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✍ A Biblical Insights Moment ~ A NOTE of ETERNAL THANKSGIVING
No greater expression can leave our lips than praise to our LORD for His eternal goodness and mercy.
Psalm 118 is one of the Hallel (Praise) psalms the Jewish people sang together in their procession up to the Temple in Jerusalem each year.
The opening verses give praise for the Lord's eternal goodness (vv. 1-4), then praise for His protective presence (vv. 5-9), then praise for His physical deliverance (vv. 10-18) and last praise for His spiritual salvation
(vv. 19-29).
Jesus used this psalm to expose the wicked Pharisees who rejected Him and unknowingly fulfilled Psalms 118:22-23. Jesus quoted these verses back to the Pharisees: "The stone the builders rejected is become the headstone. This is the LORD'S doings and it is marvelous in our eyes" (Matt. 22:42). What an awesome prophecy of His Crucifixion and Resurrection!
No wonder the psalmist responded by saying, "This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it" (Psa. 118:24). This has nothing to do with the weather, but everything to do with our eternal salvation!
Take time to read Psalm 118 and give praise to our great God and Savior Jesus Christ!
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✍ A Biblical Insight Moment ~ PRAYER PROMISES
As believers in Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, we can come boldly to God and secure help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16). There are no restrictions on time, places or circumstances. We have the Lord's promise of being heard and received (Matt, 7:7-11; John 16:24).
At times well-meaning people project an apparent "extra level of assurance" to praying. They suggest "where two or three are gathered together", we have the prayer promise of His presence and they quote Matthew 18:20.
Unfortunately, the context of that Scripture (Matt. 18:20) is the reconciliation of two believers and forgiveness (Matt. 18:15-35). Only with two or three witnesses can truth be established and information verified. Jesus promised to honor this Old Testament principle (Deut. 17:6, 19:15) in restoring fellowship and forgiveness.
Never hesitate to pray alone or with many. We ALWAYS have the ever-abiding presence of the Lord to hear our prayers and never forsake us.
Rejoice in these promises: "Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died ... and is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who makes intercession for us" (Romans 8:34).
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✍ A Biblical Insight Moment ~ HIS PEACE or HIS PRESENCE?
In times of stress and worry, what do you seek: the peace of God or the God of peace? Do not view this as a meaningless technicality. It is possible to desire relief and calmness of your soul apart from the presence of the LORD. Read carefully Philippians 4:4-9.
The believers in the church at Phillippi were encouraged to focus on the presence of the LORD. By setting aside needless worry, they were told to present their requests to the LORD with an awareness of His closeness (4:6-7). The God of peace is experienced by thinking and meditating on His positive qualities (verses 5, 9).
The acknowledgement of the presence of God is what brings peace. Learn to practice His presence in everyday activities. Commit these Scripture verses to memory.
