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Posts Tagged ‘bible’

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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Thankful I’m Not Riding a Spiritual High Horse

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

Chatting with Jesus
Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Lord, are you sure you didn’t overlook me on this one? Why didn’t you give me the gift of discerning the true condition of someone heart? You can trust me to put those whose hearts are not fully devoted to you in their place. I’ll point out their errors while I punch their ticket for the guilt trip train. And how did you overlook the psalmist when distributing this gift? Like me, he would have been excellent at pointing out others’ faults.

Lord, forgive my sarcasm. I’m being foolish, mocking those religious critics who take it upon themselves to hold others to an unattainable higher faith. Only you attained that perfection while you walked among us.

Self-righteous people can be annoying. Their holier-than-thou attitudes belittle the grace you freely give. Fortunately, you have spiritual chainsaws that cut off the legs of their spiritual high-horses. Judgmentalism blinds us from seeing others as you see us. The psalmist viewed these misguided believers and took action to avoid joining that fraternity.

“But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge …” (Psalm 73:28 NLT).

Remembering the pain from his wandering, the psalmist vowed never to return to that spiritual wilderness. Keeping his mind continually on you guaranteed staying close to you. Fleeing to you for refuge, he found the peace he needed and the stability his erratic soul sought. Living in rebellion against you is no way to live.

For over 3500 years, this truth hasn’t changed. Lord, we pray those who call you Lord will find that same peace and stability for our souls, that we may be near you. Riding our judgmental high horse is such a bumpy ride.

Amen, Jesus.

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Thankful Not to Be on the Rollercoaster

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

Chatting with Jesus
Monday, November 18, 2024

Lord, reading the Psalms, I get the impression the psalmist’s life resembled a rollercoaster. One moment, he lived a godly life, serving you. Next, he wandered from faith and found himself surrounded by enemies, fighting for his life. One such psalm described his need for immediate divine assistance. Evidently, everything he tried failed to deliver. As he clung to the end of his proverbial rope, what other choice did he have but to call on you. Personally, the psalmist situation sounds familiar.

Most folks might not face the dangers the psalmist faced. Everyone has been broken at one time, some multiple times. We face mountains we cannot climb, walk around, or tunnel through. Mired in misery from one life’s disappointment after another, countless multitudes echo the psalmist’s prayer.

“From the depths of despair, O Lord, I call for your help. Hear my cry, O Lord. Pay attention to my prayer” (Psalm 130:1, 2 NLT).
No more denial. The time for complete transparency and honesty arrived. Scripture suggests the psalmist knew his problems rose from his sin. His hesitancy at repentance compounded his misery. In his pleading, he reminded you, and himself, of your merciful character.

“Lord, if you kept a record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive?” (Psalm 130:3)

Stubbornly, an enemy still hung around. It’s true you may not have kept a record of his sins, however, the psalmist did. Every day, the devil reminded him of his sin record. Every day, your Spirit faithfully revived him. He wrote of your mercy.

“But you offer forgiveness, that we might learn to fear you” (Psalm 130:4)

Lord, your love allows all who believe the freedom to fearlessly love you with all our being. I wanna live like that. No more rollercoaster.
Amen, Jesus.

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Thankful You Control our Destiny, Lord

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on November 13, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Lord, did the psalmist have a vision of society 3000 years in the future, or was he writing about the society he lived in? Psalm Chapter 11 describes the dangers when power falls into the hands of the ungodly. Having some degree of power challenged the psalmist convictions.

Would he remain true to his convictions, or would he compromise under persecution? Would he govern with a velvet glove or an iron fist? The psalmist made his convictions clear: “I trust in the Lord for protections. Why do you say to me, ‘Fly like a bird to the mountains for safety’” (Psalm 11:2). In other words, I stand by my convictions and I’m not going anywhere.

Lord, the psalmist knew who opposed his every move to remain faithful to you. The anti-God enemies, controlled by the prince of darkness, threatened to destroy not only the psalmist but anyone who believes in you. The devil has not ceased his plan to destroy the righteous. What the psalmist wrote could be today’s headline: “The foundations of law and order have collapsed. What can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:3)

“What can the righteous do?” the psalmist asked. He had only one response. “[But] the Lord is in his holy Temple, the Lord still rules from Heaven (verse 11:4). Now, we echo the psalmist’s response. You, Lord, are in control of our destiny.

We witness society falling apart around us. Unchecked power has corrupted every level of government. Amid continual lying, how can we trust anything our leaders say. People foolishly believe they will get away with their corruption. “He [the Lord God] watches everyone closely, examining every person on Earth. The Lord examines both the righteous and the wicked,” (verse 11:5).

Lord, we might not understand all that is happening. Nonetheless, we trust you are in control and things are unfolding according to your plan. Therefore, we confidently stand with the psalmist: “I trust in the Lord for protection.”

Amen, Jesus.

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Thankful Not to Remain in Stubbornness

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on November 4, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus

Monday, November 4, 2024

Lord, guard me from being as stubborn as the psalmist. Talk about hardheaded. He could be the hardest of the hardheaded in ancient Israel. Being a ruler, maybe his pride refused to allow him to admit he made mistakes. After all, being a role model for the “lesser” people allowed him to justify his sinful actions. He couldn’t disappoint his fan club members. But, Lord, you would have nothing to do with his nonsense.

Because you loved the psalmist, you would not allow him any peace until he came clean with you and with those he offended. Suppressing his guilt created constant internal conflicts. Sickness. Ailments. Affliction after affliction. One problem followed by another. I doubt any smiley face stickers could be found in the palace. Scripture suggests in frustration, he threw his hands up and did not care anymore. Later, he recounted these incidences from that miserable time in his life.

“When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat” (Psalm 32:3,4).

Lord, that I might heed the psalmist’s warning. My choice could not be clearer. Life is too short to live in misery because I’m too stubborn to admit my mistakes. Lord, please expel me from the hardheaded club. Leaning into you is my only reprieve.

“Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone” (Psalm 32:5).

What was true three thousand years ago is still true today. God’s Word works. Amen, Jesus.

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