Psalm 066

Introduction Like Psalm 65, Psalm 66 is a psalm of thanksgiving to the Lord. In both psalms, God is to praised. In both psalms, he's to be praised in the temple. And in both psalms he's to be praised in the temple for his awesome deeds. However, whereas the focus of Psalm 65 is on … Continue reading Psalm 066 →

Psalm 065

Introduction So, we've reached Psalm 65 which is a psalm of thanksgiving to the Lord. The psalm can be divided into three parts: verses 1 to 4; verses 5 to 8; and verses 9 to 13. In the first part, David praises the Lord who forgives sins. In the second part, he praises the Lord … Continue reading Psalm 065 →

Psalm 064

Introduction Psalm 64 is yet another lamentation in which the psalmist cries out to the Lord for help because of the trouble he's in. Many of the psalms thus far have been lamentations. In fact, this is how one of the commentators begins his commentary on Psalm 64: By this point in the Psalter we … Continue reading Psalm 064 →

Psalm 063

Introduction Some of the commentators suggest that this psalm is another lamentation. A lamentation -- I've been saying -- is a psalm in which the psalmist cries to the Lord for help because of the trouble he's in. And certainly the psalmist is in trouble. We know that from the title, which tells us that … Continue reading Psalm 063 →

Psalm 062

Introduction Psalm 62 is another psalm for troubled times, because in this psalm David reminds us to trust in the Lord at all times, because he alone is our rock and salvation, our fortress and refuge. He is powerful; and therefore he's able to help And he loves his people with a steadfast love; and … Continue reading Psalm 062 →

1 Kings 21

Introduction I want to begin today, not in 1 Kings, but in the book of Deuteronomy. In that book of the Bible we have the word of the Lord to his people, who were preparing to enter the Promised Land for the very first time. And the Lord gave them various instructions and laws and … Continue reading 1 Kings 21 →

1 Kings 20

Introduction The last three chapters of 1 Kings focussed on Elijah the prophet. So, we were introduced to him in chapter 17 where he announced to King Ahab that there would be no rain in the next few years except at God's command. And then Elijah went away and hid, first in the Kerith Ravine, … Continue reading 1 Kings 20 →

1 Kings 19

Introduction Before I went on holiday we studied 1 Kings 18 together and the story of the trial at Mount Carmel between Elijah and the prophets of Baal, when they set up two altars and Elijah invited the prophets of Baal to go first and to call on Baal to send fire on their altar. … Continue reading 1 Kings 19 →

1 Kings 18

Introduction We were introduced to Elijah in chapter 17, which we studied last week. However, it wasn't much of an introduction, because Elijah appeared suddenly, unexpectedly, out of the blue. We weren't told very much at all about his background and we don’t have an origin story for him, the way we do for other … Continue reading 1 Kings 18 →

Philippians 2(19)–3(11)

2:19--30 Today's passage begins with Paul referring to Timothy and Epaphroditus. Timothy was one of Paul's co-workers who used to accompany him on his missionary journeys; and he's mentioned in the book of Acts and in most of Paul's letters. And then, at some point, Paul left Timothy in Ephesus to oversee the work there. … Continue reading Philippians 2(19)–3(11) →