"Insights"
Short Articles
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"Insights" (A-B)
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Blessed - Psalm 1 (Part 1)
Are You Blessed?
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly. Psalm 1.1
The first word in the largest book in the Bible is the word “Blessed.” The terms “bless,” “blessing,” or “blessed” appear roughly 500 times in scripture and are a staple in Christian vocabulary. Chuck Swindoll once challenged his audience to pray without using the word “bless.” I have tried it and it’s not easy. Words can be overused to a point that they lose their significance. Many amazing and wonderful spiritual concepts have been reduced to mere “church chat.”
Maybe some synonyms will help clarify what it means to be “blessed.”
“Oh, the JOYS of those who .…. Christian Standard Bible
“How HAPPY is the one who…..New Living Translation
“VIGOROUS LIFE of the soul, SUCCESS in his undertakings.” .....C. Short
“Oh, how TRULY HAPPY is the person!”…. Stephen Cole
“CONTENTMENT, being FULFILLED”….David Guzik
“To be PROSPEROUS, FAVORED of God”…….Thayer’s Lexicon
How can we experience this condition? The Bible offers many promises for happiness, fulfillment, and spiritual prosperity:
“Blessed is the one whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.” Job 5.17
“Blessed are all who take refuge in him.” Psalm 2.12
“Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.” PSALM 32.1
“Blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” Psalm 34.8
“Blessed are those who have regard for the weak.” Psalm 41.1
“Blessed are those who act justly.” Psalm 106.3
“Blessed are those who fear the Lord, who find great delight in his commands.” Psalm 112.1
“Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding” Proverbs 3.13
“Blessed are those who listen to me” Proverbs 8.34
- Be sure to check back tomorrow (and every day) for a new daily insight. -
Blessed - Psalm 1 (Part 2)
Yesterday we looked at Psalm 1, which we will examine in days ahead. But there is more to see regarding the first word, “Blessed.”
If we had to boil it down to one word, it would probably be “happy.” Happiness is something everybody wants but few people get. The problem is that most people look in the wrong places. Money, possessions, fame, success, travel, or entertainment will not bring lasting happiness. People justify divorce and immorality by saying, “I deserve to be happy.” Others travel the disastrous road of drugs or alcohol in their search for happiness. The rate of suicide is actually higher among “the beautiful people” who seem to have it all.
In Matthew 5, Jesus gives us nine simple ways to find happiness. Unlike the approaches to happiness listed above, there is no risk and no penalty.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, (humble) because theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
"Blessed are the ones who mourn, because they will be comforted."
Blessed are the meek, because they will inherit the earth."
"Blessed are the ones who hunger and thirst for righteousness, because they will be satisfied."
"Blessed are the merciful, because they will be shown mercy."
"Blessed are the pure in heart, because they will see God."
"Blessed are the peacemakers, because they will be called sons of God."
"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, because theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things against you, lying on account of me. Rejoice and be glad, because your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you."
MATTHEW 5.3-12 LEB
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Blessed - Psalm 1 (Part 3)
Psalm 1 - Happiness
The first Psalm presents a systematic approach to finding happiness that is genuine and long-lasting.
The first step involves protecting ourselves from evil influences in the world;
“How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of the scoffers.” Psalm 1:1
From the first day we attend school, we are bombarded with ideas and opinions that are contrary to what God says in His Word. It likely begins with subtle messages that leave God out of creation. Darwinian evolution is taught as absolute dogma, in spite of the fact that it is only a theory that has yet to be confirmed by the discovery of a “missing link.” As we progress through the educational system we are brainwashed with Godless perspectives on morality, homosexuality, economics, and situational ethics.
Psalm 1.1 tells us to reject popular ideas, viewpoints and standards when they are contrary to God’s Word. Furthermore we are to distance ourselves from those who peddle these lies;
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind...” Romans 12.2
Tomorrow we will see how to rid ourselves of evil human ideas and adopt God’s viewpoint and begin to see things the way He sees them.
Scripture quotations taken from Holy Bible: New American Standard Bible (NASB 1977 edition)
- Be sure to check back tomorrow (and every day) for a new daily insight. -
Blessed - Psalm 1 (Part 4)
Psalm 1 - Happiness (continued)
"How blessed is the man…" Psalm 1:1
The first Psalm shows us how to achieve, or better, receive happiness. Happiness (or blessedness) is a gift from God. Without God, happiness is elusive or at best temporary. Most of our human attempts at happiness deliver less than anticipated and wear out quickly. Just think about all the things that you thought would bring happiness, but never did.
God is the ultimate source of happiness. The French philosopher, Blaise Paschal said, “There is a God sized hole in every one of us that only God can fill”.
Most of the happiness that God provides is reserved for his family. So it starts with becoming a child of God; The first step is to put your faith in Jesus Christ. His death on the cross paid for your sins and makes you acceptable to God.
“For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3.26
“But as many as received Him (Jesus), to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name” John 1.12
Faith in Jesus Christ guarantees eternal life but it does not guarantee happiness. Once we become a child of God, we must learn what pleases Him. The only way to learn what God loves and hates is to examine His Word, the Bible.
“But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night.” Psalm 1.2
As you read and study the Bible you can receive assurance that you will go to Heaven when you die. You will discover that believing in Jesus makes for peace with God. (Romans 5.1) As you continue, you will learn about the “Peace of God,” the great antidote for worry, fear, and anxiety. (Philippians 4.6,7)
- Be sure to check back tomorrow (and every day) for a new daily insight. -
Blessed - Psalm 1 (Part 5)
Psalm 1 - (continued)
“How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!” Psalm 1:1
In the first verse of the first Psalm, we were given a threefold progression of things to avoid if we are to receive God’s blessings. Today we see the key to happiness from a positive perspective. We learn that there is great personal benefit from reading, learning, and thinking about God’s Word.
“But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night.” Psalm 1.2
God’s law is His Word, the Bible. I believe every Christian should take in the Bible in some form every day.
“I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.” Job 23.12
“Your words were found and I ate them, and Your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart…” Jeremiah 15.16
“Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you.” Colossians 3.16
“Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You." Psalm 119.11
I would encourage you to start reading the Bible every day. Even 5-10 minutes a day will enrich your soul. If you are a beginner, the Gospel of John is a great place to start. Try to read about a chapter a day in the Gospel of John. (Note: If you miss a day, that's ok. Just start where you left off the next day.) After you read through John, read Romans chapters 1-5. Again, try to read a chapter a day. When you are finished, I recommend that you read these same chapters again (Romans chapters 1-5), because they are probably the most important and life-changing chapters in the entire Bible. From there you can continue reading Romans chapters 6 through 16. By this time, you will be well on your way to understanding the Bible's greatest foundational truths.
Tip: Reading and studying the Bible is like searching for treasure. So read slowly and carefully. As you read, ask God to help you understand the meaning. In this way, you can discover the treasures of God's Word for yourself!
Scripture quotations above were taken from Holy Bible: New American Standard Bible (NASB 1977 edition).
- Be sure to check back tomorrow (and every day) for a new daily insight. -
Blessed - Psalm 1 (Part 6)
Psalm 1 - (Conclusion)
Psalm 1 contrasts the experience and destiny of saved people and lost people. Are you saved or lost? If you depend on your own achievements, you will be lost; if you depend on Christ, and his death to pay the penalty for your sins, you will be saved.
“The ungodly are not so, But they are like chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the wicked will perish.” Psalm 1.4-6
“Ungodly” is a term that the Bible uses to describe people who leave God out of their lives. Godless people are compared to chaff, agricultural waste that is carried away with the wind. Their lives on earth are empty, fearful and produce little of lasting value. Any joy or happiness they experience is superficial and short-lived.
“…the rejoicing of the wicked is short, the joy of the godless, brief. “ Job 20.5 CEB
“But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless—like chasing the wind.” Ecclesiastes 2.11 NLT
“Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” James 4.14 ESV
“While still growing and uncut, they wither more quickly than grass. Such is the destiny of all who forget God; so perishes the hope of the godless.” Job 8.12-13 NIV
“But those who reject me are like the restless sea, which is never still but continually churns up mud and dirt.” Isaiah 57.20 NLT
“They are hopelessly confused. Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him.” Ephesians 4.18 NLT
The Bible does not predict a bright future for the godless - people who fail to put their trust in Jesus Christ. He is the only way to the father; If you bypass Him, you lose. Jesus said “No one can come to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
“They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever.” Jude 13 ESV
“Because I called, and you refused; I stretched out my hand, and no one paid attention; and you neglected all my counsel, and did not want my reproof; I will even laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your dread comes.” Proverbs 1.24-25
“They will seek me diligently, but they shall not find me, Because they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD.” Proverbs 1.28-29 ESV
“Be careful and don’t refuse to listen when God speaks. Those people who refused to listen to him when he warned them on earth did not escape. Now God is speaking from heaven. So now it will be worse for those who refuse to listen to him." Hebrews 12.25 ERV
“And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20.15 EHV
Note: The three letters after each scripture reference designate the name of the translation I quoted.
- Be sure to check back tomorrow (and every day) for a new daily insight. -
BROKENHEARTed (part 1)
How Can You Mend A Broken Heart?
When we are down, sad, depressed, brokenhearted a simple way to raise our spirits is to give thanks. Perhaps you have heard or sung the song “Count Your Blessings;
“When upon life's billows
You are tempest tossed
When you are discouraged
Thinking all is lost
Count your many blessings
Name them one by one
And it will surprise you
What the Lord has done.”
Under the worst of circumstances, we all have things for which we can be thankful . If we have lost our wealth, we still have our health. If our health is failing, we can look forward to a perfect body that God will one day provide. Perhaps you can thank God for believing parents that took you to church and taught you about Jesus. Take time to reflect on the good things God has done and it will diminish the effect of whatever is bringing you down today.
“O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people…talk ye of all his wondrous works…Remember his marvelous works that he hath done; his wonders…” Psalm 105.1,5
“I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two companies.” Genesis 32.10
“Praise ye the Lord. O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endures for ever. Who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord? who can shew forth all his praise?” Ps 106.1-2
“Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.” Psalm 40.5
“I will be glad and rejoice in Your mercy: for You have considered my trouble; You have known my soul in adversities.” Psalm 31.7
“giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.” Colossians 1.12 NIV
“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endures to all generations.” Psalm 100.4-5
When we are down, sad, depressed, brokenhearted a simple way to raise our spirits is to give thanks. Perhaps you have heard or sung the song “Count Your Blessings;
“When upon life's billows
You are tempest tossed
When you are discouraged
Thinking all is lost
Count your many blessings
Name them one by one
And it will surprise you
What the Lord has done.”
Under the worst of circumstances, we all have things for which we can be thankful . If we have lost our wealth, we still have our health. If our health is failing, we can look forward to a perfect body that God will one day provide. Perhaps you can thank God for believing parents that took you to church and taught you about Jesus. Take time to reflect on the good things God has done and it will diminish the effect of whatever is bringing you down today.
“O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people…talk ye of all his wondrous works…Remember his marvelous works that he hath done; his wonders…” Psalm 105.1,5
“I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two companies.” Genesis 32.10
“Praise ye the Lord. O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endures for ever. Who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord? who can shew forth all his praise?” Ps 106.1-2
“Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.” Psalm 40.5
“I will be glad and rejoice in Your mercy: for You have considered my trouble; You have known my soul in adversities.” Psalm 31.7
“giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.” Colossians 1.12 NIV
“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endures to all generations.” Psalm 100.4-5
BROKENHEARTED (Part 2)
For The Brokenhearted
Timothy Kampen of SOAR ministries in Alaska set me this excellent article on grief. He says -
It's not fun to talk about, but Jesus makes this statement "In this world, you will have many trials and sorrows." (John 16:33). This is not Jesus blaming us or saying we deserve it. This is not the revelation of a cruel Father. Jesus is saying, 'I am not ignorant, I am not indifferent, and I have not turned away'.
Pain and a broken heart is not a sign of weakness. It means our hearts are not made of stone. We are made in the image of One who feels pain, grief, and even weeps. You may have heard these popular lies: 'tears are a sign of weakness', 'real men don't cry', and even 'tears are a sign of unbelief'. However, the example of Jesus gives us permission to grieve and hurt while still remaining faithful.
Grieving is honest, real, and healthy. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted" (Matthew 5:4). God is saying 'be real with me, stop pretending, pour out your heart to Me'. Take the psalms of David - he pours out his heart, often complains, and then declares the goodness of God. David was on to something in expressing two different truths at the same time - 'I am in pain' and 'God is good'. We need to be a people who are real and able to hold on to Truth in the midst of confusion.
"The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them;
he delivers them from all their troubles.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
The righteous person may have many troubles,
but the Lord delivers him from them all." (Psalm 34:17-19)
In the midst of pain and sorrows, be honest with God and grieve. Then, from this place of vulnerability and strength, declare who your God is - the One who overcame the world (John 16:33).
God Bless,
Written by Timothy Kampen
Join us again tomorrow fro more daily insights.
Timothy Kampen of SOAR ministries in Alaska set me this excellent article on grief. He says -
It's not fun to talk about, but Jesus makes this statement "In this world, you will have many trials and sorrows." (John 16:33). This is not Jesus blaming us or saying we deserve it. This is not the revelation of a cruel Father. Jesus is saying, 'I am not ignorant, I am not indifferent, and I have not turned away'.
Pain and a broken heart is not a sign of weakness. It means our hearts are not made of stone. We are made in the image of One who feels pain, grief, and even weeps. You may have heard these popular lies: 'tears are a sign of weakness', 'real men don't cry', and even 'tears are a sign of unbelief'. However, the example of Jesus gives us permission to grieve and hurt while still remaining faithful.
Grieving is honest, real, and healthy. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted" (Matthew 5:4). God is saying 'be real with me, stop pretending, pour out your heart to Me'. Take the psalms of David - he pours out his heart, often complains, and then declares the goodness of God. David was on to something in expressing two different truths at the same time - 'I am in pain' and 'God is good'. We need to be a people who are real and able to hold on to Truth in the midst of confusion.
"The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them;
he delivers them from all their troubles.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
The righteous person may have many troubles,
but the Lord delivers him from them all." (Psalm 34:17-19)
In the midst of pain and sorrows, be honest with God and grieve. Then, from this place of vulnerability and strength, declare who your God is - the One who overcame the world (John 16:33).
God Bless,
Written by Timothy Kampen
Join us again tomorrow fro more daily insights.
