Bible Studies/please assist

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Question
please explain Psalms 39 verses 1 - 3

Answer
1 ¶  I said, "I will guard my ways that I may not sin with my tongue; I will keep a muzzle on my mouth as long as the wicked are in my presence."
2  I was silent and still; I held my peace to no avail; my distress grew worse,
3  my heart became hot within me. While I mused, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue:
4  "LORD, let me know my end, and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is.

Hi Barbara,

The above quote from the NRSV, including verse 4, is clearer to me than some of the other versions. What is it about the passage that puzzles you?

One of the most important lessons for a Christian is to develop a relationship with God which allows Him to teach us His word. Without that, we will always be dependent upon others. We are all sinners and, therefore, not always reliable.

May I suggest that you take some special time in prayer with your Bible and ask God to teach you through His spirit, as he has promised. This passage, with some meditation, is not difficult. Then you can share with me and others what you THINK it means.

Take care.

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Glenn Hansen

Expertise

I will gladly respond to questions on perfection, sanctification, justification, the seal of God, and the nature of Christ. I can also help people understand issues related to the ceremonial law and Decalogue in the New Testament. As an SDA, I read more than fifty of Ellen G. White's books in their entirety. I can answer questions about Adventism, from the perspective of a well read member for more than thirty years. Martin Luther's treatise, "The Freedom of a Christian Man" is one of my favorite Christian writings. If I am not comfortable answering a specific question, I will try to refer you to a good resource.

Experience

I was a Seventh day Adventist for more than thirty years.I have a special interest in the doctrines of justification, perfection, and the nature of Christ. I have spent the last several years in China and continue to live there.

Organizations
www.cleansanctuary.blogspot.com www.LutherMelanchthon.blogspot.com

Publications
Good News Unlimited

Education/Credentials
I studied theology as an undergraduate and briefly attended seminary. I discovered, as a seminary student, that the most important learning takes place outside of the classroom.

Awards and Honors
Participant in the recent First International Wushu Competition in Zhengzhou, China.

Past/Present Clients
Community chaplain at California State Prison, Sacramento.

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