Tag: Christ

Psalm 118

As you go through your day, realize that God made this day for you to bring Him glory nothing more, there is nothing more, and nothing less, why settle for less.

Psalm 118

The sixth of the Hallel Psalms

As can be seen in the MacDonald post on Psalm 118, this psalm was recited in a processional as the worshipers were entering the Temple. It is also a Messianic Psalm in that verse twenty-two is used by and of Christ in Matthew 21.42-46, Acts 4.10-12, Ephesians 2.19-20, and 1 Peter 2.7. Verse twenty-six is called out by the crowds regarding Jesus, labeling Him as the Messiah, in Matthew 21.9 and by Jesus in Matthew 23.39. Verse twenty-seven is also used by and of Jesus as well in John 9.5 and 1 Peter 3.18. Verses 19-21 point out the gate of righteousness and Jesus describes Himself as the Gate to salvation, or being made righteous, in John 10.9.

The three groups of worshipers mentioned in verses 2-4 are the three groups of worshipers in the world. Israel, those born Jews, Aaronites, those born as priests in the group of the Jews, and those who fear the Lord, Gentiles–the rest of the world. It would not include those who reject the possibility of God for they are not worshipers.

Because this is the final Hallel Psalm, Jesus would have sung this as He and the disciples left the Upper Room in John 14.31. Do you think you could walk out of a room on your way to your execution singing praises to God?

As you read through this psalm, gather the phrase “in the name of the Lord” and realize that our victory in life is only in the name of the Lord. Our strength, song, and salvation are all in Him and in none other. Where do you place your confidence? How do others know this?

As you go through your day, realize that God made this day for you to bring Him glory nothing more, there is nothing more, and nothing less, why settle for less.

Media

1 Chronicles 21

It is wise for us to listen carefully to the voices that clamor for our attention. We should be asking if the voice is from God, Satan, the world, or our own sinful desires. We then need to take every thought captive and make sure that it is from God, which is when we choose to reject or accept it (2 Corinthians 10.4-5).

1 Chronicles 21 (Cf. 2 Samuel 24 and our study)

The variations between 1 Chronicles 21 and 2 Samuel 24 are few, but the few are intriguing. The outline would be the same for both chapters. God is angered at the sin of Israel (1-6), David’s realization of sin (7-17), and the telling of God to David to build the Temple (18-30). However, each section contains at least one variant in its presentation.

  • Verses 1-6-Satan is credited with leading David to count the men of fighting age. Here it is Satan, in 2 Samuel it is God, in both passages David is held responsible. This helps us to understand a few things about God’s sovereign control and man’s responsibility. God was going to judge Israel for their sin. I believe it was the continual syncretism of the nation. God allowed Satan to tempt David to do something that was against God’s will. David chose to do it. Satan cannot do anything without God’s approval. The book of Job displays this clearly (Job 1-2). We can neither blame God for our sin nor blame Satan. We are responsible for the choices we make.
  • Verses 7-17-David sees the angel who was to destroy Jerusalem and the elders prayed that God would stay His hand from destroying Jerusalem.
  • Verses 18-30-The acceptance of the sacrifice by David signified that God had accepted this as the new place of worship for Israel. This selection of Mt. Moriah as the place of worship for Israel can also be seen in the sacrifice David offered for his sin, the forgiveness God offered, and the answered prayers of the people.

The purchase in 2 Samuel of 50 shekels was for the threshing floor and the purchase in 1 Chronicles of six hundred shekels was for the entire property.

It was at this site, Mt. Moriah, that Abraham offered up Isaac (Genesis 22). Here is where the Temple will be built. It was here that Jesus would die (on the Mount not in the Temple). This will become the new center of worship for all Israel.

It is wise for us to listen carefully to the voices that clamor for our attention. We should be asking if the voice is from God, Satan, the world, or our own sinful desires. We then need to take every thought captive and make sure that it is from God, which is when we choose to reject or accept it (2 Corinthians 10.4-5).

Psalm 57

Verse one presents the phrase “In the shadow of Your wings will I make my refuge.” This phrase is first used in Deuteronomy 32.11, it is a stirring metaphor. We find in this psalm that David ran to that shelter. As Jesus looked over the city of Jerusalem, He cried out that the nation of Israel did not seek that shelter (Matthew 23.37). Protection, mercy, kindness, salvation, joy, and life, to name a few, are found in that shelter. Where are you today? If you are a Christian, run to His shelter. If you are not a Christian, you need to ask Him to be your shelter.

Psalm 57

This psalm is out of place in our study, it may have been overlooked along with Psalm 108, which will come later. Verses 6-12 are used in Psalm 60.5-12 (see our study). In our study of the Psalms, we have seen the term in the superscription, “Altaschith,” which means “Do not destroy,” occurs in Psalms 57-59 and 75 (see our study of Psalms 57, 58, 59, and 75). Although the meaning is not clear, some have conjectured that it was a tune of a popular song. Isaiah 65.8 seems to reference it. This psalm references the time David fled from Saul and lived in a cave, probably the cave of Adullam or the cave of Engedi (see our study of 1 Samuel 21-24). Another “cave” psalm is Psalm 142 (see our study).

Have two Selahs (pauses), we can rightly divide this psalm in three parts, which is a call for God’s mercy (1-3), a confession of trust (4-6), and a deep desire to praise (7-11). However, this psalm also contains a refrain in verses five and 11, which would divide the psalm in two parts. The latter option will be used here.

  • Verses 1-5-Prayers and Complaints of David. The movement is from God to the threats against David.

Selah (3)-David recognizes that his help will be sent from Heaven. John reminds us that Jesus was sent from Heaven (John 1). Where do you find your help? Is it from the things of this world, people or stuff, or is it only in Jesus? The former things are useless in terms of eternity. Only He can help eternally (1 John 2.15-17).

David recognizes the enemy is like a lion seeking to devour him (1 Peter 5.8). But, he also knows that God is greater (1 John 4.4) and that faith in Him overcomes such things (1 John 5.4).

The refrain reminds us that God is the God of all nations, not merely one nation.

  • Verses 6-11-Complaint of David leading to Exultation. These verses are used by many churches as a Resurrection Sunday (Easter) passage (8-11). The movement is from the threats back to God. David sees the traps the enemy has laid in his path. He also knows that God protects him from them and even causes them to fall into their own traps. These metaphors are quite appropriate due to the timing of this psalm. David is being pursued or hunted down by Saul who is laying out nets and digging holes to capture him.

Selah (6)-Do you know the traps Satan has set for you (2 Corinthians 2.11 and Ephesians 6.11)? Do you know those temptations that so easily cause you to stumble (Hebrews 12.1-2)? Are you asking God to help you overcome them (1 Corinthians 10.13) or do you think you can handle them yourself (1 Corinthians 10.12)?

Verse one presents the phrase “In the shadow of Your wings will I make my refuge.” This phrase is first used in Deuteronomy 32.11, it is a stirring metaphor. We find in this psalm that David ran to that shelter. As Jesus looked over the city of Jerusalem, He cried out that the nation of Israel did not seek that shelter (Matthew 23.37). Protection, mercy, kindness, salvation, joy, and life, to name a few, are found in that shelter. Where are you today? If you are a Christian, run to His shelter. If you are not a Christian, you need to ask Him to be your shelter.

In verse two, David realizes that it is only God who has a purpose for good for us (John 10) and it is only He who can fulfill it (Ephesians 2.8-10). To what purpose has God called you? He has one for you. How has He gifted you? What are your passions? What experiences have you lived through? What talents do you have? These are some questions to ponder as you seek to know to what He has called you.

Media

Psalm 42

God desires you to be in His presence with great joy more than you can imagine. How great is your desire to be in His presence? He gave His Son in order for you to go there? What have you forsaken for Him to be there?

Psalm 42

The inscription of this psalm leads us to believe it was written by the family of the Korahites unless it is read that it was written for the family of the Korahites to play during worship service. If the latter are valid, then David wrote this on his retreat from Jerusalem during the rebellion of Absalom (2 Samuel 15-19). If the former is valid, then it was written during the exile by a Korahite longing for Jerusalem. I prefer Davidic authorship due to the style and geographic locations mentioned in verse five. Whichever author is chosen, it reflects a genuine heart desire to be with God in the Temple/Tabernacle. If this were the heart attitude of Christians today, the world would be a much different place. The oddity for Christians is that we don’t have to go to the church to spend time with God, He indwells us. We are the temple of God. However, for true fellowship to occur we need to publicly worship Him as part of our growth toward Christlikeness (Hebrews 10.24-25).

This psalm and Psalm 43 (see our study) have a connection and many have placed them together as one psalm. The Septuagint combines them into one psalm. Each psalm has the same refrain and the same ending. However, if Psalm 43 was written during the Babylonian Captivity, it could have been inspired by Psalm 42. Psalm 43 and Psalm 71 are the only psalms in this section of the Psalms without an inscription (see studies on Psalm 9 and Psalm 10).

  • Verses 1-3-David realizes that his life is in God. Without the ability to enter into the presence of God in the Tabernacle, his life was devalued, depressing. What is your heart attitude about being in God’s presence? As mentioned above, the only place we need to go to be with God is nowhere for He indwells us. This is Jesus discussion with the woman at the well in John 4.15-26. We only need to be in right relationship with Him (His child) and in right fellowship with Him (confession of sins) in order to be in His presence. Do you long for God more than for the sins of this world? This is the essence of the book of 1 John.
  • Verses 4-8-David poetically presents his state without God’s presence in it (again, return to our discussion of Psalm 43 for thoughts on verse five). He misses the fellowship he had in Jerusalem with fellow followers of God and longs to see them and publically worship with them.
  • Verses 9-10-David laments over his current situation asking God to deliver him not only for the sake of David but for the sake of God. Do you see your relationship with God as a public demonstration of whom God is? When people see you, they see a representation of God. Your words and actions either tell His greatness or belie who He is. How do people see you when they ask “Where is your God?”
  • Verse 11-The ending of Psalm 43 is identical to this psalm. Our hope is not in others nor in things. It is solely in God.

God desires you to be in His presence with great joy more than you can imagine. How great is your desire to be in His presence? He gave His Son in order for you to go there? What have you forsaken for Him to be there?

Media

Psalm 41

What is it that you believe? Do you live your life as if your beliefs were actually true? What would you change if you truly did believe? As you consider this psalm, look at your own life. What has gone done in and through you? Praise Him for it. What have you done to bless God as you have blessed others? What are people saying about you? Are they godly things? Are they mad due to your stand for God? Whatever the circumstances, look to God for His presence and help.

Psalm 41

This psalm appears to have been a response to those who stood against him in Psalm 38 (see our study).

  • Verses 1-3-Blessings for those who are blessed by the Lord by doing what He requires by taking care of those who are helpless, who are poor, is the theme of these verses.
  • Verse 4-A prayer to God in light of David’s sin.
  • Verses 5-9-Complaint against a close friend who has turned enemy. This refers to the betrayal of Ahithophel in 2 Samuel 17 (see our study). This psalm is a Messianic psalm. Jesus, too, was betrayed by one who ate bread with Him. Jesus quotes this verse and applies it to Judas in John 13.18 (each Gospel refers to Jesus quoting this verse: Matthew 26.23; Mark 14.20; Luke 22.21). Peter seems to refer to this psalm in Acts 1.16. Read the psalm in light of the last few hours of Christ’s life to determine if this psalm is Messianic in nature.
  • Verses 10-12-Hope based, again, on the character of God. The sense in the Hebrew of “repay them” is “to make good again.” That is David would repay the evil with good. This is the sense of 2 Samuel 19 see our study), which is the context of the psalm. It is also evident in 1 Samuel 24 (see our study) and 1 Samuel 26 (see our study) in David’s dealings with Saul.
  • Verse 13-Praise God from whom all blessings flow, who is eternal. The double “So be it” (Amen) along with “Praise the Lord” emphatically close each section of the psalter (Psalm 41, Psalm 72, Psalm 89, Psalm 106, and Psalm 150). The doubling of the “Amen” provides a strong affirmation to all that has gone on before. David is stating, “You better believe it, for it is true!”

What is it that you believe? Do you live your life as if your beliefs were actually true? What would you change if you truly did believe? As you consider this psalm, look at your own life. What has gone done in and through you? Praise Him for it. What have you done to bless God as you have blessed others? What are people saying about you? Are they godly things? Are they mad due to your stand for God? Whatever the circumstances, look to God for His presence and help.

Psalm 58

How angry do you get over sin in the world? Your sin? Are you praying for God to bring justice to those in the world acting like God but working evil (remember, this will include you)?

Psalm 58

The term in the superscription, “Altaschith,” means “Do not destroy.” It occurs in Psalms 57-59 and 75 (see our study of Psalm 57, 58, 59, and 75). Although the meaning is not clear, some have conjectured that it was a tune of a popular song. Isaiah 65.8 seems to reference it. It is of interest that David uses this term when he is confronted with the possibility of killing King Saul in 1 Samuel 26.9 (see our study of 1 Samuel 26). However, the setting of the psalm is best placed in the time of Absalom’s rebellion (2 Samuel 15-18), hence the placement in our studies.

This psalm expresses in detail what Jesus prayed in Matthew 6.9-13. Early Christian tradition has the psalm describing the treatment the Sanhedrin gave Jesus (Matthew 26.57-68). The division of the psalm presents three parts:

  • Verses 1-5-The Indictment of the Wicked Judges.

These verses present the truth of Romans 1-3, wherein Paul reminds us that none are righteous, all have fallen short, and we are born wicked. David describes these judges as either judging in place of God or acting as if they were gods (1). Verse one can also be translated “speaking righteousness in silence.” This would mean they know what to do but refuse to speak up for the truth. This reminds me of Phil Keaggy’s song “Little Ones.”

  • Verses 6-9-Imprecatory Prayer upon the Wicked Judges.

David’s prayer is quite graphic, presenting various metaphors for God’s judgment upon the ones who do evil. Judges are to represent God in terms of justice and righteousness. In this circumstance, and in the United States today, we find them far from the truth. The point that needs to be made in both periods of history is that the ones who perpetrate the evil are unaware that it is evil. They are doing what “seems right in their own eyes” and is accepted among those who are present. The book of Judges presents this truth. David prays for God to

    • break the teeth in their mouths;
    • tear out the fangs of the young lions, O LORD!
    • let them vanish like water that runs away;
    • like grass let them be trodden down and wither.
    • let them be like the snail that dissolves into slime;
    • like the untimely birth that never sees the sun.
    • sooner than your pots can feel the heat of thorns, whether green or ablaze, may he sweep them away!

These are graphic, swift, and complete. He is asking God to annihilate their presence and memory from the face of the earth.

  • Verses 10-11-The Righteous Vindicated.

Whether in this life or the judgment to come (2 Corinthians 5.10), we will all receive righteous judgment (1 Corinthians 3.11-15). For those who know Christ as Savior, that judgment has been paid through His death. For those who do not know Christ as Savior, that judgment will be paid eternally by them. Who will pay your penalty?

How angry do you get over sin in the world? Your sin? Are you praying for God to bring justice to those in the world acting like God but working evil (remember, this will include you)?

Media

Psalm 40

Have you offered your all to God? He is worthy of it. Many of us live a syncretic life without even realizing what we are doing. Instead of referring to the Bible for our guidance, we turn to friends, web sites, and other we celebrate. When we do this, how can we expect the God who expects our all to listen to what we say. In our waiting, we have not truly waited (see our study of Psalm 103).

Psalm 40

Some consider this psalm to be two psalms connected. They state that Psalm 70 is merely a repeat of Psalm 40.13-17 and there once was a psalm that contained the first twelve verses. The reasoning behind this is the difference in the two sections. They appear to be reversed. The thanksgiving (1-8) is presented before the lament (11-17). This is mention for your information; I choose not to pursue the topic and count it as one psalm.

When this psalm is read, it is a reminder that patience is part of prayer. In fact the Hebrew is emphatic here. David actually writes that in his waiting, he is waiting. David cries out to God asking Him how long until He would answer David’s prayer. Notice it is not if He will answer but when He will answer. If there is a desire for a discussion on prayer, please respond and I will post one at a later date. Within this psalm David presents the great truth of many Old Testament prophets and of the words Paul gives us in Romans 12.1-2: God desires more than mere words or rote actions, He desires our heart, our mind, our strength, our all (1 Samuel 15.22; Psalm 51.16; Isaiah 1.11, 6.8; Jeremiah 6.20, 7.21-28; Amos 5.21-24; Micah 6.6-8; and to name a few). See our study on 1 Samuel 15 and Psalm 51 (as more are completed, links will be provided).

The psalm can be divided by the two types of psalms with the hinge verses of 9-10.

  • Verses 1-8-This is a praise to God for what He has done. David proclaims God’s greatness and then proclaims God’s great claim on our life (see sacrifices above). He wants all of us not a portion of us. He wants us completely, not syncretically. Verses 6-8 are echoed of Christ in Hebrews 10.5-9 for Christ’s perfect, complete, and final sacrifice for our sins (cf. Leviticus 17.11).
  • Verses 9-10-When God works, He expects us to proclaim that work among our friends.
  • Verses 11-17-See our study of Psalm 70

Many have attempted to place each verse in the mouth of Christ. They see the first portion of the psalm as Christ’s resurrection, the middle verses as Christ’s public ministry, and the final verses reflect the cross.

Have you offered your all to God? He is worthy of it. Many of us live a syncretic life without even realizing what we are doing. Instead of referring to the Bible for our guidance, we turn to friends, web sites, and other we celebrate. When we do this, how can we expect the God who expects our all to listen to what we say. In our waiting, we have not truly waited (see our study of Psalm 103).

Media

Psalm 32

Complete cleansing and forgiveness are found in these verses too. Transgression is removed. Sin is covered, iniquity is not counted against, and deceit is no longer found. In Christ these are ours.

Psalm 32

Tired. Aching. Hurting. Exhausted. Fatigued. Undernourished. Roaring in misery and anguish. Sounds like a third world country. For a Christian it is, it is a place we should not be found. It is in a state of being disciplined by God for sins committed. This is David’s description of himself as he was being disciplined by God for his sin with Bathsheba (see our study of 2 Samuel 11). This psalm was written after Psalm 51 (see our study) more as a reflection of what had happened to him after his sin and before the arrival of Nathan (see our study of 2 Samuel 12). It is a maskil used to relive a teachable moment for many to understand. Amazingly, this private psalm is sung as part of the services of the synagogue during the Day of Atonement services.

Psalm 32 is reflective of what God has done and Psalm 51 appears to be written in the struggle.

Various outlines can be made from this psalm. An example would be to divide it in six equal parts (1-2, 3-4, 5, 6-7, 8-9, and 10-11).

  • Verses 1-2- the forgiven man
  • Verses 3-4-the physical and psychological effects of unconfessed sin
  • Verse 5-confession as the remedy to obtain God’s forgiveness
  • Verses 6-7-forgiveness brings back prayer
  • Verses 8-9-forgiveness bring back biblical insight
  • Verses 10-11-forgiveness provides personal testimony

It could also be divided by the pauses (Selah): 1-4, 5, 6-7, and 8-11.

  • Verses 1-4-Man cannot forgive on his own. Sin is always against God and witnessed by others (Psalm 51). Because our sin is against Him, He is the agent of forgiveness and we are the recipients. He forgives, He covers, He washes clean; we accept, we praise, we stand amazed. When we do not accept His forgiveness, we die a little each day. Our soul becomes like a sponge in the desert that has seen no rain for years.
  • When Paul quotes verses 1-2 in Romans 4.6-8, he reminds us that forgiveness is a free gift of God based on the work of Christ, not an effort of good works on our part.

Selah-Do you believe your sins are forgiven? Why? On what basis are they?

  • Verse 5-Confessed sin restores the soul not because it places us in right relationship with God, Jesus did that. Our soul is refreshed because our fellowship with God is restored (1 John). We can now access the Water of Life, the Bread of Life, Life Himself. This only comes when we confess our sins (1 John 1.9). Confession is to freely admit that our action was what God calls it. There is no excuse for it and no reason that is acceptable. It is a violation of God’s character.

Selah-Ask the Holy Spirit to convict you of your sin and of God’s righteousness (John 16.5-15).

  • Verses 6-7-Once David repented, he realized that it is always to God that we need to go in order to get things right. In order for us to live the life He created for us to live, we need to be in Him. He is our hiding place (see song below).

Selah-When you do wrong, do you run to God or away from Him? He is your only source of hope.

  • Verses 8-11-David reminds us that we are indeed responsible for our actions. He ends this psalm of penance with joy.

[more will be discussed on sin/forgiveness/relationship/fellowship in later posts if requested]

Definitions

David uses four words for sin in the first two verses alone: transgression, sin, iniquity, and deceit. These words provide insight into different shades of rebellion against God.

  • Transgression is a breaking of God’s Law (פֶּשַׁע/ἀνομίαι)
  • Sin is breaking the laws God placed in motion to rule His creation (חֲטָאָֽה/ἁμαρτίαι)
  • Iniquity is the staining of the soul through depraved activities (עָוֹן/ἀδικία)
  • Deceit or guile is misrepresenting the character of God by presenting yourself as something other than you are (רְמִיָּה/δόλος)

Complete cleansing and forgiveness are found in these verses too. Transgression is removed. Sin is covered, iniquity is not counted against, and deceit is no longer found. In Christ these are ours.

Media

Psalm 69

When we bring our concerns to God, He turns our mourning into joy. When times are difficult, do you worry about them or take them to God; do you become bitter by them or allow God to use them to better you?

Psalm 69

See our study of Psalm 45 for insight into the superscription.

This is a messianic psalm along the lines of Psalm 22 (study to come). The sufferings of Christ are clearly seen in the sufferings of David. The following verses give weight to this claim:

  • Verse 4 and John 15.25
  • Verse 8 and John 7.3–5
  • Verse 9 with John 2.17 and Romans 15.3
  • Verse 21 with Matthew 27.34, 48 and John 19.29
  • Verses 22 and 23 with Romans 11.9-10
  • Verse 25 with Acts 1.16-20

To read through this psalm with knowledge of what Christ went through is amazing for it is a color commentary on what He went through. Although this was written by David about one-thousand years before Christ, it is detailed in the account of what Christ went through.

What we also sense in this psalm is a deep sense of urgency. David writes repeated please for God’s presence. He asks God to save him (1), rescue him (14), answer him (16), quickly answer him (17), draw near to him (18), redeem him (18), free him (18), and protect him (29).

Several attempts have been made to outline this psalm. I find a topical outline useful as an aid in understanding the psalm.

  • Verses 1-4, 10-12, 19-21-David’s lament
  • Verses 5-9- David’s protesting his innocence
  • Verses 13–18, 22–29-David’s requests to God
  • Verses 30–36-David’s gratitude

Another view of the same outline:

  • Verses 1-4-David’s lament
    • Verses 5-9- David’s protesting his innocence
  • Verses 10-12-David’s lament
    • Verses 13–18-David’s requests to God
  • Verses 19-21-David’s lament
    • Verses 22–29-David’s requests to God
  • Verses 30–36-David’s gratitude

When we bring our concerns to God, He turns our mourning into joy. When times are difficult, do you worry about them or take them to God; do you become bitter by them or allow God to use them to better you?

Psalm 53

God does look down from His throne and has come down in Christ. He came for salvation and He will come for judgement. If you have not accepted the first, you are in danger of the second. Where do you stand today?

Psalm 53

This psalm and Psalm 14 (see our study) are almost identical in the English. The Hebrew uses a different name for God. Psalm 14 uses Jehovah (יְֽהוָה) three times and Elohim (אֱלֹהִים) four times. Psalm 53 uses Elohim (אֱלֹהִים) each of the seven times it refers to God. However, this change does not occur in verse one or verse five. Verse one of both psalms contain Elohim (אֱלֹהִים). I believe this occurs because the fool says there is absolutely no god (Elohim [אֱלֹהִים])which would include the God of Israel (Jehovah [יְֽהוָה]). The major change is in Psalm 53.5. Compare it to Psalm 14.5-6. This could have been intentional for the purpose set forth in the occasion of the psalm.

This psalm can be a reflection of the state of our country in this generation. This psalm describes trying to rule without God and without His standards for life.

There are four types of people mentioned in this psalm who live a life that denies the reality of God. They are the foolish person who flatly denies there is even a possibility of a god (1), the lazy person who does not take the effort to know God (2), the person who pursues his own desires, he is called perverse (3), and the person who lives life as if there is no consequence for action, they devour all in their path (4). I see this as our society today. God’s judgement is cast. For those who choose to live a life as if there were no God, he will be put to shame (5). For those who choose to live the life God created for them to live, He brings blessings (6).

Genesis 6.5 describes the wickedness of people before the Flood. The word used to describe them is the same word used here, which is corrupt (1).

Psalm 53.2 tells us that God looks down. This is an interesting phrase and occurs elsewhere in the Scriptures. Here is a listing from the Psalms:

God does look down from His throne and has come down in Christ. He came for salvation and He will come for judgement. If you have not accepted the first, you are in danger of the second. Where do you stand today?