Malkiya

Q2. (Psalm 15) The Wisdom Psalms are meant to instruct us. How would you use this psalm in your family to instruct your children? What topics of right living does it cover? This Psalm cover many elements of right living for adults and for children... Live a truthful, righteous life. Don't lie or cheat. Don't gossip or slander or slur others. Treat your neighbor without wrong (Golden rule) Honor other believers, even in times of problems (good marriage rule too) Lend and recieve lent money without ill intent. Accept no bribe to do anything against the innocent. Truth, righteousness living that honors others. No better way to live.

Q2. (Luke 1:34) In what way does Mary's "How?" question (1:34) to the angel's declaration differ from Zechariah's "How?" question (1:18)? Why was Mary rewarded and Zechariah disciplined? Mary's how seems to based on practical and known knowledge of the day...not being able to get pregnant without intimacy. Hers is one of inquiry as to how this could happen knowing this knowledge. The innocence of the question is reconciling to the new knowledge and her situation. Zechariah's question, appears to have an element of "faith" and his lack of "sureness" related to God and to Mary...almost as if to say that Mary was too old to attract anyone. Almost a disrespectful tone toward her and toward God.

Q1. (Luke 1:31-34) What did the angel's announcement say about who Mary's Child was and who he was to become? The angel said Mary's child was "named" Jesus. He was to become great, the Son of God and he was to reign over the house of Jacob.

It is good to be here for the Bible study forum for Christmas Incarnation. I am on the road now, no permanent address, raised in Florida, but have lived in many places: Israel, Hawaii, Alabama, Colorado...I am a 40 something single man. I am looking forward to more with Pastor Ralph and becoming more "buried" in the word and doctrines of God. I am looking forward to hearing more about God becoming flesh and becoming a man in the form of Jesus Christ. The discussion of God in man and God as man is an exciting one.

Q2. (Psalms 42-43) What is the psalmist feeling during this spiritual struggle? He seems to be low, confused, have "the blues", short on hope... How does he combat his spiritual depression? Tells it to God. At least he realizes he doesn't have to suffer alone. Have you ever felt this way? How did you reach out to God at this time? Yes. Strong meditative prayer and searching for answers in the word, and in the holy spirit. "...when we are low, it is because we are thirsty. What we need is a good, deep drink at the well of God."

Q1. (Psalm 27) What does it mean that David desires to "dwell in the house of the Lord"? I believe that "may dwell in the house of the LORD, all the days of my life," is a metaphor to ha=ve his soul be invested in the holy spirit enough to create that "house" in side, within him/us so that he can have God at all times, with him. To be able to "gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple" appears to indicate a more etherial "gaze" and "temple" of the mind...accessible at any time. What does it mean to "seek his face"? To have a personal, accessible access to God during times of need, "the day of trouble". As he seeks his face in his mind during hard times, his "head" will then be exalted,,,seeing the sought face of God is hoped to assist during those challenging times. How does David provide hope at the end of this Psalm? He notes "confidence" of seeing the goodness of the LORD. As we are strong and take heart, we will get the answers we need. That is very hopeful.

Q3. (Psalm 139) In what way does the wonder of creation in the psalm seem to affect the psalmist? It seems to indicate a direct "connection" and communication with God...an attachment and worldly reminder of God presence and power in our lives. It is from that sense of "awe" that we may truly understand the vastness and power of God, as well as the insignificance of our own lives in the scheme of things. In his concluding prayer in verses 23-24, what does he ask God to do? He asks God to look inside of him and understand his deepest thoughts and to provide the wisdom and direction to "lead" him to a better way of thinking and living...toward the "way, everlasting". It is the yearning of all men, to truly understand our thoughts, motivations, attachments, fears, angers etc and redirect those energies toward living a more Christ-like life in the way and word of God. In knowing him, and fully connecting with our holy spirit, we can gain that knowledge and learn "the way" which we do not know, think or feel. -Malkiya Hear, O Israel: The HaShem our god, the HaShem is one. And thou shalt love HaShem thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be upon thy heart; and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thy house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thy hand, and they shall be for frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the door-posts of thy house, and upon thy gates. - Devarim 6: 4-9 Everything is as it is.

Q2. (Psalm 19) Verses 1 to 6 seem very different from verses 7 to 13, but there is a common thread that relates the first part to the second part. What is it? - The thread seems to be the glory, omnipotence and power of God through his creation, including man. Part I speaks to the "declaration and knowledge" of God, and part II lists and reveals that knowledge...law, statutes, precepts, commands, fear, ordinances. In what way does the psalmist seem to bask in God's Word? In his summary..."they are more precious than gold...sweeter than honey" and through the acknowledgement of the nature of God...refreshing, trustworthy, right, radiant, enduring, sure, preciousness...the psalmist seems to "bask" in the nature of God. He is the "rock and redeemer..." A "bask" if I've ever heard one. Have you ever felt that way? Yes. I have really connected with those elements of the bible that relate to the glory of God in his creation of people and places around us. There is great comfort in that connection that "refershes the soul"...and directs our "speech and heart" to feel ever more comfortable in the glory of God. It is a daily effort to find God regularly as revealed in the Holy Spirit, but that connection can be felt with more regularity with practice and committment. How does the psalmist's wonder in creation seem to affect him in this psalm? Creation seems to be the catalyst for complete recognition in the glory and power of God. In the classic prayer of verse 14, what is David asking God to do? To keep his thoughts, and words pure before God. In the thoughts and voice we have each day, we demonstrate our understanding of and incorporation of being Christ-like in our mortal lives. "...may the words of my mouth and meditation of my heart be acceptable..." reveals that it is only through our thoughts, meditations, actions can we truly be close to and demonstrate those qualities of God that we desire in our own lives and for our salvation in peace.

I was thinking the same thing. As a notation in the Old Testament, I'm not sure how, or what it teaches about Christ.

It is great to read everyone's perspective. This is what true bible study fellowship is about. Awesome... To me Psalm 8 by David exalts God and focuses our attention on him ("majestic is your name in all the earth!"). It places God "above" everything on earth and connects God's work with the creation and nature in an awe-inspiring way ( "set your glory above the heavens"; "When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place..."). I think it is why our connection with nature is so profound and important. It also teaches us about the stewardship that God has entrusted in us. It teaches that we should recognize that we are "mindful" and that we are entrusted to care for the works of God on earth and become "rulers" and stewards of it all ("...flocks, herds, etc"). I think that we become closer to God in the concept that as stewards of God's creation, really focusing our attention on nature and those works, we can become closer to God and his guidance. That then is our responsibility.

Shalom, my name is Malkiya and I am traveling. I've lived in Israel, Florida, Hawaii and North Carolina among other places. I am looking forward to studying with this group and developing fellowship in the words and writings of Hashem. In peace.