PSALM 29
by Pastor Jack Peters
Anna M. Jarvis (1864-1948) first suggested the national observance of an annual day honoring all mothers because she had loved her own mother so dearly. At a memorial service for her mother on May 10, 1908, Miss Jarvis gave a carnation (her mother's favorite flower) to each person who attended. Within he next few years, the idea of a day to honor mothers gained popularity, and Mother's Day was observed in a number of large cities in the U.S. On May 9, 1914, by an act of Congress, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the second Sunday in May as Mother�s Day. He established the day as a time for public expression of our love and reverence for the mothers of our country. Pulpit Helps, May, 1991 http://www.bible.org/illus.asp?topic_id=1770
Mrs. John B. Dodd, of Washington, first proposed the idea of a "father's day" in 1909. Mrs. Dodd wanted a special day to honor her father, William Smart. William Smart, a Civil War veteran, was widowed when his wife (Mrs. Dodd's mother) died in childbirth with their sixth child. Mr. Smart was left to raise the newborn and his other five children by himself on a rural farm in eastern Washington state. It was after Mrs. Dodd became an adult that she realized the strength and selflessness her father had shown in raising his children as a single parent.
The first Father's Day was observed on June 19, 1910 in Spokane Washington. At about the same time in various towns and cities across American other people were beginning to celebrate a "father's day." In 1924 President Calvin Coolidge supported the idea of a national Father's Day. Finally in 1966 President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the 3rd Sunday of June as Father's Day. http://www.holidays.net/father/story.htm
Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day because it was a time set aside to honor the nation's Civil War dead by decorating their graves. It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former sailors and soldiers. On May 5, 1868, Logan declared in General Order No. 11 that: The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit. During the first celebration of Decoration Day, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, after which 5,000 participants helped to decorate the graves of the more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried in the cemetery. http://www.historychannel.com/exhibits/memorial/history.html
Mother's Day, Father's Day, and Memorial Day all serve as reminders of special people, both living and dead. Our Christian holidays of Christmas and Easter also serve as reminders of the special birth, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus.
We need reminders, and tonight, I bring your attention to Psalm 29, which serves us a reminder of certain truths that we should never forget. We should never forget:
THE PRAISE OF THE LORD
THE POWER OF THE LORD
THE PROMISES OF THE LORD
Psalm 29 is special among the Psalms because it praises God for a Thunder Storm. The storm to David was an expression of God's voice and power. In 11 verses the title the Lord appears 18 times, seven of those times it is in the phrase, the voice of the Lord.
Our first reminder is:
THE PRAISE OF THE LORD Vss. 1-2
It is important to note here that those being directly called on to praise God are heavenly beings, angels, if you will.
The word mighty refers to mighty ones, and literally meanssons of God. Often the term sons of God refers to the angels.
David is calling on the angels to praise God. But they already do! Why would David call on them to do what is already being done? James Montgomery Boice answered that question: It is because he feels that his praise and the praise of other mere human beings in not adequate. David is overwhelmed with the majesty of God revealed in the storm that he has witnessed is now going to describe. He feels that he needs help to praise God properly. To praise God adequately the entire created order must join in, and even then sufficient praise would be lacking. James Montgomery Boice, Psalms Volume 1, (Grand Rapids Michigan, Baker Books, 1994
The word give in these verses means to ascribe. The angels were to give credit to the Lord for His glory and for His strength. They were also to give the Lord the glory due His name.
The angels do give the Lord the glory due His name.
Isaiah 6:1-4 - In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. [2] Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. [3] And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. [4] And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.
Of course, if angels are to praise the Lord, we are reminded that you and I should be doing the same thing.
Angels are far superior to us and they worship the Lord.
If we do what it says, it verse 2, give unto the Lord the glory due unto His name, we will never be silent.
How much glory is due His name? There's limit on what is due to Him.
To God be the glory, great things He has done;
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,
And opened the life gate that all may go in.
O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood,
To every believer the promise of God;
The vilest offender who truly believes,
That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.
Great things He has taught us, great things He has done,
And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son;
But purer, and higher, and greater will be
Our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see.
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,
And give Him the glory, great things He has done.
Fanny Crosby
Our whole attitude and outlook on life would change radically if we just would spend more time in the praise of our God. Major problems will then seem minor, and minor problems will seem almost non-existent.
Psalm 29:2 - Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.
The angels before the throne of God are totally set apart from sin to serve God. They are able to worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.
To be holy is to be totally set apart from sin unto God.
That is more difficult for us. However, with God's help we can do it.
That's why a regular part of our prayers should be, thy kingdom come, thy will be done.
The word worship means to bow down. Although we may not always bow literally before God, we can bow figuratively by being totally submissive to Him.The one who is totally submissive to God is the one who will be able to worship in holiness.
Remember, before the world, holiness may seem silly or boring or wrong. But before God holiness is a beautiful thing that pleases Him.
R. J. Stewart, Holy has the same root as wholly, it means complete. A man is not complete in spiritual stature if all his mind, heart, soul, and strength are not given to God. R. J. Stewart Edythe Draper, Draper's Book of Quotations for the Christian World (Wheaton: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 1992). Entry 5734. Bible Illustrator 3.0
The First Reminder: THE PRAISE OF THE LORD
The Second Reminder:
THE POWER OF THE LORD Vss. 3-10
There are two places that the Lord's Power is seen:
1.The Thunderstorm Vss. 3-9
2.The Throne Vs. 10
There are few things more powerful and glorious than a full-blown thunderstorm. This one that David probably viewed was a real dilly.
Vs. 3 - According to David, it was the voice of the Lord, and he was probably including the lightening right in with the thunder. The storm started over the waters, or the Mediterranean Sea.
Vss. 4-5 The storm comes inland and moves up into the mountains of Lebanon. I can imagine the lightning striking some of the trees and them coming down.
Vs. 6-7 Imagine the mountains shaking and the lightning flashing!
Vs. 8 The storm moves on into the wilderness around Kadesh, a town 75 miles north of Damascus and then was gone.
Vs. 9 The deer gave birth prematurely because of the storm. And discovereth the forests means, to strip them bare.
The Voice of the Lord would be the thunder. God is expressing Himself. He is saying, I am here and I am powerful.
The all powerful God reminds us of His presence in the thunderstorm. We realize that when He speaks, things happen!
But we can also be thankful that our all powerful God is so powerful, that He doesn't roar at us. He speaks with a still, small voice. Elijah learned that lesson.
1 Kings 19:11-12 - And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: [12] And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.
Another thing we can be thankful for is that the same power that causes majestic thunderstorms and that raised Jesus from the dead is present in our lives to help us.
Ephesians 1:18-21 - The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, [19] And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, [20] Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand
in the heavenly places, [21] Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
When we face trials, His power is present.
When we face tragedy, His power is present.
When we need strength to face problems, do what is right, or witness, His power is present.
His Word is just as authoritative when He is speaking in our lives as when He is speaking in a thunderstorm.
Vs. 9 - And notice that in God's temple, God is praised for His glory.
I think of the temple in Heaven where God would be praised for the majesty of the thunderstorm. I think of the physical temple or tabernacle on earth where God would have been praised for majesty of a thunderstorm. And I think of the temple that is our bodies, where God should be praised for the majesty of the thunderstorm and every other way God shows His power.
2. The Throne Vs. 10
It is likely that David is referring to the world-wide flood.
God was in control of that.
It is a reminder of His kingship.
When I think of His kingship I also think of His sovereignty.
It is God who is in control of everything.
It behooves us to respond properly to His reign.
Psalm 97:1 - The Lord reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.
Psalm 99:1 - The Lord reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved.
Because the Lord reigns, we can say with David in Psalm 31:15, My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.
The First Reminder: THE PRAISE OF THE LORD Vss. 1-2
The Second Reminder: THE POWER OF THE LORD Vss. 3-10
The Third Reminder:
THE PROMISES OF THE LORD Vs. 11
1. THE LORD PROMISES US STRENGTH
All through Scripture the Lord promises us strength. Deuteronomy 33:25 - Thy shoes shall be iron and brass; and as thy days, so shall thy strength be.
Psalm 118:14 - The Lord is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.
Isaiah 41:10 - Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Acts 18:9-10 - Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: [10] For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.
2 Corinthians 12:9 - And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
When you have nothing left but God, then you become aware that God is enough. - Maude Royden
He who has God and many other things has no more than he who has God alone. - C. S. Lewis http://www.bible.org/illus.asp?topic_id=648
In the frigid waters around Greenland are countless icebergs, some little and some gigantic. If you�d observe them carefully, you�d notice that sometimes the small ice floes move in one direction while their massive counterparts flow in another. The explanation is simple. Surface winds drive the little ones, whereas the huge masses of ice are carried along by deep ocean currents. When we face trials and tragedies, it�s helpful to see our lives as being subject to two forces�surface winds and ocean currents. The winds represent everything changeable, unpredictable, and distressing. But operating simultaneously with these gusts and gales is another force that�s even more powerful. It is the sure movement of God�s wise and sovereign purposes, the deep flow of His unchanging love. Source unknown
1.THE LORD PROMISES US STRENGTH
2.THE LORD PROMISES US PEACE
Psalm 29:11 - The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace.
God does not intend us to be in turmoil, but in peace.
Isaiah 26:3-4 - Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. [4] Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength:
Luke 10:38-42 - Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. [39] And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. [40] But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. [41] And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: [42] But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
John 14:27 - 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.
I rest beneath the Almighty's shade,
My griefs expire, my troubles cease;
Thou, Lord, on whom my soul is stayed,
Wilt keep me still in perfect peace. - Charles Wesley http://www.bible.org/illus.asp?topic_id=1077
We need reminders, and tonight, we brought your attention to Psalm 29, which serves us a reminder of certain truths that we should never forget. We should never forget:
THE PRAISE OF THE LORD
THE POWER OF THE LORD in the storm and on the throne
THE PROMISES OF THE LORD strength and peacehttp://www.bible.org/illus.asp?topic_id=1770
The Triumphs Of Faith
by Dr. Tom Walker
Romans 8:33-3
One commentator has called this chapter the "mountain-top" of this great Epistle. It deals with our deliverance from condemnation, the flesh and the Spirit, our place as sons of God, future redemption, the intercession of the Holy Ghost, and the saints calling to challenge and assurance. It is unbelief that brings destruction, denial and defeat. On the other hand faith brings triumph and victory to the child of God. It is the life of faith that is gratifying and satisfying to those who believe.
I. There Is No Charge Against Us (v.33).
If you recall in the case of Job, Satan is the accuser of the brethren. But Paul let’s us know, if God has justified us, God’s court is the highest of them all. It has the final authority and say in all matters. What God has justified no one has the right to lay charges against.
II. There Is No Condemnation Upon Us (v.34).
Look at what Jesus is doing for us! It makes the matter crystal clear that we are no longer condemned. Christ died for our sins, rose for our justification, and sits at the right hand of God making intercession for us.
III. There Is No Evil Happens To Us (v.28).
We do have troubles and trials in this life, but Romans 8:28 assures us that all things work together for good to them that love God and are called according to His purpose. God takes what seems to be bad and brings out good.
IV. There Is No Good Withheld From Us (v.32).
This verse speaks of how the Lord "freely" gives us all things. He provides our material needs, our social needs, and our spiritual needs.
V. There Is No Trial To Overcome Us (v.37).
We surely will have trials, but they are not designed to be a conquering foe. We are to live as "overcomers" through our personal faith in the Lord. Read I John 5:4. The victory that overcomes the world is our faith.
VI. There Is No Power That Can Separate Us (vv.38,39).
There is no force under the earth, on the earth, or above the earth that can sever or separate us from the wonderful love of Holy God. There are many forces that are opposed to God, but Rev. 21 & 22 lets us know they will not win over Him who has all power in heaven and in earth.
VII. There Is Nothing That Can Express The Glory That Awaits Us (v.18).
The sufferings of this present life are not worthy to be compared with
the glory that will be revealed in us. We win !
Dr. Tom Walker
1036 Zion Hill Road • Marion, NC 28752
(828) 738-3533
Touching The Master
by Pastor Charles Swilling
Matthew 14:35, 36
When they heard that Jesus was come into their area, they brought all the diseased to Him. Jesus did many miracles as proof of His divinity. No one could do what Jesus did. He had a special love for the sick and diseased and afflicted. The accounts of the four gospels give many examples of the healing power of the Master. He healed people physically, so they would want to be healed physically. Any body healing will not stay death. We will die, but we can die spiritually whole. We often talk about the Lord touching our lives and He does. We also can touch the Lord in our lives. There are some things that touch the Lord.
I. TORMENTS TOUCH THE MASTER
A. The persons1. In the text all that were diseased in this area were brought to Jesus and healed them.2. In Jesus' day disease meant a lot of pain physically and emotionally and mentally.3. Those with certain diseases were to cry out unclean. They were not to pass the germ of the disease to others.B. The problems1. These people had diseases that they would have to live with for the rest of their lives.2. Those with diseases know of the human frailty. We know what weakness and fears and uncertainty is all about.3. These diseased people wanted to touch the helm of the garment of the Lord.They believed they would be healed by doing so.C. The power1. The power of the Master is real and the Bible is full of demonstrations of it.2. Read your Bible through and you will get a small understanding of the power of our great God.3. God is so great that when they touched the helm of His garment, power went out of Him and they were healed.4. The beauty of it is the Lord is concerned about the diseased and sick and handicaped.II. TEARS TOUCH THE MASTER.
A. The person1. In Isaiah 38:1-3 king Hezekiah was told something that brought tears to his eyes and a prayer on his heart.2. He was a good king. He did a lot for the Lord in his reign as king.3. Bad things do happen to good people. Problems are a part of life. Even the righteous have to suffer for Christ's sake.B. The problem1. Hezekiah was informed by the man of God that he needed to set his house in order.2. The reason he was to set his house in order was that he was going to die.3. The prophet was not lying to Hezekiah. He was sent of the Lord to tell the king this message. We all know that we will die, but we don't know when or how.C. The power1. Hezekiah did the best thing that anyone can do. He prayed to the Lord.2. As he prayed to the Lord, he wept before him. Tears are a language that moves our Lord.3. Because of Hezekiah's prayer and tears, he was given 15 more years to live.The Bible is very plain on this truth.III. TRIALS TOUCH THE MASTER.
A. The person1. In II Corinthians 12:7-10, Paul was troubled and bothered about a thorn in his flesh.2. Paul had been given a wonderful personal revelation of Jesus Christ. He knew as much about the personal ministry of Jesus as Peter and the others.3. But the thorn in the flesh was given to Paul to keep him humble so he would not be lifted up in pride.B. The problem1. The Bible is not plain on what the thorn in the flesh was. He didn't want the thorn and prayed three times for the Lord to remove it.2. The Bible is not plain on what the thorn in the flesh was. All we can do is speculate about it.3. We do know that Paul wrote several things about his eyes and even described himself as unbecoming in his condition.C. The power1. The answer of the Lord to the three prayers of Paul was His grace was sufficient for the need of Paul.2. When we have problems that we have to deal with the Lord can take them out of the way or He can give us the grace to bear them.3. He can calm the storms in your life or calm you in the storms of life. One is just as good as the other. Either way the Lord takes care of our needs.IV. TROUBLES TOUCH THE MASTER.
A. The person1. The book of Job is very difficult to read. It deals with all the problems of Job.2. Job is described as a mature or perfect man, upright, feared God and eschewed evil. Job 1:13. We talk a lot about Job when we talk about problems and hardships that we face.B. The problem1. There is no man that has gone through all the problems that Job went through2. If you are serious about serving the Lord, you can get ready for a lot of problems the devil will bring your way.3. Job lost his possessions, children, family and friends, and his health. He went through all of this because the devil wanted to prove that he was only serving God for what he got out of it.C. The power1. In Job 42:7,8,10 the Lord informs the three friends of Job that they were wrong and Job was right.2. They were to take an offering to Job and he was to offer it for them.3. When Job offered the offering, all was restored to him. He had twice as possessions and God gave him 10 more children.V. TESTIMONIES TOUCH THE MASTER.
A. The person1. Stephen was a preaching deacon. He had preached to the Jews about the Lord Jesus.2. He had preached the truth to them. He had obeyed the Lord and brought the message of truth to these needy people.3. Even the very best of preachers and witnesses can get into trouble teaching the Word of God in love.B. The problem1. What Stephen had present caused the Jews to become angry and full of wrath2. They were so angry that they stoned Stephen to death. Study what He taught them in this chapter and you will find he told the truth.3. They stoned him to death. His death was witnessed by a young man named Saul. He became Paul the apostle and a mighty witness of the Lord.C. The power1. Stephen was full of the Holy Ghost. Acts 7:55 This simply means that the Holy Spirit was in control of Stephen.2. In this condition he saw Jesus standing at the Father's right hand.3. He asked the Lord not to lay what they were doing to their charge. He death was used of the Lord to convict Saul of his sins and need of salvation.Email: CISwilling@aol.com
Website: www.swillingpublications.org
