Feeds:
Posts
Comments

Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

Thankful to Reflect Your Decrees

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on December 19, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus
Thursday, December 19, 2024

Lord, I wonder what the psalmist would think seeing people walking around with their heads constantly looking down at a rectangular device in their hands. Would the psalmist believe how we carry the entire world in our hand? But how convenient for believers to have your written Word at our fingertips. With our cell phones, tablets, and other devices, we can access your Word anytime, anywhere. That being so, we have no excuse not to know what you require of those who follow you. Knowing what you require puts the acceptance of your Word and our obedience squarely on us. We now own it.

The psalmist didn’t have the luxury of instant communication. Lacking cell phone service or internet, the psalmist relied on your divine wisdom to record your commandments. However, as he recorded your Word, you opened the psalmist’s eyes of his erring ways. Lord, he recorded his revelation as a warning to keep our carnal desires in check, otherwise, we’re easily led astray.

“You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully. Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees!” (Psalm 119:4–5 NLT).

Lord, like the psalmist, this scripture passage describes me. Do my actions consistently reflect your decrees? Of course not. No one can perfectly keep the Ten Commandments and your godly principles. That is why I can never outrun your grace.

Lord, as Christ followers, may we sincerely desire to keep your commandments, even though you know we will come up short time and again. Strengthen us to always be on guard to protect our spiritual well-being is we are to “consistently reflect your decrees.”

Amen, Jesus.

Read Full Post »

Thankful Mary Was Like No Other Woman

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on December 18, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Lord, the images we have of Mary, the mother of Jesus, seem to portray her as gentle and humble. She probably would love kittens make chocolate chip cookies for those she loves. Often she is pictured kneeling over the manger, looking glowingly at the baby Jesus, while Joseph leans over her. We are not told her age, with some biblical scholars estimating her age between thirteen and sixteen. But what about her tough side of this young girl? Just how hardy was she?

This may be difficult for men to comprehend but guys, put on your thinking cap. Imagine being nine months pregnant and ready to deliver at any moment. Your body is swollen, retaining fluids, your ankles the size of cantaloupes. Irritable, grouchy, and your husband comes home and says, get ready, start packing, we’re going to Bethlehem in the morning. God must have restrained Mary not to kill Joseph.

Matthew’s and Luke’s Gospels detail the story of their journey. Mary rode the donkey for the 70-mile walk from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Traveling about fifteen miles a day, the journey must have taken nearly five days. Surely, the five day ride on a bumpy, smelly donkey must have tested her humanity, and Joseph’s sanity. But Mary endured. She persevered. She probably longed for the comfortable bed awaiting her in Bethlehem, where she might find relief from this arduous donkey ride.

As we know, there is much more to the Christmas story. Mary gave birth to Jesus in the stable and laid her baby son, the very physical being of God, in a manger. Her Son, the promised Messiah, would one day redeem not only her from her sins, but the sins of the world.

Lord Jesus, help us grasp the significance of you humbly coming to us as our promised Emmanuel, God with us!

Read Full Post »

Thankful You Know I Know

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

Chatting with Jesus
Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Lord, I’ve read and said those two words without giving them a second thought. You know we unconsciously use these two words multiple times daily, never paying attention of their constant use. It must have been your Spirit that revealed the significance of these two words, [you know] to me while skimming the Scriptures. In the book of James, chapter one, verses 2, 3:

[2] “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. [3] For [you know] that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.

James warns being a Christ follower comes with a price. “Don’t be surprised. [You know] life happens. Trials and troubles come. But rejoice! It’s party time!” He reminds Christ followers these trials and problems must come, so get ready, for [you know] when our faith is tested, we grow in maturity as believers. There is no other way. Jesus, you made this point clear when you warned your followers they must deny themselves their wants, their wishes. Instead, we daily pick up our cross and follow you, (Mark 8:34; Matthew 16:24).

Lord, you test all your followers. You desire to strengthen our faith. [We know] this. Still, most times, we’re surprised when troubles come our way. In our humanity, [you know] we immediately ask ourselves are we being punished? Did we do something wrong? Did I act contrary to your teachings? Maybe I have, but you, Lord, are using these troubles to refine my faith, like a goldsmith refines gold through the fire.

May I always know and remember these tests are to make me more like you, Jesus. Amen.

Read Full Post »

Thankful for Your Never-Ending Grace

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

Chatting with Jesus

Monday, December 16, 2024

Lord, who are we fooling? Can we stop lying to ourselves, believing we’re above those sins that cause others to stumble? After years of following you, Lord, some “pious” saints see themselves as “Super Christians.” Some believe you will seek their advice before making a major move in the world. Sadly, some seasoned Christ followers often become lazy in daily devotions and prayers. Ignoring the Holy Spirit’s prompting, we tend to choose who we will befriend and shun those whom we consider a lost cause. Our misguided natural judgment determines who we will share your message of grace,and forgiveness. Busyness and the cares of living in this fallen world can cause us to forget how we were once a “lost sheep” and in need of the Good Shepherd (John 10:1–21).

Forgive me, Lord, for harboring such an attitude. Everyone needs daily forgiveness, especially seasoned saints. Unless we—unbelievers, new believers, seasoned saints— recognize ourselves as by nature lost sheep, we will never surpass our need for forgiveness. No matter how much we grow in the knowledge of you, Lord, or however much we allow your Spirit to change us, we will never outgrow the need for your grace. Living in this fallen world, we will also never outgrow our tendency to sin. Scriptures records how even your apostles still battled their sin nature. Fortunately, they gave us instructions how to keep this lifelong nature in check (Romans 3–8; Ephesians 6:13–17).

Lord, as your representatives here, as we go about our day, help us live in your grace and forgiveness. May we extend the same to those in our world.

Amen, Jesus.

Read Full Post »

Thankful I Haven’t Gone Too Far

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

Chatting with Jesus
Thursday, December 12, 2024

Lord, how do misguided people determine who is eligible for redemption and who isn’t? Are those who have “sinned too much” not qualify for salvation? Many misguided “believers” believe you keep a count of their sins. Once a person exceeds that number, they have crossed the rubicon, and their chance for redemption flies out the window. Simply put, they have sinned too much for you to redeem them. Centuries ago, people used an expression to refute someone’s nonsense: “Hogwash.” That word is appropriate here.

Biblical scholars teach that unbelief in who Jesus claimed to be is the only obstruction to salvation (John 3:18). God didn’t send his Son into this world to redeem those who only sin a little. We are all sinners. They take home a pen from the office and fail to return it. Or maybe fill their purse with extra condiments at the fast-food joint. Maybe tell a little white lie when their spouse asks what they are thinking. We never give a second thought to these little “sins.” And yes, I’m guilty of these too.

Lord, I’ve never considered murdering someone, although driving the freeways in the Dallas/Fort Worth area creates that temptation. I’ve never mugged anyone, stolen a car, or robbed an ATM, but I’m guilty of sin as if I had done those things.
Scriptures details how you used dishonest, less than stellar people, to deliver humanity’s Redeemer— Jesus, to the world. The Savior of the world genealogy has some tainted characters, but they contributed to your plan of bringing salvation to the world through Jesus. Man’s plan for salvation resting on doing good works is hogwash. God’s plan and purpose rest on Christ’s righteousness, not our human worthiness.

Lord, no one has strayed too far into sin who you cannot redeem. You, Jesus, are the hope of the world. Amen

Read Full Post »

Thankful You Remove the Old and Bring in the New

Posted in Uncategorized on December 10, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus
Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Lord, not too many TV shows catch my attention, but I’m amazed about home makeover programs. Groups of highly skilled workers take an old, worn-down house needing demolishment, and instead, turn the structure into a Taj Mahal. What once was the neighborhood eyesore is now the neighborhood’s show piece. What once made folks cringe now makes them say, “I can’t believe it!” And to think they wanted to destroy what others saw as having potential.

The before and after pictures leave me shaking my head. Living rooms that resembled a pig pen now rival that of the Hyatt lobby. Kitchens sinks and countertops scattered with dirty dishes that sat for decades now pass the white glove test. Ovens that couldn’t cook a paper towel are replaced with state-of-the-art Smart Double Electric self-cleaning wall ovens with built-in microwave. A 25 cubic feet smart refrigerator with French doors and built-in coffee maker and ice dispenser replaces the old refrigerator that couldn’t keep a snow cone cool. Floors used for a dirt bike track are clean as polished marble.

No wonder people are amazed. It’s a completely different house. The old house may be remembered, but it is now long gone. All that rubbish has been hauled away, buried in a landfill. Ten thousand years from now archeologists will consider these artifacts priceless. But now, the new and improved is here.

Lord, we can say this home makeover demonstrates 2 Corinthians 5:17. “Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”

Christ followers agree that after committing ourselves to you, Jesus, we’re changed. We don’t know how you do it, but we are changed on the inside. All that junk on the inside is gone, replaced with your love that will take a lifetime to know the extent of its richness. And being changed on the inside changes us on the outside too. We just look different now. And people notice.

Only you can do this makeover of old lives into new, Jesus. Amen.

Read Full Post »

Thankful We Have No Other Options

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on December 9, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus

Monday, December 9, 2024

Lord, Scripture suggests the psalmist had enough of the fearmongering. The naysayers relentlessly tried to create doubt in the psalmist’s mind about your promises. His “advisors” constantly presented him with a doom-and-gloom outlook on his kingdom. His enemies, and even some “friends,” plotted to dispose of him and take over his kingdom. His advisors ignored God’s promises and advised the psalmist to flee to “safety.” His answer baffled them.

Determined not to run when facing humiliation, the psalmist publicly declared he trusted the Lord. Surrounded by enemies, betrayed by so-called friends, his circumstances didn’t look promising. Longtime friends chose to jump ship amid the psalmist’s troubles. He defiantly answered his enemies:

“I trust in the Lord for protection. So why do you say to me, ‘Fly like a bird to the mountains for safety!’” (Psalm 11:1 NLT).

He didn’t deny his circumstances.

“The wicked are stringing their bows and fitting their arrows on the bowstrings. They shoot from the shadows at those whose hearts are right. The foundations of law and order have collapsed. What can the righteous do?” (verses 2-4).

Lord, when facing difficult circumstances, running away seems like the easiest thing to do. As Christ followers we might not face physical enemies but all who call you Lord face spiritual enemies. Pride, jealousy, envy are but a few. Like the psalmist discovered, when his world fell apart, what other options did he have but to put his trust totally in you. Lord, when our world falls apart, what other options do Christ followers have?

To answer the psalmist’s question “What can the righteous do?” The answer has never changed. The righteous will trust in the Lord for protection. Amen, Jesus.

Read Full Post »

Thankful the Old Life is No More

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on December 6, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus

Friday, December 6, 2024

Lord, he must have been miserable. Did the psalmist try to stay constantly busy so his mind wouldn’t dwell on what he used to have? If only he could shake those memories of what used to be. But you wouldn’t allow it. Not for one moment did you let up until he came to his senses.

It started as just a little sin—no big deal. After all, who doesn’t sin, right? But before he knew it, this “no big deal” sin metastasized into something he couldn’t control. Sin’s crushing grip on the psalmist led to more despair and hopelessness.

One day he woke and wondered how did I get so far from God? What am I doing here in this mire of sin and shame? I’ve become a pariah to what friends I have left, a laughingstock among the community. The psalmist had no other option but to confess his foolishness in walking away from you, humble himself and seek your forgiveness.

Later, in moments of peace and sanity, he recorded his emotions during those dark times.

“My heart is breaking as I remember how it used to be: I walked among the crowds of worshipers, leading a great procession to the house of God, singing for joy and giving thanks amid the sound of a great celebration!” Psalm (42:4 NLT)

Prayerfully, future generations would heed his warning. Prayerfully, Lord, future generations would know your mercy as well.

“Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God! (verse 5).

Lord, when we’re tempted to see our past sins as something other than shameful and embarrassing, help us keep our focus on you. Life with you, Lord Jesus, is much more fulfilling. Amen.

Read Full Post »

Thankful to Trust Even When You Delay, Lord

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

Chatting with Jesus
Thursday, December 5, 2024

Lord, all he could do was trust you. The psalmist recorded his testimony of the dark time his soul dwelt into depression and despair. His world came crashing down around him. He prayed and waited for you to deliver him, but for some higher reason, you delayed his rescue.

Did he understand your delay? Probably not. He could only hold to your promise: You would rescue him from what he called a pit of mirey clay, a place so slippery no one escapes on their own. In his humanity, the psalmist must have questioned, “When, Lord? When are you coming to rescue me? I need help—now—not next week.” Hmmm. Lord, how many times have I pleaded with you to rescue me?

The psalmist’s plight caught the attention of the people in his sphere of influence. Will the psalmist abandon his faith or remain faithful? Why is God punishing him? Did people speculate he had a secret sinful life. Despite the backlash, the psalmist expressed his only hope: “He turned to me and heard my cry” (Psalm 40:3)

As the apostle Paul would scribe centuries later to the Galatian believers, “But at the right time, God sent Jesus” to meet the needs of those who call upon his name (Galatians 4:4).Faithful to your promise, Lord, you came to the psalmist’s rescue. You not only rescued his physical being, but you also rescued his spiritual being. “He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God” (Psalm 40:2). People were speechless. They could only give credit to you, Lord, for the psalmist’s transformed life.

May the same be said of us when we fully commit ourselves to you, Lord God. Amen, Jesus.

Read Full Post »

Thankful You Teach Us How to Love

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

Chatting with Jesus
Monday, December 2, 2024

Lord, you know me. Most of the time, it’s you and me, Jesus, living fully in your blessings. I’m joyful and pleasant, sharing your love and kindness with everyone. However, at times, the “other” me shows up, the irritable, grouchy me who everyone wants to avoid. As a Christ follower, this wishy-washy version of me should never be allowed out of its cage. No, you haven’t abandoned me when I act contrary to your Word, but my actions and words do make you look bad, and for that shame, I’m deeply sorrowful. I repent and ask your forgiveness.

As Christ followers, we’re commanded to love one another. For most believers, this is a challenge. We don’t know how. Jesus. teach us how to love as you love.

“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you should love one another. Your love for one another will prove to the world you are my disciples” (John 13:34).

Without doubt, if we could consistently see others as you see them, our love attitudes would change. You know their struggles with sinful issues that keep them batted down from being all you created them to be. You know their fears, anxieties. Our judgmental attitude prevents us from seeing their issues.

Help us remember when you went to the cross, you redeemed everyone, even those we find obnoxious and want to smack upside their head. Lord, open our eyes to see they may be praying the same prayer regarding us when we are hard to love.

Help us love one another so others will know we are Christ followers. Amen, Jesus.

Read Full Post »

« Newer Posts - Older Posts »