Blessed is the man You discipline, O LORD,
And teach from Your law,
To grant him relief from days of trouble,
Until a pit is dug for the wicked.

For the LORD will not forsake His people;
He will never abandon His heritage.
Surely judgment will again be righteous,
And all the upright in heart will follow it.

Who will rise up for me against the wicked?
Who will stand for me against the workers of iniquity?

Unless the LORD had been my helper,
I would soon have dwelt in the abode of silence.

If I say, “My foot is slipping,”
Your loving devotion, O LORD, supports me.

When anxiety overwhelms me,
Your consolation delights my soul.

~ Psalm 94:12-19

The LORD reigns! He is robed in majesty;
The LORD has clothed and armed Himself with strength.

The world indeed is firmly established;
It cannot be moved.

Your throne was established long ago;
You are from all eternity.

The floodwaters have risen, O LORD;
The rivers have raised their voice;
The seas lift up their pounding waves.

Above the roar of many waters—
The mighty breakers of the sea—
The LORD on high is majestic.

Your testimonies are fully confirmed;
Holiness adorns Your house, O LORD,
For all the days to come.

It is good to praise the LORD,
And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High,

To proclaim Your loving devotion in the morning
And Your faithfulness at night
With the ten-stringed harp
And the melody of the lyre.

For You, O LORD, have made me glad by Your deeds;
I sing for joy at the works of Your hands.

How great are Your works, O LORD,
How deep are Your thoughts!

A senseless man does not know,
And a fool does not understand,
That though the wicked sprout like grass,
And all evildoers flourish,
They will be forever destroyed.

But You, O LORD, are exalted forever!

As they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch said, “Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?” [And Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”] And he ordered the chariot to stop; and they both went down into the water, Philip as well as the eunuch, and he baptized him. Acts 8:36-28

Again, he said, "Neither be thou envious against them that work unrighteousness." It is so easy to look upon those who are rich and who are not using their money for God, and think, "I wish I had their money; how much good I might do with it!" Or perhaps when we see talented people of the world, we might say, "Oh, if I had the ability they have, I would use it for the Lord!" God does not want us to do this; that is, to envy them their riches or their talents. It is all right for us to wish that we had more money or greater talents to use for the Lord, but it is not right to be envious of others. 

Do not fret--it leads only to evil. Psalm 37:8 He tells us why we should not fret. "Fret not thyself; it tendeth only to evil-doing" (v.8).  Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalm 55:22

Do not fret because of evildoers, Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. Psalm 37:1

Some people are always worrying about the wrongdoings of others. They fret and grieve, and can not remove the subject from their minds nor the burden from their hearts. The Bible says, "Fret not thyself because of evil-doers".

Many people choose to do wrong; many people do wrong to themselves and to others, including God's people. Of course, we can not rejoice over this, but we should not let it spoil our own lives. We should not fret about it. We should have a proper concern for the welfare of their souls, so that we shall earnestly pray for them and do all in our power to cause them to do better, but this is very different from being fretful, from worrying and bothering ourselves continually.

If we keep our eyes on the wickedness of others and continually grieve over it, we shall have no time to be joyful ourselves, we shall have no time to live our life with God.

Psalm 37 further says, "Fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass" (v.7).

What all of us need to learn is to let God bear his own responsibilities. He tells us what to do in the first part of the verse -- "Rest in Jehovah, and wait patiently for him."

If evil-doers prosper, if they seem even more prosperous than the righteous, if they seem to get along without trouble, we should not be bothered over that. That is God's business. We see a great many evil things going on, and we should like to stop them. They grieve us in spirit, and this is but natural. But we ought not to fret ourselves over them.

There is a vast difference between godly concern and human worry, and we need to learn this difference clearly. To be concerned about such things, and to pray earnestly for God to overcome them and put a stop to them, is all very well; but when it comes to fretting over them and worrying and being bothered, this is quite another thing. We should never let these things mar the peace of our souls.

God means for us to have peace and be thankful right here in the midst of all this wickedness...

(An excerpt from a sermon by Charles W Naylor)

Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. John 14:1
To fret means to chafe, to be irritated, to be uneasy, to be troubled and bothered. It is just the opposite of peaceful, trustful rest. Jesus has promised us rest to our souls, and we may have this rest. We can not have it, however, if we give place to worrying and fretting. God's purpose for us is that we shall have calmness and soul-quietness, even in the midst of tribulation. He has said, "My peace I give unto you." He followed this by saying, "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful" (John 14: 27).

It is not God's will that we be continually worrying. This world is full of things that are not as they ought to be, and if we are to be happy and peaceful we must adjust ourselves to circumstances and learn to be happy in spite of the things that are displeasing to us, that are not as they ought to be. We can never be amidst ideal conditions in this world.

Fretting is like sand in a bearing; it is likely to make all sorts of trouble. It will use up the energy that we ought to be using for something else; it will keep our physical and spiritual nerves on edge; it will spoil the tranquility of our lives; it will mar our peace and take the sweetness out of our devotions.

(An excerpt from a sermon by W Charles Naylor)

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. Revelation 3:20
The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen for his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. John 10:3
So also, when you see all these things, you will know that He is near, right at the door. Matthew 23:33

When we were in Dublin, I went out one morning to an early meeting, and I found the servants had not opened the front door. So I pulled back a bolt, but I could not get the door open. Then I turned the key, but the door would not open. Then I found there was another bolt at the top, then I found there was another bolt at the bottom. Still the door would not open. Then I found there was a bar, and then I found a night-lock. I found there were five or six different fastenings. I am afraid that door represents every sinner's heart. The door of his heart is locked, double-bolted, and barred. (D. L. Moody.)

I hope our hearts are open for our Lord Jesus Christ. Hope it is not locked, double-bolted and barred as in the illustration here by D.L.Moody.

Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. John 3:18
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. Mark 16:16 But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12 Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come under judgment. Indeed, he has crossed over from death to life. John 5:24 Whoever believes in the Son of God has this testimony within him; whoever does not believe God has made Him out to be a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony God has given about His Son. 1 John 5:10

You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3

Abundant peace belongs to those who love Your instruction; nothing can make them stumble. Psalm 119:165 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.
Oh, give thanks to the God of gods!
For His mercy endures forever.
Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords!
For His mercy endures forever:


To Him who alone does great wonders,
For His mercy endures forever;
To Him who by wisdom made the heavens,
For His mercy endures forever;
To Him who laid out the earth above the waters,
For His mercy endures forever;

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. Colossians 3:16

Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord Ephesians 5:19 We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.Colossians 1:28

So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, "It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared." Genesis 32:30 So Hagar gave this name to the LORD who had spoken to her: "You are the God who sees me," for she said, "Here I have seen the One who sees me!" Genesis 16:13

When Gideon realized that it was the Angel of the LORD, he said, "Oh no, Lord GOD! I have seen the Angel of the LORD face to face!" Judges 6:22

"We are going to die," he said to his wife, "for we have seen God!" Judges 13:22

I speak with him face to face, clearly and not in riddles; he sees the form of the LORD. Why then were you unafraid to speak against My servant Moses?" Numbers 12:8 Now we see but a dim reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 1 Corinthians 13:12

Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. Psalm 73:25 ~ Asaph

More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ. Philippians 3:8 ~ Apostle Paul I said to the LORD, "You are my Lord; apart from You I have no good thing." Psalm 16:2 ~ King David Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

And David spoke to the LORD the words of this song in the day that the LORD had delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies… 2 Samuel 22:1-51

The Sovereign LORD has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed. Isaiah 50:4 Now go! I will help you Psalm 5:3 as you speak, and I will teach you what to say.Exodus 4:12 In the morning, O LORD, You hear my voice; at daybreak I lay my plea before You and wait in expectation.Psalm 5:3

His delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor his pleasure in the legs of a man, but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love. Psalms 147:10-11

God always looks at our hearts and not our appearances. Just the opposite of what we humans do. We go by the appearances and know little about their heart.

But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart." I Samuel 16:7 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.Psalm 51:10

* Rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. 1 Peter 2:1

* each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor Ephesians 4:25

* Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. Ephesians 4:31

* get rid of all moral filth and every expression of evil, and humbly receive the word planted in you, which can save your souls. James 1:21
A good Spring Cleaning tip of what things to toss this morning, as we get ready to worship our Lord in the confinements of our home.

There is no hypocrisy so strong and evident than a person who claims to be a believer and follower of Jesus Christ yet hates his own brother. He/she is definitely truly not a Christian - or Christ like.

Let us be watchful to remove such hypocrisy from us and become holy like the One who called us in Holy. Let us pray and take in to effect the suggested Spring cleaning tips in our lives, starting this very morning.

Have a blessed Sunday everyone!

A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. Psalm 68:5 He executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and He loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing. Deuteronomy 10:18 The victim entrusts himself to You; You are the helper of the fatherless. Psalm 10:14

The LORD protects the sojourners; He sustains the fatherless and the widow... Psalm 146:9

So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. Acts 5:41

I find it interesting of the mind set of Jesus' disciples which is so unlike any of us in these modern times. We are quick to get offended at the very slight comments of our friends and associates at the sovereignty of our Lord Jesus, and definitely won't withstand much to any physical abuse for the gospel however much we believe in it.

Just the verse before today's text states that: They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and released them. Acts 5:40

And the immediate verse after that states: Every day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they did not stop teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.…Acts 5:42

Given all the modern facilities and now even the hard-to-find time due to quarantine, how are we proclaiming the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ? Are we ready to forsake the world and everything in it for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ? Or do we still consider our friendships with the world more valuable than Jesus Himself that we are afraid to "offend" them by standing up for our believes?

Points to ponder folks. Hope this helps to reassess our priorities...

He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed. Luke 5:16

He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone Matthew 14:23

Early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up and slipped out to a solitary place to pray. Mark 1:35

Be very careful to love the LORD your God. Joshua 23:11

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

The verb to tempt meant originally to try, to test, or to prove. 

Come, children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
Who is the man who delights in life,
who desires to see good days?

Keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from deceitful speech.
Turn away from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it. Psalm 34:11-14

Last couple  of days we have been learning about the importance of fearing the Lord. Today's scripture portion tells us how we can teach our children to fear the Lord.

In a nutshell this is all we need to impart to our children to instill God fearing in them:

* Keep your tongues from evil
* Keep your lips from deceitful speech
* Turn away from evil
* Turn towards doing good
* Seek peace
* Pursue peace

May be in the coming days let's dig a little deeper on each of these advice. Stay blessed.

He will bless those who fear the LORD-- small and great alike. Psalm 115:13 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His loving devotion for those who fear Him. Psalm 103:11 Blessed are all who fear the Lord,
who walk in obedience to him.
You will eat the fruit of your labor;
blessings and prosperity will be yours.

Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
within your house;
your children will be like olive shoots
around your table.

Yes, this will be the blessing
for the man who fears the Lord.
May the Lord bless you from Zion;
may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
all the days of your life.

May you live to see your children’s children—
peace be on Israel. ~ Psalm 128

"Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. Joshua 24:14  "If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and Ashtoreths among you, prepare your hearts for the LORD, and serve Him only. 1 Samuel 7:3 House of Levi, praise the LORD; you who fear him, praise the LORD. Psalm 135:20 Who will not fear you, Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed." Revelation 15:4

Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. Ecclesiastes 12:13

"And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God by walking in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Deuteronomy 10:12

Above all, fear the LORD and serve Him faithfully with all your heart. 1 Samuel 12:24 The Holy Spirit revealed to the prophets the messages of Scripture. The writers of the Bible wrote not according to their own will or whim, but only as they were moved, or controlled, by the Spirit of God. The Bible is God’s own book! 2 Peter 20:21)

2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

True indeed! This explains very well why today's three scriptures though written by different authors (Solomon, Moses & Samuel respectively) of different life times, all convey the very same message - Fear the Lord.

Elsewhere we read that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Psalm 111:10) and again that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge (Proverbs 1:7).

Don't we all wish to be wiser and better? All is takes is the fear of the Lord folks!