LifeWalk Devotional - June 2012 sample
LifeWalk THROUGH THE BIBLE EVERY YEAR
Prayers, Praises, Petitions
WWW.LIFEWAY.COM
Psalms
JUNE 2012
U.S.A. $3.95
“If you continue in My word, you really are My disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” J O HN 8:31– 32 ( HC S B®)
God wants His children to be truly free, but that freedom can come only by knowing the truth found in His Word. Each issue of LifeWalk guides the reader with these features: t*OUSPEVDUJPOUPUIFTQFDJGJD#JCMFCPPL offers you firm footing for step-by-step study using unique tools such as book divisions, timelines, locations, and topics discussed
LifeWalk
®
VOLUME 5, NUMBER 6 June 2012
PRODUCTION TEAM Chandra Bennett Editorial Project Leader
5BNNZ%SPMTVN Editor
%POOB&1FOOFMM Editorial Manager
Paula A. Kirk
t0WFSWJFXTFUTUIFTDFOFGPSXIBUZPVXJMM study each day
Editorial Director
t:PVS%BJMZ8BMLIFMQTZPVBQQMZUIFTUFQ by-step reading in practical, thoughtful ways
Graphic Designer
t* OTJHIUPGGFST QSJDFMFTT OVHHFUT BCPVU something in the day’s passage to broaden your understanding LifeWalk is adaptable, making it easy for you to make it work for your schedule. The daily Scripture can be read in one sitting or divided, to start and end the day with God’s Word. On days when you’re pressed for time, you can read the “Key Passage” to catch the main theme. The approach is so positive that people will actually enjoy the journey, and many will discover the power of God’s Word for the first time! With LifeWalk, you’ll read God’s Word the way it XBTXSJUUFOPOFCPPLBUBUJNF
LifeWalk provides a systematic, daily devotional plan for adults to read through the Bible in a year and grow stronger as disciples. Cover Photo: © iStockphoto
Julie Sims Julie Tozer Aldrich Operations Manager for Publishing LifeWalk: Through the Bible Every Year *44/ *UFN 005107653) is a Christian devotional magazine published monthly by LifeWay Press®. One LifeWay Plaza Nashville, TN 37234 Thom S. Rainer, President © 2012 LifeWay Press®. Send questions/comments to: Editor, LifeWalk One LifeWay Plaza Nashville, TN 37234-0175 Join our Facebook fan page at Facebook.com/LifeWalkmagazine
Psalms he Book of Psalms draws on Israel’s rich, thousand-year relationship
T
with God to reveal the range of humanity’s experience with Him. In
these poems and songs, David, Solomon, Moses, and other great men of God expose their greatest joys and deepest hurts. Psalms, the longest book in the Bible, covers a greater span of years than any other Old Testament book. Used as the temple hymnbook, Psalms is actually five books in one. Each of the five sections closes with a doxology.
SECTION
BOOK 1 141
BOOK 2 4272
BOOK 3 7389
BOOK 4 90106
BOOK 5 107150
CHIEF AUTHOR
David
David/Asaph
Asaph
Anonymous
David
NO. OF PSALMS
41
31
17
17
44
SUMMARY OF CONTENT
Songs of Worship
Hymns of National Interest
Anthems of Praise
POSSIBLE COMPILER
David
Hezekiah/Josiah
Ezra/Nehemiah
DATES OF COMPILATION
c. 1020– 970 B.C.
c. 970–610 B.C.
Until c. 430 B.C.
TOPICAL SIMILARITY TO PENTATEUCH
Genesis: Humanity and Creation
Exodus: Delivered and Redeemed
Leviticus: Worship and Sanctuary
Numbers: Wilderness and Wandering
Deut.: Scripture and Praise
CLOSING DOXOLOGY
41:13
72:18–19
89:52
106:48
150:1–6
SPAN OF AUTHORSHIP
About 1,000 Years (c. 1410–430 B.C.)
LifeWalk, Volume 5, Number 6, June 2012 Content is © 2012 by Walk Thru the Bible, Inc. Contents may not be reproduced in any form unless authorized in writing by the publisher. Printed in the U.S.A. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
June 1
Psalms 1–6
The Last Laugh (Psalm 2) K e y Pa ss a g e: Ps a l m 2 PSALM 1
PSALM 2
God’s Word Prospers
God’s Son Prevails
Proclamation
PSALM 3
PSALM 4
PSALM 5
PSALM 6
God’s Servant Is Protected from . . . Foes
Failure
Frustration
Fainting
Petition
O V E R V I E W The gateway to the Book of Psalms is guarded by two major declarations concerning God’s revelation of Himself: He can be known through His Word which brings blessing (Psalm 1), and He can be known in the Person of His Son who rules over creation (2). The servant of God can cling to Him with confidence, knowing that God’s help and consolation are assured in both good times and bad. No foe (3) nor failure (4), no frustration (5) nor cause for fainting (6) can change the fact that God is in control.
“A joyful heart is good medicine” (Proverbs 17:22).
6
YO U R D A I LY WA L K Laughter has been called “the sensation of feeling good all over, and showing it principally in one place.” Everyone enjoys a good laugh unless that laugh is on him. Then laughter can become a painful, rather than a pleasurable, experience. Psalm 2 describes the world’s rulers gathered together. With great fury and indignation, they shake their fists at God, and threaten to overthrow His rule (2:3). And what is God’s response to their show of power and independence? A cosmic guffaw, loud enough to shake the heavens (2:4), at the absurdity of the nations rejecting the sovereign Creator who fashioned them. From God’s perspective, they are fools indeed who will not fall down and acknowledge His greatness. And they are blessed indeed who put their trust in Him. Find a copy of today’s newspaper and spend a few minutes scanning the international news. Over each frightening or discouraging headline, write the words, “GOD IS IN CONTROL!” That’s a truth no one—king or commoner—can avoid. INSIGHT S omething Old, S omething New These words summarize the relationship between the Old and New Testaments: The New is in the Old contained; the Old is in the New explained. Prove that by noting how the New Testament writers quote and explain portions of Psalm 2 in Acts 4:25–26 (quoting Psalm 2:1–2); and in Acts 13:33 and Hebrews 5:5 (both quoting Psalm 2:7).
Psalms 7–12
June 2/3
Let’s Just Praise the Lord (Psalm 9) K e y Pa ss a g e: Ps a l m 9 PSALM 7
PSALM 8
PSALMS 9–10
PSALMS 11–12
Desire for Vindication
Delight in Creation
Defense Against Enemies
Deliverance from the Wicked
The Righteous Look to God
God Looks After the Righteous
O V E R V I E W The enemies of God’s people are also God’s enemies. Responding to these enemies is David’s burden in each of the psalms in today’s reading. In the face of dangerous opposition, David seeks God’s justice (7), protection (9–10), and deliverance (11–12). The God who created humanity to rule over His creation is the God who will one day silence and subdue His enemies (8). YO U R D A I LY WA L K A famous author once commented that “one of the difficulties in language is that all our words have lost their edge from loose usage.” Sadly, the church is not immune to this phenomenon. Christian clichés develop so quickly . . . so subtly. Words that once prompted heartfelt response have turned into empty shells, phrases spoken more from habit than from the heart. The exercise of praising God never became routine for David. Rather, it involved the deliberate, reasoned response of his heart to God. The first two verses of Psalm 9 summarize David’s pattern of praise. First, he rejoices in God’s person; then he publicly proclaims God’s wondrous ways. Put them together and you have meditation turned into communication, inward delight turned into outward demonstration. In a word, praise. Try David’s plan for praising the Lord right now. Take an aspect of God’s character that you discovered while reading today’s passage, and translate it into the language of praise by singing a hymn, composing a short poem of praise, or reading back to God the words of Psalm 9. Make this a habit, and you—like David—will become a person after God’s own heart. INSIGHT The Psalm with the Split Personalit y The absence of a title in Psalm 10 and the sequence of letters in the Hebrew text (every other verse of Psalms 9 and 10 begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet, forming a handy and memorable acrostic) have led many commentators to conclude that Psalms 9 and 10 were originally one long song composed by David.
He who is sincere is sincere in all places and at all times.
7
June 4
Psalms 13–18
No Fooling (Psalm 14) K e y Pa ss a g e: Ps a l m 14 PSALM 13
PSALM 14
PSALMS 15–16
PSALM 17
PSALM 18
Anxious Believers
Atheistic Fools
Promise of Life
Prayer for Protection
Praise for Preservation
Challenged Faith
Confident Faith
O V E R V I E W In David’s day as in ours, believers face many challenges to their faith, both from their own fearful hearts (13) and from those who foolishly deny God’s existence (14). The answer? Walking in fellowship with God (15), being sustained by His promises (16), and drawing upon His ever-available resources (17–18).
Truth exists; only lies are invented.
8
YO U R D A I LY WA L K Webster’s Dictionary defines an atheist as “one who denies the existence of God.” But why do atheists refuse to believe in God? Is it because . . . • they cannot accept God rationally or intellectually? • they are untaught and ignorant of the things of God? • they are unwilling to repent of sin in their lives? While each of those answers may be true, Psalm 14 highlights the root problem. Atheism is the by-product of a proud unwillingness to acknowledge sin before a holy God. David’s use of such descriptions as “corrupt . . . evildoers” shows that the basic issue is moral, not intellectual. Understanding that will help you the next time you share your faith. Rather than trying to prove God’s existence (a common approach), focus instead on forgiveness in Jesus Christ. Intellectual objections can—and should—be answered. But only the grace of God can remove the guilt and stain of sin. Though you may not have the answers to all the questions, you can be confident you have the answer to the need of every human heart . . . because you have Christ in your heart. INSIGHT What Is a Biblical Hear t? The word heart, used more than 700 times in the Bible and 100 times in the Psalms, actually has a broader meaning than the way it is often used today. It encompasses not only the emotions, but also the intellect (Job 38:36; Proverbs 2:10), and the will (Acts 11:23; Hebrews 4:12; Ephesians 6:6). The heart also refers to the personality and true character of a person.
Psalms 19–24
June 5
In God We Trust (Psalm 20) K e y Pa ss a g e: Ps a l m 20 PSALM 19
PSALM 20
PSALM 21
PSALMS 22–24
Works and Words
Prayer Before Victory
Praise After Victory
Portraits of Messiah
Revelation
Reliance
Redeemer
O V E R V I E W God’s involvement in the lives of His people is the dominant theme of the psalms in today’s reading. God reveals Himself in the world and in the Word (19); He gives enablement and victory to those who do battle for Him (20–21); He sends His Messiah to suffer on the cross (22), shepherd His people (23), and establish His rule over the earth (24). Indeed, He is worthy to be trusted. YO U R D A I LY WA L K Question: What do retirement funds, college degrees, and nuclear submarines have in common? Answer: They are all designed to give you a sense of security— security for your future, security for your vocation, security for your protection. But do they? Security in an increasingly insecure world—it’s one of today’s most sought after, and elusive, commodities. Nearly 3,000 years ago, the ultimate military weapons were the chariot and the horse. Armies that could field a cavalry or chariot brigade were considered virtually invincible. But Israel was to be different. God’s Law forbade her king to acquire many horses (Deuteronomy 17:16). Rather than put her confidence in strategic arms, Israel was to trust in everlasting arms, for God had promised to fight for His people. That is why David’s affirmation of trust in a delivering God (Psalm 20:7) is so appropriate. It’s the answer to the “national security” problem—both in his day and yours. Using a pencil, list five things the world thinks you need to be secure. Then across the list, write in ink the words of Psalm 20:7— “We trust in the name of the LORD our God” (NIV ). America’s coins are stamped“In God We Trust.” What sentiment is stamped on your heart? INSIGHT And Speak ing of Chariots . . . Israel’s security was often threatened by chariot-equipped armies. What was the outcome of the skirmishes described in Exodus 14? Judges 4? 2 Kings 6?
They are well kept whom God keeps.
9
Prayers, Praises, Petitions
WWW.LIFEWAY.COM
Psalms
JUNE 2012
U.S.A. $3.95
“If you continue in My word, you really are My disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” J O HN 8:31– 32 ( HC S B®)
God wants His children to be truly free, but that freedom can come only by knowing the truth found in His Word. Each issue of LifeWalk guides the reader with these features: t*OUSPEVDUJPOUPUIFTQFDJGJD#JCMFCPPL offers you firm footing for step-by-step study using unique tools such as book divisions, timelines, locations, and topics discussed
LifeWalk
®
VOLUME 5, NUMBER 6 June 2012
PRODUCTION TEAM Chandra Bennett Editorial Project Leader
5BNNZ%SPMTVN Editor
%POOB&1FOOFMM Editorial Manager
Paula A. Kirk
t0WFSWJFXTFUTUIFTDFOFGPSXIBUZPVXJMM study each day
Editorial Director
t:PVS%BJMZ8BMLIFMQTZPVBQQMZUIFTUFQ by-step reading in practical, thoughtful ways
Graphic Designer
t* OTJHIUPGGFST QSJDFMFTT OVHHFUT BCPVU something in the day’s passage to broaden your understanding LifeWalk is adaptable, making it easy for you to make it work for your schedule. The daily Scripture can be read in one sitting or divided, to start and end the day with God’s Word. On days when you’re pressed for time, you can read the “Key Passage” to catch the main theme. The approach is so positive that people will actually enjoy the journey, and many will discover the power of God’s Word for the first time! With LifeWalk, you’ll read God’s Word the way it XBTXSJUUFOPOFCPPLBUBUJNF
LifeWalk provides a systematic, daily devotional plan for adults to read through the Bible in a year and grow stronger as disciples. Cover Photo: © iStockphoto
Julie Sims Julie Tozer Aldrich Operations Manager for Publishing LifeWalk: Through the Bible Every Year *44/ *UFN 005107653) is a Christian devotional magazine published monthly by LifeWay Press®. One LifeWay Plaza Nashville, TN 37234 Thom S. Rainer, President © 2012 LifeWay Press®. Send questions/comments to: Editor, LifeWalk One LifeWay Plaza Nashville, TN 37234-0175 Join our Facebook fan page at Facebook.com/LifeWalkmagazine
Psalms he Book of Psalms draws on Israel’s rich, thousand-year relationship
T
with God to reveal the range of humanity’s experience with Him. In
these poems and songs, David, Solomon, Moses, and other great men of God expose their greatest joys and deepest hurts. Psalms, the longest book in the Bible, covers a greater span of years than any other Old Testament book. Used as the temple hymnbook, Psalms is actually five books in one. Each of the five sections closes with a doxology.
SECTION
BOOK 1 141
BOOK 2 4272
BOOK 3 7389
BOOK 4 90106
BOOK 5 107150
CHIEF AUTHOR
David
David/Asaph
Asaph
Anonymous
David
NO. OF PSALMS
41
31
17
17
44
SUMMARY OF CONTENT
Songs of Worship
Hymns of National Interest
Anthems of Praise
POSSIBLE COMPILER
David
Hezekiah/Josiah
Ezra/Nehemiah
DATES OF COMPILATION
c. 1020– 970 B.C.
c. 970–610 B.C.
Until c. 430 B.C.
TOPICAL SIMILARITY TO PENTATEUCH
Genesis: Humanity and Creation
Exodus: Delivered and Redeemed
Leviticus: Worship and Sanctuary
Numbers: Wilderness and Wandering
Deut.: Scripture and Praise
CLOSING DOXOLOGY
41:13
72:18–19
89:52
106:48
150:1–6
SPAN OF AUTHORSHIP
About 1,000 Years (c. 1410–430 B.C.)
LifeWalk, Volume 5, Number 6, June 2012 Content is © 2012 by Walk Thru the Bible, Inc. Contents may not be reproduced in any form unless authorized in writing by the publisher. Printed in the U.S.A. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
June 1
Psalms 1–6
The Last Laugh (Psalm 2) K e y Pa ss a g e: Ps a l m 2 PSALM 1
PSALM 2
God’s Word Prospers
God’s Son Prevails
Proclamation
PSALM 3
PSALM 4
PSALM 5
PSALM 6
God’s Servant Is Protected from . . . Foes
Failure
Frustration
Fainting
Petition
O V E R V I E W The gateway to the Book of Psalms is guarded by two major declarations concerning God’s revelation of Himself: He can be known through His Word which brings blessing (Psalm 1), and He can be known in the Person of His Son who rules over creation (2). The servant of God can cling to Him with confidence, knowing that God’s help and consolation are assured in both good times and bad. No foe (3) nor failure (4), no frustration (5) nor cause for fainting (6) can change the fact that God is in control.
“A joyful heart is good medicine” (Proverbs 17:22).
6
YO U R D A I LY WA L K Laughter has been called “the sensation of feeling good all over, and showing it principally in one place.” Everyone enjoys a good laugh unless that laugh is on him. Then laughter can become a painful, rather than a pleasurable, experience. Psalm 2 describes the world’s rulers gathered together. With great fury and indignation, they shake their fists at God, and threaten to overthrow His rule (2:3). And what is God’s response to their show of power and independence? A cosmic guffaw, loud enough to shake the heavens (2:4), at the absurdity of the nations rejecting the sovereign Creator who fashioned them. From God’s perspective, they are fools indeed who will not fall down and acknowledge His greatness. And they are blessed indeed who put their trust in Him. Find a copy of today’s newspaper and spend a few minutes scanning the international news. Over each frightening or discouraging headline, write the words, “GOD IS IN CONTROL!” That’s a truth no one—king or commoner—can avoid. INSIGHT S omething Old, S omething New These words summarize the relationship between the Old and New Testaments: The New is in the Old contained; the Old is in the New explained. Prove that by noting how the New Testament writers quote and explain portions of Psalm 2 in Acts 4:25–26 (quoting Psalm 2:1–2); and in Acts 13:33 and Hebrews 5:5 (both quoting Psalm 2:7).
Psalms 7–12
June 2/3
Let’s Just Praise the Lord (Psalm 9) K e y Pa ss a g e: Ps a l m 9 PSALM 7
PSALM 8
PSALMS 9–10
PSALMS 11–12
Desire for Vindication
Delight in Creation
Defense Against Enemies
Deliverance from the Wicked
The Righteous Look to God
God Looks After the Righteous
O V E R V I E W The enemies of God’s people are also God’s enemies. Responding to these enemies is David’s burden in each of the psalms in today’s reading. In the face of dangerous opposition, David seeks God’s justice (7), protection (9–10), and deliverance (11–12). The God who created humanity to rule over His creation is the God who will one day silence and subdue His enemies (8). YO U R D A I LY WA L K A famous author once commented that “one of the difficulties in language is that all our words have lost their edge from loose usage.” Sadly, the church is not immune to this phenomenon. Christian clichés develop so quickly . . . so subtly. Words that once prompted heartfelt response have turned into empty shells, phrases spoken more from habit than from the heart. The exercise of praising God never became routine for David. Rather, it involved the deliberate, reasoned response of his heart to God. The first two verses of Psalm 9 summarize David’s pattern of praise. First, he rejoices in God’s person; then he publicly proclaims God’s wondrous ways. Put them together and you have meditation turned into communication, inward delight turned into outward demonstration. In a word, praise. Try David’s plan for praising the Lord right now. Take an aspect of God’s character that you discovered while reading today’s passage, and translate it into the language of praise by singing a hymn, composing a short poem of praise, or reading back to God the words of Psalm 9. Make this a habit, and you—like David—will become a person after God’s own heart. INSIGHT The Psalm with the Split Personalit y The absence of a title in Psalm 10 and the sequence of letters in the Hebrew text (every other verse of Psalms 9 and 10 begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet, forming a handy and memorable acrostic) have led many commentators to conclude that Psalms 9 and 10 were originally one long song composed by David.
He who is sincere is sincere in all places and at all times.
7
June 4
Psalms 13–18
No Fooling (Psalm 14) K e y Pa ss a g e: Ps a l m 14 PSALM 13
PSALM 14
PSALMS 15–16
PSALM 17
PSALM 18
Anxious Believers
Atheistic Fools
Promise of Life
Prayer for Protection
Praise for Preservation
Challenged Faith
Confident Faith
O V E R V I E W In David’s day as in ours, believers face many challenges to their faith, both from their own fearful hearts (13) and from those who foolishly deny God’s existence (14). The answer? Walking in fellowship with God (15), being sustained by His promises (16), and drawing upon His ever-available resources (17–18).
Truth exists; only lies are invented.
8
YO U R D A I LY WA L K Webster’s Dictionary defines an atheist as “one who denies the existence of God.” But why do atheists refuse to believe in God? Is it because . . . • they cannot accept God rationally or intellectually? • they are untaught and ignorant of the things of God? • they are unwilling to repent of sin in their lives? While each of those answers may be true, Psalm 14 highlights the root problem. Atheism is the by-product of a proud unwillingness to acknowledge sin before a holy God. David’s use of such descriptions as “corrupt . . . evildoers” shows that the basic issue is moral, not intellectual. Understanding that will help you the next time you share your faith. Rather than trying to prove God’s existence (a common approach), focus instead on forgiveness in Jesus Christ. Intellectual objections can—and should—be answered. But only the grace of God can remove the guilt and stain of sin. Though you may not have the answers to all the questions, you can be confident you have the answer to the need of every human heart . . . because you have Christ in your heart. INSIGHT What Is a Biblical Hear t? The word heart, used more than 700 times in the Bible and 100 times in the Psalms, actually has a broader meaning than the way it is often used today. It encompasses not only the emotions, but also the intellect (Job 38:36; Proverbs 2:10), and the will (Acts 11:23; Hebrews 4:12; Ephesians 6:6). The heart also refers to the personality and true character of a person.
Psalms 19–24
June 5
In God We Trust (Psalm 20) K e y Pa ss a g e: Ps a l m 20 PSALM 19
PSALM 20
PSALM 21
PSALMS 22–24
Works and Words
Prayer Before Victory
Praise After Victory
Portraits of Messiah
Revelation
Reliance
Redeemer
O V E R V I E W God’s involvement in the lives of His people is the dominant theme of the psalms in today’s reading. God reveals Himself in the world and in the Word (19); He gives enablement and victory to those who do battle for Him (20–21); He sends His Messiah to suffer on the cross (22), shepherd His people (23), and establish His rule over the earth (24). Indeed, He is worthy to be trusted. YO U R D A I LY WA L K Question: What do retirement funds, college degrees, and nuclear submarines have in common? Answer: They are all designed to give you a sense of security— security for your future, security for your vocation, security for your protection. But do they? Security in an increasingly insecure world—it’s one of today’s most sought after, and elusive, commodities. Nearly 3,000 years ago, the ultimate military weapons were the chariot and the horse. Armies that could field a cavalry or chariot brigade were considered virtually invincible. But Israel was to be different. God’s Law forbade her king to acquire many horses (Deuteronomy 17:16). Rather than put her confidence in strategic arms, Israel was to trust in everlasting arms, for God had promised to fight for His people. That is why David’s affirmation of trust in a delivering God (Psalm 20:7) is so appropriate. It’s the answer to the “national security” problem—both in his day and yours. Using a pencil, list five things the world thinks you need to be secure. Then across the list, write in ink the words of Psalm 20:7— “We trust in the name of the LORD our God” (NIV ). America’s coins are stamped“In God We Trust.” What sentiment is stamped on your heart? INSIGHT And Speak ing of Chariots . . . Israel’s security was often threatened by chariot-equipped armies. What was the outcome of the skirmishes described in Exodus 14? Judges 4? 2 Kings 6?
They are well kept whom God keeps.
9
