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Thankful in My Distress, You are with Me

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on October 3, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus

Thursday, October 3, 2024

Lord, what did the psalmist need to be set free from? His pride may have caused him to stumble in his plight. Nothing to fear here, the psalmist may have told himself. No big deal. I got this. After all, I’m smart enough to figure things out.  But what probably started as a minor problem had evolved into a distressful situation

It appears his problem got out of hand. With his spiritual and emotional wellbeing disrupted, he recorded his situation to show what to do and not to do.

“In my distress I prayed to the Lord, and the Lord answered me and set me free” (Psalm 118:5).

Lord, you’ve seen the countless times I reacted the same as the psalmist. How many times have I ignored a problem, thinking it’s so minor it will solve itself, or just fade away. No need to bother you, Lord, since you have much more to do in the universe. How many times have you proved me wrong?  Too many times I’ve allowed the enemy of our soul, the devil, take an issue and blow it up into an overwhelming distressful situation? How did it get to this point?

Your answer is simple: “Why didn’t you bring me your problem in the first place? I’m for you. I’m on your side. Read my Word:”

“The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear.  What can mere people do to me?” (Psalm 118:6).

Lord, as I’m doing life here, help me bring my molehills to you before they become mountains I cannot climb. Help me not fear what others may think. There is no fear while you are in control of my situations, Jesus. Amen.

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Thankful Your Faithful Love Endures Forever

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

Chatting with Jesus

Wednesday, October 2, 2024

Lord, from ancient days down to today, this truth has never changed. All people should agree with this message: “Your faithful love endures forever.” If this truth of your holy character could be cemented into people’s hearts, what a difference it would make in the world.

The psalmist praised your glory over thirty centuries ago. Honoring your character hasn’t lost its impact or importance. Today, this message is needed more than ever. The psalmist urged people everywhere to take to heart this truth: Your faithful love endures forever.

“Let all Israel—God’s people everywhere—repeat: “His faithful love endures forever.”

Let Aaron’s descendants, the preachers, priests, biblical teachers, theologians, spiritual leaders, be on the same page: “His faithful love endures forever.”

Let everyone who stands wide-eyed, in awe and wonder of the majesty of your creation, the glories of the heavens and starry sky, praise you: “His faithful love endures forever.” (Psalm 118:2-4, my paraphrase)

The psalmist fit into all three categories. Could the psalmist not stay out of trouble? Or did you allow his mistakes to force him to call on you?

“In my distress, I prayed to the Lord, and the Lord answered me and set me free. The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear” (verses 5–6).

Lord, you honored your Word. You rescued the psalmist from whatever threatened him. Throughout my life, you have done the same for me.

I laugh now about some of my boneheaded choices, but when they occurred, I followed the psalmist’s advice. I prayed to you, Lord, and you answered me and set me free. I know “your faithful love endures forever.”

Amen, Jesus. Your faithful love sustains me as I follow you.

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Thankful Your Ideas are Better, Lord

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

Chatting with Jesus
Monday, September 30, 2024

Lord, I considered it a most brilliant idea. It seemed so logical. No need to run this by my wife. Surely, she would agree. What could possibly go wrong?

Our household consists of just my wife and me, so we generate few dirty dishes. Usually, I hand wash them, set them out to dry, and return to doing life in its fullest. For whatever reason, we were out of Dawn dish washing liquid. Never fearing a dilemma, I implemented my idea. Since we had a 250 fluid ounce jug of Purex in the utility room, I would just substitute laundry detergent for dish washing liquid. Why not? Soap is soap, isn’t it?

It’s surprising the mountains of suds a few drops of laundry soap produces. I washed the dishes and set them out to dry. Later, while making my afternoon coffee, I noticed the coffee pot suggested the scent of spring-time freshness. The aroma of the coffee took me to a green valley adorned with springtime flowers and lush grass, like the psalmist rested beside in Psalm 23. Soon, I discovered everything tasted and smelled like laundry detergent. Thorough dish rewashing began shortly afterward.

Lord, I just love your humor. Almost immediately, your Spirit brought this scripture to mind:

“Some people think they are doing right, but in the end, it leads to death” (Proverbs 16:25).

Thankfully, my dish washing exploits didn’t result in my death, but you did teach me a lesson. When we substitute man’s ways for God’s way, things can, and will, go wrong. Following your outline presented in Psalm 19:7–14 assures believers of a successful life of serving you. I can’t go wrong with your plan, Jesus.

Amen.

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Thankful You Are Faithful When Life Takes a Downturn

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on September 26, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus
Thursday, September 26, 2024

Lord, we’re content when life flows smoothly. We prosper in body and soul, and seldom worry about tomorrow. We have no human enemies that we’re aware of. Sure, some folks might resist our efforts to better ourselves or move up the corporate ladder, while others will figuratively “stab us in the back” to keep us down. Broken-world living involves these setbacks.

Without warning, life can take a downward turn. Our plans took a detour and our path going forward appears uncertain. How did this happen? Why did this happen? Our best laid plans are scattered like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. If only we lived in simpler times.
Troubling circumstances have plagued man since Eve tried that apple pie recipe. We may not have physical enemies like the psalmist faced—our enemies are spiritual. Pride. Doubt. Unbelief. Unforgiveness. Jealousy. Rejection. These are just a handful of our many spiritual enemies that if not kept in check, will destroy our souls.

Doing life gives us countless opportunities to put our faith into action, and reaffirm that you, Lord, are who you say you are, and you will do what you say you will do. You are working your plan for our life.

The psalmist words could have been written last week.

“Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will protect me from the anger of my enemies. You reach out your hand, and the power of your right hand saves me. The Lord will work out his plans for my life—for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever” (Psalm 138:7, 8).

Lord, because of your faithfulness, we can trust your plan is best for our lives. Amen, Jesus.

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Thankful You are Trustworthy, Lord

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

Chatting with Jesus
Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Lord, trust appears to be at an all-time low these days. Our governments and institutions we once trusted have proven to be not what they claimed to be. Sadly, even our sacred religious bodies have been compromised, causing believers deep spiritual wounds and disappointments in its leaders. Once their lies and deceptions were exposed, out trust went out the window.

Thankfully, Lord, you are faithful in all you say and do. When searching for truth, our trust in you and your Word remains rock solid. You are our anchor in these turbulent times.

Consistent lying and lack of trust is nothing new. Topsy-turvy times originated in the Garden with that ugly snake/apple incident. That ole serpent, whom your Word calls the devil, lies every time he opens his mouth. We are so thankful, Jesus, you came and put the devil in his place. The psalmist saw this victorious time coming.

“The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you” (Psalm 9:9–10).

We’re never abandoned to figure this life out on our own. When the psalmist searched for you in his times of trouble, he found your faithfulness like none other. You are who you say you are, and you will do what you say you will do. You have been the same since the beginning.

Lord, help us be faithful in putting our trust completely in you. What a comfort to have you in our lives. We’re so tired of man letting us down.

Amen, Jesus.

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Thankful for the Patience You Give, Lord

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on September 23, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus
Monday, September 23, 2024

Lord, I hate waiting. I’m getting impatient waiting for you to give me patience.

In today’s culture, patience is a virtue is considered an ancient character trait. One day our grandchildren’s grandkids might ask them if they remembered what patience was. By holding instant information in our hand via our phone, we plan our lives according to our timeline.

That isn’t your way, is it, Lord? As Christ followers, we must understand how crucial patience is if we are to accept your timing over ours. King Solomon knew this godly truth well. He had the proverbial world at his fingertips, yet he reasoned, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” (Ecclesiastes 3).

Lord, many have waited for extended periods for healing from lingering diseases or painful afflictions. How many spent sleepless nights pleading with you for relief from the trials of life. Whatever the issues—sickness, financial, broken relationships—all we ask is just a little reprieve. But when our prayers hear only silence, accepting your timing becomes difficult. Life’s weariness drags on. Faith is tested.

Lord, help us accept your timing. We are aware of the truth that your timing is always perfect. While we often can only see just past the end of our nose, you see the beginning and the end of all issues. Help me order my spirit to trust you completely.

Amir Tsarfati eloquently explained Ecclesiastes 3, “We need to accept the fact that there are appointed times by God, and he has the authority to decide when, what, and how things are going to be.”

Amen, sovereign Lord.

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Thankful for a Clean Heart that Sees You, Lord

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

Chatting with Jesus

Thursday, September 19, 2024

Lord, these so-called religious “experts,” really get annoying. They claim to know the inside and outside workings of your kingdom, what you can do or cannot do. Notice how they pridefully display their academic titles following their names. Do they think these alphabet letters make them superior to other believers? Don’t get me wrong. Jesus, when a believer makes you the center of their life, you teach knowledge is power to live a life pleasing to you. But how easily our godly knowledge becomes an idol we trust more than we trust you.

Often, when spiritual issues arise, the “educated” come up empty, seeking answers using human solutions. Human wisdom might serve a part of the solution, but your Kingdom operates differently than man’s kingdom.

The psalmist addressed this issue of human wisdom employing man’s efforts to make things happen verses godly wisdom, employing your precepts.

“The humble will see their God at work and be glad. Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged” (Psalm 69:32).

Centuries later, while teaching to thousands seeking to know God, you double-downed on this truth of knowing you and seeing your invisible hand at work in our circumstances.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8).

You accept a humble heart, a heart willing to serve, over the proud heart that remains blind to your moving in our midst. Jesus, in godly humility, help us emulate your example of selflessness. You call us to serve, not dominate or exploit others. Show us how to deny ourselves when we commit to following you.

We echo the psalmist’s prayer. “Create in me a clean heart, O God” (Psalm 51:10). We want to see you.

Amen, Jesus.

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Thankful for the Joy of Knowing You, Jesus

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

Chatting with Jesus
Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Lord, did the psalmist have a playful streak, or did he just repeatedly make bone-headed decisions? You know that at the spur of the moment, we humans do some stupid things. We’ll jump headlong into something without considering the risks to our lives or well-being. The psalmist wrote about this youthful foolishness (Psalm 25:7). We’re no different.

Some wet-blankets point fingers, telling us to “act your age.” Others whisper tsk-tsk and scorn our “immature adult behavior.” But most enjoy our “senior playfulness.” For me, after walking this planet for 77 years, I am acting my age. I’m living proof of the adage, “I have to get older, but I can be immature all my life.” The truth is, depending on our temperament, life experiences, and relationships, we all act our age.

The psalmist wrote of his spur of the moment decisions.

“O God, you know how foolish I am; my sins cannot be hidden from you. Don’t let those who trust in you be ashamed because of me. Don’t let me cause them to be humiliated” (Psalm 69:5,6).

Lord, walking with you is a joyful life, but may we always take seriously our role as your representatives here. Like the psalmist wrote, forgive us when we allow the ugly side of our humanity to rise. Amid a heated exchange, muzzle our mouths from uttering harsh words that make folks question our faith. Help us resist that impulsive spirit that tempts us to make thoughtless decisions that brings shame to not only us but your people too.

My prayer, Lord: “Don’t let me cause them to be humiliated.” And may we always joyfully act our age. Amen

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Thankful You Were There on 9/11

Posted in Uncategorized on September 11, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Lord, almost certainly someone will ask today, “Where were you when you heard the planes hit the World Trade Centers?” Many remember in disbelief that such a terrorist attack could happen on our soil. In stunned silence, we watched events unfold, unable to fathom what were witnessing. Then came news of a plane slamming into the Pentagon. And then another plane crashed into a field in Pennsylvania. It all seemed surreal. Our righteous anger rose.

Our nation mourned these unjust attacks upon people who were merely going to work. Or perhaps taking that long-awaited family vacation. Or ironically, maybe some were flying to a funeral to say goodbye to a relative or friend. We will never forget seeing people, without hope of rescue, leaping from the towers into your eternal arms. Fearfully, yet courageously, firefighters and first responders ran into the buildings as terrified workers fled to safety.

One question must have been on everyone’s mind that day: “God, where are you?”

You were there. In a stairwell holding the hand of the lady confined to a wheelchair, trapped, knowing her time had come. You held close to your heart the trembling young millennial whose dream of marrying and having children would never come to pass. You directed the ordinary, non-descript office worker to perform heroic feats, sacrificing himself, helping others escape. You were there leading the firefighters and first responders, giving them supernatural courage, with them fully aware many would not come out.

You were there, Lord, offering mercy, giving comfort and peace to those who would soon step across to you. May we never forget, in our darkest hour, you promised never to leave us nor forsake us. And we believe you kept your Word.

Amen.

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Thankful You Keep Us Young, Lord.

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

Chatting with Jesus

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Lord, what happened to them? In my younger years, anyone 77-years-old was considered an antique. Now when I look into the mirror—hello antiquity. As unbelievable as it seems, the finish line of my earthly journey is just beyond the horizon. My once brisk gait now shuffles along. My gray hair has pushed the blond hair to the floor. And without my hearing aids, I have no idea what is going on. The prophet Isaiah and the apostle Peter kept this aging process in perspective for the believer.

“For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God. As the Scriptures say, “People are like grass; their beauty is like a flower in the field. The grass withers and the flower fades, but the word of the Lord remains forever.”” (Isaiah 40:6–8; 1 Peter 1:22-25).

From their youth, all generations have felt old age to be millennia away, something far, far into the future. Speaking of my generation, we felt the same. What a bummer of a deal, but as a result of the fall in the Garden of Eden, the reality is, we begin to die the moment we are born. Our soul will exit our earthly body one day. For the believer, though, our eternal life begins the moment we put our faith in God through Christ (John 5:24). Your promises of life eternal never end.

I like how Paul stated our aging process.

“That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day”. (2 Corinthians 4:16)

Lord, thanks for keeping us young and playful on the inside. Amen.

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