Savior

A Sheep’s Journey Through Psalms -68

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Psalm 68: Celebrating Our Triumphant God

Dear friend in Christ, as we open our hearts to Psalm 68, we’re invited into a vibrant song of praise penned by David. This psalm bursts with energy, painting God as the mighty Warrior, compassionate Father, and ultimate Savior. From a Christian perspective, it echoes the victory of Jesus Christ over sin and death, reminding us of His ascension and the gifts He pours out on His people (as Paul references in Ephesians 4:8). Let’s walk through this psalm, section by section, allowing its truths to warm our souls and draw us closer to the Lord. May it inspire you to rejoice in God’s unchanging character today.

God’s Triumphant Rise and Care for the Vulnerable (Verses 1-6)

The psalm opens with a powerful invocation: “May God arise, may his enemies be scattered; may his foes flee before him” (v. 1). Here, David calls upon God to act decisively against evil, likening the wicked to smoke blown away or wax melting in fire (v. 2). Yet, amid this judgment, the righteous are called to “be glad and rejoice before God” (v. 3), finding joy in His presence.

What a comforting picture! God isn’t distant—He rides on the clouds, worthy of our songs (v. 4). As Christians, we see this as a foreshadowing of Christ’s return in glory. But notice the tenderness: God is “a father to the fatherless, a defender of widows” (v. 5), placing the lonely in families and leading prisoners out with singing (v. 6). If you’re feeling isolated or burdened today, let this warm your heart—our Heavenly Father sees you and provides a spiritual family in the church. He turns rebellion’s barrenness into abundant life through Jesus.

God’s Faithful Provision in the Wilderness (Verses 7-10)

David recalls Israel’s history: “When you, God, went out before your people, when you marched through the wilderness” (v. 7), the earth shook, and heavens poured rain (v. 8). God refreshed His weary inheritance with showers and bounty, providing for the poor (vv. 9-10). This echoes the Exodus, where God led with a pillar of cloud and fire, sustaining His people. For us in Christ, it’s a reminder that Jesus is our Good Shepherd, guiding us through life’s deserts. When trials feel overwhelming, remember: God doesn’t just rescue; He refreshes and restores. Lean into His provision—He who gave manna in the wilderness gives us the Bread of Life (John 6:35).

Victory Proclaimed and Shared (Verses 11-14)

“The Lord announces the word, and the women who proclaim it are a mighty throng” (v. 11). Kings flee, and even at home, the spoils are divided (v. 12). Poetic imagery follows: doves with silver wings amid scattered kings like snow on Zalmon (vv. 13-14). This celebrates God’s conquests, where victory is so complete that even the resting share in it. In Christ, we proclaim the ultimate victory—the cross defeated sin, and the resurrection scattered death’s forces. What joy! Whether you’re in the fray or at rest, God’s triumph is yours to share. Let this encourage you to tell others of His goodness.

God’s Majestic Reign and Ascension (Verses 15-18)

Mount Bashan envies the mountain God chooses (vv. 15-16), but God’s chariots are countless as He comes from Sinai to His sanctuary (v. 17). “When you ascended on high, you took many captives; you received gifts from people, even from the rebellious” (v. 18).This verse is quoted in Ephesians 4:8 regarding Christ’s ascension, where He led captives (us from sin) and gave gifts to His church. How warming to know our Lord ascended victoriously, pouring out the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts! No matter your struggles, God’s reign is eternal—He dwells with us forever.

God Our Burden-Bearer and Savior (Verses 19-23)

“Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens” (v. 19). He saves from death and crushes enemies (vv. 20-21), promising to bring foes low (vv. 22-23). In Jesus, this finds fulfillment—He bore our burdens on the cross, saving us from eternal death. If heaviness weighs on you, cast it on Him (1 Peter 5:7). Our God isn’t just powerful; He’s personal, daily sustaining us with grace.

The Joyful Procession of Worship (Verses 24-27)

David envisions a procession: singers, musicians, young women with timbrels, tribes like Benjamin and Judah praising in the assembly (vv. 24-27).This foreshadows the church’s worship, where all nations gather before the Lamb (Revelation 7:9). Join the parade! In your daily life, let praise flow—it’s a warm invitation to experience God’s presence collectively.

A Call for God’s Power and Global Submission (Verses 28-31)

“Summon your power, God; show us your strength” (v. 28). Kings bring gifts to the temple; beasts are rebuked, nations humbled (vv. 29-30). Egypt and Cush submit (v. 31). From a Christian lens, this points to the gospel’s spread—nations bowing to King Jesus. Pray for His kingdom to come, and find warmth in knowing His power works in you too, strengthening His people.

Universal Praise to the Awesome God (Verses 32-35)

“Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth” (v. 32), to Him who rides the heavens and thunders (v. 33). “Proclaim the power of God… You, God, are awesome in your sanctuary” (vv. 34-35).The psalm crescendos in praise, affirming God’s majesty over Israel and strength to His people. As believers, we echo this: Praise be to God! In Christ, we’ve tasted this power through the Spirit.

Beloved, Psalm 68 isn’t just ancient poetry—it’s a living declaration of God’s heart for you. Let it warm your devotion, stirring gratitude for Jesus, our ascended King. May you rise today, scattering doubts, rejoicing in His care.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, arise in our lives! Thank You for being our Defender, Provider, and Savior through Christ. Help us proclaim Your victory and live in Your strength. Amen.

40 Days of Praise — Day 39

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So I am one day off due to missing a day last week. I intended to finish on Resurrection Sunday. Today then will be a two- for-one. A post this morning, then an Easter post this afternoon. Enjoy.

MORE ABOUT JESUS by Eliza Hewitt

More about Jesus would I know, More of His grace to others show

More of His saving fullness see, More of His love Who died for me

More about Jesus let me learn, More of His holy will discern

Spirit of God, my teacher be; Showing the things of Christ to me

More about Jesus in His Word, Holding communion with my Lord

Hearing His voice in every line, Making each faithful saying mine

More about Jesus on His throne, Riches in glory all His own

More of His kingdom’s sure increase, More of His coming, Prince of Peace

REFRAIN:

More, more about Jesus, More, more about Jesus

More of His saving fullness see, More of His love who died for me

           To learn more about Jesus everyday should be the desire of each of us. No matter how much I study and how much I learn, I have only scratched the surface of knowing Him. I desire to know more about Him. I am glad that eternity means forever, because that is how long I anticipate it taking to even begin knowing Him.

            In learning more about Him, I will come to understand what He means when I am given direction by Him. I will be able to discern His will more clearly and obey Him more completely. I will come to understand His Words revealed in the Scriptures, written for our guidance.

            One of the greatest ways to learn more of Him is to talk to Him, through prayer, each day. It is in conversing with Him that we learn to hear His voice. We also read of Him in the Bible, so that we can compare what it says to what we hear, to make sure we are hearing His voice and not an imposters.

            Another reason I desire to learn more about Him is to be able to show others I know, whom I care about, what He is like. I long to show His grace and transforming power to those around me who need Him most. If I am going to be greedy and shout more, more, I want it to be a holy greediness to understand my Lord better.

            My prayer for you, is that you will desire to know more about Him also.

Lord, help us desire to know more of You. Reveal Yourself to us as we come to You in prayer, as we read of You in the Bible. Speak to us in an unmistakable voice, one that cuts through the clutter and noise of the world. Help us to know You so that we may live a life pleasing to You and bring others to You for salvation.

40 Days of Praise — Day 34

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MUST I GO, AND EMPTY-HANDED by Charles Luther

Must I go and empty-handed, Thus my dear Redeemer meet

Not one day of service give Him, Lay no trophy at His feet?

Not at death I shrink nor falter, For my Savior saves me now

But to meet Him empty-handed, Thought of that now clouds my brow

O the years in sinning wasted, Could I but recall them now

I would give them to my Savior, To His will I’d gladly bow

O ye saints, arouse, be earnest, Up and work while yet ’tis day

Ere the night of death o’er-take thee, Strive for souls while you still may

REFRAIN:

Must I go and empty-handed? Must I meet my Savior so?

Not one soul with which to greet Him: Must I empty-handed go?

               What a haunting thought, to meet Jesus in heaven and have nothing to show Him. To waste the talents He has given us, to squander the time allotted to us, to waste the opportunities to reach others for His kingdom, what a tragedy. We must work now, before He returns, to reach as many people as we can with the gospel, for when He comes again it will be in judgment and not mercy.

               Jesus will not lie to us. He will not say, “Well done my good and faithful servant” if we have not done well nor been good. If we have hidden our talent, as the man in the parable did, if we have refused to live our life for His glory, it will be in shame that we stand before Him.

               To live a life with no regrets, to make the most of every opportunity given, to use every minute of every day seeking His will, that should be our goal. Oh if we could have time back. Time to witness once more to friends that have passed away. Time to speak, once again, to family members that have died without Christ. But there is no turning back the clock, we must make the most of every opportunity, redeeming the time we have.

               This is a good resolution to make: to seize the time, to earnestly seek after souls and ferret out opportunities to share the gospel. Will we have people in heaven come up to us, thanking us for sharing the gospel with them or will we have people in hell shrieking, asking us why we cared so little for us that we kept our gospel to ourselves? Will we meet Jesus empty-handed?

Lord Jesus, help me redeem the time You have allotted to me to work for the kingdom. Give me souls to witness to, give me opportunities to share. Let me lead others to You so You can save them by Your grace.

40 Days of Praise — Day 22

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RESCUE THE PERISHING by Fanny J. Crosby

Rescue the perishing, care for the dying; Snatch them in pity from sin and the grave

Weep o’er the erring one, lift up the fallen; Tell them of Jesus, the Mighty to save

Though they are slighting Him, still He is waiting; Waiting the penitent child to receive

Plead with them earnestly, plead with them gently; He will forgive if they only believe

Down in the human heart, crushed by the tempter; Feelings lie buried that grace can restore

Touched by a loving heart, weakened by kindness; Chords that are broken will vibrate once more

Rescue the perishing, duty demands it; Strength for thy labor the Lord will provide

Back to the narrow way, patiently win them; Tell the poor wanderer a Savior has died

REFRAIN

Rescue the perishing; Care for the dying Jesus is merciful; Jesus will save

This hymn shows me what attitude I need to have toward those who do not yet know Jesus. They are spiritually dead as well as physically dying, headed toward a Christ-less eternity. My heart should break for them and my recognition of their state should spur me to action.

               I must tell them of a Savior. I must introduce them to my Lord. It is my duty. I am to see the world through Jesus’ eyes and do the work He commissioned me to do.

               It is amazing to me that many times, those who seem the furthest away from God are the ones who accept His offer of salvation the quickest. Even though they are insulting Him, denying Him, His Spirit continues to work on their heart, melting their stone cold indifference.

               His grace penetrates, quickens, brings about a restoration of life to a dead soul. How beautiful it is remade, reborn.  What a wonderful privilege we have, to be part of His divine plan to bring a lost one into the fold of salvation. Our job is to sow the seed of the Word. The Spirit implants it and causes it to grow, eventually bringing about new life.

               Go, cast your seed where the Spirit directs, and who knows, the soul you help rescue may be the one that is dearest to you.

Lord, help move us to understand the urgency of sharing Your gospel. Help us to understand the priority of throwing a lifeline, Your Word, to those who are drowning in sin. Help me to be moved with pity and compassion, so that I take my part in Your grand plan of redeeming souls to Yourself.

Gentle Mary – A Timeless Carol

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This beautiful song was written by Joseph Cook in 1919.  Mr. Cook was born in England in 1859 but immigrated to Canada where he attended Wesleyan College and McGill University in Montreal.

The lyrics show a progression from wondering if this baby, born to peasants in humble surroundings could really be the Savior of mankind. The answer – just ask those transformed by Him.  Surely the people of Jesus’ day asked this question too. How could a baby in a manger have more power than King Herod, who ruled from nearby palaces and fortresses?

Yet in his humility, Jesus did have more power than Herod. In today’s culture, where the rich are admired and superstars are praised, Jesus is still the humble King who really deserves our adoration. No longer a stranger to the world, people from every nation and ethnic group on earth rejoice at Christmas, singing – “Praise His Name in all the earth, hail the King of glory!”

 Gentle Mary laid her Child
Lowly in a manger;
There He lay, the undefiled,
To the world a stranger:
Such a Babe in such a place,
Can He be the Savior?
Ask the saved of all the race
Who have found His favor.

Angels sang about His birth;
Wise men sought and found Him;
Heaven’s star shone brightly forth,
Glory all around Him:
Shepherds saw the wondrous sight,
Heard the angels singing;
All the plains were lit that night,
All the hills were ringing.

 Gentle Mary laid her Child
Lowly in a manger;
He is still the undefiled,
But no more a stranger:
Son of God, of humble birth,
Beautiful the story;
Praise His name in all the earth,
Hail the King of glory!

 

Gentle Mary – A Timeless Carol

/ taethne

This beautiful song was written by Joseph Cook in 1919.  Mr. Cook was born in England in 1859 but immigrated to Canada where he attended Wesleyan College and McGill University in Montreal.

The lyrics show a progression from wondering if this baby, born to peasants in humble surroundings could really be the Savior of mankind. The answer – just ask those transformed by Him.  Surely the people of Jesus’ day asked this question too. How could a baby in a manger have more power than King Herod, who ruled from nearby palaces and fortresses?

Yet in his humility, Jesus did have more power than Herod. In today’s culture, where the rich are admired and superstars are praised, Jesus is still the humble King who really deserves our adoration. No longer a stranger to the world, people from every nation and ethnic group on earth rejoice at Christmas, singing – “Praise His Name in all the earth, hail the King of glory!”

 Gentle Mary laid her Child
Lowly in a manger;
There He lay, the undefiled,
To the world a stranger:
Such a Babe in such a place,
Can He be the Savior?
Ask the saved of all the race
Who have found His favor.

Angels sang about His birth;
Wise men sought and found Him;
Heaven’s star shone brightly forth,
Glory all around Him:
Shepherds saw the wondrous sight,
Heard the angels singing;
All the plains were lit that night,
All the hills were ringing.

 Gentle Mary laid her Child
Lowly in a manger;
He is still the undefiled,
But no more a stranger:
Son of God, of humble birth,
Beautiful the story;
Praise His name in all the earth,
Hail the King of glory!

 

What the Story of Lazarus Teaches us About Salvation

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One of Ta Ethne’s most popular articles was  “What the Virgin Birth Teaches Us About Salvation”, from the introduction of our book, Dominoes: A Dynamic Commentary on Jude.  Today we will supplement that by focusing on Lazarus. You know the story – Lazarus, friend of Jesus, has died and been in the tomb for some days. Jesus appears on the scene and commands him to come out of the grave, which he does, alive and well (John chapter 11). This story, as powerful and compelling as it is, also teaches us something about salvation.

Lazarus is dead. Stone cold dead. Four days dead. He was as dead physically as we are spiritually. Ephesians 2:1 tells us that everyone is dead spiritually and in need of a spiritual resurrection. Dead people cannot do anything. I have pastored over 20 years, worked for 3 years at a funeral home and have been a chaplain for 3 different hospice organizations. I know dead people. I have been around hundreds of them. Dead people don’t do anything except decompose. They cannot heap themselves. Spiritually dead people cannot help themselves either. Just as Lazarus was unaware of life, those spiritually dead are unaware of spiritual life.

Lazarus was commanded to come alive by Jesus. The Spirit of God drew him back to life. Those who are spiritually dead need God’s Spirit to draw them back to life. They need the Spirit to breathe on them and impart new life. Lazarus was bound in grave clothes. They weighed him down. He needed to be freed by someone else. So do we. We need the command of Jesus to have everything that weighs us down removed. Only God’s Spirit can grant life and freedom. It was for this Jesus came – to set the captives free, to heal the broken-hearted and give sight to the blind. Not just physically, but spiritually as well.

Lazarus teaches us that we are totally dependent on Jesus saving us. We cannot save ourselves – we are spiritually dead. We cannot see the blessed Savior to go to Him. We are as blind and bound as Lazarus in a dark tomb wrapped up like a mummy. We have to have Jesus call our name. His sheep, those He calls, will hear His voice. The Spirit will grant them new life, replace their heart of stone with a new heart. The Spirit grants them faith to believe on Jesus, the ability to repent of their sins and the power to live as a Christian from then on.

Just as people were amazed and astounded at Lazarus, transformed from a corpse to a walking, talking, laughing, living man again, they will be just as astounded and amazed to see a sinner, a reprobate changed into a son of God.

That’s a lesson from Lazarus. May we learn from it and share it with those who have never heard of our amazing Lord.

Hymn Devotions Day 37 – Almost Persuaded

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 DAY 37 – ALMOST PERSUADED

            Based on the KJV’s translation of Acts 26:28 and a sermon by the Reverend Brundage, Philip Bliss gives us this hymn with a sobering theme. It seems that as he was listening to a sermon, a line was uttered that went, “He who is almost persuaded is almost saved, and to be almost saved is to be entirely lost.” As he reflected on this, he was moved to pen the words to this hymn.

What a sad situation it is, when a person receives a witness of the gospel truth, accepts it as the truth, and still refuses to submit to Christ’s Lordship. How sad to hear from people, “some more convenient day”, not right now, later, perhaps. It is so frustrating to hear people acknowledge the truth but refuse to let it change their lives.

Some are afraid they will have to give up a lifestyle they enjoy, some are afraid of the demands God may make of them. This fear keeps many from following, making the mistake that they can repent right before death and find peace. They forget that death can come unexpectedly and it is too late once they appear before the judgment seat.

It is for this reason the Bible tells us that today is the day of salvation. We are not to harden our hearts to the gospel, not to delay in repenting of our sins and asking God for mercy. Now the invitation is given, we are not guaranteed tomorrow. Whether tomorrow brings death to us or the return of Christ, either way it spells doom for the unbeliever. To delay may be eternally fateful. Sad, sad, their bitter wails as they realize, too late, they missed the invitation. Let us bear down in prayers for those we love before it is too late for them.

 

Lord, there are those I love who are foolishly waiting. They know the truth but have yet to bend their knee to You. Let Your Spirit strive with them still, melt their hard heart and lead them to You I pray.

 

ALMOST PERSUADED by Philip Bliss

 

Almost persuaded now to believe;

Almost persuaded Christ to receive;

Seems now some soul to say,

Go, Spirit, go Thy way

Some more convenient day

On Thee I’ll call

 

Almost persuaded, come, come today;

Almost persuaded, turn not away;

Jesus invites you here

Angels are lingering near,

Prayers rise from hearts so dear;

O wanderer, come!

 

Almost persuaded, harvest is past!

Almost persuaded, doom comes at last!

Almost cannot avail;

Almost is but to fail!

Sad, sad, that bitter wail

Almost, but lost!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hymn Devotions Day 28 – Victory in Jesus

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 DAY 28 – VICTORY IN JESUS

               This song has jokingly been referred to as the “Baptist Anthem” as it is a perennial favorite with this denomination. Its appeal is far broader than any one segment of Christianity, however. The author was one of the founding fathers of Southern gospel music, and wrote over 800 songs. This one, composed in 1939, was his last.

Whenever I sing this hymn, I am reminded of the words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:56-57:

“The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Jesus is our victory! When He saves us He grants us eternal life with God forever. Victory over death. He gives us a new heart, with His Spirit always with us. Victory over loneliness, sin, ungodly desires. Victory over our enemies, victory over our adversary, victory over everything that would or could stand in the way of a deep abiding relationship with our heavenly Father.

It is no wonder this hymn is so popular. It reminds us that we owe everything to Jesus. It is His salvation He gives us, it is His healing power, His cleansing power, His home He is sharing. The focus is solely on Jesus and the provision He has made for those who believe upon Him. What better way to start a day is there, than to focus on Jesus? What greater legacy could a man like Eugene Bartlett give, than to write His greatest song last – for what could possibly top a song that focuses so exclusively on our Savior?

I cannot wait to sing this with him in front of our Lord. This song is our song, the song of redemption.

 

Thank You, Lord, for giving us victory of sin and death. Thank You for purchasing our salvation. Thank You for providing a home with You, so we can enjoy You forever.

VICTORY IN JESUS – Eugene Bartlett, Sr.

 

I heard an old, old story

How a Savior came from glory

How He gave His life on Calvary

To save a wretch like me

I heard about His groaning

Of His precious blood’s atoning

Then I repented of my sins

And won the victory

 

I heard about His healing

Of His cleansing power revealing

How He made the lame to walk again

And caused the blind to see

And then I cried, “Dear Jesus

Come and heal my broken spirit.”

And somehow Jesus came and brought

To me the victory

 

I heard about a mansion

He has built for me in glory

And I heard about the streets of gold

Beyond the crystal sea

About the angels singing

And the old redemption story

And some sweet day I’ll sing up there

The song of victory

 

REFRAIN:

 

O victory, in Jesus, my Savior, forever

He sought me and He bought me

With His redeeming blood

He loved me ere I knew Him

And all my love is due Him

He plunged me, to victory

Beneath the cleansing flood

 

DAY 28

 

Great Quotes From Ages Past #11

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The nature of Christ’s salvation is woefully misrepresented by the present-day evangelist. He announces a Savior from Hell rather than a Savior from sin. And that is why so many are fatally deceived, for there are multitudes who wish to escape the Lake of fire who have no desire to be delivered from their carnality and worldliness.

A.W. Pink