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WHERE YOU STAND DETERMINES WHAT YOU SEE!
WHERE YOU STAND DETERMINES WHAT YOU SEE!
Last night, I can’t sleep! My eyes are closed but my soul was still awake… make reasoning to our Lord… for there are things that I keep praying to Him…
my family, my brethren and my friends… He knows my heart.. He knows everything about me… and He is my everything…You know it very well, Oh my Lord.
Morning comes and still I am talking to you, my Lord…Is there any thing I’m longing for? You supply all my needs, You comfort me when I’m sad, You give me strength every thing I am weak…. But why You keep my soul never sleep, and praying for my love ones?!!! Or is there something wrong now about me?
Then You lead me to your Words that make an answer for this…. Psalm 73:1-28
And enlighten my mind upon searching for the deeper meaning of the psalmist Asaph… Wow, You don’t know how I see myself in Asaph’s situation today! And I thank you for this revelation You gave me today which I can’t help myself not to share to all my brethren…I love you , My Lord …Glory be Your Name!
WHERE YOU STAND DETERMINES WHAT YOU SEE!
by Rev. Oneal Stover
Psalms
Chapter 73
A psalm of Asaph. How good God is to the upright, the Lord, to those who are clean of heart!
I But, as for me, I lost my balance; my feet all but slipped,
Because I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
For they suffer no pain; their bodies are healthy and sleek.
They are free of the burdens of life; they are not afflicted like others.
Thus pride adorns them as a necklace; violence clothes them as a robe.
Out of their stupidity comes sin; evil thoughts flood their hearts.
They scoff and spout their malice; from on high they utter threats.
They set their mouths against the heavens, their tongues roam the earth.
So my people turn to them and drink deeply of their words.
They say, "Does God really know?" "Does the Most High have any knowledge?"
Such, then, are the wicked, always carefree, increasing their wealth.
Is it in vain that I have kept my heart clean, washed my hands in innocence?
For I am afflicted day after day, chastised every morning.
Had I thought, "I will speak as they do," I would have betrayed your people.
Though I tried to understand all this, it was too difficult for me,
Till I entered the sanctuary of God and came to understand their end.
You set them, indeed, on a slippery road; you hurl them down to ruin.
How suddenly they are devastated; undone by disasters forever!
They are like a dream after waking, Lord, dismissed like shadows when you arise.
Since my heart was embittered and my soul deeply wounded,
I was stupid and could not understand; I was like a brute beast in your presence.
Yet I am always with you; you take hold of my right hand.
With your counsel you guide me, and at the end receive me with honor.
Whom else have I in the heavens? None beside you delights me on earth.
Though my flesh and my heart fail, God is the rock of my heart, my portion forever.
But those who are far from you perish; you destroy those unfaithful to you.
As for me, to be near God is my good, to make the Lord GOD my refuge. I shall declare all your works in the gates of daughter Zion.
INTRODUCTION:
One day a blind man decided to go to the zoo. They hired a guide to tell them about all the exotic animals the couldn't see. When they came to the elephants, the zoo keeper wanted them to have more than a verbal description, so he allowed them each to feel the elephant. Since the elephant was large, and since the zoo keeper had limited time, he let each man touch one part of the mammal.
The first blind man reached out his hand and grabbed the elephant's tail. "Aha," He exclaimed, the elephant is like a big rope. The second man felt a massive elephant leg. He Looked strange, No rope was that big. No, the elephant is like a large log or tree. He was sure of this. The third blind man walked forward and ran straight into the elephant's side, whereupon he pronounced the, The elephant is really a big wall. Next, another of the blind men reached out and took hold of the elephant's ears, it must have tickled, because the elephant wiggled the large ear, causing the fourth man to exclaim, Oh, see this, the elephant is like a big fan. The fifth blind man decided that the first four were all slightly daft and they couldn't be describing the same creature, so he carefully walked up and put out his hand, the elephant raised his trunk to the man who felt it and grinned in wonder, My friends, it is obvious the elephant is a huge snake. The final man was totally confused, he walked forward and reached out hoping to find the truth, and encountered a tusk. He paused and brightened, I understand, the true nature of the elephant is this, he is a sword. The zoo keeper and guide smiled to one another, knowing that none had the big, elephant picture.
This was the problem which confronted the writer of this Psalm.
I. HOW ASAPH HAS BEEN EDUCATED
In the first verse, we see Asaph standing on Solid Ground. He has been taught about the goodness of God. He has been taught that the Lord is nothing but good. This is true! Jesus, himself testified to the goodness of God. in Matthew 19:17) there is none good, that is, but God.
Asaph, has been taught two great truths.
A. FIRST. GOD BLESSES HIS PEOPLE.
"God is good to Israel."
Through he may sometimes seem negligent of, and harsh and severe toward, his people; yet, if all all things be considered, it is most certain, and hereafter will be made manifest that he is really and superlatively good, most kind and bountiful and a true friend to them, and that they are most happy in possessing his favour, and have no reason to envy sinners in their present and seeming felicity.
( Psalms 84:11)
For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
B. SECOND. GOD BLESSES THE PURE.
To all true Christians, who love God with their whole hearts, and serve Him in Spirit, and in truth, and uprightness:
( John 4:23)
But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him.
II. WHAT ASAPH HAS EXPERIENCED
A. FIRST. THE PROSPERITY OF THE SINNER.
(vv.2-3) But as far me,
It bothered Asaph that the wicked prospered wile the children of God did without.
My faith in God';s promises and providence was almost overthrown by the force of temptation; I was almost ready to backslide.
B. SECOND. THE PEACE OF THE SINNER.
(v. 4) For there are no bands in their death.
They continue strong and healthful all their days, till at last they expire quietly, as a lamp goes out when the oil is spent.
C. THIRD. THE PLEASURE OF THE SINNER.
(V. 5) They are not in trouble as other men.
They escape even common calamities. Therefore pride compasseth them about.
D. FOURTH. THE PRIDE OF THE SINNER.
(V. 6-11) By the Pride of the wicked
Because they live the lives they do, and it seems that there is never any opposition from God, they are filled with pride before Him.
They say, God doesn't know! Even if He does, He is weak and unable to do anything about it at all (v.11) It appears to Asaph that they have it made!
E. FIFTH. THE PROGRESS OF THE SINNER.
(v. 12-16) Behold, these are the ungodly who prosper in the world.
When Asaph took all this in, it caused him to become bitter in his heart. 1. He looked at the life he had been living for the Lord. ( v,13) Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain.
2. He looked at his own share of sorrow. ( v.14)
3. He looked at a life for the Lord and it broke his heart. (v.16)
4. Yet, he was afraid to admit how he felt, because he did not want to lead others down the same path of despair he was walking on. (v.15)
When Asaph saw these things, he felt like quitting on God. He felt as though he had actually wasted his time in serving the Lord. How many have truly felt that way?
When the trials of life begin to pile up on us, we are tempted to think that we would have been better off living like the rest of the world.
The statement, there is no benefit in serving the Lord.
The problem with this line of thinking is that life is viewed from a human perspective. When we look at life and it problem from a human perspective, we will always focus our attention on SELF.
Everything will always come down to, HOW DOES THIS AFFECT ME?
WHAT PROBLEMS WILL I FACE NOW?
WHEN WILL I EVER HAVE RELIEF?
WHO CARES ABOUT WHAT I AM FACING?
Natural thinking always results in disaster because it allows you to stand in the wrong place and see from the wrong angle.
If you allow yourself to fall into the trap of looking at life from a human perspective you, like Asaph, will find yourself in a place where you will begin to doubt what you know to be true about the Lord. IT IS A DANGEROUS PLACE TO BE IN!
III. WHAT ASAPH ENCOUNTERED
In verse 17, the mood of the Psalm changes, Asaph moves from the Slippery Ground of a backsliddern condition, with human perspective and step squarely into SHOUTING GROUNDS of a HEAVENLY PERSPECTIVE.
It seem that Asaph made a trip to church ( temple)
There, he talked with the Lord, and he allowed the Lord to talk with him ( Isn't that great?) As he did, he was able to get his eyes off of himself and the problems he faced.
He was able to lose his human perspective and replace it with a Heavenly perspective.
Notice what became clear to Asaph when he went to the church to talk with the Lord.
His thinking was different now. His vision was different.
A. FIRST. THE FUTURE OF THE SINNER ( v. 17-20)
Asaph came to realize that the wicked may have the best here. They may live it up and enjoy life to the fullest, BUT that dream existence they are living will end when the breath leaves their body!
All they have to look forward to is an eternity in Hell to be separated from the Lord Forever. ( II Thessalonians 1:8-9)
In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
(v.9) Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power.
Before we allow ourselves to become too jealous over the lives of the wicked are living, we need to consider the fact that this is the only Heaven they will know.
ISN'T THAT DEPRESSING?
Lost friends, love one you need to get right with God! You are living on borrowed time!
B. SECOND. THE FOOLISHNESS OF SELF.
Now, Asaph confesses the fact that he has been looking at everything through a faulty set of lenses. He deals with the matter of his own heart.
You can say that God doesn't care!
But He does. He says ( I Peter 5:7)
God hears and He says ( Jeremiah 33:3)
God isn't there YES HE IS, and He says ( Hebrews 13:5)
C. THIRD. THE FULLNESS OF GOD.
The greater blessing we could ever receive is God's Holy Spirit.
( John 14:16)
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
CONCLUSION
Do we have any Asaph's present today? It comes down to where you are standing today! Some are lost here this morning. This altar is open!
Last night, I can’t sleep! My eyes are closed but my soul was still awake… make reasoning to our Lord… for there are things that I keep praying to Him…
my family, my brethren and my friends… He knows my heart.. He knows everything about me… and He is my everything…You know it very well, Oh my Lord.
Morning comes and still I am talking to you, my Lord…Is there any thing I’m longing for? You supply all my needs, You comfort me when I’m sad, You give me strength every thing I am weak…. But why You keep my soul never sleep, and praying for my love ones?!!! Or is there something wrong now about me?
Then You lead me to your Words that make an answer for this…. Psalm 73:1-28
And enlighten my mind upon searching for the deeper meaning of the psalmist Asaph… Wow, You don’t know how I see myself in Asaph’s situation today! And I thank you for this revelation You gave me today which I can’t help myself not to share to all my brethren…I love you , My Lord …Glory be Your Name!
WHERE YOU STAND DETERMINES WHAT YOU SEE!
by Rev. Oneal Stover
Psalms
Chapter 73
A psalm of Asaph. How good God is to the upright, the Lord, to those who are clean of heart!
I But, as for me, I lost my balance; my feet all but slipped,
Because I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
For they suffer no pain; their bodies are healthy and sleek.
They are free of the burdens of life; they are not afflicted like others.
Thus pride adorns them as a necklace; violence clothes them as a robe.
Out of their stupidity comes sin; evil thoughts flood their hearts.
They scoff and spout their malice; from on high they utter threats.
They set their mouths against the heavens, their tongues roam the earth.
So my people turn to them and drink deeply of their words.
They say, "Does God really know?" "Does the Most High have any knowledge?"
Such, then, are the wicked, always carefree, increasing their wealth.
Is it in vain that I have kept my heart clean, washed my hands in innocence?
For I am afflicted day after day, chastised every morning.
Had I thought, "I will speak as they do," I would have betrayed your people.
Though I tried to understand all this, it was too difficult for me,
Till I entered the sanctuary of God and came to understand their end.
You set them, indeed, on a slippery road; you hurl them down to ruin.
How suddenly they are devastated; undone by disasters forever!
They are like a dream after waking, Lord, dismissed like shadows when you arise.
Since my heart was embittered and my soul deeply wounded,
I was stupid and could not understand; I was like a brute beast in your presence.
Yet I am always with you; you take hold of my right hand.
With your counsel you guide me, and at the end receive me with honor.
Whom else have I in the heavens? None beside you delights me on earth.
Though my flesh and my heart fail, God is the rock of my heart, my portion forever.
But those who are far from you perish; you destroy those unfaithful to you.
As for me, to be near God is my good, to make the Lord GOD my refuge. I shall declare all your works in the gates of daughter Zion.
INTRODUCTION:
One day a blind man decided to go to the zoo. They hired a guide to tell them about all the exotic animals the couldn't see. When they came to the elephants, the zoo keeper wanted them to have more than a verbal description, so he allowed them each to feel the elephant. Since the elephant was large, and since the zoo keeper had limited time, he let each man touch one part of the mammal.
The first blind man reached out his hand and grabbed the elephant's tail. "Aha," He exclaimed, the elephant is like a big rope. The second man felt a massive elephant leg. He Looked strange, No rope was that big. No, the elephant is like a large log or tree. He was sure of this. The third blind man walked forward and ran straight into the elephant's side, whereupon he pronounced the, The elephant is really a big wall. Next, another of the blind men reached out and took hold of the elephant's ears, it must have tickled, because the elephant wiggled the large ear, causing the fourth man to exclaim, Oh, see this, the elephant is like a big fan. The fifth blind man decided that the first four were all slightly daft and they couldn't be describing the same creature, so he carefully walked up and put out his hand, the elephant raised his trunk to the man who felt it and grinned in wonder, My friends, it is obvious the elephant is a huge snake. The final man was totally confused, he walked forward and reached out hoping to find the truth, and encountered a tusk. He paused and brightened, I understand, the true nature of the elephant is this, he is a sword. The zoo keeper and guide smiled to one another, knowing that none had the big, elephant picture.
This was the problem which confronted the writer of this Psalm.
I. HOW ASAPH HAS BEEN EDUCATED
In the first verse, we see Asaph standing on Solid Ground. He has been taught about the goodness of God. He has been taught that the Lord is nothing but good. This is true! Jesus, himself testified to the goodness of God. in Matthew 19:17) there is none good, that is, but God.
Asaph, has been taught two great truths.
A. FIRST. GOD BLESSES HIS PEOPLE.
"God is good to Israel."
Through he may sometimes seem negligent of, and harsh and severe toward, his people; yet, if all all things be considered, it is most certain, and hereafter will be made manifest that he is really and superlatively good, most kind and bountiful and a true friend to them, and that they are most happy in possessing his favour, and have no reason to envy sinners in their present and seeming felicity.
( Psalms 84:11)
For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
B. SECOND. GOD BLESSES THE PURE.
To all true Christians, who love God with their whole hearts, and serve Him in Spirit, and in truth, and uprightness:
( John 4:23)
But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him.
II. WHAT ASAPH HAS EXPERIENCED
A. FIRST. THE PROSPERITY OF THE SINNER.
(vv.2-3) But as far me,
It bothered Asaph that the wicked prospered wile the children of God did without.
My faith in God';s promises and providence was almost overthrown by the force of temptation; I was almost ready to backslide.
B. SECOND. THE PEACE OF THE SINNER.
(v. 4) For there are no bands in their death.
They continue strong and healthful all their days, till at last they expire quietly, as a lamp goes out when the oil is spent.
C. THIRD. THE PLEASURE OF THE SINNER.
(V. 5) They are not in trouble as other men.
They escape even common calamities. Therefore pride compasseth them about.
D. FOURTH. THE PRIDE OF THE SINNER.
(V. 6-11) By the Pride of the wicked
Because they live the lives they do, and it seems that there is never any opposition from God, they are filled with pride before Him.
They say, God doesn't know! Even if He does, He is weak and unable to do anything about it at all (v.11) It appears to Asaph that they have it made!
E. FIFTH. THE PROGRESS OF THE SINNER.
(v. 12-16) Behold, these are the ungodly who prosper in the world.
When Asaph took all this in, it caused him to become bitter in his heart. 1. He looked at the life he had been living for the Lord. ( v,13) Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain.
2. He looked at his own share of sorrow. ( v.14)
3. He looked at a life for the Lord and it broke his heart. (v.16)
4. Yet, he was afraid to admit how he felt, because he did not want to lead others down the same path of despair he was walking on. (v.15)
When Asaph saw these things, he felt like quitting on God. He felt as though he had actually wasted his time in serving the Lord. How many have truly felt that way?
When the trials of life begin to pile up on us, we are tempted to think that we would have been better off living like the rest of the world.
The statement, there is no benefit in serving the Lord.
The problem with this line of thinking is that life is viewed from a human perspective. When we look at life and it problem from a human perspective, we will always focus our attention on SELF.
Everything will always come down to, HOW DOES THIS AFFECT ME?
WHAT PROBLEMS WILL I FACE NOW?
WHEN WILL I EVER HAVE RELIEF?
WHO CARES ABOUT WHAT I AM FACING?
Natural thinking always results in disaster because it allows you to stand in the wrong place and see from the wrong angle.
If you allow yourself to fall into the trap of looking at life from a human perspective you, like Asaph, will find yourself in a place where you will begin to doubt what you know to be true about the Lord. IT IS A DANGEROUS PLACE TO BE IN!
III. WHAT ASAPH ENCOUNTERED
In verse 17, the mood of the Psalm changes, Asaph moves from the Slippery Ground of a backsliddern condition, with human perspective and step squarely into SHOUTING GROUNDS of a HEAVENLY PERSPECTIVE.
It seem that Asaph made a trip to church ( temple)
There, he talked with the Lord, and he allowed the Lord to talk with him ( Isn't that great?) As he did, he was able to get his eyes off of himself and the problems he faced.
He was able to lose his human perspective and replace it with a Heavenly perspective.
Notice what became clear to Asaph when he went to the church to talk with the Lord.
His thinking was different now. His vision was different.
A. FIRST. THE FUTURE OF THE SINNER ( v. 17-20)
Asaph came to realize that the wicked may have the best here. They may live it up and enjoy life to the fullest, BUT that dream existence they are living will end when the breath leaves their body!
All they have to look forward to is an eternity in Hell to be separated from the Lord Forever. ( II Thessalonians 1:8-9)
In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
(v.9) Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power.
Before we allow ourselves to become too jealous over the lives of the wicked are living, we need to consider the fact that this is the only Heaven they will know.
ISN'T THAT DEPRESSING?
Lost friends, love one you need to get right with God! You are living on borrowed time!
B. SECOND. THE FOOLISHNESS OF SELF.
Now, Asaph confesses the fact that he has been looking at everything through a faulty set of lenses. He deals with the matter of his own heart.
You can say that God doesn't care!
But He does. He says ( I Peter 5:7)
God hears and He says ( Jeremiah 33:3)
God isn't there YES HE IS, and He says ( Hebrews 13:5)
C. THIRD. THE FULLNESS OF GOD.
The greater blessing we could ever receive is God's Holy Spirit.
( John 14:16)
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
CONCLUSION
Do we have any Asaph's present today? It comes down to where you are standing today! Some are lost here this morning. This altar is open!
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Margaret Wright on
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Praise the Lord!
I'm so glad for your message Kathleen & God will give revelation to the hungry and thirsty after God!
There are many believers today being confused because they do not see Calvary as the focal point in our Christian walk.
We start out at Calvary by faith in the finished work of Christ and by faith we receive forgiveness and a new heart and the blood of the Son of God severs any and every dominion or claim that the devil may have had over us as sinners.
We receive eternal life and we are born from above by the Holy Spirit - old things are passed away and all things become new. We are new creatures! Old habits, vices, all that was against us has been nailed to the cross and we are reconciled to God, as Father. We surrender to Jesus Christ as Lord at Calvary!
We are now the children of light for we have been recreated in Christ and we have been sanctified, justified and He is not ashamed to call us His children. We have been made clean on the inside (sins remitted, nailed to the cross) and now the Holy Spirit could come in and make our bodies the dwelling place of God! As we feed on the Word of God and act on it we begin to be governed by the Word and walk by faith all the way till we get Home.
Jesus Christ fulfilled the old covenant and brought a new covenant through His precious sacrifice. Grace and Truth came by Jesus Christ - truth has never been changed!
The OT people did not have Calvary nor the Word in their hands or the blood of the Son of God shed for them and they walked uprightly before God so what excuse do we have seeing we have been blessed with all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus? The OT people believed firmly in the integrity of God's spoken word through His prophets. I think they could rise up in judgment against us seeing that we are unable to be like Jesus in this world after all that He did for us at Calvary! He is IN us by His Spirit and empowered us and given us an armor against the enemy and authority to bind the strongman in His Name saying "nothing shall be any means hurt us." We need to be convinced that God means what He says and will confirm His Word when we obey! He cannot lie nor fail and He never puts His trusting children to shame!
Our confusion comes because we do not realize there is a difference between people who lived before Calvary and we who are privileged to live after Calvary! May God grant us a revelation of the victory of Calvary and the power of Calvary on our behalf. Blessed Calvary! though shame and death to our precious Lord but it means freedom from the dominion of the devil for those who believe in the Son of God's death and His resurrection! Halleluyah!
Thank God for loving us so much to allow Jesus to be our sacrificial Lamb to take away our sin
Thank Jesus for loving He humbled Himself our place and go all the way to Calvary & to rise again for our justification! Thank God for sending the Holy Spirit to help us to be His Ambassadors in this world and giving us the ministry of reconciliation!
Margaret Wright -
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Permalink Reply by Richard Supit on
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Thank you very much Kathleen .... I'am surely blessed and get stronger with all the messages form God this morning ... in the middle of waiting for God's moment.
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Permalink Reply by Tikkie on
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We forget the fact that OUR LIVESHERE ON EARTH are TEMPORARY.We have a place in the ETERNAL KINGDOM of OUR LORD JESUS.We forget that and think that the material prosperity of the world is the highest and there is nothing beyond that.Here some times we can find non - christians belonging to ohter religions dancing round with big iron rods pierced through their cheeks.In a way it is a big thing but can they or their religion promise eternal life.ONLY OUR LORD JESUS GIVES US ETERNAL LIFE.HE GIVES US BECAUSE HE LOVES US.IN fact everyone can get it if they confess their sins and accept HIM as their Saviour.We forget the things that we have got and often long for things which we don't have.For example a person with a small budget car might look to own a Rolls Royce.We forget the fact that OUR LORD KNOWS THE BEST FOR US AND LOVES US THE BEST..ALL WE HAVE ARE HIS BLESSINGS.I personally feel that to know our LORD and HAVE HIM with us is the greatest Blessing that we have.May GOD Bless You and Guide You
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Permalink Reply by ferlyn on
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this is very very true... thank you so much, sis! i have to honestly say that sometimes i was thinking that the goodness i have done were all in vain... but truly the words of God would always bring me back to my faith.
thank you, sis! you truly are an inspiration to many. -
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