In Psalm 37:5 we read, "Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass." Then verse six goes on to explain, "And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and judgment as the noonday."
In Today's world the concept of being committed is a lost way of life. In our Christian circles we hear people talking of being committed to Christ yet, by their lifestyle one should wonder how they define the word "commitment." Jesus taught us in John 14:15 to keep His commandments. As a matter of fact he conditioned His instruction with a phrase that would indicate ones commitment to Him, He said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments."
Webster defines "commitment" as "the act of committing." This indicates ones resolve to pledge or engage oneself to a person or idea. A few weeks ago I told you about Karin, my eldest child. If you remember I told you how that while swimming I called for her to come to daddy. She was a toddler at the time. I used this example to show what it meant to trust. Well we can also apply it to committing oneself to the Lord and His ways. As Karin started to run to the edge of the pool to jump she was exercising a choice: "Do I trust Daddy to catch me or not?" Up in till the edge of the pool she could have stopped and decided not to jump; but once her feet left the ground, there was no turning back! She was committed!
This is what the Psalmist meant when he said to commit our ways to the LORD. Once we do, we are to realize that there is no turning back! It should be little wonder to us concerning today's society and the confusion today's children experience. People have forgotten the Psalmists call to committing their ways, their choices, their way in life, to the LORD.
There is a promise to those who do commit their way to the LORD in verse six, remember? "He shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light..."
The old song say's, "Look and live, my brother live; look to Jesus now and Live." It is His righteousness that shines forth from our lives as we commit our ways to Him! Look to Him today, and LIVE!
Friday, May 30, 2008
Friday, May 16, 2008
Delight Thyself Also in the LORD - Toby Digrugilliers
In today's world when one usually says, "I'm so delighted to... meet you" or, "be here" it's usually an indication of what makes one happy or pleased. The focus of delight is on "self."
Our text today is from Psalm 37 and verse 4, "Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." That word, "also" indicates a continuation of the preceding points of things already expressed. The preceding points are: Fret not; be not envious; and trust in the LORD. For it is when we truly stop worrying, cease from envy and trust in Him that we may begin to understand what it means to delight ourselves in Him!
The Apostle Paul frequently used marriage to express what our relationship to Christ is to be, and here I can do no less, however; in this day where society, in general, is tearing down the family it may be difficult for some to comprehend the importance of the illustration.
There was a day when "family" meant something and was the fulcrum upon which all society was raised (no pun intended). In these days of same sex everything that "fulcrum" has been distorted and the lever upon which it was moved, bent! My point is that when a man and woman "fell" in love their focus was on doing the things that made the other happy. It was a "delight" to one to see that their actions caused the express happiness of the object of their desire. This is the sense in which the Psalmist was communicating: When we are at the point in our walk with the LORD that all we accomplish has as it focus, doing the things that please Him. When we do this, then we "delight ourselves in the LORD."
Doing that which is right in His sight brings us to verse 5, "Commit thy way..." This we shall discuss next week. Till then, Delight thyself in the LORD!
Our text today is from Psalm 37 and verse 4, "Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." That word, "also" indicates a continuation of the preceding points of things already expressed. The preceding points are: Fret not; be not envious; and trust in the LORD. For it is when we truly stop worrying, cease from envy and trust in Him that we may begin to understand what it means to delight ourselves in Him!
The Apostle Paul frequently used marriage to express what our relationship to Christ is to be, and here I can do no less, however; in this day where society, in general, is tearing down the family it may be difficult for some to comprehend the importance of the illustration.
There was a day when "family" meant something and was the fulcrum upon which all society was raised (no pun intended). In these days of same sex everything that "fulcrum" has been distorted and the lever upon which it was moved, bent! My point is that when a man and woman "fell" in love their focus was on doing the things that made the other happy. It was a "delight" to one to see that their actions caused the express happiness of the object of their desire. This is the sense in which the Psalmist was communicating: When we are at the point in our walk with the LORD that all we accomplish has as it focus, doing the things that please Him. When we do this, then we "delight ourselves in the LORD."
Doing that which is right in His sight brings us to verse 5, "Commit thy way..." This we shall discuss next week. Till then, Delight thyself in the LORD!
Friday, May 9, 2008
Trust In The LORD - by Toby Digrugilliers
I remember when our daughter Karin was but a toddler. We lived in Tucson Arizona at an apartment complex that had a swimming pool. "Come on Karin. Jump to Daddy, I will catch you." I remember all too well her trusting jump into the pool toward her Daddy. Unquestioning! She did not run up to the edge and stop, no she ran to the edge and just keep on a coming!
Psalm 37:3 simply states, "Trust in the LORD, and do good: so thou shalt dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed."
Webster defines "trust" as, 1) reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety, etc., of another person or thing; confidence. 2) confident expectation of something; hope.
Reliance and hope. I like that. To rely on the LORD and have hope knowing that HE is in control of all things and has our best interest at heart.
But the Scripture has another thing to say along with trusting in the Lord. We are told to "do good" and in the doing of good we shall be fed.
Now it is intimated that "doing good" carries with it the idea of working. The old saying, "If you don't work you don't eat" could have very well had its roots in this passage. But on a larger scale; what about a nation that fails to do good? It's difficult to believe that in a time that appears to be a time of plenty we are in danger of some of the greatest food shortages that America has ever been faced with. Gas prices are through the roof and soaring higher and the end result is that we are paying more at the store.
Just a thought, but could we be facing this as a result of not doing good Nationally? America is more concerned with ensuring that the rights of the wicked are protected to the exclusion of what the Word of God teaches and I believe we are about to see the Hand of judgment more than His heart of mercy!
Nationally and individually, America had fled from doing good: That which is right in the sight of God and fleeing to the pleasures of wickedness and then have the audacity to wonder why are things falling apart!
I remember several years ago many were preaching from II Chronicles 7:14, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways..." A wonderful call to National repentance, however, those who cried out using this verse stopped short, for in verse 19 we see the infamous "But" being used. I challenge you to read II Chronicles 7:14 through 22 and see in context God's perspective.
Yes, my friend, we must trust in the Lord, but let's not forget to also do good! I challenge you this day to do all the Word of God says, trust AND do good.
Next week we'll see how we can delight ourselves in the Lord as a result of following today's text. Remember the pool? Don't just run to the edge of "just trusting" but keep on moving in the jumping and "doing!" Till then, may God bless and keep you as you both trust and do.
Psalm 37:3 simply states, "Trust in the LORD, and do good: so thou shalt dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed."
Webster defines "trust" as, 1) reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety, etc., of another person or thing; confidence. 2) confident expectation of something; hope.
Reliance and hope. I like that. To rely on the LORD and have hope knowing that HE is in control of all things and has our best interest at heart.
But the Scripture has another thing to say along with trusting in the Lord. We are told to "do good" and in the doing of good we shall be fed.
Now it is intimated that "doing good" carries with it the idea of working. The old saying, "If you don't work you don't eat" could have very well had its roots in this passage. But on a larger scale; what about a nation that fails to do good? It's difficult to believe that in a time that appears to be a time of plenty we are in danger of some of the greatest food shortages that America has ever been faced with. Gas prices are through the roof and soaring higher and the end result is that we are paying more at the store.
Just a thought, but could we be facing this as a result of not doing good Nationally? America is more concerned with ensuring that the rights of the wicked are protected to the exclusion of what the Word of God teaches and I believe we are about to see the Hand of judgment more than His heart of mercy!
Nationally and individually, America had fled from doing good: That which is right in the sight of God and fleeing to the pleasures of wickedness and then have the audacity to wonder why are things falling apart!
I remember several years ago many were preaching from II Chronicles 7:14, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways..." A wonderful call to National repentance, however, those who cried out using this verse stopped short, for in verse 19 we see the infamous "But" being used. I challenge you to read II Chronicles 7:14 through 22 and see in context God's perspective.
Yes, my friend, we must trust in the Lord, but let's not forget to also do good! I challenge you this day to do all the Word of God says, trust AND do good.
Next week we'll see how we can delight ourselves in the Lord as a result of following today's text. Remember the pool? Don't just run to the edge of "just trusting" but keep on moving in the jumping and "doing!" Till then, may God bless and keep you as you both trust and do.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Don't Worry - Be Happy by Toby Digrugilliers
I'm reminded of the song "Don't Worry, Be Happy."
"Here is a little song I wrote
You might want to sing it note for note
Don't worry be happy
In every life we have some trouble
When you worry you make it double
Don't worry, be happy......
Ain't got no place to lay your head
Somebody came and took your bed
Don't worry, be happy
The land lord say your rent is late
He may have to litigate
Don't worry, be happy
Look at me I am happy
Don't worry, be happy
Here I give you my phone number
When you worry call me
I make you happy
Don't worry, be happy
Ain't got no cash, ain't got no style
Ain't got not girl to make you smile
But don't worry be happy
Cause when you worry
Your face will frown
And that will bring everybody down
So don't worry, be happy (now).....
There is this little song I wrote
I hope you learn it note for note
Like good little children
Don't worry, be happy
Listen to what I say
In your life expect some trouble
But when you worry
You make it double
Don't worry, be happy......
Don't worry don't do it, be happy
Put a smile on your face
Don't bring everybody down like this
Don't worry, it will soon past
Whatever it is
Don't worry, be happy."
Cute song and good advice. Worrying is not pleasing to our Savior and shows great LACK of faith. However, Psalm 37:1&2 says, "Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb."
But with this advice to "Don't worry" or "fret not" comes another thought that requires consideration. There is something to be said about planning and dong all you can to put yourself in a position that you need not to worry.
There once was a farmer who need help around the farm. In an interview with a prospective hired hand, the answer was given in response to the question, "Why should I hire you?" "I sleep when it storms." Well the farmer thought this was an strange answer but liked the guy and hired him based on answers to his other questions.
Well, one day a great big storm came and the farmer was running all over and screaming for the hired hand to make ready for the storm. When he finally found him he found him asleep in the bunk house. The farmer asked, "what are you doing? Don't you know a storm's a coming? Get up we need to get ready." The hired hand said, "I told you when you hired me that I sleep when the storm comes." Well, come to find out that all the things the farmer thought needed to be done in preparation for the storm was already done!
The hired hand followed the admonition in Ephesians 6:13, "...and having done all, to stand."
Yes we are not to worry. Yes, we are to trust in our Lord, but we too must do all we are to do so we don't have to worry and after having done all, just stand and trust Him for the rest.
There is a lot going on in the world that will cause many to "fret." High gas prices, cost of food rising along with shortages. May I encourage you to do all you can to "prepare for the storm" and then after having done all, "Stand." "Fret not thyself because of evildoers..." Next week, we'll look at verse three of Psalm 37. Till then, God bless and, "Don't worry, be happy!"
"Here is a little song I wrote
You might want to sing it note for note
Don't worry be happy
In every life we have some trouble
When you worry you make it double
Don't worry, be happy......
Ain't got no place to lay your head
Somebody came and took your bed
Don't worry, be happy
The land lord say your rent is late
He may have to litigate
Don't worry, be happy
Look at me I am happy
Don't worry, be happy
Here I give you my phone number
When you worry call me
I make you happy
Don't worry, be happy
Ain't got no cash, ain't got no style
Ain't got not girl to make you smile
But don't worry be happy
Cause when you worry
Your face will frown
And that will bring everybody down
So don't worry, be happy (now).....
There is this little song I wrote
I hope you learn it note for note
Like good little children
Don't worry, be happy
Listen to what I say
In your life expect some trouble
But when you worry
You make it double
Don't worry, be happy......
Don't worry don't do it, be happy
Put a smile on your face
Don't bring everybody down like this
Don't worry, it will soon past
Whatever it is
Don't worry, be happy."
Cute song and good advice. Worrying is not pleasing to our Savior and shows great LACK of faith. However, Psalm 37:1&2 says, "Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb."
But with this advice to "Don't worry" or "fret not" comes another thought that requires consideration. There is something to be said about planning and dong all you can to put yourself in a position that you need not to worry.
There once was a farmer who need help around the farm. In an interview with a prospective hired hand, the answer was given in response to the question, "Why should I hire you?" "I sleep when it storms." Well the farmer thought this was an strange answer but liked the guy and hired him based on answers to his other questions.
Well, one day a great big storm came and the farmer was running all over and screaming for the hired hand to make ready for the storm. When he finally found him he found him asleep in the bunk house. The farmer asked, "what are you doing? Don't you know a storm's a coming? Get up we need to get ready." The hired hand said, "I told you when you hired me that I sleep when the storm comes." Well, come to find out that all the things the farmer thought needed to be done in preparation for the storm was already done!
The hired hand followed the admonition in Ephesians 6:13, "...and having done all, to stand."
Yes we are not to worry. Yes, we are to trust in our Lord, but we too must do all we are to do so we don't have to worry and after having done all, just stand and trust Him for the rest.
There is a lot going on in the world that will cause many to "fret." High gas prices, cost of food rising along with shortages. May I encourage you to do all you can to "prepare for the storm" and then after having done all, "Stand." "Fret not thyself because of evildoers..." Next week, we'll look at verse three of Psalm 37. Till then, God bless and, "Don't worry, be happy!"
Friday, April 11, 2008
Great Peace - Toby Digrugilliers
In Psalm 119:165 we read, "Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them." Ever have to ask yourself what part of "nothing" don't we understand? I know I do. Like many, I find it's a daily battle not to be offended. Someone said something or did something that just didn't set right. "I can't believe you said that!" or, "Did you see what that guy did? He cut me off!" A myriad of things that we find ourselves offended by, however, the Scripture still rings true, "Great peace..."
The book of Psalms is a wonderful read and it's in its own pages that we find the recipe for rational living in an irrational world plus instruction for living resolutely in a manner that pleases our Lord.
In Psalm 119:165 we're instructed not to be offended and in Psalm 37 verses 1-8 we find the recipe on just how to do it. It's a quick read and may I encourage you to read it for yourself. I will, however, give you the main ingredients. 1) Fret not, 2)Trust in the Lord, 3) Delight thyself also in the Lord, 4) Commit thy way unto the Lord, 5) Rest in the Lord and 6) Cease from anger.
Over the next few weeks we will look at each ingredient individually and "smell the baking of the cake" so to speak as we anticipate the final result. Till then, may the Lord bless and keep you in all areas of life.
The book of Psalms is a wonderful read and it's in its own pages that we find the recipe for rational living in an irrational world plus instruction for living resolutely in a manner that pleases our Lord.
In Psalm 119:165 we're instructed not to be offended and in Psalm 37 verses 1-8 we find the recipe on just how to do it. It's a quick read and may I encourage you to read it for yourself. I will, however, give you the main ingredients. 1) Fret not, 2)Trust in the Lord, 3) Delight thyself also in the Lord, 4) Commit thy way unto the Lord, 5) Rest in the Lord and 6) Cease from anger.
Over the next few weeks we will look at each ingredient individually and "smell the baking of the cake" so to speak as we anticipate the final result. Till then, may the Lord bless and keep you in all areas of life.
Friday, April 4, 2008
The Resource of Prayer - Toby Digrugilliers
Prayer is essential to a Spirit-controlled life. As His children, we are to be devoted to prayer according to His will. Prayer gives us the opportunity to praise God and request His divine intervention in our lives and in the lives of others. It allows us to glorify His name and provides us with an avenue to be filled with His joy and peace.
Ever wonder while you're praying, "God, are you hearing me?" My friend when we find ourselves at such a place it's time to take inventory. "Am I praying meaninglessly repeated request?" "Am I asking according to God's will?" "Am I being obedient to His will?" "Am I asking in doubt?" "Is there any unconfessed or unforsaken sin in my life?"(Psalm 66:18). How about relationships? Many fail to realize that if our relationships are not what they should be, God will not hear our prayers and many times they are hindered because of an unrepentant attitude. Husbands, read I Peter 3:7 for an eye opener!
Scripture is filled with examples of how Jesus prayed, what He prayed, when He prayed and what He taught concerning prayer. Matthew chapter 6 is a wonderful place to start when learning what our Savior had to say regarding the subject of prayer.
In the life of the believer, prayer is vital, as air is to life and water to fish. Without it we're choked up and floundering in a sea of despair. May I encourage you to study the matter more fully as this a one of God's resources for daily living in a manner that pleases Him.
Ever wonder while you're praying, "God, are you hearing me?" My friend when we find ourselves at such a place it's time to take inventory. "Am I praying meaninglessly repeated request?" "Am I asking according to God's will?" "Am I being obedient to His will?" "Am I asking in doubt?" "Is there any unconfessed or unforsaken sin in my life?"(Psalm 66:18). How about relationships? Many fail to realize that if our relationships are not what they should be, God will not hear our prayers and many times they are hindered because of an unrepentant attitude. Husbands, read I Peter 3:7 for an eye opener!
Scripture is filled with examples of how Jesus prayed, what He prayed, when He prayed and what He taught concerning prayer. Matthew chapter 6 is a wonderful place to start when learning what our Savior had to say regarding the subject of prayer.
In the life of the believer, prayer is vital, as air is to life and water to fish. Without it we're choked up and floundering in a sea of despair. May I encourage you to study the matter more fully as this a one of God's resources for daily living in a manner that pleases Him.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Our Comforter - Toby Digrugilliers
Last week we learned the importance of God's Word. This week we shall explore the necessity of God's Holy Spirit in our lives. In the life of the Believer, the Holy Spirit is necessary!
In John 14 and verse 26 and 27 we read, "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." Then Jesus explains, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
My friend, we learn from Scripture that it is through the indwelling of God's Holy Spirit that we will learn what is pleasing to our most Holy God. The Holy Spirit is necessary in the life of the believer. Without Him we will lack His peace and Comfort and in this troubled world His presence in our lives is a must!
The Holy Spirit is the regenerating power for our spiritual birth (John 3:5-8); Seals us in Christ (Ephesians 4:30); Bears witness to the truth that we belong to God (Romans 8:16); and provides guidance by revealing the mind of God to us (I Cor. 2:9-16). A wonderful thing this is: To be sealed, comforted and secured through the Holy Spirit for the purposes of God in our lives. To be encouraged, filled and empowered is God's gift through His Holy Spirit. Walk in Him.
Next week we shall discover how vital prayer is in our lives. God Bless till then.
In John 14 and verse 26 and 27 we read, "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." Then Jesus explains, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
My friend, we learn from Scripture that it is through the indwelling of God's Holy Spirit that we will learn what is pleasing to our most Holy God. The Holy Spirit is necessary in the life of the believer. Without Him we will lack His peace and Comfort and in this troubled world His presence in our lives is a must!
The Holy Spirit is the regenerating power for our spiritual birth (John 3:5-8); Seals us in Christ (Ephesians 4:30); Bears witness to the truth that we belong to God (Romans 8:16); and provides guidance by revealing the mind of God to us (I Cor. 2:9-16). A wonderful thing this is: To be sealed, comforted and secured through the Holy Spirit for the purposes of God in our lives. To be encouraged, filled and empowered is God's gift through His Holy Spirit. Walk in Him.
Next week we shall discover how vital prayer is in our lives. God Bless till then.
Friday, March 14, 2008
God's Resources for Our Daily Living - By Toby Digrugilliers
This week I'd like for us to consider the resource of God's Word. Many think it is outdated and not applicable to today's society. Nothing could be further from the truth! In Hebrews chapter four and verse twelve we read, "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of the soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." The word "quick" carries with it the idea of making alive, in other words, it is very much alive and is instrumental in "quickening" us in our daily living for the Lord.
The Word of God is what God says about Himself, about us, about the world in which we live and most importantly it reveals His will. The Word reveals the Person who speaks it. A Person who tells us what we need to understand concerning repentance, trust, love and obedience. The Word of God received changes us: good soil bears good growth and eventually good fruit. The Word rejected or ignored likewise changes us: the heart becomes increasingly hard, blind and deaf to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
Look to the Scriptures for in them we learn of life but the Lord did not just give us His Word, no, He is a good God who also gives to us His Holy Spirit - The Comforter, which we will discuss next time.
May the Lord richly bless you as you study to show yourselves approved...(II Timothy 2:15).
The Word of God is what God says about Himself, about us, about the world in which we live and most importantly it reveals His will. The Word reveals the Person who speaks it. A Person who tells us what we need to understand concerning repentance, trust, love and obedience. The Word of God received changes us: good soil bears good growth and eventually good fruit. The Word rejected or ignored likewise changes us: the heart becomes increasingly hard, blind and deaf to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
Look to the Scriptures for in them we learn of life but the Lord did not just give us His Word, no, He is a good God who also gives to us His Holy Spirit - The Comforter, which we will discuss next time.
May the Lord richly bless you as you study to show yourselves approved...(II Timothy 2:15).
Friday, March 7, 2008
God's Resources for Our Daily Living
In Romans chapter 8 and verses 35-39, we are given wonderful insight as to who we are in Christ Jesus. The Apostle Paul asks, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us."
The Scripture teaches that those who know Jesus and are indwelt by His Holy Spirit have the resources to live life in a way that is pleasing to Him through whatever situation or circumstance life may throw at us!
These resources are the Holy Spirit, God's Word and Prayer. Over the next few weeks we will look at these resources in more detail. May we learn that our Lord does not expect His people to live on an emotional roller coaster ride that derails when the storms of life assail us; but that in ALL things we are "MORE THAN CONQUERORS THROUGH HIM THAT LOVED US" and gave himself for us. This gives us great hope!
I'm encouraged by our text that Paul goes on to say, "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Next week we will look at the resource of God's Word.
The Scripture teaches that those who know Jesus and are indwelt by His Holy Spirit have the resources to live life in a way that is pleasing to Him through whatever situation or circumstance life may throw at us!
These resources are the Holy Spirit, God's Word and Prayer. Over the next few weeks we will look at these resources in more detail. May we learn that our Lord does not expect His people to live on an emotional roller coaster ride that derails when the storms of life assail us; but that in ALL things we are "MORE THAN CONQUERORS THROUGH HIM THAT LOVED US" and gave himself for us. This gives us great hope!
I'm encouraged by our text that Paul goes on to say, "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Next week we will look at the resource of God's Word.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
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