"When the shift gets heavy"
One verse, one thought—something steady for whatever the day brings.
Week 12
Power of Knowing the True God
Psalm 9:10 ESV
[10] And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.
Throughout Scripture, Jesus warns us of the persecution and difficulties that believers will face. For example, when Nehemiah was called by God to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, the regional officials surrounding the city stood against him. They resorted to mocking him (Neh. 4:1-3), deceptively lying to his superior, the king, about Nehmiah's "true" intentions for rebuilding the walls (Neh. 6:5-9), and hiring someone to trap him into sinning so that they could discredit him (Neh. 6:10-13). All of these were attempts to hinder the work that God had given Nehemiah to accomplish though eventually their efforts proved futile (Neh. 6:9; 6:15-16).
Because of this, believers have become discouraged and stumbled for a time. Yet ultimately, it is their knowledge and understanding of God that allows them to stand firm and take action through it all (Dan. 11:31-35). Let us remember God's faithfulness throughout the ages for those who know Him and place their trust in Him–knowing that not once has He abandoned those who seek Him (Psalm 9:10).
Father, we praise you and rest on your faithfulness. Scripture bears witness, as do the lives of your people, of your sovereign will over those who know and trust you. Though the evils of the world might fall on us, let us remember who you are. As you empowered those in the past, remind us that the same Holy Spirit of power that lived in them lives in us today by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
Psalm 9:10 ESV
[10] And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.
Throughout Scripture, Jesus warns us of the persecution and difficulties that believers will face. For example, when Nehemiah was called by God to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, the regional officials surrounding the city stood against him. They resorted to mocking him (Neh. 4:1-3), deceptively lying to his superior, the king, about Nehmiah's "true" intentions for rebuilding the walls (Neh. 6:5-9), and hiring someone to trap him into sinning so that they could discredit him (Neh. 6:10-13). All of these were attempts to hinder the work that God had given Nehemiah to accomplish though eventually their efforts proved futile (Neh. 6:9; 6:15-16).
Because of this, believers have become discouraged and stumbled for a time. Yet ultimately, it is their knowledge and understanding of God that allows them to stand firm and take action through it all (Dan. 11:31-35). Let us remember God's faithfulness throughout the ages for those who know Him and place their trust in Him–knowing that not once has He abandoned those who seek Him (Psalm 9:10).
Father, we praise you and rest on your faithfulness. Scripture bears witness, as do the lives of your people, of your sovereign will over those who know and trust you. Though the evils of the world might fall on us, let us remember who you are. As you empowered those in the past, remind us that the same Holy Spirit of power that lived in them lives in us today by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
Week 11
Fruit of Applied Revelation for the Glory of God and the Redemption of the Nations
Psalm 96: 3-5 ESV
[3] Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!
[4] For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods.
[5] For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the Lord made the heavens.
God, by His great love for us, has preserved His message from times of old until the modern age through His Word. This revelation has produced a response in His people that has led men and women to go to the ends of the earth to share God's message of hope. This is what we call Applied Revelation, which is the church's practical response to God's special revelation in the Holy Scriptures.
We, as believers, are called to declare God's Glory amongst the nations and proclaim all his marvelous works. Works that through Christ have freed us from darkness unto union with Him, causing us to walk in His light. For this reason, He alone is to be praised and worshiped. Though there appear to be many different gods among the religions of the world, it is only through Jesus Christ that there is true salvation for mankind. Soberly, there is the reality of judgement for those who reject Christ and His righteousness alone. Outside of Christ, each individual will have to answer before God for all their sins. Because of this the Lord alone is the true God. He is to be feared as much as He is to be loved, for all other "gods" are worthless idols who have no authority over the eternal state of our souls. In the Triune God alone is there hope of Salvation from His inevitable final judgement.
Since the light of Christ has shone in our hearts, let us then gladly be the salt and light of the earth. For as it is written, no town built on a hill can be hidden. Neither does anyone light a lamp to put it under a bowl. Instead, the light that God has kindled in us is to shine before others, bringing glory to God as our savior from darkness (Matt. 5:13-16). Therefore, it is our responsibility as believers to proclaim God's truth in the gospel, for He is glorified not only as the Redeemer of our souls but also as the Redeemer of all creation. As is written in Isaiah 45:22, "Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other." For if light truly abides in us, how can this light not shine unto others?
Father, we call upon you in our inability to serve you according to your perfect standards. Yet your faithfulness and light of salvation have so much more abounded in our hearts. Bringing our hardened and stubborn hearts into softened union with you. Help us, O Lord, to share the light of the gospel, our only hope and comfort, with those who walk in darkness. All for your praise and glory, for you alone are the true God and Redeemer of the nations. Amen.
Psalm 96: 3-5 ESV
[3] Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!
[4] For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods.
[5] For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the Lord made the heavens.
God, by His great love for us, has preserved His message from times of old until the modern age through His Word. This revelation has produced a response in His people that has led men and women to go to the ends of the earth to share God's message of hope. This is what we call Applied Revelation, which is the church's practical response to God's special revelation in the Holy Scriptures.
We, as believers, are called to declare God's Glory amongst the nations and proclaim all his marvelous works. Works that through Christ have freed us from darkness unto union with Him, causing us to walk in His light. For this reason, He alone is to be praised and worshiped. Though there appear to be many different gods among the religions of the world, it is only through Jesus Christ that there is true salvation for mankind. Soberly, there is the reality of judgement for those who reject Christ and His righteousness alone. Outside of Christ, each individual will have to answer before God for all their sins. Because of this the Lord alone is the true God. He is to be feared as much as He is to be loved, for all other "gods" are worthless idols who have no authority over the eternal state of our souls. In the Triune God alone is there hope of Salvation from His inevitable final judgement.
Since the light of Christ has shone in our hearts, let us then gladly be the salt and light of the earth. For as it is written, no town built on a hill can be hidden. Neither does anyone light a lamp to put it under a bowl. Instead, the light that God has kindled in us is to shine before others, bringing glory to God as our savior from darkness (Matt. 5:13-16). Therefore, it is our responsibility as believers to proclaim God's truth in the gospel, for He is glorified not only as the Redeemer of our souls but also as the Redeemer of all creation. As is written in Isaiah 45:22, "Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other." For if light truly abides in us, how can this light not shine unto others?
Father, we call upon you in our inability to serve you according to your perfect standards. Yet your faithfulness and light of salvation have so much more abounded in our hearts. Bringing our hardened and stubborn hearts into softened union with you. Help us, O Lord, to share the light of the gospel, our only hope and comfort, with those who walk in darkness. All for your praise and glory, for you alone are the true God and Redeemer of the nations. Amen.
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