Pleading with the Perishing

Read:  Psalm 120 / Proverbs 31 / 1 Samuel 7 / Mark 2

 

Psalm 120:6,7 My soul hath long dwelt with him that hateth peace. I am for peace: but when I speak, they are for war.

Proverbs 30:14, 31:8,9 There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords… to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men… Open thy mouth plead the cause of the poor and needy... such as are appointed to destruction.  

1 Samuel 7:12 Then Samuel took a stone... and called the name of it Eben-ezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us.

Mark 2:17 Jesus… saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

 

The hope for world peace is bleak;

We dwell with those who are for war,

Though diplomats may with them speak

With urgent pleadings they ignore.

 

The Lord has helped us hitherto

As with the Gospel we are sent.

Unheeded warnings still are true

As sinners perish or repent. 

 

Christ's Commission

Read:  Psalm 119:169-176 / Proverbs 30 / 1 Sam. 6 / Mark 1

 

Psalm 119:176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.

Proverbs 30:4,5 Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended?... Gathered the wind?...  Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

1 Samuel 6:20 The men… said, Who is able to stand before this holy LORD God? and to whom shall he go up from us?

Mark 1:15 The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

 

All we like sheep have gone astray,

As even now we’re prone to do. 

Let us return without delay,

For every word of God is true.

 

Let each distracting voice be stilled

As we behold our Lord ascended.

Let Christ’s commission be fulfilled,

For harvest time has nearly ended.  

 

Reason to Rejoice

Read:  Psalm 119:161-168 / Proverbs 29 / 1 Sam. 5 / Mat. 28

 

Psalm 119:162,168 I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil… for all my ways are before thee.

Proverbs 29:26 Many seek the ruler's favor; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD.

1 Samuel 5:11 Send away the ark of the God of Israel… to his own place… for… the hand of God was very heavy there.

Matthew 28:19,20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations… and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.

 

I have a reason to rejoice

As one who finds triumphant favor:

Christ died to offer me the choice

To know Him as my Lord and Savior! 

 

God’s holy hand brought down His sword

On Jesus Christ who took my place.

I’m called now by my risen Lord

To preach the Gospel of His grace. 

 

Pure and Planned

Read:  Psalm 119:153-160 / Proverbs 28 / 1 Sam. 4 / Mat. 27

 

Psalm 119:160 Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth forever.

Proverbs 28:5 Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.

1 Samuel 4:22 And she said, The glory is departed from Israel: for the ark of God is taken.

Matthew 27:63 Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.

 

God’s Word is true from the beginning

And shall forevermore endure,

Correcting us when we are sinning

With His instruction that is pure. 

 

Though evil men don’t understand

The truth they spurn with blind derision,

We see the outcome God has planned,

As in the day our Lord was risen. 

 

Failure we should Fear

Read:  Psalm 119:145-152 / Proverbs 27 / 1 Sam. 3 / Mat. 26 

 

Psalm 119:150,151 They draw nigh that follow after mischief… Thou art near… all thy commandments are truth.

Proverbs 27:11 My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.

1 Samuel 3:19,21 And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground… The LORD revealed himself to Samuel… by the word of the LORD.

Matthew 26:7,10 A woman having… very precious ointment… poured it on his head… Jesus… said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.

 

The mischief makers now draw near;

But God is near, whom we proclaim. 

The only failure we should fear

Is a reproach upon His name. 

 

Let us be found like Samuel,

Who was instructed by the Lord. 

Like Mary let us be as well,

Who worshiped Christ with ointment poured. 

 

 

Righteous Ruler

Read:  Psalm 119:137-144 / Proverbs 26 / 1 Sam. 2 / Mat. 25  

 

Psalm 119:142 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.

Proverbs 26:5,28 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit… A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.

1 Samuel 2:3 Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.

Matthew 25:46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

 

The righteous God to us has spoken

According to His perfect rule. 

His absolutes are never broken,

Though disregarded by the fool. 

 

By God our actions all are weighed.

Beware of lies and flattery! 

Remember that our Savior paid

The awful price that makes us free.  

 

Long as I shall Live

Read:  Psalm 119:129-136 / Proverbs 25 / 1 Sam. 1 / Mat. 24

 

Psalm 119:133 Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.

Proverbs 25:6,28 Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king… He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

1 Samuel 1:27-28 For this child I prayed… Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshiped the LORD there.

Matthew 24:44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

 

I thank the Lord for His dominion,

Lest I be ruled instead by sin,

Or by humanity’s opinion,

Or by my wayward heart within. 

 

As long as I shall live on earth,

I’ll love the Lord who first loved me.

He died to give me my new birth;

I’ll live to praise Him gratefully. 

 

Receive or Refuse

Read:  Psalm 119:121-128 / Proverbs 24 / Ruth 4 / Mat. 23

 

Psalm 119:126 It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law.

Proverbs 24:3,27 Through wisdom is an house builded… Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house.

Ruth 4:6 And the kinsman said, I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: redeem thou my right to thyself; for I cannot redeem it.

Matthew 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!

 

Our Savior calls us to take action

And build up what has been destroyed.

We need to clear away distraction,

For fools declare God’s Word is void. 

 

Our Savior calls to every soul,

Yet He requires us to choose.

He paid redemption’s price in full,

Which some receive and some refuse. 

 

How Pleasant is my Hiding Place

Read:  Psalm 119:113-120 / Proverbs 23 / Ruth 3 / Mat. 22

 

Psalm 119:114 Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.

Proverbs 23:18,26 Surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off… My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.

Ruth 3:18 Sit still… for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day.

Matthew 22:37 Jesus said… Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

 

How pleasantly I am assured

That Jesus is my Hiding Place.

I have His promise in His Word;

My expectation is by grace. 

 

This hope shall never be diminished,

For Jesus could not rest above

Until His saving work was finished

That hides me in His wondrous love. 

 

My King and My Kin

Read:  Psalm 119:105-112 / Proverbs 22 / Ruth 2 / Mat. 21

 

Psalm 119:111 Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage forever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.

Proverbs 22:1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.

Ruth 2:12,20 The LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust… is near of kin unto us.

Matthew 21:5,42 Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek… The stone which the builders rejected… is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing… marvelous in our eyes.

 

My heart rejoices in my King

And in His wondrous reputation.

Who else but Christ could ever bring

The riches of so great salvation?

 

Behold, my King who bore my sin,

The Man of Sorrows men despise!

To save me He became my Kin;

This is amazing in my eyes!  

 

Right Response

Read:  Psalm 119:97-104 / Proverbs 21 / Ruth 1 / Mat. 20

 

Psalm 119:102 I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me. 

Proverbs 21:29 A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way.

Ruth 1:16 Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go. 

Matthew 20:34 Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes… their eyes received sight, and they followed him.

 

The Lord has taught me what is true. 

I would not foolishly depart

From what He shows me I should do

As He instructs and guards my heart. 

 

I see the right response of Ruth

In heartfelt words I hear her say.

My eyes are opened to the truth;

My Savior leads me all the way. 

 

Creation's Conductor

Read:  Psalm 119:89-96 / Proverbs 20 / Judges 21 / Mat. 19

 

Psalm 119:90,91 Thou hast established the earth… according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants.

Proverbs 20:12 The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them.

Judges 21:25 In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.

Matthew 19:26 Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

 

The earth abides by God’s decrees,

Conducted by His ordination.

The hearing ear, the eye that sees,

Display His wisdom in creation. 

 

The fool is right in his own eyes,

And thus endangers his own soul, 

But Christ can make the foolish wise;

With God all things are possible.  

 

Clear Counsel

Read:  Psalm 119:81-88 / Proverbs 19 / Judges 20 / Mat. 18 

 

Psalm 119:83,86 I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget thy statutes… thy commandments are faithful.

Proverbs 19:20,21 Hear counsel… that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.

Judges 20:27 The children of Israel inquired of the LORD, for the ark of the covenant of God was there in those days.

Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

 

The fog of hateful anarchy

May cause confusion in our land,

But by God’s faithful Word we see

His counsel in the end shall stand.

 

Without instruction from the Lord,

We could not know what we should do,

But when His counsel is explored,

The Lord Himself will clear our view.  

 

Lend My Ears and Lift My Eyes

Read:  Psalm 119:73-80 / Proverbs 18 / Judges 19 / Mat. 17 

 

Psalm 119:73 Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.

Proverbs 18:1,2 Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom. A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.

Judges 19:30 And it was so, that all that saw it said, There was no such deed done nor seen… consider of it, take advice, and speak your minds.

Matthew 17:5,8 This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him… And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only.

 

The God who fashioned me has spoken,

Though many do not seem to care. 

His promises were never broken;

No other counsel can compare.

 

No other teaching is so wise

As my Creator’s master plan. 

I’ll lend my ears and lift my eyes

To Jesus only, not to man. 

 

Rightly Reprimanding

Read:  Psalm 119:65-72 / Proverbs 17 / Judges 18 / Mat. 16

 

Psalm 119:66,68 Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments… Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes.

Proverbs 17:10,24 A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool… Wisdom is before him that hath understanding.

Judges 18:24 Ye have taken away my gods which I made, and the priest… what have I more?

Matthew 16:22,23 Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savorest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. 

 

My Savior gives me understanding  

And rightly teaches what is good. 

At times I need His reprimanding

When I’m not thinking as I should.

 

My thoughts that led me to distraction

Are, by Christ’s teaching, purged away,

Because He lives and takes the action

To guide and guard me every day.  

 

Companions in the Congregation

Read:  Psalm 119:57-64 / Proverbs 16 / Judges 17 / Mat. 15

 

Psalm 119:57,63 Thou art my portion, O LORD… I am a companion of all them that fear thee… that keep thy precepts.

Proverbs 16:2,6 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes… By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.

Judges 17:6 In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.

Matthew 15:8,14 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoreth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me… Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind.

 

Companions in the congregation

Of those who love and fear the Lord

Unite to praise Him for salvation

And worship Him in one accord.  

 

My friendships are among the wise

Who walk with Christ and are inclined

To be well-pleasing in His eyes

In heart, in soul, in might, and mind. 

 

Heaven Hears

Read:  Psalm 119:49-56 / Proverbs 15 / Judges 16 / Mat. 14 

 

Psalm 119:52,53 I remembered thy judgments of old, O LORD; and have comforted myself. Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law.

Proverbs 15:11 Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?

Judges 16:28 And Samson called unto the LORD, and said, O Lord GOD, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me.

Matthew 14:30,31 And beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? 

 

God heard me when the horror came

While I was facing condemnation. 

I called upon the Savior’s name

Who rescued me with His salvation. 

 

Like Samson’s prayer, “Remember me”

And Peter’s “Save me” cry was shouted,

Our Lord in heaven hears our plea,

So why, then, should His love be doubted? 

 

The Fight and the Fountain

Read:  Psalm 119:41-48 / Proverbs 14 / Judges 15 / Mat. 13 

 

Psalm 119:46 I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.

Proverbs 14:27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

Judges 15:15,19 He found a new jawbone of an ass… and slew a thousand men therewith… But God clave an hollow place that was in the jaw, and there came water… he called the name thereof… En-hakkore [Fountain of One Calling].

Matthew 13:52 Every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.

 

The Word of God that we’ve proclaimed

Equips us with His sword to fight.

Though mockers mock, we’re not ashamed;

The Word of God is always right.  

 

The weapon with which Sampson fought

Then satisfied his thirst, we’re told!

The fountain of God’s Word has brought

Refreshing treasures, new and old. 

 

Compared to Christ

Read:  Psalm 119:33-40 / Proverbs 13 / Judges 14 / Mat. 12 

 

Psalm 119:34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.

Proverbs 13:1,8 A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke… The ransom of a man's life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.

Judges 14:19 And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him [Samson], and he went down to Ashkelon... and he went up to his father's house.

Matthew 12:41,42 Behold, a greater than Jonas is here…  Behold, a greater than Solomon is here.

 

The more God gives me understanding,

The fuller is my heart’s surrender. 

The verdict stands and is demanding:

There’s none like Christ, my soul’s Defender!

 

Among the names that I recall,

Like Samson, Jonah, Solomon,

My Lord is greater than them all; 

To Christ there’s no comparison!