Psalms 28:1-2

Suggested Reading: Psalms 28

During his life here on this earth, a Christian will face many trials and obstacles. There are times when these trials and obstacles will come because of his Christianity. There will also be times when these trials will be completely unrelated to his Christianity. Life for a Christian is funny that way.

The important fact for a Christian to always remember is this: The trials of life will make him stronger. James wrote, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. " (James 1:2-4) James understood this crucial fact.

The psalmist David understood that his source of strength during trying times was always God. David would offer up "supplications" and would "cry" out to the Lord. In short, King David knew to pray to God, his source of strength. Every Christian needs to offer up "supplications" to their heavenly Father. They must keep their faith in God and always trust in Him.

Here is Psalms 28:1-2 presented for your consideration.

1 A Psalm of David. To You I will cry, O Lord my Rock: Do not be silent to me, Lest, if You are silent to me, I become like those who go down to the pit.
2 Hear the voice of my supplications When I cry to You, When I lift up my hands toward Your holy sanctuary.

Sincerely,

John Duvall

Hebrews 4:1-3

Suggested Reading: Hebrews 3:7 - 4:10

A person, who was under bondage to sin, being set free by from the blood of Christ, begins a journey, heading towards the promise land. As a Christian, this person must continue to serve the Lord every day of his life. Every day of his life will be filled with opportunities to serve the Lord and obey His word.

During the life of this Christian, there will be many obstacles to be avoided while traveling the road to heaven. There will be people who will discourage such faithful dedication. There will be jobs, strangers, situations, etc. which all will work to "sidetrack" this Christian from the road to everlasting life with God. This Christian must keep his eyes on the promise land that awaits him on the other side of death.

The Lord God was faithful to His people, the Israelites, and brought them out of their Egyptian bondage. God led the Israelites into the wilderness and was willing to take them to their promised land. However, due to their disobedience, a whole generation of people died in the wilderness, never entering the promise land. (cf. Hebrews 3:7-19)

In Hebrews 4:1-3, Christians have the following promise: "Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it . . . (3) For we who have believed do enter that rest, . . ." If a Christian will faithfully follow the Lord to the end of his life, then he will enter that promise rest.

Sincerely,

John M. Duvall