5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.

Psalm 51

The focus of this Psalm is David's repentance following his sin with Bathsheba.  Relevant for me right now is David's desire for a "pure heart" and to "renew a steadfast spirit".  Additionally verse 12 speaks to me.

¹⁰ Create in me a pure heart, O God,
    and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
¹¹ Do not cast me from your presence
    or take your Holy Spirit from me.
¹² Restore to me the joy of your salvation
    and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. 

I continue to have a troublesome attitude about working wholeheartedly as Peter exhorts us to:

¹⁸ Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh.  (1 Peter 2:18).

Paul also echoes this same instruction:

⁵ Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. ⁶ Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. ⁷ Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, ⁸ because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free. (Ephesians 6:5-8)

My Prayer: Lord, Only You are pure and holy - for this and so much more You are worthy of my love, worship, and obedience.  Yet I continue to fail.  I know You love me and You have blessed me (and continue to) so thank so much as I am undeserving.  I come to You now as David has done to seek a pure heart and a renewed spirit - restore to me "the joy of Your salvation".  Please help me Lord so that I can obey my earthly masters as both Paul and Peter exhort me to.

  

Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.

Psalm 50

⁷ “Listen, my people, and I will speak;
    I will testify against you, Israel:
    I am God, your God.
⁸ I bring no charges against you concerning your sacrifices
    or concerning your burnt offerings, which are ever before me.
⁹ I have no need of a bull from your stall
    or of goats from your pens,
¹⁰ for every animal of the forest is mine,
    and the cattle on a thousand hills.
¹¹ I know every bird in the mountains,
    and the insects in the fields are mine.
¹² If I were hungry I would not tell you,
    for the world is mine, and all that is in it.
¹³ Do I eat the flesh of bulls
    or drink the blood of goats?

¹⁴ “Sacrifice thank offerings to God,
    fulfill your vows to the Most High,
¹⁵ and call on me in the day of trouble;
    I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”

...

²³ Those who sacrifice thank offerings honor me,
    and to the blameless I will show my salvation. ”

In the Old Testament the Jews offered animal sacrifice and God because the animals are already his, he indicates here that he needs no sacrifice.  However it is important to remember that the animal may be valuable to people as a food source or otherwise so the offering of an animal while in an absolute sense was not necessary to God, it WAS necessary to show how people deny themselves of something.  Additionally, the Jews could have also denied themselves of something (as an expression of our love for God) through a thanks offering which is said to be something that was not promised but given in addition as an expression of thanks for how God blessed people.

With Jesus we are of course to offer ourselves instead:

Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. (Luke 9:23)

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are worthy of ALL praise and You are worthy of MY praise.  You are great and awesome beyond description and You have blessed me well beyond what I deserve.  I come to You now with a humble heart, knowing I am full of anger and this is a sin.  I thank You for all that You are and what You have done but I need You once more this day (and will continue to need You every day) to forgive me for my anger.  Please purify and refine me of this sin and make me Yours.  Help me take my cross and follow You.

15 But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself.

Psalm 49

⁵ Why should I fear when evil days come,

    when wicked deceivers surround me—
⁶ those who trust in their wealth
    and boast of their great riches?  

¹² People, despite their wealth, do not endure;
    they are like the beasts that perish.

¹³ This is the fate of those who trust in themselves,
    and of their followers, who approve their sayings.
¹⁴ They are like sheep and are destined to die;
    death will be their shepherd
    (but the upright will prevail over them in the morning).
Their forms will decay in the grave,
    far from their princely mansions.
¹⁵ But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead;
    he will surely take me to himself.

I often put too much trust in myself or in what I "have".  Of course this is foolish.
 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus - You are ALL that I need.  I confess that I often seek gods other than You and while I thank You that You have already died for my sins I continue to need Your forgiveness for my sin, including my inability to serve my earthly masters wholeheartedly as You ask me to.  Purify me and sanctify me of this Lord Jesus and help me love You first and foremost so that I can become more like You.

For the Lord Most High is awesome, the great King over all the earth.

Psalm 47

For the Lord Most High is awesome,
    the great King over all the earth.

The Lord Jesus Christ is awesome in of course many ways (human words cannot even come close to a description worthy of Christ's awesomeness!) but let me start with a few ways:

- He created the Heavens and the Earth and everything in between > I marvel at this all the time and I should marvel at it more than I do; just look around you at home and in the places you have visited and seen in videos and photographs.
- He created all of us in His image; human beings stand apart from the other creations and we are uniquely created to serve Him
- In my own life, I marvel at the blessings he has trusted me with: family, job, place to live, health, skills, etc. > all of this to both bless me and glorify Him!

My Prayer: Lord, You ARE Most High and awesome!  I am hopeful and prayerful that my description is a sense of my worship of You.  I worship You not only because You are so great but also because I need You!  I sin and I am in need of both purfication and sanctification.  Thank You for all that You have done but please purify me of my sin of laziness and also sanctify me so that I can become more like You Jesus Christ. 

Be still, and know that I am God

Psalm 46

God commands our attention:

- he lifts his voice, the earth melts

- the desolations he has brought on the earth

- He makes wars cease, to the ends of the earth

- He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire.  

In Matthew 19:26 Jesus says:

With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.

...

⁸ Come and see what the Lord has done,
    the desolations he has brought on the earth.
⁹ He makes wars cease
    to the ends of the earth.
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
    he burns the shields^[d] with fire.
¹⁰ He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.”

 

¹¹ The Lord Almighty is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress.

My Prayer: Lord, You are great beyond all imagination and it is true that there is nothing You cannot do!  I am of course weak as I am human.  I am weak in all respects and I am weak today in that I fail to serve You and I fail to serve my human masters wholeheartedly - while I know You love me no less...and for this I thank You...I desperately seek Your forgiveness.  Please forgive me and help me serve both You and my human masters wholeheartedly.  Help me be still and know that You are God.   Help me Lord.

You love righteousness and hate wickedness

Psalm 45

This hymn sings the praises of God and among the many virtues of our God:

You love righteousness and hate wickedness (verse 7)

We must be mindful of the greatness of our God...both in absolute terms and in our own lives.


My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are truly great....and You are truly great to me.  I both witnessed Your greatness in the world...and I have witnessed Your greatness in my own life.  I am weak and I fail. I do thank You Jesus for the grace and love You bless me with, and today I seek Your forgiveness for a sinful work attitude in that I fail to serve wholeheartedly.  Help me serve ALL and through this serve You.

In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise your name forever.

Psalm 44

We have heard it with our ears, O God;
    our ancestors have told us
what you did in their days,
    in days long ago.
² With your hand you drove out the nations
    and planted our ancestors;
you crushed the peoples
    and made our ancestors flourish.
³ It was not by their sword that they won the land,
    nor did their arm bring them victory;
it was your right hand, your arm,
    and the light of your face, for you loved them.

⁴ You are my King and my God,
    who decrees^[c] victories for Jacob.
⁵ Through you we push back our enemies;
    through your name we trample our foes.
⁶ I put no trust in my bow,
    my sword does not bring me victory;
⁷ but you give us victory over our enemies,
    you put our adversaries to shame.
⁸ In God we make our boast all day long,
    and we will praise your name forever.

⁹ But now you have rejected and humbled us;
    you no longer go out with our armies.
¹⁰ You made us retreat before the enemy,
    and our adversaries have plundered us.
¹¹ You gave us up to be devoured like sheep
    and have scattered us among the nations.
¹² You sold your people for a pittance,
    gaining nothing from their sale.

David laments over how he feels scorned...yet we should know better that God does not scorn or forget us...His love and mercy is always upon us....He does not of course promise us a life free of troubles.

Among many verses that discuss suffering:

¹² Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. ¹³ But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. (1 Peter 4:12-13)

We must all remember that whatever happens we should be looking for what we can do to glorify God - not question Him.  Of course we can struggle with our faith - that is OK but in the end we should strive to have faith that God is always with us...no matter what our circumstances are.

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-8)

My Prayer: Lord, I know You will never forsake me...instead I will scorn You or I will sin and I will through my own doing separate myself from You.  I do this willingly but neglecting You in my daily time with You.  I thank You Lord Jesus that You still love me no matter what I do and will always welcome me back no matter what I do.  Please forgive me now for my weakness and my inability to be bold....to be the man You intend me to be.  Please invade my heart and my life - take me and make me fully Yours.

You are God my stronghold.

Psalm 43

David continues to seek protection from those who mean him harm, and he often doubts God is there for him.  Yet you can see glimmers of David's surety that God is there for him:

He knows that God alone can rescue him: v1
He appeals to God, recognizing that God is his stronghold: v2
He recognizes God as a source of light and care: v3

David at this time is surrounded by wickedness and in his heart of hearts knows that only God can provide the refuge and peace he desires.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You protect us from so much and You do so in so many ways that we don't see or recognize - You are a loving and caring God beyond what we deserve.  I confess to You now that I am lazy and disobedient, and selfish - among just a few of my sin.  I thank You for the love, care, and protection that You do provide and I desperately seek Your forgiveness for my sin.  I also ask that You transform my heart and my life so that I can truly recognize ALL that You are so I can be all that You want me to be.

1 As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.

Psalm 42

Although David wrote this Psalm in what appears to be moments of struggle, you can see that he desires to find God.  God of course has not gone anywhere for it says in Deuteronomy 4:29

But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul. 

The same is expressed in Jeremiah 29:13

³ You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 

My Prayer: Lord, I KNOW you are there - yet sometimes I either ignore you or are completely disobedient to your commands.  I thank You for everything that You are and for everything that You have done for me - You have blessed me richly.  I ask of course that You forgive my sin today of not working wholeheartedly and serving my earthly masters.  Please also help me deepen my desire for You Lord Jesus.

“Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense.”

Acts 22

Do I boldly proclaim my faith and am I prepared at a moments notice to share my testimony in a way that is both personal and powerful...as Paul does here?

I don't think so....

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, Your faith and love in me is great and I am not deserving of all the love You bless me with - I have sin in my heart and while I thank You for such love and for the forgiveness you provide for my sin, I once again ask - desperately - that You not only forgive my sin but also transform my heart and my life so I can be more like You...help me also prepare my testimony so that I can proclaim it publicly and powerfully.

2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

1 Peter 5

5 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: ² Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; ³ not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. ⁴ And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

⁵ In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,

“God opposes the proud
    but shows favor to the humble.”

As a leader in my church and in my home, I heed these words carefully, focusing on care and service.  I should wish others to follow me and of more importantly Christ because they see Christ in me.


My Prayer: Lord Jesus, Your care and service to me is beyond what I deserve - I sin and will continue to sin.  For this reason alone but also for many other reasons, I need You. I need You daily - all the time.  Thank You Jesus for all of the care and service You have done for me and I ask that You forgive my sin today of harsh words and unwholesome thoughts of anger and criticism/judgement of others. Please also help me humble myself so that I can care and service those whom I lead.

11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 4

⁷ The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. ⁸ Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. ⁹ Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. ¹⁰ Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. ¹¹ If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. 

I have never thought about it in these terms but Peter is instructing us to submit to Christ to the extent that we can actually talk with the very words of Jesus.  This of course requires in my view a deep, intimate relationship with Christ, and a submission to Christ with a love and obedience that follows.


My Prayer: Lord Jesus, that You love me as much as You do is truly amazing...and yet I cannot even begin to describe how amazing You are - I have seen with my own eyes and experienced Your hand - as it is truly awesome.  I am not worthy of such love and grace - yet You bless me anyway.  I am lazy and easily distracted by earthly and worldly distractions.  I thank You for everything that You are to me and will continue to be and now I ask You to forgive me for my laziness and earthly concerns.  Please also forgive me for my anger and tongue that deeply needs taming.  Transform my heart and my life Lord Jesus - help me speak and act as if I AM Jesus Christ.

8 Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.

1 Peter 3

⁸ Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. ⁹ Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. ¹⁰ For,

“Whoever would love life
    and see good days
must keep their tongue from evil
    and their lips from deceitful speech.
¹¹ They must turn from evil and do good;
    they must seek peace and pursue it.
¹² For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
    and his ears are attentive to their prayer,
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

 

¹³ Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? ¹⁴ But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” ¹⁵ But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, ¹⁶ keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. ¹⁷ For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

I am too often confrontational or righteous.  I need to be right - I am stubborn and prideful.  I need this to change.


Peter's words need to penetrate, refine and transform me - be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble...never repay evil with evil or insult with insult...repay evil with blessing...seek peace and pursue it...do this with gentleness and respect.


Of course this echoes James words:

⁹ My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry...James 1:19

My Prayer:  Lord, You are patient, humble, respectful...and more - especially to me.  This is amazing because of course I am not deserving.  You call me up and I fall down.  I sincerely thank You for all that You are, have done, and have done for me.  All I know is that I need You every day yet I don't go to You every day so please forgive me for my neglect of You and for falling short...for my sin.  Please refine and purify me and help me put into practice the words of both Peter and James.

7 Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives...

1 Peter 3

⁷ Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.

I know I need to focus more energy on practicing both respect and encouragement with my wife with an eye towards helping her be the woman Christ intends for her.


My Prayer: Lord, thank You for everything that You are including Your death on the cross and what that means to me, Your word, and Your holy spirit.  I need you badly in my life because I continue to sin and I need not only forgiveness but refinement with any eye towards holiness and being the man You intend me to be.  So please forgive me for my harshness and lack of effort in being the man You intend me to be.  Help me - do what You need to do as I submit to You.  Transform my heart and my life to be who You desire me to be.

17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.

1 Peter 2

³ Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, ¹⁴ or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. ¹⁵ For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. ¹⁶ Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. ¹⁷ Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.

¹⁸ Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. ¹⁹ For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. ²⁰ But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. ²¹ To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

There is a good amount to "chew" on here but one key area where I know I need further refinement is in the area of respect, specifically with regard to "taming my tongue":

⁶ The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. James 3:6

Whether it  be my family, my workplace, my church, etc., I ask God to further refine me in the area of taming my tongue - to be less harsh and more encouraging and respectful.


My Prayer: Lord, You are love and Your words for me are FULL of love and respect.  On the contrary my words are often harsh and disrespectful.  I know You have cleansed me of my sin and You have blessed me beyond what I deserve - for this I am thankful.  Today Lord I ask that You please forgive me for the harshness of my tongue.  Please help me tame my tongue and to be respectful to everyone.