THANKFUL

Chatting with Jesus

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

Lord, over time, the psalmist learned that regardless of the trials, problems, and suffering, living by your values leads to a life of peace and contentment. For a season, he lived by his own values, defining truth by his standards. No one would tell him what to do. Fortunately, God, you let the psalmist find that a lifestyle led by me-first, human carnal desires led to disappointments and losses, one after another. When he finished his great Psalm One, how well he knew this truth:

“For the Lord watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction” (Psalm 1:6 NLT).

Lord, did you eliminate his problems when he restored his relationship with you? Surely, you ended his suffering the consequences of his sins, didn’t you? Hardly. Isn’t that the same for all Christ followers? I’ve looked. You never promised to remove all our suffering. In this life, you promised to be with us in all suffering and trials as well as triumphs and joys (John 16:32-33)

In our suffering, in every circumstance in this broken world, you promised never to leave nor forsake us. The psalmist’s grateful heart acknowledged you worked things for his good by placing obstacles in his path to turn him from his wandering ways and back to you. His peace returned.

Your faithful promises of repentance and restoration undoubtably inspired the psalmist to pen his great Psalm 51. You have proven yourself faithful and true for all who have placed their faith in you. That’s your grace, Lord.

Amen, Jesus!

Chatting with Jesus

Monday, December 11, 2023

Lord, comparing the benefits of living by your precepts as outlined in verses one and two of Psalm One, versus living for the here-and-now, with no regard of the consequences, reveals two noticeable lifestyles.

Verse three describes those who choose God’s way as “trees planted along a riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do” (Psalm 1:3 NLT).

We’ve seen these positive “Verse 1:3-er” people. They stand out from the herd. Because they have experienced grace, nothing shakes them. The economy may falter, their jobs may downsize, sickness may linger too long, yet they maintain the same positive attitude, since their faith holds to the truths God will do what he promises to do. They may be down from time to time but never defeated. It’s hard to remain depressed around these faithful people.  

On the other hand, we’ve seen the negative “Verse 1:3-er” people. Nothing seems to work out for them. When asked how they are, they usually have a default “woe is me” reply. They won’t be okay. But even if everything they try never works out, or their dreams go south, they insist they are their own person. “I’m in charge of my life and I hold my destiny in my hand. Why do I need God—if he even exists?” they boast. Since their negative attitude saturates the atmosphere around them, people often avoid them.  

Lord, the truths of the Scriptures are evident. How do folks, especially good folks, not see the contrast that by ordering our lives according to your principles, life is better. The peace and contentment of being a positive Verse 1:3-er is unmatched. 

Thank you, Jesus. Amen.

Chatting with Jesus

Monday, December 4, 2023

Lord!—Help!—Incoming!

The devil bombards us with distractions. He works overtime to keep us focused on anything and everything other than you. Christ followers universally know how this battle transpires in our minds. As a believer blessed with ADHD tendencies, I know this all too well. I must wear my “helmet of salvation” as described in Ephesians 6.

If we are to replenish our souls by “keeping our minds stayed on you” (Isaiah 26:3), we need your divine help more than ever. Our souls long to be re-energized with the sweet Spirit of Jesus. Anoint our minds to stay grounded in you. that we may hear your voice as we fulfill our mission of sharimg your love with this hurting world.

As Christ followers, we’re assured to encounter folks you send our way. They need to see and feel your love in a tangible way. Some may be discouraged, others sad, or depressed. There may be those who have given up hope. Again, we ask you to anoint our minds with the right words of encouragement and hope they need. Give us a deeper level of compassion for these troubled, but sweet souls. When we are around them, we pray the sweet presence of Jesus is so contagious in us that it jumps from us all over them.

During this Advent season, open our understanding of the significance of your love by coming to us a baby. You became one of us, so you would know what we go through. In your sinlessness, you chose to identify with us fallen humans, even those with ADHD, so you could redeem us from our sins. That is an Advent worth celebrating year-round.

Thank you, Jesus. Amen.

Chatting with Jesus

Friday, December 1, 2023

Lord, walking through the parking lot, I saw the grackle lying on the pavement. How did this “trash” bird meet its demise? Maybe hit by a car? Or possible pecked to death by the gazillion relatives nesting in the trees or sitting on the power lines.

I didn’t think much of it until your Spirit reminded me what you taught about our heavenly Father’s love and our worth.

“… not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it”— Matthew 10:29.

Lord, if you care enough that you see every sparrow that falls, shouldn’t we know the extent of your care for us? Don’t you know our every thought, hear every prayer we plead, see everything we do? This attribute of your character speaks volumes about your love for us.

Your Spirit spoke to my inner man. “No doubt I see every sparrow that falls. People see sparrows as “good” birds and feel sadness when they see one that has fallen. Please know I saw that grackle fall too. Most see grackles as trash, annoying birds, that the world would be better off without.

“I’m saddened that many people see others as “trash”—people of little to no value. My heart is broken how many Christ followers have this attitude. In my eyes, all people have value. I created them in my image. I care for all people, and I see them when they fall. Oh, how I’d love to pick them up if only they would ask.

“It’s my desire that none should perish but all come to know me.” I told Peter to write that so people throughout the centuries would know my heart” (2 Peter 3:9).

Lord, help me not to see others as grackles. Amen, Jesus.

Chatting with Jesus

Thursday, November 30, 2023

Lord, as I travel my life’s journey, each road that your Spirit leads me on will invariably have a bridge, or a series of bridges, I must cross. I need your Spirit’s guidance as which bridge you want me to take. My overwhelming desire is to follow you and fulfill the plan you have for me. How humbling to know you have trusted me with free will and choice. May I always seek your counsel as to which bridge to cross—which bridge(s) to burn.

Some bridges from my past beckon me to cross back over and return to where I was. I’m reminded of how difficult that road was on the other side of the bridge. Yes, it was a wide road, and I joined with many traveling on that road. But It was not a good road I was on. I grew weary avoiding the potholes and pitfalls in the road.

Lord, help me burn that bridge that leads to my former life. I never want to go there again. Give me the fire to burn the bridges of harmful habits, destructive addictions, and un-Christlike character. They must never remain a part of my new life in Christ.

Thankfully, there is one bridge I will never cross alone. You and the angels will join me on the bridge as we cross over the Jordan into my eternal heavenly home with you. That is the bridge I’m headed to.

Amen, Jesus.

Chatting with Jesus  

Monday, November 27, 2023

(This is a tribute for my good friend James who went to be with the Lord this morning.)

Lord, this morning you welcomed home my dear friend James. We palled around together since the 1970s. I’m jealous. James gets to pal around with you, and you’ve left me here in this fallen world. He is breathing the pure air of Heaven, walking hand-in-hand with his beloved Lisa, as you show them inexpressible sights our human senses cannot absorb. They are seeing the glory of God unhinged, where here we can only see the pale, fraudulent “glory” of man.

When you stretched your hand to welcome James into his eternal home, he saw his name written in the palm of your nail-scarred hand. Lord, did you tell James you had watched him all his life here on Earth and seeing his name written in your hand assured you James was and is eternally yours?

Everyone loved James. His promotion into Heaven leaves us saddened but rejoicing that he is with you. James often told of the warm memories of being raised in church and the rich heritage of faith and family he inherited. He told me how later in life he renewed his commitment to follow you wholeheartedly.

Some will say they didn’t get a chance to say good-bye. But for Christ followers, it is never good-bye, just “I’ll see you later.” God, you have made salvation so easy. Jesus did it all. Your Word states:

“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. [10] For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. [11] As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced” (Romans 10:9–11 NLT).

See you later, James.

Chatting with Jesus

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

Lord, as we reflect on the events in our lives in 2023, Holy Spirit open our spiritual eyes to see that the ups and downs, the good and the bad, the successes and disappointments, our wholeness and brokenness—all these played a role in developing your character in us to make us more like you, Jesus.

Forgive me when I grumbled over inconveniences. I’ve forgotten about those nuisances, but at the time, it appeared to be the end of the world. Holy Spirit, help me focus on the eternal and dismiss the temporary. Help me live and dwell on Philippians 4:8 in the coming year.

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”

Practicing Philippians 4:8 will make the confusing and chaotic 2024 election year much more bearable.

And Jesus, may we always give thanks how in 2023, you brought us through, and you will do the same in 2024. Amen.

Chatting with Jesus
Monday, November 20, 2023

Lord, this may be a short Thanksgiving week, but I pray we are long on thanking you for our countless blessings. You have never let us down but have always taken care of your own. No matter the problem or trial, you are with us. You gave your Word we would never alone.

May I continually give thanks for my recovery from covid in 2021. Only by your mercy and grace I am alive today. I must tell all who will liste. In my darkest hours, when I stood on the threshold of eternity, you were with me. I felt your presence and assurance I wouldn’t cross Jordan alone.

I thankful for the men you placed in my life as examples of godly leadership, and being men of integrity who do the right things, especially when no one is watching.

Thank you, Lord, for my loyal coworkers throughout my career, who stood by me, encouraged, and trained me, placed confidence in my abilities when I felt like I had no business being in this business.

As Christ followers, we’re thankful for your trust in us when you placed people in our journey to bless and encourage. As always, as we bless others, the blessings returned. Only you can do that Lord.

This busy season, may we all stop and remember your goodness and give your thanks. Amen, Jesus.

Chatting with Jesus

Tuesday, November 16, 2023

Lord, who doesn’t love this time of year. We enjoy sitting around a fireplace while sipping on our favorite warm drink, enjoying the unique aroma only a fire makes, and licking our lips from the aromas waffling from the kitchen. The memories of past holiday gatherings with family and friends wander through our minds and brings a smile.

We love strolling through the rustling leaves, hand-in-hand with our sweetheart in the cool, crisp autumn air. The splendor of the leaves changing colors leaves us breathless, a picture only you, Lord, can paint. But sadly, the leaves fall, and to keep the HOA off our backs, we must rake the leaves on Saturday between college football games.

This is the “Thankful” time of the year. Microsoft doesn’t have enough Word documents to list all our blessings. All lists of blessings must begin with you, Lord God.

We’re thankful you saw value in us that we couldn’t see in ourselves, and chose us to be a part of your Kingdom. We’re thankful and humbled to serve you. You’re a merciful God who loves us despite our constant mistakes and lingering sins we do.

We’re thankful you don’t leave us on our own, but you deposited your Holy Spirit within us to guide us through this life. We’re thankful you rejoice when you see us exercise our faith, no matter how little or weak, that you are getting ready to do something great in our lives. We’re thankful you make us stronger.

Lord, we’re thankful for the people you put in our lives who love us and encourage us to keep the faith when we feel like giving up. We’re thankful for loyal friends who don’t abandon us when trouble comes our way.

We’re thankful you still answer prayers, even when our strength is gone and all we can pray is, “Jesus!” We’re thankful you still pursue the prodigal to bring them back home. And we’re thankful for a true friend to help us rake leaves.

Thank you, Jesus. Amen.