The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork. “(Psalms 19:1)

The superscript of this psalm ascribes it to David.  I am sure this shepherd boy had many opportunities to gaze into the heavens and marvel at God’s creation.  Psalm 19 may be divided into two sections:  1) the greatness of God’s physical creation (vs. 1-6), 2) the greatness of God’s Word (vs. 7-14).  Consider with me some points from the first section of this psalm.  

Notice in verses 1-3 such words as “declare”, and “speech”.  David is telling us in figurative language, the stars are shouting a message!  If we wish to know what God is like, David says look to the heavens!  

The vastness and marvelous design of the cosmos never ceases to amaze me.  Since early boyhood I have been intrigued by manned space travel.  I remember when man first landed on the moon.  I recently read that plans are being made to send a man to Mars.  Mars, at its closest point is 46 million miles from the earth!  Yet, if man travels to this planet, he will have only penetrated a tiny fraction of space.  There are one hundred billion stars in our galaxy alone, and those stars are thirty trillion miles apart.  How far is thirty trillion miles?  To help us grasp the distance:  when the space shuttle is in orbit it travels at a speed of 17,000 miles per second.  If you could get in the space shuttle and speed through space at 5 miles per second it would take you 210,450 years to travel 30 million miles!  Incredible!  

What do the heavens tell us about God?  They tell us of His infinite power. He is the self-existing, infinite Being who created this vast universe out of nothing and who holds it all together!  The stars also illustrate his infinite love. The Psalmist writes: “For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; (Psalms 103:11).  How high are the heavens above the earth?  Start with 30 trillion miles and you will have just begun to fathom the height of God’s love. 

Dear reader, you are a sinner.  Though you have disappointed God, He still loves you and offers you an opportunity to tap into His infinite mercy and wisdom.  

By: George Slover


 

One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek:  that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple.”  (Psalms 27:4)
 
Here the Psalmist suggests a focus and a single mind.  “One thing” implies the steadfast eye and a single purpose.  This resolve influences everything else.  It suggests that there is no other pursuit that will compare with this one thing!   This goal is loftier than the pursuit of gold and silver!  (Matthew 6:19,20)

Next, this great prize will not be found without effort.  It must be sought!  The Psalmist states that he is willing to make the sacrifice to find it.  God commands, “seek my face”!  The Psalmist answers, “Your face Lord I will seek”. (vs.8) Furthermore, the poet implores, “Teach me, your way, Oh Lord”.  The writer is willing to make diligent effort to find his prize.
  
Next, the Psalmist’s seeks 1) to “dwell in the house of the Lord”,2)  “to behold his beauty”, and 3) “to inquire in his temple”.   Here he expresses his desire:  1) to worship God, 2) to see all that about God that is awesome and gracious, and 3) to know his will.  The three may also be summarized as “fellowship”.  This sweet communion with God is the Psalmist’s single pursuit.   As a favorite hymn states “I want you more than gold or silver, only you can satisfy, you alone are the real joy giver and the apple of my eye.”

Finally, he has assurance that his pursuit will result in God’s protection in troubling times, “for he shall hide me in his pavilion; in the secret place of his tabernacle.”   In verse 10, “When my father and mother forsake me, then the Lord will take care of me.”  When his world falls apart he knows that God will be his helper. 

Therefore, he exhorts us to “Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and he will strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord.” 

By George Slover

And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.” (Revelation 21:6)

God is the beginning and the end. He is the self-existing creator. He is the cause and succession of all things that exist. He is the sole Creator, and beside him there is no God. (Isaiah 41:4) He created and determined the purpose of all things. God is the only source of eternal promises, and his unchangeableness is the assurance of their steadfastness.

The promise recorded here is of life-sustaining spiritual water. Jesus promises the same to a Samaritan woman. "Jesus answered and said to her, “ If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” (John 4:10)  No sensation is more burning than physical thirst. However, the thirst of the soul is even more threatening. The human heart is looking for purpose, acceptance, and security. Only the self-existing God can provide. 

This life-sustaining water is offered freely, or without merit. The recipients, don't deserve the gift. They deserve death, but they have been washed in the blood of the lamb. They have been released from the debt of sin! They are heirs of an eternal promise!

Just because it is a free gift does not mean it is given without terms or conditions. The next verse states: ”He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son”. (verse 7) God calls his people to endure hardship for his cause. Being a follower of Christ is not a life of ease, yet it is far better than the yoke of sin. (Matthew 11:28-30)

It is hard to believe that God offers such an incredible gift. But, surely the same God who is the giver of life itself, who provides sustenance for our existence, would also provide for man's spiritual needs and offer everlasting satisfaction.

So the question is – are you thirsty? If so, do you believe it? "And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” (Revelation 22:17. 

By George Slover

 

Do not be rash with your mouth, And let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; Therefore let your words be few." (Ecclesiastes 5:2)
 
Since much of Solomon’s writing is directed toward the young man, the above passage seems appropriate.  It reminds me of words often spoken to that argumentative teenager who needs to hush and listen to the voice of wisdom.  Solomon says,  “God has authority here!  Hush and listen to God!”
 
But, does not the verse apply to all of us?  Do we not at times struggle with God?  Are there not times when we need to be put in our place and reminded that God is in heaven?  So, hush and listen to God!  Actually, this spirit of listening begins with the spirit of humility!
 
Like the teenager, we need to remember our place.  No matter how many accomplishments we have to our credit, God created this universe.  No matter how many war stories we can tell, God is stronger.  Since we cannot brag in His presence, we should learn to listen!
 
When one fully understands his position before God, he will be abundantly blessed.  True humility before God will lead to wisdom (Prov.11:2), guidance (Ps. 25:9), honor (Prov. 22:4), exaltation (Mt. 23:12), grace (Js. 4:6), and forgiveness (Lk. 18:9-14).
 
So, instead of compromising spiritually, recognize that God’s way is superior in every phase of your life!  Yield to Him, and you will be richly blessed!
 
By George Slover

Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall.  But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength;  they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”  (Isaiah 40:30,31)

Prior to chapter 40 Isaiah has spoken primarily of judgment.  He has mixed words of doom (Isa.10:1-3) with words of promise (Isa. 10:20,21).  He has spoken of better days ahead- the time of the Messiah and his kingdom. (Isa. 2:1-4)  Now Isaiah speaks primarily to the remnant with words of comfort. (Isa.40:1)  The conclusion of chapter 40 is some of the most encouraging language in the Old Testament.  Consider some important points from these verses. 

First, he humbles us and reminds us of our need for him.  The young soldier may be able to use his physical strength to win in times of physical war, but such will not be so in this battle.  He will meet with disappointment and heartache.  He will face times of faint heartedness, fear, and temptation.  Questions will arise to challenge his faith.  It will seem as if God has abandoned him.  We will need the armor God provides to win this battle (Eph. 6:10-17)

Second, we must know of the power that God gives to the weak.  (Isa.40:29)  God is there to help!  He can provide resistance in the hour of temptation, endurance for the trials, steadfastness for the faint hearted.  God’s help is constantly available for he “neither faints nor is weary.” (Isa.40:28)   There is no God like Him!
 
Third, such power is available only to those who “wait on the Lord”.  It is available to all, but can only be accessed by those who desire such.  To “wait upon the Lord” appears eight times in Isaiah.  We must wait upon him in prayer and in meditation of his word.

Fourth, a triple experience is promised to those who pursue Jehovah.  First, we will mount up “with wings like eagles”.  (Isa. 40:31)  As we soar higher and higher, we will be surprised at how the worries of this world harassed us. Second, we “shall run and not be weary”.  We will feel “young” again.  Third, we “shall walk and not faint”.    We will have hills to climb, rivers to ford, and daily chores to attend to.  But, God is there to help us!  The end result is awesome! 

So, “saints lift you voices, tho dark your days!  Lift up your spirits, sing out his praise!  Upward the calling, brighter the light!  Soaring like eagles on wings of flight!”

By George Slover