Because of Your Indignation and Wrath – Psalms 102:10

In Psalms one hundred and two the Psalmist said, “My enemies reproach me all the day; and they that are mad against me are sworn against me. For I have eaten ashes like bread, and mingled my drink with weeping, …”, and in chapter one hundred two and verse ten of Psalms the Psalmist said this was caused, “because of your indignation and your wrath” where we read,

Because of your indignation and your wrath: for you have lifted me up, and cast me down.

The verse begins, “Because of your indignation and your wrath:” The Psalmist began with the words, “because of your indignation” or “since and on account of your, Jehovah God’s, anger, fury and rage” “and your wrath” which means “and your, Jehovah God’s, foam and sore anger”. The Psalmist revealed that he believed Jehovah God’s fury and anger was the cause of his great sorrow.

The verse goes on to say, “for you have lifted me up, and cast me down.” The Psalmist continued with the words, “for you have lifted me up” or “because, since and on account that you, Jehovah God, have bore up, sustained and exalted me, the Psalmist”, “and cast me down” which means “and threw, flung and hurled me, the Psalmist, in a downward direction”. The Psalmist said Jehovah God picked him up and threw him down.

When we think through the words in this verse, we discover why the Psalmist was so troubled. He believed God was mad at him. He felt picked up and thrown down by God, and anyone experiencing this type of affliction would experience difficult habits in their eating and drinking. God, however, loves us, and His desire is to save us from our sins which separate us from Him. He sent His Son Jesus into the world to suffer and die on the cross for the sins of all mankind. When we believe and trust in Him as our personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us help and comfort in our time of need.

Next time the Psalmist says, “my days are like a shadow that declines”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website “thewordfortodaywithray.com” or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book “Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II” and the new novel “Elizabeth County” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from “Strongs Concordance”.

Eating Ashes Like Bread – Psalms 102:9

In Psalms one hundred and two the Psalmist said, “My enemies reproach me all the day; and they that are mad against me are sworn against me”, and in chapter one hundred two and verse nine of Psalms the Psalmist said, “I have eaten ashes like bread” where we read,

For I have eaten ashes like bread, and mingled my drink with weeping,

The verse begins, “For I have eaten ashes like bread, …” The Psalmist began with the words, “for I have eaten” or “ because, since and on account that I, the Psalmist, have consumed and devoured” “ashes like bread” which means “ bestrewed and worthless ashes similar to food, grain or victuals”. The Psalmist said he consumed worthless ashes similar to food and nourishment.

The verse continues, “… and mingled my drink with weeping,” The Psalmist added the words, “and mingled my drink” or “and pour or mixed, my, the Psalmist’s, refreshment” “with weeping” which means “with sore dripping, overflowing and crying”. The Psalmist said he mixed his refreshing beverages with overflowing tears.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn about the metaphorical eating and drinking of the Psalmist. He felt like “ashes” became his food, and tears from crying became his drink. This is extreme sorrow. Sometimes afflictions are so deep and troublesome that our entire lives are affected by them. God knows our troubles, and Jesus said, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (See John 16:33). He was sent into the world to be crucified on the cross for the sins of all mankind, and when we surrender our lives to Him, we will be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and accompanied by Him in every situation and circumstance that afflicts us so greatly that even our food and drink are like “ashes” and tears.

Next time the Psalmist says this happened, “because of your indignation and your wrath”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website “thewordfortodaywithray.com” or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book “Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II” and the new novel “Elizabeth County” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from “Strongs Concordance”.

My Enemies Reproach Me – Psalms 102:8

In Psalms one hundred and two the Psalmist said, “I am like a pelican of the wilderness: I am like an owl of the desert. I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top”, and in chapter one hundred two and verse eight of Psalms the Psalmist said, “my enemies reproach me all the day” where we read,

My enemies reproach me all the day; and they that are mad against me are sworn against me.

The verse begins, “My enemies reproach me all the day;” The Psalmist began with the words, “My enemies” or “my, the Psalmist’s, opposing and hating foes and adversaries” “reproach me” which means “taunt, blaspheme, defy, jeopardize, rail upon and upbraid me, the Psalmist” “all the day” or “throughout the entire sunrise to sunset”. The Psalmist said his hating foes taunted and blasphemed him throughout the entire “day”.

The verse goes on to say, “and they that are mad against me are sworn against me.” The Psalmist continued with the words, “and they that are mad against me” or “and they, the people who were as follows, who are boastful, act like a madman and a fool in opposition to me, the Psalmist” “are sworn against me” which means “exists as adjured, taken an oath and caused to swear in opposition to me, the Psalmist”. The Psalmist said the people who were boastful and foolish in opposition to him also took an oath in resistance to him.

When we consider the words in this verse, we discover how the Psalmist shared that his hating foes were taunting and defying him throughout the day, and they were boasting and acting as a fool against him as well. We may be able to relate to him. When we encounter afflictions and troubles, sometimes people who are opposed to us bring us a deeper level of trouble by their taunting. They did the same to Jesus as He hung upon the cross to die for the sins of the world. God loves us, and when we receive His Son Jesus into our lives, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and stand with us even when others are boastfully taunting and blaspheming us in our difficulties and afflictions.

Next time the Psalmist says, “I have eaten ashes like bread”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website “thewordfortodaywithray.com” or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book “Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II” and the new novel “Elizabeth County” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from “Strongs Concordance”.

As a Sparrow Alone – Psalms 102:7

In Psalms one hundred and two the Psalmist said, “I am like a pelican of the wilderness: I am like an owl of the desert”, and in chapter one hundred two and verse seven of Psalms the Psalmist said, “I watch, and am as a sparrow alone” where we read,

I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top.

The verse begins, “I watch, and am as a sparrow alone …” The Psalmist began with the words, “I watch” or “I, the Psalmist, am awake, alert and lookout”, “and am as a sparrow” which means “and exist like unto a little fowl known as a sparrow” “alone” or “withdrawn, separated and isolated”. The Psalmist said he was awake and alert but similar to the isolated little “sparrow”.

The verse continues, “… upon the house top.” The Psalmist added the words, “upon a house top” which means “on the roof or top of a house”. The Psalmist said he felt like the tiny sparrow that is isolated upon the top of a house.

When we think through the words in this verse, we see how the Psalmist attempted to share how he felt because of his afflictions and trouble. He was like a lonely little “sparrow” that sits on the top of a house, and because he was experiencing isolation and loneliness, he needed Jehovah God. God knew the Psalmist’s condition, and although He allowed this trouble to enter the Psalmist’s life, He was with him through all of it. God loves people, and because He wants us to live with Him forever, He sent His Son Jesus to die on the cross for the sins of the world. When we believe and trust in Him as our personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and be with us even when we feel like a “lonely sparrow upon a housetop”.

Next time the Psalmist says, “my enemies reproach me all the day”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website “thewordfortodaywithray.com” or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book “Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II” and the new novel “Elizabeth County” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from “Strongs Concordance”.

A Pelican of the Wilderness – Psalms 102:6

In Psalms one hundred and two the Psalmist said, “my days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are burned as an hearth. My heart is smitten, and withered like grass; so that I forget to eat my bread. By reason of the voice of my groaning my bones cleave to my skin”, and in chapter one hundred two and verse six of Psalms the Psalmist said, “I am like a pelican of the wilderness” where we read,

I am like a pelican of the wilderness: I am like an owl of the desert.

The verse begins, “I am like a pelican of the wilderness:” The Psalmist began with the words, “I am like a pelican” or “I, the Psalmist, exist similar and in likeness to a ceremonially unclean bird such as a pelican or cormorant” “of the wilderness” which means “belonging to the uninhabited pasture or desert place”. The Psalmist said he was similar to the ceremonially unclean bird like the pelican or cormorant which dwells in the uninhabited pasture.

The verse goes on to say, “I am like an owl of the desert.” The Psalmist continued with the words, “I am like an owl” or “I, the Psalmist, exist similar and in likeness to an unclean owl” “of the desert” which means “belonging to the waste, ruin and desolate place”. The Psalmist said he was similar to the unclean “owl” that dwells in a ruinous waste place.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we see how the Psalmist compared the way he felt to the unclean birds such as the “wilderness pelican” and the “desert owl”. In other words, the Psalmist felt abandoned and alone. Afflictions and troubles tend to make us feel this way, and in these times we should remember that God loves us. He proved His love toward all mankind by sending His Son Jesus to die on the cross for our sins, and when we rely upon, cling to and trust in Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and be with us when we feel like the unclean birds in the wilderness and desert.

Next time the Psalmist says, “I watch, and am as a sparrow alone”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website “thewordfortodaywithray.com” or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book “Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II” and the new novel “Elizabeth County” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from “Strongs Concordance”.

Lazarus’ Sisters Send for Jesus – John 11:3

My Bones Cleave to My Skin – Psalms 102:5

In Psalms one hundred and two the Psalmist said, “my days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are burned as an hearth. My heart is smitten, and withered like grass; so that I forget to eat my bread”, and in chapter one hundred two and verse five of Psalms the Psalmist said, “my bones cleave to my skin” where we read,

By reason of the voice of my groaning my bones cleave to my skin.

The verse begins, “By reason of the voice of my groaning …” The Psalmist began with the words, “by reason of the voice” or “through the means and account of the sound and noise of uttered, proclaimed and declared words” “of my groaning” which means “pertaining to my, the Psalmist’s, sighing and mourning as an expression of grief or physical distress” the following occurred. The Psalmist shared how the following happened because of the expressions of grief that he made with his proclamation of uttered words.

The verse continues, “… my bones cleave to my skin.” The Psalmist added the words, “my bones” or “my, the Psalmist’s, essence, substance and limbs” “cleave to my skin” which means “cling, stick, stay close, join closely and overtake my, the Psalmist’s, outer flesh of his body”. The Psalmist said his inner limbs stuck to his “outer flesh” because of his uttered words of grief.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how the Psalmist continued to pour his heart out to Jehovah God. He spoke of his grief and physical distress which caused his inner limbs to stick to his outer flesh. This is extreme trouble of soul, and anyone who is overwhelmed with affliction may feel like he did. God loves us, and He knew in this world we will have “tribulation”, but Jesus told us not to be afraid, He overcame the world. (See John 16:33) God sent Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind, and when we believe and trust in Him as our personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and hear us when we “groan” and feel like our “bones cleave” to our “skin”.

Next time the Psalmist says, “I am like a pelican of the wilderness”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website “thewordfortodaywithray.com” or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book “Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II” and the new novel “Elizabeth County” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from “Strongs Concordance”.

My Heart is Smitten – Psalms 102:4

In Psalms one hundred and two the Psalmist said, “my days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are burned as an hearth”, and in chapter one hundred two and verse four of Psalms the Psalmist said, “my heart is smitten, and withered like grass” where we read,

My heart is smitten, and withered like grass; so that I forget to eat my bread.

The verse begins, “My heart is smitten, and withered like grass;” The Psalmist began with the words, “my heart is smitten” or “my, the Psalmist’s, soul, mind, will, desires, living being and seat of emotions and passions exists as stricken, beat, slayed and killed”, “are withered” which means “exists as confounded, ashamed and utterly shrivel away” “like grass” or “similar and in likeness to herbage, green plants and tender shoots”. The Psalmist said his heart and mind were stricken, slayed and shriveled similar to herbage that fades away.

The verse goes on to say, “so that I forget to eat my bread.” The Psalmist continued with the words, “so that I forgot to eat” or “and the result is that I, the Psalmist, did not remember and ignored consuming and devouring” “my bread” which means “my, the Psalmist’s, food, grain and victuals”. The Psalmist said his soul and mind were so stricken and shriveled away that he did not remember to consume nourishment and food.

When we think through the words in this verse, we see how the Psalmist shared that his soul and mind were deeply affected by the affliction that was upon him. He felt like he was attacked and destroyed, and it caused him not to remember to “eat”. God knows when we feel like this, and He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind to prove His love toward us. Isaiah the prophet said this of Jesus the Messiah, “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.” (See Isaiah 53:3) He knows our pain, and He understands that we need to be forgiven of our sins to be granted everlasting life with Him. Let us surrender ourselves to Jesus and receive Jehovah God’s wonderful gift of salvation, grace and eternal life with Him which shall last forever and ever.

Next time the Psalmist says, “my bones cleave to my skin”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website “thewordfortodaywithray.com” or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book “Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II” and the new novel “Elizabeth County” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from “Strongs Concordance”.

My Days Consumed Like Smoke – Psalms 102:3

In Psalms one hundred and two the Psalmist said, “Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come unto you. Hide not your face from me in the day when I am in trouble; incline your ear unto me: in the day when I call answer me speedily”, and in chapter one hundred two and verse three of Psalms the Psalmist said, “my days are consumed like smoke” where we read,

For my days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are burned as an hearth.

The verse begins, “For my days are consumed like smoke, …” The Psalmist began with the words, “for my days” or “because, since and on account that my, the Psalmist’s, sunrises to sunsets and sunsets to sunrises” “are consumed” which means “exist as ended, finished, accomplished, spent, fainted and destroyed” “like smoke” or “similar to angry vapor or dust”. The Psalmist wanted Jehovah God to listen to his prayer and not hide His face from him because every day was spent and destroyed like an angry vapor.

The verse continues, “… and my bones are burned as an hearth.” The Psalmist added the words, “and my bones” or “and my, the Psalmist’s, body limbs and substance” “are burned” which means “exists as hot, scorched and charred” “as an hearth” or “similar and in likeness to a conflagration or a burning mass”. The Psalmist said the “bones or limbs of his body” were like unto a scorched and charred “hearth” or burning mass in front of a fireplace.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn about the “days” and “bones” of the Psalmist. He felt like his sunrises to sunsets and sunsets to sunrises were spent like an angry vapor, and his “bones” were scorched within him. Sometimes our every move feels troubled, and this becomes a great time to cry out to God. God loves us, knows us and is aware of our difficulties and afflictions. He wants a personal, intimate relationship with us, and because sin separates us from Him, He sent His Son Jesus to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind. When we believe and trust in Him as our personal “Savior and Lord” , He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and assure us that He will be with us to rescue and restore when our “days are consumed” and our “bones are burned”.

Next time the Psalmist says, “my heart is smitten, and withered like grass”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website “thewordfortodaywithray.com” or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book “Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II” and the new novel “Elizabeth County” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from “Strongs Concordance”.

Hide Not Your Face from Me – Psalms 102:2

In Psalms one hundred and two the Psalmist said, “Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come unto you”, and in chapter one hundred two and verse two of Psalms the Psalmist said, “Hide not your face from me in the day when I am in trouble” where we read,

Hide not your face from me in the day when I am in trouble;

incline your ear unto me: in the day when I call answer me speedily.

The verse begins, “Hide not your face from me in the day when I am in trouble;” The Psalmist began with the words, “hide not your face from me” or “do not conceal or keep hidden your, Jehovah God’s, front and presence separate and apart from me, the Psalmist” “in the day” which means “within the season or period” “when I am in trouble” or “at the time and moment I, the Psalmist, exist in distress, in straits, opposed and confronting enemies”. The Psalmist appealed to Jehovah God not to conceal His presence from him at the time he was distressed and confronting enemies.

The verse goes on to say, “incline your ear unto me: in the day when I call answer me speedily.” The Psalmist continued with the words, “incline your ear unto me” or “turn, extend and stretch out your, Jehovah God’s, organ for hearing, giving audience and revelation to me, the Psalmist”: “in the day” which means “in the season and period” “when I call” or “at the time and moment I, Jehovah God, summon, bewray and cry out” “answer me speedily” which means “respond and bear witness to me, the Psalmist, swiftly, hastily and in a hurry”. The Psalmist wanted Jehovah God not only to listen and pay attention to him, but also to respond to him in a hurry whenever he cried out to Him.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how the Psalmist did not want Jehovah God to conceal His presence from him a the time of distress and facing enemies. He desired that God listen and pay attention to him, and when he cried out to Him, he wanted God to respond immediately. Most of us cry out to God and want Him to listen when we are in trouble, and we want quick answers to our prayers. God loves us and cares for us deeply, and He is aware of every affliction we encounter on a daily basis. He proved His love to us by sending His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for our sins, and when we believe and trust in Him as our personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and pay attention to us when we cry out to Him at the times we are in trouble.

Next time the Psalmist says, “my days are consumed like smoke”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website “thewordfortodaywithray.com” or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book “Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II” and the new novel “Elizabeth County” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from “Strongs Concordance”.