Month: May 2025

In writing this psalm, the author notes: “I do not associate with deceitful men, or consort with those who are dishonest.” [vs 4] The psalmist then is discerning regarding those who seek his association. The NT reminds us to beware of those who come with flowery words but inside are raving wolves. As Jude wrote he witnessed those very same characteristics in the church and thus is one reason he cautioned the attendees to be careful. Here the psalmist wants the reader to know how he is discerning. Two character qualities are noted—deceitfulness and dishonesty. They come across as god-fearing and men of integrity but when their true character exposed we then realize the truth that the prophet Jeremiah tells us about them. Their heart is deceitful, saying one thing but living another. The psalmist notes that these are dishonest both in word and deed. 

We live in a culture that boasts both of these character qualities and thus we must be discerning. Psalm 1 echoes these words and tells us that we are blessed when we do not walk, stand or sit in fellowship with them.  So where do we spend our time? Are we in the company of those whose lives mimic these qualities or ones that proudly lifts up Christ? 

As David wandered the hills looking for a safe place to reside while his errant son was living in luxury in Jerusalem. Absolam was that child and now his true self revealed itself as a murderer and a man of deceit. Amidst this comes Ziba bringing food to David. When asked why he answered with a lie that was not detectable to David. Deceit seems to run in the Davidic kingdom and as the true king, David is oblivious to what is truly happening. How often are we led astray by words of sweetness only to be revealed later as words of deceit. That is the way of our enemy Satan. 

In the midst of all this, two men lead Absalom to trick men into following him and in the end, but it took Joab to bring him to his end. Hearing this news, David mourns openly and loudly as any parent does when their child has gone astray and is killed. 

Howdy

How do we handle deceit, lies and wickedness? How do we handle children who are deceitful? Absalom is a grown man but his heart is like an errant child’s. He cares only for himself and not for his father. He is unrepentant and it will be his undoing.This story teaches us to always seek the face of God in trying times so we do not fall victim to the ways of the enemy. 

How is life today? Do you toss and turn through the night as you recall people coming into your path that seek to harm you? At times like that, refer to this psalm and memorize vs 1 and 3 as a reminder of God’s care for you!   

The backdrop of this psalm is recorded in vs 2. How like our Lord to face enemies with courage and strength. Although, the psalmist is facing several enemies there and around he reminds himself that he has an “ace in the hole.”  David, like our Lord heard many may say about him that God will not deliver him, but David reminds God and himself: the Lord is a shield that protects me. Jesus had to do the same and it is a fitting example for us as well. So today as you walk about memorize that verse and quote it to self. God you are my protector; you are my glory and the one that restores me. Recall our Lord in the boat and in the throes of a storm. What did he do? He fell fast asleep, and David tells us that “he rested and slept; he awoke, for the Lord protected him.” (vs 5) 

Do you feel the protection of the Lord in your life?  
 

God is clear about what He desires in us. He desires a person with integrity in the inner man. That means truthfulness, honesty and a life where others are before him. He desires that we display this character trait both now and forevermore. We ask, how can we do that day after day after day? It is only because we have the indwelling Holy Spirit who brings to mind what Jesus taught and lived. Satan would have us believe the lie that he is not truth, but Christ Himself said: I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life and no one comes to the Father but by ME. 

Are we people of integrity? Check yourself in the mirror of God’s Word. It reveals where our heart, which is deceitful and desperately wicked, but can be transformed by the blood of Jesus Christ. Then you can be and will be people of integrity always. 

King David had been blessed by the Lord in all ways but one evening he took his eyes off God and onto a woman bathing. He wanted to know who she was: “David sent someone to inquire about the woman. The messenger said, “Isn’t this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?” Did you notice, the messenger noted that she was a wife! David what were you thinking? Hands off! But no, he sent for her and went to bed with her. Adultery! A cardinal sin. 

What do you know when God reveals something that is to be untouchable? David crossed the line between holiness and sin and would be his undoing. It is just when we are strong and think we are invincible that Satan strikes. Beware! 

What has God show you today that is untouchable? Know this, Gen 4:7 “Is it not true that if you do what is right, you will be fine? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at the door. It desires to dominate you, but you must subdue it.”

Notice God sends a warning, what we do with it determines our life today and tomorrow and beyond. 

How do you handle life when a gift sent is rewarded with shame instead of gratefulness. One of the traits of the Ammonites has been and even today is to respond with anger and shame. Today we have people who turn what you send with a pure heart into a rebuke. David’s heart was pure and he truly wanted to send his condolences but the successor to King of the Ammonites turned what was a gift into a cry of war. We wonder why but we only need to look at the history of these people who hate Israel and will seek any opportunity to argue or  cry war. It is at this time, David provides for us a lesson in intercession. 

King  David found his peace in the Lord as His servant. Before sending his troops into war brought about by the Ammonites. He sets aside time to pray for God to lead. He never wanted vengeance but the Ammonites did. Unlike them who sought shame, David prayed: “Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we depend on the Lord our God.” [Ps 20:7] This is how you intercede for others whether good or bad. 

Today if a gift is not received with gratefulness, turn the taunts into a prayer for them and just like David, you too will find peace. Let God fight your battles and give Him praise. 

No matter where we are or what century we live in, God is in the business of laundering our sins from us and causing us to realize He is God and there is no other. 

Listen to the word of the Lord: Fools say to themselves, “There is no God.” They sin and commit evil deeds; none of them does what is right.[Ps 53:1] and that is the reason God must launder us and our sins. He only wants purity, righteousness and holiness! Every sin is an abomination to He who owns the cattle on a thousand hills. God speaks to those who are in sin like Moab “ Moab is my washbasin.” Just as the launderer uses a washbasin to wash what is dirty physically, God says I will be like the launderer and my soap will be harsh like the bars of lye. Again in Ps 75 the author uses another illustration to show us God’s ways with sinners. For the Lord holds in his hand a cup full of foaming wine mixed with spices,and pours it out.” They will drink to their demise.

May God wash us and make us clean. Ephesians 5:26 states that Christ “cleanses her by the washing of water through the word.”  Have you been washed with the blood of Christ so you may be presentable to He who is holy and righteous? 

Nehemiah recorded the lineage of the people who had returned from Babylon and then he added that Ezra was called to read the book of the Law. He observed that “All the people were eager to hear the book of the law.”

How eager are we to listen as the Book is opened and read to us each week or even as we open the book and read in our quiet time. Eagerness means you want something so much that you earnestly set aside what you are doing to actively listen to what God has to say. How often are we not eagerly waiting to hear from the Lord but do our reading haphazardly or quickly. We make excuses why we are not eagerly waiting for God to speak, I have a full day, I have just this much time, I have ….etc. etc. Excuses are just that. Make an appointment each morning to listen to what is there for you.

Today listen to God speak. What has He said to you? Were you eagerly waiting to hear His voice so you may obey Him.

Nehemiah recorded the lineage of the people who had returned from Babylon and then he added that Ezra was called to read the book of the Law. He observed that “All the people were eager to hear the book of the law.”

How eager are we to listen as the Book is opened and read to us each week or even as we open the book and read in our quiet time. Eagerness means you want something so much that you earnestly set aside what you are doing to actively listen to what God has to say. How often are we not eagerly waiting to hear from the Lord but do our reading haphazardly or quickly. We make excuses why we are not eagerly waiting for God to speak, I have a full day, I have just this much time, I have ….etc. etc. Excuses are just that. Make an appointment each morning to listen to what is there for you.

Today listen to God speak. What has He said to you? Were you eagerly waiting to hear His voice so you may obey Him.

Psalm 39:1 Words aptly spoken

“I will watch what I say and make sure I do not sin with my tongue.

I will put a muzzle over my mouth while in the presence of an evil person.”

Now add to that this one from Pro 25:11 Like apples of gold in settings of silver Is a word spoken in right circumstances.

What good advice! Choose words carefully when in the presence of those who are not believers as well as believers, lest God hold you responsible.

Remember death and life are in the power of the tongue. [Proverbs 18:21]