Heart of a Psalmist - Worshipping Christ Through The Psalms

5. “ …or harm their neighbors… ” (3) Our neighbors are the ones closest to us and observe whether we are living in reality or not. Being a good neighbor is very important to God. “ If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing right.”(James 2:8) 6. “ …or speak evil of their friends. ” (3) This is a little less serious than slander but it seeks to pres- ent other people in a negative and questionable way. We do not choose our neighbors, but we do choose our friends and betraying them is a deep violation of their trust. “ With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.”(James 3:10) 7. “ Those who despise persistent sinners, ” (4) James disregards wicked people and he expresses himself in very strong terms: “ Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.”(James 4:4) 8. “ …and honors the faithful followers of the Lord,” (4) James honors both the famous and the lowly that express reverence for God. “ My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism.”(James 2:1) 9. “ …and keep their promises even when it hurts.” (4) We must stand by our words or we will never become a successful, believable person. “ Let your ‘Yes’ be yes, and your ‘No,’ no, or you will be con- demned.”(James 5:12) 10. “ Those who do not charge interest on the money they lend,”(5) The greedy and improper use of our money is deeply condemned by the word of God while generosity is encouraged: “ Is it not the (un- godly) rich who are exploiting you?”(James 2:6) High interest loans to needy people are strictly forbid- den in the Law of Moses. 11. “ …and who refuse to accept bribes to testify against the innocent.”(5) Bribes and dishonesty de- stroy the foundations of society. Jesus tells us: “ You cannot serve both God and money.”(Mt. 6:24) The true worshiper has a high degree of integrity in regards to their finances.

“ Such people will stand firm forever.” (5)

Our worship to God has a much broader dimension to it than just singing a song of praise. It en- compasses our walk with God, our work, our words and our wealth all bringing him glory. If we do these things, we will never be ‘shaken’ or removed from his presence!

PSALM 16: YOU WILL NOT LEAVE MY SOUL AMONG THE DEAD The Psalm of Christ’s Resurrection

Both Peter and Paul quote this psalm in the Book of Acts as proof that Christ was resurrected from the dead. It is known throughout the world as the ‘golden Psalm of David’ as it is a masterpiece of po- etry and prophecy. It seems to have been written during a time of peace and prosperity in David’s life much like 1 Samuel 7 and 8 where he had experienced victory over his enemies and his kingdom reached its greatest expanse.

The psalm is divided into three sections:

I HE IS A REFUGE - 1-4 II HE IS RIGHT BESIDE ME - 5-8 III HE IS RESURRECTED FROM THE DEAD - 9-11

INTRODUCTION :

“ A Michtam of David ”

The word ‘michtam’ has been lost in antiquity and has no certain explanation although it is possi- bly a simple derivative of a word meaning ‘to hide’ and signifies a secret or mystery. When Paul speaks of the resurrection he uses the word: “ Behold, I tell you a mystery:”(1 Cor. 15:51) The resurrection of

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