Rebellion or Rejoicing?

My friend Anthony and I recently began a shared devotional on the book of Psalms. Early in the morning, one would call the other up, read one chapter, share related scriptures and passages from Inspiration, and personal reflections.

The first one we did (on Psalm 1) was very helpful that I was able to share the thoughts in church also for our AY Program. Today, we did Psalm 2, which on the whole talks about the futility of rebelling against God and the blessedness of continually trusting in Him.

Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? 

The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, [saying],  

Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.  

He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.  

Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.  

Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.  

I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, 

Thou [art] my Son; this day have I begotten thee.  

Ask of me, and I shall give [thee] the heathen [for] thine inheritance, 

and the uttermost parts of the earth [for] thy possession.  

Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.  

Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.  

Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.  

Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish [from] the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed [are] all they that put their trust in him.  

Psalm 2:1-12

When we look at how things are carrying on in the world around us, we may sometimes wonder how come evil seems to prosper, especially among the most influential and powerful in the world. Yet, there is nothing for us to fear because God has not closed His eyes. He sees and He is still in control of everything.

According to the hymn that Sis. Arlene and I sang for our morning worship today, 

"This is my Father’s world. O let me ne’er forget

That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet."

Though, for a season, it may seem like the world is ruled by man and his evil heart, yet just as the vision of Nebuchadnezzar and Daniel tells us, Christ is our rightful king and all these other kingdoms will be dashed to pieces.

The Lord takes charge of His work in the world and of His work in our individual hearts. Let us not fear, but trust, for in trusting we find strength to obey. In trusting the Lord's faithfulness, we can live in harmony with His perfect will. And in that perfect will, there is designed for us rejoicing. In choosing our own way, no matter how right or logical or practical that way may appear, we will always meet with disappointment and frustration. It is a vain thing to rebel against God. But the end of obedience to Him is rejoicing. There is joy in serving the Lord. Always.

This is my Father's world; why should my heart be sad?

The Lord is King; let the heavens ring.

God reigns; let the earth be glad!

Called and Chosen - the Song

A few days before the camp meeting last April 2016, amid the flurry of preparations, God gave me the words that would become the lyrics to our theme song. The camp meeting's theme was FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS, with a special focus on the call to labor for the Lord in these last days. This song talks about God's faithfulness and wisdom shown since the Plan of Redemption was set in motion, and how today we have not just a special appointment but also a special provision. Indeed, all His biddings are enablings.

A sister in the church is also especially endowed with the gift of music, and she made the music for this song in one night. Since the camp meeting, I have made a couple of changes to the lyrics to make the grammar a little better and the message clearer. The lyrics below are the final version. I have included an MP4 recording of the song while we were learning it in its first version for the first time. The kids at church very quickly learned the music and lyrics and had a grand time singing it. Hoping to post a polished version soon. Meanwhile, may you be blessed by the message of this song.

CALLED AND CHOSEN

Your eyes pierce the future;

From the start You see the end.

The scrolls are unrav’lling,

In history I trace Your hand.

Your arm raised up workers

Just according to Your plan.

For a time such as this,

You call me and here I am.

You have called, I will answer.

I’ve been chosen; I will go

Wherever You lead me

So that others, too, might know

That my Jesus – He is coming

To take His children home.

I’ve been called, I’ve been chosen,

By Your Spirit I will go.

Everywhere You’ve brought me

I have seen Your faithfulness.

I trust provision has been made for me

For such as time as this.

Your arm raised up workers

Just according to Your plan.

For a time such as this,

You call me and here I am.

You have called, I will answer.

I’ve been chosen; I will go

Wherever You lead me

So that others, too, might know

That my Jesus – He is coming

To take His children home.

I’ve been called, I’ve been chosen,

By Your Spirit I will go.

You have called, I will answer.

I’ve been chosen; I will go,

Walk the path of the faithful,

Die to self, and live for You.

For my Jesus – He is coming

To take me home to You.

I’ve been called, I’ve been chosen,

By Your Spirit I will go.

I’ve been called, I’ve been chosen,

By Your Spirit I will go.

God be praised.

Israel and I

Free me as You have freed them
From sin and self and shame.
Lead me as You have led them
Through the Red Sea once again.
Feed me as You have fed them
With manna day after day.
Show me as You have shown them
The bitter shall sweet be made.
Till I reach some sweet morning
The gates of Canaan land,
Teach me as You have taught them -
Till like You I at last become.

2/18/2015