Weekly Sermon

Introduction:
 
     A.  The Conflict
 
           1.  The publicans and sinners come
 
           Luke 15:1 – “Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.”
 
           2.  The Pharisees and scribes complain
 
           Luke 15:2 – “And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.”
 
     B.  The Message
 
           1.  Rejoicing when a lost sheep is found
 
           Luke 15:3-6 – “And he spake this parable unto them, saying, What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?  And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.  And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.”
 
           2.  Rejoicing when a lost coin is found
 
           Luke 15:8-9 – “Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?  And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.”
 
           3.  Rejoicing when a lost son is returned repentant
 
           Luke 15:22-24 – “But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: and bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.  And they began to be merry.”
 
           4.  Rejoicing by God the Father when a sinner repents
 
           Luke 15:7 – “I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.”
 
           Luke 15:10 – “Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.”
 
I.     The Other Brother Did NOT Agree with the Father.
 
Luke 15:24-28a – “Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.  And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.  And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound. And he was angry . . . .”
 
II.   The Other Brother Became Angry with the Father.
 
Luke 15:28-30 – “And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.  And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: but as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.”
 
III.  The Other Brother Broke Fellowship with the Father.
 
Luke 15:28 – “And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.” 
 
IV.  The Other Brother Cared Only about Himself.
 
Luke 15:29-30 – “And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: but as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.”
 
V.   The Other Brother Continued in Bitterness against the Father.
 
Luke 15:31-32 – “And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.  It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.”
 
Note: The parable ends without any indication of repentance on the part of “the other brother.”  In fact, both brothers departed from fellowship with their father.  The younger son broke fellowship through a sinful lifestyle, whereas the older son broke fellowship through a sinful attitude.  Furthermore, the older son engaged in a broken fellowship while never leaving the father’s house, and while having continued in outward, “religious” service and obedience to the father.

Posted in Weekly Sermon, Luke, ​Delight of the Lord, Sin of Selfishness, Rebellion against God     

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Meditations in Hosea

1.   The Case
      Hosea 4:6a – “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.”

2.  The Cause

     A.  They rejected God’s wisdom.
           Hosea 4:6b – “Because thou hast rejected knowledge . . . .”

     B.  They neglected God’s Word.
           Hosea 4:6c – “Seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God . . . .”

     C.  They disobeyed God’s will.
           Hosea 4:10c – “. . . Because they have left off to take heed to the LORD.”

3.   The Circumstance
      Hosea 4:7a – “As they were increased, so they sinned against me.”
      Hosea 4:11 – “Whoredom and wine and new wine take away the heart.”

4.   The Choice

      A.  Of Pursuit
            Hosea 4:8a – “They eat up the sin of my people.”

      B.  Of Priority
            Hosea 4:8b – “And they set their heart on their iniquity.”

5.  The Counsel
      Hosea 4:12a – “My people ask counsel at their stocks, and their staff declareth unto them.”

6.   The Corruption

      A.  In Desire
            Hosea 4:12b – “For the spirit of whoredoms hath caused them to err.”

      B.  In Direction
            Hosea 4:12c – “And they have gone a whoring from under their God.”

      C.  In Discernment
            Hosea 4:13a – “They sacrifice upon the tops of the mountains, and burn incense upon the hills, under
            oaks and poplars and elms, because the shadow thereof is good.”

7.   The Consequence

      A.  Loss of Fellowship
           Hosea 4:6b – “Because thou has rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest
           to me.”

      B.  Destruction of Family
            Hosea 4:6c – “Seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.”
            Hosea 4:13b – “Therefore your daughters shall commit whoredom, and your spouses shall commit
            adultery. I will not punish your daughters when they commit whoredom, nor your spouses when they
            commit adultery: for themselves are separated with whores, and they sacrifice with harlots: therefore the
            people that doth not understand shall fall.”

      C.  Emptiness of Fortunes
            Hosea 4:7b – “Therefore will I change their glory into shame.”
            Hosea 4:9-10 – “And there shall be, like people, like priest: and I will punish them for their ways, and
            reward them their doings.  For they shall eat, and not have enough: they shall commit whoredom, and
            shall not increase: because they have left off to take heed to the LORD.”

Posted in Meditations in Hosea, Rebellion against God, Judgment of Our Lord

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Meditations in Zephaniah
 
1.  What must we do?  We must gather together before the Lord.
 
Zephaniah 2:1 – “Gather yourselves together, yea, gather together, O nation not desired.”
 
2.  Why must we gather together before the Lord?  Because we have become undesirable unto the Lord.
 
Zephaniah 2:1 – “. . . O nation not desired.”
 
3.  Why have we become undesirable unto the Lord?  Because of our sinfulness.
 
Zephaniah 1:17 – “. . . Because they have sinned against the LORD . . . .”
 
     a.  Because we have worshipped falsehood.
 
     Zephaniah 1:5 – “And them that worship the host of heaven upon the housetops . . .”
     (Remember that a pursuit after covetousness or self-interest is also false worship – See Matthew 6:24;
     Colossians 3:5; Philippians 3:18-19; 1 John 2:5-6)
 
     b.  Because we have mixed the worship of the Lord with falsehood.
 
     Zephaniah 1:5 – “. . . And them that worship and that swear by the LORD, and that swear by Malcham.”
 
     c.  Because we have turned back from the fellowship and service of the Lord.
 
     Zephaniah 1:6 – “And them that are turned back from the LORD . . . .”
 
     d.  Because we have not sought after the Lord or enquired for Him.
 
     Zephaniah 1:6 – “. . . And those that have not sought the LORD, nor enquired for him.”
 
     e.  Because we have disregarded any accountability before the Lord.
 
     Zephaniah 1:12 – “And it shall come to pass at that time, that I will search Jerusalem with candles, and punish
     the men that are settled on their lees: that say in their heart, The LORD will not do good, neither will he do
     evil.”
 
4.  When must we gather together before the Lord?  BEFORE His fierce anger come upon us.
 
Zephaniah 2:2 – “Before the decree bring forth, before the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of the LORD come upon you, before the day of the LORD’S anger come upon you.”
 
5.  What are we to do when we gather together before the Lord?  We must seek for His gracious forgiveness and fellowship.
 
Zephaniah 2:3 – “Seek ye the LORD.”
 
     a.  We must come to a position of meekness before the Lord.
 
     Zephaniah 2:3 – “. . . All ye meek of the earth . . . .”
 
     b.  We must repent with broken-hearted conviction at the Lord’s judgment.
 
     Zephaniah 2:3 – “. . . Which have wrought his judgment . . . .”
 
     c.  We must pursue a pathway of righteousness and meekness.
 
     Zephaniah 2:3 – “. . . Seek righteousness, seek meekness . . . .”
 
6.  What hope do we have if we so gather before the Lord?  We may find hope in His mercy and grace.
 
Zephaniah 2:3 – “. . . It may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD’S anger.”

Posted in Meditations in Zephaniah, Rebellion against God, Anger of the Lord, Biblical Humility, Repentance of Sin,
​Grace and Mercy of God     

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Weekly Sermon

James 2:1-4 reads, “My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.  For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; and ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?”

With James 2:1-13 we come to the sixth paragraph of this epistle.  This paragraph is the first of two lengthy paragraphs in James 2, encompassing the entire first half of the chapter.  In providing pastoral counsel for a spiritually mature walk in the believer’s life, this paragraph directly confronts those who are showing sinful partiality against the poor and needy in favor of the rich and prestigious.  This contextual setting for the paragraph is immediately introduced in verse 1, wherein the caution is given, “My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.”  Again in verse 4 the confrontation is presented, “Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?”  Yet again in the opening line of verse 6, the further confrontation is proclaimed, “But ye have despised the poor.”  Finally, in verse 9 the condemnation is delivered, “But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.”  Thus with these four declarations, this paragraph is unified concerning the sinful practice of showing partiality against the poor and needy.

Weekly Sermon

James 1:26 reads, “If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.”

As we have previously noted, James 1:26-27 presents a clear contrast between a faulty religious life that is lacking in spiritual substance and a faithful religious life that is rooted in spiritual substance.  This contrast is seen in that verse 26 closes with the statement, “This man’s religious is vain;” whereas verse 27 opens with the statement, “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this.”  Even so, verse 26 presents the case of a religious life that is vain, being spiritually profitless; whereas verse 27 presents the case of a religious life that is valuable, being spiritually pure.  Therefore, as we focus our attention upon verse 26, we observe more closely the case of a religious life that is vain, being spiritually profitless – “This man’s religion is vain.” 

Grammatically, this verse can be divided into four parts.  First, there is the condition of spiritual appearance – “If any man among you seem to be religious.”  Second, there is the contrast of selfish communication – “And bridleth not his tongue.”  Third, there is the condemnation of self-deception – “But deceiveth his own heart.”  Finally, there is the confrontation of spiritual emptiness – “This man’s religion is vain.”

Weekly Sermon

James 1:26-27 reads, “If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.  Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”

With James 1:26-27 we come to the fifth paragraph of this epistle.  Again we remember that the Holy Spirit inspired purpose for this epistle is to provide pastoral counsel for a spiritually mature walk in the believer’s life.  Even so, this fifth paragraph gives counsel concerning an unbridled tongue in relation to a pure religious life.  The contextual situation and setting for the paragraph is established through the opening line of the paragraph -- “If any man among you seem to be religious.”  Consisting of only two sentences in two verses, this short paragraph presents a clear contrast between a religious life that is lacking in spiritual substance and a religious life that is rooted in spiritual substance.

Weekly Sermon

(For those who have been consistently following this blog, you will find that the following message does not quite follow in the flow of my James 1 study.  This is true because it was prepared and preached years before that verse-by-verse study through James 1 began.  Nevertheless, I believe that it is of value to present in this place.) 

James 1:21-25 reads, “Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted Word, which is able to save your souls.  But be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.  For if any be a hearer of the Word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.  But whoso looketh into the perfect Law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.”

In James 1:21 we who are the children of God are instructed to receive with meekness the truth and teaching of God’s holy Word.  Rather than reject that truth and teaching, we are to receive that truth and teaching.  Yea, we are to receive it with all readiness of mind.  However, simply receiving the truth and teaching of God’s holy Word is not enough.  Having received that truth and teaching with meekness and with all readiness of mind, we must then take another step with it.  Thus the instruction of verse 22 is given to us, “But be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only.”  In fact, concerning this matter James 1:22-25 presents us with a pointed command, a powerful warning, and a precious promise.  

Weekly Sermon

James 1:22-24 reads, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.  For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.”

In James 1:21-22 God’s Word presents a three-fold instruction for the transformation of our spiritual character unto the righteousness of Christ.  First, we are instructed to repent of all our sinfulness.  In the opening portion of James 1:21, the instruction is given, “Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness.”  Second, we are instructed to receive God’s Word with meekness.  In the closing portion of James 1:21, the instruction is given, “And receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.”  Third, we are instructed to respond unto God’s Word with obedience.  In James 1:22 the instruction is given, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”

The third of these instructions is presented, not only as an instruction concerning what we ought to do, but also as an admonition concerning what we ought not to do.  We are to be faithful doers of God’s Word, but we are not to be hearers only of God’s Word.  In fact, this admonition against being hearers only extends from James 1:22-24.  Grammatically, this passage can be divided into three parts.  First, there is the imperative about our responsibility – “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only.”  Then there is the illusion about which we must beware – “Deceiving your own selves.”  Finally, there is the illustration about the hearer only – “For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.”

Weekly Sermon

James 1:14-15 reads, “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”

As we have previously noted, James 1:12-18 gives counsel concerning a right motivation for endurance in godliness, concerning a right attitude toward the Lord our God, and concerning a right understanding of temptation unto sin.  Overall, this subject matter is arranged in order to move our focus and understanding from the outside toward the center.  Thus verse 12 & verses 17-18 give counsel concerning our right motivation for endurance in godliness.  Then verse 13 & verses 16-17 give counsel concerning our right attitude toward the Lord our God.  Finally, verses 14-15 give counsel concerning our right understanding of temptation to sin. 

Verse 14 begins with the adversative conjunction “but,” providing a direct contrast to the truth of verse 13.  The closing portion of verse 13 proclaims the truth, “For God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man.”  Indeed, our all-holy Lord God is never the cause of our sinful temptation, either directly or even distantly through our personal constitution, relational contacts, or individual circumstances.  So then, who or what is the cause of our sinful temptation?  In contrast to the truth of verse 13, verse 14 gives answer, saying, “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.” 

Grammatically, James 1:14-15 presents three statements that reveal a three-step process whereby sinful temptation and sinful behavior take hold upon our hearts and lives.  Each of these three statements contains the relative conjunction “when,” revealing a conditional truth that when a certain event occurs, then a certain result will arise.  First, verse 14 presents the character of sinful temptation -- “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.”  Second, the opening portion of verse 15 presents the conception of selfish desire -- “Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin.”  Third, the closing portion of verse 15 presents the consequence of sinful behavior -- “And sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”

Through these three statements, we may observe seven progressive elements in the realm of sinful temptation and sinful behavior.  However, before we focus our attention upon these seven elements, we should consider three introductory and foundational truths to this subject matter.  The first foundational truth is that sinful temptation is a universal matter.  The opening line of James 1:14 states, “But every man is tempted.”  In like manner, the opening portion of 1 Corinthians 10:13 states, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man.”  Each and every one of us is tempted unto sin, and is tempted on a regular basis.  Sinful temptation is a characteristic element of our lives upon this earth.  The second foundational truth is that sinful fault is a personal matter.  James 1:14 continues, “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.”  Each and every one of us is tempted of our own, personal lust (that is -- of our own, selfish desire).  Therefore, each and every commission of sin, whether in attitude, word, action, or neglect, is our own, personal fault and responsibility.  The third foundational truth is that sinful behavior is a consequential matter.  James 1:15 declares, “Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”  Yielding to sinful desire always results in destructive consequences.  Whenever we consent in our heart to be drawn away from our Lord’s fellowship and to be enticed by sin’s deceptive pleasures, sin will be the consequence in some form.  Furthermore, whenever we commit sin in some form, death will be the consequence in some manner.

So then, having considered these three foundational truths to this matter, we now come to the seven progressive elements in the realm of sinful temptation and sinful behavior.

Thought for Meditation

(Yesterday I received through email the daily devotional, First Light, from Will Rice IV of the Bill Rice Ranch.  
In that devotional he made some statements that I believe are worthy of repetition.  
Thus I have chosen to present them as my thought for meditation today.)

Sin is departure, not from a code or set of laws, but from a person, God. 
I can no more say to God Almighty, 
"Hey I'm going to sin and do my own thing, but don't take it personally. 
I still love you; we can still be friends," 
than I can honestly say that I'm going to leave my wife, 
but there are no hard feelings and we're still going to be friends. 

Posted in Thought for Meditation, Rebellion against God

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Thought for Meditation

When an individual possesses eyes to see and ears to hear,
yet does not actually hear the truth of God's Word or see the wisdom of God's Word,
it is specifically because
that individual's heart is filled with rebellion against the Lord our God and His Holy Word.

 Weekly Sermon

Psalm 119:21-23 reads, “Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments.  Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies.  Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.”

As we consider the message of these three verses, a contrast is revealed to us.  In this passage we find a contrast revealed between the proud of this world and the servant of the Lord.  Psalm 119:21 speaks concerning the proud of this world, saying, “Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments.”  Whereas, the closing portion of Psalm 119:23 speaks concerning the servant of the Lord, saying, “But thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.”  First, this contrast can be seen in the definition of their character.  On the one had is the category of the proud ones; on the other hand is the category of the Lord’s servants.  Clearly there is contrast between pride and servanthood.  Second, this contrast can be seen in their relationship to God’s Word.  The closing portion of Psalm 119:21 speaks concerning the proud of this world, saying, “Which do err from thy commandments.”  Whereas, the closing portion of Psalm 119:22 speaks concerning the servant of the Lord, saying, “For I have kept thy testimonies;” and the closing portion of verse 23 adds, “But thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.”  The proud of this world err from and rebel against God’s Word; whereas, the servant of the Lord keeps and meditates in God’s Word.  Third, this contrast can be seen in their position in this world.  The opening portion of Psalm 119:23 describes the proud of this world as princes.  Whereas, the opening portion of Psalm 119:22 indicates that the servant of the Lord was under “reproach and contempt.”  So then, the proud ones are often in the position of success; whereas, the Lord’s servants are often in a position of contempt.

Yet in this passage, not only is a contrast revealed, but also a conflict is indicated.  The opening portion of Psalm 119:23 indicates that the proud of this world, who are in positions of success, are the very ones who speak against the servants of the Lord, the very ones who pour out reproach and contempt upon the servants of the Lord.  So then, there is not simply a contrast between these two categories, but also a conflict between them.  However, in this passage there is also a comfort provided unto the servants of the Lord.  Although at the present time the servants of the Lord may be in a position of reproach and contempt, spoken against by the proud of this world, yet the servants of the Lord are also in a position to call out in prayer unto the Lord for deliverance.  In Psalm 119:22 the psalmist, this servant of the Lord, did just that, praying, “Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies.”  In addition, while in the midst of reproach and contempt from the proud of this world, the servants of the Lord also possess the comforting assurance that the Lord will eventually judge the proud and will deliver His servants thereby.  Even so, in the opening portion of Psalm 119:21, the psalmist, this servant of the Lord, expressed his assurance, saying, “Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed.”

So then, for the remainder of this message, let us focus our attention upon what this passage says about the proud of this world.  In Psalm 119:21-23 we encounter the character of the proud, the conduct of the proud, the contempt of the proud, and the curse of the proud.

Meditations in Ezekiel

Ezekiel 2:3 – “And he said unto me, Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me: they and their fathers have transgressed against me, even unto this very day.”

1.  To Confront Them for Their Stubborn Rebellion

Ezekiel 2:4a – “For they are impudent children and stiffhearted.  I do send thee unto them.”

2.  To Uphold the Authority of God’s Holy Word

Ezekiel 2:4b – “And thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD.”

3.  To Call Them unto Humble Repentance

Ezekiel 2:5 – “And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they are a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them.”

4.  To Stand Fearlessly against Their Reproach

Ezekiel 2:6 – “And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.”

5.  To Be Faithful Regardless of Their Response

Ezekiel 2:7 – “And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear: for they are most rebellious.”

6.  To Remain Obedient unto God’s Holy Word

Ezekiel 2:8 – “But thou, son of man, hear what I say unto thee; Be not thou rebellious like that rebellious house: open thy mouth, and eat that I give thee.”

            A.  As an example unto them
            B.  As a rebuke unto them
            C.  For your own fellowship with the Lord
            D.  For your own enablement in ministry

Posted in Meditations in Ezekiel, Rebellion against God, Word of God, Godly Ministry, Faithfulness

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Outlines in Psalms

 I.  The Violent Character of Wicked Persecutors (Psalm 140:2-5)
II.  The Lord’s Curse upon Wicked Persecutors (Psalm 140:8-12)

Weekly Sermon

This sermon is a companion to six previous sermons:
                Blessed Be the Most High God - Genesis 14:19-20    
                The Most High Ruleth - Daniel 4:32    
                The Most High Uttereth His Voice - 2 Samuel 22:14    
                Sing Praise to the Name of the Lord Most High - Psalm 7:17    
                Dwelling in the Secret Place of the Most High - Psalm 91:1    
                The Years of the Right Hand of the Most High - Psalm 77:10    

Psalm 107:10-12 reads, “Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron; because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High: therefore he brought down their heart with labour; they fell down, and there was none to help.”

The Lord our God is the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth.  As the most high God, He does indeed involve Himself in the affairs of this world and in the midst of our lives.  Yea, as the most high God, He is mighty to deliver, merciful to bless, mindful to help, majestic in sovereignty, marvelous in faithfulness, magnified through judgment, and Most High for ever.  The Lord our God, as the most high God, is worthy to be praised and honored above all.  He is worthy to be praised and honored for His righteousness, for His protection, for His almighty power, for His eternal sovereignty, and for His faithful lovingkindness.  Yea, because the Lord our God is the most high God of heaven and earth, we who are His people have the responsibility to walk daily in fellowship with Him, place the trust of our hearts in Him, set the love of our hearts upon Him, call in need through prayer upon Him, order our lives in righteousness before Him, and offer our praise and thanksgiving unto Him.  Yet what of those who refuse to walk aright before the Lord our God, the most high God?  What of those who rebel against the Most High?