James 3:13 (New Living Translation).Share Audio.If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.If you are wise and smart in understanding God’s perfect ways then you shall show it by living in purity and a holy life for him in honor. By this you’re doing good with humility and comes from wisdom and knowledge of a godly lifestyle.What Does James 3:13 Mean? ►.Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.James 3:13(NASB).Verse Thoughts.There is a significant difference between true wisdom and false wisdom – between wisdom from above and the wisdom of the world. The world too often equates wisdom with knowledge while godly wisdom is given from above.. as the Spirit of God directs the steps of a man and guides him in his actions and attitude.Wisdom does not depend on how much knowledge a man manages to acquire but on how a man conducts himself in his every day life. Godly wisdom is exhibited in the way that a man applies all that he has learned from the Word of God in his everyday life.. and in the decisions and choices he makes.The personification of godly wisdom is discovered in one Man alone – the Man Christ Jesus, for He is incarnate wisdom. The Lord Jesus is wisdom manifest in human flesh, and He is the living example of a life that is walking in spirit and truth. Jesus is not only the image of the invisible God but He is also the perfect representation of the way that godly men and god-fearing women should live.When James asked this rhetorical question, he was not expecting any answer, but giving emphases to the radical differences between wisdom that is given from above and the sort of wisdom which has its roots in all that is earthly, fleshly, worldly and false. Envy and strife, together with boasting and deceit are some of the hallmarks of worldly wisdom, which is too often robustly rooted in egotistical self, sordid sin and devilish desires.However the fruit of the Spirit is evidenced in the wisdom that comes from above.. where purity and peace join together in perfect union and where meekness and mercy embrace one another. Graciousness and goodness join together with sincerity and truth, which are recognisable garments.. and the garments of sincerity and truth, righteousness and grace are only worn by the one that is the benefactor of Christlike wisdom from above.May this important question be asked of all who are saved by grace through faith in Christ: Who among you is wise and who has understanding? And may we all with our action and attitude reflect the same resounding reply, which was identified by James in his singular epistle – so that by God’s grace we reflect the beauty and wisdom of the Lord Jesus.. both by our good behaviour and through the gentleness of spirit – which alone comes from the Lord Himself.Source: https://dailyverse. knowing-jesus. com/james-3-13.What does James 3:13 mean?What is wisdom? In a new section beginning in this verse, James will show that how each person answers that question depends on whether their focus is limited to this life or includes eternity in heaven. He starts out with a provocative question. This test immediately challenges our personal pride: “who is wise and understanding among you?”.James uses two different Greek words, with two different meanings. “Understanding” comes from the Greek epistēmōn, which focuses on intellect and factual knowledge. “Wisdom,” which James will center on more heavily in this passage, is from the Greek sophos. This term is more related to practical, real-life use of moral reasoning. This is not to say intellect is unimportant, but James’s primary point in this letter is about what we do. As a result, it’s natural that he leans more heavily on the applied “wisdom” aspect.Those with some scriptural training or higher status in the faith community will be tempted to count themselves qualified as “wise.” Those who feel inadequate in spiritual things might hope they won’t be noticed. James’s answer to his own question, though, comes as a surprise. As human beings, we tend to measure wisdom as having all the right answers to the hard questions. Instead, James suggests, wisdom is as wisdom does. He echoes what he wrote about faith and good works in chapter 2: “I will show you my faith by my good works.”.A truly wise person will demonstrate the humility of wisdom by his good works. The true test of God’s kind of wisdom is a life well lived, a life spent doing good works for others. As the wisdom book of Proverbs repeatedly makes clear, humility is an essential component of living wisely (Proverbs 1:5–8). Without setting ourselves aside, we cannot hope to become the wise servants God has called us to be.Context Summary.James 3:13–18 questions our concept of who is wise and understanding. James quickly answers: the truly wise, understanding person is one whose faith in God leads to selfless good works. Wise people live in the humility of wisdom, setting themselves aside to serve others. That’s not worldly wisdom, which leaves each person responsible to serve him- or herself first. Earthly attitudes are driven by envy for what others have, and an ambition to take it. The result is disorder and evil instead of the peace, gentleness, and mercy that follow from living by heaven’s wisdom.Chapter Summary.Human words are powerful. Our tongues are small, but they are capable of wreaking great havoc. Any person who could perfectly control their words would be in perfect control of their entire bodies. Instead, as sinful human beings, our tongues are untamable. Our words are fire, igniting the entire course of our lives. Blessing God and cursing people should not come out of the same mouth; we are corrupted. James concludes the chapter by exploring what it means to be truly wise. True wisdom is not necessarily found in those with the most education, money, or friends. Rather, wise people can be spotted living wisely in humility, participating in good works, enjoying peace, singleness of purpose, and gentle lifestyles
I Will Give You A New Heart
And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.
I will give you a mew heart pure filling you with a new spirit I will remove the stone formed stubborn heart placing you with the compassionate and tender responsive heart
26 A anew heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.
What does Ezekiel 36:26 mean?
John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible
A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put
within you
A “new heart” and a “new spirit” are one and the same; that is, a renewed one; renewed by the Spirit and grace of God; in which a new principle of life is put; new light is infused; a new will, filled with new purposes and resolutions; where new affections are placed, and new desires are formed; and where there are new delights and joys, as well as new sorrows and troubles; the same which in the New Testament is called the “new man”, and the new creature, ( Ephesians 4:24 ) ( 2 Corinthians 5:17 ) . The Targum paraphrases it,
“a heart fearing, and a spirit fearing;”
where the true fear of God is, a truly gracious heart; and which is purely the gift of God, and is the fruit of his rich grace, abundant mercy, and great love: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh;
the Targum is,
“and I will break the heart of the wicked, which is hard as a stone;”
this is a heart hardened by sin, and confirmed in it; destitute of spiritual life and motion; senseless and stupid, stubborn and inflexible; on which no impressions are made; and which remains hard and impenitent: now this is in “the flesh”, in corrupt nature; and this hardness of heart is natural to men; and all who have it are after the flesh, or are carnal; and it requires omnipotence to remove it; it cannot be taken out by men of themselves: nor by ministers of the word; nor by the bare mercies and judgments of God; but by the powerful and efficacious grace of God; giving repentance unto life; working faith in the soul, to look to a crucified Christ; and shedding abroad the love of God in the heart, which softens and melts it; all which is done by the Spirit, and frequently by means of the word. This is interpreted, in the Talmud F14, of the evil imagination, or corruption of nature; and is one of the names of it, a stone; and it refers, it is said F15, to the time or world to come, the days of the Messiah: and I will give you an heart of flesh;
a heart sensible of sin and danger; a penitent one, soft and tender, through the love and fear of God; a spiritual and sanctified heart; submissive to the will of God; flexible and obsequious to the commands of Christ; on which impressions are made by the grace of God; where the laws of God are written, the Gospel of Christ is put; where Christ himself is formed; where are the fear of God, faith, hope, and love, and every other grace.
What Does Ezekiel 12:11 Mean? ►
“Say, ‘I am a sign to you As I have done, so it will be done to them; they will go into exile, into captivity.’
Ezekiel 12:11(NASB)
Picture courtesy of John Heseltine/Pam Masco/FreeBibleimages.org
Verse Thoughts
The sovereign Lord does nothing without first revealing His plan to His servants.. the prophets, and Ezekiel was one such servant through whom the Lord spoke to His people Israel, and disclosed many wonderful, and many terrible things.
Although this man of God warned of the judgement to come, there is much in this book that emphases the sovereign authority of the Lord, which gave encouragement and comfort to his people, Israel.
Although the book of Ezekiel trumpets the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Sanctuary, it also proclaims the great and awesome glory of the Lord, and describes, in detail, the future Millennial Temple, under the administration of God’s anointed King.
One aspect of Ezekiel’s ministry was that some of his prophetic announcements were to be articulated through drama or mime. He would sometimes be instructed, by the Lord, to act out a sequence of events, to explain to his fellow countrymen, what was to happen in the future.
On one occasion he was asked to move all His household goods from one place to another to signify that Israel would one day go into captivity. At another time he had to dig through a wall with his eyes blind-folded, and on yet another occasion, he had to erect a clay tablet, which was to portray the city of Jerusalem under siege, and then lie on his side for a total of 430 days!!
All these activities undertaken by Ezekiel were to act as “signs” to the people of Israel – signs of things to come. Instead of speaking a prophetic utterance into the ears of the Israelites, he was to proclaim through theatrics, various things that were to happen to the house of Israel and the house of Judah.
He was instructed by the Lord to say to the people of Israel, I am a sign to you. Ezekiel was to be a signpost to the nation of Israel. He was to live out future history through his play-acting. All the bizarre theatrics in which he engaged, were simply a statement of what was to happen to God’s people, in the future. As I have done, so it will be done to you, he explained.
Israel was to go into exile. They were to go into captivity. The future of Israel was dramatically played-out, through the strange dramatics of Ezekiel the prophet. And so the Lord told Him – Say, ‘I am a sign to you, Israel. I am your sign. The things that I have done, shall be done to you – and you shall be removed from the land and go into captivity.
The Spirit Of God
VERSE OF THE DAY
1 John 4:16 (New Living Translation)
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We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them
We experienced God love through his death on the cross sacrificing all for all mankind by this we know how much God loves us. We experience his love each and every day throughout this we put our trust and love in him by our faith in him by living the unseen. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them for they believe in the truth of love in the unseen believing in God the unseen the spirit of God by Love in Christ Jesus the son who saved all
16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that adwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he ais, so are we in this world.
◄ What Does 1 John 4:16 Mean? ►
We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.
1 John 4:16(NASB)
Verse Thoughts
Perhaps this verse in first John, is the verse of all verses that encapsulates the very essence of God and his plan of redemption. “We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” Maybe this is the truth that helps us understand Who God is, what He has done for us, what He is doing, and what He will continue to do, in and through all who believe in the name of the only begotten Son of God… and place their trust in Him.
As Christians, we are participators in the love of the Father, through the witness of the Spirit of His Love. The Holy Spirit of Love has been given by the Father of Love to reveal the Son of His Love. This glorious truth provides us with wonderful reassurance and binds our heart to His eternal heart of love, “for we have known and believed the great love that God hath to us.”
We know and we believe that the truth of God’s Love and our knowledge of Him, is simply a matter of fact through faith in Christ. It is a matter of trusting His Word. It is a matter of faith, which pleases the loving heart of our gracious God of Love, and secures our hope in Christ Jesus our Lord.
It was the fiery ‘son of thunder’ who in his twilight years, penned the precious words in this verse, “God is Love.” And it was the same beloved disciple who increasingly discovered the amazing truth that, “God is Love” – as did the dynamic apostle Paul, who disclosed that love is the greatest of all the gifts of the Spirit.. and love is the greatest spiritual fruit – for the fruit of the Spirit is grounded in LOVE – the love of God for His people.
Like all the disciples, John came to an increasing understanding that the humble Man Who knelt to wash his feet at that memorable Passover meal, was the eternal Son of God. “We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us – God is love,” he wrote, “And we know that the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in Him.”
John, like all Christ’s apostles, came to KNOW that Jesus Christ, the incarnate WORD, was incarnate LOVE. He was the eternal God in the flesh. HE was in the beginning with God and all things were made by Him. Nothing came into being apart from Him, and in Him was eternal life, which was the Light that shines into the heart of all who believe – and the darkness can never, ever quench this truth. In Him was eternal love – a love that can never fail.
The love of God reaches into every aspect of our lives and touches every ‘jot and tittle’ of our need. Behind the black clouds of sin, shines the Son of redeeming love. Enshrouded beneath the dreary fog of hopelessness is hidden our loving Provider. Submerged beneath the woes and troubles that weary our soul and swamp our mind is the everlasting Spirit of love.
Hidden in the dusty desert of despair we are given streaming rivers of living water that are brimming to overflowing with the Love of God, and Jesus Christ Whom He sent to reveal Himself to us. And Jesus invites all to come and drink deeply of His refreshing Love, and to wrap ourselves around this never-failing truth.
Perhaps this verse, which so simply states that “God Is Love,” encapsulates the very essence of God, and should be increasingly stirred-up in our heart, knowing that those that rest, remain, abide, and dwell in His love, by keeping their minds on Jesus, are assured that the Love of God will rest, remain, abide, and dwell in their hearts – encouraging, providing, upholding, leading, refreshing, comforting, and supporting – for God Is Love.
Source: https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/1-john-4-16
What does 1 John 4:16 mean?
John includes both himself and his readers as believers in the beginning of this verse. His words clearly state that both knowing and believing are important. In many modern churches, believing has been emphasized apart from knowing God. This can lead to people who accept Jesus yet do not live for Him. These people may be “born of God,” but they show no signs of “abiding” in Him. Other church movements greatly emphasize knowing God, whether through worship experiences or service to others, yet fail to emphasize salvation. Such people may not have any real relationship with Christ at all, since their concept of God is based on fickle human feelings.
Both “to know and to believe” are essential in the life of a Christian believer. We must believe in who Christ really is, for salvation. We must “know” Him through obedience and fellowship, to be accepted in our actions, and to be blessed by Him.
John adds in the second part of this verse his refrain from verse 8. Namely, that “God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” The person who continues in love is also continuing in God. In other words, love for God and others is the way to remain growing in the Lord. Those who do so have God abiding or living in them. Great, godly love is a powerful sign that a person is a genuine believer in Christ.
Context Summary
First John 4:11–19 is the backbone of John’s letter. The primary way Christians are to be recognized is by love. This is not merely what we feel, but what we do for others. True, godly love is the most powerful evidence of being ”born again” as a child of God. This love comes from God, who loved us before we loved Him. When we live in obedience to God, according to love, we can be confident in our relationship with Him, and have no need to fear His judgment.
Chapter Context
Chapter 4 warns Christians not to accept every claim they hear. Instead, believers are to compare what they hear to the basic truths of the gospel. John then returns to the theme of love, explaining how believer ought to live out the presence of God’s love in their lives. In addition, living according to God’s love takes away our fear of judgment. In no uncertain terms, those who claim to love God, but hate others, are liars.
All Scripture Is Inspired By God
2 Timothy 3:16
New Living Translation
16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.
All scripture within the Bible comes to us fro God given and taught in truth used as tool to help us know wrongs in life. A tool to correctly train us in doing rights
The Apostle Paul taught how the scriptures bless our lives. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
What Does 2 Timothy 3:16 Mean? ►
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;
2 Timothy 3:16(NASB)
Verse Thoughts
As we thumb through the pages of Scripture, which have become so familiar to us, it is a challenging and awesome thing to consider Who it is that lies behind those inspired pages and the eternal significance of their content. The written Word of God is not just a collection of curious books, penned in antiquity. Scripture is a direct revelation from the living God to His born-again people, and we would do well to take every page to heart.
The completed library of sixty-six books is a powerful, living, unified whole. The breath of God’s Holy Spirit, imputed divine light, life, power, and hope into that sacred text. The Holy Spirit of God, Who in times past, moved prophets of old to pen the sacred words of Scripture, is the same Breath of God, Who breathes life to the spirit of a man when he is born from above.
He illuminates our minds with truth, inspires our heart with spiritual understanding and gives godly discernment to all who have been saved by trusting in the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. He tells us the end before the beginning. He dispels our fear, to keep us from stumbling. He gives us His perfect peace in our hearts and an unshakable confidence in the gospel of Christ.
It is no surprise that the Word of God is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction and for instruction in righteousness, for it is given by inspiration of God. It unveils His holy character and reveals His divine plan for mankind. It convicts us of our need of a Saviour, and teaches us about the eternal plan of the Creator. It informs us of what God expects of His children, and guides us along the road of righteous living. It trains us in the path of patient endurance, and it furnishes us with examples of lives that are lived in humble obedience to our Father in heaven.
“All Scripture is inspired by God. All Scripture is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” The Word of God amends our skewed human perceptions, it highlights prideful attitudes and exposes false presumptions. It alerts us to the pitfalls of sinning and warns of the consequences of sin. It highlights the problem of our inherited sin-nature and reassures us that in Christ, we have all we need for life and godliness.
However, God’s Words warns that the God of love, Who will redeem us by faith, is also a God of justice and righteousness, Who will judge the wicked and condemn the unrighteous. In this last letter before his death, Paul gives this amazing truth about the God-breathed Scriptures to Timothy, AFTER a passage that warns of the difficult days that are coming for the Body of Christ.
Paul warns us that, “in the last days, men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents. They will be ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. They will hold to a form of godliness while denying its power.” He warns that evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving others and being deceived themselves, in every area of life. This catalogue of lawlessness is sufficient to discourage the staunchest of saints.
But the darkest of nights always breaks into the brightest of dawns. Nights of sorrow invariably burst into mornings of joyfulness. The problems and pain that we face in this fallen world are not worthy to be compared with the glories that are to come hereafter. And Paul reminds Timothy, and us, that in the midst of this world’s evil, we have ALL we need for life and godliness because we are ‘in-Christ’ – and have the inspired Scriptures to teach us all we need to know.
God’s Word is there to correct us when we fall, to train us in righteousness and to reassure us that God is firmly in control. The Word of Truth protects us from the error of sin and warns us of false teachings and the doctrines of demons. It is the Word of Life, that equips us with godly wisdom and gracious counsel and it builds up our trust in our God and Saviour, Who died for us on Calvary’s cross, so that we could become His adoptive children, and live with Him in the eternal ages to come.
Should not we who are so familiar with the stories of Scripture, reverently consider HIM? He is the One Who inspired the text of Scripture, which is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. Should not we who are saved by grace through faith in Christ, recognise the deep significance and consequences of the God-breathed content of His Word and take it to heart in these perilous days?
Let us NEVER forget that ALL Scripture is God-breathed. From start to finish it is profitable, beneficial, enriching, and illuminating, for all God’s people. It teaches the truth, opens the way of salvation, warns of danger and comforts us in our sorrows. It reproves us when we go astray, corrects us when we miss the mark, instructs us to do what is right, and is the most comprehensive training manual in righteousness.
Let us act in accordance with one of Paul’s final instructions to Timothy, his beloved son in the faith. “Now you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance, persecutions, and sufferings….continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them.” Let us also continue in the things we have learned from the Bible, and as we do so,
Source: https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/2-timothy-3-16
What does 2 Timothy 3:16 mean?
After noting the importance of the “sacred writings” for wisdom for salvation in the previous verse, Paul makes one of the most important and frequently-quoted statements in the entire Bible: “All Scripture is breathed out by God.” The “All Scripture” in this case most specifically referred to the Old Testament, since the full New Testament did not yet exist. At the time Paul wrote these words, books such as the Gospel of John and Revelation had not yet been written. However, this principle would still apply to all Scripture given by God, including the 27 books of the New Testament. New Testament writers recognized Scripture even as it was written (2 Peter 3:15–16).
The description here of God’s word is the Greek theopneustos. This is very literally translated as “God-breathed.” Human authors put the words to paper, through their own personal perspectives and styles. But the ultimate source of this information is not human, but divine. The Greek language makes this particular description even more layered. The Greek root word pneo is used for wind, breath, a spirit, or “the” Spirit. This is a wordplay Jesus uses when speaking to Nicodemus (John 3:8). In a symbolic sense, in Greek, the word Paul uses is a model of the Bible itself: an extension of God’s will, formed out of His spirit, in written form.
As such, this written Scripture is perfect (Psalm 19; 119). Because all Scripture is perfect, it is “profitable” for many areas of life. Paul lists four areas in this verse. First, Scripture is profitable for teaching. It is to be used to instruct people to know God better. Second, Scripture is profitable for reproof or rebuke, the idea of exposing or pointing out sin. Third, Scripture is useful for correction. Scripture both points out sin and offers a solution to it. Fourth, Scripture is profitable for training in righteousness. Though similar to teaching, training is more focused on practical application. From Scripture we learn what is true, what is wrong, how to correct wrong, and how to apply truth.
Context Summary
Second Timothy 3:10–17 draws a strong contrast between the worldly, wicked behaviors of false teachers, and the conduct Timothy has seen from Paul. Not only has Timothy seen Paul’s suffering for the sake of Christ first-hand, he has often experienced it alongside his friend, as well. This adds to the validity of Paul’s teachings, which he strongly encourages Timothy to hold to. Above all, Timothy is to rely on the most secure, reliable, unchanging defense against error and false teaching: the ”God-breathed,” inspired, written Scriptures.
Chapter Summary
Paul introduces himself, then recaps Timothy’s path to becoming a minister. He reminds Timothy of how his family brought him up in the faith, and then how Timothy served faithfully with Paul in the past. Paul then focuses on two primary ideas. First, that Timothy’s background in the faith should give him the courage to stand fast against hard times. Second, that Timothy should use that courage to defend the truth of the gospel message. Paul will use these points and examples as the foundation for the rest of his letter
Where Your Treasure Is There Your Heart Will Be
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
For where your desires lay there your heart will be also for truth lies in the soul where them not in spirit remain in hypocrisy
What Does Matthew 6:21 Mean? ►
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Matthew 6:21(KJV)
Verse Thoughts
How important that we hold this world’s wealth and wisdom, together with position and power very lightly, for what we treasure in our hearts will become that which we worship.
We brought nothing into this world and will take nothing out of it and yet too often we spend the majority of our time accumulating unimportant things, and glorifying in the gaudy trinkets of this temporal world, at the expense of storing up a heavenly wealth of God’s glorious blessings, as part of our eternal heritage.
Oh, our eternal life is a free gift of grace, but we have the opportunity to lay up for ourselves treasure in our heavenly home. We can live a life where our focus is on the good things of this life or we can keep the eyes of our heart focussed on the Lord Jesus Christ and His perfect righteousness.
When we treasure the things of this world, our heart is far from the Lord, but when He becomes the greatest Treasure of our lives, our heart will worship at His feet – in grateful thanksgiving and praise.
The love of earthly treasure is a root of all kinds of evil, which can cause the believer to wander from the good news of the gospel of grace It can cause us to forfeit many of the rich blessings that God desires for each of His children to receive.
Let us treasure the things of the Lord, and unrelentingly pursue after righteousness and godliness, faith and love, perseverance and gentleness, humility of heart and joy in the Lord – for when our treasure is rooted and grounded in Jesus, then o
Source: https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/matthew-6-21
What does Matthew 6:21 mean?
A person’s priorities are reflected by two sets of records: checkbooks and appointment books. In other words, where a person spends their money and their time is proof of what they truly value. Saying “this is important to me” is hypocrisy if not backed up with the way our lives are lived.
This well-known verse goes to the heart of Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1–2). Most people in Jesus’ audience grew up believing what mattered most to God was performance: action, behavior, and words. The Pharisees were thought to be the most spiritual because they closely followed behaviors tied to rules, regulations, and traditions. What Christ has been teaching is that God cares most about what His people are thinking and feeling. Righteous actions matter but are truly righteous only when accompanied by a devoted heart (Matthew 6:1–2, 5–6, 16–17).
Jesus has also applied this perspective to money. He has taught not to stockpile riches and possessions on earth. Those are temporary and easily lost. Instead, He has said, stockpile rewards in eternity by your true, inner devotion to God (Matthew 6:19–20). His point is not that Christians cannot have wealth, or they should not own anything. Rather, He means that we can only have one ultimate priority (Matthew 6:24), which should be God.
Attitudes toward wealth matter because our hearts are owned by whatever we consider our “treasure.” That proves to be the real foundation of our thoughts, affection, and hopes. If we focus time, energy, and effort on building wealth for ourselves on earth, that wealth is what our hearts will focus on. If we focus on building rewards from God in heaven, our hearts will focus on the experience of enjoying that “treasure” forever. Rather than being motivated by temporary wealth, we’ll emphasize honoring God and His will.
Context Summary
Matthew 6:19–24 contains Jesus’ perspective on money and its place in the hearts of God’s people. This flows directly from His teaching that inner thoughts and motivations are part of righteousness. God, and His will, are what matter, not the opinions of other people. Here, Jesus tells the crowds not to stockpile temporary treasure on earth. Rather, they should be working towards godly goals—”storing up” rewards in heaven with choices driven by sincere devotion to God. Where we place our treasure indicates the real priority of our hearts. Those who live for worldly wealth live in inner darkness. Only one thing can be truly primary in a person’s life. Each person must choose whether to serve God, or their own selfish interests.
Chapter Summary
The Sermon on the Mount continues in chapter 6, which is entirely composed of the words of Christ. Jesus teaches that God rewards deeds motivated by sincere devotion to Him, not by approval from other people. He teaches a simple and authentic model prayer. Christ warns against stockpiling money and possessions on earth. Instead, believers should make choices that store up treasure in heaven. A person’s top priority can either be God, or money, but cannot be both. Along with that, Jesus says believers should fight against anxiety about daily needs. The heavenly Father knows what we need. All we need to do is pursue His kingdom and righteousness; He will take care of our needs, one day at a time.
Is There Any Encouragement To Belonging To Christ
VERSE OF THE DAY
Philippians 2:1-2 (New Living Translation)
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Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.
Is there any inspirational form from belonging to Christ? Is there any comfort from the love of Christ? Any form of worship together in spirit? Are your hearts desires compassionate and tender about you? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.God loves you and works upon you he is Love
What Does Philippians 2:1 Mean? ►
Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion,
Philippians 2:1(NASB)
Verse Thoughts
Throughout his writings the apostle Paul emphasises the importance of Christians living together in spiritual unity and godly harmony. He reminds us that spirituality and godliness is manifested in a life that is emptied of self and is filled with Christ – a life that is walking in spirit and truth and in dependence upon the Father – a life that produces the beautiful fruit of righteousness in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Paul spoke of the mystery which has been hidden from past ages and generations, but now known to us: which is Christ in you the hope of glory, and he laboured unceasingly to maintain the pure message of the gospel of grace.. and to instruct believers in godly living.
He guarded the integrity of the body of Christ with a godly jealousy, so that we might be presented to Christ as a pure virgin.. holy and blameless.. without spot or wrinkle or any such thing.
Paul knew that his joy would be complete if all who had received his instructions, were to live their lives as outlined in so many of his epistles – in spiritual unity and godly harmony. And so Paul calls us all to reflect on what it means to be in the family of God; to know His grace; His affection; His compassion and His love.. and to experience the benefits of the indwelling Holy Spirit – which is God’s gift of grace to all Christians.
IF there is any encouragement in Christ, (and there is) then we are to show it in our lives by living unto the Lord. IF there is any consolation of love in Christ, (and there is) then we are to let it be shown forth in godly living. IF there is any fellowship of the Spirit, (and there is) then we are to walk in spirit and truth; living in dependence upon the Father and bringing forth the fruit of righteousness by His power within. IF any affection and compassion from our Father (and there is) – then we are exhorted to live in spiritual unity and godly harmony with one another.
Paul knew that we could only respond to that little word ‘IF’ in a positive manner.. for ALL believers have found encouragement in Christ, ALL have known the consolation of God’s love; ALL have benefitted from the fellowship of the Spirit, which is in Christ Jesus and ALL have access to God’s grace and mercy.. His affection and love, and the compassion, joy and hope which we share in our heavenly bridegroom.
Paul emphasises the importance of Christians living together in spiritual unity and godly harmony and of the eternal benefits that we derive from our salvation by grace through faith in Christ. Let us die to self and be filled with His love. Let us walk in spirit and truth and in utter dependence upon our heavenly Father and let us live a life that produces the beautiful fruit of righteousness in the power of the Holy Spirit – to His praise and glory..
Source: https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/philippians-2-1
What does Philippians 2:1 mean?
This verse consists of four main ideas, stemming from the phrase “So if there is…” Verse 2 will explain the expected results of these ideas. Paul’s purpose in using these phrases is to emphasize how natural the conclusion should be. Of course, there is encouragement, comfort, affection, and so forth in the Christian life. If these are obvious, then the results—unity, love, and cooperation—should be just as obvious.
The first phrase speaks of “encouragement in Christ.” The assumption is that the Philippian believers had experienced much encouragement from Jesus. If they’ve experienced encouragement, they should be able to encourage others.
Second, Paul mentions “comfort from love.” This is another way in which the Philippian Christians had been blessed. Paul mentions love throughout this letter (Philippians 1:9, 16; 2:2; 4:1).
The third phrase refers to “participation in the Spirit.” The Holy Spirit had also clearly influenced the Philippians. Paul had mentioned the Spirit in Philippians 1:19 and will again in Philippians 3:3.
The fourth phrase refers to “affection and sympathy.” These believers had clearly experienced both of these qualities. In Philippians 1:8, Paul had already mentioned “I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.” The word translated “sympathy” is oiktirmoi, which can also be translated “mercy,” or “compassion.” This implies a feeling of relief for the forgiveness of sins, something believers experience at salvation.
Context Summary
Philippians 2:1–5 connects the blessings of Christianity with corresponding results in a Christian’s life. We experience comfort, encouragement, love, and unity as saved believers in Christ. As a result, we ought to express comfort, encouragement, love, and unity to our fellow believers. Here again, Paul emphasizes that how a Christian thinks—how they frame their attitude—is crucial to living a Christian life. This sets up a classic description of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf, starting in verse 6.
Chapter Summary
Paul describes Jesus Christ as one willing to be humble, in obedience to God the Father. For this, God will exalt Jesus’ name above all others. Someday, one way or another, all people will admit that Jesus Christ is Lord, and submit to Him. Paul wants the Philippian believers to live with contentment and unity, without complaining. Instructions are given regarding two visitors. The first is actually the one delivering this letter, Epaphroditus. The other is Timothy, Paul’s trusted friend, who hopefully will be visiting soon
Rejoice In The Lord
VERSE OF THE DAY
Philippians 4:4 (New Living Translation)
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Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!
Always be glad in the joyfulness of the Lord.I say again rejoice and be happy and glad in the lord.
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
What Does Philippians 4:4 Mean? ►
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!
Philippians 4:4(NASB)
Verse Thoughts
We are called to rejoice in the Lord, to pray without ceasing, and in everything to give thanks to the Lord our God, for the joy of the Lord is our health and strength, and His mercy endures forevermore. We are exhorted to rejoice in the Lord and to take refuge in Him, for He has done wonderful things for all who have trusted in the name of His dearly beloved Son.
In the knowledge of what God has done for us, through the life, death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ – shouldn’t we be joyful, with exceeding great joy? Should we not lift up our voices in an everlasting song of praise? We who once were dead in trespasses and sins have been justified and are being transformed into the very image and likeness of our Saviour Jesus Christ.
In Christ there is sanctification, glorification, and a joint heir-ship with the Son of the most High God. By His goodness and grace we have been seated in heavenly places in Christ – to His praise and glory, forever and ever.
True joy and genuine happiness is a gift of grace from our heavenly Father, for genuine joy and true happiness is a heavenly grace we receive from the Spirit of God, as we walk in spirit and truth and live in newness of life. Joy is a fruit that the Lord produces within our heart, but it is something that the world can know nothing about.
The Joy of the Lord is a precious fruit and a spiritual grace that is given to us from above. The joy of the Lord is our strength in times of weakness and protection in times of danger. However, unsaved men and women know nothing of true, heavenly joy, which is a characteristic of the Christian Church, that is ours by grace. Those who are dead in their sins do not have access to God’s spiritual graces, for joy is both a gift of God to the justified and a fruit of the Spirit in the sanctified man.
Such heavenly joy can be maintained in the midst of all afflictions and distresses, for the joy of the Lord is our everlasting hope and strength. Such divine rejoicing should not be hindered or quenched by the scheming strategies of the wicked one. Satan delights to use adversity to hatch-out doubts and fears in the imagination of our hearts, and these can become barriers that make us question God’s faithfulness, distort His character, and cause our faith to falter. But joy in the Lord is a great spiritual weapon that can help to dispel Satan’s devious lies and cause his wicked accusations to evaporate like the morning mist.
The length, breadth, depth, and height, of this continual rejoicing in the Lord, should resound to the farthest extremity of His promises and plans – His governance and character. The surpassing intimate fellowship into which we have been warmly invited, as children of the Father and joint-heirs with Christ, should rejoice our heart always and gladden our soul through time and into eternity.
Let us rejoice in the Lord always – and again I will say, LET US REJOICE – for He is a great and awesome God
Source: https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/philippians-4-4
What does Philippians 4:4 mean?
Paul returns again to the theme of joy in this verse. This time, he strongly emphasizes that such an attitude should be constant, not temporary. This echoes the words of Philippians 3:1, to “rejoice in the Lord,” a phrase Paul also uses in Philippians 4:10 regarding his own actions. Believers find their joy and hope in God. Joy is part of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23) and is important for every believer.
Paul seems especially focused on the idea that rejoicing is to take place at all times. We often forget that Paul wrote these words while a prisoner in Rome. He had been wrongfully arrested for some time, shipwrecked on the way there, bitten by a snake, and left under house arrest for two years (Acts 27:39–8:16). He had every reason to complain, yet focused on rejoicing. Both his teaching and example provide an amazing model. Every believer should seek to rejoice in the Lord despite difficult situations, just as Paul did.
Context Summary
Philippians 4:2–9 is Paul’s appeal to the Philippian Christians regarding how they handle disagreements within the church. Paul is particularly concerned with an argument between two women, Euodia and Syntyche. Paul’s advice is to focus on our ability to rejoice in our fellowship with Christ. The result of that emphasis ought to be an attitude of ”reasonableness,” seen by all people. With a proper focus on positive things, we can experience peace through the power of God.
Chapter Summary
Paul specifically asks two Christian women, Euodia and Syntyche, to settle their personal dispute. Other Christians are encouraged to act as reasonable, Christ-filled people. Paul notes that his experiences have taught him to be content with whatever material blessings he has. This reliance on the power of Christ not only allows believers to be content, it produces peace in our relationships to other Christians. This also requires a deliberate choice to set our attention on positive things. Paul extends sincere thanks to the Philippians for their generous support.
Those Who Trust In The Lord
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
For those people who trust in the lord and have beliefs in the Lord
Will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run with speed and not become weak or grow weary. They will walk with pride and not faint.
What Does Isaiah 40:31 Mean?
January 25, 2021
by: Drew Hunter
This article is part of the What Does It Mean? series.
But they who wait for 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 40:31
God’s Care
Isaiah 40:31 contains a great promise of strength for the weary: “they who wait for 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.” This promises a supernaturally renewed strength—a strength that would compare to mounting up as an eagle or running without fatigue. But what does this mean and how do we receive it? The context of this verse helps us.
The Israelites who first received this promise were worn out from their hardship. They had lived in exile in Babylon for several decades. Their perspective was darkened by despairing thoughts: “My way is hidden from the Lord, and my right is disregarded by my God” (Isa. 40:27). They thought God either couldn’t help or didn’t care. Isaiah uses a pair of words—faint and weary—three times in the span of a few verses here (Isa. 40:27-31). They were exhausted and burdened from the circumstances of life. They weren’t just weak in body, but weak in spirit. How could they endure the hard circumstances of life any longer?
Pastor Drew Hunter helps readers grasp the message of Isaiah, a prophetic book about the God who saves his people from their sins.
Isaiah responded to these questions with his own: “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not grow faint or grow weary” (Isa. 40:28). This is a good word for the weary: You may grow faint, but God doesn’t. God is an endless source of strength, and he gives it generously—“He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength” (Isa. 40:29). This is who he is. The ever-strong and never-weary One loves to help weak and weary people.
Here’s what this shows us: If we think that God is too great to be concerned about us, we actually don’t believe he’s great enough. God’s greatness is not just that he is strong, but that he is strong for us. God’s glory is not just that he has power, but that he loves to use it to help those who need it. God is not too great to care, he’s too great not to care.
God’s Strength
In all our weariness, then, how do we get this strength? We may expect Isaiah to share the wisdom of physical rest, exercise, diet, and so forth. But while those are all God-given sources of strength, they cannot give us the deepest strength we need when we come to the end of ourselves. Isaiah acknowledges this—“even youths shall faint and be weary; and young men shall fall exhausted” (Isa. 40:30). In other words, even those in their prime with perfect health have limits. We need a stronger strength to match our deep discouragements.
So, how do we get it? There is only one answer, and here we come to the great promise of this text: “They who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength.” Not, those who work for the Lord, but those who wait for him. This isn’t about doing our part and asking God to do the rest.
God’s greatness is not just that he is strong, but that he is strong for us.
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This isn’t about showing God how strong we are and asking him to give us a bit more. No, here we admit that we don’t have the strength we need. We acknowledge that we need the strength only he can give. And we wait for him, which is more than just passing time. In Hebrew, this word carries with it a sense of hopeful expectation. In the midst of hardship, we look to him as the one who works all things together for our good.
As Christians, we look to Jesus, who came to us and said: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). He carried the burden of our sin and judgment upon himself on the cross. He rose again and sent his Spirit to empower us and strengthen us in all our weakness. And we now look to him and wait for him to work—ultimately looking to the day when Jesus returns to set all things right and make all things new.
Drew Hunter is the author of Isaiah: A 12-Week Study.
Drew Hunter (MA, Wheaton College) is the teaching pastor at Zionsville Fellowship in Zionsville, Indiana. He is the author of Made for Friendship and the Isaiah and Matthew volumes in the Knowing the Bible series. Drew and his wife, Christina, live in Zionsville, Indiana, and have four children.
What Does Isaiah 40:31 Mean? ►
But those who wait on the LORD will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31(NLT)
Verse Thoughts
Whether the promises of God are for Israel or given to the Church, God’s Word is true. His judgements are just, and His promises are “yes” and “amen”, for those that believe His Word, wait on Him, abide in Him – and He in us.
At the end of Isaiah Chapter 40, we read some well-loved verses that have encouraged generations of Jews and Gentiles, through many centuries of time, “Youths may faint and grow weary, and young men stumble and fall BUT those who wait on the LORD will find new strength. They will rise up high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”
There are difficulties in life that overwhelm the strongest of people, fears that gnaw at the stoutest of human hearts, and young men who grow faint and weary. They stumble and fall because they rely on their own, inner strength and human resources, which are not a sufficient shield in the storms of life. Only power from above is sufficient to sustain us. Only His protective hand can shelter us from the storms of life and not our own limited, human abilities.
These words of comfort were given to Israel after Isaiah’s repeated warning of approaching punishment if they did not repent of their evil ways, nevertheless… the Lord is a God of comfort and grace. He never goes back on His Word nor does He grow weary – and in His loving-kindness He gives grace to the humble and renews the strength of those that wait upon Him, by faith.
Although these words were addressed to Israel they have an application in the lives of ALL God’s people. They are a call to us all to turn from any wrongdoing in our lives and live by faith and not by sight – to trust in the Lord with all our heart and not lean on our own understanding.
It is faith in His Word that is needed to soar with wings as eagles. It is trusting God to bring to pass all He has promised, even when our senses and logic seem to suggest the opposite or appear to contradict His promised truth. Those who wait on the Lord are those who have the assurance and inner confidence that the promises He has made to His people, and the things for which we hope, are a matter of fact and a present reality… that cannot be contradicted by senses, emotions, reason or fear.
The Lord our God is faithful and true to His Word and He satisfies our years with good things so that our youth is renewed like that of an eagle. He is good to those who wait for Him and seek Him – trust Him and love Him. And He has promised that His grace is sufficient for us, no matter how weary we may become, for His power is perfected in our weakness.
God’s grace is sufficient for every circumstance of life. It is sufficient for every difficulty we may face or any challenge life throws at us. His grace is enough for all who place their entire trust and confidence in His mighty strength. His grace is enough for every eventuality in life and His provision comes through faith in His beloved Son. It is the strength of the Lord Jesus Who sustains those who do not rely upon their own abilities. He will provide strength to those who can admit to their own disability – for His grace is sufficient in all situations of life.
Those who confidently manage their Christian walk by relying on their own personal talents, skills, capacities, and capabilities, eventually discover that their strength is insufficient for their needs. In time they are brought to the very end of themselves until they can admit that the refreshment they desperately need has been drawn from the broken cistern of the old, Adamic-life and will eventually run dry, for the energy-source that is powered through the fleshly self-life, will in time be drained of all its self-induced efforts.
When a believer truly identifies with his Saviour and trusts in Christ’s capacities alone for his journey through life, it is then that God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness, it is then that the wind of God will lift us up on eagles’ wings and carry us through life’s stresses and strains, in the
I Will Be Your God Throughout Your Life
Isaiah 46:4 (New Living Translation)
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I will be your God throughout your lifetime— until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.
I will remain God forever throughout your lifetime even throughout when you develop grey hair and age. I made you in the image I saw for youI will care for you always.I will carry you and bring you salvation.
“I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” – Isaiah 46:4.
What Does Isaiah 46:4 Mean? ►
And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.
Isaiah 46:4(KJV)
Verse Thoughts
It has always been a great comfort for believers to realise that we are fearfully and wonderfully made, and that the Lord knows us before we are born.. for He it is that formed us in our mother’s womb. Indeed, He has scheduled every day of our lives, watches over our every movement and faithfully remains with us, even when we wander far away from Him.
But this verse assures us that it is not only our early years about which the Lord is interested. He is with us every day of our lives, from the cradle to the grave. He cares for us from the womb to the tomb; from start to finish – from birth to death and for every day and season in between.
The Lord is not only interested in us during the first flush of youth; our years of vigorous actions; or our blushing adult activities – when we are motoring through the prime of life. He also is deeply interested in us as we advance into our twilight years -and even on into the frailty of old age.
The Lord loves and cares for each one of us when our hair has turned gray, our knees have grown feeble and our faces have become furrowed with wrinkles. He cares for us when our hands start to tremble, our mouths begin to dribble and our minds become increasingly confused and forgetful.
And He has promised to carry us and care for us in every season of life, because He is our Father and we are His people. He has made us and He has promised to faithfully carry us; care for us; help us and deliver us, all the days of our life – until He takes us home.. to be with Himself, in heavenly glory – for He has promised: even to your old age I am He; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you. I have made you. I will uphold you. I even I will carry, and will deliver you.
Source: https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/isaiah-46-4
Thoughts on Today’s Verse…
God will not forget us when we’re in trouble or when we are old. We may outlive our friends and be forgotten by those who know us, but God will never leave us or forsake us. He will sustain, carry, protect, and rescue us.
My Prayer…
Thank you, my Father, for promising to never forget me. Because of your faithfulness to your children of old, I know I can trust your promise to never leave me. I trust that no matter where I am or where I go, you will go with me. In Jesus’ name I offer my heartfelt thanks. Amen.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today’s Verse are written by Phil Ware. You can email questions or comments to phil@verseoftheday.com.
Restore To Me The Joy Of Your Salvation
Psalm 51:12
New Living Translation
12
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and make me willing to obey you.
Bring back the jubilance of your saving Grace and make me willing to follow your laws
What did David mean when he asked God to “restore to me the joy of your salvation” (Psalm 51:12)?
ANSWER
There was a time when King David asked God to restore to him the joy of his salvation. That time came after the incident recorded in 2 Samuel 11 of David committing adultery with Bathsheba, the wife of one of his loyal soldiers. The sordid story involves not only adultery but Bathsheba’s pregnancy, an attempted cover-up, and David’s eventual murder of Bathsheba’s husband. David then marries Bathsheba and believes that no one will ever know of his misdeeds. But the last part of verse 27 contains this ominous declaration: “But the thing David had done displeased the Lord.”
In 2 Samuel 12, the prophet Nathan confronts David with his sin, and David confesses (verse 14).
Psalm 51 is a song that David penned after this confrontation as noted in the title: “For the director of music. A psalm of David. When the prophet Nathan came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba.”
Psalm 51 is a prayer of forgiveness and cleansing. Verses 1–9:
“Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.
Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.
For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is always before me.
Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight;
so you are right in your verdict
and justified when you judge.
Surely I was sinful at birth,
sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb;
you taught me wisdom in that secret place.
Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
Hide your face from my sins
and blot out all my iniquity.”
Verses 10–12 are perhaps the most famous of Psalm 51:
“Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”
In verse 11 David asks that the Holy Spirit not be removed from him. In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit usually came upon a person to enable the performance of a certain task. If the Holy Spirit were removed from David, it would mean that he would be rejected by God as king in the same way that God had rejected Saul and removed His Spirit from him (1 Samuel 16:14).
Next, David asks God to restore the joy of his salvation. The time between David’s sin and Nathan’s confrontation was some months because the child had already been born. During that time, David suffered inner torment, as he describes in Psalm 32:3–4:
“When I kept silent,
my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
For day and night
your hand was heavy on me;
my strength was sapped
as in the heat of summer.”
Despite all the steps David had taken to suppress the news of what he had done, he did not experience joy in the cover-up. However, once he confessed his sin to God, he received forgiveness, and his joy returned. Psalm 32 begins this way:
“Blessed is the one
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the one
whose sin the Lord does not count against them
and in whose spirit is no deceit.”
Psalm 32 ends with “Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!” (verse 11).
When David pleads with God to “restore to me the joy of your salvation,” he is asking that he would again have the fellowship with God that he once knew and enjoyed. David could not enjoy God’s fellowship while he had unconfessed sin.
Even today, we can lose the joy of our salvation. We will not lose salvation—sin will not separate the believer from God—but it can rob us of joy and the enjoyment of close fellowship with our Savior.
What does Psalm 51:12 mean?
It has been said that sin “causes the cup of joy to spring a leak.” It certainly drained David’s cup of joy. He urgently asked God to restore the joy of his salvation. Adultery and murder had caused David to lose his joy and become depressed. Only God could restore the lost joy. It is far better to obey than to deliberately disobey, planning to later seek remedial help.
Jesus promised His abiding joy to those who keep His commandments. He said, “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:10–11). In addition to David’s request for restored joy, he asked God to uphold him with a willing spirit. Such a spirit would keep David committed to God’s will and prevent him from falling into sin again.
Context Summary
Psalm 51:8–15 express David’s prayer for renewed joy, a clean heart, and a renewed spirit. This comes after confessing his sins in the prior passage. David also asks the Lord to restore his testimony so that he might teach transgressors the ways of God and lead sinners back to Him. David wants to praise the Lord joyfully.
Chapter Summary
This psalm opens with David’s plea to God to show him mercy. He asks God to blot out his transgressions, wash his iniquities, and cleanse him from sin. He admits his sinning was against God. He also confesses his human sin nature. David asks God to make him as white as snow by purging him with hyssop. He longs for joy to return to him, but knows he was suffering because God had turned away from him. He pleads with God for a clean heart and a right spirit. He does not want God to cast him aside and remove His Holy Spirit. David longs for a renewal of the joy of his salvation. If cleansing from sin occurred and joy returned to him, David would teach transgressors God’s ways, and sinners would be converted. He promises near the end of the psalm to declare God’s praise if God would forgive him. He knew it would be futile to offer a sacrifice to God, because God delights in a broken and contrite heart and not in sacrifices offered with an unrepentant heart. David closes the psalm with a prayer for God to bless Jerusalem
Thoughts on Today’s Verse…
In the face of sin and separation from God, grace is a refreshing stream that restores salvation. But the joy of salvation is found only when we realize and accept the forgiveness, grace, and restoration God has given us — when we drink from the stream of grace. The joy of salvation is sustained in a changed lifestyle and an ongoing recognition that we walk with God.
My Prayer…
Holy and Righteous Father, I long for the outbreak of joy in your salvation like I see in the book of Acts. I pray for your Spirit to lead us into another era of outreach, conversion, and celebration. I pray for wisdom to know and for eyes to see those around me who are most open to the Gospel. I want to be a partner with you in your ongoing work of salvation. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today’s Verse are written by Phil Ware. You can email questions or comments to phil@verseoftheday.com.
Today’s Verse Illustrated
Living Water Ministries 