Author: © Christian National Church of Christ

Psalm 9 is a classic example of a lament psalm. As you recall, a lament psalm has five ingredients to its structure, the most prominent of which is the lament itself. The lament is where the psalmist exposes the enemies of God – who are also usually his enemies as well. The title of this psalm reads To the Chief Musician. To the tune of “Death of the Son.” A Psalm of David. The title indicates for us that David wrote this psalm to God Himself (generally regarded as the “Chief Musician”) to a popularly known tune in his day (in Hebrew, Muth Labben). In this psalm, David celebrates the help and goodness of God with a big vision for the nations. While most believe the title Muth Labben refers to a tune, others suggest that it refers to an instrument upon which the song was played. Some (as in the New King James Version) associate the title with the phrase The Death of the Son, and apply that title as the ancient Chaldee version does: “Concerning the death of the Champion who went out between the camps,” referring to Goliath. Perhaps David wrote this psalm remembering the victory over Goliath from the vantage point of many years since that triumph. “From this point in the Psalter up to Psalm 148 the versions differ over the numbering of the psalms, since the LXX[Septuagint] and Vulgate, followed by the Roman church, count Psalms 9 and 10 as a single poem, while the Protestant churches follow the Hebrew reckoning.”
Psalm Chapter 9:1-20
“A Psalm of Thanksgiving Celebration for God’s Justice”
For the choir director: according to Muth-labben. A psalm of David.
I will thank the Lord with all my heart; I will declare all your wondrous works. I will rejoice and boast about you; I will sing about your name, Most High. When my enemies retreat, they stumble and perish before you. For you have upheld my just cause; you are seated on your throne as a righteous judge. You have rebuked the nations: You have destroyed the wicked; you have erased their name forever and ever. The enemy has come to eternal ruin; you have uprooted the cities, and the very memory of them has perished. But the Lord sits enthroned forever; he has established his throne for judgment. And he judges the world with righteousness; he executes judgment on the nations with fairness. The Lord is a refuge for the persecuted, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you because you have not abandoned those who seek you, Lord. Sing to the Lord, who dwells in Zion; proclaim his deeds among the nations. For the one who seeks an accounting for bloodshed remembers them; he does not forget the cry of the oppressed. Be gracious to me, Lord; consider my affliction at the hands of those who hate me. Lift me up from the gates of death, so that I may declare all your praises. I will rejoice in your salvation within the gates of Daughter Zion. The nations have fallen into the pit they made; their foot is caught in the net they have concealed. The Lord has made himself known; he has executed justice, snaring the wicked by the work of their hands. Higgaion. Selah
The wicked will return to Sheol~all the nations that forget God. For the needy will not always be forgotten; the hope of the oppressed will not perish forever. Rise up, Lord! Do not let mere humans prevail; let the nations be judged in your presence. Put terror in them, Lord; let the nations know they are only humans. Selah

Father God, thank You for the great encouragement I receive from the wonderful Word of You Father God, and how I praise You that the day is coming when You will judge the ungodly in righteousness. Help me to look to You no matter what difficulties and dangers arise in my life and may my trust in You be strengthened with ever passing day as I continue to prove Your faithfulness to the truth of Your Word. Praise God that Your Word abides for ever and that You have established Your throne in righteousness and justice, in Jesus Precious Name Amen.

“But the LORD shall endure for ever: he hath prepared his throne for judgment.”
(Psalm 9:7)

The title of this psalm reads, To the Chief Musician. On the instrument of Gath. A Psalm of David. It indicates the audience of the psalm (the Chief Musician), the author of the psalm (of David) and the sound of the psalm (the instrument of Gath). In this psalm David speaks of the glory of God, and how the glory of man and his destiny reflect upon God.
“The Lord’s Glory and Man’s Dignity”
Psalm Chapter 8:1-9
“God’s Glory, Human Dignity”
(For the choir director: on the Gittith. A psalm of David.)
Lord, our Lord, how magnificent is your name throughout the earth! You have covered the heavens with your majesty. From the mouths of infants and nursing babies, you have established a stronghold on account of your adversaries in order to silence the enemy and the avenger. When I observe your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you set in place, what is a human being that you remember him, a son of man that you look after him? You made him little less than God and crowned him with glory and honor. You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet: all the sheep and oxen, as well as the animals in the wild, the birds of the sky, and the fish of the sea that pass through the currents of the seas. Lord, our Lord, how magnificent is your name throughout the earth!
There are three wonderful and important truths about man found in this psalm; when these truths are denied or neglected, man never is what God made him to be.
1) God made man.
2) God made man something glorious.
3) God made man for a high and worthy destiny.
All three of these principles are rooted in what God has made man; they do not exist nor are they fulfilled from the plan or work of man. That is why this glorious psalm about man is even more so a psalm about God. “The most striking feature of Psalm 8…is its description of man and his place in the created order. But the psalm does not begin by talking about man. It begins with a celebration of the surpassing majesty of God.”

Father God, I am astonished that You should love this race of fallen man so much that You purposed to become a Man and live a perfect life so that I might be saved from my sins, by faith in Jesus. Thank You for all that You have done for me, O Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth. Thank You that You are mindful of me , mindful of man. Thank You that by grace through faith in Jesus Christ we will witness the full and final restoration of man’s appointed position as Your chosen representative, through Christ’s returns from heaven to rule and reign. I thank You, praise You and give You all the glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.

“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?”
(Psalm 8:4)

The Hebrew title to this psalm reads: A Meditation of David, which he sang to the LORD concerning the words of Cush, a Benjamite. The New King James Version translates the Hebrew word “shiggaion” as meditation, though the word is difficult to translate and is used elsewhere only in Habakkuk 3:1. The specific occasion is not easily connected with an event recorded in the historical books of the Old Testament; it may be a veiled reference to either Shimei’s accusations against David in 2 Samuel 16:5 or to Saul’s slanders against David. More likely this Cush, a Benjamite, was simply another partisan of Saul against David. The psalm contains both David’s cry of anguish and shout of confidence in God’s deliverance.

“Psalm Chapter 7:1-17
“The Lord Implored to defend the Psalmist Against The Wicked”
Prayer for Justice
“A Shiggaion of David, which he sang to the Lord concerning the words of Cush, a Benjaminite.”
Lord my God, I seek refuge in you; save me from all my pursuers and rescue me, or they will tear me like a lion, ripping me apart with no one to rescue me. Lord my God, if I have done this, if there is injustice on my hands, if I have done harm to one at peace with me or have plundered my adversary without cause, may an enemy pursue and overtake me; may he trample me to the ground and leave my honor in the dust.Selah Rise up, Lord, in your anger; lift yourself up against the fury of my adversaries; awake for me; you have ordained a judgment. Let the assembly of peoples gather around you; take your seat on high over it. The Lord judges the peoples; vindicate me, Lord, according to my righteousness and my integrity. Let the evil of the wicked come to an end, but establish the righteous. The one who examines the thoughts and emotions is a righteous God. My shield is with God, who saves the upright in heart. God is a righteous judge and a God who shows his wrath every day. If anyone does not repent, he will sharpen his sword; he has strung his bow and made it ready. He has prepared his deadly weapons; he tips his arrows with fire. See, the wicked one is pregnant with evil, conceives trouble, and gives birth to deceit. He dug a pit and hollowed it out but fell into the hole he had made. His trouble comes back on his own head; his own violence comes down on top of his head. I will thank the Lord for his righteousness; I will sing about the name of the Lord Most High.

Father God, How I praise You and thank You that the evil of wicked men will one day be judged and those that have been accused unjustly by people who are at enmity with God will one day be vindicated. Thank You that Jesus Christ’s death on the cross conquered sin and death and that all who trust in Christ as Saviour will one day be exonerated. Help me to patiently endure in these increasingly dark days and may my life be pleasing to the You. I thank You, praise You and give You all the glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.
“Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins.”
(Psalm 7:9)

Psalm 6 is known as the first of the seven penitential psalms – songs of confession and humility before God. It was a custom among some in the early church to sing these psalms on Ash Wednesday, 40 days before Resurrection Sunday. The title of this psalm is To the Chief Musician. With stringed instruments. On an eight-stringed harp. A Psalm of David. The title tells us the recipient of the psalm – the Chief Musician, whom some suppose to be the Lord GOD Himself, and others suppose to be a leader of choirs or musicians in David’s time, such as Heman the singer or Asaph;

(1 Chronicles 6:33~Here are the men who served, together with their sons: From the Kohathites: Heman, the musician, the son of Joel, the son of Samuel, )
(1 Chronicles 16:5-7~Asaph was the chief, and next to him in rank were Zechariah, then Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Obed-Edom and Jeiel. They were to play the lyres and harps, Asaph was to sound the cymbals, and Benaiah and Jahaziel the priests were to blow the trumpets regularly before the ark of the covenant of God. That day David first appointed Asaph and his associates to give praise to the LORD in this manner: ) & {1 Chronicles 25:6~All these men were under the supervision of their father for the music of the temple of the LORD, with cymbals, lyres and harps, for the ministry at the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun and Heman were under the supervision of the king. ).

Not only was it written for stringed instruments, but specifically for the eight-stringed harp.
“”A Prayer for Mercy in Time of Trouble”
” Psalm 6:1-10″
For the choir director: with stringed instruments, according to Sheminith. A psalm of David. Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger; do not discipline me in your wrath. Be gracious to me, Lord, for I am weak; heal me, Lord, for my bones are shaking; my whole being is shaken with terror. And you, Lord—how long? Turn, Lord! Rescue me; save me because of your faithful love. For there is no remembrance of you in death; who can thank you in Sheol? I am weary from my groaning; with my tears I dampen my bed and drench my couch every night. My eyes are swollen from grief; they grow old because of all my enemies. Depart from me, all evildoers, for the Lord has heard the sound of my weeping. The Lord has heard my plea for help; the Lord accepts my prayer. All my enemies will be ashamed and shake with terror; they will turn back and suddenly be disgraced.
Father God, as I go through this day, I pray for Your healing touch on every part of my life – both spiritual and physical. Lord You know all the little nitches and pains that hinders, and I pray for Your healing touch upon every area of my life in general.. and for relief from the aches, pains and problems that may come my way, in particular. Ease away all the stresses and strains of the day and heal any physical problems I have. And I pray that in Your goodness and grace You would give me a good, pain-free day so that I may be refreshed in body, soul and spirit, ready to do Your biding and to be a light for Your glory to others, in Jesus Precious Name Amen.

” Christian National Church of Christ”

(Part 1) THE BIBLE: We believe that the Bible is the written Word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and completely truthful in all it affirms. It bears witness to Jesus Christ, the Living Word and is infallible in its purposes. While reason, experience, and tradition together with the Bible serve to inform truth and life, the Scriptures are the primary authority in the rule of faith and practice. (II Timothy 3:16-17; I Peter 1:23-25; Hebrews 4:12)

(Part 2) GOD: We believe in one God, creator of all things, who has revealed Himself in three persons, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. These three are one in eternity, deity, and purpose; everlasting, of infinite power, wisdom, and goodness. (Genesis 12:33; Deuteronomy 33:27; Psalms 90:2; Psalms 102:27; I Timothy 1:17; John 1:1-2; John 8:58; Heb. 1:8; I John 1:2; Micah 5:2; Revelation 1:8; Hebrews 9:14; Romans 1:20)

(Part 3) JESUS CHRIST: We believe in the incarnation and virgin birth of Jesus Christ who came into the world to reveal the Father, and was the reflection of His glory and the express image of the Father; that Jesus Christ, together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, was the Creator of all things. We further believe that in Christ dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, that He was very God and very Man, and that He is our savior, the one perfect mediator between God and humanity. We acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord over all things in heaven and in earth, and under the earth. (John 1:1-2, 14; I Timothy 3:16; Acts 7:37-38; Hebrews 1:1-5; Philippians 2:9-10)

(Part 4) CHRIST’S RESURRECTION AND IMMINENT RETURN: We believe in Jesus Christ’s sinless life, miracles, substitutionary death, bodily resurrection and His ascension into Heaven. He will return in power and glory to judge all people. As His return may occur at any moment, the believer’s response is joyous expectation, watchfulness, and diligence. We anticipate His return at which time there will be a new heaven and a new earth, a resurrection of those who are lost to eternal death and those who are saved to eternal life, and the enemies of Christ will be subdued and the reign of God will be established. (Acts 1:11, 3:19-21; Daniel 7:14; Revelation 20:4; Revelation 14:6, 21:3-8, 22:1-5, 17)

(Part 5) THE HOLY SPIRIT: We believe that the ministry of the Holy Spirit is being manifested in the Church through the fruit of the Spirit. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are operative in the Church today in order for the Church to experience the fullness of God and are imparted by the Holy Spirit. We believe in the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit that begins at regeneration. The Holy Spirit continually empowers a believer to live a holy life like Christ. The evidence of the work of the Holy Spirit is a person’s obedient response to the Word of God, a Christ-like life of holiness, and manifesting the fruit and gifts of the Holy Spirit. (John 15:26, 16:14; Galatians. 5:22-23; Ephesians 5:18-21; Galatians 5:22-23; I Corinthians 12:8-11; I Corinthians 12:11; Acts 2:4, 10:46, 19:6; Ephesians 5:18; John 16:13)

(Part 6) THE CREATION OF HUMANITY: We believe that humanity was created by a direct and immediate act of God, innocent and morally free with the responsibility to choose between good and evil, right and wrong. All people are created by Him and in His image have the same inherent rights regardless of race, gender, or color. (Genesis 1:26-27, 2:4; Romans 5:17-19)

(Part 7) THE FALL OF HUMANITY: We believe that through disobedience humanity fell from a state of righteousness and holiness into total depravity, a state of sinfulness, unable in their own strength to obtain a right relationship with God and restore His image within. (Romans 5:12-21; I Corinthians 15:1-4)

(Part 8) SATAN: We believe in the reality and personality of Satan, that he was defeated by Christ through His death, burial and resurrection, and that Christ has given authority over the works of Satan to His body, the Church. (Matthew 28:18-20; Job 1:7; Matthew 4:1-11; Ephesians 1:19-23; Colossians 2:15)

(Part 9) REPENTANCE: We believe that repentance is the result of the convicting work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers and non-believers. The conviction of the Holy Spirit, which often accompanies the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, will result in the revelation of one’s sinfulness which should lead to Godly sorrow. Godly sorrow causes us to turn away from sin and selfishness and to receive faith for change. (II Corinthians 7:10; Psalms 51; Acts 11:18; II Timothy 2:25; Genesis 6:3; Romans 1:18-32; Matthew 9:12-13.)

(Part 10) JUSTIFICATION: We believe that repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ results in justification whereby the believer, through faith in the atoning work of Jesus Christ, is accounted as righteous and made free from the guilt and the penalty of their sins. (Romans 5:1-9; Luke 22:20; Romans 3:21-26, 28, 5:8-9)

(Part 11) REGENERATION: We believe that by a new relationship with Jesus Christ one is born again and is a new creation. With a new life and a new spiritual nature capable of faith, love, and obedience to Christ, the old life is past and the new life is begun. (John 5:24; II Corinthians 5:17; Colossians 3:9-10; Titus 3:4-5)

(Part 12) SANCTIFICATION: We believe that by grace every believer may be sanctified by the Holy Spirit, subsequent to regeneration, through faith in the atoning blood of Christ, whereby they are cleansed in that moment of inward sin and empowered for service. The resulting relationship of righteousness and purity is attested by the Holy Spirit and maintained by faith and obedience enabling believers to love God with all their hearts, souls, strength and minds. Further, this work causes believers not to be conformed to this world and prepares them for greater growth in grace. (Jude 24: Romans 9:25; Galatians 5:16-25; Romans 4:1-5, 12:1-2; Leviticus 20: 7-8; Romans 5:3-5; Galatians 5:22 – 25)

.(Part 13) RESTORATION: We believe in divine restoration to the image of God for the whole person. This restoration was obtained through the atonement in Christ’s sacrificial death and, by faith, brings healing and wholeness in mind, body, soul, and spirit. Although Christians may grieve the Holy Spirit without returning to the dominion of sin, God’s grace is sufficient for those who humbly repent, accept the correction of the Holy Spirit, trust the advocacy of Jesus, and mend their relationships. (Acts 4:30, 19:11; Romans 8:11; I Corinthians 12:9; James 5:14; I Peter 2:24-25; Isaiah 53:4-5).

(Part 14) BAPTISM: We believe that water baptism is a sacrament, commanded by our Lord Jesus, administered to believers as a declaration of their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior, and a symbol of the new covenant of grace. (Romans 2:28-29; Colossians 2:9-13; Hebrews 6:2; Acts 2:38)

(Part 15) THE LORD’S SUPPER: We believe that the Lord’s Supper is a sacrament of our redemption by Christ’s death. To those who rightly, worthily, and with faith receive it, the bread and the cup is a partaking of the body and blood of Christ. Though Christ is really present, no change is effected in the elements which are never to be considered objects of worship. The supper is also a symbol of the love and unity that Christians have among themselves. (Mark 14:22-24; John 6:53-58; I Corinthians 5:7-8,10:16, 11:20, 23-29)

(Part 16)FAITH AND WORKS: We believe that faith without works is dead. Faith results in an accompanying and corresponding action. Personal holiness and social holiness are essential to a living, active faith. Right practice is as important as right belief. (James 2:14-26; Ephesians 2:8-10; Matthew 7:21; Matthew 7:24-27; Matthew 5:16; II Corinthians 5:10; Matthew 16:27; Revelation 2:23; Revelation 22:12)

(Part 17) THE CHURCH: The Church is the body of Christ in the world. In worship the Church comes together to meet the holy God and to respond in obedience and love. In witness, the Church makes known the good news of Christ throughout the local community and to the ends of the earth, calling the lost to repentance and faith. In making disciples, converts are brought into the body, baptized, trained and equipped for service to Christ. In fellowship, redeemed people experience their oneness in Christ by sharing in one another’s lives with love and concern. In service, the Church corporately cares for the needs of its own and others. (Revelation 4; Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:18-20; Ephesians 4:11-13; Acts 2:42, 26:17)

(Part 18) The Mind: Saying, “If you will diligently listen to the voice of the Lord your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give ear to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, your healer.” {Deuteronomy 7:15 ESV}

“Ten Commandments can be learned for the forgiveness and guidance to eternity. Amen!”

“I am the Lord thy God, thou shalt not have any strange gods before Me.”

This commandment forbids idolatry, the worship of false gods and goddesses, and it excludes polytheism, the belief in many gods, insisting instead on monotheism, the belief in one God. This commandment forbids making golden calves, building temples to Isis, and worshipping statues of Caesar, for example.

“Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.”

The faithful are required to honor the name of God. It makes sense that if you’re to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, then you’re naturally to respect the name of God with equal passion and vigor.

“Remember to keep holy the Sabbath day.”

The Jewish celebration of Sabbath (Shabbat) begins at sundown on Friday evening and lasts until sundown on Saturday. Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox Christians go to church on Sunday, treating it as the Lord’s Day instead of Saturday to honor the day Christ rose from the dead.

“Honor thy father and mother.”

This commandment obliges the faithful to show respect for their parents — as children and adults. Children must obey their parents, and adults must respect and see to the care of their parents, when they become old and infirm.

“Thou shalt not kill.”

The better translation from the Hebrew would be “Thou shalt not murder” — a subtle distinction but an important one to the Church. Killing an innocent person is considered murder. Killing an unjust aggressor to preserve your own life is still killing, but it isn’t considered murder or immoral.

“Thou shalt not commit adultery.”

The sixth and ninth commandments honor human sexuality. This commandment forbids the actual, physical act of having immoral sexual activity, specifically adultery, which is sex with someone else’s spouse or a spouse cheating on their partner. This commandment also includes fornication, which is sex between unmarried people, prostitution, pornography, homosexual activity, masturbation, group sex, rape, incest, pedophilia, bestiality, and necrophilia.

“Thou shalt not steal.”

The seventh and tenth commandments focus on respecting and honoring the possessions of others. This commandment forbids the act of taking someone else’s property. The Catholic Church believes that this commandment also denounces cheating people of their money or property, depriving workers of their just wage, or not giving employers a full day’s work for a full day’s pay. Embezzlement, fraud, tax evasion, and vandalism are all considered extensions of violations of the Seventh Commandment.

“Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.”

The Eighth Commandment condemns lying. Because God is regarded as the author of all truth, the Church believes that humans are obligated to honor the truth. The most obvious way to fulfill this commandment is not to lie — intentionally deceive another by speaking a falsehood. So a good Catholic is who you want to buy a used car from.

“Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife.”

The Ninth Commandment forbids the intentional desire and longing for immoral sexuality. To sin in the heart, Jesus says, is to lust after a woman or a man in your heart with the desire and will to have immoral sex with them. Just as human life is a gift from God and needs to be respected, defended, and protected, so, too, is human sexuality. Catholicism regards human sexuality as a divine gift, so it’s considered sacred in the proper context — marriage.

“Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s goods.”

The Tenth Commandment forbids the wanting to or taking someone else’s property. Along with the Seventh Commandment, this commandment condemns theft and the feelings of envy, greed, and jealousy in reaction to what other people have.

The Mind can heal the body, but the body can not heal the mind. Amen!

You are certainly free to eat food offered to idols if you want to; it’s not against God’s laws to eat such meat, but that doesn’t mean you should go ahead and do it. It may be perfectly legal, but it may not be best and helpful. Don’t think only of yourself. Try to think of the other fellow, too, and what is best for him or her. If I can thank God for the food and enjoy it, why let someone spoil everything just because he thinks I am wrong? { I have heard people get upset when I have prayed and they say don’t pray at my table. I don’t have the beliefs you have. But God does. So I pray with inside me for that person and my food. Amen!}

Well, I’ll tell you why. It is because you must do everything for the glory of God, even your eating and drinking. So don’t be a stumbling block to anyone, whether they are Jews or Gentiles or Christians.

That is the plan I follow, too. I try to please everyone in everything I do, not doing what I like or what is best for me, but what is best for them, so that they may be saved. 1 Corinthians 10:23-24, 30-33

And you should follow my example, just as I follow Christ’s. 1 Corinthians 11:1

There is a treasure in being good, but trouble dogs the wicked. Amen!

Proverbs 15:6

What does Psalm chapter 5 mean? As with Psalms 3 and 4, Psalm 5 is connected to David’s conflict with his rebellious son, Absalom (2 Samuel 15:1–6). After winning a large following, Absalom attempted a murderous coup against his father (2 Samuel 15:13–14) You can read the these verses of 2 Samuel. David’s writing in these several psalms includes his thoughts and feelings during this dangerous time (Psalm 3:1).
“Psalms Chapter 5:1-12”
For the director of music. For pipes. A psalm of David.
Listen to my words, LORD, consider my lament. Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. For you are not a God who is pleased with wickedness; with you, evil people are not welcome. The arrogant cannot stand in your presence. You hate all who do wrong; you destroy those who tell lies. The bloodthirsty and deceitful you, LORD, detest. But I, by your great love, can come into your house; in reverence I bow down toward your holy temple. Lead me, LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies— make your way straight before me. Not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with malice. Their throat is an open grave; with their tongues they tell lies. Declare them guilty, O God! Let their intrigues be their downfall. Banish them for their many sins, for they have rebelled against you. But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

Father God, thank You for Your mercies which are new every morning. Help me to be regular, systematic, orderly and faithful in my prayer-life and may I come into Your presence with joyful expectation, knowing that You are a God Who hears and answers prayers – in Your own way and in Your own time – this I ask in Jesus Precious name, Amen.

“My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.”
(Psalm 5:3)

Psalms Chapter 4 The book of Psalms is considered a book of the Bible which is filled with much comfort and encouragement. Psalms 4:1 says, To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm of David. One thing to notice about the life of King David: he prayed A LOT.
“Psalm Chapter 4:1-8”
Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer. How long will you people turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods. Know that the LORD has set apart his faithful servant for himself; the LORD hears when I call to him. Tremble and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Offer the sacrifices of the righteous and trust in the LORD. Many, LORD, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?” Let the light of your face shine on us. Fill my heart with joy when their grain and new wine abound. In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.

Father God, we praise You that You are a faithful God and pray that You would lift up the light of Your countenance upon us, and give us Your peace in our hearts this day forward in Jesus Precious Name Amen.

“There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.”
(Psalm 4:6)

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“Christian National Church of Christ” (Online)
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Conroe, Texas 77384

    
"Statement of Beliefs"

As a Non-Denominational Church, we derive all of our beliefs from the New Testament.
“Simple Structure”
With Jesus as the owner and head of the church (Ephesians 1:22), we are a free congregation, not ruled by a headquarters, but self-governed leaders with faith and spiritual maturity (1 Timothy 3:1-13). Although we are independent, each local church body is encouraged to fellowship and cooperate with other likeminded churches in missions and benevolence.
“Scriptural Beliefs”
• That God exits as a trinity –Father, Son, and Spirit (Matthew 28:19-20)
• The miracles and events recorded in the Bible literally happened (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
• God created man as a unique spiritual being (Genesis 2:7)
• Sin separates humanity from God (Romans 3:23)
• Jesus was born of a virgin (Luke 1:27)
• Jesus was not just a great moral teacher, but was God in the flesh (John 1:1-3, 1:14)
• Jesus Christ died for everyone (Romans 10:9-10)
• Jesus was resurrected in bodily form from the dead (Acts 2:29-32)
• Jesus is alive and is working in people today through the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38)
• Jesus is coming again (Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)
• All people will be judged by God and assigned to heaven or hell (Revelation 20:12-15)
• Salvation is dependent on a person repenting of sin, accepting Jesus Christ’s sacrificial
death, confessing Christ as Lord and Savior, and following through with baptism by
immersion to become a part of Christ’s church (Romans 10:9-10; Acts 2:38).
Positions

1. We are Christ-Centered
   a. A saving and personal relationship with Jesus is the only requirement for
   belonging to his church. As His follower, we wear no name but His – Christian
   (Acts 11:26).
   b. Christ is our only Creed: He is the One and Only Son of God who died for our
   sins and rose from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:1-8). He is the only name by which
   we must be saved (Acts 4:12).
2. We are Bible-Based
   a. Because the Bible is the inspired Word of God, it serves as our only authority.
   Our greatest concern with any situation is, “What does the Bible say?” We hold
   true to this motto: “Where the Scripture speaks, we speak; where the Scripture is
   silent, we are silent.”
3. We are Unity-Minded
   a. In Essential Beliefs, Unity: We focus on the foundational and unifying truths of Christianity (Eph. 4:4-6).
   b. In Nonessential Beliefs, Liberty: Paul tells us in Romans 14:1 to accept those who faith is weak without passing judgment on disputable matters.
   c. In all things, Love: Jesus gave a new commandment to His disciples and to us as well… “A new command I give to you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34)
   Membership
   To be a member in this church requires no more or less than what it means to be a Christian – a member of God’s family. The only requirement is a confessed faith in Christ which results in repentance and baptism. Yet that is just the beginning. Immersed believers are encouraged to get involved. Involvement leads to growth. We encourage all to serve, give and grow daily in the walk with the Lord.
   “Steps to a Right Relationship with God”
4. God Loves You, you are a child of God.
   a. God created us for, and was us to have, a right relationship with Him now and forever in heaven (John 3:16)
5. Sin Separates Us From God
   a. God loves us, but hates sin. Everyone who has chosen to disobey God and his commands have chosen to break the bonds of fellowship with God (Isaiah 59:2; Romans 3:23)
6. Jesus Offers A Right Relationship With God
   a. Our relationship with God is not restored because of anything we do, but on the basis of what Jesus has already done on the cross. Salvation cannot be earned. We can never make up for our sin by good works. (Romans 6:23).
7. You Must Receive Christ
   a. Salvation is God’s free gift to us, but we must accept it. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ can anyone be saved from the penalty of sin. Those who become Christians in the early church followed the pattern in the following section.
   “Early Church Pattern”
   • Believe – The jailer asks Paul and Silas, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved – you and your household.” (Acts 16:30-31)
   • Repent – “In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now He commands all people everywhere to repent.” (Acts 17:30)
   • Confess – “If you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that
   God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)
   • Be Baptized – “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for
   the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)

“Statement of Beliefs Poem“

We stood at water’s edge and named the light, a quiet yes that turned the dark to dawn. Belief took root like seed in patient soil, and prayer became the language of our hearts.

Not words alone but hands that reach and heal, good deeds that mirror mercy’s gentle law. Each act a lantern on the narrow path, each kindness proof that faith is living breath.

Together we are one—small, steadfast band— a chorus for the lost, a sheltering home. We welcome those whose footsteps find this road and bind their wounds with bread and whispered grace.

So let our lives be sermon, song, and seed: believe, pray, serve, and love until all come. The future leaders of our families march on— hands held, hearts steady, toward eternity.

“Concise Statement of Belief”

I believe in Jesus Christ who calls us from darkness into light; I commit to prayer, to acts of mercy, and to a living faith that welcomes, heals, and unites families and communities for eternity.

“Responsive Lines for Worship”

• Leader: We were baptized into new life. People: We will live by faith and love.
• Leader: Prayer shapes our hearts. People: Service shapes our hands.
• Leader: We are one body in Christ. People: We will welcome every pilgrim home.
• Leader: We raise up the next generation. People: We send them forth as leaders in faith.

Chapter Context Psalm 3 finds its background in David’s flight from his rebellious son Absalom (2 Samuel 15—18: ). David had fled from the palace in Jerusalem and was hiding in the desert. This psalm is closely related to Psalm 4, both of which were written by David when he was a fugitive from Absalom.
“Psalm Chapter 3:1-8”
LORD, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.” But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. I call out to the LORD, and he answers me from his holy mountain. I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me. I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side. Arise, LORD! Deliver me, my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked. From the LORD comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people.

Father God, the increasing violence and wickedness in this world and the terrors that seem to increasingly stalk my path have too often caused me to divert my attention onto my mounting problems instead of looking to Jesus and trusting Your word. Thank You that no matter what happens in this world You have promised to be with me, as my provider and protector – my defence and defender. Thank You for Your indwelling Holy Spirit. Thank You for Your peace that passes understanding. Thank You that I can rest in Your love and praise in Your holy name – and thank You that I have been brought into Your family by grace through faith in Jesus Christ’s Precious name I pray, Amen.

“I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.”
(Psalm 3:6)