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Thankful to Win the Battle Against Our Flesh

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on July 17, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus
Wednesday, July 17, 2024

 Lord, you see the spiritual warfare that rages within me. This lifelong conflict pits my mind against my spirit. You might say this warfare is between your desire for me and my desire to do what I want, to control my own destiny. Scripture claims all believers wage this war.

 “The ‘flesh’ [our carnal self] sets its desire against the Spirit [God’s plan] and the Spirit against the flesh” (Galatians 5:17).

 Many believers profess, “Sure, I want God’s will for my life as long as it aligns with what I want and fits within my plans.” I’ve been there, done that.

 Your Spirit never fails to slap me upside my spiritual head with a warning when I resist his leading. How can you say with a straight face that surely these struggles I encounter are from the devil, the enemy of my soul and not because I insist on having my way. Without total surrender to your plan, Lord, which is always best for me, my flesh puts up a fierce, yet mostly losing, battle. In my mind, I acknowledge that, Yes, Lord, you know what I need, but in practice, I refuse to let go of my self-determination.

 Reviewing my circumstances where struggles and problems continually exist, am I surprised my biggest problems are in the areas I insist in controlling? Those lingering habits that, in and of themselves are not bad, yet, they hinder your Spirit’s transformation in me. Those activities that, again, are not bad, yet, are distractions that tempt me to compromise my values.

 Lord, reveal to me areas where my flesh insists on rulership. May your Spirit help me order my life according to your will and your values. May your Spirit always win against my flesh.

 Amen, Jesus

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Thankful You Keep Your Promises, Lord

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on July 16, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus

Tuesday, July 16, 2024

Lord, you never promised we wouldn’t have dark times. No one is immune. In the Old Testament, 1st and 2nd Samuel details King David’s many problems. David was to secede Saul as king and Saul determined not to let that happen. David and his men fled from Saul, finding refuge in the hundreds of caves in the mountains.

David never forgot his mountain experiences though. Close encounters, barely escaping death. Fleeing from mountain to mountain, one dark cave after another. Without your promises, stress and despair would have crushed David and his followers’ souls. David found the safety and security he needed in the mountains. He found his strength in you, Lord. He would fulfill your purpose in his life.

After Saul’s death, David became king and no longer needed to hide in the mountains. Whenever David looked toward the hills, he remembered that, yes, there were major, life-threatening problems in those mountains. Most importantly, he remembered how you, the Great I AM rescued him from those troubles.

David the psalmist, from a grateful heart, wrote a psalm that’s one of the most quoted Scriptures for believers:

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1, 2 NIV).

Lord, I’ve faced dark times before. In my humanity, at times I thought I was on my own. “Lord,” I cried. “Have you forgotten me?” Afterward, looking back at the mountains, I saw you were holding me all the time. You promised “never will I leave you; never will I forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). You keep your promise to all your followers.

Amen, Jesus.

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Thankful You Muzzle My Mouth … When I Let You

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on July 15, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus

Monday, July 15, 2024

Lord, what have we become? How did this contentious spirit spread throughout our nation? Hateful, vitriolic dialogue dominates the air waves. The Left demonizes the Right. The Right demonizes the Left. The “ungodly” declares the “godly” as dictatorial, wanting to take away our freedoms. In return, the “godly” portray the “ungodly” as degenerates who will lead our country down the toilet. Many blame the Left for stirring the pot with these horrible accusations. The Right doesn’t hesitate to retaliate with both fists making the same accusations. Finally, the continued demonizing of political enemies came to a head (literally) Saturday with the attempted assassination of former President Trump. Thank you, God, for your divine protection.

Sadly, many Christ followers have added fuel to the fire. Forgive me, Lord. I’ve thrown a log or two into the fire. As a Christ follower, I’ve set a bad example by harshly criticizing our current administration. Yes, we have the right to protest and state our disapproval of our leaders. But do we have the right to wish them I’ll and rot in Hell? Lord, muzzle my mouth. Defusing this vitriol begins with me. Scripture commands me to do so.

“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. [2] Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. [3] This is good and pleases God our Savior,[4] who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth” (1 Timothy 2:1–4 NLT).

Lord, I admit I need to be more like you, and less like my carnal self. Amen.

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Thankful Your Love Washes Me

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , on July 12, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus
Friday, July 12, 2024

Lord, allowing my mind to dwell on your goodness leaves me grateful but also baffled: How can you keep caring about such a frequent stumbler like me? Somehow, your grace keeps me moving forward in faith. Your ways truly are not man’s ways (Isaiah 55:8). You promised never to leave me nor forsake me. As the apostle Paul wrote in romans 6–8 of his struggles, I can’t believe how foolishly I ignore your standards and do what I know is wrong. Finally, after coming to my senses, you welcome my return with open arms.

From your storehouse of unlimited grace, you empower us to live as you desire. We can do this, because you give your Holy Spirit to live within each person who puts their faith in you. We have your promise never to abandon your followers since, “He [the Holy Spirit] lives with you and will be[is] in you” (John 14:17).

Lord, help me open my heart and allow you to make yourself at home within me. Over the years, you’ve seen how I insist on being in control. Countless times you’ve seen me dig my heels in and refuse to budge. How often have you wanted to kick my backside? Forgive me, Lord, and show me how to plant my roots deeper into your love. I desire to pass your love along to others.

As kids, we sang how your “deep and wide” fountain of love washes over me. As adults, we need to sing that song daily since we still need your love to daily wash over us. May me grow deeper into your love, while your Spirit washes away our impurities.

Amen, Jesus.

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Thankful Only You Can Change Me

Posted in Uncategorized on July 8, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus

Monday, July 8, 2024

Lord, when we respond to your calling, along with receiving our new life, you mandate we change the way we live. Strong-willed followers tried to change their way of living on their own before coming to you. That’s not what you want. After years of trying, we’ve known we cannot change on our own. If we could, we would have. Changing behaviors might indicate we have self-discipline, but that doesn’t change our heart. You say, “Come as you are. I’ll change you.” Only you, Lord, can help us re-structure our lives to meet your standards. You come alongside your followers to guide them along their new path and to steer them in the right direction.

The psalmist wrote of his daily struggles in following you. When he became lazy in his relationship with you, problems piled up. He repeatedly failed you. Forgive me, Lord, I’ll do better next time. Like me, he must have prayed that promise hundreds, if not thousands, of times.

When I read of the struggle of the psalmist’s soul, it is like I wrote the same words.

“You have charged us [me] to keep your commandments carefully. Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees! Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands. As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should. I will obey your decrees. Please don’t give up on me!” (Psalm 119:4–8).

Yes, Lord, thankfully when we fall short, you pick us up, straighten our cap, brush off the dust, and say, “C’mon, let’s keep walking together.”

Amen, Jesus.

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Thankful God Has Blessed America

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on July 5, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus

Thursday, July 4, 2024

Lord God, you have blessed America. We celebrated long into the early morning hours. Families and friends gathered to grill hot dogs and hamburgers and consumed more potato salad than at any other time in history. Enough iced tea, sodas, and beverages were poured to float the Titanic. Breathtaking fireworks lit up the night sky while children squealed with delight with each sparkling burst of amazing colors. What a privilege to celebrate the blessings of living in America, land of the free and home of the brave. Countless millions around the world would give anything to live here, to appreciate our freedoms and take advantage of our unlimited opportunities.

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD” (Psalm 33:12). Calling upon your divine wisdom, the founding-fathers based America’s values of freedom and liberty on your precepts. The Declaration of Independence, our Constitution’s cornerstone, boldly states: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

And as imperfect as they were, and as we still are, we have set the goal to live up to those values. As we well know, as a people, we haven’t always reached that goal. With our freedom comes responsibilities.

And so tonight we reaffirm that Jew and Gentile, we are one nation under God; that black and white, we are one nation indivisible; that Republican and Democrat, we are all Americans. Tonight, with heart and hand, through whatever trial and travail, we pledge ourselves to each other and to the cause of human freedom, the cause that has given light to this land and hope to the world.

President Ronald Reagan

July 4, 1986

Amen, Jesus

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Thankful That in Good Times or Bad, Lord, You Are Good

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on July 2, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

Lord, I agree with the psalmist. He and I are much alike. Hopefully we have more good things in common than bad. He recorded his successes and embarrassing failures, all for our benefit, to show us your mercy and righteous judgment. Reflecting on his life, your Spirit reminded the psalmist that in his good times, and in the times he wishes he could forget, you have always been good to him. You remained faithful, just as you promised.

You have done many good things for me, Lord, just as you promised. I believe in your commands; now teach me good judgment and knowledge (Psalm 119:65, 66 NLT),

We both yearn to live according to your precepts.

I pray my life and actions will be pleasing to you. Nonetheless, Lord, every day I fail to live up to your standards. If I claim to believe your Word, and that you will do what you say you will do, why do I keep making dumb choices and wander from the truth? If I interpret Scripture correctly, the psalmist fought the same issue. He pleaded with you:

Now teach me good judgment and knowledge (verse 66).

Even though the nation recognized him for his wisdom, many questioned his judgment.

I might not be known nationally, but like the psalmist, I echo his prayer. “Teach me good judgement. Help me stop and think things through before jumping into something I shouldn’t. Give me discernment so I will know what life choices to avoid. I’m tired of wandering from the truth. And please, Lord, might I have more knowledge of you.”

Trusting you, Jesus. Amen.

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Thankful to Know Where I’m Headed

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on July 1, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus
Monday, July 1, 2024

Lord, the psalmist promised this time would be different. He meant it. I will obey your Word and order my life accordingly.

Being honest, he admitted where he was headed. “I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow your ways” (Psalm 119:59 NLT). He faced the truth. For someone so gifted, why was he acting like a fool? He had to turn his ship around.

On our faith journey, how many Christ followers stump their toes at some time and find themselves in a similar situation? The truth of Psalm 119:58–59 is timeless. The psalmist saw where he was headed and did a 180 to again follow your ways. Like countless millions, Lord, you bandaged my toes and helped me make that turn too.

Acknowledging our wandering ways, we found living by our rules and whims left us hanging. Nothing seemed to work as planned. Wasn’t being your own man/woman supposed to bring fulfillment? What about the joy when we trash-canned the biblical mandates and lived for the moment? As blatant as the lie is, many of us still fell for the whopper that throwing off the restraints of old-fashioned, out-of-date values leads to freedom and happiness. Like the psalmist, how many looked in the mirror and asked, “How’s this working out for you?”

Lord, lessons learned. No longer would we be steamrolled by the enemy of our soul. No more wandering. Everyone who has been on the receiving end of your amazing grace is eager to tell how living by your values leads to true contentment and satisfaction. Experiencing the peace we have with you and your peace residing within us makes living for you all worthwhile.

Amen, Jesus.

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Thankful Money Does Not Control Me

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on June 28, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus

June 28, 2024

Lord, how easily we fall in love with this mistress. The love for this deceptive charmer has ruined countless families and careers. Scripture warns that loving money creates all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:9–11). The temptations that accompany money are the same for all people, whether having great wealth or living from paycheck-to-paycheck. Christ followers are not exempt. We think of the things money can buy. We can acquire anything we desire and show off our “treasures” before those “less fortunate.” Some dream of using wealth to create envy among those we can’t stand. Funny, we then become like them.

We face the same temptations the psalmist faced. Later in life, after he accumulated vast wealth, he could choose to do good with this money or use it selfishly. He could bless others and further the Kingdom of God or allow his wealth to be his downfall. For a time, his riches negatively influenced his judgment and drew him away from you. His writings revealed how disappointing that was. All the psalmist’s fancy, shiny things soon tarnished, leaving him wanting more worthless fancy, shiny things.

“Give me an eagerness for your laws [living by your values] rather than a love for money. Turn my eyes from worthless things and give me life through your Word” (Psalm 119:36–37 NLT).

When the psalmist abandoned his love of this cruel mistress, he experienced life as you intended. He developed an insatiable desire to spend more time with you, meditating and outlining your pathway to having a real life with purpose and meaning.

Lord, show us how to use our money wisely. As you bless us show us how to bless others and your kingdom here.

Amen, Jesus.

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Thankful to Stay Focused on You, Jesus

Posted in Uncategorized on June 25, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus
Tuesday, June 25, 2024

Lord, the psalmist grew tired of his spiritual inconsistencies. Life’s distractions lured him off-course, and soon he found himself questioning what is truth? He’d had enough of his up one day and down the next spiritual life. He ordered his life to stay focused on you. Constantly meditating on your Word was the ticket and your Spirit didn’t disappoint him.

“Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in Your instructions” (Psalm 119:18 NLT)

Lord, your Word, the Holy Bible, is a spiritual book. Yes, it was written by flawed men, but they wrote under the inspiration of your Holy Spirit. The Scriptures true meanings and eternal promises cannot be fully understood without the Spirit revealing its hidden truths. (2 Timothy 3:16).

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right” (2 Timothy 3:16 NLT).

Lord, you see the secular intellectuals try to interpret the Scriptures without your Spirit’s guidance. They twist the truths of your Word to make it say whatever they want. In the religious community, many false teachers with misguided theology, do the same,
“They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear” (2 Timothy 4:3).

Lord, help me cast aside distractions that I may stay focused on your Word. I want to always live in the truth.

Amen, Jesus.

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