Friday, May 29, 2015

The law of the LORD is perfect

http://youtu.be/NK8VWcw8BOM “The Science is in!”
Would you like to read James McNaught’s novel Sinking Sand”? click here: Sinking Sand
(The views expressed in this blog are my own and should not be taken as inspired in any way.)
Psalm 19:7–14, “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.”

While creation gives us an insight into the Lord’s perfect nature, the Law shows us His great and generous character. After David rejoiced in the Lord’s wonderful nature, his mind turned to the Lord’s character as expressed in the Law. The Law is perfect, because the Lord made us, He understands all our design specifications so He had written instructions that will allow us to make the most of our abilities and live the best possible life we can, as long as we believe the truth about the Lord. Everything the Lord caused to written down is entirely for the benefit of the people of the world. Nothing in the Law is harmful or destructive for those who trust the Lord and commit themselves to His perfect Divine wisdom. The Lord will keep us from destructive behaviour and will allow to rejoice and be glad if we believe Him and accept the truth of his generous manual for behaviour.
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he heavens declare the glory of God

http://youtu.be/NK8VWcw8BOM “The Science is in!”
Would you like to read James McNaught’s novel Sinking Sand”? click here: Sinking Sand
(The views expressed in this blog are my own and should not be taken as inspired in any way.)
Psalm 19:1–6, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.”

Any person who looks out into the night sky, with an open mind, cannot fail to be amazed at the majesty of that great spectacle. The stars are bright and glorious. However, if that spectacle is so great then what about the Master Who made this masterpiece. Each and every day, the Lord’s creation, the heavens and the earth, demonstrate his awesome majesty. He established the patterns that govern our lives, the days, seasons and years. They continue with precision as He established them and He knows what is happening to every particle in His great creation at every femtosecond of time.
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For by thee I have run through a troop

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Would you like to read James McNaught’s novel Sinking Sand”? click here: Sinking Sand
(The views expressed in this blog are my own and should not be taken as inspired in any way.)
Psalm 18:29–50, “For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall. As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him. For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God? It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet, and setteth me upon my high places. He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms. Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great. Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip. I have pursued mine enemies, and overtaken them: neither did I turn again till they were consumed. I have wounded them that they were not able to rise: they are fallen under my feet. For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me. Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies; that I might destroy them that hate me. They cried, but there was none to save them: even unto the LORD, but he answered them not. Then did I beat them small as the dust before the wind: I did cast them out as the dirt in the streets. Thou hast delivered me from the strivings of the people; and thou hast made me the head of the heathen: a people whom I have not known shall serve me. As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me: the strangers shall submit themselves unto me. The strangers shall fade away, and be afraid out of their close places. The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted. It is God that avengeth me, and subdueth the people under me. He delivereth me from mine enemies: yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man. Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name. Great deliverance giveth he to his king; and sheweth mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his seed for evermore.”

While David began his life as a shepherd, he soon became and mighty warrior in his own right and also an outstanding general and military tactician. In his day, he was invincible. David gave the Lord credit for all the different aspects of his military prowess. He listed many of the attributes and skills that a great warrior needed and then gave the Lord credit for every one of those attributes. The same is true today. The Lord hasn’t changed even though the day to day issues that dominate our lives may be different. We are still able to succeed in the sphere that the Lord has put us. For His glory and the furtherance of His kingdom.
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The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness

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Would you like to read James McNaught’s novel Sinking Sand”? click here: Sinking Sand
(The views expressed in this blog are my own and should not be taken as inspired in any way.)
Psalm 18:20–28, “The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me. For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly departed from my God. For all his judgments were before me, and I did not put away his statutes from me. I was also upright before him, and I kept myself from mine iniquity. Therefore hath the LORD recompensed me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his eyesight. With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright; With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself froward. For thou wilt save the afflicted people; but wilt bring down high looks. For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.”

David’s understanding of righteousness was based on Abraham’s experience as related in Gen 15: 6. As Abraham had believed God, so David believed God and was also counted as righteous. The Lord rewarded David because he believed God and didn’t give up that belief. It was at the very core of his soul. David remembered the Law of the Lord and trusted the Lord to remain faithful to all His promises. Those who are willing to humble themselves before the Lord will be lifted up, by the Lord’s grace, in the Lord’s time. However, those who trust that they are better than the Lord will eventually be forced to admit that they were wrong.
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I will love thee, O LORD, my strength

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Would you like to read James McNaught’s novel Sinking Sand”? click here: Sinking Sand
(The views expressed in this blog are my own and should not be taken as inspired in any way.)
Psalm 18:1–19, “I will love thee, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies. The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid. The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me. In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears. Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth. There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it. He bowed the heavens also, and came down: and darkness was under his feet. And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind. He made darkness his secret place; his pavilion round about him were dark waters and thick clouds of the skies. At the brightness that was before him his thick clouds passed, hail stones and coals of fire. The LORD also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice; hail stones and coals of fire. Yea, he sent out his arrows, and scattered them; and he shot out lightnings, and discomfited them. Then the channels of waters were seen, and the foundations of the world were discovered at thy rebuke, O LORD, at the blast of the breath of thy nostrils. He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me. They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the LORD was my stay. He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me.”

David obeyed the Lord and served him faithfully. When he was still very young he fought against Goliath, the Philistine giant, and defeated him. Theoretically, King Saul should have fought against Goliath because he was the tallest man in Israel. When the soldiers returned from the battle, the women sang, “Saul has slain his thousands and David has slain his ten thousands. (1 Sam 18: 7) From that time Saul was determined to kill David because he saw the warrior shepherd as a threat to his throne. David lived a long time with the heavy shadow of death hanging over his head. Eventually, David’s trust in the Lord was vindicated and David was free from the threats of his enemies. David delighted in the Lord’s goodness and praised the Lord from the depths of his heart. Even though he had experienced trouble, injury and even a massive loss of hope, the Lord remained faithful throughout the years and the Lord kept all the promises that He had made to David. Whenever David prayed the Lord heard his prayer and saved him many times when everything seemed to be completely hopeless. The Lord was able to intervene with power and His majestic authority when David was afraid or even when he despaired of his life. The Lord was able to do all these things for David because He is the Creator and is able to control everything. The Lord is the God of the whole earth and not just the God of Israel. The entire creation is subject to the Lord’s authority.
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Thursday, May 28, 2015

Keep me as the apple of the eye

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Would you like to read James McNaught’s novel Sinking Sand”? click here: Sinking Sand
(The views expressed in this blog are my own and should not be taken as inspired in any way.)
Psalm 17:8–15, “Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings, From the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies, who compass me about. They are inclosed in their own fat: with their mouth they speak proudly. They have now compassed us in our steps: they have set their eyes bowing down to the earth; Like as a lion that is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places. Arise, O LORD, disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked, which is thy sword: From men which are thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world, which have their portion in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their substance to their babes. As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.”

David was tired of being lied about and the whispering campaigns that were be carried on about him. He cried to the Lord that the Lord would keep him. In Moses Psalm (Deut 32: 10) he talked about the Lord keeping Israel as the apple of the eye. The expression actually means that the Lord is so close to His loved ones that they can see their own reflection in the pupil of His eye. His enemies are greedy and only interested in their own position so David called on the Lord to give them the fruit of their own desires. He longed that they might experience the suffering that they were causing other people, the good people. In the end, David knew that He would see the Lord in all His glory when he went to be with the Lord forever.
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Hear the right, O LORD

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Would you like to read James McNaught’s novel Sinking Sand”? click here: Sinking Sand
(The views expressed in this blog are my own and should not be taken as inspired in any way.)
Psalm 17:1–7, “Hear the right, O LORD, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips. Let my sentence come forth from thy presence; let thine eyes behold the things that are equal. Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress. Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer. Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not. I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech. Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them.”

In our adversarial society people are often in conflict with each other. The first step in a conflict is to argue the facts of the issue. Sometimes arguing the facts will probably lead to a lost argument so the next step is to suppress the facts. If that doesn’t work, as a last resort, one side will seek to destroy the other person’s character so that their evidence will not be taken seriously. David was the anointed king of Israel but he had enemies who wanted to destroy him. They couldn’t destroy him on the strength of the facts or suppress the facts so they attacked his character. He cried out to the Lord to accept the truth and listen to his prayers rather than the lies of those who were attacking him. He knew that if he trusted the Lord then the Lord would accept the truth and judge him according to the facts. He asked the Lord not to take notice of the people who were telling lies about him but to show lovingkindness to him. David rejoiced in the fact that the Lord always supported those who trusted in Him.
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I have set the LORD always before me

http://youtu.be/NK8VWcw8BOM “The Science is in!”
Would you like to read James McNaught’s novel Sinking Sand”? click here: Sinking Sand
(The views expressed in this blog are my own and should not be taken as inspired in any way.)
Psalm 16:8–11, “I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”

Because David knew that he could trust the Lord always, he made sure that he considered the Lord in every decision that he made. He knew that he would be secure as long as he kept the Lord and the Law in mind. He followed the Lord’s instructions to Joshua (see Josh 1: 6-10) He delighted in the Law of the Lord and was glad when he remembered the Lord and all the good things that the Lord does from day to day. He also knew that he would be safe throughout eternity. The Lord, as the Creator, always knows what is best for each and every individual.
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Preserve me, O God

http://youtu.be/NK8VWcw8BOM “The Science is in!”
Would you like to read James McNaught’s novel Sinking Sand”? click here: Sinking Sand
(The views expressed in this blog are my own and should not be taken as inspired in any way.)
Psalm 16:1–7, “Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust. O my soul, thou hast said unto the LORD, Thou art my Lord: my goodness extendeth not to thee; But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight. Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips. The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot. The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage. I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.”

When times are hard we can only trust the Lord to do what is good for us. Too often other people are happy to exploit the person who is working hard but having difficult times. David knew that he could alway trust the Lord as long as he was willing to take a long term view. The Lord created the heavens and the earth so that we could live in comfort under the envelope of His love. People who trust in other gods may get their own way for a while but they will not be secure in their god’s love for eternity. David rejoiced that he had been given a good place to live in. When Joshua divided the Promised Land among the tribes, clans and families, lines were drawn to show which place belonged to which family. David was glad that the Lord had chosen such a good place for his family to live and for him to inherit. The Lord always had the correct instructions for David throughout his life in all circumstances.
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LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle?

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Would you like to read James McNaught’s novel Sinking Sand”? click here: Sinking Sand
(The views expressed in this blog are my own and should not be taken as inspired in any way.)
Psalm 15:1–5, “LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour. In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not. He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.”

One of the big questions that face the world is how can a person be good enough to live up to God’s standards. This psalm speaks of a place called the Lord’s Tabernacle or His holy hill. This is the place where God abides and there is no sin at all. The conditions of being able to enter this place are stringent. The first is “walketh uprightly”, that is, the person who lives a completely pure life. Maybe some people can live up to that standard. The next is “worketh righteousness” this means do you always do things for the good of other people rather than sometimes looking after your interests first? This is harder. After that comes “speaketh the truth in his heart”. This reaches impossible. Do you always examine your own life in the same light as you examine the lives of others? Are there times when you just take things a bit easy or go soft on yourself when you have been through a difficult time? Have you ever spoken badly about another person, even to yourself? Have you ever questioned the motives of another person? The Lord’s standards are higher than anyone can actually measure up to. How can we stand in God’s presence even if we are able to do mighty deeds? The answer is found in 2 Chron 30: 18. The Good Lord can pardon us and no one else. However the Good Lord is just and has paid the penalty for sin Himself already.
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Friday, May 22, 2015

Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge?

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Would you like to read James McNaught’s novel Sinking Sand”? click here: Sinking Sand
(The views expressed in this blog are my own and should not be taken as inspired in any way.)
Psalm 14:4–7, “Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread, and call not upon the LORD. There were they in great fear: for God is in the generation of the righteous. Ye have shamed the counsel of the poor, because the LORD is his refuge. Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! when the LORD bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.”

The Lord cares for the poor and the needy, the lonely and the orphan. The people who try to exploit them are going against the Lord and they shame the good ways of the Lord. The Lord will triumph in the end and those who trust in Him will be secure forever.
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The fool hath said in his heart

http://youtu.be/NK8VWcw8BOM “The Science is in!”
Would you like to read James McNaught’s novel Sinking Sand”? click here: Sinking Sand
(The views expressed in this blog are my own and should not be taken as inspired in any way.)
Psalm 14:1–3, “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.”

It is a fact that God lives and rules in heaven even though some people choose not to believe that fact. A fool is a person who acts in way that will cause self harm, emotionally, physically or spiritually. Anyone who refuses to acknowledge that God is a fact is only acting to hurt himself. People who refuse to acknowledge refuse to believe that God is good and His ways are for our benefit so they further act to hurt themselves.
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Thursday, May 21, 2015

How long wilt thou forget me

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Would you like to read James McNaught’s novel Sinking Sand”? click here: Sinking Sand
(The views expressed in this blog are my own and should not be taken as inspired in any way.)
Psalm 13:1–6, “How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me? Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved. But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.”

Often I face hard times when the whole world seems to be against me. I wonder if the Lord has forgotten me, maybe He has forgotten me forever. How long do I have to keep praying before the Lord will finally hear my cry and deliver me from my troubles? How long will it be before I can stop trying to make sense of the Lord’s love for me when everyone is against me and trying to destroy me? However, anyone who trusts in the Lord can find His peace every day because the Lord doesn't ever forget those who trust in Him. All I have to do is thank Him for His love, grace and mercy. The Lord doesn’t hurt people at any time. Sometimes I experience the consequences of my own actions and sometimes I experience the malice and hatred of other people but the Lord is always good. Even in the hard times I can sing as I give thanks to the Lord that He is always good to me.
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Help, LORD

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Would you like to read James McNaught’s novel Sinking Sand”? click here: Sinking Sand
(The views expressed in this blog are my own and should not be taken as inspired in any way.)
Psalm 12:1–8, “Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men. They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak. The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things: Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us? For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him. The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever. The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest men are exalted.”

Sometimes it seems as though everything is against us. It even seems as though there are no more good men alive to support and help. Will the people who trust in the Lord be destroyed, finally and completely? Everyone seems to be wearing a mask and pretending to be someone else so that they can take advantage of the poor and unsuspecting. The only thing that a good person can do at these times is pray to the Lord. His words have lasted down through the centuries and have always proved to be worthwhile. The Lord will keep those who trust in Him, no matter what.
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Wednesday, May 20, 2015

The LORD is in his holy temple

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Would you like to read James McNaught’s novel Sinking Sand”? click here: Sinking Sand
(The views expressed in this blog are my own and should not be taken as inspired in any way.)
Psalm 11:4–7, “The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD’S throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men. The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth. Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup. For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.”

The Lord lives in heaven and sees all time and eternity. He knows the long term outcomes. On the other hand, we are confined in time and space. The Lord sees those who trust in Him and will keep them forever. However, the wicked will be still tied to the earth when the sun begins to die and the earth is destroyed by fire.
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In the LORD put I my trust

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Would you like to read James McNaught’s novel Sinking Sand”? click here: Sinking Sand
(The views expressed in this blog are my own and should not be taken as inspired in any way.)
Psalm 11:1–3, “In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain? For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart. If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?”

If a person decides that he will trust in the Lord then no one, not even the great atheists, can tell that person to be afraid and run from trouble. If the evil or wicked person decides to attack the person who trusts in the Lord it may seem as though the person who trusts in the Lord is in trouble. However, as long as he trusts the Lord that person will always be secure for eternity.
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Tuesday, May 19, 2015

O God, lift up thine hand

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Would you like to read James McNaught’s novel Sinking Sand”? click here: Sinking Sand
(The views expressed in this blog are my own and should not be taken as inspired in any way.)
Psalm 10:12–18, “Arise, O LORD; : forget not the humble. Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God? he hath said in his heart, Thou wilt not require it. Thou hast seen it; for thou beholdest mischief and spite, to requite it with thy hand: the poor committeth himself unto thee; thou art the helper of the fatherless. Break thou the arm of the wicked and the evil man: seek out his wickedness till thou find none. The LORD is King for ever and ever: the heathen are perished out of his land. LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear: To judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may no more oppress.”

Even though the wicked boast and claim that they can do whatever they want to, the Lord is still God in heaven. He will make sure that they suffer the consequences of their unbelief and they will be judged according to their attitude to the Lord God.
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Why standest thou afar off, O LORD?

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Would you like to read James McNaught’s novel Sinking Sand”? click here: Sinking Sand
(The views expressed in this blog are my own and should not be taken as inspired in any way.)
Psalm 10:1–11, “ why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble? The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined. For the wicked boasteth of his heart’s desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the LORD abhorreth. The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts. His ways are always grievous; thy judgments are far above out of his sight: as for all his enemies, he puffeth at them. He hath said in his heart, I shall not be moved: for I shall never be in adversity. His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue is mischief and vanity. He sitteth in the lurking places of the villages: in the secret places doth he murder the innocent: his eyes are privily set against the poor. He lieth in wait secretly as a lion in his den: he lieth in wait to catch the poor: he doth catch the poor, when he draweth him into his net. He croucheth, and humbleth himself, that the poor may fall by his strong ones. He hath said in his heart, God hath forgotten: he hideth his face; he will never see it.”

There are many times when evil people seem to be winning. It seems as though the Lord isn’t doing anything to help the people who trust in Him. Evil people even boast that there is no God or that God can’t do anything to stop them from doing whatever they want.
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Monday, May 18, 2015

Sing praises to the LORD

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Would you like to read James McNaught’s novel Sinking Sand”? click here: Sinking Sand
(The views expressed in this blog are my own and should not be taken as inspired in any way.)
Psalm 9:11–20, “Sing praises to the LORD, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people his doings. When he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth them: he forgetteth not the cry of the humble. Have mercy upon me, O LORD; consider my trouble which I suffer of them that hate me, thou that liftest me up from the gates of death: That I may shew forth all thy praise in the gates of the daughter of Zion: I will rejoice in thy salvation. The heathen are sunk down in the pit that they made: in the net which they hid is their own foot taken. The LORD is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah. The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. For the needy shall not alway be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever. Arise, O LORD; let not man prevail: let the heathen be judged in thy sight. Put them in fear, O LORD: that the nations may know themselves to be but men. Selah.”

Those who dedicate their lives to believing in and loving the Lord will soon find that He is worthy of praise. He is superior to every other possibility that is offered by men or men’s imaginations. The Lord knows when a person suffers from hardship and will hear that person when he cries out. People who love the Lord and know that He is good will always have reasons to let the whole world know that He is good and His goodness lasts forever.
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I will praise thee, O LORD

http://youtu.be/NK8VWcw8BOM “The Science is in!”
Would you like to read James McNaught’s novel Sinking Sand”? click here: Sinking Sand
(The views expressed in this blog are my own and should not be taken as inspired in any way.)
Psalm 9:1–10, “I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works. I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High. When mine enemies are turned back, they shall fall and perish at thy presence. For thou hast maintained my right and my cause; thou satest in the throne judging right. Thou hast rebuked the heathen, thou hast destroyed the wicked, thou hast put out their name for ever and ever. O thou enemy, destructions are come to a perpetual end: and thou hast destroyed cities; their memorial is perished with them. But the LORD shall endure for ever: he hath prepared his throne for judgment. And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness. The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. 0 And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.”

Even though David had many difficult times, he didn’t stop believing in the Lord and had some outstanding triumphs as well, to the glory of God. During his difficult times David loved the Lord and wanted to praise Him for His goodness, love and grace. The Lord controls all the earth, even those who don’t believe in Him. In the end, those who trust in the Lord will be with Him forever while those who reject Him will end up outside the envelope of His love and comfort.
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Friday, May 15, 2015

When I consider thy heavens

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Would you like to read James McNaught’s novel Sinking Sand”? click here: Sinking Sand
(The views expressed in this blog are my own and should not be taken as inspired in any way.)
Psalm 8:3–9, “When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas. 9 O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!”

David was a shepherd when he was a boy and spent many nights outside looking after his sheep. As he looked up during the night he was amazed at the wonders of the heavens. On a dark and cloudless night it is possible to see by the light of the stars and navigate using their positions. David wondered why the Lord would even think about man when He made such wonderful things. Of course, the Promised Messiah, Who was to be the greatest of Eve’s descendants, would become a man, just a little lower than the angels for a short period of time, so that He could bruise the serpent’s head. However, the Promised Messiah will rule over all the heavens and earth and every one will bow down before His majesty.
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How excellent is thy name in all the earth?

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Would you like to read James McNaught’s novel Sinking Sand”? click here: Sinking Sand
(The views expressed in this blog are my own and should not be taken as inspired in any way.)
Psalm 8:1–2, “O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.”

The Lord God made the heavens and the earth. Even a small child can look into the heavens and the earth and be amazed at God and how marvel at His greatness.
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Thursday, May 14, 2015

My defence is of God

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Would you like to read James McNaught’s novel Sinking Sand”? click here: Sinking Sand
(The views expressed in this blog are my own and should not be taken as inspired in any way.)
Psalm 7:10–17, “My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart. God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day. If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready. He hath also prepared for him the instruments of death; he ordaineth his arrows against the persecutors. Behold, he travaileth with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood. He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made. His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate. I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.”

David knew that he could always trust the Lord because the Lord has complete integrity. The Lord doesn’t mind being taken for granted as being trustworthy and reliable because he alway remains true to His perfect nature. A person is upright and righteous if he trusts in the Lord. After all, when Abraham believed God he was counted as righteous. (Gen 15: 6) When people believe God the Lord will always prove to be faithful, sufficient and compassionate. Those who attack the Lord’s people will, in the end, suffer greatly for their presumption.
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O LORD my God, in thee do I put my trust

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Would you like to read James McNaught’s novel Sinking Sand”? click here: Sinking Sand
(The views expressed in this blog are my own and should not be taken as inspired in any way.)
Psalm 7:1–9, “O LORD my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me: Lest he tear my soul like a lion, rending it in pieces, while there is none to deliver. O LORD my God, if I have done this; if there be iniquity in my hands; If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me; (yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy:) Let the enemy persecute my soul, and take it; yea, let him tread down my life upon the earth, and lay mine honour in the dust. Selah. Arise, O LORD, in thine anger, lift up thyself because of the rage of mine enemies: and awake for me to the judgment that thou hast commanded. So shall the congregation of the people compass thee about: for their sakes therefore return thou on high. The LORD shall judge the people: judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me. Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins.”

David was a man who trusted the Lord all his life. He did sin, as every man, woman and child do from time to time but he confessed his sin and the Lord forgave him because the Lord is good. David trusted the Lord because he knew that the Lord is trustworthy all the time. He was persecuted by evil men because he was a good man who trusted the Lord. If the Lord wasn’t on David’s side then he would have been destroyed like someone who was attacked by a fierce lion. On the other hand, apart from one notable exception, David was good and gracious to other people. He treated them with dignity. In the end David knew that everyone would be judged on whether they trusted the Lord or not.
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Depart from me

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Would you like to read James McNaught’s novel Sinking Sand”? click here: Sinking Sand
(The views expressed in this blog are my own and should not be taken as inspired in any way.)
Psalm 6:8–10, “Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping. The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer. Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly.”

David suffered because evil people attacked him. They didn’t care that he was the Lord’a anointed. David told them to leave him along because the Lord had heard him as he wept and cried out to the Lord. David knew that his enemies wouldn’t win in the end because the Lord was on David’s side. When the Lord acted these enemies would be ashamed of their evil ways.
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O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger

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Would you like to read James McNaught’s novel Sinking Sand”? click here: Sinking Sand
(The views expressed in this blog are my own and should not be taken as inspired in any way.)
Psalm 6:1–7, “, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure. Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed. My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long? Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies’ sake. For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks? I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears. Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies.”

No one is actually good enough to live up to the Lord’s perfect, sinless standards. King David knew that and he had to rely on the Lord’s grace and mercy. He asked the Lord not to treat him as he deserved. After all, he was just a weak sinner but the Lord is the Judge of all the earth. David was suffering and he asked the Lord how long it would be before this hard time was finished. He knew that, when he was dead, all his troubles would mean nothing to anyone else and the world would keep going anyway. He suffered so severely that he wept each night and his eyes hurt from all his tears.
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Tuesday, May 12, 2015

But as for me

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Would you like to read James McNaught’s novel Sinking Sand”? click here: Sinking Sand
(The views expressed in this blog are my own and should not be taken as inspired in any way.)
Psalm 5:7–12, “But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple. Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face. For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue. Destroy thou them, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions; for they have rebelled against thee. But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.”

While the evil man thinks of ways that he can destroy the good man and enrich himself, David went into the Temple and began to thank and praise the Lord because He is full of mercy. He asked the Lord to show him the way to go despite everything that his enemies were planning against him. They wanted to destroy David even though he was a good man who loved the Lord. David knew that people who trusted in the Lord would live to see the Lord triumph over all evil. The Lord would always protect the good man even though the evil man seemed to be in control for a while.
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O LORD, consider my meditation

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Would you like to read James McNaught’s novel Sinking Sand”? click here: Sinking Sand
(The views expressed in this blog are my own and should not be taken as inspired in any way.)
Psalm 5:1–6, “Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation. Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray. My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up. For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee. The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity. Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the LORD will abhor the bloody and deceitful man.”

Every time anyone experiences pain or suffers in any way, it seems as though he is alone and no one else cares. However, when we think about the Lord and all the good things that He does from day to day we realise that He does understand and cares for us. The Lord doesn’t appreciate the evil man who destroys the good man. Even if an evil man gets rich the Lord will still eventually make sure that he pays for his evil. People who tell lies about others who are good will eventually have to pay the price for telling their lies. The Lord hates a person who tries to destroy other people.
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Who will shew us any good?

http://youtu.be/NK8VWcw8BOM “The Science is in!”
Would you like to read James McNaught’s novel Sinking Sand”? click here: Sinking Sand
(The views expressed in this blog are my own and should not be taken as inspired in any way.)
Psalm 4:6–8, “There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us. Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased. I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.”

Everyone suffers but some people don’t know what to do about it. They think that no one cares and no one can help them. However, when a person starts to think about the Lord and all His goodness then that person is lifted above his own personal trials and can see that the Lord really is good. It is possible to rest secure in the Lord’s love even though nothing else seems to going right.
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Hear me when I call

http://youtu.be/NK8VWcw8BOM “The Science is in!”
Would you like to read James McNaught’s novel Sinking Sand”? click here: Sinking Sand
(The views expressed in this blog are my own and should not be taken as inspired in any way.)
Psalm 4:1–5, “Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer. O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah. But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him. Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah. Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.”

David called to the Lord to hear him because he was suffering. We all suffer and, even though the Lord knows every thought that we have, we feel we must call out to someone or something. If we believe in the Lord then we can call out to Someone Who actually hears us and can do something about it. The only condition that the Lord places on our prayers is that He will only do good things for us. David was in distress because of his suffering but the Lord knew and prepared the best way out of his problems. His enemies wanted to destroy him but the Lord loved him. He told his enemies to believe in the Lord and obey Him so that they, too, would be able to enjoy His goodness and His love.
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