Heralds Digest

http://bible.us/psa53.1.nkjv The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and have done abominable iniquity; There is none who does good. Many are often distracted from the real focus of the Psalmist on the subject of a fool. The reference of the subject of foolishness to an Atheist is actually a case of a contest rather than a challenge, saying with the mouth " There is no God ". The God challenge is the reflection of the Psalmist on the state of the hearts of God's people, Israel, in the face of trials. Believers' faith in God are often challenged by trials at different crossroads in life, including delay in marriage, childbirth, promotion, financial breakthrough, ministerial accomplishments etc. Every resort into a self-help option or preference for alternative way out, instead of waiting on the fulfilment of God's promises, says in the heart " There is no God ". The challenges of life in believers' family, profession an...

But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever. Psalms 52:8 KJV Political or economic might in its natural sense provides a commendable relational confidence, if managed graciously. Actually, God is the source of all mights; and He designed disparity in mights for the purpose of community, rather than competition. Good and cordial relationship promises a great delight with gracious display of might. ‎Unfortunately, a graceless disposition cannot help the temptation into the abuse of might in relationship with fellow man. For example, Doeg abused his political might in his handling the privilege of overseeing the activities of David, during the period of David's trials. If he had acknowledged God as the source of might, he would have understood the purpose of God towards a gracious management of privileges. Unlike Doeg's graceless might, David trusted in God's gracious might as a green olive tree. Obviously, a green olive...

http://bible.us/psa51.17.nkjv The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart—These, O God, You will not despise. As God's people with eagerness for His presence in a new day of worship, the possession of clean hands and a pure heart as prerequisite for acceptable worship is clear. After obtaining forgiveness and salvation from sin, the Psalmist had pressed further for the creation of a clean heart from the Lord, for a desired steadfastness in the new faith (verse 10). ‎Is this desire not the struggle of every child of God, who is desperate for a sincere worship? Unfortunately, the service of a clean heart cannot precede the sacrifice of a contrite heart. ‎An upright heart is good enough for relationships outside the presence of the Lord. However in God's presence, only a contrite heart is thirsty for additional in-filling of His incomparable glory and grace. May we always receive more from God's presence, as we worship Him in the spirit and truth...

http://bible.us/psa50.5.nkjv “Gather My saints together to Me, Those who have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice.” Religious practices involve the offering of sacrifices, mostly in terms of money or material properties. The old testament folks offered animals on sacred altars to God. While these offerings represent a customary demonstration of devotion to God, believers are requested to offer their hearts first to God. ‎Beyond the divers kind of monetary or material devotion, saints' sacrifice focuses on a righteous devotion to God's instructions. An unrighteous devotion approach the altar of God without invitation; and with little regard for the beauty of His holiness. Whereas, a devotion of one's personal self to the will of God is the most acceptable sacrifice from saints.

http://bible.us/psa49.14-15.nkjv Like sheep they [men in honour] are laid in the grave; Death shall feed on them; The upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; And their beauty shall be consumed in the grave, far from their dwelling. But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave, For He shall receive me. Selah ‎ Earthly honour is measured by clear and incontestable parameters, like elevated position, increased riches, and accumulated material wealth. The glory of this honour in life is the only weapon against the burden of shame, no matter how good intentioned the efforts of dishonorable men. Unfortunately, the security of earthly honour is limited to the salvation of the body, leaving the soul against the power of the grave. Unless the soul is covered by God's grace and redemption from sin, the power of the grave will condemn the soul to eternal punishment in hell after death. Having privileged to taste the honour of both glories, the Psalmist will no longer...

http://bible.us/psa48.14.nkjv For this is God, Our God forever and ever; He will be our guide Even to death. Straight paths in life are uncommon; and the needs for dependable guide‎ are easily exploited by many offerings of pseudo guide. Unfortunately, the wisest of counselors can only draw from his unreliable past experiences. As sincere as these counsellors may be, their counsels can be a great disappointment in times of great needs. The reality is that the knowledge of future experiences, especially in marital, business and family life and relationships is the prerogative of God. Therefore, instead of buying the frustration from unpredictable future experiences, the Psalmist got inspired through engagement in the celebrations of the majesty of God. Focus on God as the great guide saves the mind from unnecessary disturbances, while escaping contemplation on our rugged paths in life.

http://bible.us/psa47.7.nkjv For God is the King of all the earth; Sing praises with understanding. ‎Hard praises are related to the appreciation of instant physical provisions and accomplishments. Every time supplies meet demands, praise is comely for all men. However, the problem is that hard praises focus on the acknowledgment of the physical provisions, rather than on understanding the personality of the Provider - God. God is the King of all the earth, including all the good things of life. Praising God with our understanding of who He is is soft and better than the hard appreciation of the provision of our perceived wants. Soft praises are the echoes of trust in the sufficiency of God for a timely supply of all our needs, rather than our perceived wants.