what a Savior!
A. To what does God compare the literal sun?
to a bridegroom: One thing I like about the sun being compared to a bridegroom is the JOY which is embodied in both. The sun after days of cold or days of rain can so readily elevate our spirits. A bridegroom has the joyful anticipation of his beloved becoming his own. Obviously, we the bride of Christ await His return for us with joy and anticipation.
to a champion rejoicing to run its course: So often my mind goes back to Hebrews 12:2….’who for the JOY set before Him, endured the cross, scorning its shame’….. I really like what Nanci said about the sun rising, shining and setting right on course, doing its job…..which is an analogy here for Jesus coming to earth with a purpose, living, dying and rising with that purpose….never wavering. And included in Jesus faithfulness is the JOY with which He accomplished our salvation.
How is the Son of God like the literal sun? Here’s some thoughts from the commentary in my study Bible. “The heavens are the divinely pitched ‘tent’ for the lordly sun – widely worshiped in the ancient Near East but here, as in 136:7,8 a mere creature of God. Of the created realm, the sun is the supreme metaphor of the glory of God as it makes its daily triumphant sweep across the whole extent of the heavens and pours out its heat (felt presence) on every living creature.” Lots of verses are given to cross reference.
One of my old favorites:
” The Lord God is a sun and shield. The Lord gives grace and glory. No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly” Ps. 84:11
I remember discovering this verse while in college and thinking…. ‘Wow…..God covers everything. God gives us the warmth of His presence but shields us from harm. He gives us grace for our sin and failures. But yet we share in His glory’
Many good answers have been already given with so many meaningful comparisons that help us. I do like the commentary’s point that the heat of the sun is its felt presence. God’s love for us….manifest in innumerable ways…..is His felt presence in our lives.
.
Wanda, it is a good point to remember that the sun was “widely worshipped” in ancient times and the psalmist probably knew this when he deliberately portrayed the sun as a glorious subject of an even more glorious God.
3. What do verses 1-4 tell us that creation does? Creation declares the glory of God, it proclaims the work of His hands, never stopping, without language barrier it professes that He IS.
4. Romans 10:18 quotes this psalm – what is the point made there? It sounds like excuses are being made for those that have not, or would not, believe. But the point being made is that there is no excuse- all have heard because “their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the end of the earth.” That he who would look would find Him.
3. Romans 1:18-20 goes further with this point. What does it say? That God has made Himself plain to those that do not want to hear. That those with excuses are actually suppressing the truth by their wickedness. I am convicted to not let myself be self-righteous here. Because I know that even though I profess He IS I still suppress His truth in my life in other ways. God, help me.
4. Tim Keller has said that according to this passage, everyone believes at first – but they suppress the truth. What thoughts do you have on this? I agree. I think a good example of this is how God creates us as expressive and responsive and we culturally learn to suppress that. This is not a soapbox about charismatic worship – but if you watch children respond to music, stories, excitement I can see that we as humans have big hearts and big emotions that manifest in physical reactions! But then we suppress this. I think some do the same with the truth they are told of God over and over – they suppress it as child-like and they are “too mature for fairy tales that just don’t logically make sense.” It saddens me that we have desensitized ourselves to wonderful!
5. Read Psalm 19:4-6.
A. To what does God compare the literal sun? To a (the) bridegroom. How is the Son of God like the literal sun? I am struck by the phrase “nothing is hidden from its heat.” This is another way of saying that all know. It also has a feel of wrath to it, justice, and judgement. But on the other hand if we are cold dead hearts then to say nothing is hidden from its heat would be a healing – a warmth to revive our stiff frozen hearts. Christ is both of these – the perfect law and a healer and life giver. Keller mentions this in his sermon – that we all have response to His creation, none of us can hide from it – but some try to run, to suppress it.
B. Listen to Rebecca sing this verse. Then, reading the lyrics in the caption of the picture above, sing it for yourself to the tune of Beneath the Cross of Jesus. Let it soak in. Then comment.
I am struck by His rejoicing – he delights in us. To rise above us giving light and heat and to look down and observe from His daily course is joyful for Him. That gives me a smile. =) I am also struck by Him doing it over and over, every morning to every night – applying His heat to those that would try to hide every day – an attempt to win them again and again? An attempt to refine me again and again? Every day new mercies! Every day another walk with Him to learn and grow and savor His presence. I never doubt that the sun will rise and make it to the next horizon – why do I doubt He who makes it happen?! God, you are amazing!!
Me too and amen to your answer to # 3 Jill.
Read Psalm 19:7-8
A. What do you learn about God’s Word?
God’s word is:
Perfect-without fault, excellent, matchless
Refreshing-thirst quenching, revitalizing, restorative to the soul
Trustworthy-accurate and credible
Imparts wisdom-instructs, enlightens, disciplines
Right-true, righteous
Gives joy-teaches us to hope on eternal things
Radiant- illuminating, shining, resplendent
Then comment
The simple man God’s wisdom learns stood out to me. Do I think myself wise? or am I willing to look to God and rest in Christ, knowing that I bring nothing, I come naked ,wretched, and blind, and receive limitless grace, anything true that I see or understand is a gift to me.
6. Read Psalm 19:7-8. What stands out after soaking in T.M. Moore’s version.
Oh my, I had memorized these verses years ago, set to music. Either I took them for granted or the combination of different lyrics and a different tune enhanced the meaning. The RICHNESS of the Word of God is so evident: its perfection, the sureness or stability, the healing nature of the Word, its purity and truth.
I was struck by Moore’s (and the Bible’s!) identification of the actor and the object or recipient of the action. The only phrase is which man is the actor is “the simple man God’s wisdom learns.” In every other phrase, God/His word is the actor or man is the recipient:
Through his Word, HE GIVES healing, truth, understanding, joy. In this case, turning around the words to fit the tune adds even more richness: “With joy He fills our hearts.” Not only does he fill our hears with joy, HE FILLS OUR HEARTS with His Spirit.What gifts He has given us. He LOVES us so much! This definitely isn’t a “you have to read the Bible or else” passage. Rather, it is “Come to me. I love you and want to give you more joy, healing, love, truth, and understanding. It’s better than you can ever imagine. I am here. My Word is here. LET me love you.”
I love your enthusiastic answer to #6, Renee.
3. What do verses 1-4 tell us that creation does? It reflects and proclaims the glory, omnipotence and love of its Creator.
4. Romans 10:18 quotes this psalm — what is the point made there? Paul says that not everyone accepts the good news and refers to Isaiah who says that not everyone believes the message. He states again that Faith comes by hearing and the message is heard through the words of Christ. So the haunting question is: “Did they ever hear?” And his resounding answer is….’Of course they did” and then he quotes the Ps. 19 passage. This is a very strong statement of the role that Creation has in bringing people to the gospel and to salvation.
3. Romans 1:18-20 goes further with this point. What does it say? This passage has always been a sad one for me and to be honest, I’ve had a hard time accepting it. I know, in my mind, it is true because it is written. In my heart, it’s hard to understand how ‘what may be known about God is plain to them’ through Creation. Without even stretching my mind to those in places where God’s word is not even written in their own language and who have never had a witness to his truth (with generations of those before them creating their own beliefs to pass on)…….I don’t have to go far to see people who have never heard in our own vicinity and neighborhoods. With my son and his wife being houseparents to kids who come from lives of abuse, neglect and loss, I know children who had literally never heard the story or in some cases, even the name of Jesus until they were placed at the Christian campus and into loving Christian homes there. I always struggle with these verses that say God’s wrath is on those who suppress the truth because Creation makes it so plain…..when I think of individuals like these. I know it’s true. But it’s still hard for me to understand. It’s sort of easy for me to say…’well, God is Sovereign and He has a plan’ and I’ve read essays (C.S. Lewis and others) that sometimes bring me to a place of peace about this….but it is still one of the hard truths of scripture. I just don’t know HOW it is that ‘plain’ to those who never had someone to point the way. It may be plain that there is a Creator and a powerful ‘God’ behind it……but I wonder how they come to peace with God and into his salvation without his written message. I DO know though, that God is a God of mercy and unconditional love and being all wise besides, he knows every person’s heart. He doesn’t condemn unjustly.
4. Tim Keller has said that according to this passage, everyone believes at first — but they suppress the truth. What thoughts do you have on this? As I said above, I struggle with this still. Even though I am able to say, “I believe in a Sovereign God and only He knows everyone’s hearts”. I think I need more teaching about the ‘everyone believes at first’ part. I can see (sadly) that many hear the word (are nurtured and taught and live in Christian homes oftentimes) and then go on with life and suppress the truth. That part is obvious to me. That it happens to everyone is hard for me to latch on to.
I have a prayer request because my heart has been so sad the past 24 hours. My grandmother passed away yesterday. She was a believer and the Lord has helped me be strong up until now, but last night I lost it because I just want to call her or see her, but I cant. We were close as she lived 5 min from me and I was able to talk to her or see her every day. She had been sick for so long, I just never knew how sad I would actually be when the day came where I could not do those things anymore.
Oh Natalie,
I am so sorry. I’m praying that God will comfort and strengthen you and give you his rest. It will be difficult for a while 🙁
oh Natalie, I am SO SO sorry. I cry at any mention of my grandmother and it’s been 18 years. Even yesterday I teared up using her old blue metal ice cream scoop (saved anything of hers I could!). I know the loss of a sweet grandmother you’ve been close to, so sorry. Will add this to my prayers for you.
ps–just got your email from Dee & Rebecca, so check your mail 🙂
Painful Natalie, I am sorry for your loss. I think of my mom everyday since she passed in March. I am glad God gives us memories so I can remember her. I hope you find peace in your memories. It sounds like your grandmother was truly a blessing to you. Hugs ( )
Praying that God will heal your heart, Natalie. And that you will give yourself lots of time to grieve and process. And remember that when you cry, it doesn’t mean ‘you’re not taking it well’ as some will say. When you love much, you grieve much and it is so evident how much you loved. I completely understand that feeling of ‘not knowing how said I would be’. Peace to you dear sister.
Oh, Natalie. So sad about your grandmother. I add my prayers to the prayers of others. I too had a wonderful godly grandmother that I miss so much.
Natalie – so, so sorry to hear of your loss. Praying for you.
Natalie I am so sorry for your loss. It sounds like you were truly blessed to have had such a wonderful grandmother. I love this Bonhoeffer quote, I think there is such truth in it.
“There is nothing that can replace the absence of someone dear to us, and one should not even attempt to do so. One must simply hold out and endure it. At first that sounds very hard, but at the same time it is also a great comfort. For to the extent the emptiness truly remains unfilled one remains connected to the other person through it. It is wrong to say that God fills the emptiness. God in no way fills it but much more leaves it precisely unfilled and thus helps us preserve — even in pain — the authentic relationship. Further more, the more beautiful and full the remembrances, the more difficult the separation. But gratitude transforms the torment of memory into silent joy. One bears what was lovely in the past not as a thorn but as a precious gift deep within, a hidden treasure of which one can always be certain.”
— Dietrich Bonhoeffer
This is a great quote from Bonhoeffer, Chris. Where did you find this?
I am not really sure where I found it Diane, I don’t remember. I posted it in my Notes on Facebook close to one year after we lost Daniel.
Many websites that include the quote don’t have the source either, but I did find this at quoteyard.com: (Love this— might use it when speaking at a conf on grief and loss for caregivers in a couple weeks. Thanks, CHris!)
Thank you Chris, for that wonderful quote. It speaks volumes.
6. Read Psalm 19:7-8
A. What do you learn about God’s Word?
I immediately had to reach for my NASB because these verses were put to a melody in the mid-70’s which became very popular with my peers, using the ‘then newly released’ NASB version which was during my Bible school years and we sang them often. Still love that song and the words were very close to verbatim.
I find it meaningful that each nuance of God’s word is addressed: The Law, testimony or statutes, precepts, commands and later, the fear of the Lord and his judgements or ordinances. Nothing is insignificant. All are right, pure, true, trustworthy, enlightening, restorative, reviving and joyous to the heart.
I think I most love the imagery of ‘restoring the soul’. How I need that restoration every day…..sometimes many times a day.
But, today…..the verse that says ‘the testimony (or the statutes) of the Lord are sure (or trustworthy) making wise the simple speaks so clear to me. I have, in the past 2 months, been back in a relationship with a woman, about my age, whose family were neighbors to us when we were children. Charlotte is fairly mentally disabled, some physical disability but probably the biggest disability she had growing up was abject poverty and living in close to uninhabitable conditions. Long story. There’s so much to her story…..but over the years, several times she has surprised me with a phone call just out of the blue. I have written back to her….but writing is hard and she doesn’t always have a phone….so we would lose touch for years and then….boom….out of the blue… another call. Well….this time, about 2 months ago, she called….very excited to tell me she had joined a church and she thought I should know! She said she just felt ‘it was time.’…..(as a kid, our family invited her and her siblings to Sunday school, my dad, as a grocery store owner was very good to her family and even on occasion accepted ‘trinkets’ in exchange for groceries etc. and my friends and I took her to Bible camp with us once or twice. So….she knows that I would like to know about her joining a church…smile) Well…..this time, because she lives in the same town as one of my good friends and now goes to the same church….we have kept in contact. She calls fairly often now. She has risen above SO many hurdles, I am VERY proud of her. Charlotte has what could be best described as a ‘simple mind’…in terms of her understanding of many things. But….I was thinking of this verse for her because she is truly open to God’s word. She called one day SO happy because she was part of a new womens 50 day study and she had just gotten the ‘kit’ with the materials that day in church. I just see such joy in her whenever she talks about her church. And as we were talking about things in the past and even some hard things she had gone through….she told me at least 3 times….’God works in mysterious ways, you know.’ I was so humbled by her truly childlike faith…..and how the Word had made the simple wise.
B. How have you experienced the power of God’s Word recently? I had sat down this afternoon and wrote out some thoughts I was thinking through to answer this but now that I typed out the story of my friend, Charlotte…..I think that fits perfectly. God’s Word has reached her heart….and mine through her, in a powerful way. Answer above! 🙂
6A. What do you learn about God’s Word? His laws are perfect and refreshing. His statutes are trustworthy and make one wise. His precepts are right and give joy to the heart.
A. Jonathan Edwards says there is a difference between knowing honey is sweet and tasting it. What do you think he means? It’s like everything in life, knowledge is one thing, but experience is a whole new perspective. You can know the things of God, but when you experience them your knowledge is complete.
B. How have you experienced the power of God’s Word recently? I have been praying about and truly experiencing forgiveness toward my coworkers. I want what is best for them and to allow Christ to work through me so that they can experience His loving kindness.
I love that you are praying for your co-workers Dawn 🙂
I join with you in that.
I have been convicted lately of the sin in my self focus in relationships, it is a discipline to turn that inward curve of out hearts upward, to God in trust, then outward to others in love. I am grateful that he is at work in me so that even see how self centered I am.
Dawn–this is SO good to hear “I have been praying about and truly experiencing forgiveness toward my coworkers.” I know it has been a rough road in your job–love hos He is moving you and shining through you.
3. What do verses 1-4 tell us that creation does?
Praise God!
4. Romans 10:18 quotes this psalm — what is the point made there?
He wants to know if we got the message from God 🙂
3. Romans 1:18-20 goes further with this point. What does it say?
Humanity should be well of the “rights and wrongs” of this world since God has made it plain to us with His beautiful earth; nature kinda says it all. God made it clear. Humans need to be as beautiful as His other creations.
4. Tim Keller has said that according to this passage, everyone believes at first — but they suppress the truth. What thoughts do you have on this?
Not sure I understand the question but here goes…..
Well, as a child you have child-like faith. Then as you grow and realize you have choices, and there is pressure and distractions all around you, you begin to waiver for one reason or another. You might still have a tiny bit of belief because you don’t want to give up hope, but the world has definitely beaten you down. You surely wouldn’t dare to mention in public your belief for fear of excommunication or earthly pleasures……
If you were an adult when you first believed, you have loads of struggle ahead. Some people think if they are believers that they won’t have any problems in life. Not true! We are sinful to begin with and we have to deal with that day in and out. How do you defend your belief if you are struggling just like others who don’t believe? If you can’t defend, then you better not speak out. It’s possible these folks just need to dig into their Bibles a bit more.
Being a Christian isn’t easy, but I’m sure being nailed to a cross wasn’t a piece of cake either. Christianity is the only religion I can think of where the “leader” gave something to have something. Why wouldn’t we want to tell everyone?
5. Read Psalm 19:4-6
A. To what does God compare the literal sun? How is the Son of God like the literal sun?
Like a bridegroom coming out from his chamber, successful, wrapping the world, end to end, in his warmth. Incidentally, our sun is a pretty “cool” star with respect to stars. Other stars are much hotter. It’s surface temperature is “only” about 6500 degrees C where others’ are 30,000 degrees C or even higher. If hotter, earth wouldn’t be here. It would be a singed rock! I love how God made it “just right :)” Thank You, Lord!
The Son wraps us in His warmth and love. He is “just right.”
I know lots here have said this before, but I just want to say again … Thank you for giving us your scientific perspective on nature. I just think the extra information adds such wonderful depth to our appreciation of God. Yes, I love that God made the sun and the earth “just right”.
3. What do verses 1-4 tell us that creation does?
Creation declares the glory of God, and proclaims His handiwork. Creation cannot be silenced! It is ceaseless praise—from morning to morning, and no one can quiet its voice. Creation proves a Creator.
4. Romans 10:18 quotes this psalm — what is the point made there?
The Gospel has gone out everywhere; unbelief cannot be blamed on not hearing His Word, for creation speaks His voice. What is interesting here to me, is that God did not rely on man alone to spread the Good News.
3. Romans 1:18-20 goes further with this point. What does it say?
This ties in to what was striking me above, man, in our unrighteous godliness, suppress truth. Even those of us who profess faith, we are corrupt in nature, and we do not purely reflect Him. But God does not rely solely on man, He uses all of creation to declare His glory—so that we are all without excuse for knowing the Truth.
4. Tim Keller has said that according to this passage, everyone believes at first — but they suppress the truth. What thoughts do you have on this?
In order to suppress something, we have to first obtain it. So we all have the truth, and then in our sinful nature, we suppress it. We try to live self-sufficiently. We forget to praise Him for all things, we try to keep Him out of certain areas of our lives. We try to manipulate and control—we try to suppress His power, His Lordship in our lives.