Is God Angry?

I don't know about you, but I am certainly glad that I was not born in Old Testament times. Our scripture this week highlights the wrath God had in those days against the enemies of His people. I'm not so sure I would have been on the right side of the line every time! ...What we do know for sure is that through Christ, God's anger is satisfied. However, we also know that he is still very angry at our real enemy... Satan, the devil, Lucifer, whatever you may prefer to call him. Be assured that God's wrath is targeted in Satan's direction on your behalf. He is very serious about protecting you.

Tuesday, March 30 Psalm 68: 20-23 20 Our God is a God who saves! The Sovereign LORD rescues us from death. 21 But God will smash the heads of his enemies, crushing the skulls of those who love their guilty ways. 22 The Lord says, “I will bring my enemies down from Bashan; I will bring them up from the depths of the sea. 23 You, my people, will wash your feet in their blood, and even your dogs will get their share!” The Old Testament is a testament of ‘types and shadows’, taking the practices in the Old Testament and applying New Testament principles. In these scriptures, see the enemy, not as people, but as the principalities and powers of the unseen world of darkness. Ephesians 6: 12, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.” Today, notice the juxtaposition of what God wants to do for you, his child, and what he will do to the enemies of your soul, your household, and your friends. He is that passionate about you! Record your responses.

Eat the Book

Tuesday, March 23
Psalm 68: 19
Meditate on this verse again today as stated in the Contemporary English Version, “We praise you, Lord God! You treat us with kindness day after day, and you rescue us.” Some synonyms for kindness are benevolence, courtesy, gentleness, good will, grace, hospitality, patience, philanthropy, sweetness, tenderness, and understanding.
Using the four parts of lectio divina, feast on this short scripture.
First, taste the Word by reading the scripture slowly through several times, paying close attention to words or phrases that stand out to you. Secondly, chew the Word by meditating on the verse, allowing the Holy Spirit to illuminate revelation to you. Thirdly, swallow the Word by praying the scripture. And finally, digest the Word by contemplating the kindness of our Father.
Journal your thoughts.

The Devil Owes You Some Loot!

Tuesday, March 9
Psalm 68: 17-18
Last week we compared verse 18 with Ephesians 4:8. In Ephesians, Jesus gave gifts to men. In our passage in Psalms, reading from the NLT, it says, “You received gifts from the people.” The King James Version reads verse 18 like this; “thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also…” Knowing that Jesus always shares His gifts with us, we prayed for the people we know who are yet rebellious and prayed that they would receive Him and be found crowned with His gifts. This week, look at the verse the way it is written in the NLT, “You received gifts from the people.” Reading it this way implies that when the Lord won the battle, the enemy had to pay tribute, and He dispersed the booty to His people. Sisters, there are always spoils from our struggles. Take a quick look at the major struggles you have come through in your life. Now, take an inventory of the spoils you currently enjoy. Maybe you have never acknowledged them. The Lord doesn’t intend for us to just make it through our struggles. He wants us to enjoy the spoils. Be assured, the spoils are there, waiting to be acknowledged and claimed. Today, make a list of the spoils you are currently enjoying. More will be released as you acknowledge the ones you already enjoy. Next, make a list of the spoils you are now claiming. Make the enemy pay tribute!!