Friday, September 30, 2016

The balanced life

Journal entry from:
December 28,2015

Worship: Take My Life (Holiness) by Scott Underwood

Holiness, holiness is what I long for
Holiness is what I need
Holiness, holiness is what You
want from me

Faithfulness, Faithfulness is what I long for
Faithfulness is what I need
Faithfulness, Faithfulness is what You
want from me

So, take my heart and form it
Take my mind and transform it
Take my will and conform it
To Yours, to Yours, oh, Lord

Righteousness, Righteousness is what I long for
Righteousness is what I need
Righteousness, Righteousness is what You
want from me

So, take my heart and form it
Take my mind and transform it
Take my will and conform it
To Yours, to Yours, oh, Lord (x 3)


Witness: The first snow of this winter season lightly covers the ground. It is beautiful but wet. Tonight the wet road will turn slick, making driving hazardous. Especially dangerous is the “black ice” which is unseen to drivers, but deadly if one is not traveling at a cautious speed. This is a danger when one is experiencing the winter of one’s soul. The enemy spreads his black ice on the road we are traveling. If we are traveling carelessly down that road we are sure to end up in a wreck. I have heard him whisper today, “It sure is quiet in the house”, which heightens my sense of loneliness and my joy slips away. I have heard him say, “You are tired. Why not just lie down for a while”, and my day slips away and I am frustrated that nothing is accomplished. In many a subtle and seemingly insignificant ways, he spreads his slippery black ice on my road. However, we know that salt is the enemy of ice. Where do we find the salt that melts the enemy’s ice? The salt is the promises of God. When Satan reminds me of my loneliness I remember:
                                                           
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."
Deut 31:8 NIV

When he tempts me to sleep away the day, God promises:

He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Isa 40:28 NIV

Of course, the best time to spread this salt is ahead of time. When I get up and the cold breath of depression blows upon my soul, warning me that the enemy is near, seeking to make me slip and fall in the ensuing darkness, I remember that my Shepherd is with me in the darkness, guiding me through and I spread the salt of His promises before me.

WORD:

   
Ps 24:1-6
24 The earth is the LORD 's, and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it;
2 for he founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the waters
.
3 Who may ascend the hill of the LORD?
Who may stand in his holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to an idol
or swear by what is false.
5 He will receive blessing from the LORD
and vindication from God his Savior.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek him,
who seek your face, O God of Jacob.b
                                                                           SELAH

NIV
Ps 24:1-6

The King of Glory
A Psalm of David.
24  The earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof,
the world and those who dwell therein,
2 for he has founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the rivers.

3  Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD?
And who shall stand in his holy place?
4  He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to what is false 
and does not swear deceitfully.
5 He will receive blessing from the LORD
and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek him,
who seek the face of the God of Jacob.                                                                                    
                                                                                                           Selah
ESV

The question has been asked, “Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place?”. The answer follows swiftly on the breath of those responding, “He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false.” There are some translational and textual issues in this verse but the first line is clear and translated similarly in both versions (though think “may” is superior). Many see the OT as a religion of externals. While there was much in the way of external practice in the OT, the truth is that there is also an internal aspect as well. The Pharisees had all but forgotten this in our Lord’s days here on earth. Much of His rebukes directed at the Pharisees dealt with this error. Perhaps His most scathing description is found in Matthew 23:27 & 28:

"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.” Matt 23:27-28 NIV

Those who wish to enter into the sanctuary of God. Those who wish to enter into His presence must have “clean hands” and a “pure heart” (see Psalm 15:2; Mt. 5:8; 2 Tim. 2:22). That is, their godly action come from a godly heart. I like the way Spurgeon puts it:

Psalms 24:4

Ver. 4. He that hath clean hands. Outward, practical holiness is a very precious mark of grace. To wash in water with Pilate is nothing, but to wash in innocency is all important. It is to be feared that many professors have perverted the doctrine of justification by faith in such a way as to treat good works with contempt; if so, they will receive everlasting contempt at the last great day. It is vain to prate of inward experience unless the daily life is free from impurity, dishonesty, violence, and oppression. Those who draw near to God must have

clean hands. What monarch would have servants with filthy hands to wait at his table? They who were ceremonially unclean could not enter into the Lord's house which was made with hands, much less shall the morally defiled be allowed to enjoy spiritual fellowship with a holy God. If our hands are now unclean, let us wash them in Jesu's precious blood, and so let us pray unto God, lifting up pure hands. But "clean hands" would not suffice, unless they were connected with

a pure heart. True religion is heart work. We may wash the outside of the cup and the platter as long as we please; but if the inward parts be filthy, we are filthy altogether in the sight of God, for our hearts are more truly ourselves than our hands are. We may lose our hands and yet live, but we could not lose our heart and still live; the very life of our being lies in the inner nature, and hence the imperative need of purity within. There must be a work of grace in the core of the heart as well as in the palm of the hand, or our religion is a delusion. May God grant that our inward powers may be cleansed by the sanctifying Spirit, so that we may love holiness and abhor all sin. The pure in heart shall see God, all others are but blind bats; stone blindness in the eyes arises from stone in the heart. Dirt in the heart throws dust in the eyes.
(from The Treasury of David, PC Study Bible formatted electronic database Copyright © 2005, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)
           

Luther puts it simply:

Psalms 24:4

Ver. 3-4. It is not he who sings so well or so many Psalms, nor he who fasts or watches so many days, nor he who divides his own among the poor, nor he who preaches to others, nor he who lives quietly, kindly, and friendly; nor, in fine, is it he who knows all sciences and languages, nor he who works all virtuous and all good works that ever any man spoke or read of, but it is he alone, who is pure within and without. — Martin Luther.
(from The Treasury of David, PC Study Bible formatted electronic database Copyright © 2005, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

If one wonders why clean hands precede a pure heart in order listen to Calvin:

Psalms 24:4
If any man should think it absurd that the first place is given to the hands, we answer without hesitation, that effects are often named before their causes, not that they precede them in order, but because it is sometimes advantageous to begin with things which are best known.
(from Calvin's Commentaries, PC Study Bible formatted electronic database Copyright © 2005-2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Yesterday I spoke of the unexamined life. Today I speak of the balanced life. One where hand and heart, the external and internal, must be present in the believer’s life. Wiersbe says of the balanced life:

We must keep a balance between worship and service, between faith and works. A balanced diet of the whole Word of God helps us to maintain a balanced life.
(Be Diligent to Grow Spiritually (2 Peter 3:17-18)
(from The Bible Exposition Commentary. Copyright © 1989 by Chariot Victor Publishing, and imprint of Cook Communication Ministries. All rights reserved. Used by permission.)

Notice he says, “balanced diet of the whole Word of God helps us to maintain a balanced life”. Lest it be left merely to the external reading of the Word, Wiersbe follows with this observation:


It is the Holy Spirit of God who empowers and enables us to keep things in balance. Before Peter was filled with the Spirit, he was repeatedly going to extremes. He would bear witness to Christ one minute and then try to argue with the Lord the next! (Matt 16:13-23) He refused to allow Jesus to wash his feet, and then he wanted to be washed all over! (John 13:6-10) He promised to defend the Lord and even die with Him, yet he did not have the courage to own the Lord before a little servant girl! But when he was filled with the Spirit, Peter began to live a balanced life that avoided impulsive extremes.
(Be Diligent to Grow Spiritually (2 Peter 3:17-18))
(from The Bible Exposition Commentary. Copyright © 1989 by Chariot Victor Publishing, and imprint of Cook Communication Ministries. All rights reserved. Used by permission.)

Life in the presence of God is a matter of the hand and the heart. That is, the redeemed hand and heart bought by and cleansed with the shed blood of Christ (Eph. 1:8; Heb. 13:12; 1 Peter 1:17-19).

I will conclude with a quote from a verse from an old hymn written by Charles Wesley that Wiesbe quotes concerning the balanced life:

Faithful to my Lords commands,
I still would choose the better part:
Serve with careful Martha's hands
And loving Mary's heart.
(The Sisters (John 11:17-40))
 (from The Bible Exposition Commentary. Copyright © 1989
by Chariot Victor Publishing, and imprint of Cook Communication
Ministries. All rights reserved. Used by permission.)


Tuesday, September 27, 2016

A call to the self-examined life

December 27, 2015

Worship: Behold the Savior by Meredith Andrews; Behold the Savior by Jarod Espy

Oh what innocence
Sleeping in a manger
Under dreamless skies
See a newborn king
Trading every glory for a silent night

Here is the promise we had waited for
He will not leave us in the dark
He will bear our weight
He will wear our shame
Come lift Him high
Behold the Savior
Jesus Christ law of love and light
Come lift Him high Behold the Savior!

Veiled Deity
Praise of every angel
Shepherds bowing low
Sweet humility
Mercy as a baby
God in flesh in bone

Here is the promise we had waited for
He will not leave us in the dark
He will bear our weight
He will wear our shame
Come lift Him high
Behold the Savior
Jesus Christ law of love and light
Come lift Him high
Behold the Savior!
Behold the Savior!
Immanuel
Immanuel


Below is a link to a song with the same title written by Jarod Espy. I cannot find the lyrics to the song. The video contains the lyrics. I recommend listening and singing along with this worship song.
Witness:

The rain continued today until late into the evening, then a strong wind came up for a while. Now that has subsided too. The rain fit the dourness of my mood, but the Spirit of God came in like a strong wind and blew that feeling away. Yesterday, I began to read the entry to November 17th. I guess I listened to the song of worship and read the witness portion, but for some reason, I did not read the WORD portion. That proved to be a God thing, for God knew I needed to read that portion today. I was pressed for time as usual, but God sent a song that brought clarity to the phrase “goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life”. The song made me realize that this phrase could be replaced with one word – JESUS!

I then thought of and quoted from a verse found in Romans.

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39

The song further ministered to me as I read the lyrics

I could climb the highest heights
Travel far beyond the sky
Even there I know You’d find me with Your love
I could cross the distant seas
Walk through valleys dark and deep
Even there I know You’d reach me with Your love

Nothing can separate me
Nothing could ever take me
Take me from Your love
There’s nothing strong enough
Nothing can separate me
Nothing could ever take me
Take me from Your love
The love of Jesus

Not tomorrow or today
Not my joy or deepest pain
There is nothing that could keep me from Your love
Not in life or even death
Not one pow’r of hell or heaven
For I know You’ll always find me with Your love

There is no fear
I’m in the perfect love of Christ
I’m resting here
And You will keep me through the watches of the night

WORD:

   
   
Ps 24:1-6
24 The earth is the Lord 's, and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it;
2 for he founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the waters
.
3 Who may ascend the hill of the Lord?
Who may stand in his holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to an idol
or swear by what is false.
5 He will receive blessing from the Lord
and vindication from God his Savior.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek him,
who seek your face, O God of Jacob.
                                                                           SELAH

NIV
Ps 24:1-6

The King of Glory
A Psalm of David.
24 The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof,
the world and those who dwell therein,
2 for he has founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the rivers.

3 Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
And who shall stand in his holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to what is false 
and does not swear deceitfully.
5 He will receive blessing from the Lord
and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek him,
who seek the face of the God of Jacob. 

Selah                                                                                
                                                                                            
ESV

A satellite has the capacity to take a picture of the earth as well as to hone in on a specific point on the earth. Some can even take a picture of a license on a car with such clarity that we can read the numbers and letters on it. Verses 1-2 can be compared to a satellite photographing the whole earth. Verse 3 hones in on the “hill of the Lord”. It asks the question:

                                         Who may ascend the hill of the Lord?
     Who may stand in his holy place?

The NIV is superior here, I think, when it uses the word “may” instead of “shall” like the ESV.

Psalms 24:3
The pilgrims want to know what Yahweh requires of those who want to worship in his Temple (see TEV "has the right... may"). RSV shall ascend... shall stand may convey merely the idea of simple future tense, as if the psalmist simply wants to know who will go up Mount Zion and go into the Temple. But the question is about what kind of person will be allowed to worship in the Temple. So NEB "Who may go up... who may stand," FRCL "Who will be allowed," and GECL "Who has access to the Lord's hill? Who dares walk on the holy ground?" are much better.
(from UBS Old Testament Handbook Series. Copyright © 1978-2004 by United Bible Societies. All rights reserved.)

If we understand this psalm as having been written when David was bringing the ark of the covenant to the tabernacle, then this may a question directed to the Levites and priests who served before the Lord in the Temple. However, I believe it also was a general question to any worshiper approaching God. A question to worshipers entering the outer court of the Tabernacle. It also is a question to ponder by anyone who seeks to enter into His presence. Too often we live unexamined lives. We presume upon God’s grace, not realizing what grace teaches us:

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope — the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. Titus 2:11-14 NIV  

But I am getting ahead of myself, this verse is more appropriate for verses 4-6. My thoughts turn to another passage in scripture where an examination is required. It is found in 1 Cor. 11:28-29:

A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. 29 For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. 1 Cor 11:28 NIV

This is not the place to discuss what this passage fully means. However, the Wycliffe’s Commentary has this little helpful note on verse 28. I quote only a snippet that is appropriate for the point I am trying to make. It says, “There must be preparation before participation”.
(from The Wycliffe Bible Commentary, Electronic Database. Copyright © 1962 by Moody Press. All rights reserved.)  Surely, this is good advice in general, when we seek to enter into a time of worship, personally or congregationally.

Finally, as I close today’s journal entry. There is a greater question we are exhorted to ask ourselves. The unexamined life can have eternal consequences as well. Hear what the Apostle Paul says in 2 Cor. 13:5:

Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you — unless, of course, you fail the test? 2 Cor 13:5-6
NIV

Wiersbe comments:

II. Be Sure You Are Saved (2 Corinthians 13:5-7)

The Corinthians were spending a great deal of time examining Paul; now it was time they examined themselves. Socrates said, "The unexamined life is not worth living." A true Christian experience will bear examination. "Are you even in the faith?" asked Paul. "Are you truly saved?" Every believer must prove his or her faith; no one can tell others whether or not they are born again.

A true Christian has Christ in him.
(from Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the New Testament. Copyright © 1992 by Chariot Victor Publishing, an imprint of Cook Communication Ministries. All rights reserved.)

“Thorough examination will do the healthy no harm, and it may bless the sick.”
― 
Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

The Answer that forms the questions that leads to the Answer!

December 26, 2015

Worship: HOLY by Matt Gilman

Here we are, God, come before the throne of grace
Here we are, God, come before the mercy seat
I can see the lightning; I can feel the thunder
I can hear the voices proceeding from Your throne
Twenty-four elders bowing low, casting down their crowns of gold
And four living creatures crying out, day and night, night and day
Choruses:
Only one word comes to mind
There’s only one word to describe
Holy, holy, Lord God Almighty
There is no one like You
You are holy, holy



Witness:

It’s the day after Christmas. It’s raining outside. It has poured down so hard sometimes and my front walkway has at least 2- 3 inches of water in some places. I am weary (what’s new). I hoped to enjoy this season, but my lonely existence keeps nagging at me every waking hour. Praise God, I enjoyed the visit with my kids, but it was too short and her absence made the visit bittersweet.  As I write this God breaks through my melancholic thoughts and reminds me with the words of a Matt Gilman song, that I can look to Him for my help and consolation.

God, I look to You, I won't be overwhelmed
Give me vision to see things like You do
God, I look to You; You're where my help comes from
Give me wisdom; You know just what to do

I will love You Lord my strength
I will love you Lord my shield
I will love You Lord my rock
Forever all my days I will love You, God

Hallelujah our God reigns
Hallelujah our God reigns
Hallelujah our God reigns
Forever all my days Hallelujah
Lyrics taken from <a href="http://www.elyrics.net/read/j/jenn-johnson-lyrics/god-i-look-to-you-lyrics.html" rel="nofollow">this page</a>

A marvelous song reminding me that You God, are in control. It begins with a prayer for vision and wisdom, moves to praise, and then to worship.

It begins on the knees
And moves to the heights
Oh may this ever be
My glorious rite!
WORD:

   
Ps 24:1-6
24 The earth is the Lord 's, and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it;
2 for he founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the waters
.
3 Who may ascend the hill of the Lord ?
Who may stand in his holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to an idol
or swear by what is false.
5 He will receive blessing from the Lord
and vindication from God his Savior.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek him,
who seek your face, O God of Jacob.
                                                                           SELAH

NIV
Ps 24:1-6

The King of Glory
A Psalm of David.
24  The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof,
the world and those who dwell therein,
2 for he has founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the rivers.

3  Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
And who shall stand in his holy place?
4  He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to what is false 
and does not swear deceitfully.
5 He will receive blessing from the Lord
and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek him,
who seek the face of the God of Jacob.                                                                                    
                                                                                                           Selah
ESV

I have moved on to the second portion as highlighted. The first two verses deal with the One who created and owns every thing and every being. You might say this Psalm is much like the game Jeopardy, for it begins with the answer followed by the question. The ultimate answer is found in verses 1-2. This forms the basis of the questions that follow. However, unlike Jeopardy, each question is followed by a specific answer as well, but the Sovereignty and ownership of God forms the foundation and backdrop to the questions and answers that follow. 

Sunday, September 18, 2016

Abide with us Emmanuel

Again I remind you, as you read these journal entries, that they may seem out of season because they were written just before Christmas of last year, yet they have a timeless application to our lives. Surely, as the Christmas season approaches rapidly (this year has flown by very quickly to me), we can settle on and plan for a season of giving ourselves away instead of getting more for ourselves. 

In the section on the WORD, I discuss the obvious and the obvious neglect in our lives. You will have to read it to see what I mean.


December 22 & 23, 2015

Worship:

Mighty is our God. Mighty is our King.
Mighty is our Lord, Ruler of everything.
Glory to our God. Glory to our King.
Glory to our Lord, Ruler of everything.

His name is higher,
higher than any other name.
His power is greater,
for He has created everything.

License
Standard YouTube License
Music
"Mighty Is Our God" by Studio Musicians (iTunes • AmazonMP3)


"No Other Name"

One name
Holds weight above them all
His fame
Outlasts the earth He formed
His praise
Resounds beyond the stars
And echoes in our hearts
The greatest One of all

His face
Shines brighter than the sun
His grace
As boundless as His love
He reigns
With healing in His wings
The King above all kings
The greatest One of all

Lift up our eyes, see the King has come
Light of the world reaching out for us
There is no other name
There is no other name
Jesus Christ our God

Seated on high, the undefeated One
Mountains bow down as we lift Him up
There is no other name
There is no other name
Jesus Christ our God

Find hope
When all the world seems lost
Behold
The triumph of the cross
His power
Has trampled death and grave
Our life found in His name
The greatest name of all

Lift up our eyes, see the King has come
Light of the world reaching out for us
There is no other name
There is no other name
Jesus Christ our God

Seated on high, the undefeated One
Mountains bow down as we lift Him up
There is no other name
There is no other name
Jesus Christ our God
Jesus

The earth will shake
And tremble before Him
Chains will break
As heaven and earth sing
Holy is the name
Holy is the name of
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
[x2]

Lift up our eyes, see the King has come
Light of the world reaching out for us
There is no other name
There is no other name
Jesus Christ our God

Seated on high, the undefeated One
Mountains bow down as we lift Him up
There is no other name
There is no other name
There is no other name
There is no other name
Jesus

Top of Form
Bottom of Form
Top of Form
Bottom of Form


Witness:

Well as you can see there is a large gap between my last journal entry and today. I went on vacation to visit the family and relaxed. I read devotional thoughts during the time and kept my prayer life alive, but rested from my journaling. It’s funny that during this special season where old catch phrases like “Jesus is the reason for the season” and” It’s Merry Christmas, not happy holidays” are bandied about, that the least amount of time is often devoted to prayer and meditation on the true meaning of the season. Even tomorrow I may not get to journal as I prepare for Christmas by doing some last minute shopping, wrapping and decorating. When the rush settles and the last gift is opened and the Christmas dinner consumed, where will Our Lord be in all this? I suspect that He faces the same problem His earthly parents faced on that special night long ago. There was no room in the inn and there is no room for Him in our lives. When I entered this season, I said it would be different, yet it seems that it is the same. I have failed miserably. I have not kept Christ in Christmas, rather I have just faced a mas(s) of worries and regrets instead. My Christmas has become a Christmess. Can you relate to what I am saying? I guess I could wallow in guilt and sorrow or I could do something about it. May this be my (our) fervent prayer, “O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel!”.

O Little Town Of Bethlehem

O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep, the silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light;
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above,
While mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love.
O morning stars together, proclaim the holy birth,
And praises sing to God the King, and peace to men on earth!

How silently, how silently, the wondrous Gift is giv'n;
So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His heav'n.
No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in.

Where children pure and happy pray to the blessed Child,
Where misery cries out to Thee, Son of the mother mild;
Where charity stands watching and faith holds wide the door,
The dark night wakes, the glory breaks, and Christmas comes once more.

O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray;
Cast out our sin, and enter in, be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel!
(from Biblesoft Hymnal, PC Study Bible electronic database Copyright © 2003-2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

WORD:

Ps 24:1-2
The earth is the LORD’S, and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it;
2 for he founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the waters.
NIV
Ps 24:1-2
24 The earth is the LORD’S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.2 For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.
KJV

The earth is the LORD’S, every square inch of it. Every nook and cranny. From the heights of Mt. Everest to the deepest depths of the sea. From the edge of the atmosphere to the center of the earth, all is His. That includes you and me. Am I stating the obvious? Yes, but what is an obvious observation to us, is not always obviously observed in our lives. We often walk around like "little sovereigns", thinking our life is all our own. We give lip service to His Lordship all the while our true motto is found in the poem written by William Ernest Henley (1849–1903) which came to be titled “Invictus” and ends with the words:

                                                                                  I am the master of my fate,
                                                                                  I am the captain of my soul.

Psalm 24 is a reminder and a clarion call to the acknowledge the Sovereignty of the Creator of this world and our lives.

Adonai, You’re the master of my fate
Heavenly Sar, You’re the captain of my soul
El Shaddai, Your power is endlessly great
Yahweh, Your loving kindness makes me whole