The Word for Today with Ray: June 2023

Friday, June 30, 2023

If I Rewarded Evil for Peace - Psalms 7:4

In Psalms chapter seven David wrote, “O LORD my God, in you do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me. Lest he tear my soul like a lion, rending it in pieces, while there is none to deliver. O LORD my God, if I have done this; if there be iniquity in my hands;”, and in chapter seven and verse four of Psalms David added, “If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me;” where we read,

If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me;

(yes, I have delivered him that without cause is my enemy:)

The verse begins, “If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me;” David began with the words, “If I have rewarded” which means “whether and in case I, David, have recompensed or repaid bad, unkindness and wickedness” “unto him that was at peace” or “to a person who was in a covenant of soundness, safety and friendly” “with me” which means “alongside and beside me, David”. David presented another possibility that he may have “repaid” a person with unkindness and wickedness when they were in a peaceful and calm relationship with him.

The verse continues, “(yes, I have delivered him that without cause is my enemy:)” David parenthetically added the words, “(yes, I have delivered him” or “even so and indeed I, David, invigorated, set free and presented a person” “that without cause” which means “who not having any reason, vainly and without effect” “is my enemy” or “exists as my, David's, foe and adversary”). David parenthetically added the possibility that he may have plundered an “enemy” without a reason or cause.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn how David listed several possibilities for the reason the person opposed to him was persecuting him. He thought he may have returned “wickedness” or betrayed a person who was living calmly with him, or perhaps he had plundered his “enemy” without a reason for doing so. God was able to help David because all people were as “enemies” against Him with sin in their lives, and He still sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind. Three days later Jesus was resurrected from the dead, and anyone who yield to Him will be forgiven of their sins and granted everlasting life. God knows when we are guilty of causing our difficulties and when they arise from other people or circumstances. In either case, He is willing to be our “Savior and LORD”, and as we give Him praise for rescuing us from eternal separation from Him, we may appeal to Him anytime we have difficulties with others.

Next time David declares, “let the enemy persecute my soul”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

If I Have Done This - Psalms 7:3

In Psalms chapter seven David wrote, “O LORD my God, in you do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me. Lest he tear my soul like a lion, rending it in pieces, while there is none to deliver”, and in chapter seven and verse three of Psalms David added, “O LORD my God, if I have done this” where we read,

O LORD my God, if I have done this; if there be iniquity in my hands;

The verse begins, “O LORD my God, if I have done this;” David began with the words, “O LORD” which means “One Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God” “my God” or “my, David's, supreme being or Deity”, “if I have done this” which means “whether and in case I, David, performed, made ready and produced the reason for the person persecuting him”. David cried out to Jehovah God with the possibility that he caused the person to “persecute” him.

The verse goes on to say, “if there be iniquity in my hands;” David continued with the words, “if there be iniquity” or “whether and in case there exists injustice, unrighteousness and wrong” “in my hands” which means “within my, David's, physical hands”. David added that he might have performed some sort of wickedness or evil with his own physical hands.

When we consider the words in this verse, we see how David cried out to the LORD God and presented before Him the possibility that he caused the troubles he was experiencing. Sometimes we face foes that were our own fault, and other times they were not. God wants to have a personal relationship with every person through His Son Jesus, and when they humble themselves, repent of their sins and receive Jesus into their hearts and lives, they shall have Him as their advocate when “persecutors” come. Let us make our appeal to the LORD as we yield to His Son Jesus, and when we do, may we live in expectation that He will help us whether or not we are to blame for our difficulties.

Next time David adds, “If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me;”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Soul Torn Like a Lion - Psalms 7:2

In Psalms chapter seven David wrote, “O LORD my God, in you do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me”, and in chapter seven and verse two of Psalms David added, “Lest he tear my soul like a lion” where we read,

Lest he tear my soul like a lion, rending it in pieces, while there is none to deliver.

The verse begins, “Lest he tear my soul like a lion, ...” David began with the words, “Lest he tear my soul” which means “except and unless the person who persecutes David, rend, pluck and surely catch David's, desires, emotions and passions” “like a lion” or “similar to and in likeness to a wild lion”. David shared how he was concerned that the one persecuting him would rend and rip out the core of his emotions and passions.

The verse continues, “rending it in pieces, while there is none to deliver.” David added the words, “rending it in pieces” or “tearing or ripping up David's soul into broken fragments”, “while there is none” which means “during the time when no one is available” “to deliver” or “to rescue and save”. David said if God did not rescue him, the one who persecuted his soul would rip and rend him into fragments and “pieces”.

When we think through the words in this verse, David needed the LORD to save him. God desires to “save” every person from eternal damnation, and when they yield themselves to His Son Jesus, they will be forgiven of their sins and granted everlasting life. We have an opportunity to have an intimate personal relationship with Jesus, and we may bring all our enemies and troubles to Him. God makes Himself available to us to receive what we need whatever the case may be. We are able to praise the LORD and give Him honor and glory for this example of David, and may we follow his ways of making our appeals to the LORD who will demonstrate His care when others oppose us.

Next time David says, “O LORD my God, if I have done this”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Save Me from Persecutors - Psalms 7:1

Psalms chapter seven begins with the heading, “[[Shiggaion of David, which he sang unto the LORD, concerning the words of Cush the Benjamite.]] which breaks down as follows: “Shiggaion” which means “a rambling poem or song” “of David” which means “belonging to David whose name means beloved and was the second king of Israel”, “which he sang unto the LORD” or “that he, David, sung to Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God”, “concerning the words” which means “on the grounds of, basis of, account of and because of the utterance, speaking and communications” “of Cush the Benjamite” or “belonging to Cush whose name means black and was from the tribe of Benjamin whose name means a son of the right hand”, and in Psalms chapter seven and verse one David said, “save me from all them that persecute me” where we read,

O LORD my God, in you do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me:

The verse begins, “O LORD my God, in you do I put my trust:” David began with the words, “O LORD” which means “O Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God” “my God” or “my, David's, ruler, judge and supreme One”, “in you do I put my trust” which means “within you, Jehovah , place I, David's, refuge, protection, hope and confidence”. David told Jehovah God that his “hope, faith and confidence” was within Him.

The verse goes on to say, “save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me:” David continued with the words, “save me” or “rescue, liberate and deliver me, David” “from all them” which means “separate and apart from each, every, the whole and everyone of the people” “that persecute me” or “who pursue, harass and chase me, David”, “and deliver me” which means “and snatch away, rescue, preserve and recover me, David”. David asked Jehovah to rescue and preserve him from every person who harassed and troubled him.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we discover how David had another adversary for which he placed his hope and confidence within the LORD God. It is uncertain whether this Psalm was written by David when he was being chased by Saul which could have been the reference to “Cush the Benjamite” or whether there was a foe actually named “Cush” for whom David was concerned. Whatever the case, David appealed to Jehovah God to rescue and liberate him from every person who was harassing him. Because David trusted in the LORD, he was able to freely ask Him for His defense and protection. God wants an intimate relationship with every person, and He sent His Son Jesus to die for the sins of all mankind so they may be forgiven and free to appeal to Him. God is our defense, security and Savior, and through His Son Jesus we can appeal to Him whenever anyone comes against us in a harassing way.

Next time David adds, “Lest he tear my soul like a lion”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Enemies Ashamed and Sore Vexed - Psalms 6:10

In Psalms chapter six David wrote, “I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears. My eye is consumed because of grief; it waxes old because of all my enemies. Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity; for the LORD has heard the voice of my weeping. The LORD has heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer”, and in Psalms chapter six and verse ten David wrote, “let all my enemies be ashamed and sore vexed” where we read,

Let all my enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly.

The verse begins, “Let all my enemies be ashamed and sore vexed:” David began with the words, “Let all my enemies” which means “allow and permit each, every, the whole and everyone of my, David's, foes and adversaries” “be ashamed” or “feel shame, be disconcerted, disappointed and confounded” “and sore vexed” which means “and exceedingly, abundantly and greatly disturbed, alarmed, terrified, anxious, afraid and nervous”. David asked the LORD to allow every one of his foes and adversaries to feel shame and be fearful and terrified.

The verse continues, “let them return and be ashamed suddenly.” David added the words, “let them return” or “allow and permit David's enemies to turn and go back” “and be ashamed” which means “and feel shame, be disconcerted, disappointed and confounded” “suddenly” or “instantly or in a moment's time”. David asked the LORD to turn back his enemies from where they came and to be instantly disappointed and confounded.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we see how David went to the LORD with his “enemies”. He had his idea about what God should do with them, and he wanted the LORD to take vengeance upon them. (See Romans 12:19 and Deuteronomy 32:35) David wanted his “foes” to feel shame, be disturbed, terrified and go back from where they came with instant disappointment. We know God loves people, and He proved it by sending His Son Jesus to die on the cross for the sins of the world. When we yield our lives to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and be our defense against anyone who becomes our foe. Let us learn from David and allow the LORD to deal with those who oppose us, and hear the words of Jesus, “love your enemies” (See Matthew 5:44 and Luke 6:35) while He deals with them according to His Divine will.

Next time we begin a new Psalm where David says, “save me from all them that persecute me”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Thursday, June 29, 2023

The LORD has Heard - Psalms 6:9

In Psalms chapter six David wrote, “I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears. My eye is consumed because of grief; it waxes old because of all my enemies. Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity; for the LORD has heard the voice of my weeping”, and in chapter six and verse nine David wrote, “the LORD has heard my supplication” where we read,

The LORD has heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer.

The verse begins with the words, “The LORD has heard my supplication;” David began with the words, “The LORD” which means “Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God” “has heard” or “has listened, given heed to and granted” “my supplication” which means “my, David's, favor, grace and entreaty”. David shared how Jehovah graciously listened to his cause and entreaty.

The verse goes on to say, “the LORD will receive my prayer.” David continued with the words, “the LORD” or “Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God” “will receive my prayer” which means “will take, lay hold of, seize, acquire and be captured by my, David's, intercession, supplication and by implication David's song”. David wrote how Jehovah would lay hold of and seize his supplication and song.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how David understood that God listened to his intercession, and he knew Jehovah would lay hold of his supplication. God desires to listen to people when they yield themselves to His Son Jesus, and He sent Jesus to grant access to mankind to relate to Him. When we surrender our lives to Jesus, He will forgive our sins and grant us everlasting life. Then when we encounter troubles caused by ourselves or others, we may cry out to God who will “hear” our prayers and take them upon Himself. God will forgive the sins of every person who yields to His Son Jesus, and He will give them eternal life and access to Him for whatever they encounter. Let us give praise and honor to the God who hears and has the answer to every prayer we bring before His throne of grace.

Next time David says, “let all my enemies be ashamed and sore vexed”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Depart Workers of Iniquity - Psalms 6:8

In Psalms chapter six David wrote, “I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears. My eye is consumed because of grief; it waxes old because of all my enemies”, and in chapter six and verse eight of Psalms David wrote, “Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity” where we read,

Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity; for the LORD has heard the voice of my weeping.

The verse begins with the words, “Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity;” David began with the words, “Depart from me” which means “turn aside, be removed, taken away and abolished apart and separate from me, David”, “all you workers” or “each, every, the whole and everyone of you who make, practice and commit” “of iniquity” which means “trouble, wickedness, sorrow and idolatry”. David commanded every one of the people who practice and commit trouble and wickedness to be removed from him.

The verse continues, “for the LORD has heard the voice of my weeping.” David added the words, “for the LORD” or “because, since and on account that Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name of the One True God” “has heard the voice” which means “has listened, consented to and granted audience to the sound and tone” “of my weeping” or “pertaining to my, David's, sore overflowing and continual tears” . David proclaimed that Jehovah God listened to his sorrow and tear filled words.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn how David was able to instruct the “producers of wickedness” to leave him because Jehovah God listened to him when he poured out his sorrowful words before Him. Many times other people and our own hearts will condemn us, but God is greater than them both. (See 1 John 3:20) God wants to hear from us, and He loves when we cry out to Him for salvation and rescue. He sent His Son Jesus to die on the cross for the sins of the whole world, and when we submit to Him, we receive forgiveness and eternal life from Him. Let us give praise, honor and glory to the LORD God who listens to us when we confront enemies both without and within.

Next time David says, “the LORD has heard my supplication”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…