Psalm 11

Let’s be honest; life can be chaotic and burdensome. It seems as if every
week we confront new difficulties and trials. Think for a moment about the
problems you have faced in the last month. Maybe your car broke down,
your rent dramatically increased or even worse, you lost your job. Those
events could cause you to question, “What in the world is going on?” Let
me encourage you to take comfort in the fact that the Lord is still on the
throne. He is the God who does not change (Malachi 3:6). He is the same
yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Whatever is happening in
your life, you can fully trust Him!
Psalm 11 is a psalm of David. It is believed to have been written during the
period when David was a fugitive on the run from King Saul (I Samuel 20-
31). Many Bible teachers believe that David’s “time on the run” lasted
about ten years. That is crazy! I cannot imagine how chaotic and
burdensome life would be, to wake up every morning knowing that
someone is pursuing you and wanting to kill you. How would you respond?
In the first verse of this psalm, David’s friends give him some faithless
advice. They tell him to “flee like a bird to your mountain.” In other words,
they tell David that he has to take control of this situation. He has to quit
trusting and start acting. These wicked men are powerful and fully capable
of killing him and destroying God’s future promise of blessing. After all,
David can’t be Israel’s future king if he is dead.
David’s response is one of courageous trust in the sovereignty of God.
Psalm 11:4 - The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in

heaven; his eyes see the children of man.

Let’s dissect each of those phrases so we understand the truth behind
David’s confident declaration.
The Lord is in his holy temple - David probably was thinking of both the
Lord’s temple on earth (the Tabernacle) and the Lord’s temple in
heaven.We must remember that God is omnipresent. That means that He
is able to be everywhere at the same time. While He is present in heaven,
He is simultaneously present here on earth.

The idea that David seems to be conveying is that God is still accessible.
His door is always open. He has not gone anywhere. David and his
friends could still go to the Temple and meet with God.
The Lord’s throne is in heaven - This was the source of David’s
confidence. God had not been defeated, neither had He given up His
throne. He was still in charge.
Now, let’s not forget that David was still in physical danger. Saul was still
chasing after him. But David realized that Saul could not touch him without
God’s permission. I love Charles Spurgeon’s comment about David’s
precarious situation, “But what were all these things to a man whose trust
was in God alone?”
His eyes see, his eyelids test the children of man - The thought that
David is conveying is one of divine protection and safekeeping. God the
eternal watcher never sleeps or slumbers. He sees and observes
everything. He knows your condition, your wants, your dangers; He knows
all that your enemies are doing.
II Chronicles 16:9 - For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout
the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is
blameless toward Him.
Proverbs 15:3 - The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch
on the evil and the good.
I Peter 3:12 - For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his
ears are open to their prayer…
Psalm 11:4 stands in opposition to the fear that the world, or even your life,
is out of control. Yes, the world system, as we know it, may be wild,
uncontrollable and out of hand. But God is the one constant in a world of
inconsistency. He is seated on the throne! That is a powerful thought!

Salmo 11

Seamos honestos; la vida puede ser caótica y agobiante. Parece como si
cada semana nos enfrentásemos a nuevas dificultades y pruebas. Piense
por un momento en los problemas que ha enfrentado en el último mes. Tal
vez su automóvil se descompuso, su alquiler aumentó drásticamente o, lo
que es peor, perdió su trabajo. Esos eventos podrían hacer que te
preguntes: "¿Qué está pasando en el mundo?" Permíteme animarte a que
te consueles en el hecho de que el Señor todavía está en el trono. Él es el
Dios que no cambia (Malaquías 3:6). Él es el mismo ayer, hoy y por los
siglos (Hebreos 13:8). Pase lo que pase en tu vida, ¡puedes confiar
plenamente en Él!
El Salmo 11 es un salmo de David. Se cree que fue escrito durante el
período en que David era un fugitivo que huía del rey Saúl (I Samuel 20-
31). Muchos maestros de la Biblia creen que el “tiempo de huida” de David
duró unos diez años. ¡Eso es increíble! No puedo imaginar lo caótica y
agobiante que sería la vida, despertar cada mañana sabiendo que alguien
te persigue y quiere matarte. ¿Cómo responderías?
En el primer versículo de este salmo, los amigos de David le dan un
consejo infiel. Le dicen “huye como un pájaro a tu montaña”. En otras
palabras, le dicen a David que tiene que tomar el control de esta situación.
Tiene que dejar de confiar y empezar a actuar. Estos hombres malvados
son poderosos y totalmente capaces de matarlo y destruir la promesa de
bendición de Dios. Después de todo, David no puede ser el futuro rey de
Israel si está muerto.
La respuesta de David es de confianza valiente en la soberanía de Dios.
Psalm 11:4 - El Señor está en Su santo templo, el trono del Señor está
en los cielos; Sus ojos contemplan, Sus párpados examinan a los

hijos de los hombres.

Analicemos cada una de esas frases para que entendamos la verdad
detrás de la declaración confiada de David.
El Señor está en Su santo templo - David probablemente estaba
pensando tanto en el templo del Señor en la tierra (el Tabernáculo) como
en el templo del Señor en el cielo. Debemos recordar que Dios es

omnipresente. Eso significa que Él puede estar en todas partes al mismo
tiempo. Mientras Él está presente en el cielo, Él está simultáneamente
presente aquí en la tierra.
La idea que David parece estar transmitiendo es que Dios todavía es
accesible. Su puerta siempre está abierta. Él no se ha ido a ninguna parte.
David y sus amigos todavía podían ir al Templo y encontrarse con Dios.
El trono del Señor está en los cielos - Esta fue la fuente de la confianza
de David. Dios no había sido derrotado, ni había renunciado a Su trono. Él
todavía estaba a cargo.
Ahora, no olvidemos que David todavía estaba en peligro físico. Saúl
seguía persiguiéndolo. Pero David se dio cuenta de que Saúl no podía
tocarlo sin el permiso de Dios. Me encanta el comentario de Charles
Spurgeon sobre la precaria situación de David: “Pero, ¿qué significaban
todas estas cosas para un hombre cuya confianza estaba solo en Dios?”
Sus ojos contemplan, Sus párpados examinan a los hijos de los
hombres - El pensamiento que transmite David es uno de protección y
custodia divina. Dios, el eterno vigilante, nunca duerme ni se adormece. Él
ve y observa todo. Él conoce tu condición, tus necesidades, tus peligros; Él
sabe todo lo que hacen tus enemigos.
II Crónicas 16:9 - Porque los ojos del Señor recorren toda la tierra
para fortalecer a aquellos cuyo corazón es completamente Suyo.
Proverbios 15:3 - En todo lugar están los ojos del Señor, observando
a los malos y a los buenos.
I Pedro 3:12 - Porque los ojos del Señor están sobre los justos, y su
oídos atentos a sus oraciones…
El Salmo 11:4 se opone al temor de que el mundo, o incluso tu vida, esté
fuera de control. Sí, el sistema mundial, tal como lo conocemos, puede ser
salvaje, incontrolable y fuera de control. Pero Dios es la única constante en
un mundo de inconsistencia. ¡Él está sentado en el trono! ¡Ese es un
pensamiento poderoso!

Son las 3:00 am y estoy completamente despierto. Estoy
agotado físicamente, pero mi mente no se apaga. ¿Alguna vez
has estado allí? ¡Por supuesto! Todos tenemos noches en las
que el sueño nos evade. Uno pensaría que después de un día
súper ocupado, todo lo que mi mente y mi cuerpo querrían hacer
sería quedarse dormidos rápidamente. Lamentablemente, sin
embargo, a menudo ese no es el caso. Un día ajetreado y
estresante a menudo conduce a una noche inquieta.
Mi problema no es conciliar el sueño, sino permanecer dormido.
Tiendo a despertarme varias veces durante la noche (uno de los
desafíos de envejecer). Ahí es cuando comienza el problema. Por
alguna razón, un viaje rápido al baño a menudo se convierte en
una hora o más de inquietud.
Un escritor anónimo documentó la conversación nocturna con su
cerebro.
Yo: “¡Por favor déjame dormir!”
Cerebro: "No, tenemos que quedarnos despiertos juntos y
repasar cada mala decisión de vida que hemos tomado hasta
ahora".
¡Puedo relacionarme con el! Regularmente vivo las palabras de la
poeta inglesa Charlotte Bronte, quien dijo: “Una mente agitada
es una almohada inquieta”. Aunque hago todo lo posible física y
mentalmente para mantener mi mente apagada, insiste en
encenderse sola. A veces, siento que hay una conexión directa
entre el movimiento de mis pies y la activación de mi cerebro.
¿Quizás el interruptor de encendido/apagado de mi cerebro está
ubicado en mis pies?
¿Dónde podemos encontrar ayuda para las noches de insomnio?
Por supuesto, nuestro mejor remedio no es ver la televisión,

navegar por Internet o incluso leer un buen libro. Nuestro mejor
sedante se encuentra en la Palabra de Dios.
Los Salmos ofrecen ayuda para las noches de insomnio.
Para muchas personas, los Salmos sirven como el sedante
divino de Dios para un corazón atribulado. La potente mezcla
de poesía tranquilizadora y el poder de la Palabra de Dios
tiene la capacidad de calmar sus pensamientos ansiosos y

tranquilizar su mente.

Aunque muchos de los Salmos pueden servir como un
tranquilizante nocturno, creo que los Salmos 3 y 4 brindan las
claves para una buena noche de sueño. Estos salmos
“sujetalibros” fueron escritos por David durante un tiempo de
lucha personal.
• La inscripción antes del Salmo 3 nos dice que David estaba a
punto de perder su reino (Salmo 3:1). Sin embargo, eso no es
lo peor. El principal conspirador fue su propio hijo Absalón. Si
eso no te mantiene despierto por la noche, no sé qué lo hará.
• Al igual que el Salmo 3, el Salmo 4 fue compuesto durante un
tiempo de angustia (Salmo 4:1).
Sin embargo, a pesar del profundo dolor personal, la
incertidumbre y el peligro físico, David pudo dormir. Lee estos
dos tremendos versículos testimoniales...
Salmo 3:5 - Yo me acosté and me dormí; Desperté, pues el
Señor me sostiene.
Salmo 4:8 - En paz me acostaré y así también dormiré,
Porque sólo Tú Señor, me haces vivir seguro.
¿Cómo pudo David dormir cuando su hijo se rebelaba contra él?
No puedo imaginar nada más doloroso que el dolor y la traición
de uno de tus hijos. ¿Cómo podía David acostarse en paz
cuando estaba rodeado por el enemigo?

Hay cuatro palabras en los Salmos 3 y 4 que nos dan una idea
de la fuente del sueño reparador de David. Profundicemos en
estos dos Salmos y obtengamos una idea de cómo dormir en
medio de una situación estresante.
Los versículos 1-2 del Salmo 3 establecen el escenario de este
Salmo. El reinado pacífico de David y el reino unido se dividieron
repentinamente por la rebelión de Absalón. A través de su
hermoso semblante, encanto y engaño astuto, el hijo mayor de
David pudo robarle el reino. Como resultado, el miedo dominó
los pensamientos de David y se encontró huyendo de su palacio
para salvar su vida (Ver II Samuel 15:1-37).
Mientras yacía afuera, bajo las estrellas, rodeado de sus
enemigos y sin saber si podría regresar a su amada Jerusalén,
escribió...
Salmo 3:3 - Pero Tú, oh Señor, eres ESCUDO en
derredor mío, Mi gloria, y el que levanta mi cabeza.
El escudo era una imagen común del Antiguo Testamento que
representaba protección. Era la mejor defensa de un guerrero
contra las flechas y los golpes del enemigo. La palabra “escudo”
se usa repetidamente a lo largo del libro de los Salmos (3:3; 28:7;
33:20; 84:11) para representar la protección de Dios sobre Sus
siervos.
En este caso, David está declarando su fe en la protección
de Dios sobre él. Hablando humanamente, puede ser
superado en número, estrategias y recursos, pero con Dios

como su escudo, nadie puede tocarlo.

Salmo 3:5 - Yo me acosté y me dormí; Desperté, pues
el Señor me SOSTIENE.

La segunda palabra es "sostenido". Es un término interesante.
Se usa 48 veces en el Antiguo Testamento y tiene una variedad
de significados. Fue la palabra que usó Isaac cuando habló de
bendecir a Jacob (Génesis 27:37). Describe cómo el Sumo
Sacerdote imponía sus manos sobre el cordero del sacrificio
(Levítico 3:2, 8, 13: 4:4, 15) Fue el término que se usó cuando
Moisés impuso sus manos sobre Josué y pasó el manto de
liderazgo (Deuteronomio 34:9).
En el Salmo 3 David está usando la palabra de manera diferente.
Está diciendo que Dios lo sostiene, lo apoya y lo sustenta. Es
casi como si David estuviera diciendo que está durmiendo en los
brazos de apoyo de Dios.
No hay nada más relajante para un niño que quedarse
dormido en los brazos de su madre o padre. Hay una
abrumadora sensación de paz, comodidad y seguridad. Eso
es lo que David está describiendo en este versículo. Aunque
está lejos de casa, huyendo y temiendo por su vida. Puede
dormir profundamente, porque el Señor lo está

"sosteniendo".

Salmo 3:8 - La SALVACION es del Señor. ¡Sea sobre Tu
pueblo Tu bendición! (Selah)
Los versículos 7-8 revelan la afirmación confiada de David de la
salvación final del Señor. “Levántate, Señor” es terminología
militar. David le está pidiendo al Señor que pelee en su nombre.
David no podía ganar la batalla solo. Era el Señor quien heriría a
los enemigos de David; Dios les rompería los dientes. En las
manos de Dios, no son mas que tigres sin dientes.
Sabía que el deseo traicionero de Absalón de usurpar el
trono no podría tener éxito a menos que fuera la voluntad de

Dios. El futuro de David estaba en manos de Dios, no de

Absalón.

Salmo 4:8 - En paz me acostaré y así también dormiré,
Porque sólo Tú Señor, me haces vivir SEGURO.
La última palabra es "seguro". Todas las noches reviso las
puertas de nuestra casa para asegurarme de que estén cerradas
con llave. Incluso me levanto de la cama para revisarlos si no
pude hacer mi revisión nocturna de la puerta. Para que duerma
tranquilo es importante saber que la casa es segura.
David se da cuenta de que su máxima seguridad no se debe a
los guardias que están dispersos por el campamento, sino a Dios
que está allí con él. David no está solo. La presencia de Dios le
da a David una sensación de confianza y seguridad.
Entonces, la próxima vez que te encuentres despierto en
medio de la noche, permite que la poesía inspirada de los
Salmos 3 y 4 te alivien y calmen tu mente y corazón.
Recuerda que Dios es tu escudo, tu sustentador, tu salvación
y tu seguridad. Enfoca tu mente y corazón en Él y recuerda
que Él está presente contigo.

If you are like me, you probably have watched the news in recent
weeks and thought, “What in the world is going on?” The
devastation, suffering, and loss of life we are witnessing in
Ukraine are nothing short of heartbreaking. Who in their right
mind bombs hospitals, schools and places where mothers and
children are hiding? It is easy to look at such a tragedy and come
to the conclusion that the world is out of control.
The Poet Robert Browning wrote, “God’s in his heaven - all’s
right with the world.” The sentiment also appears in the closing
lines of the novel “Anne of Green Gables,” where the optimistic
orphaned heroine Anne Shirley uses the same phrase to sum up
her philosophy of life. Is that true, though? Does God being on
the throne in heaven assure that all is right in the world? God is
certainly on heaven’s throne, but all is not right with the world.
Times like these trouble Christians and non-believers alike.
What do you do when the world seems chaotic? To whom do
you turn when it seems like no-one is steering the ship? Does
God know what is going on? If so, why is He allowing these
atrocities to take place? The non-believer throws up her hands in
a fatalistic demonstration of hopelessness. “Qué será, será” she
replies.
I believe that as followers of Jesus, we know we should react
differently. Our hope transcends generational wars, dictatorial
leaders and human tragedy, right? The answer is a resounding,
“YES!” Unfortunately, though, many Christians don’t know where
to turn when the world is at war, when their life blows up, or
when their hope fades.
The book of Psalms is the answer. Written as man’s
prayer response to God’s Word, the Psalms offer us a

refuge in the midst of the storms fo life. They give us a
language to communicate our fears, frustrations and

failures to God.

Psalm 2 was written to demonstrate the sovereignty of God in
the midst of a chaotic world. Many believe that the first two
psalms go together. Although written at different times and by
different authors, they join together in one glorious message.
When Psalms 1 and 2 are read together their unity and contrast
become apparent.
- Psalm 1:1 and Psalm 2:12 show that man is blessed whenever
he avoids the wicked and meditates on God’s Word.
- In Psalm 1:6 the way of the wicked will perish and in Psalm
2:12 the wicked nations will perish.
- In Psalm 1:2 the righteous man meditates on God’s law, while
in Psalm 2:1 the peoples plot/meditate (same Hebrew word)
against God and His law.
I believe the first two verses of Psalm 2 are intended to be
humorous. Who are these kings and nations who think they can
plot against God? As we mentioned before the term “plot”
comes from the same Hebrew word for “meditate” in chapter 1.
The idea being that these rulers think about and dwell upon how
they may rebel against God and exalt themselves to godlike
status. (That sounds like certain modern day world leaders)
Such a ludicrous plan reminds of me of ants in an ant farm
plotting against the human who takes care of them. Such a
rebellion is an effort in futility. They are not smart enough nor
strong enough to overcome their powerful caretaker. He would
be humored by their anarchistic plans. The same is true with
God. It is absolutely impossible for God to be successfully
opposed.

A famous example of a king who opposed God was the Roman
Emperor Diocletian (245-313 A.D.). He was a self-proclaimed
enemy of Christianity and persecuted the church mercilessly. He
publicly claimed that he had defeated Christianity. He even went
so far as to set up a monument on the frontier of his empire with
this inscription:
Diocletian Jovian Maximian Herculeus Caesares Augusti for
having everywhere abolished the superstition of Christ for having

extended the worship of the gods.

Well, Diocletian died at the age of 68 and Christianity lives on.
Did his fervor and passion to oppose and destroy Christianity
worry God? Absolutely not! Verse four gives us a description of
God’s thoughts of Diocletian and others rulers who oppose Him.
Psalm 2:4 - He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds
them in derision.
The idea is simply that God is unmoved by their conspiracies and
connivances. He sits unmoved in the heavens and continues
with His divine agenda. Did you grasp that? The world is never
out of God’s control. Although nations may be at war, the
economy may seem chaotic and mankind may be increasingly
rebellious, God’s sovereign purposes and plans will assuredly be
carried out. You can fully trust in Him!
In contrast to their wicked and weak leadership, God has placed
His own King on the throne. He replies to these recalcitrant
rulers by saying...
Psalm 2:6,7 - "As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy
hill.” I will tell of the decree: The Lord said to me, “You are
my Son; today I have begotten you.
In other words, contrasted with the wicked kings who oppose
Him, He promises to crown His own King. Who is the King to
whom He is referring? Without a doubt, this Psalm is messianic.

Although the immediate context points to David as
the divinely appointed King in Zion, God is clearly
pointing towards the ultimate King, Jesus Christ. In
other words, the answer to a world that seems out of

control is Jesus!

Jesus was begotten by the Father. God sent His Son to eliminate
the opposition, set the world in order and establish God’s
Kingdom on earth. As the living representative of the Triune God
on earth, Jesus brings clarity to confusion, calmness to chaos,
and control to an out-of-control world. We believe He has
already established His throne and one day will return to take
possession of His kingdom. He is the eternal Son of God!
(Hebrews 1:3-5)
The kings and rulers of the earth are warned to be wise and to
“kiss the Son” (2:12). To kiss Him is a demonstration of His
sovereignty and our submission to Him. Whether willingly or not,
one day every despot, every ruler, and ever tyrannical leader will
bow to Jesus recognizing Him as King over all of creation.
Philippians 2:9, 10 - Therefore God has highly exalted Him
and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven
and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
What do we do when the world seems out of control? We turn to
a Psalm that was written to be read, sung and prayed during a
time of distress. The early church recognized the significance of
this great Psalm. They took refuge by praying Psalm 2 as they
faced persecution (Acts 4:23-35).
So, in our troubled times, when it looks like the enemy is winning,
when it looks like World War III is on the horizon, we can do the
same thing. Let’s join the early church in praying Psalm 2 as a
demonstration that our faith and our hope is in Jesus.
Psalm 2:12... Blessed are all who take refuge in Him.
-Pastor Brian

Memoricé muchos versículos de la Biblia cuando era niño, cientos de
ellos. Usted puede preguntar, ¿qué motivó a un joven a aprender
tanto de las Escrituras? Parte de ello fue la cultura de nuestra iglesia.
La memorización de las Escrituras fue una gran parte de nuestros
ministerios de niños y jóvenes. Sin embargo, una razón más
importante fue que mis padres nos empujaron a mis hermanos y a mí
a aprender las Escrituras de memoria.
Para ser honesto, mí motivación no siempre fue espiritual. A veces
mamá me decía que memorizara un verso como castigo por mis
acciones. (¡Créanme, aprender un versículo de la Biblia era mucho
mejor que recibir una nalgada!) En muchas otras ocasiones, era parte
de nuestras devociones familiares. Independientemente de la
razón, estoy eternamente agradecido por los padres y la iglesia
que me desafiaron a memorizar las Escrituras. La mayoría de los
versículos de la Biblia que se hoy, los aprendí cuando era niño.
Uno de los pasajes que aprendí temprano en mi niñez fue el Salmo 8.
Es un salmo que todavía está grabado en mi memoria. De hecho, si
cayera en aprietos y me pidieran que citara el Salmo 8 hoy, creo que
aún podría pasar la prueba. Este gran salmo se ha convertido en
parte de mi banco de datos de memoria.
El Salmo 8 es el primer himno del libro de los Salmos. La mayoría de
los salmos anteriores son oraciones pronunciadas por personas que
sufren. Sin embargo, el Salmo 8 no se enfoca en la miseria humana,
sino en la majestad de Dios. No hay duda de que este salmo fue
escrito para ser cantado. David se lo dirigió al director del coro de
Israel, e incluso le dijo cómo debía ser cantado: según el Gitteth.
Nadie está seguro de lo que significa el término "Gitteth". Algunos
piensan que era un instrumento originario de la ciudad de Gat,
mientras que otros piensan que era un estilo de música específico.
Sea cual sea el significado, ¿no te gustaría que tuviéramos la
partitura musical original?

Este salmo destaca el hecho de que los humanos son los agentes de
Dios en la tierra. Hace eco de las palabras de Génesis 1:26-28 que
afirman que al hombre se le ha dado dominio sobre la creación de
Dios. Sin embargo, este salmo no se trata del hombre, sino del
Creador del hombre. Este es el único himno del Salterio que se dirige
enteramente a Dios.
David comienza alabando al Señor por Su majestuoso nombre. ¡Oh
Señor, Señor nuestro, cuán glorioso es tu nombre en toda la
tierra! El nombre Señor proviene del término hebreo Yahweh, que es
el nombre del pacto de Dios. Tiene su origen en el verbo hebreo
"ser". Se usó por primera vez en Éxodo 3:14 cuando Dios se le
apareció a Moisés en la zarza ardiente y se identificó como “Yo soy el
que soy”. Este nombre apunta a la auto-existencia eterna de Dios.
Nadie lo creó y nadie lo sostiene. Él existe en y por sí mismo.
Glorioso es un término real. Pocos de nosotros en el hemisferio
occidental entendemos verdaderamente la realeza. La palabra se usa
a menudo en las Escrituras para hablar de nobleza. Tiene la idea de
magnificencia, fuerza, gloria y poder. No hay duda de que Dios, por
encima de cualquier otro gobernante humano, es verdaderamente
majestuoso.
Un escritor dijo: “comentar el versículo uno es como comentar el
esplendor del Gran Cañón. Las palabras realmente no pueden
hacerle justicia. Solo necesitas quitarte del camino y dejar que la
gente lo vea”. (bible.org - “God’s majesty or ours”)
Sí, la magnificencia, la gloria y el poder de Dios son claramente
visibles. No necesitamos describirlos o definirlos. Solo tenemos que
salirnos del medio y dejar que brillen por sí mismos. David destaca
dos aspectos de la revelación de Dios que demuestran su grandeza
majestuosa. En primer lugar, la creación de Dios revela Su
majestad.
¿Alguna vez te sentaste afuera en una noche clara y te sorprendiste
con todas las estrellas en el cielo? El cielo en una noche clara es algo
fascinante. Recuerdo cuando era niño, recostado en el césped de
nuestro patio trasero y mirando al cielo. Vivíamos lejos de las luces

de la ciudad, así que podíamos ver innumerables estrellas. De vez en
cuando, veíamos una estrella caer del cielo. Los que vivimos en la
ciudad extrañamos la magnificencia de los cielos.
Imagínate a David en una ladera de Judea en la noche cuidando a
sus ovejas. Sin luces, sin distracciones, nada que obstaculice la clara
visibilidad de los vastos cielos de Dios. Por supuesto, David no tenía
un telescopio para ver las estrellas, los planetas y las galaxias como
lo tenemos hoy. ¿Qué habría pensado si hubiera sabido lo que
sabemos?
“La pura inmensidad del espacio exterior y la coordinación de todo
es asombroso. Si pudieras viajar a la velocidad de la luz, 186 000
millas por segundo, tardarías 8 minutos en llegar al sol. Para ir del sol
al centro de la Vía Láctea se necesitarían unos 33.000 años. La Vía
Láctea pertenece a un grupo de unas 20 galaxias conocido como el
Grupo Local. Para cruzar ese grupo, tendrías que viajar durante 2
millones de años. El Grupo Local pertenece al Cúmulo de Virgo, parte
de un Supercúmulo local aún más grande, que tiene 500 millones de
años luz de diámetro. Cruzar todo el universo tal como lo conocemos
te llevaría 20 mil millones de años luz”. (National Geographic World,
Jan., 1992, p. 15)
v. 1a - Has desplegado Tu gloria sobre los cielos.
v. 3 - Cuando veo Tus cielos, obra de Tus dedos, La luna y las
estrellas que Tú has establecido.
Ver la inmensidad del gran universo de Dios es darnos cuenta de
nuestra propia pequeñez. Debería hacernos exclamar: “¿Qué es
el hombre para que os acordéis de él?” En otras palabras, desde
una perspectiva humana, la grandeza de Dios resalta nuestra
pequeñez. Él es macro, nosotros micro. Él es inmenso, nosotros
somos insignificantes. Él es majestuoso, nosotros somos

pecadores.

Hay un segundo aspecto de la divina y majestuosa revelación de
Dios al que se alude en este gran salmo: el majestuoso nombre de
Dios se revela en la encarnación de Jesús.

La mayoría de los estudiosos de la Biblia están de acuerdo en que
este salmo no es un salmo mesiánico. En otras palabras, no fue
escrito por David con la intención de señalar a sus lectores la venida
del Mesías. Aunque esa no era la intención de David, el Nuevo
Testamento cita repetidamente este salmo para mostrar la humildad y
exaltación de Jesús.
Aquí están las cuatro veces que se usa este salmo en el Nuevo
Testamento:
• Mateo 21:16 - Jesús cita el Salmo 8:2 en respuesta a la alabanza
de la multitud el Domingo de Ramos mientras recorría las calles de
Jerusalén.
• I Corintios 15:27 - Pablo cita el Salmo 8:6 para mostrar cómo
Jesús destruirá a todos sus enemigos, incluida la muerte.
• Efesios 1:22 - Pablo usa el Salmo 8:6 para mostrar la autoridad de
Jesús sobre todas las cosas.
• Hebreos 2:5-8 - El escritor de Hebreos muestra citas del Salmo 8:5
para mostrar que Jesús es más grande que los ángeles aunque en
Su encarnación Él voluntariamente se hizo a sí mismo más bajo que
los ángeles.
En nuestra humanidad caída, no pudimos ni podemos cumplir
completamente el deseo de Dios para nosotros. Sin embargo, hay un
hombre que lo cumplió por completo. Todavía no vemos completado
el plan final de Dios para la humanidad y la creación, “pero vemos a
Jesús”. El propósito y la majestuosidad del Salmo 8, que tan
fácilmente se nos escapa, se ha hecho realidad en Jesús.
Como con toda la Escritura, Jesús es el cumplimiento completo del Salmo 8.

Entonces, ¿cuál es el punto de este salmo? Ver a Dios en toda su
gloria nos ayuda a vernos a nosotros mismos en nuestra humanidad
caída. Clamamos como Isaías después de su visión de Dios en Isaías

6:5: “¡Ay de mí! Porque estoy perdido; porque soy hombre inmundo
de labios.”
Sin embargo, a pesar de nuestra absoluta falta de magnificencia,
Dios a través de Jesús nos ha colmado de Su majestad. Aunque
fuimos hechos un poco inferiores a los ángeles (un poco superiores a
las bestias del campo) podemos ser coronados de gloria y honra
(Salmo 8:5). Si eso no te hace querer cantar un himno de alabanza,
no sé qué lo hará.
¿Notaste que David termina de la misma manera en que comienza?
¿Porqué es eso? De una manera bellamente poética, David nos
muestra que de principio a fin, solo Dios es digno de nuestra
alabanza.
¿Lo has adorado hoy? Tómese unos minutos y cante con David.
Alabado sea Dios por Su majestad, Su magnificencia, Su poder y Su
gloria. Él verdaderamente es digno de tu alabanza.
Finalmente, déjame animarte a aceptar el desafío de mi mamá y
memorizar este salmo. ¡Puedes hacerlo! No puedo pensar en una
mejor manera de comenzar el día que cantar/citar este salmo.
-Pastor Brian

It is 3:00 am and I am wide awake. I am physically exhausted,
but my mind won’t shut down. Ever been there? Of course you
have! We all have nights when sleep evades us. You would think
that after a super busy day, all my mind and body would want to
do would be to quickly fall asleep. Sadly, though, that is often not
the case. A busy and stressful day often leads to a restless
night.
My problem is not falling asleep, but rather staying asleep. I tend
to wake up several times throughout the night (one of the
challenges of getting older). That is when the problem begins.
For some reason, a quick trip to the bathroom often turns into an
hour or more of restlessness.
One anonymous writer documented the nightly conversation with
his brain.
Me: “Please let me sleep!”
Brain: “Nope, we have to stay up together and go over every
bad life decision we have made so far.”
I can relate! I regularly live out the words of the English Poet
Charlotte Bronte, who stated, “A ruffled mind makes for a restless
pillow.” Even though I do everything physically and mentally
possible to keep my mind turned off, it insists on turning itself on.
Sometimes, I feel like there is a direct connection between my
feet moving and my brain activating. Maybe the on/off switch to
my brain in located in my feet?
Where can we find help for sleepless nights? Of course, our best
remedy is not to watch television, surf the internet or even read a
good book. Our best sedative is found in God’s Word.

The Psalms offer help for sleepless nights. For many people,
the Psalms serve as God’s divine sedative for a troubled
heart. The potent mixture of soothing poetry and the power
of God’s Word has the ability to calm your anxious thoughts

and to put your mind to rest.
Although many of the Psalms can serve as a night time
tranquilizer, I believe that Psalms 3 and 4 provide the keys to a
good night’s sleep. These “bookend” psalms were written by
David during a time of personal struggle.
• The inscription before Psalm 3 tells us that David was on the
verge of loosing his kingdom (Psalm 3:1). That is not the worst
of it, though. The main conspirator was his own son Absalom.
If that will not keep you up at night, I do not know what will.
• Like Psalm 3, Psalm 4 was composed during a time of distress
(Psalm 4:1).
Yet, in spite of deep personal pain, uncertainty and physical
danger, David was able to sleep. Read these two tremendous
testimonial verses...
Psalm 3:5 - I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord
sustained me.
Psalm 4:8 - In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you
alone, O Lord make me to dwell in safety.
How was David able to sleep when his son was rebelling against
him? I cannot imagine anything more painful than the hurt and
betrayal of one of your children. How could David lay down in
peace when he was surrounded by the enemy?
Well, there are four words in Psalms 3 and 4 that give us an
insight into the source of David’s restful sleep. Let’s take a deep
dive into these two Psalms and gain some insight into how to
sleep in the midst of a stressful situation.

Verses 1-2 establish the setting of this Psalm. David’s peaceful
reign and united kingdom were suddenly divided by Absalom’s
rebellion. Through his beautiful countenance, charm and cunning
deception, David’s oldest son was able to steal the kingdom
away from him. As a result, fear dominated David’s thoughts and
he finds himself fleeing his palace and running for his life (See II
Samuel 15:1-37).
As he lay outside, under the stars, surrounded by his enemies,
and unsure if he would ever be able to return to his beloved
Jerusalem, he wrote...
Psalm 3:3 - But you, O Lord, are a SHIELD about me,
my glory and the lifter of my head.
The shield was a common Old Testament image that represented
protection. It was a warrior’s best defense against the arrows
and the blows of the enemy. The word “shield” is used
repeatedly throughout the book of Psalms (3:3; 28:7; 33:20;
84:11) to represent God’s protection over His servants.
In this instance David is declaring his faith in God’s
protection over him. Humanely speaking, he may be
outnumbered, out strategized and out resourced, but with

God as his shield, no one can touch him.

Psalm 3:5 - I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the
Lord SUSTAINED me.
The second word is “sustained.” It is an interesting term. It is
used 48 times in the Old Testament and has a variety of
meanings. It was the word Isaac used when he spoke of
blessing Jacob (Genesis 27:37). It describes how the High Priest
laid his hands on the sacrificial lamb (Leviticus 3:2,8,13; 4:4,15)

It was the term used when Moses laid his hands on Joshua and
passed the mantel of leadership (Deuteronomy 34:9).
Here in Psalm 3, David is using the word differently. He is saying
that God upholds him, supports him and sustains him. It is
almost as if David is saying that He is sleeping in God’s
supportive arms.
There is nothing more soothing for a child than to fall asleep
in the arms of their mother or father. There is an
overwhelming sense of peace, comfort and security. That is
what David is describing in this verse. Although he is away
from home, on the run, and fearing for his life. He is able to

sleep soundly, for the Lord is “holding” him.
Psalm 3:8 - SALVATION belongs to the Lord; Your
blessings be on Your people! Selah
Verses 7-8 reveal David’s confident assertion of the Lord’s
ultimate salvation. “Arise, O Lord” is military terminology. David
is asking the Lord to fight on his behalf.
David could not win the battle alone. It was the Lord who would
strike down David’s enemies; God would break their teeth. In
God’s hands, they were nothing more than toothless tigers.
He knew that Absalom’s treacherous desire to usurp the
throne could not be successful unless it was God’s will.
David’s future was in God’s hands, not Absalom’s.
Psalm 4:8 - In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for
you alone, O Lord, make me dwell (sleep) in SAFETY.
The final word is “safety.” Every night I check the doors of our
home to make sure they are locked. I will even get out of bed to
check them if I failed to do my nightly door check. In order for

me to sleep peacefully, it is important to know that the house is
secure.
David realizes that his ultimate safety is not because of the
guards who are scattered around the camp, but rather in God
who is there with him. David is not alone. God’s presence gives
David a sense of confident security.
So, the next time you find yourself awake in the middle of the
night, allow the inspired poetry of Psalms 3 and 4 to sedate
you and calm your mind and heart. Remember that God is
your shield, your sustainer, your salvation and your security.
Focus your mind and heart on Him and remember He is present with you.
-Pastor Brian

Imagina conmigo dos árboles. El primero es frondoso, verde y
lleno de fruta. El segundo árbol es todo lo contrario: es marrón,
estéril y sin frutos. El contraste es inconfundible. Un árbol está
notablemente vivo, mientras que el segundo está claramente
muerto. Ahora, piensa en tu propia vida y tu relación personal
con el Señor. ¿Qué árbol ilustra mejor tu vida?
Esa es la imagen de la palabra pintada en el Salmo 1. ¿Está tu
vida bien regada, verde y fructífera? ¿O es tu vida seca, áspera e
infructuosa? La distinción entre los dos es clara. No puedes ser
ambos. O eres bendecido y estás floreciendo o eres estéril y
privado de vida.
El Salmo 1 es el comienzo perfecto para este libro de
salmos. Escrito de forma anónima, el salmista sienta
las bases para lo que sigue. Él nos muestra que los
justos son verdaderamente contrastados con los
malvados. Los dos están tan separados como la vida

de la muerte y el paraíso de la tumba.
El Salmo 1 es uno de los pocos salmos de sabiduría. Su
estructura es más parecida a un proverbio que a muchas de sus
contrapartes en el Salterio. Eso ha llevado a algunos a especular
que este primer Salmo fue escrito por Salomón. Tal vez cuando
Salomón recopiló los escritos de su padre David y otros, decidió
escribir su propio Salmo como introducción.
Ya sea escrito por David o por Salomón, este Salmo comienza
con una Bienaventuranza del Antiguo Testamento o una
bendición - ¡Cuan bienaventurado es el hombre/la mujer! Esta
primera frase nos recuerda instantáneamente el comienzo del
Sermón del Monte. Ambos pasajes describen la verdadera

felicidad o bienaventuranza que experimenta la persona que
pone su confianza en el Señor.
Nota que hay una exhortación negativa de lo que los justos no
hacen, seguida de un relato positivo de cómo son los justos.
Curiosamente, cada posición de vigilia está cubierta en la
descripción del salmista. Ya sea caminando, de pie o sentado, la
persona justa tiene cuidado de no ser influenciado por los
malvados, pecadores y burladores. La advertencia es que
debemos estar en guardia todo el tiempo. No hay momento ni
posición en la que no seamos vulnerables.
- La palabra impíos es un término general que abarca todo tipo
de injusticia.
- El término pecadores se refiere a aquellos que no dan en el
blanco. Al vivir su vida de la manera que les plazca, se desvían
del camino trazado en la Ley de Dios.
- Burladores habla de aquellos que se burlan de la justicia.
Tratan la virtud y la Ley de Dios con desprecio y escarnio.
La persona bienaventurada está alerta contra tales personas. Ella
desconfía de aquellos que viven de una manera que deshonra a
Dios y que potencialmente podría desviarla de la justicia. Aunque
no está aislada del mundo, se aísla de aquellos que pueden
causarle daño espiritual.
El término Ley es la palabra hebrea Torá, que generalmente se
refiere a una instrucción, precepto o mandato dado por Dios.
También habla específicamente de los primeros cinco libros del
Antiguo Testamento. Es cierto que las instrucciones de Dios o las
leyes de Dios descritas en el Pentateuco generalmente no se
consideran las partes más agradables de nuestras Biblias. Sin
embargo, el salmista establece claramente que el hombre
bendito no solo lee la Ley de Dios, sino que se DELEITA en ella.

¡Qué pensamiento tan convincente! Esa verdad ha cambiado por
completo la forma en que me acerco al comienzo de mi Biblia.
Anteriormente, veía de Génesis a Deuteronomio como parte de la
Palabra de Dios que debe leerse, pero no disfrutarse. Cada año,
me abría camino a través de él, obligándome a leerlo. Debo
admitir que, aunque leía la mayor parte, hubo partes que me
saltaba (es decir, las descripciones del Tabernáculo en Éxodo o
los informes del censo de Deuteronomio). Confieso que cumplía
con mi DEBER al leerla, pero nunca ME ENCANTÓ.
Le pido al Espíritu Santo que cambie mi perspectiva,
que me dé amor por Su Ley. Debe haber una belleza y
un valor únicos en la Ley de Dios que en mi
humanidad a menudo no logro ver.

La verdad es que la Ley de Dios debe ser digerida lentamente.
Eso es lo que significa el término “medita”. El término hebreo
literalmente significa gruñir, pronunciar o murmurar. La idea es
que hablemos con nosotros mismos sobre el pasaje, permitiendo
que su verdad se repita en nuestras mentes y corazones una y
otra vez.
En otras palabras, la Ley de Dios debe saborearse lentamente
como un bistec perfectamente asado. Puedes comer un trozo de
carne caro rápidamente, pero se disfruta mucho más cuando se
come lentamente, lo que permite que el sabor de la carne
penetre en tu paladar.
Déjame desafiarte a leer la Palabra de Dios
lentamente. El objetivo no es leer todo lo que puedas
lo más rápido que puedas. No te apresures; más bien,
saboréalo. Permite que el Espíritu Santo impregne su
mente y corazón con el delicioso sabor de la Palabra

inspirada de Dios. Así es como realmente puedes

DELEITARTE en ella.

¿Alguna vez has tenido un pensamiento que simplemente no
podías sacar de tu mente? Tal vez repitas continuamente una
conversación que tuviste ese día, o sueñas con unas próximas
vacaciones. Cualquiera que sea la idea, ocupa tus pensamientos
todo el día e incluso te mantiene despierto por la noche. Ahora
imagina, si permitieras que la verdad de la Palabra de Dios
dominara tus pensamientos de esa manera.
También hay beneficios adicionales. Al morar y meditar en la
Palabra de Dios, liberas tu mente de pensamientos pecaminosos
o impuros. Eso es lo que David tenía en mente cuando escribió
en el Salmo 119:11: “He guardado tu palabra en mi corazón,
para no pecar contra ti”.
En el versículo tres llegamos a la símil del árbol que se mencionó
al principio de este artículo. El punto es que la persona que se
aparta de las malas influencias y verdaderamente se deleita en la
palabra de Dios es bendecida, floreciente y fructífera. Esa verdad
se muestra de dos maneras.

Serás fructífero y floreciente,

Ese es el cuadro que pinta el salmista. El árbol ubicado junto a
arroyos o canales de agua se nutre y alimenta constantemente.
El árbol es sano y frondoso. Esa metáfora ilustra bellamente la
vida de la persona bienaventurada. No significa indicar una vida
libre de problemas, sino que incluso en medio de las luchas de la
vida, la persona bendecida está emocionalmente sana. Su vida
espiritual es verde con crecimiento, frondosa con salud y
productiva con fruto espiritual.

Serás próspero.

El término hebreo es “Tsalach”. Se usa 55 veces en el Antiguo
Testamento y comunica la idea de éxito o victoria. El mismo
término se usa en Josué 1:8 en relación con meditar y obedecer
la palabra de Dios.
Josué 1:8 - Este libro de la ley no se apartará de tu boca,
sino que meditarás en él día y noche, para que cuides de
hacer todo lo que en él está escrito. Porque entonces harás
prosperar tu camino y tendrás éxito
Algunos comentaristas han ido tan lejos como para especular
que el salmista estaba meditando en Josué 1:8 cuando escribió
las palabras del Salmo 1:3. Aunque no podemos saberlo con
certeza, sí vemos las claras similitudes entre esos dos versículos.
Ambos demuestran que la prosperidad dada por Dios proviene
de deleitarse y obedecer la ley de Dios.
La Biblia está llena de versículos que afirman la verdad de que la
meditación y la obediencia a la palabra de Dios resultan en
bendición y éxito. (Deuteronomio 4:1; Mateo 7:26, 27; Juan
15:10, 11). Para los israelitas, el Salmo 1 significaba obedecer las
leyes del Torá, pero para los cristianos modernos, vivir las
verdades del Salmo 1 significa seguir a Jesús. Solo cuando lo
seguimos, lo obedecemos y emulamos Su vida, podemos ser
verdaderamente prósperos.
Entonces, para concluir, déjame pedirte que hagas una pausa
por un segundo y examines tu vida. ¿Es la tuya una vida bien
regada, verde y fructífera? ¿O es una vida seca, áspera e
infructuosa? ¿Puedes decir que eres emocionalmente saludable
y espiritualmente vibrante? ¿Es el Fruto del Espíritu (Gálatas
5:22, 23) visible en tu vida? Eso es lo que Dios desea producir en
ti y a través de ti.

Permíteme desafiarte a plantarte junto al agua
vivificante de Su Palabra y verlo hacer una obra de gracia en tu vida.
-Pastor Brian

¿Tienes algún versículo favorito? Muchos creyentes tienen un versículo de
“ir a” que les habla al corazón de una manera profunda. Es un versículo
que define su caminar de fe y guía cómo viven su experiencia cristiana.
Hace muchos años, adopté el Salmo 9:9-10 como mis versículos de vida.
Francamente, desearía poder recordar por lo que estaba pasando en mi
vida cuando Dios desafió mi corazón por primera vez con esos versículos.
No estoy seguro si fue cuando nació nuestra hija, Amber, o cuando tuve mi
primer ataque al corazón o tal vez alguna otra situación formidable en mi
vida. Cualquiera que sea la razón, estos dos versículos de las Escrituras
me han dado un gran consuelo y fortaleza a través de los años.
El subíndice al comienzo del Salmo 9 nos dice que fue escrito por David.
La frase, "según Muth Labben" no se entiende completamente. Algunos
dicen, como en el salmo anterior, que se refiere a una melodía específica o
a un instrumento musical. Otros han sugerido que la frase se refiere a la
muerte de Goliat, por lo que este salmo se trata de la gloriosa victoria de
David sobre el gigante filisteo.
Muchos creen que los Salmos 9 y 10 son salmos complementarios y que
originalmente se incluyeron juntos. Forman un solo acróstico; es decir,
cada frase comienza con una letra sucesiva del alfabeto hebreo. Este
acróstico literario continúa desde el Salmo 9 hasta el Salmo 10.
A lo largo del salmo, David alaba a Dios por su poderosa presencia y
protección en medio del sufrimiento. Creo que eso es lo que inicialmente
me atrajo a los versículos 9 y 10. Dios ha prometido estar conmigo y
protegerme, incluso en tiempos de problemas y opresión. ¡WOW! ¡Esa es
una verdad que necesito escuchar continuamente! Aquí están los versos...
Psalm 9:9-10 - El Señor será también baluarte para el
oprimido, baluarte en tiempos de angustia. En Ti pondrán su
confianza los que conocen Tu nombre, porque Tú, oh Señor,

no abandonas a los que te buscan.

La primera frase establece el tipo de protección que Dios promete - El
Señor es una FORTALEZA para los oprimidos, una FORTALEZA en

tiempos de angustia. El término “fortaleza” se usa al menos 50 veces en la
Biblia y se usa con frecuencia en el libro de los Salmos. En realidad, hay
dos palabras hebreas traducidas como fortaleza en el Antiguo
Testamento.
Misgab - Habla de una altura segura o un retiro donde alguien puede
esconderse. Ese es el término usado dos veces en el Salmo 9:9.
Matsuwd - Esta palabra se refiere a un castillo o una fortaleza defensiva.
Esos son los términos usados en I Samuel 22:1-5. Mientras David huía de
Saúl, él y sus hombres se escondieron en las cuevas de Adulam. El texto
los llama una fortaleza. La palabra se usa dos veces en ese capítulo y se
refiere a una fortaleza defensiva natural.
Otra vez que se usan estas palabras es en el Salmo 18 cuando David
describe a Dios como su fortaleza.
Salmo 18:2 - El Señor es mi roca, mi baluarte (matsuwd) y mi
libertador; Mi Dios, mi roca en quien me refugio; Mi escudo y el poder
de mi salvación, mi altura inexpugnable (misgab).
Curiosamente, el término matsuwd es el nombre que se le da a uno de los
lugares históricos más famosos de Israel. Masada (matsuwd) es una
antigua fortificación en Israel situada en la cima de una meseta rocosa alta
y aislada. Se encuentra en el borde oriental del desierto de Judea, con
vistas al Mar Muerto. Aquí hay una foto.

Masada es el lugar de una de las batallas más famosas de Israel.
Alrededor del año 70 dC, un grupo de fanáticos judíos se atrincheraron en
esta fortaleza. Después de meses de asedio, los romanos finalmente la
conquistaron el 15 de abril del 73 d.C.
Hace unos veinte años tuve la oportunidad de visitar este sitio histórico. Me
sorprendió su aislamiento y sus defensas naturales. Francamente, parecía
completamente impermeable al ataque. Esa es la imagen que el Señor
tiene en mente cuando se describe a sí mismo como nuestra fortaleza.
Al igual que Masada, Dios es nuestra protección y una
fortaleza a la que podemos acudir en tiempos de peligro y
problemas. Él es absolutamente impenetrable y estamos
completamente seguros en Él.

¿A dónde recurres cuando te sientes solo, temeroso o ansioso? ¿Hacia
quién o hacia qué corres cuando tienes miedo? El mundo ofrece pseudo
fortalezas que solo brindan comodidad y seguridad temporales.
Eventualmente, te encontrarás buscando otra fortaleza. ¿Qué haces
entonces?
Permíteme desafiarte a que permitas que estos versículos penetren en tu
mente y corazón. En momentos de miedo e incertidumbre, corre al Salmo
9:9-10 así como David corrió a las cuevas de Adulam. Refúgiate en ellos.
Recuerda la certeza de que Dios nunca te abandonará. ¡Él es
tu fortaleza! ¡Él es tu protector! ¡Puedes descansar en Él!

Do you have a favorite verse? Many believers have a “go to” verse that
speaks to their heart in a profound way. It is a verse that defines their walk
of faith and guides how they live out their Christian experience. Many
years ago, I adopted Psalm 9:9-10 as my life verses. Quite frankly, I wish I
could remember what I was going thru in my life when God first challenged
my heart by those verses. I am not sure if it was when our daughter,
Amber, was born, or when I had my first heart attack or maybe some other
formidable situation in my life. Whatever the reason, these two Scripture
verses have given me great comfort and strength through the years.
The subscript at the beginning of Psalm 9 tells us that it was written by
David. The phrase, “according to Muth Labben” is not fully understood.
Some say, like in the previous psalm, it refers to specific tune or a musical
instrument. Others have suggested that the phrase refers to the death of
Goliath, thus making this psalm about David’s glorious victory over the
Philistine giant.
Many believe that Psalms 9 and 10 are companion psalms and were
originally included together. They form a single acrostic; that is each
phrase begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This
literary acrostic continues from Psalm 9 into Psalm 10.
Throughout the psalm, David praises God for His powerful presence and
protection in the midst of suffering. I think that is what initially drew me to
verses 9 and 10. God has promised to be with ME and protect Me, even in
times of trouble and oppression. WOW! That is a truth I need to hear
continually! Here are the verses...
Psalm 9:9-10 - The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your
name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not

forsaken those who seek you.

The first phrase lays out the type of protection that God promises - The
Lord is a STRONGHOLD for the oppressed, a STRONGHOLD in times of
trouble. The term “stronghold” is used at least 50 times in the Bible and is

frequently used in the book of Psalms. There are actually two Hebrew
words translated stronghold in the Old Testament.
Misgab - It speaks of a secure height or a retreat where someone can
hide. That is the term used twice in Psalm 9:9.
Matsuwd - This word refers to a castle or a defensive fortress.
Those are the terms used in I Samuel 22:1-5. As David fled from Saul, he
and his men hid out in the Caves of Adullam. The text calls them a
stronghold. The word is used twice in that chapter and refers to a natural
defensive fortress.
Another time these words are used, is in Psalm 18 as David describes God
as his stronghold.
Psalm 18:2 - The Lord is my rock and my FORTRESS (matsuwd) and
my deliverer, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield, and
the horn of salvation, my STRONGHOLD (misgab).
Interestingly, the term matsuwd is the name given to one of Israel’s most
famous historical locations. Masada (matsuwd) is an ancient fortification in
Israel situated on top of an isolated high rocky plateau. It is located on the
eastern edge of the Judaean Desert, overlooking the Dead Sea. Here is a
picture.

Masada is the location of one of Israel’s most famous battles. Around 70
AD a group of Jewish zealots barricaded themselves on this fortress. After
months of laying siege, the Romans finally conquered it on April 15, 73 AD.
Some twenty years ago I had the opportunity to visit this historic site. I was
amazed at its isolation and natural defenses. Quite frankly, it seemed
completely impervious to attack. That is the picture the Lord has in mind
when He describes Himself as our fortress.
Like Masada, God is our protection and a stronghold to
whom we can run during times of danger and trouble. He is
absolutely impenetrable and we are fully safe in Him.
Where do you turn when you feel alone, fearful or anxious? To whom or to
what do you run when you are afraid? The world offers pseudo
strongholds that only give temporary comfort and security. Eventually, you
will find yourself looking for another stronghold. What, then, do you do?
Let me challenge you to allow these verses to penetrate your mind and
heart. In moments of fear and uncertainty run to Psalm 9:9-10 just as
David ran to the Caves of Adullam. Take refuge in them.
Remind yourself of the certainty that God will never forsake
you. He is your stronghold! He is your protector! You can
rest in Him! -Pastor Brian

I memorized a lot of Bible verses as a kid, hundreds of them. You
may ask, what motived a young boy to learn so much Scripture? Part
of it was our church culture. Scripture memorization was a big part of
our children’s and youth ministries. A bigger reason, though, was
that my parents pushed my siblings and I to commit Scripture to
memory.
To be honest, my motivation was not always spiritual. Sometimes
mom would tell me to memorize a verse as a punishment for my
actions. (Believe me, learning a Bible verse was much better than
getting spanked!) On many other occasions, it was part of our family
devotions. Regardless of the reason, I am eternally grateful for
parents and a church that challenged me to memorize Scripture.
Most of the Bible verses I know today, I learned as a kid.
One of the passages I learned early in my childhood was Psalm 8. It
is a psalm that is still ingrained in my memory. As a matter of fact, if
you put me on the spot, and asked me to quote Psalm 8 today, I think
I could still pass the test. This great psalm has become a part of my
biblical memory bank.
Psalm 8 is the first hymn in the book of Psalms. Most of the previous
psalms are prayers spoken by people who are suffering. Psalm 8,
though, focuses not on human misery, but on God’s majesty. There is
no doubt that this psalm was written to be sung. David directed it to
the Choirmaster of Israel, and even told him how it was to be sung -
According to the Gitteth. No one is certain what the term “Gitteth”
means. Some think it was an instrument native to the city of Gath,
while others think it was a specific style of music. Whatever the
meaning, don’t you wish we had the original musical score?
This psalm highlights the fact that humans are God’s agents on earth.
It echos the words of Genesis 1:26-28 stating that man has been
given dominion over God’s creation. Nevertheless, this psalm is not

about man, but rather about man’s Creator. This is the only hymn in
the Psalter that is spoken entirely to God.
David begins by praising the Lord for His majestic name. O Lord, our
Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! The name Lord
comes from the Hebrew term Yahweh, which is God’s covenant
name. It originates from the Hebrew verb “to be.” It was first used in
Exodus 3:14 when God appeared to Moses in the burning bush and
identified Himself as “I am that I am.” This name points to God’s
eternal self existence. No one created Him and no one sustains Him.
He exists in and of Himself.
Majestic is a royal term. Few of us in the western hemisphere truly
understand royalty. The word is often used in Scripture to speak of
nobility. It has the idea of magnificence, might, glory and power.
There is no doubt that God, above any other human ruler, is truly
majestic.
One writer said, “to comment on verse one is kind of like
commenting on the splendor of the Grand Canyon. Words can’t
really do it justice. You just need to get out of the way and let
people see it.” (bible.org - “God’s majesty or ours”)
Yes, God’s magnificence, might, glory and power are clearly visible.
We don’t need to describe them or define them. We just need to get
out of the way and let them shine for themselves. David highlights
two aspects of God’s revelation that demonstrate His majestic
greatness. First of all, God’s creation reveals His majesty.
Have you ever sat outside on a clear night and been amazed at all of
the stars in the sky? There is something mesmerizing about the sky
on a clear night. I remember as a boy, laying on the grass in our back
yard and staring up at the sky. We lived away from the city lights, so
we could see countless stars. Occasionally, we would see a star
falling from the sky. Those of us who live in the city, miss the
magnificence of the heavens.
Imagine David out on a Judean hillside at night tending to his sheep.
No lights, no distractions, nothing to hinder the clear visibility of

God’s vast heavens. Of course, David did not have a telescope to
see the stars, planets and galaxies like we have today. What would
he have thought if he had known everything we know today?
“The sheer vastness of outer space and the coordination of it all is
astounding. If you could travel at the speed of light, 186,000 miles
per second, it would take you 8 minutes to get to the sun. To go from
the sun to the center of the Milky Way would take about 33,000
years. The Milky Way belongs to a group of some 20 galaxies known
as the Local Group. To cross that group, you’d have to travel for 2
million years. The Local Group belongs to the Virgo Cluster, part of
an even larger local Supercluster, which is a half-billion light years
across. To cross the entire universe as we know it would take you 20
billion light years.” (National Geographic World, Jan., 1992, p. 15)
v. 1a - You have set your glory above the heavens.
v. 3 - When I look at your heavens, the world of your fingers, the moon
and the stars, which you have set in place,
To see the immensity of God’s great universe is to realize our
own smallness. It should cause us to cry out, “What is man that
you are mindful of him?” In other words, from a human
perspective - God’s greatness highlights our smallness. He is
macro, we are micro. He is immense, we are insignificant. He is

majestic, we are sinful.

There is a second aspect of God’s divine, majestic revelation that is
alluded to in this great psalm - God’s majestic name is revealed in
the incarnation of Jesus.
Most Bible scholars agree that this psalm is not a messianic psalm. It
other words, it was not written by David with the intention to point its
readers to the coming Messiah. Although that was not David’s
intention, the New Testament repeatedly quotes this psalm to show
the humility and exaltation of Jesus.
Here are the four times this psalm is used in the New Testament:

• Matthew 21:16 - Jesus quotes Psalm 8:2 in response to the praise
of the crowds on Palm Sunday as He traveled through the streets of
Jerusalem.
• I Corinthians 15:27 - Paul quotes Psalm 8:6 to show how Jesus
will destroy all His enemies, including death.
• Ephesians 1:22 - Paul uses Psalm 8:6 to show Jesus’ authority
over all things.
• Hebrews 2:5-8 - The writer of Hebrews quotes Psalm 8:5 to show
that Jesus is greater than the angels even though in His incarnation
He voluntarily made Himself lower than the angels.
In our fallen humanity, we could not and cannot completely fulfill
God’s desire for us. There is one man, though, who completely
fulfilled it - Jesus Christ. The purpose and majesty of Psalm 8, which
so easily eludes us, has become a reality in Jesus.
As with all of Scripture, Jesus is the complete fulfillment of

Psalm 8.

So, what is the point of this psalm? Seeing God in all his glory helps
us to see ourselves in our fallen humanity. We cry out like Isaiah after
his vision of God in Isaiah 6:5 - “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a
man of unclean lips.”
Yet, in spite of our utter lack of magnificence, God through Jesus has
showered us with His majesty. Although we were made a little lower
than the angels, because of Jesus, we are able to be crowned with
glory and honor (Psalm 8:5). If that doesn’t make you want to sing a
hymn of praise, I do not know what will.
Did you notice that David ends the psalm the same way as he begins
it. Why is that? In a beautifully poetic way, David shows us that from
beginning to end, God alone is worthy of our praise.

Have you worshipped Him today? Take a few moments and sing out
with David. Praise God for His majesty, His magnificence, His power
and His glory. He truly is worthy of your praise.
Finally, let me encourage you to take my mom’s challenge and
memorize this psalm. You can do it! -Pastor Brian

Hoy comienzo un nuevo viaje de blogueo a través de los Salmos. ¿Qué
significa eso exactamente? Bueno, para ser honesto, no estoy seguro.
Confieso que estoy atacando esta tarea de escritura sin planes bien
trazados. En otras palabras, no estoy seguro de adónde voy, pero estoy
entusiasmado con el viaje.
Al comenzar el año, tomé la recomendación de Eugene Peterson
(Working the Angles, p. 54) y comencé a leer juntos el Pentateuco y los
Salmos. Propuso que los Salmos son la respuesta de oración a la Ley de
Dios. Por lo tanto, deben leerse junto con los primeros cinco libros de la
Biblia. Entonces, durante los últimos 2 1/2 meses he hecho exactamente
eso. Cada mañana, leo varios capítulos de la Ley y luego un Salmo. Tengo
que admitir que me ha "impresionado" la forma en que se unen de manera
cohesiva.
Estos últimos dos meses y medio de sumergirme en los Salmos me han
llevado a darme cuenta de que hay una profundidad en el Salterio que
nunca había reconocido. Como para muchos de ustedes, los 150 Salmos
siempre han sido una fuente de inspiración y consuelo, pero empiezo a
darme cuenta de que son mucho más. Eso es lo que espero explorar a
través de estos blogs. Mi oración es que Dios abra nuestros ojos, nuestros
corazones y nuestras almas, para que los Salmos nos ayuden a
comprender y relacionarnos con Dios como nunca antes. ¡Entonces
vamos!
En el blog de esta semana, daré una breve descripción, que confío nos
dará una base para los artículos futuros. Aquí hay algunos datos básicos
sobre los Salmos que necesita saber para comprender el mensaje de este
libro.
1. El título proviene de las traducciones griega y latina. La
Septuaginta (la traducción griega del Antiguo Testamento) usa la
palabra Salmos, y la Vulgata latina, que la iglesia usó durante la Edad
Media, usa la palabra Salmus. Ambos términos significan "una canción
cantada con el acompañamiento de instrumentos de cuerda".
2. Los Salmos es una antología, que es una colección publicada de
poemas u otros escritos. Es solo una de las dos antologías (Cantares
de Salomón) en toda la Biblia.

3. Los Salmos no fueron escritos por un solo autor. Más bien, son una
colección de canciones poéticas escritas por una variedad de
compositores desde la época de Moisés hasta después del exilio en
Babilonia. Por supuesto, David escribió la mayoría de ellos, pero otros
autores incluyen a los Hijos de Coré (11 salmos), Asaf (12 salmos),
Salomón (posiblemente dos salmos) y Moisés (uno). Otros salmos no
identifican al autor en absoluto.
4. Los Salmos toman los temas básicos de la teología del Antiguo
Testamento y los convierten en canciones. Por lo tanto, los
israelitas cantaban con frecuencia sobre el carácter de Dios, Su
creación, Su elección, Su pacto y Su plan para el futuro. ¡Qué manera
de aprender quién y cómo es Dios!
5. El Salterio se divide en cinco libros:
• Libro 1 - Salmos 1-41
• Libro 2 - Salmos 42-72
• Libro 3 - Salmos 73-89
• Libro 4 - Salmos 90-106
• Libro 5 - Salmos 107-150
6. Hay siete géneros o tipos diferentes de Salmos. Conocer estas
diferentes categorías será de gran ayuda para la comprensión y la
aplicación personal.
• Himnos: estas eran canciones que se cantaban cuando todo iba bien.
Son fácilmente reconocidos por su apasionada alabanza al Señor. (Sal.
8; 19; 29; 33; 65; 67; 68; 93; 96; 100; 111; 113; 114; 117; 135; 145;
146; 147; 148; 149; 150)
• Salmos de acción de gracias: estos salmos se centran en lo que Dios
ha hecho en la historia personal reciente del salmista. Específicamente,
se refieren a momentos en que Dios respondió una oración. (Pss. 18;
30; 34; 40; 41; 66; 92; 118; 124; 138)
• Lamentos: los lamentos se escribieron para expresar dudas,
confusión, tristeza o pérdida. En un lamento, el salmista sinceramente
compartió su corazón con el Señor. Después de expresar su dolor, el
salmista se vuelve al Señor con fe y confianza. (Pss. 3; 5; 7; 13; 17; 22;

25; 26; 27; 38; 42; 43; 51; 54; 55; 56; 59; 61; 63; 64; 70; 71; 74; 79; 80;
83; 86; 89; 102; 109; 120; 130; 140; 141; 142)
• Salmos de Confianza - Estos son salmos escritos durante tiempos de
angustia, pero el salmista está completamente seguro de que el Señor
lo librará. (Pss. 16; 23; 27; 62; 73; 91; 115; 121; 125; 131)
• Salmos Reales - Estos salmos son a veces llamados Salmos Reales.
Resaltan el justo reino de Dios tanto en la tierra como en el cielo. (Pss.
2; 20; 21; 45; 61; 63; 72)
• Salmos de Sabiduría - Estos salmos son de naturaleza similar a otra
Literatura de Sabiduría que se encuentra en Proverbios, Job y
Eclesiastés. Dan amonestaciones, bendiciones y dichos. También
señalan la importancia del temor del Señor y de conocer el camino de
los justos. (Pss. 1; 19; 32; 34; 37; 49; 73; 112; 119; 128)
• Salmos Imprecatorios - Los Salmos claman por los justos a los
vindicados y por los malvados a ser castigados. Son algunas de las
peticiones más gráficas del Salterio. (Pss 5; 6; 11; 12; 35; 37; 40; 52;
54; 56; 57; 58; 59; 79; 83; 94; 137; 139; 143)
Por supuesto, uno de los mayores propósitos y beneficios de los Salmos
es guiar nuestra vida de oración. Un autor describió los Salmos como las
palabras de la congregación expresadas a Dios en contraste con las
Palabras de Dios expresadas a Su pueblo. En los Salmos, Dios realmente
nos da las palabras para responderle. No creo que haya una guía más útil
para la oración en las Escrituras que los Salmos.
Finalmente, profundizaremos en cómo los Salmos nos señalan a Jesús. En
Lucas 24:44 Jesús menciona que la Ley de Moisés, los Profetas y los
Salmos, todos hablaban de Él. En otras palabras, los Salmos fueron
escritos por Él, sobre Él y para Él.
Permíteme invitarte a unirte a mí en este viaje. Tendremos un artículo
nuevo cada semana. Se publicará en nuestro sitio web y le enviaremos el
enlace a través de nuestro correo electrónico semanal. Una vez más, mi
oración es que Dios abra nuestros ojos, nuestros corazones y
nuestras almas, para que los Salmos nos ayuden a comprender y
relacionarnos con Dios como nunca antes.

Salmo 150:6 - ¡Que todo lo que respira alabe al Señor!

¡Alabado sea el Señor!

“Te estoy mirando” es una advertencia que los padres suelen dar
a sus hijos cuando están en público. La idea es que los niños no
puedan salirse con la suya con ninguna travesura o mal
comportamiento, porque el padre estará continuamente
observando. Tal advertencia generalmente pone algo de miedo
en el corazón travieso de un niño.
Recuerdo cuando era niño haciendo el tonto en la iglesia. Solo
tomé un vistazo rápido en la dirección de mi madre para ver su
mirada severa. Contrariamente a mis intentos de ocultar mi
comportamiento, no me salía con la mía. Mamá sabía
exactamente lo que estaba haciendo. Aún recuerdo su mirada
penetrante.
Bueno, así como un niño no puede escapar de la mirada vigilante
de sus padres, tampoco nosotros podemos escondernos de la
vista de Dios. Nada ni nadie en el cielo y en la tierra puede
escapar de ser observado por los ojos amorosos y omnipresentes
del Señor. Dios siempre está evaluando, evaluando,
supervisando, supervisando y salvaguardando Su creación. Dios
ve a todas las personas y conoce a todas las personas, tanto a
los malvados como a los justos.
Proverbios 15:3 - En todo lugar están los ojos del Señor,
observando a los malos y a los buenos.
El Salmo 11 fue escrito por David cuando era un fugitivo del rey
Saúl. David registra el temible consejo que le dieron algunos de
sus amigos. Él rechaza sus miedos y responde con gran fe.
Salmo 11:1 - En el Señor me refugio; ¿Cómo es que ustedes
le dicen a mi alma: “Huye como ave al monte?”

Evidentemente, sus amigos lo habían instado a escapar y huir.
Después de todo, eventualmente la suerte de David se acabaría.
Solo puedes escapar de la muerte tantas veces, ¿verdad? Tarde
o temprano, Saúl lo encontraría y lo mataría. ¿Por qué correr el
riesgo? Ahora es el momento de “huir a las montañas como un
pájaro”.
David, sin embargo, no es un hombre de miedo; es un hombre de
fe. No está en su naturaleza correr; responde con confianza. Su
seguridad no se basa en si Saúl está o no en el trono de Israel,
sino en Dios, que está en el trono de los cielos.
Salmo 11:4 - El Señor está en Su santo templo, el trono del
Señor está en los cielos; Sus ojos contemplan, Sus párpados
examinan a los hijos de los hombres.
David puede descansar y confiar incluso mientras es perseguido
por su enemigo, porque Dios tiene el control en última instancia.
Ya sea que Su trono esté en la estratosfera (cielo) o en nuestra
atmósfera (tierra), Dios gobierna sobre los asuntos del hombre.
Saúl no podía tocar a David sin la aprobación divina de Dios.
Además, Dios no estaba ajeno a lo que estaba experimentando
David. Sus ojos vieron y Sus párpados se posaron sobre Su hijo
escogido. David estaba constantemente vigilado por la
supervisión protectora de Dios. ¡Qué consuelo!
Cuando leemos en la Biblia que Dios nos está observando
continuamente, tendemos a responder con aprensión infantil.
Tememos que Dios esté buscando una razón para “zapearnos” o
castigarnos. A menudo se piensa en Dios como el padre severo
que vela por sus hijos desobedientes.
Pero, ¿es por eso que Dios nos mira? ¿Está Él simplemente
esperando hasta que "lo arruinemos" para poder responder con
una retribución divina? No, amigo mío, la razón de la vigilancia
constante de Dios sobre nosotros no es punitiva. Él no nos está

monitoreando para asegurarse de que no nos desviemos,
juguemos o desobedezcamos. Él no nos mira con sospecha. Más
bien, Él nos mira con amor.
De niño en la escuela dominical, canté este coro…
Cuidado mis ojitos al mirar.

Porque Dios arriba esta y a todos mirara,

cuidado mis ojitos al mirar.

Sí, Dios está mirando hacia abajo, pero Él está mirando hacia
abajo con amor. Como un padre mira con amor a sus hijos, así
nuestro Padre Celestial nos mira con cariño. ¡Esa es una verdad
que cambia la vida!

“I am watching you” is an admonition that parents often give to
their children while out in public. The idea is that the kids will not
be able to get away with any naughtiness or bad behavior,
because the parent will continually be watching. Such a warning
generally puts some fear into a child’s mischievous heart.
I remember as a child goofing off in church. It only took a quick
peek in my mother’s direction to see her stern gaze. Contrary to
my attempts to hide my behavior, I wasn’t getting away with
anything. Mom knew exactly what I was doing. I can still
remember her penetrating look.
Well, just as a child cannot escape her parents watchful gaze, so
we cannot hide from God’s view. Nothing and no one in heaven
and on earth can escape being observed by the loving, all-
pervading eyes of the Lord. God is always assessing, appraising,
overseeing, superintending, and safeguarding His creation. God
sees all people and knows all people, both the evil and the
righteous.
Proverbs 15:3 - The eyes of the Lord are in every place,
keeping watch on the evil and the good.
Psalm 11 was written by David when he was a fugitive from King
Saul. David records the fearful advice given to him by some of
his friends. He rejects their fears and responds with great faith.
Psalm 11:1 - In the Lord I take refuge; how can you say to my
soul, “Flee like a bird to your mountain.”
Evidently, his friends had urged him to escape and make a run for
it. After all, eventually David’s luck would run out. You can only
escape death so many times, right? Sooner or later, Saul would

find him and kill him. Why take the chance? Now is the time to
“flee to the mountains like a bird.”
David, though, is not a man of fear; he is a man of faith. It is not in
his nature to run; he responds with trust. His security is not
founded upon whether or not Saul is on the throne of Israel, but
upon God, who is on the throne of heaven.
Psalm 11:4 - The Lord is in his holy temple: the Lord’s throne
is in heaven; his eyes see, his eyelids rest on the children of
man.
David can rest and trust even while pursued by his enemy,
because God is ultimately in control. Whether His throne is in the
stratosphere (heaven) or our atmosphere (earth), God rules over
the affairs of man. Saul could not touch David without God’s
divine approval.
Additionally, God was not oblivious to what David was
experiencing. His eyes saw and His eyelids rested on His chosen
son. David was constantly being watched by God’s protective
oversight. What a comfort!
When we read in the Bible that God is continually watching us, we
tend to respond with childlike apprehension. We fear that God is
looking for a reason to “zap” us or to punish us. God is often
thought of as the stern parent watching over His disobedient
children.
But, is that why God watches us? Is He simply waiting till we
“blow it” so He can respond with divine retribution? No, my friend,
the reason for God’s constant surveillance over us is not punitive.
He is not monitoring us to make sure we don’t stray, play or
disobey. He doesn’t look down on us with suspicion. Rather, He
looks down on us with love.
As a little child in Sunday school, you may have sung this chorus..

O be careful little eyes what you see, for the
Father up above is looking down in love. So
be careful little eyes what you see.

I love the truth conveyed in that children’s song. Yes, God is
looking down, but He is looking down in love. That is a life
altering truth.

Psalm 10 is one of the few Psalms in this section of the Psalter
that does not have a title. The lack of a descriptive name has
caused some to think that it is not an individual Psalm, but rather
the second half of Psalm 9. Additionally, both psalms form a
single acrostic. At the very least, Psalms 9 and 10 are sister
psalms that go hand-in-hand.
The Psalm is anonymous. Many believe, though, that it should be
attributed to David. Additionally, it clearly fits the description of a
lament psalm, as the writer bemoans the prosperity of the
wicked, and cries out for God to respond.
Psalm 10:1 - Why, O Lord do you stand far away? Why do
you hide yourself in times of trouble?
In this initial verse it seems as if the psalmist is accusing God of
hiding from those who love and need Him. Why does God seem
far away? Why is He no where to be found during times of
trouble. It is almost as if God is playing His own version of Hide-
and-Seek.
As a child, Hide-and-Seek was one of my favorite games. My
mom actually created her own special version of the traditional
game that my siblings and I loved. Mom called it “Ghost of
midnight.” It was similar to the well-known game, only we played
it at night in the dark. All the lights were turned off and each of
us would go hide somewhere in the house. Mom, or whoever
was “It,” would then slowly search through the pitch black house
looking for those who were hidden. It was frightening. I still get
chills thinking about it. I can’t wait to play the same game with my
grandkids!

Of course, the Psalmist doesn’t mean to insinuate that God is
literally playing the famous children’s game, but only that it seems
as if God has hidden Himself and we are unable to find Him.
The scandalous accusation goes even further though. Not only
does it look as if God is not present, but is seems as if He is
unable to be found during the most difficult of times. In other
words, He is inactive when we and the world need Him the most.
WOW! That is quite an indictment!
The next few verses give evidence to the Psalmist’s complaint.
10:2 - In arrogance the wicked hotly pursue the poor…
10:3 - The wicked boasts of the desires of his soul, and the
greedy for gain curses and renounces the Lord.
10:4 - In the pride of his face, the wicked does not seek him;
all of his thoughts are, “There is no God.”
There is ample evidence to prove that something needs to be
done. After all, the poor are being mistreated, the wicked are
renouncing the Lord; they are not seeking God and have even
denied His existence. Where is God? He needs to act!
Have you ever felt that way? Has there ever been a time in your
life when you cried out to God and He didn’t respond? You
needed His help, but it seemed as if He was no where to be
found. I think we can all relate with that sentiment. Like the
Psalmist we ask, “God, where are you? What are you doing? Do
you even care?”
Similar to most Lament Psalms, after presenting his complaint,
the Psalmist expresses his hope and his belief in God as his
Rock, Refuge and Rescuer. Notice several verses that move
from fear to faith and from uncertainty to a solid trust that God will
act.

10:12 - Arise, O Lord; O God, lift up your hand; forget not the
afflicted.
The phrase, “Arise, O Lord” is an expression typical of psalms
sung at the beginning of war. The Psalmist is declaring his belief
that they are not alone in their battle. God fights for His people.
Since David is believed to be the author, some have suggested
that the enemy to whom David refers is King Saul. If it would
have been any other foe, David would have quickly and
powerfully acted. Saul, though, was God’s anointed, someone
against whom David did not want to act. Thus, he cried out to the
Lord asking Him to respond.
10:16 - The Lord is king forever and ever; the nations perish
from his land.
10:17, 18 - O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you
will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear to do
justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, so that man who
is of the earth may strike terror no more.
Did you hear the change of tone? The Psalmist is no longer
lamenting. He is no longer questioning. He has come to believe
that God has not avoided him, abandoned him or hiding from him.
God is fully aware of the actions of the wicked and the condition
of the oppressed. In His perfect time, He will respond with love,
justice and equity.
So the next time you feel as if God is playing Hide-and-Seek with
you, remember the words of Psalm 10. Be reminded of the fact
that God is fully aware of the atrocities that are taking place in our
world and the tribulations you are facing in your life. Allow the
words of this Psalm to increase your faith. Don’t question where
God is, rather cry out and ask Him to rise up on your behalf. After
all, He always hears the desires of the afflicted.

El Salmo 10 es uno de los pocos Salmos en esta sección del
Salterio que no tiene título. La falta de un nombre descriptivo ha
hecho que algunos piensen que no es un Salmo individual, sino
la segunda mitad del Salmo 9. Además, ambos salmos forman un
solo acróstico. Como mínimo, los Salmos 9 y 10 son salmos
hermanos que van de la mano.
El Salmo es anónimo. Muchos creen, sin embargo, que debería
atribuirse a David. Además, encaja claramente en la descripción
de un salmo de lamento en el que el escritor se lamenta de la
prosperidad de los malvados y clama a Dios para que responda.
Salmo 10:1 - ¿Por qué, O Señor , te mantienes alejado, y te
escondes in tiempos de tribulación.
En este versículo inicial parece como si el salmista estuviera
acusando a Dios de esconderse de aquellos que lo aman y lo
necesitan. ¿Por qué Dios parece lejano? ¿Por qué no se le
puede encontrar en tiempos de angustia? Es casi como si Dios
estuviera jugando Su propia versión de Hide-and-Seek
(Escóndite).
Cuando era niño, Hide-and-Seek era uno de mis juegos favoritos.
De hecho, mi mamá creó su propia versión especial del juego
tradicional que a mis hermanos y a mí nos encantaba. Mamá lo
llamó "Fantasma de la medianoche". Era similar al conocido
juego, solo que lo jugábamos de noche en la oscuridad. Todas las
luces estaban apagadas y cada uno de nosotros se escondía en
algún lugar de la casa. Mamá, o quienquiera que fuera "Eso",
buscaría lentamente a través de la casa negra como boca de
lobo en busca de aquellos que estaban escondidos. Me daba
miedo. Como no podías ver a nadie, tenías que meter la mano
debajo de las mesas y detrás de los muebles para sentir a los

que estaban escondidos. Todavía me da escalofríos pensar en
eso. ¡No puedo esperar para jugar el mismo juego con mis nietos!
Por supuesto, el salmista no quiere insinuar que Dios está
literalmente jugando el famoso juego de los niños, sino que
parece como si Dios se hubiera escondido y no pudiéramos
encontrarlo.
Sin embargo, la escandalosa acusación va más allá. No solo
parece que Dios no está presente, sino que parece que no se le
puede encontrar en los momentos más difíciles. En otras
palabras, Él está inactivo cuando nosotros y el mundo más lo
necesitamos. ¡WOW! ¡Esa es una acusación poderosa!
Los siguientes versículos dan evidencia de la queja del salmista.
10:2 - Con arrogancia el impío acosa al afligido…
10:3 - Porque del deseo de su corazón se gloría el impío, y el
codicioso maldice y desprecia al Señor.
10:4 - El impío, en la arrogancia de su rostro, no busca a
Dios. Todo su pensamiento es: “No hay Dios.”
Existe amplia evidencia para probar que algo debe hacerse.
Después de todo, los pobres están siendo maltratados, los
malvados están renunciando al Señor, no están buscando a Dios
y hasta han negado Su existencia. ¿Donde esta Dios? ¡Él
necesita actuar!
¿Alguna vez te has sentido así? ¿Ha habido alguna vez en tu
vida cuando clamaste a Dios y Él no respondió? Necesitabas Su
ayuda, pero parecía que Él no estaba por ningún lado. Creo que
todos podemos identificarnos con ese sentimiento. Como el
salmista, preguntamos: “Dios, ¿dónde estás? ¿Qué estás
haciendo? ¿Acaso te importa?"

Al igual que la mayoría de los Salmos de Lamento, después de
presentar su queja, el Salterio expresa su esperanza y su
creencia en Dios como su Roca, Refugio y Redentor. Note varios
versículos que se mueven del miedo a la fe y de la incertidumbre
a una confianza sólida en que Dios actuará.
10:12 - Levántate, oh Señor; alza, oh Dios, Tu mano. No te
olvides de los pobres.
La frase “Levántate, Señor” es una expresión típica de los salmos
cantados al comienzo de la guerra. El salmista está declarando
su creencia de que no están solos en su batalla. Dios pelea por
Su pueblo.
Dado que se cree que David es el autor, algunos han sugerido
que el enemigo al que se refiere David es el rey Saúl. Si hubiera
sido cualquier otro enemigo, David habría actuado rápida y
poderosamente. Sin embargo, Saúl era el ungido de Dios, alguien
contra quien David no quería actuar. Así, clamó al Señor
pidiéndole que respondiera.
10:16 - El Señor es Rey eternamente y para siempre;
10:17, 18 - Oh Señor, Tú has oído el deseo de los humildes;
Tú fortalecerás su corazón e inclinarás Tu oído. Para hacer
justicia al huérfano y al afligido; Para que no vuelva a causar
terror el hombre que es de la tierra.
¿Oíste el cambio de tono? El salmista ya no se lamenta. Ya no
está cuestionando. Ha llegado a creer que Dios no lo ha evitado,
abandonado o escondido de él. Dios es plenamente consciente
de las acciones de los impíos y de la condición de los oprimidos.
En Su tiempo perfecto, Él responderá con amor, justicia y
equidad.
Así que la próxima vez que sientas que Dios está jugando a las
escondidas contigo, recuerda las palabras del Salmo 10.

Recuerda el hecho de que Dios es plenamente consciente de las
atrocidades que están ocurriendo en nuestro mundo y de las
tribulaciones que estás experimentando. estás enfrentando en tu
vida. Permita que las palabras de este Salmo aumenten su fe. No
preguntes dónde está Dios, más bien clama y pídele que se
levante a tu favor. Después de todo, Él siempre escucha los
deseos de los afligidos.

In Matthew 22, Jesus was asked which is the greatest commandment.  His response was profoundly rooted in the Old Testament.  He quoted from the Shema found in Deuteronomy 6:5 – “ You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul and with all your mind.”  This command was widely known and accepted by the religious community.  In other words, they expected that answer.  
His second response, though, would have caught them off guard.  He quickly adds, “And the second is like it:  You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”  How in the world is loving your neighbor even remotely close to loving the Lord?  After all, to love the Lord is easy, but to love your neighbor that’s often tough.
Here is what Jesus is saying:  To love your neighbor is the tangible response to your love for God.  It is one thing to say you love Jesus; it is quite another to show it.  Your love for God is demonstrated by loving your neighbor.   
If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar, for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. 
I John 4:20
This Christmas at Hollywood Community Church, we want YOU to love YOUR neighbor.  In other words, we want you to do something loving, compassionate and generous for YOUR “neighbors.”  You may ask, “what should I do?”  That is totally up to you.  This is not a campaign in which we tell you what to do, but rather a sensitivity to the leading of the Holy Spirit as you seek His guidance and His direction. 

• How many neighbors should you bless?  However many the Holy Spirit puts on your heart. 
• What should you give them?  Whatever the Holy Spirit puts on your heart.  Here are a few ideas… 

Maybe the Holy Spirit would like you to give a…

• Financial gift
• A plate of cookies
• A gift card
• A loving act of service

We will provide beautiful heart-shaped cards that simply say, “God loves you… and so do we” for you to include with your gift.The rest is up to you.  The cards will be available on Sunday, December 20th.  That gives you ten days to begin to pray and ask God which neighbor or neighbors He would have you to share His love with them. 
This Christmas, let’s be the heart and hands of Jesus as we love our neighbors in Jesus name!

Recently at Hollywood Community Church, we began a sermon series on some of the most loved Old Testament Bible stores.  You remember some of them – Noah and the ark, David and Goliath, Daniel and the Lion’s den and so many more.  I have fond memories of hearing those stories as a child in Sunday school.  They were my first introduction to the Bible.  
Are those stories still relevant? How about the laws and restrictions found in the Pentateuch (first five books of the OT)?  Does that stuff still apply to us?  Wouldn’t we be better served to focus all our attention on Jesus, the Gospels, and the New Testament? 
The simple truth is that the Old Testament is still relevant for us.  Not only is it relevant, but it is equally part of God’s story of His creation, the world and our lives.  Here are several reasons, why we should seek to read, understand and apply the Old Testament.

• The Old Testament gives you a God-centered worldview.

“In the beginning God….”  Those words demonstrate that history begins with God.  He is the Originator, Creator and Sovereign over all creation. Admittedly, the Gospels (where the New Testament begins) beautifully introduce us to Jesus, but they do not establish God as the authority and sovereign over the universe and our world.  The Old Testament, on the other hand, repeatedly shows us that our lives completely center on Him.  

• The Old Testament allows you to see God’s heart. 

God’s love for His people is a major theme of the Old Testament.  He chose them from all the nations of the world, gave them a land, protected them from their enemies,  and was faithful to them, even when they were unfaithful to Him.  To read what the New Testament says about God sending Jesus, His eternal Son, doesn’t make sense without knowing Him to be a loving, patient, compassionate and forgiving Father.   
3.   The Old Testament was the Scriptures that Jesus read and makes up 75% of your Bible.
If the amount of content is important, then we cannot minimize the words and the books of the Old Testament.  Over a span of more than 1,000 years, God used 25 different prophets to write the 39 books that make up the Old Testament.  Those 39 books give us a wealth of divinely inspired information, that proved invaluable to Jesus and to the early Church.   (Matthew 5:17; Luke 24:44; Acts 24:14; I Timothy 3:15)
4.  The Old Testament helps you to understand the New Testament. 
Someone has said, “reading the New Testament without the context of the Old Testament is like arriving late to a movie. You need the first part to understand the rest.”   The context of the New Testament is the Old, and the fulfillment of the Old Testament is the New.  They are intrinsically connected to one another.  You cannot fully understand the one without the other.  
5.  The Old Testament stories encourage and edify you. 
Without a doubt, the events and stories of the Old Testament are entertaining, but they also encourage your heart and strengthen your faith.  After all, God is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). If God guided, protected and provided for His children in times past, He will most certainly do it fo you.     
Romans 15:14 – For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through encouragement of the (Old Testament) Scriptures we might have hope. 
6.  Jesus said that all of the Old Testament points to Him. 
The key figure of the Old Testament is not Abraham, Moses or David, it is Jesus.  He is the protagonist of the Old Testament narrative. That may seem like a bold statement, but such a claim was made by none other than Jesus Himself. 
Luke 24:27 – And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets,  He (Jesus) interpreted to them in all the (Old Testament) Scriptures the things concerning Himself. 
John 5:39 – You search the (Old Testament) Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about Me. 
So, let me challenge you to dive into the Old Testament.  Become familiar with the stories, get to know the characters, and study and meditate on the person and character of God.  Instead of boring, stuffy and antiquated, you will find the Old Testament to be rich, profound, encouraging and life changing.  But more than anything else, it will point you to Jesus. 

So what do you think of Barnabas?  You may respond by saying, “Who in the world is Barnabas?” I am speaking of the Barnabas of the New Testament, a contemporary of the apostle Paul.  If you have read through the book of Acts, you most certainly have encountered him. 
The name “Barnabas” means “son of encouragement.”  What a perfect name for him!  Twice in the book of Acts we find him standing up for two guys who desperately needed a friend.  
Barnabas Example # 1
In Acts 9 we see the miraculous conversion of the apostle Paul.  Before his conversion he was known as Saul, the chief persecutor of Christians.  Yet on the way to Damascus, he had a personal encounter with Jesus Christ that forever changed his life.   He converted from a persecutor of Jesus to a follower of Jesus.  
Understandably, though, the other believers were skeptical.  They questioned, “Is Saul truly a believer?  Could this just be a ploy to further persecute Christians?”  Acts 9:26  states that Saul attempted to join other Christians, “but they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple.”  
What a dilemma!  How does a converted persecutor of Christians prove his conversion to be real?  Enter Barnabas!  “Barnabas took him (Saul) and brought him to the apostles…”.  
Barnabas Example # 2
In Acts 15 Barnabas invited John Mark to travel with him and Paul on their next missionary journey.  Mark had traveled with them on a previous journey and had “thrown in the towel” before the ministry trip had ended.  As a result of John Mark’s previous departure, Paul vehemently opposed the idea of bringing him on a second trip.  Barnabas, though, graciously and compassionately believed in giving Mark a second chance. 
The disagreement between Barnabas and Paul was so sharp that they parted ways.  Barnabas took John Mark with him and Paul selected Silas as his traveling companion.   By the way, John Mark proved his faithfulness and Paul later recognized his value to God’s Kingdom (II Timothy 4:11).
What would have happened to John Mark had Barnabas also given up on him?  God used Barnabas to salvage the life and ministry of a man who made a mistake.  Barnabas encouraged John Mark, gave him a second chance and proved his value to God’s work. 
I want to be like Barnabas!  I want to be the type of leader who looks past a person’s faults and sees their value and gives them a second chance.  How about you? Here are some practical ways you can be a Barnabas.

1. Be quick to forgive the failures of others (Col. 3:13).

2.   Recognize others as more important than yourself (Phil. 
      2:3).
3.   Give second and third chances to those who have hurt 
      you (Matt. 18:21, 22).
4.   Make everyone feel important and valuable (I John 4:7).
5.   Invite others into your intimate circle (Proverbs 18:24).
Can you imagine a church filled with people like Barnabas?  There would be no unwelcome guests, no divisive clicks, and no judgmental attitudes.  A church filled with men and women like Barnabas would truly be the heart and the hands of Jesus in their community.  Would you ask God to make you like Barnabas?

In recent years, the Bible and Christianity as a whole have come under attack. It seems as if there is a renewed effort on the part of those who lean towards agnosticism and atheism to give foundation to their unbelief. If they can disprove the authenticity of Scripture then they, of course, do not need to recognize or submit to its authority.
Unfortunately for them, though, the accuracy and the authenticity of Scripture have not been affected by their attacks. The Bible has proven to be more historically and archaeologically accurate than any other ancient book. It has been subjected to the most rigorous scientific and textual analysis possible and has been proven to be authentic in every way. Not one archeological discovery has disproven any portion of the Bible. To the contrary, science and archeology continue to prove the authenticity of Scripture.
Looking at just the books of Luke and Acts, here are a few examples of the specificity and the accuracy with which the Bible speaks:

• In the book of Acts, Luke mentions 32 countries, 54 cities, and 9 Mediterranean islands. He also lists 95 people by name, 62 of which are not named elsewhere in the New Testament. (Bruce Metzger, The New Testament: Its Background, Growth, Content, 171).
• Sir William Ramsey, who initially doubted Luke’s reliability, did many years of “on site” study of these matters; he eventually classified “the beloved physician” (Col. 4:14) as one of “the very greatest of historians” who ever lived (Luke the Physician, 222).
• Noted scholar Philip Schaff once observed that the final two chapters of Acts have provided more information about the details of ancient sea navigation than any other document of antiquity (Theological Propaeduetic, 132-133).

These are just a few of the countless examples that we could give that prove the veracity of the Bible. In addition, we could mention the amount of surviving manuscripts, the precision of how the Bible was preserved as well as the accuracy of today’s translations to the ancient texts.   All of this “unparalleled accuracy” elevates the Bible above all other books. Even the best historians cannot avoid an occasional mistake. Yet, the writers of Scripture, guided by the Spirit of God (2 Tim. 3:16-17), were protected from the inclusion of error into their works; thus making the Bible completely accurate and authoritative, regardless of the topic that it addresses.

1. The Bible claims to be true

The theological term that is used to describe the Bible’s accuracy is “inerrant,” which means the impossibility of any error. Although the term “inerrant” is not found in Scripture, the principle of  accuracy, perfection and truth is clearly seen.   Here are a few verses that emphasize the infallibility of the Bible:
Psalm 19: 7-9 – The law of the Lord is perfect… the testimonies of the Lord are sure…the precepts of the Lord are right… the commandment of the Lord is clean, enduring forever… the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether.
Psalm 119:43 – “…the word of truth”
Psalm 119:160 —“The sum of your word is true.”
John 17:17 —“Your word is truth.”

2. The Bible must be true

The simple truth is that an inaccurate Bible would undermine the authority of Scripture. If the Bible were not true about things that are tangible (history, genealogies, science, etc.), how could we trust it for things that are intangible (the character of God heaven, hell, the forgiveness of sins, etc.).   No, the Bible must be true or God is a liar and our faith is in vain.
Titus 1:2 – In the hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began.
Hebrews 6:18 – So that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us.
So, believer have confidence in the fact that the Bible that you hold in your hands is 100% accurate.  It contains no errors, untruths or exaggerations. It is worthy of your confidence, your trust and your obedience.

Surprisingly, American Christians are becoming increasingly more tolerant in their views on salvation. A 2007 survey by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life surveyed 35,000 Americans, and found that 70% of respondents agreed with the statement “Many religions can lead to eternal life.” Even more remarkable was the fact that 57% of Evangelical Christians were willing to accept theirs might not be the only path to salvation. Even as mainline churches had become more tolerant, the exclusivity of Christianity’s path to heaven has long been one of the Evangelicals’ fundamental tenets. The new poll suggests a major shift, at least in the pews.
Thankfully, HCC Theological Survey produced completely different results. 98% of those that responded to our internal survey disagreed with the statement: There are many ways to get to heaven. Woo Hoo! Way to go HCC family!   I am proud of the fact that the great majority of our church family got this one right.
In a country that is becoming increasingly more pluralistic, it is important for us to recognize the exclusivity of the Gospel.   By exclusivity, we mean there is only one way to heaven. Let us be clear – that is not something Evangelical Churches made up; it is the teaching of Jesus. In John 14:6 Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” That certainly doesn’t sound very inclusive, does it?

• The exclusivity of the Gospel recognizes the severity of sin.

Unfortunately, many religions today ignore, minimize or even condone the practice of sin. Adherents are not challenged to change their sinful ways, to reject sinful attitudes and leave behind a life that does not glorify God. It is only the Gospel that sees the gravity, the depravity and the fatality of sin.   Sin is not an alternate lifestyle; it is a road that leads to death.
Romans 5:12 – Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned.
Romans 6:24 – For the wages of sin is death…  

• The exclusivity of the Gospel magnifies the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.

If, as many promote, there are many ways that lead to heaven, then the death of Jesus is irrelevant. Why would Jesus have gone through the physical suffering if one could travel the road to the Sun as expressed in the Bhagavad – Gita and reach heaven? Why would Jesus have experienced the shame of public execution if one can reach Nirvana by escaping the Karmic cycle? Why would Jesus have endured separation from the Father if a person just needed to practice the Five Pillars of Islam? If any of these paths lead to eternal life, then the death of Jesus was pointless. He died in vain.
I Corinthians 15:20, 21 – But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead.

• The exclusivity of the Gospel gives glory and honor to God alone.

If we can reach Nirvana, Moksha, Paradise or heaven through our own self-improvement, the Karmic Cycle, obedience to the Five Pillars or any other means, then such an accomplishment is based upon human merit.   Man has elevated himself. He reached the eternal goal. He, then, is worthy of praise, honor and glory.
However, we know that is not the case. Man cannot make it on his own. It is only the Gospel that recognizes man’s inability to save himself. It is the Gospel that recognizes man’s desperate need for God.   The Gospel alone provides salvation in a way that only God is glorified.
Ephesians 1:12-14 – So that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of His glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation and believed in Him, were sealed with the promise of the Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of His glory.
Yes, God’s Word is clear, there is only one road that leads to heaven. “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) Salvation is through Jesus and Jesus alone!

Of the ten questions in our theological survey, this one proved to be one of the most misunderstood.  The statement read: “A person obtains salvation by first taking the initiative to seek God and then God responds with grace.” A surprising 56% of the respondents agreed with that statement.
In reality, the question is with whom does salvation begin? Does it begin with God or us?   Does God respond to our movement of faith, or do we respond by faith to Him drawing us to Himself?
Quite frankly, we believe that the Bible is very clear on the subject. Salvation does not begin with us. God is the Author and the Finisher of our salvation. This foundational doctrine is founded upon several biblical truths.

• The depravity of man

What does that mean? The doctrine simply means that man was so deeply and utterly affected by the Fall that he is totally incapable of doing good; he is totally incapable of reaching out to God on his own. This belief is not new or contemporary. To the contrary, as far back as Augustine, we see the majority of Church Fathers and Church leaders embracing this truth.   It also is clearly seen in Scripture.
Psalm 51:5 – Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.
Jeremiah 17:9 – The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?
Romans 3:10-12 – As it is written, “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.”
Ephesians 2:1 – and you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience.
Each of these verses point to the same basic truth: man is totally corrupt, degenerate and wicked. He is dead in his sins. His depravity keeps him from taking even the smallest step towards God.

• The drawing of the Father

In John 6 Jesus gives the beautiful Bread of Life discourse. The response by His Jewish listeners was not positive. They grumbled against Him, questioning how could Jesus, the son of Joseph the Carpenter, come down from heaven? Jesus’ reply is powerful and to the point…
John 6:44 – No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise Him up on the last day.
Later in the chapter He states,
John 6:65 – That is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.
What is Jesus saying? There was a reason the Jews could not believe in Him. They were incapable of coming to God on their own. God must draw them.
Ephesians 2:8, 9 – For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is gift of God.
Many believe that the antecedent to the gift of God in this verse is faith. In other words, faith is not something that we produce. It is something that God graciously gives to us. Our faith, our ability to believe comes directly from Him.
What a blessed truth! The salvation process begins with God, not us. He is the One that initiates. He is the One that takes the first step. Without His drawing, our depravity keeps us in our sins. Without His drawing we would never move towards Him.   He draws us, and then we respond to Him by faith.
Paul reiterates that important truth in Philippians 1:6 – And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion in the day of Jesus Christ. It is of extreme comfort and consolation to know that our salvation begins and ends with God. He began the good work and He will complete it. Earlier in John 6 Jesus stated – All that the Father gives to me will come to Me, and whoever comes to Me I will never cast out (John 6:37)
How should we respond to such a profound truth? We ought to cry out in thanks to God for His unmerited and incomprehensible gift! Salvation truly belongs to our God. (Revelation 7:10)

The question of the future state of the wicked has caused considerable debate and controversy through the years.   Such discussion not only exists between Christians and nonbelievers, but surprisingly, there is considerable difference of opinion even within the evangelical community.   There are basically five major opinions. Let me clarify each position and give a biblical response.

1. Annihilation

This belief proposes that the unsaved are punished in Hell for an established period of time. The duration of one’s sentence is determined by the seriousness and frequency of one’s sins while on earth. The individual then experiences the “second death” and ceases to exist at all in any form.
The simple truth is that there is no clear Bible verse that teaches that man will one day cease to exist. To the contrary, man’s soul was made to exist forever. Man’s choice to rebel against God did not condemn Him to a temporary existence, but rather to an eternal existence separated from God.   The same words that are used to describe the believer’s eternal existence in heaven are used to describe man’s eternal existence in Hell (Compare John 3:15 with Hebrews 6:2).

2. Universalism

Universalism is the belief that all men will eventually be saved.   This belief was first proposed by Origin who taught that the unsaved would be tortured in Hell until they are sufficiently cleansed and then accepted into heaven.   This belief was condemned as heretical in the Fifth Ecumenical Council in 553 AD. Most importantly, though, the Bible clearly refutes this belief.
Ezekiel 18:4 – Behold, all souls are mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is mine: the soul who sins shall die.
II Thessalonians 1:9 – They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His might.
Revelation 20:15 – And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

3. Purgatory

A view that is similar to Origin’s is the Catholic doctrine of Purgatory, which basically teaches the reality of a temporary Hell. Proponents of this view believe that some are so wicked that they will be sent directly to eternal condemnation. Many, though, are allowed into heaven after a period of punishment.
There is not a clear biblical passage that supports this view.  If not interpreted correctly passages such as Matthew 5:26; Luke 12:59, I Corinthians 3:12-15 could be understood to teach the existence of purgatory. But in each case the context clearly shows that is not the truth that is being conveyed.   Additionally, the Bible teaches the fact that at death the believer is immediately transported into the presence of the Lord (II Corinthians 5:8).

4. Metaphorical View

The metaphorical view teaches that Hell is a real place, but that the pain and the horrific conditions are not to be interpreted literally. In other words, the biblical descriptions of heat, bondage, darkness, thirst, worms, pain, flogging, fire, etc. are all symbolic and do not refer to literal suffering.
For many pastors and Bible teachers this is a much more palatable view. Billy Graham once said, “I have often wondered if Hell is a terrible burning in our hearts for God, a fellowship with God, a fire that can never be quenched.” Many, myself included, would love for the biblical descriptions of Hell to be symbolic. Unfortunately though, there is way too much evidence for a literal interpretation.

5. Literal View

John MacArthur says, “Though every New Testament author acknowledges the doctrine of hell, Jesus has the most to say about it. The existence of Hell wasn’t something He questioned, debated, or defended, and He certainly didn’t apologize for it. He assumed the reality of hell just as much as He did the resurrection (John 5:28, 29). Jesus viewed hell as a real place, a certainty, and so should you.”
According to Jesus, Hell is a place of unquenchable fires (Mark 9:48,49), of complete darkness (Matthew 22:13) and of weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 8:12).   Jesus further describes it as a place of never-ending torment (Luke 16:23, 24).   Jesus’ teaching about Hell is frequent and clear. He had no reason to exaggerate and He had plenty of opportunities to clarify His teaching if He felt that it was unclear. Yet, His message remained the same – Hell is a horrific place where tormenting conditions exist.
That truth should be a challenge to us. Who do you know that is not a Christ follower? Let me challenge you to do everything that you can to share the Gospel with them.   Quite frankly, the reality of Hell should drive us to share the love of Jesus with everyone!

The final question in our HCC Theological survey involves church attendance. Is it really necessary to attend church services? In previous generations such a question would not have been asked, as faithful participation in Sunday services was the norm. In today’s post-modern generation, though, everything, even religious norms are up for grabs.
Thom Rainer from Lifeway addressed this point in a recent podcast. He said, “Stated simply, the number one reason for the decline in church attendance is that members attend with less frequency than they did just a few years ago.” In other words there are not less people attending church, rather church members are attending less.
Obviously, many believers have come to the conclusion that church attendance is not necessary. They believe they can worship the Lord and be faithful in their walk whether they attend worship services or not. Is that true, though? Is worship essential for your spiritual growth?
My answer is, “Yes!” I believe that faithful church attendance is not only important, but also necessary for the individual as well as for the body of believers.   Here are several biblical reasons.

• Church attendance is commanded in Scripture – Hebrews 10:25a

The writer of the Hebrew epistle tells us to “not neglect meeting together.” Apparently, some of the believers had been absenting themselves from the church fellowship. Yet, this letter gives a clear response to such unfaithfulness. Yes, Church attendance is vital, not only for us, but for others as well.

• Church attendance results in a special manifestation of the Lord’s presence – Matthew 18:20

Whenever believers gather together and Jesus is the object of prayer, worship, praise, preaching, Communion, etc., He honors such an assembly with His divine presence. In such a gathering, Christ is able to do things in hearts that He may not do at any other time. The Bible says in Psalm 22:3 that God inhabits the praises of His people. Why would you want to miss a gathering where God was going to show up?

• Church attendance demonstrates our love for Jesus – Psalm 22:22

Going to church is a tangible expression of our love and worship to our Lord Jesus Christ. The local assembly is where we can gather with other believers to publicly bear witness of our faith. In Psalm 22:22 the psalmist wrote, “I will tell of Your name to my brothers; In the midst of the congregation I will praise You.”

• Church attendance honors the Lord’s Day – I Cor. 16:2

Unfortunately, many view Sunday as their day, their opportunity to get things done, have family activities or catch up on their rest.   I believe, though, that it is very important to have a day that is dedicated to the Lord. In the fourth commandment of the Old Testament law God set aside the seventh day of the week, Saturday, as a holy day to the Lord. “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Ex. 20:8). This was, and will always remain, the official Sabbath. However, after Jesus rose from the dead on Sunday, the early Christians began meeting together on Sunday as well as on Saturday. History demonstrates that due to the conflict that existed between orthodox Jews and Christian Jews, the Jewish Christians were eventually ostracized. They came to view Sunday as a combined observance of the Sabbath and the resurrection day of Jesus (Acts 20:7, 1 Cor. 16:2). This day of Christian worship came to be called the Lord’s Day (Rev. 1:10), a day to fellowship in celebration of the resurrection, to worship, pray and study the God’s Word together.

• Church attendance benefits others – Hebrews 10:25b

Often we view church attendance from the wrong angle. We emphasize that we don’t need it; we are strong enough to go without it. The emphasis on this verse, though, is not on what the believer gets from the assembly, but rather on what he/she can contribute to the assembly.  You might not need church, but there are church attenders that need you. How many opportunities for encouragement and for prayer do we miss because of unfaithfulness?   This verse states that your faithful attendance encourages others and provokes them to good works. We attend because of others!

• Church attendance provides accountability to spiritual leaders – Hebrews 13:7

One final piece of evidence that proves that we’re to be a part of a church fellowship is that we’re told to submit to the authority of spiritual leaders (Of course, they are subject to God’s Word). “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will one day have to give an account…” God graciously designed this system of accountability for the growth and protection of His flock.
Quite frankly, many Christians are asking the wrong question. The question should not be “is church attendance necessary, but rather, how often can I get together with my faith family?”   As we approach the Second Coming of Jesus our motivation should be to meet with fellow believers as often as possible. He is worthy of our worship!

I must confess that we were wrong.  For the past five years at HCC we have taught, preached and ministered with an imperfect objective. Now, please don’t get too alarmed! We haven’t promoted anything unbiblical, carnal or self-serving. We faithfully taught God’s Word and challenged our people to become disciples. We even dared them to become disciples. You may ask, “What is wrong with that? That certainly sounds biblical enough?” Our error was not in what we taught, but where we concluded.
Let me explain what I mean. In the process of systematically teaching Scripture and pushing our people towards biblical discipleship, we mistakenly concluded that Bible knowledge, personal holiness and spiritual maturity were the culmination of the believer’s journey. Now, don’t get me wrong, those three ingredients are extremely important. BUT, there is one significant factor that we missed – Real disciples make disciples.   To say it a different way, we emphasized the first part of Great Commandment (love God i.e. Bible knowledge, spiritual maturity) and sacrificed the second part of the great commandment and the great commission (love neighbor/make disciples). Jesus said it this way…
Matthew 6:19 – Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.
John 15:2 – Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes that it may bear more fruit.
John 15:8 – By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.
Paul taught the same truth…
II Timothy 2:2 – And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
With those verses in mind, we are going to refocus what we do. We will still systematically teach the Bible, push people towards discipleship and emphasize holiness and spiritual maturity, but with the purpose of making disciples who will reproduce what Jesus is doing in them, in the lives of others.
Here are a few simple thoughts…

1. The command to make disciples is for everyone

Please remember that the Lord’s final command was to go and “make disciples of all nations,” (Matthew 28:19).   Too often, the Great Commission is treated as if it were a mandate exclusively for pastors, missionaries or believers with the gift of evangelism. That simply is not the case. EVERY believer has been called to make disciples.
David Platt in the introduction to the book Multiply by Francis Chan echoed that thought saying, “From the start, God’s design has been for every single disciple of Jesus to make disciples, who make disciples, who make disciples.”  No believer is excluded from this task.

2. Disciple making is not complicated

Sadly, I am afraid that we have understood making disciples to be biblical instruction or some type of systematic discipleship class. Such and interpretation naturally eliminates many who do not have the gift of teaching or do not have a deep understanding of Scripture. Although, biblical understanding is necessary for one to become a believer and a disciple (Romans 10:17), a disciple maker does not have to be a Bible teacher. As a matter of fact, often the best disciplers are just ordinary believers.

3. You can make disciples!

As we stated above, disciple making doesn’t require a theological degree or an ordination certificate. Anyone can be a disciple maker. Here are few simple steps that you can follow to help you fulfill God’s disciple making plan.

• Begin with the people you know

Often we view evangelism and discipleship as awkwardly reaching out to someone we do not know.   Obviously, there are times that we should share our faith with strangers, but the greatest opportunity for disciple making is with those who we know the best.   God has placed you in a family, in a job environment and with friends for a purpose. They are potential disciples of Jesus.

• Spend time with them

Simply speaking, one of the best tools for discipleship is companionship. By that I mean that spending time with the person you are discipling is one of the best ways to influence their life with the Gospel. Jesus understood this principle. Mark 3:14 states, “And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach.” In other words, Jesus selected the Twelve Disciples to spend time with Him.
For 3 1/2 years Jesus and His disciples spent an incredible amount of time together. They traveled together, ate together, relaxed together, conversed together and ministered together. It was their time with Jesus that confirmed their faith in His person and mission.   The truth is that you and I can only influence a person’s life in direct proportion to the amount of time that we spend with them.

• Live out the principles of the Gospel

In I Corinthians 11:1 Paul said, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” Paul’s godly demeanor, patient reactions, and persistent faith were a powerful example to all around him. Therefore, he could encourage others to imitate the changes that the Holy Spirit was producing in him. That, my friends, is the best way to disciple.
How about you? Are you living in a way that points others to Jesus? Do your vocabulary, attitude and actions naturally demonstrate the truths of the Gospel? Who do you know that you can begin to spend time with, prayer with and encourage in their spiritual walk?   Let’s not only be passionate followers of Jesus, but let’s be committed to be disciples that make disciples.

Our society is becoming increasingly more isolated.  Modern technology has played a huge role in our relational disconnect. Garages protect us from having to see and speak to our neighbors. Air conditioners keep us behind closed doors. And television and social media keep us occupied. Quite frankly, we can literally live years without actually meeting the people that live next door to us.  We no longer feel as if we need so much human interaction.
If we are not careful, it is easy to bring that same mentality into the Church. Many love the anonymity of a large congregation. They shy away from small groups. To arrive late and leave early is the “MO” of many believers. Yet, that is not the way that God created us.
From the very beginning God designed man with the need to be in the company of others.   That truth is first seen in Genesis 2:18 when God says, “It is not good for man to be alone.”   It is in the fellowship with other believers that we find the encouragement, accountability and support that we desperately need.
The phrase that Paul uses to describe the believer’s mutual relationship is “one another”. Although “one another” is two words in English, it is only one word in Greek (ἀλλήλων). It is found 100 times in 94 New Testament verses.  One third of the time it speaks of unity and one third of the time it speaks of the believer’s love for one another.   15% of the time it speaks of humility and deference to one another.  The simple truth that Paul understood and communicated to his readers is that the Christian life must be lived with ONE ANOTHER.

• Be patient with one another (Mark 9:50)
• Love one another (John 13:34; 15:12; Romans 13:8)
• Welcome one another (Romans 15:7)
• Serve one another (Galatians 5:13)
• Confess your sins to one another (James 5:16)

Honestly, it is hard to practice the ONE ANOTHER life in a church our size. It is impossible to have a conversation with 600 people. Statistics show that no matter how large the church, the average member only knows a little more than 50 people. Thus, our challenge is to make a big church small. That is why LIFE GROUPS are so important. It is in LIFE GROUPS that the ONE ANOTHER principle is lived out.
At HCC our LIFE GROUPS have three goals.

• Life Groups facilitate Christian fellowship

The simple truth is that you don’t have to know everyone in the church as long as you know somebody in the church.  LIFE GROUPS provide friendship, camaraderie and accountability. They connect you with people that are struggling with the same battles that you face and rejoice in similar victories.   In short, LIFE GROUPS provide you with Christian friends that will encourage you in your walk with the Lord.

• Life Groups facilitate spiritual growth

In other words, spiritual growth takes place in small groups. There is something unique and powerful about studying God’s Word in a small group setting. In the worship service you sit and listen to the Pastor, while in small groups you sit and share with each other. Small groups allow for biblical truth to come alive in a way that is powerfully different than the worship experience.   Both are necessary for spiritual growth.

• Life Groups facilitate Christian Service

LIFE GROUPS spur one another to service. It makes perfect sense to do ministry with the same group of people with whom you are growing in your spiritual walk.   Such ministry opportunities provide the perfect environment to put into practice the spiritual truths that you are learning.   Not only that, but it makes Christian service fun. It is so much fun to be able to serve the Lord and others with those whom you know and love the best.
So, are you involved in a LIFE GROUP? If not, you are missing out on a HUGE blessing. Don’t be an anonymous, isolated believer. Let me challenge you to find a LIFE GROUP with believers who can pour into your life. I promise your life will never be the same.