May 30, 2024

Who Is Right? The Bible or Evolution?

Psalm 19

James Ewing
Thursday's Devo

May 30, 2024

Thursday's Devo

May 30, 2024

Thursday's Devo

May 30, 2024

Thursday's Devo

May 30, 2024

Big Book Idea

Thinking and feeling God's way.

Key Verse | Psalm 19:1

The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

Psalm 19

The Law of the LORD Is Perfect

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.

1  The heavens declare the glory of God,
    and the sky above 1 19:1 Hebrew the expanse; compare Genesis 1:68 proclaims his handiwork.
2  Day to day pours out speech,
    and night to night reveals knowledge.
3  There is no speech, nor are there words,
    whose voice is not heard.
4  Their voice 2 19:4 Or Their measuring line goes out through all the earth,
    and their words to the end of the world.
In them he has set a tent for the sun,
5      which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber,
    and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.
6  Its rising is from the end of the heavens,
    and its circuit to the end of them,
    and there is nothing hidden from its heat.

7  The law of the LORD is perfect, 3 19:7 Or blameless
    reviving the soul;
the testimony of the LORD is sure,
    making wise the simple;
8  the precepts of the LORD are right,
    rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the LORD is pure,
    enlightening the eyes;
9  the fear of the LORD is clean,
    enduring forever;
the rules 4 19:9 Or just decrees of the LORD are true,
    and righteous altogether.
10  More to be desired are they than gold,
    even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
    and drippings of the honeycomb.
11  Moreover, by them is your servant warned;
    in keeping them there is great reward.

12  Who can discern his errors?
    Declare me innocent from hidden faults.
13  Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins;
    let them not have dominion over me!
Then I shall be blameless,
    and innocent of great transgression.

14  Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
    be acceptable in your sight,
    O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

Footnotes

[1] 19:1 Hebrew the expanse; compare Genesis 1:6–8
[2] 19:4 Or Their measuring line
[3] 19:7 Or blameless
[4] 19:9 Or just decrees
Table of Contents
Introduction to The Psalms

Introduction to The Psalms

Timeline

Author and Date

Individual psalms come from diverse periods of Israel’s history, but at every stage they served as the songbook of God’s people. David wrote about half of the Psalms. His role as king was more than that of a ruler. He was to represent and even embody the people, and their well-being was tied to his faithfulness. David, then, writes as a representative, and the readers must discern whether the emphasis of a psalm is more on his role as ruler or more on his role as ideal Israelite, in which he is an example for all. The historical occasions mentioned in the psalm titles help the reader see how faith applies to real-life situations.

Key Themes

The Psalter is fundamentally the hymnbook of God’s people. It takes the basic themes of OT theology and turns them into song:

  1. Monotheism. The one God, Maker and Ruler of all, will vindicate his goodness and justice in his own time. Everyone must know and love this God, whose purity, power, wisdom, faithfulness, and unceasing love are breathtakingly beautiful.
  2. Creation and fall. Though God made man with dignity and purpose, all people since the fall are beset with sins and weaknesses that only God’s grace can heal.
  3. Election and covenant. The one true God chose a people for himself and bound himself to them by his covenant. This covenant expressed God’s intention to save his people, and through them to bring light to the world.
  4. Covenant membership. In his covenant, God offers grace to his people: forgiveness of their sins, the shaping of their lives to reflect his own glory, and a part to play as light to the Gentiles. Each member of God’s people is responsible to believe God’s promises and to grow in obeying his commands. Those who do this enjoy the full benefits of God’s love and find delight in knowing him. The well-being of God’s people as a whole affects the well-being of each member. Each one shares the joys and sorrows of the others. When believers suffer, they should not seek revenge but should pray. They can be confident that God will make all things right in his own time.
  5. Eschatology. The story of God’s people is headed toward a glorious future, in which all kinds of people will come to know the Lord. The personal faithfulness of God’s people contributes to his ultimate purpose. The Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, will lead his people in the great task of bringing light to the Gentiles.

Types of Psalms

The Psalms can be identified according to some basic categories:

Laments, which lay a troubled situation before the Lord, asking him for help. There are community (Psalm 12) and individual (Psalm 13) laments. This category is the largest by far, including up to a third of all Psalms.

Hymns of praise, which call God’s people to admire his great attributes and deeds. Examples include Psalms 8; 93; and 145.

Hymns of thanksgiving. As with laments, there are community (Psalm 9) and individual (Psalm 30) thanksgiving psalms.

Hymns celebrating God’s law (Psalm 119).

Wisdom psalms (Psalms 1; 37), which reflect themes from the Wisdom Books (Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon).

Songs of confidence, which enable worshipers to deepen their trust in God amid difficult circumstances (Psalm 23).

Royal psalms, which present the Davidic monarchy as the vehicle of blessing for God’s people. Some of these are prayers (Psalm 20), some are thanksgivings (Psalm 21). All relate to the Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, either by setting a pattern (Psalms 20–21) or by portraying the king’s reign in such a way that only the Messiah can completely fulfill it (Psalms 2; 72), or by focusing on the future (Psalm 110).

Historical psalms, which take lessons from the history of God’s dealings with his people (Psalm 78).

Prophetic hymns, which echo the Prophets, calling people to covenant faithfulness (Psalm 81).

Structure

The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.

Book 1 Psalms 1–41 Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26.
Book 2 Psalms 42–72 Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people.
Book 3 Psalms 73–89 The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88).
Book 4 Psalms 90–106 Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89.
Book 5 Psalms 107–150 The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134).
The Global Message of The Psalms

The Global Message of The Psalms

The Psalms are a resounding call for all God’s people and for all the world to sing! We are called to sing songs of confession and trust in God; to sing songs of thanksgiving and praise. The Psalms summon the global church to take up the cause of calling the world to join in such global and eternal songs of trust in, delight in, and worship of God for his magnificence—especially his magnificence displayed in his saving mercy.

Songs of Honest Lament

There is a surprising degree of honesty found in the prayers and songs of the Psalms. We find honest lament to God, with frequent repetition of questions such as “Why?” and “How long?” The psalmist asks in Psalm 42:9, “Why have you forgotten me?” Another psalm wonders, “Why, O LORD, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” (10:1; see also 88:14). “How long, O LORD?” is a frequent cry to God in the Psalms (see 6:3; 13:1; 79:5; 89:46).

Such prayers flow from desperately challenging situations, in which life feels overwhelming. Yet they also reflect the confident expectations of our honest cries to our compassionate and faithful God. The Lord invites his people worldwide to be boldly transparent before him—no masks, no pretense—even when the heart is breaking. He promises never to abandon those who belong to him.

Songs of Repentance and Trust

Songs of repentance are scattered throughout the Psalms. In such songs there are confessions of corporate sin—“Both we and our fathers have sinned; we have committed iniquity; we have done wickedness” (Ps. 106:6)—and individual songs of penitence (Psalms 6; 25; 32; 38; 51; 130; 143). These are not hopeless laments, but cries to a God who is a gracious deliverer (6:4), who deals with us according to his great love and mercy (51:1), and whose forgiveness flows from his goodness and not ours (130:3–4).

There is abundant reason to trust such a God for every good thing and in every situation (Psalm 23). To such a God we turn in times of great trouble, when we are at an utter loss in this fallen world. When enemies surround us and there is no one to help, God is our hope for deliverance (Psalm 22). Whether the desperate individual (Psalm 13) or the destitute community (Psalm 12) is in view, God is faithful to his promises. His steadfast love endures. He is worthy of our songs!

Songs of Thanksgiving and Praise

The Psalms are a divinely orchestrated hymnbook of thanksgiving and praise for God’s people. The covenant people of God return thanks to God for his wonderful deeds of deliverance, justice, and defense (Psalm 9), and for his favor and mercies (30:5, 7, 8, 10). All of this moves his people to burst into songs of joy and glad dancing (30:11–12).

In the Psalms, the people of God rejoice in all that God is and all that he has done. These songs of praise exalt God for his unsearchable greatness, his glorious splendor, and his awesome deeds (Ps. 145:3–6). He is worshiped as the King over all creation (93:1),the eternal King (10:16), the King of glory (24:8, 10), the King of all the earth (47:7), and the great King above all gods (95:3).

The Global Message of the Psalms

For all God’s people. The global message of the Psalms is that in light of God’s unfailing love and faithfulness there is a song to be sung by all God’s people everywhere—whatever their circumstances, whatever their emotions, whatever their adversity. The song to be sung will be of varied themes: lament, confession, repentance, thanksgiving, or praise to God. All of these, however, are songs of worship, expressing the universal experiences of God’s people. This is worship of God by the individual and the community, local and global, young and old (Ps. 148:12), now and forever (89:52). For a lost world filled with rebellion and sorrow, there is no greater remedy than a song that brings those who sing it to take refuge in God himself: a song for the oppressed, the hungry, the prisoner, the sojourner, the widow, and the fatherless (146:7–9).

A new song. The message of the Psalms is a call to the whole world to “Sing a new song!” “Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth!” (Ps. 96:1). This is not a song of empty promises, but a song full of hope, a song exulting in the salvation of a covenant keeping and merciful God; not a song that fades, but an enduring, eternal song; a song of a God who lifts us out of mud and mire (69:2, 14).

Celebrating salvation. The book of Psalms opens with a picture of the two ways of life—the blessed and fruitful life of the one who delights in God, and the fleeting life of the wicked who (apart from God) stand condemned (Psalm 1). The world is called to set aside folly and to join in the life and song of the Redeemer, celebrating the salvation that is rooted in the sacrifice of the Savior (Psalm 22). This new song has been sung down through the ages; it continues today throughout the world; and it will one day be sung in the very throne room of God (Rev. 14:3).

Summoning the Nations

To the ends of the earth. The global church has a message for the world: join in this song! It is a celebration that will generate further praise—globally, generationally, and eternally. The church is to “declare his glory among the nations!” (Ps. 96:3). From Israel to the Christian church today to the global kingdom that will one day be known to the very ends of the earth, the redeemed of the Lord will come from every nation, tribe, people, and language, giving God thanks and celebrating his grace (Rev. 7:9).

For all nations. There is a message for the nations: “Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!” (Ps. 117:1). The Lord humbles the nations (9:5, 19, 20), but he extends to all an offer of mercy and grace. One day, the nations will become Christ’s inheritance (2:8). This song begins with us but it must not end with us. There is a glorious globalization of the worship of God that we are privileged to help advance. In Christ we have found fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore (16:11). In turn we call the nations as well to be glad and sing for joy in him (67:4).

Fulfilled in Jesus. The love and mercy of God that forms the heart of the Psalms explodes onto history with the coming of Christ. It is in and through him that believers worldwide see God’s covenant faithfulness right before their eyes.

Spreading God’s glory. That glorious, global worship of God through Jesus Christ is not yet fully known or complete. Generating it is therefore our glad mission while on this earth. We will not rest till God’s glorious name is blessed forever and the whole earth is filled with his glory (Ps. 72:19).

Psalms Fact #3: How are the Psalms divided?

Fact: How are the Psalms divided?

How are the Psalms divided? The Psalms are divided into five books: 1–41; 42–72; 73–89; 90–106; 107–150. Each book ends with a “doxology,” a hymn of praise to God.

Psalms Fact #4: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?

Fact: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?

What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God? The Psalms were the songbook of the people of God when they gathered for worship.

Psalms Fact #6: What is a psalm of lament?

Fact: What is a psalm of lament?

What is a psalm of lament? The main purpose of a psalm of lament is to tell the Lord about a difficult situation, to ask him for his help, and to praise him for helping. Some laments are community, congregational psalms. Others are individual, personal laments. One third of all the Psalms are psalms of lament.

Psalms Fact #7: How many of the Psalms were written by David?

Fact: How many of the Psalms were written by David?

How many of the Psalms were written by David? David is the author of about half of the Psalms. Other authors include Asaph, Solomon, Moses, and the sons of Korah.

Psalms Fact #9: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?

Fact: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?

What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel? The “enemies” mentioned in the Psalms (e.g., 18:17) were people hostile to the faith of God’s people. Sometimes they expressed their hatred by physically attacking the people of Israel, while other times they merely rejoiced when Israel faced misfortunes.

Psalms Fact #10: Are the Psalms poetry?

Fact: Are the Psalms poetry?

Are the Psalms poetry? The Psalms often reflect the feelings or emotions of the person who wrote the psalm. The book of Psalms includes poetry that covers all kinds of emotional feelings and experiences, from anguish and sorrow to great joy and thanksgiving.

Psalms Fact #12: How often does the NT quote from the Psalms?

Fact: How often does the NT quote from the Psalms?

How often does the NT quote from the Psalms? Of all the OT books, the Psalms and Isaiah are by far the two most widely quoted in the NT.

Psalms Fact #13: Selah

Fact: Selah

What does Selah mean? Although the word Selah is found 39 times in the book of Psalms, its exact meaning is uncertain. Most scholars believe it is a musical term or a term to be used by a worship leader, possibly to mark a pause.

Psalms Fact #20: Snares

Fact: Snares

Snares (38:12) were traps used to catch birds and animals. Some snares used ropes or nets that would be triggered as soon as the bait was touched. Pits disguised with sticks and leaves were also used as snares. In the Psalms, snares serve as symbols of danger or death at the hands of the wicked.

Psalms Fact #27: A helpful guide

Fact: A helpful guide

A helpful guide. The writers of the Psalms understood the importance of constant communication with God. They knew that God would hear their prayers, and they trusted him to act on their behalf. Believers today can benefit greatly by patterning their prayers after specific psalms.

Psalms Fact #28: Memorizing the Psalms

Fact: Memorizing the Psalms

Memorizing the Psalms. The poetic style of the Psalms make them easy to memorize. Throughout the centuries, many believers have memorized all 150 Psalms.

Psalms Fact #40: How long?

Fact: How long?

How long? This question (79:5) occurs nearly twenty times in the Psalms, more than any other question. It is almost always associated with a psalm of lament, such as Psalm 79.

Structure of Psalms

Structure of Psalms

The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.

Book 1 Psalms 1–41 Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26.
Book 2 Psalms 42–72 Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people.
Book 3 Psalms 73–89 The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88).
Book 4 Psalms 90–106 Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89.
Book 5 Psalms 107–150 The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134).
OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

Romans 3 OT Reference
Sinful Condition
v. 10, none is righteous Ps. 14:3/53:3; Eccles. 7:20
v. 11a, no one understands Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 11b, no one seeks for God Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 12, all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one Ps. 14:3/53:3
Sinful Speech (note progression from throat to tongue to lips)
v. 13a, b, their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive Ps. 5:10, Septuagint (English, 5:9)
v. 13c, the venom of asps is under their lips Ps. 140:3
v. 14, their mouth is full of curses and bitterness Ps. 10:7
Sinful Action
v. 15, their feet are swift to shed blood Prov. 1:16/Isa. 59:7
v. 16, in their paths are ruin and misery Isa. 59:7
v. 17, and the way of peace they have not known Isa. 59:8
Summary Statement
v. 18, there is no fear of God before their eyes Ps. 36:1
Study Notes

Ps. 19:1 The glory of God includes his power, wisdom, and worthiness of honor and worship.

Study Notes

Ps. 19:3 The speech here is the speech mentioned in v. 2a. voice is not heard. All people hear the voice, but not all respond to it.

Study Notes

Ps. 19:4 See note on Rom. 10:18–19.

Study Notes

Ps. 19:7 reviving the soul. That is, giving refreshment. sure. Trustworthy. simple. See Introduction to Proverbs: Reading Proverbs.

Study Notes

Ps. 19:8 enlightening the eyes. For the eyes to have light or to be bright is for the person to be alert and active (compare 1 Sam. 14:27; Ezra 9:8; Ps. 13:3).

Study Notes

Ps. 19:9 The fear of the LORD refers to the precepts of the covenant, which show how to properly revere God (compare 34:11).

Study Notes

Ps. 19:11 reward. In this case, assurance and character growth.

Study Notes

Ps. 19:12 hidden. Just as “there is nothing hidden” from the sun’s heat (v. 6), so too the law searches all the hiding places of the soul.

Study Notes

Ps. 19:13 presumptuous sins. Sins committed in proud disobedience to divine commands (Deut. 17:12). Such sins eventually will have dominion over the sinner. The faithful person desires, instead, to become blameless, just as the law is blameless (see note on Ps. 18:30).

Study Notes

Psalm Ps. 19. In singing this psalm, God’s people celebrate his law as his supreme revelation of himself. The psalm recounts the way the creation speaks of its Maker (vv. 1–6), and the way the Mosaic law addresses the soul (vv. 7–11). This calls for a humble response (vv. 12–14).

Ps. 19:14 Be acceptable comes from the language of sacrifice (as in Lev. 22:20). The singer is asking that his song be seen as a suitable act of worship before God, like a sacrifice.

S3:105 Psalm 19

Listen Now

Dive Deeper | Psalm 19

Everyone loves a classic showdown—David v. Goliath, Aslan v. the White Witch, or the Dallas Cowboys v. Filthadelphia Eagles. But a showdown can lose its entertainment value when it becomes biblical truth vs. secular worldview in your personal life. Today we will focus on the conflict of Scripture vs. society in the context of evolution.

Enter King David with Psalm 19, a masterfully written psalm with content that is equal parts poetry and wisdom. Psalm 19 is a battle hymn for believers in the inevitable showdown of the Word vs. the world.

This psalm emphasizes that everything in nature points toward God. The terms heavens and the sky above refer to the modern concept of space, while the terms [d]ay to day and night to night refer to time. David is saying that time and space proclaim the handiwork of God. Nature's declaration of God transcends language and emotions. God's glory is being proclaimed in all creation (see also Colossians 1:23).

Psalm 19 shifts from emphasizing how God reveals Himself through creation to how God reveals Himself through the Word. We see how the law of the Lord revives and gives wisdom (Psalm 19:7), brings joy and provides guidance (Psalm 19:8), and endures forever (Psalm 19:9). Not only does the physical world around us declare God's existence, but Scripture is written evidence of God's revelation to man.

Psalm 19 does not offer all the answers to an evolutionary worldview, but it does provide believers with a frame of mind to remain grounded in truth. First, it reminds us of creation's declaration of God and His glory. Second, it teaches us that one aspect of the glory of God is the law of the Lord. While David didn't understand it at the time, believers now know that the ultimate fulfillment of the law is Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:17-20). I pray our response to these revelations will be similar to King David's—humble surrender of our pride as we seek to find strength and redemption in the Lord.

This month's memory verse

If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

– John 14:15

Discussion Questions

1. Describe a time when creation helped you see God's power and glory. What are steps you can start taking to set aside time to appreciate how creation points you toward Christ?

2. Psalm 19:7-9 lays out six functions of the Word of God. Which one of these functions have you seen most often in your life? Did any of the functions come as a challenge to you?

3. The Word of God is described as more precious than gold (Psalm 19:10). How do you treat the Word of God like a treasure in your life? What steps can you take to help you value His Word more?

4. Psalm 19 warns of presumptuous sins (Psalm 19:13). How would you define a presumptuous sin? How can you avoid it, and how can you become more cognizant of the presumptuous sin in your own life?

5. For believers, certain challenges are inevitable. One of these inevitable challenges will be standing firm on God's Word concerning the origins of the universe in a secular culture. What can you do to prepare yourself to have a loving response when you are faced with this question?

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MS

Michael Scaman

Believe it or not in 8th grade science class in a movie we had to watch in a public school in Indian Trail Jr high. there was a reading of Psalm 19 as part of the science movie. I guess to try to say faith and science go together.... then AHEM proceeded to tell us about the Miller-Urey experiment where as if in the lab of Dr Frankenstein lightning hits dead goo and transforms it to the stuff of life. Long been debunked but a staple of science education of the day. NASA admits there apparently never was a reducing atmosphere needed for the experiment. See https://astrobiology.nasa.gov/news/earths-early-atmosphere-an-update/. But there are proposed rescue devices for the “great unifying theory of evolution” like maybe life formed on some slushy comet and crash landed on earth. Or maybe it started on Mars and rode a glancing meteor ricocheted and brought life on pieces hit earth???? AKA. creative speculation. Has to be true after all we’re here aren’t we? Or. Spoiler alert Star Trek discovery maybe life came from ancient aliens. Who made the aliens?? Did aliens make the aliens? Did aliens make the aliens that made the aliens? Never fear. Pope Francis is open to the idea of baptism for aliens if we meet them. Psalm 19 is a good example of three kinds of revelation. First there is Natural revelation in the glory baked world (even in fallen and broken imperfect world) we live in Glory baked in even a sin cursed broken world. Ps 68:5. “You make morning and evening shout for joy that the ends of the earth may be in awe of your works.” Second there is Special Revelation in the word of God (the word of God is perfect not fallen or affected by sin). The word of God restores the soul. While the world may be inspiring, it doesn't save. It shows God's power and creativity but doesn't show God's grace or the gospel with clarity. Third internal conviction by conscience, led by the Spirit. Psalm. 19:12-13. Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. 13 Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression. Many feel psalms 15 through 25 reflect around psalm 19 as a chiasm.
GJ

greg jones

Good morning James. Filthadelphia Eagles that’s a first for me. I like it, it’s pretty funny…unless you happen to be from South Filthy…then maybe not so much…I might have to stay out of Tony’s on Preston for awhile… Q5 I think this is a pretty important question for many people today. Especially younger people who may have grown up in the church but struggle with what they were raised on concerning Genesis and the creation account. I agree, “for believers” and “certain challenges are inevitable” and can be mutually exclusive. I would disagree that, “for believers” and “standing firm on God's Word concerning the origins of the universe in a secular culture” have to be mutually exclusive. I have a friend who teaches Hebrew at Baylor. She will tell you that there are multiple voices in the OT, whoever wrote Genesis 2 was not the same person who later wrote Genesis 1. These two creation accounts in Genesis are examples of two different voices side by side, and, she loves and follows Jesus. So if you happen to be unsteady concerning the origins of the universe in Genesis you are not alone. Some connect Genesis 1 and Deuteronomy 4 together as a voice theologically supporting each other. What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the Lord our God is near us whenever we pray to him? Deuteronomy 4:7 Then the Lord spoke to you out of the fire. You heard the sound of words but saw no form; there was only a voice. Deuteronomy 4:12 And when you look up to the sky and see the sun, the moon and the stars—all the heavenly array—do not be enticed into bowing down to them and worshiping things the Lord your God has apportioned to all the nations under heaven. Deuteronomy 4:19 Other nations worship these things that God spoke into being. Things God has apportioned to other nations, or for other people (Deuteronomy 4:19, Genesis 1). Deuteronomy 4:12–13, is what God spoke specifically to the Israelites when he gave them the law. There is big warning concerning idolatry going on in Deuteronomy 4. And there is a recognition of the gods of other people. Reading Psalm 19 a little more broadly the first six verses do not worry too much about enticing the reader into worshiping the created. Listening carefully: The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork… Psalm 19:1 Their voice (who is they?) goes out through all the earth, and their (they again) words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy. Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat. Psalm 19:4-6 That’s a lot of praise for the sun, a created object. And it sure sounds like he could be part of the they equation. In my mind Psalm 19 isn’t supporting pantheism, but the first six verses recognize it, before evolving into The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; Psalm 19:7 Whether your standing firm on God's Word concerning the origins of the universe, or, you’re a little shaky, especially if you’re a little shaky, my hope is Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart     be acceptable in your sight,     O LORD, my rock and my redeemer would continue, or begin, or begin again to be a desire that brings hope and stability as you continue to journey in pursuit of knowing God and his purposes in your life…even Filthy fans… man this is going to get me into trouble…
LD

Lindsey Driscoll

James! I know you enjoy going on walks in Gods creation with your wife and now your son! Thank you for blessing us with a great reminder of how Gods creation through nature and Gods word declare his glory. I love the thread of creation declaring Gods glory, Gods word declaring his glory, and then following his word our lives can declare his glory - only through faith in Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. I’m Praying my life would declare his glory today through my words and meditations of my heart - 19:14. Also, in lieu of currently living with the affects of Texas weather this week. I had a great giggle about thinking about Psalm 19:6 as the official Texas summer verse (the sun) “nothing is hidden from its heat!”
SB

Sue Bohlin

Thanks so much, James. The oxymoronic concept of "wordless speech" we see in Psalm 19 means a lot more to me now on the other side of the total solar eclipse. Millions of people saw and heard the heavens declare the glory of God without a single word, but were moved to awe, worship, and tears. Also, concerning David's prayer to help him avoid presumptuous sins, I appreciated this from GotQuestions.org: John Calvin wrote, “Unless God restrain us, our hearts will violently boil with a proud and insolent contempt of God” (Commentary on Psalms, note on Psalm 19:13). That’s why David prayed, “Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me!” (Psalm 19:13, ESV). May God be our defender against temptation and grant us wisdom to recognize defiance within us and strength to resist it. May we be preserved from the audacity of presumptuous sins.
MS

Michael Scaman

One point made is “the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; “ Lady Wisdom and Dane Folly called to the simple yelling from the rooftops to passerby’s to join their sides. The word revives and enables one to join Lady Widsom and be wise
AL

Amy Lowther

1. Everyday, the grass, the trees, the sun, and the sky remind me of Christ, creation, and all that life offers each day. Scheduling wisely, scheduling time for creation amongst busyness is important and helpful. 2. The testimony and commandment of the Lord are present everyday for me. Overall, God always challenges me everyday in everything. 3. I treat God’s Word like a treasure by prioritizing it and valuing it. To value it more, I would change and rework my schedule. 4. If I knew I was going to sin and completed the sin knowing I was going to sin, I think it is a presumptuous sin. I can do a little study and application of the Bible everyday to prevent presumptuous sin in my life. 5. I can pray and give each day to God, prioritizing God’s Word and Values. James - Thank you for sharing your ideas. You make a good point in saying, “Psalm 19 does not offer all the answers to an evolutionary worldview, but it does provide believers with a frame of mind to remain grounded in truth”. God’s Word is great support for each of us as we live each day and do our best.