Bible League: Living His Word The name of the LORD is like a strong tower. Those who do what is right can run to him for protection.The rich think their wealth will protect them. They think it is a strong fortress. In a world full of trials, troubles, and tribulations there are at least two ways of acquiring protection from their destructive effects. One can turn to the Lord for protection, or one can turn to riches. Those who turn to their riches, our verses for today imply, are making a big mistake. The "name of the LORD" refers to the various ways that the Lord reveals Himself to us. The Lord reveals Himself as a God who is longsuffering, merciful, loving, good, true, etc. Given the nature of these revealed attributes, the Lord is a God who can be relied upon in troubled times. He is a God to whom we can turn for help. He is like a strong tower to whom we can run for protection from everything that comes against us. The rich of our verses for today do not look to the Lord for protection. They rely instead on something more tangible and concrete. They rely upon their riches. They think that they can buy their way out of the troubles of life and, as a result, have no need for the Lord above. Riches are deceptive in this regard, because they often can solve problems of various kinds. The trouble with relying on them, however, is that ultimately they can't be relied upon. As the story of Job in the Bible tells us, riches can be lost overnight. Indeed, even great riches can be lost overnight. Anyone who relies on them, therefore, has been deceived by them. Those who rely on their riches are essentially relying on themselves. They think that the riches they have acquired have placed them in a strong fortress above the reach of the troubles of life. They forget that the Lord opposes the proud. They forget that He can bring down to the dust anyone who thinks the strong fortress of wealth is invulnerable. Those who rely on the Lord, in contrast, are humble. They know that riches, power, and any other earthly thing do not offer ultimate protection. They know that the Lord lifts up the humble. They know they can run to Him and be lifted up above the troubles of life. Run to the Lord, therefore, for He alone is the ultimate protection. Bible in a Year Old Testament ReadingPsalm 56, 57, 58 Psalm 56 -- David's Psalm at Gath (1Sa 21) NIV NLT ESV NAS GWT KJV ASV ERV DRB Psalm 57 -- David's Psalms in the Cave (1Sa 22) NIV NLT ESV NAS GWT KJV ASV ERV DRB Psalm 58 -- Do you indeed speak righteousness, silent ones? NIV NLT ESV NAS GWT KJV ASV ERV DRB New Testament Reading Acts 28:1-15 Acts 28 -- Paul Ashore at Malta; Preaches at Rome NIV NLT ESV NAS GWT KJV ASV ERV DRB Reading Plan Courtesy of Christian Classics Etherial Library. Tyndale Life Application Daily Devotion One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering him.Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.” Insight It was customary for a mother to bring her children to a rabbi for a blessing, and that is why these mothers gathered around Jesus. The disciples, however, thought the children were unworthy of the Master's time—less important than whatever else he was doing. But Jesus welcomed them because little children have the kind of faith and trust needed to enter God's kingdom. Challenge It is important that we introduce our children to Jesus. Morning and Evening by Spurgeon Psalm 73:23 Nevertheless I am continually with thee."Nevertheless,"--As if, notwithstanding all the foolishness and ignorance which David had just been confessing to God, not one atom the less was it true and certain that David was saved and accepted, and that the blessing of being constantly in God's presence was undoubtedly his. Fully conscious of his own lost estate, and of the deceitfulness and vileness of his nature, yet, by a glorious outburst of faith, he sings "nevertheless I am continually with thee." Believer, you are forced to enter into Asaph's confession and acknowledgment, endeavour in like spirit to say "nevertheless, since I belong to Christ I am continually with God!" By this is meant continually upon his mind, he is always thinking of me for my good. Continually before his eye;--the eye of the Lord never sleepeth, but is perpetually watching over my welfare. Continually in his hand, so that none shall be able to pluck me thence. Continually on his heart, worn there as a memorial, even as the high priest bore the names of the twelve tribes upon his heart forever. Thou always thinkest of me, O God. The bowels of thy love continually yearn towards me. Thou art always making providence work for my good. Thou hast set me as a signet upon thine arm; thy love is strong as death, many waters cannot quench it; neither can the floods drown it. Surprising grace! Thou seest me in Christ, and though in myself abhorred, thou beholdest me as wearing Christ's garments, and washed in his blood, and thus I stand accepted in thy presence. I am thus continually in thy favor--"continually with thee." Here is comfort for the tried and afflicted soul; vexed with the tempest within--look at the calm without. "Nevertheless"--O say it in thy heart, and take the peace it gives. "Nevertheless I am continually with thee." Daily Light on the Daily Path Isaiah 64:1 Oh, that You would rend the heavens and come down, That the mountains might quake at Your presence--Romans 8:23 And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. Psalm 144:5 Bow Your heavens, O LORD, and come down; Touch the mountains, that they may smoke. Acts 1:11 They also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven." Hebrews 9:28 so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him. Isaiah 25:9 And it will be said in that day, "Behold, this is our God for whom we have waited that He might save us. This is the LORD for whom we have waited; Let us rejoice and be glad in His salvation." Revelation 22:20 He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming quickly." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Titus 2:13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, Philippians 3:20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; New American Standard Bible Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved. For Permission to Quote Information visit http://www.lockman.org. |
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