Song of Ascents - Psalm 128, Verse 5

How sad it is, Adonai, when men understand Thy word through the prism of what has been passed down to us through tradition over the centuries. Instead of reading Your word in the light of the plain truth that is presented in it and simply clinging to Thy commandments, instructions, statutes and laws we run around in circles achieving little and getting nowhere. I lament this before Thee because of what the Psalmist writes in this verse—for after making it clear that the man who fears Thee and walks according to Thy ways is blessed, personally and in his family, he then proceeds to say that You will bless such a man from Zion. This is the place that You will set Thy feet upon when You stand with the 144,000 (Rev. 14:1). This is the city from where You shall reign on the earth for 1000 years (Isa. 24:23). Israel is Thy chosen people and we Gentiles who have come to believe in Thee will do well to quickly realize that all Thy purposes for restoration and reconciliation revolves around Israel; and the sooner we recognize our grafting into this cultivated olive tree, the body of the Messiah, the sooner we will realize that Zion is the place where You will bless and reign with Thy bride; and from Jerusalem will you reign over the whole earth.

In April this year, beginning with the Feast of Unleavened Bread and leading up to the 50 days to Pentecost, I covered the first six Psalms of the Song of Ascents. These Psalms was sung when Israel would go up to Jerusalem for the three appointed feast days of the Lord. The Fall feast days are now at hand. Today (Sept. 10) is the "Day of Trumpets" or "Yom Teruah". September 18 is "Yom Kippur" or the "Day of Atonement" and then from September 23 evening begins the 7 days "Feast of Tabernacles" or "Succoth".

Beginning where I left off on Pentecost, I now continue the next Song of Ascents and will continue this till the great day of the feast (Jn. 7:37) which is the last day of Succoth.

Remember, that just as Yeshua fulfilled the spring appointed days at His first coming, we know for sure that this too He will fulfill at His second coming. Therefore we wait eagerly for the fulfillment of the Fall appointed days, for these days are appointed by God Himself (Lev. 23:1-44). Till then, my hope is that each of us will stay in the truth and not be found "sleeping" like the five foolish virgins.

Song of Ascents - Psalm 128, Verse 4

At the cost of repeating himself, I can see how the Psalmist reiterates what he wrote at the start of this Psalm. He began by saying that the man who fears Thee and walks by Thy ways is blessed. He then listed the blessings that Thou hast apportioned for such a God-fearing man who keeps Thy instructions, Thy laws and Thy statutes—living in the fullness that Thou hast always desired for man. The problem with us is that we read these verses; we acknowledge that You desire obedience more than sacrifices (1Sam. 15:22); we know that the one who does Your will, these are Your brothers (Lk. 8:21)—yet we are so slow to obey. We are clever to devise reasons and explanations (Prov. 3:5) instead of trusting in the truth and wisdom of Your eternal word which abides forever (Isa. 40:8). As a result we often pay the costly price of missing out on Your best. I ask that with great mercy, Adonai, Thou will cause those who have believed in Your name not just to read Your word (or listen to it) but fear Thee, submit to Thee in love and obedience and keep Thy word (Jn. 14:23).

In April this year, beginning with the Feast of Unleavened Bread and leading up to the 50 days to Pentecost, I covered the first six Psalms of the Song of Ascents. These Psalms was sung when Israel would go up to Jerusalem for the three appointed feast days of the Lord. The Fall feast days are now at hand. Today (Sept. 10) is the "Day of Trumpets" or "Yom Teruah". September 18 is "Yom Kippur" or the "Day of Atonement" and then from September 23 evening begins the 7 days "Feast of Tabernacles" or "Succoth".

Beginning where I left off on Pentecost, I now continue the next Song of Ascents and will continue this till the great day of the feast (Jn. 7:37) which is the last day of Succoth.

Remember, that just as Yeshua fulfilled the spring appointed days at His first coming, we know for sure that this too He will fulfill at His second coming. Therefore we wait eagerly for the fulfillment of the Fall appointed days, for these days are appointed by God Himself (Lev. 23:1-44). Till then, my hope is that each of us will stay in the truth and not be found "sleeping" like the five foolish virgins.

Song of Ascents - Psalm 128, Verse 3

It requires great grace from Thee, Adonai—grace, wisdom and strength—for a family to fear Thee and live by Thy ways. Everyone "knows" that a godly family is a happy family but yet very few are able to experience it. I have come to realize, over the past years, how my submission to Your commands and laws has automatically resulted in a beautiful change within me and my family. How precious it is for me to have a wife who fears Thee and is willing to walk in all that Thou reveals to her from Your truth. How grateful I am that my children have not strayed away in the ways of the world but choose God-fearing friends for company. The fact that the Psalmist uses fruitful vine and shoots from an olive tree as examples is not to be lost on us, for these are the very symbols of Thy chosen people, Israel and the kingdom of God.

In April this year, beginning with the Feast of Unleavened Bread and leading up to the 50 days to Pentecost, I covered the first six Psalms of the Song of Ascents. These Psalms was sung when Israel would go up to Jerusalem for the three appointed feast days of the Lord. The Fall feast days are now at hand. Today (Sept. 10) is the "Day of Trumpets" or "Yom Teruah". September 18 is "Yom Kippur" or the "Day of Atonement" and then from September 23 evening begins the 7 days "Feast of Tabernacles" or "Succoth".

Beginning where I left off on Pentecost, I now continue the next Song of Ascents and will continue this till the great day of the feast (Jn. 7:37) which is the last day of Succoth.

Remember, that just as Yeshua fulfilled the spring appointed days at His first coming, we know for sure that this too He will fulfill at His second coming. Therefore we wait eagerly for the fulfillment of the Fall appointed days, for these days are appointed by God Himself (Lev. 23:1-44). Till then, my hope is that each of us will stay in the truth and not be found "sleeping" like the five foolish virgins.

Song of Ascents - Psalm 128, Verse 2

There is so much blessing to the one that fears Thee, Adonai, and walks in accordance with Your ways. In truth, such a one experiences life in all its fullness. Every aspect of his life is blessed by You in accordance with Your promises. So many look to Thee for blessings, praying for some earthly need or the other. And while there is nothing wrong with that, such people totally ignore the commandment, "Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness." They have the order wrong. Yet to those who fear Thee and walk in accordance with Thy instructions, such are happy when they eat the labour of their hands. They delight because it is well with them.

In April this year, beginning with the Feast of Unleavened Bread and leading up to the 50 days to Pentecost, I covered the first six Psalms of the Song of Ascents. These Psalms was sung when Israel would go up to Jerusalem for the three appointed feast days of the Lord. The Fall feast days are now at hand. Today (Sept. 10) is the "Day of Trumpets" or "Yom Teruah". September 18 is "Yom Kippur" or the "Day of Atonement" and then from September 23 evening begins the 7 days "Feast of Tabernacles" or "Succoth".

Beginning where I left off on Pentecost, I now continue the next Song of Ascents and will continue this till the great day of the feast (Jn. 7:37) which is the last day of Succoth.

Remember, that just as Yeshua fulfilled the spring appointed days at His first coming, we know for sure that this too He will fulfill at His second coming. Therefore we wait eagerly for the fulfillment of the Fall appointed days, for these days are appointed by God Himself (Lev. 23:1-44). Till then, my hope is that each of us will stay in the truth and not be found "sleeping" like the five foolish virgins.

Song of Ascents - Psalm 128, Verse 1

Blessed and happy and sheltered by Thy favor is everyone who fears Thee, Adonai. and worships Thee with obedience. Such walk in Thy way and live according to Thy commandments. If only we can see the direct co-relation between blessing and obedience; Thy favour and living by Thy ways. We are quick to quote Thy promises while glibly ignoring the condition attached to it. 

O Master, save us from deceiving ourselves. I am reminded of Thy words to Israel through Moses, "Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples; for all the earth is Mine. And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation" (Ex. 19:5-6). 

I feel so privileged to be grafted into Israel, Thy precious possession, chosen by Thee from among all the peoples. What a great honour to be considered by Thee as a part of a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. Yet I recognize the all important condition that You linked to it—"If you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant." Help me Adonai for I want to be among the blessed who fears Thee and lives by Thy ways.

In April this year, beginning with the Feast of Unleavened Bread and leading up to the 50 days to Pentecost, I covered the first six Psalms of the Song of Ascents. These Psalms was sung when Israel would go up to Jerusalem for the three appointed feast days of the Lord. The Fall feast days are now at hand. Today (Sept. 10) is the "Day of Trumpets" or "Yom Teruah". September 18 is "Yom Kippur" or the "Day of Atonement" and then from September 23 evening begins the 7 days "Feast of Tabernacles" or "Succoth".

Beginning where I left off on Pentecost, I now continue the next Song of Ascents and will continue this till the great day of the feast (Jn. 7:37) which is the last day of Succoth.

Remember, that just as Yeshua fulfilled the spring appointed days at His first coming, we know for sure that this too He will fulfill at His second coming. Therefore we wait eagerly for the fulfillment of the Fall appointed days, for these days are appointed by God Himself (Lev. 23:1-44). Till then, my hope is that each of us will stay in the truth and not be found "sleeping" like the five foolish virgins.

Song of Ascents - Psalm 127, Verse 5

I have come to realize, Adonai, that the man that has raised his children in the fear of the Lord—separated from the ways of the world; righteous in all their behaviour; and displaying the life of the Messiah within them—such are a crown on the head of their fathers. The godly life of the man and his children speaks loudly and clearly, proclaiming the excellencies of Him who called them out of darkness into His marvellous light. How blessed is the man who has a quiver full of such children. Such a family would be like salt, quietly influencing the glory of the kingdom of heaven wherever they go. Such would be like a city on a hill that cannot and will not be hidden. In them, the glory of the Most High would radiate, silencing foes who cannot argue with truth.

In April this year, beginning with the Feast of Unleavened Bread and leading up to the 50 days to Pentecost, I covered the first six Psalms of the Song of Ascents. These Psalms was sung when Israel would go up to Jerusalem for the three appointed feast days of the Lord. The Fall feast days are now at hand. Today (Sept. 10) is the "Day of Trumpets" or "Yom Teruah". September 18 is "Yom Kippur" or the "Day of Atonement" and then from September 23 evening begins the 7 days "Feast of Tabernacles" or "Succoth".

Beginning where I left off on Pentecost, I now continue the next Song of Ascents and will continue this till the great day of the feast (Jn. 7:37) which is the last day of Succoth.

Remember, that just as Yeshua fulfilled the spring appointed days at His first coming, we know for sure that this too He will fulfill at His second coming. Therefore we wait eagerly for the fulfillment of the Fall appointed days, for these days are appointed by God Himself (Lev. 23:1-44). Till then, my hope is that each of us will stay in the truth and not be found "sleeping" like the five foolish virgins. 

Song of Ascents - Psalm 127, Verse 4

Very few have been able to understand Your purpose through a family, O Creator. The whole concept of marriage and raising a family has been so corrupted that we need our eyes opened to truly understand how a family is actually a microcosm of the body of the Messiah. For just as Thou, my Saviour are the caring, head of the Church who nourishes and cherishes His wife, the father is of his family. And just as the Church is submissive to Thee, so is the wife (Eph. 5:24) as she plays the critical role of a helper (Gen. 2:18). By righteous behaviour manifesting lives separated from the ways of the world, parents raise up their children in godly fear; teaching them the things that is true and honourable and right and pure and lovely (Php. 4:8). And just as Your glory is manifested in Thy bride, so too through Thy life and wisdom and power, Thy glory is seen in a family. If only we could understand this purpose You've had for families, we would see our responsibility differently. Our children, as arrows in the hand of a warrior would soar high and far, reaching that bulls-eyed purpose Thou hast long before prepared; sailing with the wind of promise wherein Thy blessing would be upon them till the thousandth generation (Ex. 20:6).

In April this year, beginning with the Feast of Unleavened Bread and leading up to the 50 days to Pentecost, I covered the first six Psalms of the Song of Ascents. These Psalms was sung when Israel would go up to Jerusalem for the three appointed feast days of the Lord. The Fall feast days are now at hand. Today (Sept. 10) is the "Day of Trumpets" or "Yom Teruah". September 18 is "Yom Kippur" or the "Day of Atonement" and then from September 23 evening begins the 7 days "Feast of Tabernacles" or "Succoth".

Beginning where I left off on Pentecost, I now continue the next Song of Ascents and will continue this till the great day of the feast (Jn. 7:37) which is the last day of Succoth.

Remember, that just as Yeshua fulfilled the spring appointed days at His first coming, we know for sure that this too He will fulfill at His second coming. Therefore we wait eagerly for the fulfillment of the Fall appointed days, for these days are appointed by God Himself (Lev. 23:1-44). Till then, my hope is that each of us will stay in the truth and not be found "sleeping" like the five foolish virgins.

Song of Ascents - Psalm 127, Verse 3

We have taken so many of your blessings for granted Adonai. It is only when we experience lack that we realize how precious Your gifts are to us. Children, food to eat, clothes to wear, good health—these are some of the many blessings from You that we enjoy daily but seldom see Thy heart of grace, abundant and bountiful, behind them. Among the unbelieving, the gift of fruit from the womb is treated so carelessly that murder of the unborn is now "accepted". O gracious Provider, how grateful I am for the true blessings that flows towards me from Your throne. Truly every good thing and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights from whom there is no variation or shifting shadow (Jas. 1:17).

In April this year, beginning with the Feast of Unleavened Bread and leading up to the 50 days to Pentecost, I covered the first six Psalms of the Song of Ascents. These Psalms was sung when Israel would go up to Jerusalem for the three appointed feast days of the Lord. The Fall feast days are now at hand. Today (Sept. 10) is the "Day of Trumpets" or "Yom Teruah". September 18 is "Yom Kippur" or the "Day of Atonement" and then from September 23 evening begins the 7 days "Feast of Tabernacles" or "Succoth".

Beginning where I left off on Pentecost, I now continue the next Song of Ascents and will continue this till the great day of the feast (Jn. 7:37) which is the last day of Succoth.

Remember, that just as Yeshua fulfilled the spring appointed days at His first coming, we know for sure that this too He will fulfill at His second coming. Therefore we wait eagerly for the fulfillment of the Fall appointed days, for these days are appointed by God Himself (Lev. 23:1-44). Till then, my hope is that each of us will stay in the truth and not be found "sleeping" like the five foolish virgins.

Song of Ascents - Psalm 127, Verse 2

We are by nature fearful, unbelieving, doubting, anxious souls, Adonai. We find it easier to rely on ourselves and our ability because we can relate to the concept that "seeing is believing". And while You have commanded us not to be lazy but to learn from the ant (Pro. 6:6); and to work hard with our hands to produce that which is good so that we may have something to share with them that has need (Eph. 4:28); yet we often find ourselves working with the motive of being self-reliant and self-sufficient. However Your promise is true for those who love Thee and keep Thy commandments—that You will provide for Your beloved, even when he sleeps. This is the very thing You tried to teach Adonai when You told us not to worry about tomorrow but to consider the lilies and the birds and how they are provided for, even though we are more loved than they. Help us Saviour. Deliver us from anxious, futile labour built on our own strength. Instead while we work sincerely with our hands may we always remember that "the righteous must live by faith" (Heb. 10:38) not just in spiritual things but in all things. 

In April this year, beginning with the Feast of Unleavened Bread and leading up to the 50 days to Pentecost, I covered the first six Psalms of the Song of Ascents. These Psalms was sung when Israel would go up to Jerusalem for the three appointed feast days of the Lord. The Fall feast days are now at hand. Today (Sept. 10) is the "Day of Trumpets" or "Yom Teruah". September 18 is "Yom Kippur" or the "Day of Atonement" and then from September 23 evening begins the 7 days "Feast of Tabernacles" or "Succoth".

Beginning where I left off on Pentecost, I now continue the next Song of Ascents and will continue this till the great day of the feast (Jn. 7:37) which is the last day of Succoth.

Remember, that just as Yeshua fulfilled the spring appointed days at His first coming, we know for sure that this too He will fulfill at His second coming. Therefore we wait eagerly for the fulfillment of the Fall appointed days, for these days are appointed by God Himself (Lev. 23:1-44). Till then, my hope is that each of us will stay in the truth and not be found "sleeping" like the five foolish virgins.

Song of Ascents - Psalm 127, Verse 1

There is a house and a city which has strong foundations. Its builder and architect is You, O mighty Elohim. To this Abraham looked while he lived as an alien, dwelling in tents (Heb. 11:9-10). There is also a house that You are building on earth. It is made up of living stones that is being built up as a royal priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Yeshua the Messiah (1Pet. 2:5). This house is being prepared that she might be presented to Yeshua in all her glory, without spot or wrinkle or blemish (Eph. 5:27). 

However, men assuming responsibility, are trying to build a house corrupted with traditions of men. They distort the pure word of truth teaching to those who have believed in You the precepts of men (Mt. 15:8-9). Help us to understand that it is not with activities and drama that Thy house is built but in righteousness and truth. Unless You build the house Lord, all men's foolish wisdom to build Thy house will be labour in vain. Unless You watch over and guard Thy city, the guards keep watch in vain, giving opportunity for wolves in sheep's clothing to infiltrate. 

In April this year, beginning with the Feast of Unleavened Bread and leading up to the 50 days to Pentecost, I covered the first six Psalms of the Song of Ascents. These Psalms was sung when Israel would go up to Jerusalem for the three appointed feast days of the Lord. The Fall feast days are now at hand. Today (Sept. 10) is the "Day of Trumpets" or "Yom Teruah". September 18 is "Yom Kippur" or the "Day of Atonement" and then from September 23 evening begins the 7 days "Feast of Tabernacles" or "Succoth". 

Beginning where I left off on Pentecost, I now continue the next Song of Ascents and will continue this till the great day of the feast (Jn. 7:37) which is the last day of Succoth. 

Remember, that just as Yeshua fulfilled the spring appointed days at His first coming, we know for sure that this too He will fulfill at His second coming. Therefore we wait eagerly for the fulfillment of the Fall appointed days, for these days are appointed by God Himself (Lev. 23:1-44). Till then, my hope is that each of us will stay in the truth and not be found "sleeping" like the five foolish virgins.