The Word for Today with Ray

Tuesday, October 3, 2023

The Steps of a Good Man - Psalms 37:23

In Psalms chapter thirty seven David said, “But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away. The wicked borrows, and pays not again: but the righteous shows mercy, and gives. For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off”, and in chapter thirty seven and verse twenty-three of Psalms David said, “the steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD” where we read,

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delights in his way.

The verse begins, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD:” David began with the words, “the steps” or “the goings and course of life” “of a good man” which means “belonging to a strong, valiant and mighty person whether male or female” “are ordered” or “are made firm, stable and established” “by the LORD” which means “through the means of Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name of the One True God”. David said the course of life for a person who is valiant and mighty is directed by Jehovah God.

The verse goes on to say, “and he delights in his way.” David continued with the words, “and he delights” or “and he, Jehovah God, bends down, takes pleasure and is pleased” “in his way” which means “within the good man's journey, manner, path and direction”. David wrote how Jehovah God takes pleasure in the journey and direction of a “good” person.

When we think through the words in this verse, we see through David how the manner of living of people who are strong and valiant is directed by Jehovah God, and He takes pleasure in the way they live. God is for us, and He loves us. He desires to have an intimate personal relationship with every person through His Son Jesus, and when we surrender to Jesus, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and guide our “steps” by His Holy Spirit. (See John 16:11) In other words, all praise and glory is to be given to Jehovah God for not only saving our lives, but also for helping us live in a manner that gives Him pleasure. (See Revelation 4:11)

Next time David says, “though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down”, 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".

Such as the LORD Blesses - Psalms 37:22

In Psalms chapter thirty seven David said, “But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away. The wicked borrows, and pays not again: but the righteous shows mercy, and gives”, and in chapter thirty seven and verse twenty-two of Psalms David said, “such as be blessed of him shall inherit the land” where we read,

For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.

The verse begins, “For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth;” David began with the words, “For such as be blessed of him” or “because, since and on account that people who are praised and saluted by Jehovah God” “shall inherit the earth” or “will take possession of, seize and occupy the country, region, territory, ground and world”. David said people who are “righteous” before Jehovah God will be saluted by Him to take possession of the world.

The verse continues, “and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.” David added the words, “and they that be cursed of him” or “and they, the people who are wicked, who are slighted, abated, trifled and deemed of little worth by him, Jehovah God” “shall be cut off” which means “will be beheaded, hewn down, destroyed and taken away”. David said people who are slighted and deemed of little worth by Jehovah God will be hewn down, destroyed and taken away.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through David the fate of people who are “righteous” and those who are deemed of little worth to Jehovah God. “Righteous” people will possess the world, and people who are “wicked” will be destroyed. Jesus Christ makes the difference as to which group we find ourselves. “There is none righteous, no, not one” wrote Paul the apostle, (See Romans 3:10) and he added, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God”. (See Romans 3:23) In other words, all people are considered “wicked” and condemned until they receive Jesus Christ as their personal “Savior and Lord”. (See John 3:17) When we trust in, rely upon and cling to Jesus who died on the cross for our sins, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and allow us to “inherit” His world. However, should we refuse and reject God's invitation to come to Him through Jesus, we remain aligned with the “wicked” and “deemed of little worth” and woe be to the destruction and ruin that shall fall upon them.

Next time David says, “the steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Monday, October 2, 2023

Borrowing and Not Repaying - Psalms 37:21

In Psalms chapter thirty seven David said, “the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away”, and in chapter thirty seven and verse twenty-one of Psalms David said, “the wicked borrows, and pays not again” where we read,

The wicked borrows, and pays not again: but the righteous shows mercy, and gives.

The verse begins, “The wicked borrows, and pays not again:” David began with the words, “the wicked borrows” or “the people who are criminal, guilty of sin, ungodly and hostile to God and man join, attend and cleave to acquire, get and accept”, “and pays not again” or “but does not make good, requite, recompense or restore”. David said people who are evil and hostile to God and men do not repay that which they have acquired from others.

The verse continues, “but the righteous shows mercy, and gives.” David added the words, “but the righteous” or “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover people who are just, right, correct and lawful” “shows mercy” which means “favors, is gracious, pities and grants”, “and gives” or “and grants, bestows, ascribes, devotes, consecrates and lends”. David shared the contrast between people who are “right and correct” before Jehovah God with those who are “wicked”, and he told of their character of favor and giving verses “borrowing” and not “repaying” that which was received.

When we consider the words in this verse, we see how David addressed the spirit within “wicked” people verses “righteous” ones. “Wicked” people receive things from others and never have a mind to return or repay that which they accepted. “Righteous” people have a spirit of “mercy” or “favor” toward others and are looking for opportunities to “give” to them. God is a “merciful” and “giving” God, and He wants people to be like Him. He “gave” His Son Jesus to be crucified for the sins of the world, and anyone who believes and trusts in Him as their personal “Savior and Lord” will be forgiven of their sins and granted everlasting life with God. This is the ultimate gift, and if we desire to be like God, we must humble ourselves, receive Jesus as our “Savior” and allow Him to work His spirit in us so that we show favor and grace as we “give” to others in need.

Next time David says, “such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

The Wicked Will Perish - Psalms 37:20

In Psalms chapter thirty seven David said, “The LORD knows the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever. They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied”, and in chapter thirty seven and verse twenty of Psalms David said, “the wicked shall perish” where we read,

But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD shall be as the fat of lambs:

they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away.

The verse begins, “But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD shall be as the fat of lambs:” David began with the words, “but the wicked” or “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover people who are criminal, guilty of sin, ungodly and hostile to God and man” “shall perish” which means “will vanish, go astray, be destroyed and exterminated”, “and the enemies” or “and the hating foes and adversaries” “of the LORD” which means “toward Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God” “shall be as the fat of lambs” or “will exist as the valuable, bright, clear, costly and excellent part of the howdah, palanquin, basket saddle, pasture and meadow lambs”. David said people who are ungodly and evil will be destroyed, and His hating foes and adversaries would be likened unto the “fat of lambs” or a pasture.

The verse goes on to say, “they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away.” David continued with the words, “they shall consume” or “they, the wicked, will cease, end, fail, finish and be complete and destroyed”; “into smoke shall they consume away” which means “into a vapor, dust or smoking anger they, the wicked, will cease, end, fail, finish and be complete and destroyed”. David said people who are “wicked” will be like a smoking vapor or dust that ceases, finishes and is destroyed.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn through David how the time for the “wicked” to prosper is limited. Rather than continue in their pernicious ways forever, the “wicked” will be diminished and destroyed. God knows the hearts and minds of every person, and because “there is none righteous, no, not one” (See Romans 3:10), everyone is in need to be forgiven and cleansed of their sinful ways. God sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind, and He raised Him from the dead three days later so all who believe in Him may obtain forgiveness of sins and everlasting life with Him. God loves us, and when we submit to Him, we may be assured that He not only will “consume” every wrong we have ever committed, but also that He will contend with every “wicked” person who refuses and rejects His invitation to receive Him as “Savior and Lord”.

Next time David says, “the wicked borrows, and pays not again”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Sunday, October 1, 2023

Not Ashamed in the Evil Time - Psalms 37:19

In Psalms chapter thirty seven David said, “The LORD knows the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever”, and in chapter thirty seven and verse nineteen of Psalms David said, “they shall not be ashamed in the evil time” where we read,

They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.

The verse begins, “They shall not be ashamed in the evil time:” David began with the words, “they shall not be ashamed” or “they, the upright, will in no way exist as disconcerted, disappointed and confounded” “in the evil time” or “within the bad, disagreeable, malignant, unpleasant and miserable periods, experiences, occurrences and occasions”. David said people who are “upright” will not be disconcerted or disappointed in unpleasant and miserable experiences and occasions.

The verse continues, “and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.” David added the words, “and in the days of famine” or “and within the periods, experiences, occurrences and occasions pertaining to hunger and lack of food” “they shall be satisfied” which means “they, the upright, will be sated, fulfilled, surfeited and enriched”. David wrote how people who are “upright” would be fulfilled and enriched whenever lack of food and hunger arose in their lives.

When we meditate upon words in this verse, we learn through David how people who are “upright” would not be disappointed or confounded whenever unpleasant and miserable periods arose in their lives, and when there was a “famine” or lack of food, they would be fulfilled and enriched. The idea is that Jehovah God would provide for people who practice righteousness and are lawful, and regardless of their conditions or occasions, they will receive His supply. Paul the apostle wrote, “my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (See Philippians 4:19), and when we surrender our lives to Jesus as our personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life with Him and supply whatever we need when the occasion arises.

Next time David says, “the wicked shall perish”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

The LORD Knows the Upright's Days - Psalms 37:18

In Psalms chapter thirty seven David said, “A little that a righteous man has is better than the riches of many wicked. For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholds the righteous”, and in chapter thirty seven and verse eighteen of Psalms David said, “the LORD knows the days of the upright” where we read,

The LORD knows the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever.

The verse begins, “The LORD knows the days of the upright:” David began with the words, “the LORD” or “Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name of the One True God” “knows the days” or “perceives, sees, discerns, distinguishes and considers the sunrises to sunsets” “of the upright” which means “belonging to people who are complete, entire, sound, healthful, wholesome, unimpaired and innocent”. David said Jehovah God is aware of the time periods belonging to people who are wholesome and innocent.

The verse goes on to say, “and their inheritance shall be for ever.” David continues the words, “and their inheritance” or “and the possession, property, inheritance, heritage and portion of the upright” “shall be for ever” which means “will exist throughout a long duration, evermore, perpetually and unto continuous existence”. David said the possession and inheritance of the “upright” will exist for all eternity.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn through David how Jehovah God is well aware of the time people who are “upright” will live, and His promise is that their possessions will endure perpetually. God's desire is to give every person the gift of eternal salvation and rewards that will last forevermore. He sent His Son Jesus to be crucified on the cross for the sins of all mankind, and when we surrender our lives to Him, He will forgive our sins and grant us everlasting life with Him. Let us pursue a personal relationship with Jehovah God through His Son Jesus Christ and invite Him to bless us with all spiritual blessings that last for all eternity. (See Ephesians 1:3)

Next time David says, “they shall not be ashamed in the evil time”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

The Arms of the Wicked - Psalms 37:17

In Psalms chapter thirty seven David said, “The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation. Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken. A little that a righteous man has is better than the riches of many wicked”, and in chapter thirty seven and verse seventeen of Psalms David said, “the arms of the wicked shall be broken” where we read,

For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholds the righteous.

The verse begins, “For the arms of the wicked shall be broken:” David began with the words, “for the arms” or “because, since and on account of the physical arms consisting of the forearm, shoulder, forces and strength” “of the wicked” or “belonging to people who are criminal, evil, ungodly, morally wrong and hostile to God and others” “shall be broken” which means “will break in pieces, rupture, be maimed, crippled and wrecked”. David said the physical “arms” of “evil people” which are used for force and strength would be crippled, wrecked and maimed.

The verse continues, “but the LORD upholds the righteous.” David added the words, “but the LORD” or “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God” “upholds the righteous” which means “supports, leans against, sustains, braces, refreshes and revives people who are correct, lawful and right”. David said Jehovah God supports and sustains people who are correct and lawful.

When we consider words in this verse, we see through David how Jehovah God defends the “righteous” against people who are evil and ungodly. God made the arms of people, and He can easily “break” them whenever they intend to use them in an “evil” manner against the just and lawful. In other words, God protects His own. God desires to have a personal relationship with every person, and when we submit ourselves to His Son Jesus, He will forgive our sins and grant us everlasting life with Him. Let us give praise, honor and glory to Jehovah God who “supports and sustains” us when we surrender our lives to His Son Jesus, and we may yield the breaking of the “arms” of people who commit “wickedness” to Him.

Next time David says, “the LORD knows the days of the upright”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…