Moody Grad
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Posts posted by Moody Grad
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Q4. (Psalm 34:18-22) What encouragement does David give to the brokenhearted? What does it mean that God "redeems" you? How can we avoid condemnation according to Psalm 34:22?
David encourages the brokenhearted that God will rescue their "crushed" spirits, deliver them from trouble, and protect them from physical harm. Through redemption, God has paid for my release from sin so that I am released from the condemnation that accompanies it. When I take refuge in God my Savior, I avoid condemnation and experience abundant life.
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Q3. (Psalm 34:1-3) Why should we praise God continually? What are barriers to continual praise? What does continual praise do to our spirit? How are you training yourself to praise continually?
We should praise God continually because He has delivered us from our sins and He cares for us in every way. Barriers to continual praise include worry, self-reliance, and sin. Continual praise causes my spirit to continue to put my hope in God for He will be faithful. I am learning how to praise continually by thanking God for the good things He has done and praying with faith that He will continue to do a good work in me.
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Q2. (Psalm 118) What does "the stone the builders rejected" (verses 22-23) have to do with the Messiah? What do verses 25-27 have to do with the Messiah?
"The stone the builders rejected" refers to the religious leaders who rejected Jesus' deity. In truth, though, He is the cornerstone of our faith and came to be the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Upon Him, we can build our spiritual houses of hope and abundant life. I believe verses 25-27 talk about Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Just as the people of that day shouted "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord," we can join in celebrating that He has come, He is here with us as our intercessor, and He is coming again to take us back to live with Him forever. "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!"
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Q1. (Psalm 100) What is the predominant emotion in Psalm 100? How does this psalm make you feel emotionally about God? What are the reasons for praise given in verses 3 and 5? What are the commands in this psalm?
The predominant emotion is joy. This psalm makes me feel wanted, loved, and cared for by God. He says that "we are his," "his people," and "the sheep of his pasture." These are reasons to praise Him. In verse 5, we see that we must praise Him because of His goodness, everlasting love, and his faithfulness. I love the worshipful commands that tell us to "shout for joy," "worship the Lord with gladness," sing "joyful songs," "enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise," "give thanks," and "praise his name." He created me and cares for me. Like Jeremiah 29:11 says: He has a "purpose" and a "plan" for me. How can I do anything but praise Him? Hallelujah!
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Exercise. For one of the psalms in this lesson -- or another psalm with a similar theme -- do one of the suggested exercises to help you experience the Psalms (<a href="http://www.jesuswalk.com/psalms/psalms-exercises.htm" target="_blank">www.jesuswalk.com/psalms/psalms-exercises.htm</a>). These include such things as praying a psalm, meditating, reading to a shut-in, paraphrasing, writing your own psalm, singing, preparing a liturgy, and memorizing. Then report to the forum what the exercise meant to you personally or share what you've written with others.
Today, I read Psalm 32 again but this time in the New Living Translation. This version stresses the joy that is mine when I confess my sin and allow my record to be wiped out. Guilt sapped my strength but I can feel great release when I choose freedom and purity. A paraphrase of verses 10 and 11: The wicked suffer much grief, but God's unfailing love is all around those who trust Him. So praise the Lord, O servants of God! Celebrate with shouting, for your hearts have been purified!
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Q4. (Psalm 51:17) How does one achieve a "broken and contrite heart"? What are the earmarks of this condition? How does this differ from "being sorry" for a sin? How does humility relate to this condition?
A broken and contribute heart comes when I sacrifice my life. I give up trying to do my own thing all the time. In this condition, I am willing to do whatever it takes to allow God to change me on the inside so that I may become God's man. I seek Godly counsel and do what I need to do to walk in victory over sin. On the other hand, someone who is "sorry" does not have a plan to change. He is just sorry that he was caught. I must come to God in humility if I wish to leave a "whole" man.
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Q3. (Psalm 51:10-12) How is it possible to have a "pure heart" after great sin? What does a "pure heart" consist of? What is the relationship between a "pure heart" (Psalm 51:10) and a "united" or "undivided heart" (Psalm 86:11)? Who purifies the heart? What is the process?
If we ask God to forgive us and wash away our sins, He gives us a "pure heart" that desires after the things of God once again. A pure heart and and an undivided heart are similar. They both desire to serve God, and God alone. God purifies the heart. It begins when I cry out to Him for forgiveness and cleansing. He comes to me and washes me "whiter than the snow" and strikes the sin out of His books. Finally, He gives me a "pure heart" that seeks total devotion to Him. "Lord, give me a pure and undivided heart that I may seek after the good things of You only. I desire to serve You at all times. Amen."
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Q2. (Psalm 51:3-6) When David says, "Against you only I have sinned" (4a) is he minimizing his sin against Bathsheba and Uriah? What does he mean by this? When he mentions his sinfulness from before birth is he excusing himself or blaming Original Sin? What does he mean by this?
I don't believe that David is minimizing his sin. Instead, he realizes that only God can judge him or cleanse him from his sins. When he mentions his sinfulness before birth, he is blaming Original Sin. Because Adam and Eve sinned, all people are born sinners. We cannot experience freedom from this sin until we confess our sins before God and accept His forgiveness and spiritual renewal. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." "For it is by grace, you have been saved. It is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast."
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Q1. (Psalm 32:2-5) How does self-deceit operate with sin to enslave us? How does confession enable us to get free from sin? Why do we sometimes resist the truth about ourselves? What does it take to get us to see truth sometimes?
Self-deceit and sin work together slowly to eat away at our strength and our spirits. It piles on guilt to enslave us in our sin. When I confess my sin, the guilt rolls away and I have nothing to hide. As the song says, "I am free to run and live for you" in a place where my sin and my guilt can no longer reach me. I know that I want to resist the truth about myself sometimes, because I do not want to expose the guilt and wounds of my sins to others or to God. It seems easier to live with the pain than be vulnerable and open to possible misunderstanding. For me, I need to see the miraculous work Christ does to free others to see that I must do the same thing to experience the same freedom. Then, God promises, "I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you." (Ps. 32:8)
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Exercise. For one of the psalms in this lesson -- or another psalm with a similar theme -- do one of the suggested exercises to help you experience the Psalms (<a href="http://www.jesuswalk.com/psalms/psalms-exercises.htm" target="_blank">www.jesuswalk.com/psalms/psalms-exercises.htm</a>). These include such things as praying a psalm, meditating, reading to a shut-in, paraphrasing, writing your own psalm, singing, preparing a liturgy, and memorizing. Then report to the forum what the exercise meant to you personally or share what you've written with others.
1 The LORD says to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet." 2 The LORD will extend your mighty scepter from Zion; you will rule in the midst of your enemies. 3 Your troops will be willing on your day of battle. Arrayed in holy majesty, from the womb of the dawn you will receive the dew of your youth. 4 The LORD has sworn and will not change his mind: "You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek." 5 The Lord is at your right hand; he will crush kings on the day of his wrath. 6 He will judge the nations, heaping up the dead and crushing the rulers of the whole earth. 7 He will drink from a brook beside the way; therefore he will lift up his head.
I meditated on Psalm 110 today. David prophesied that the Son of David has come to bring justice. Currently, he waits for the Father to release Him to avenge His wrath. The King of Kings will come with the vigor of a young boy. He will fulfill his mission as an everlasting priest. In majesty, He will lay his enemies to waste. Nothing will stop Him. A life-giving stream will renew his spirit. I am so thankful to know that Christ will overthrow his enemies in the end. Sometimes, it seems like evil is winning in this world. But, no, my God is a God of justice and He will make all things right in the last days. Praise His holy name!
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Q4. (Psalm 22) What similarities do you see between the words of Psalm 22 and the events of Jesus' crucifixion? Do you think Jesus understood Psalm 22 as referring to himself? Why do you think the Spirit inspired David to pen these words?
He was mocked, conspired against, and in thirst. Like the words of Psalm 22, Jesus sweat drops of blood and his garments were divided by gamblers. And yes, I do believe Jesus understood that these verses referred to himself. He was well-versed in the Torah and understood the prophecies about Him. I believe the Spirit inspired David to write these words to prepare God's people for the coming Messiah and to show God's desire to rescue them from their sins. Because God delivers His people, they should turn to Him and praise His name forever.
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Q3. (Psalm 22:1) Why do you think Jesus spoke the words of Psalm 22:1? What was he seeking to express? What was he feeling? How did God answer his plea?
Jesus was feeling the anguish of the sins of mankind that separate us from God. I think that he was trying to show us how totally our sins remove us from God. I believe that He was feeling our pain just as much as He was feeling His own pain and anguish. God answered His plea by raising Him from the dead as an example of the new life God wishes to give us when we ask Him.
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Q2. (Psalm 110) Why do you think that Jesus asked the Pharisees about verse 1, "If then David calls him 'Lord,' how can he be his son?" What point was Jesus making? How does Jesus combine the roles of Warrior-King and Priest in his ministry to us and to this world? How do you reconcile the violence suggested in verses 5-6 with Jesus as "Prince of Peace"?
The Pharisees did not wish to see Jesus as the Messiah, but Jesus was making the point that He was the Messiah and Lord of All that David prophesied about. As Warrior-King and Priest, Jesus has come to judge God's enemies while also interceding for His children to make them successes in the Kingdom. While the final battle will be very violent, the ultimate result will be peace in the world. He is the "Prince of Peace."
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Q1. (Psalm 2) What does Psalm 2 teach us about Yahweh's "anointed" king? Why do you think the apostles saw this passage as referring to Jesus the Messiah? What does the passage teach about the importance of submission to Jesus the Christ before it is too late?
The anointed one would be conspired against. Other nations and peoples would seek to bring Him to ruin. But the Father exalted Him and gave Him dominion over the earth to rule with justice. I believe apostles believed these verses referred to Jesus because no one else has ever ruled the whole earth. Also, Jesus was beaten and crucified just as the king in this passage was mocked and possibly beaten and battered. In the end, it is importance to submit to Jesus while there is still time because He comes to judge and all his enemies will be destroyed on that fateful day.
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Exercise. For one of the psalms in this lesson -- or another psalm with a similar theme -- do one of the suggested exercises to help you experience the Psalms (<a href="http://www.jesuswalk.com/psalms/psalms-exercises.htm" target="_blank">www.jesuswalk.com/psalms/psalms-exercises.htm</a>). These include such things as praying a psalm, meditating, reading to a shut-in, paraphrasing, writing your own psalm, singing, preparing a liturgy, and memorizing. Then report to the forum what the exercise meant to you personally or share what you've written with others.
I continued working on memorizing Psalm 61. I had started memorizing it, but stopped. I still want to cry out to Him, to run to His refuge, and praise Him as I fulfil my vows to Him daily. In addition, I listened to and meditated on Shane and Shane's song on Psalm 145. The truths of the Word become embedded in my heart through music. "The Lord is gracious, slow to anger, rich in mercy, and good to all." I continue to appreciate how these exercises help me to apply what I have learned in the past week and let me think about the Psalms as a whole.
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Q3. (Psalm 117 and Lamentations 3:22-23). Why are love and trustworthiness so important as the bedrock of the Old Testament faith? What kinds of terms does the New Testament use to talk about these characteristics? Can you think of any New Testament verses that speak of these themes?
They needed to know, just as we need to know today, that God is love and that He can be trusted. Faith hinges on those two things. In the New Testament, these characteristics are described as compassion, mercy, love, etc. In Matthew 18:33 Jesus said, "Shouldn't you have mercy on your fellow servant just as I had mercy on you?" II Corinthians 1:3 talks about God as the "father of compassion." He is still loving and trustworthy today.
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Q2. (Psalm 145) Which aspects of God's character mentioned in Psalm 145 stand out to you in particular? Why is it important for "every creature," every human being, to praise him? What are you doing to help that happen?
I am drawn to God's faithfulness and His nearness. He will complete what He promises to do in me and He's always there when I cry out to Him. It is important that everything praises Him because without Him we would be lost. His faithfulness, love, mercy, justice, and all other characteristics are without comparison. I want to praise Him again today through music, singing, praying, and living a righteous life with God-glorifying words, actions, and thoughts.
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Q1. (Psalm 103) Which one or two aspects of God's character mentioned in this Psalm stand out to you? Why do you think the Exodus was so foundational in Israel's understanding of God? According to Psalm 103:10-12, what are the limits to God's forgiveness?
The Lord's compassion and grace stand out to me. Despite my sinfulness and willful disobedience, He had compassion on me and extended grace so that I might receive abundant life and life eternal. I believe the exodus was foundational to Israel's understanding of God in that they could see it was God who had brought them out of Egypt into a new land of blessing. Based on my understanding of Hebrew poetry, the poets used language like "as high as the heavens are above the earth" and "as far as the east is from the west" to represent totality. Since humans cannot measure these spans, in the same way God's forgiveness cannot be measured. His forgiveness is limitless.
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Exercise. For one of the psalms in this lesson -- or another psalm with a similar theme -- do one of the suggested exercises to help you experience the Psalms (<a href="http://www.jesuswalk.com/psalms/psalms-exercises.htm" target="_blank">www.jesuswalk.com/psalms/psalms-exercises.htm</a>). These include such things as praying a psalm, meditating, reading to a shut-in, paraphrasing, writing your own psalm, singing, preparing a liturgy, and memorizing. Then report to the forum what the exercise meant to you personally or share what you've written with others.
I prayed Psalm 124. It is good to recognize God as the King of glory and the creator of all things. I needed the reminder that only the pure in heart will stand in His presence and receive His blessing. Great is the King of Israel, the King of Glory!
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Q4. (Psalm 24) How do verses 1-2 establish the Lord's right as King? What do verses 3-6 tell us about the requirements of the King? What do verses 7-10 tell us about the glory of the King? How does this psalm speak to you in your situation?
The Lord is the rightful King because he created the whole earth and set it into motion. The King is so pure and righteous that He is above reproach. He worships the Lord only. The Lord blesses Him and declares Him worthy. He is a great warrior whose presence commands glory and honor. This psalm tells me that the King is worthy of all my praise. Because He created the earth and sustains it through His holiness, only He is worthy of my praise. Praise and glory be unto the King eternal!
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Q3. (Psalm 126). In this psalm, the nation is going through some kind of crisis. How does memory of God's deliverance in verses 1-3 prepare them for the prayer of verse 4? How do you understand the two metaphors of deliverance: (1) a wadi or dry gully and (2) sowing and reaping? How do these metaphors help you in your situation?
When the Israelites looked back on the joy of deliverance, they believed that God would work in their favor once again. Like the wadi and sowing and reaping, God often takes us through difficult times and times of sorrow so that we will praise Him when he restores us. I am reminded that my recent times of sorrow and loss are likely to result in great reward and joy. I have had difficulty in school and in my health and every time God has blessed me in ways that I could never have imagined. I can praise God for the wonderful blessings that have come out of grief and anguish.
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Q2. (Psalm 96) What does it mean to "ascribe" to God attributes of glory and strength? What happens when we fail to ascribe such qualities to him? In what sense is praise to God "fitting" or "worthy"?
Ascribing means crediting God with the glory and strength that already belongs to Him. If I fail to acknowledge these qualities in Him, I cannot experience the fullness of joy in Him. I am very likely trying to control my own life. Praise is "fitting" because He is the righteous judge and the whole earth praises Him. I can't find the Scripture right now, but I am reminded that I don't remember to praise Him the rocks will cry out. He deserves our praise. My Creator God is worthy of all my praise.
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Q1. (Psalm 57) Why is praise difficult in the midst of trying circumstances? How does praise affect our faith? Our attitude? Our motivation?
I know that I can get so consumed by my problems that I forget to praise. It is the last thing I think of doing. However, praise lifts up my soul. My faith is strengthened and renewed. I can face another day knowing that His love is great. I can choose joy and be motivated by His faithfulness to me. My God will not forget me. He knew me even before I was placed in my mother's womb!
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Exercise. For one of the psalms in this lesson -- or another psalm with a similar theme -- do one of the suggested exercises to help you experience the Psalms (<a href="http://www.jesuswalk.com/psalms/psalms-exercises.htm" target="_blank">www.jesuswalk.com/psalms/psalms-exercises.htm</a>). These include such things as praying a psalm, meditating, reading to a shut-in, paraphrasing, writing your own psalm, singing, preparing a liturgy, and memorizing. Then report to the forum what the exercise meant to you personally or share what you've written with others.
I prayed Psalm 31. My soul was encouraged to remember that I can put my trust and hope in the Lord. He will protect and preserve me. His love is so great and I can rest, quiet my soul, in the Almighty.
Lesson 12. Exercises
in 12. Psalms: Giving Thanks to Our Faithful God
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I sang Psalm 100. "Make a joyful noise to the Lord all ye lands. Serve the lord with gladness. Come before His presence with thanksgiving in your heart. Serve the Lord with gladness." I want to serve the Lord gladly in everything that I do.