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Thankful Even When You are Silent

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on January 28, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus
Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Lord, why are you silent today? I’ve read the Scriptures, read my daily devotional, and offered a prayer or two. Now, I’m waiting to see what you would have me write today to encourage my readers. Your silence is so loud it’s hurting my ears. Are you silent because I’ve done something wrong? Did doubts about your promises silence your voice from my inner man? Lord, hasn’t every believer had doubts at some point in their faith journey about what you promised in your Word?

Scripture suggests your silence is nothing unusual for those who follow you. Even the heavyweights of the Kingdom of God, who strived to please you in all their actions, battled this “Where-are-you-Lord-and-why-are-you-silent?” syndrome. Moses, Elijah, Daniel, David—all the great biblical characters endured your silence for a period. Even Jesus, while in agony on the cross, cried, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me” (Matthew 27:46). No, you hadn’t abandoned them/us. They/we were not left on their own. Far from it. Scripture tells us your Spirit constantly resides with believers in you. Your Spirit is the believer’s constant companion.

Your silence tests our faith to determine if we will believe what your Word says about who you are and if you will do what you say you will do. Of course, for believers, knowing what your Word says is essential. That’s why your Word says to “study” the Word, not merely glance over it to check off a box in our to-do list (2 Timothy 2:15).

So, Lord, I’m waiting on you to give me something to write about. Why are you silent? If you don’t speak to me, Lord, my readers will wonder what happened to me today.

Amen, Jesus.

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Thankful You Love this Mess

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on January 27, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus

Monday, January 27, 2025

Lord, every morning, I’m such a mess after I stumble out of bed. Facial hairs crammed up my nose, bags under my eyes big enough to protect a home from flood waters, and breath potent enough to stop a freight train. Atilla the Hun would consider me a role model.

While reading Psalms, your Spirit revealed that the psalmist, Atilla the Hun, and I have something in common. Perhaps your Spirit revealed this same truth to the psalmist when he wrote:

“How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart?” (Psalm 19:12a).

The psalmist and I have the potential to sin as grievously against you and humanity as Atilla the Hun. Lord, only by your grace have we not sinned to that degree. But we all have temptations to sin lurking within our hearts, looking for the opportunity to manifest itself. Unless we’re aware of Satan’s deceptions that sound “Oh, so truthful,” we fall easily to temptations. I know—I have.

Lord, you fervently emphasized being mindful of Satan’s deceptions. When the Apostle Peter thought himself above temptation, you had to bring him back to reality, telling him, “Peter, Satan has asked permission to sift you like wheat, but I’ve prayed for you that your faith will not fail,” (Luke 22:31). Peter’s failure of faith and his reconciliation teaches us that you, our gracious God, are quick to forgive and reconcile us back to yourself. Like you prayed for Peter’s faith not to fail, you do so for us today, (Hebrews 7:25).

Lord, centuries before you came to us, the psalmist acknowledged your mercy and grace. He finished his statement with this plea:

“Cleanse me from these hidden faults” (Psalm 19:12b).

Jesus, do the same for me. Amen.

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Thankful That You Listen, Lord

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on January 22, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Lord, what were the circumstances that caused the psalmist to cry out for justice? Did his “friends” betray him, falsely accusing him of wrongdoing? How many lies swayed public opinion to accuse the psalmist of corruption? Did folks make snap judgements about him without knowing the full story? How many times were the psalmist’s good intentions misunderstood? The psalmist knew deep within his heart you held him innocent of all offenses, yet his enemies’ lies persisted. Grace wasn’t in their portfolio. They knew only condemnation.

Amid similar circumstances, how many have prayed likewise from the depths of a hurting heart? I can join the psalmist in that group.

“O Lord, hear my plea for justice. Listen to my cry for help. Pay attention to my prayer, for it comes from honest lips. Declare me innocent, for you see those who do right” (Psalm 17:1, 2 NLT).

Scripture indicates the psalmist’s enemies attacked his integrity. The psalmist wasn’t perfect. None of us are in our fallen human nature. His enemies liked to parade his flaws in public displays. By your grace, he was forgiven when he placed his faith in you. His prayers came from his heart which sought to follow you wherever you led. Whether you led him along the path leading to still waters or if you led him into his enemy’s camp, he always attempted to do right. How sad some people will never know your grace when they don’t call out to you amid injustice.

Lord, when I’m striving to do right, yet people point fingers, misunderstand my intentions, and accuse me of being everything but a Christ follower, give me the grace to persevere and remain faithful.

Amen, Jesus.

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Thankful for Good Ideas

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on January 17, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus

Friday, January 17, 2025

Lord, I guess the psalmist king heard it all. Being the leader of his kingdom, his advisors could have given him the most ridiculous ideas how to run the kingdom. Their motives may have been virtuous, but the psalmist needed discernment as to what ideas were valid and what were folly. He wrote how he mulled over his advisor’s advice, deciding what to accept or dismiss. He knew each of his decisions would have either positive or negative consequences.

“I will reject perverse ideas and stay away from every evil” (Psalm 101:4)

People still face the same challenges of making the right decisions when weighing ideas. A good decision should result in good consequences, whereas the consequences of a bad decision could be disastrous. We should question some of these unreasonable ideas modern man has contrived:

Why be trapped in the wrong body? People are gender-fluid. If your gender “assigned at birth” was male, no problem, just claim to be female. Or if you are a male, just claim to be female. Label those who disagree as “haters.” It’s that easy.

The more money I send to the government, the better our chances to eliminate man-made climate change.

People with college degrees are smarter than those without a degree.

Many believe God doesn’t exist. And if there is a God, all religions lead to him/her. No matter how bad you are, everyone goes to Heaven. How could a loving God send anyone to Hell just for not believing in him/her? Doing good works builds up heavenly brownie points, making you a shoo-in for the Pearly Gates.

Doing good things may be noble, but it’s only by faith in Jesus Christ are we made righteous with God (John 3:16). It’s that easy.

Amen, Jesus.

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Thankful You Make the Crooked Straight

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on January 14, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus

Tuesday, January 14, 2025 a

Lord, they sprang up among us shortly after you booted Adam and Eve from the Garden. It’s safe to say this deeply flawed character trait originated from the serpent. Who else would do such a thing?

One of the psalmist’s “New Year’s” resolution dealt with the corruption within his kingdom. These were the dishonest “officials” who preyed on the ignorant, and the naïve. They were shysters, con men, serial liars. In biblical times, they were the herdsmen selling blemish lambs for Temple sacrifices, or religious leaders on the take for “spiritual favors.” Matthew, tax collector turned Christ follower, told how he became wealthy working for the Romans, exploiting people. Of course, there were used chariot salesmen.

Today, these bait-and-switch artists advertise on late-night cable TV promising one thing and delivering another. We see super-models promoting weight loss programs, which instead only produce chubby super models, or celebrities pitching worthless auto warranties few mechanics will honor. And endlessly, the politicians lining their pockets promising to save Social Security that his opponent threatens to take away.

Back to the psalmist. His anger simmered, seeing how these smooth-talking crooks took advantage of people. Finally, he had enough. He began purging corrupt people from his kingdom and his life.

“I hate all who deal crookedly; I will have nothing to do with them” (Psalm 101:3b).

Lord, perhaps I should do the same as the psalmist. Help me purge anything in my life that my eternal enemy, Satan, has planted. Grant me godly wisdom to choose my close friends and associates wisely, that they be of noble character and whose hearts are turned toward you. May I always be civil toward all but also be “wise as serpents and gentle as a dove” (Matthew 10:16).

Amen, Jesus.

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Thankful for Godly Influence

Posted in Uncategorized on January 10, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus

Friday, January 10, 2025

Lord, we’ve heard it said, “It all begins at home,”—whatever “it” is. Perhaps the most important “it” would be the influence we have on those in our world.

Parents play a vital role in the spiritual and emotional development of their kids. Decades ago, a TV commercial involved a man and little boy sitting under a tree. The man pulled out a cigarette and lit up. The little boy found a twig and pretended to smoke, like his dad. The significance of the commercial warned us to be careful how we act since we are being watched.

The psalmist may have touched on this timeless truth when he recorded his “New Year’s” resolutions.

“I will lead a life of integrity in my own home” (Psalm 101:2b)

Some, like politicians, celebrities, or clergy, exert great influence. We everyday people may have some influence, but usually ours is limited to a certain few. I’m forced to question myself: Is my public persona different from my home persona? Does my kindness and consideration disappear when I get home? Do I give the same attention at home as I do with coworkers or fellow church members? Or strangers in public? Do people wonder which version of me will show up?

The psalmist knew this timeless personality quirk. His “New Year’s” resolution was to be the same wherever and with whomever he found himself with.

Lord, may I use what influence you have given me to reflect my relationship with you, and my desire to love others as you love them. I pray I might be consistent in treating others as I would like to be treated (Matthew 7:12; Luke 6:31).

Please use my influence so others will desire a closer relationship with you. Amen, Jesus

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Thankful That Life Doesn’t Trample Me

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on January 9, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus

Thursday, January 9, 2025

Lord, the new year is still in its infancy and our New Year’s resolutions are still fresh on our minds. Our enthusiasm for making and keeping resolutions keeps us motivated to push forward to become a better person. But the difficulties of life in this fallen world block our efforts of improvement. This reality of life must have tried to attach itself to the psalmist. He seemed to reflect on his efforts in his famous Psalm 101.

(1) “I will sing of your love and justice, Lord. I will praise you with songs. (2) I will be careful to live a blameless life—when will you come to help me?” (Psalm 101:1, 2 NLT).

Life’s reality declares no one can live a blameless life—at least without divine help. Lord, the psalmist made the conscious decision to live all-in for you but knew he couldn’t in his own strength. Scripture suggests he began his closer walk with you by doing what he could to change his life, knowing you would see his efforts and his sincerity. Like you have always acted, you knew his heart and came quickly to his side.

Perhaps previously, his attitude was “Look at me, Lord. See all I’m doing for you!” His pride left little to no room for your help. Therefore, the psalmist wrote many songs how life trampled him like being ran over by an eight-horse chariot. If he were to keep his New Year’s resolution, he needed to forget his past failures.

That’s the same with us. Lord, trusting you is our only option if we are to keep our resolution to live a “blameless” life.

Amen, Jesus.

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Thankful for What is Instore for 2025

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on January 6, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus

Monday, January 6, 2025

Lord, what’s do you have instore for 2025? Most folks are ready to forget the happenings of 2024. Many well-intentioned folks couldn’t wait until January 1 to make a new beginning. The truth is, with you we don’t have to wait till January 1. We can start over anytime. Nonetheless, many make New Year’s resolutions. Count me in. Usually, I’m sincere when I make these “I solemnly swear” promises of change, but honestly, I know I’m kidding myself. Who out there in reader-land feels the same?

Lord, because you blessed me with a speech impediment, this year I made the same resolution as last year: In 2025, I refuse to stutter again. And like last year, I broke that resolution within fifteen minutes after midnight.

I don’t know if the psalmist made New Year’s resolutions, but scripture suggests he needed to make some changes. Much like us, the psalmist was far from having life all together. His life was a daily challenge to stay close to you. He records his “New Year’s” resolutions in Psalm 101.

He begins with praise and worship.

(Verse 1) “I will sing of your love and justice, Lord. I will praise you with songs,”

Scripture says when we worship, we “enter your presence with praise” (Psalm 100:4). This is something we all can do. You already know our needs, but you love hearing us praise you for all you have done for us. What amazes me is you love my praise singing even if I sound like a cat in distress.

Lord, may all your followers sing loudly the new “song” you put in our heart. I’ll join the psalmist in singing your praises even if it makes those around me cringe. Amen, Jesus.

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Thankful You Help Us Keep Our New Year’s Resolutions

Posted in Uncategorized on December 30, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus

Monday, December 30, 2024

Lord, it’s that time of the year again. As this year winds down, for weeks some have been planning their personal changes for the coming year. Many New Year’s resolutions are the same as last year’s, only this year, we’re serious. We will change. People will notice. Yeah, right.

A TV pontificator remarked that most New Year’s resolutions made on Monday are broken by Friday. Looking inwardly, as much as I want to deny it, I fall into that group. My intentions are sincere, but life gets in the way. Busyness happens. Sickness makes a presence. Relationships not focused on the same page create tensions.

Did the psalmist make New Year’s resolutions when the ancients celebrated a new year? Scripture suggests he was sincere about his intentions to make the necessary changes in his life that you wanted. Perhaps your Spirit homed in to his inner man about some of his wayward behaviors. How deeply did he weigh the pros and cons of what he was about to record? Did he swallow hard and take a deep breath before he dared to ask?

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life” (Psalm 139:23. 24 NLT).

Lord, maybe I should pray the same. Point out those areas of my life that I need to change. I need your divine help. These areas of offense might not keep me out of heaven, but they could make life more difficult here and embarrass our claim that we know you. The Apostle Peter wrote how these difficulties refine our faith as pure gold (1 Peter 1:6–8). Our faith is precious in your sight.

Amen, Jesus.

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Thankful You Make What I Mess Up into Something Good

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on December 20, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus

Friday, December 20, 2024

Lord, it’s not like you don’t warn us. Most Christ followers hear the voice of your Spirit, saying be careful, make a good choice. Sadly, some close their ears to your voice if what they hear opposes what they want. Often, we mistakenly pray your will matches our will, and proceed with our plans, then expect you to bless our misguided efforts. If things don’t work out as we planned, then we blame you for not answering our “prayers.”

The new year 2025 is just days away. Man has evolved in knowledge where the antiquated wisdom of biblical days doesn’t apply to today’s standards. Most academic elitest believe your book of promises, the Bible, is only a book of myths that gullible people heed. Modern technology has given man superiority in knowledge over those superstitious folks of ancient times. We navigate through life being the captain of our destiny. The lessons and consequences of the bad choices those people made show how backward those people lived. It is not surprising that faithless man’s situations determine his ethics.

Lord, you’re probably shaking your head at such foolishness. If King Solomon were to view our society, he’d probably remark how man hasn’t changed. After studying the lifestyle activities of his society, he wrote this timeless truth:

“People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord” (Proverbs 19:3 NLT).

I believe one of man’s greatest faults is to deny his own foolishness. I’ve regretted some boneheaded decisions. Who can I blame for not seeking you, Lord? Only myself. Forgive me, Lord. But somehow you always make what I messed up into something you use for your glory. Amen, Jesu

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