Posts by Josh Moody
Proverbs 2: The Path of the Righteous
Ezra 3, Proverbs 2, Luke 13:10-21, 1 Timothy 1:12-21 Proverbs 2: How do we find this most precious of all characteristics, wisdom? This chapter tells us that it starts with the area of desire in our own lives. “My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and…
Read MoreProverbs 1: Truly Wise
Ezra 1-2, Proverbs 1, Luke 13:1-9, 1 Timothy 1:1-11 Proverbs 1: As we start this Book of Proverbs, it is worth asking what the purpose of this book is. Providentially, and by divine intention and inspiration, the book answers that problem for us from the very beginning. This book is not simply a collection of random best-thought-for-the-day sayings. It is…
Read MorePsalm 150: Voluminous Exuberance!
2 Chronicles 34-36, Psalm 150, Luke 12:49-59, 2 Thessalonians 3:14-18 Psalm 150: A psalm of voluminous, exuberant praise! Where praise God? Everywhere! Praise God in “his sanctuary” and praise him “in his mighty heavens.” There is nowhere in the universe—mighty heavens meaning the whole universe—where God is not to be praised! How praise God? With everything! Trumpet, harp, “lyre,” tambourine,…
Read MorePsalm 149: Sing a New Song!
2 Chronicles 30-33, Psalm 149, Luke 12:38-48, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 Psalm 149: There is yet more reason for praise, and fuel for praise in this psalm! Here we are given reason for why to sing to the Lord a “new” song. Part of the indicator of healthy Christian spirituality is the writing of new songs. When God’s…
Read MorePsalm 148: This Analysis of Praise!
2 Chronicles 28-29, Psalm 148, Luke 12:22-34, 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 Psalm 148: When we think of “praise,” we typically think of “praise songs” or music sung in Christian meetings, particularly on a Sunday. We don’t tend to think of some of the categories that are introduced by this psalm. According to this psalm, the sky, sun, moon, stars,…
Read MorePsalm 147: Good, Pleasant and Fitting!
2 Chronicles 25-27, Psalm 147, Luke 12:13-21, 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 Psalm 147: Another psalm of exuberant praise. Why? Because it is “good,” “pleasant” and “fitting” to praise God (147:1). It is good to praise God (147:2-9) because God is a good God. He gathers the exiles (147:3). His goodness is not weakness, but capable to achieve its ends (147:3-5). He…
Read MorePsalm 146: Praise
2 Chronicles 22-24, Psalm 146, Luke 12:1-12, 2 Thessalonians 2:6-12 Psalm 146: “Praise” seems a foreign concept to many of us today. It seems something distinctly religious, and perhaps even somewhat divorced from “real life.” Added to this is a common question: Why does God want us to praise him? Is he so insecure that he needs us…
Read MorePsalm 145: The Greatness, the Love, and the Faithfulness of God!
2 Chronicles 20-21, Psalm 145, Luke 11:37-54, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5 Psalm 145: What kind of legacy would you like to leave behind you? David here tells how “one generation commends your works to another” (145:4). There is an inevitable overflow of commendation about God to those who are coming behind you when you know God. What is is…
Read MorePsalm 144: Battle
2 Chronicles 17-19, Psalm 144, Luke 11:29-36, 2 Thessalonians 1 Psalm 144: Life can sometimes feel like a battle. Endless demands. You get up early and work hard. Then there are the children. The bills. The taxes. On and on it goes: you fight for health, you fight to be heard, you fight to get good grades, you…
Read MorePsalm 143: Enemies
2 Chronicles 13-16, Psalm 143, Luke 11:14-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28 Psalm 143: One of the sad realities of life is that we can have enemies. In fact, unless we are so weak-willed that we never stand up for anything right at all, we are almost bound to have enemies at some point in our lives. When you have…
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