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Posts Tagged ‘bible’

Thankful You Muzzle My Mouth … When I Let You

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on July 15, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus

Monday, July 15, 2024

Lord, what have we become? How did this contentious spirit spread throughout our nation? Hateful, vitriolic dialogue dominates the air waves. The Left demonizes the Right. The Right demonizes the Left. The “ungodly” declares the “godly” as dictatorial, wanting to take away our freedoms. In return, the “godly” portray the “ungodly” as degenerates who will lead our country down the toilet. Many blame the Left for stirring the pot with these horrible accusations. The Right doesn’t hesitate to retaliate with both fists making the same accusations. Finally, the continued demonizing of political enemies came to a head (literally) Saturday with the attempted assassination of former President Trump. Thank you, God, for your divine protection.

Sadly, many Christ followers have added fuel to the fire. Forgive me, Lord. I’ve thrown a log or two into the fire. As a Christ follower, I’ve set a bad example by harshly criticizing our current administration. Yes, we have the right to protest and state our disapproval of our leaders. But do we have the right to wish them I’ll and rot in Hell? Lord, muzzle my mouth. Defusing this vitriol begins with me. Scripture commands me to do so.

“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. [2] Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. [3] This is good and pleases God our Savior,[4] who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth” (1 Timothy 2:1–4 NLT).

Lord, I admit I need to be more like you, and less like my carnal self. Amen.

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Thankful That in Good Times or Bad, Lord, You Are Good

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

Chatting with Jesus

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

Lord, I agree with the psalmist. He and I are much alike. Hopefully we have more good things in common than bad. He recorded his successes and embarrassing failures, all for our benefit, to show us your mercy and righteous judgment. Reflecting on his life, your Spirit reminded the psalmist that in his good times, and in the times he wishes he could forget, you have always been good to him. You remained faithful, just as you promised.

You have done many good things for me, Lord, just as you promised. I believe in your commands; now teach me good judgment and knowledge (Psalm 119:65, 66 NLT),

We both yearn to live according to your precepts.

I pray my life and actions will be pleasing to you. Nonetheless, Lord, every day I fail to live up to your standards. If I claim to believe your Word, and that you will do what you say you will do, why do I keep making dumb choices and wander from the truth? If I interpret Scripture correctly, the psalmist fought the same issue. He pleaded with you:

Now teach me good judgment and knowledge (verse 66).

Even though the nation recognized him for his wisdom, many questioned his judgment.

I might not be known nationally, but like the psalmist, I echo his prayer. “Teach me good judgement. Help me stop and think things through before jumping into something I shouldn’t. Give me discernment so I will know what life choices to avoid. I’m tired of wandering from the truth. And please, Lord, might I have more knowledge of you.”

Trusting you, Jesus. Amen.

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Thankful to Know Where I’m Headed

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on July 1, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus
Monday, July 1, 2024

Lord, the psalmist promised this time would be different. He meant it. I will obey your Word and order my life accordingly.

Being honest, he admitted where he was headed. “I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow your ways” (Psalm 119:59 NLT). He faced the truth. For someone so gifted, why was he acting like a fool? He had to turn his ship around.

On our faith journey, how many Christ followers stump their toes at some time and find themselves in a similar situation? The truth of Psalm 119:58–59 is timeless. The psalmist saw where he was headed and did a 180 to again follow your ways. Like countless millions, Lord, you bandaged my toes and helped me make that turn too.

Acknowledging our wandering ways, we found living by our rules and whims left us hanging. Nothing seemed to work as planned. Wasn’t being your own man/woman supposed to bring fulfillment? What about the joy when we trash-canned the biblical mandates and lived for the moment? As blatant as the lie is, many of us still fell for the whopper that throwing off the restraints of old-fashioned, out-of-date values leads to freedom and happiness. Like the psalmist, how many looked in the mirror and asked, “How’s this working out for you?”

Lord, lessons learned. No longer would we be steamrolled by the enemy of our soul. No more wandering. Everyone who has been on the receiving end of your amazing grace is eager to tell how living by your values leads to true contentment and satisfaction. Experiencing the peace we have with you and your peace residing within us makes living for you all worthwhile.

Amen, Jesus.

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Thankful Money Does Not Control Me

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on June 28, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus

June 28, 2024

Lord, how easily we fall in love with this mistress. The love for this deceptive charmer has ruined countless families and careers. Scripture warns that loving money creates all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:9–11). The temptations that accompany money are the same for all people, whether having great wealth or living from paycheck-to-paycheck. Christ followers are not exempt. We think of the things money can buy. We can acquire anything we desire and show off our “treasures” before those “less fortunate.” Some dream of using wealth to create envy among those we can’t stand. Funny, we then become like them.

We face the same temptations the psalmist faced. Later in life, after he accumulated vast wealth, he could choose to do good with this money or use it selfishly. He could bless others and further the Kingdom of God or allow his wealth to be his downfall. For a time, his riches negatively influenced his judgment and drew him away from you. His writings revealed how disappointing that was. All the psalmist’s fancy, shiny things soon tarnished, leaving him wanting more worthless fancy, shiny things.

“Give me an eagerness for your laws [living by your values] rather than a love for money. Turn my eyes from worthless things and give me life through your Word” (Psalm 119:36–37 NLT).

When the psalmist abandoned his love of this cruel mistress, he experienced life as you intended. He developed an insatiable desire to spend more time with you, meditating and outlining your pathway to having a real life with purpose and meaning.

Lord, show us how to use our money wisely. As you bless us show us how to bless others and your kingdom here.

Amen, Jesus.

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Thankful You Clear Which Path to Choose

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on June 24, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus

Monday, June 24, 2024

Lord, this broken world offers only two life-paths to follow. Depending on which road we follow determines our destiny. God’s way, or the world’s way? Eternal life, or a dead end?

Following your path, Lord God, leads to contentment and peace in life here. From your love, you desire a personal relationship with us through your Son Jesus.  Many ignore this path for it seems too restrictive, burdened with outdated rules.

The opposite path appears exciting and promising. Our destiny lies within our hands. We make our own rules. We establish our truths, without your input. We’re told that’s the ticket for a fulfilling life.  

God offers his way, but he allows you and I the right to choose which path we will follow.

We face the same choices as the psalmist. Because he’d previously traveled on the wrong road, he was determined not to repeat those mistakes. Lord, that I should follow the psalmist’s advice:

“Make [direct] me to walk along the path of your commands [God’s way of living], for that is where my happiness is found” (Psalm 119:35 NLT).

The psalmist’s earthly resources never ran dry. He could have anything and anybody he wanted. To his dismay, when he lived for himself, pleasure quickly fled, leaving him still empty and wanting more. Surely, he must have questioned: Is this all there is?

The psalmist tells his readers the happiest times in his life were when he walked with you. Happiness, contentment, joy—he had it all.  Whatever came his way, your peace covered him.

Lord, your spiritual resources never run dry. Oh, that I might stay close to you, walking the path of life together.  Amen, Jesus.

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Thankful I’m at the Right Place at the Right Time

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

Chatting with Jesus

Thursday, June 20, 2024

Lord, why? You didn’t have to do it, but Scripture tells us this was your plan all along. Why did you leave the splendors of Heaven and become one of us? You saw the mess we made of your beautiful world, yet you came anyway. Amazingly, you were determined to work your plan knowing it would cost you your life. What humbles me is you made me a part of your plan. Everyone else is included too. You were the perfect, sinless sacrifice for the sins of mankind, I’m still trying to spiritually absorb that while you hung on the cross, you had me in mind.

Why did you come? You saw my arrogance, how I ignored your precepts, not thinking them necessary?

I live a decent life without you making all the rules on how to live. I’m a smart guy, knowing right from wrong.

And Lord, that was the problem. I lived by “my truths, my values,” not yours. So did everyone else. That’s why the world was such a mess when you came.

Thinking of myself as such a good guy blinded my spiritual eyes. Reflecting over my life, I can think of nothing about me that would cause you to offer your sinless life for some hardheaded, rebellious soul as me. Yet you did anyway. The two reasons come to mind. You were proving to the world what 1 John 4:9–10, and 1 Timothy 2:6 so clearly states:

“This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins” (1 John 4:9–10).

“God is love and sent his Son Jesus to give his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time” (1 Timothy 2:6)

Thank you, Jesus, for putting me at the right place at the right time. Amen.

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Thankful to Be Dust Free

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on June 14, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus

Friday, June 14, 2024

Lord, the psalmist’s writings indicate that for a time, he rebelled against you and insisted on doing his own thing. Couldn’t he see forsaking your ways always leads to a downfall? Or because he found favor with you, did he believe he was exempt from the consequences of his actions? You gave him a needed wakeup call.  

“I lie in the dust;” (Psalm 119:25a NLT)

This humiliation must have been one of the lowest points of the psalmist’s life. His soul, broken, lay exposed to the world. Finally. You got his attention. How many warnings of the dangers he flirted with did he ignore? He knew what needed to be done to aright this wrong.   

“Revive me with your Word.” (v25b)

He admitted his guilt, repented, and submitted himself to your authority again. During his restoration process, the psalmist reflected how he came to this low point.

“I told you my plans, and you answered” (v26a).

The psalmist told you his agenda, what he planned to do, and expected you to bless his efforts. His determination to have his way blinded him to accept the reality your plans were better. When he persisted in his stubbornness, you answered but not like he wanted. “Okay, have it your way.” You knew he would fail, but you didn’t override his free will. By ignoring your warnings, he face-planted himself before the world. Hello dust!

Lesson learned.

“Now teach me your decrees. Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds” (Psalm 119:26. 27 NLT).

Lord, may we not repeat the same mistakes as the psalmist. He recorded his failures [sins] for our benefit. May we take seriously your Word and resist our human nature’s temptations to dismiss your precepts.

Your ways are always best. Amen, Jesus.

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Thankful You Are Here All the Time

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on May 14, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus
Tuesday, May 14, 2024

Lord, how many times did I sigh as my circumstances became bleaker by the day. My industry’s job market is dwindling, I have more dust bunnies than food in the pantry, and the kids need shoes. Plus, if I don’t do something with this hair, people will mistake me for a dust mop. I could write a best-seller about shoe-string budgets.

From the ancient psalmist to today’s Gen Zer’s, all are subject to challenging times. The psalmist certainly experienced his share of journeys through the valley. When he faced trials in his own strength and ingenuity, his troubles increased. Only after abandoning his way of living and adopting your precepts for life, did he see his much-needed turnaround. His story echoes mine. And probably millions of others.

I imagine the psalmist meditating about his plight, then in an act of faith, releasing his circumstances to you. Did his radiance change as your peace came over his soul, knowing you had his situation in hand? Perhaps your Spirit softly rebuked him, “Why didn’t you trust me to begin with?”

Did the psalmist change his tune like I changed mine? Going from, “No way this will end well!” to “Lord, you amaze me how you work all things for my good.” When he penned his great Psalm 111, he declared your goodness and graciousness to all generations who believe you.

“How amazing are the deeds of the Lord! All who delight in him should ponder them” (Psalm 111:2 NLT).

How many times did you come through for the psalmist? And how many times did he fail to see your hand in action? After dwelling on your goodness, you opened his spiritual eyes to see clearly you were there all along.

Jesus, centuries later, you would teach your followers, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (Matthew 5:8).

Thank you, Lord, for always being there for all who believe you. Amen, Jesus.

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Thankful for the Company of Other Believers

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

Chatting with Jesus

Monday, May 13, 2024

Lord, as Christ followers, having your Spirit living within us opens the door to commune with you 24/7. Even so, there is something special that happens when we worship with other believers. Your presence is manifested through us and fills the room with your sweet presence. The psalmist wrote of this experience of worshipping with others of like faith.

“Praise the Lord! I will thank the Lord with all my heart as I meet with his godly people” (Psalm 111:1 NLT)

The energy and spiritual awareness of other worshippers energizes us more. Your presence, Lord, is felt in tangible ways, and opens the door to worship you without restraint.

Like the “fire” described in Matthew 5:15, one does not light a fire and then hides it under a bucket, where it gives little light to their surroundings. Lord, help us share this light you have given us with those you bring across our path. When enjoying the company of fellow believers, we speak openly of your goodness and how you are working in our lives. Faith is increased as we detail how in our troubles and problems, you’ve been faithful and brought us through.

When in the presence of people without faith, when you open the opportunity, help us tell how you changed our life, and as only you can, made us a new person. Our story is that of your power that changed us in ways we never imagined, freed us of addictions and harmful habits, and gave us a life of meaning and purpose. We now have a new love for others we never knew before meeting you.

Lord, nothing encourages us more than hanging out with you and other believers, talking about your faithfulness and goodness.

Amen, Jesus.

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Thankful Godly Wisdom Still Reigns

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

Chatting with Jesus

Friday, May 3, 2024

Lord, ever since that ugly apple incident in the Garden of Eden, man tends to follow Adam’s foolishness, relishing in vanity and self-absorption. Narcissism conquered Adam, feeling equal to or better than you. You quickly put him in his place, and subsequently, man continues to suffer the consequences. Despite the fallout from such rebellion, man continues to elevate himself above his level.

Narcissism runs prevalent in many groups, such as celebrities, sports figures, military heroes, even some ministry leaders. And politicians. Oh, yes, definitely politicians. Self-absorbed people are a bore, always talking about themselves, hogging the spotlight to be the center of attention.

The wisest man known in the ancient world, King Solomon, must have grown weary of people wasting his time, trying to impress the king with their vast knowledge. One of his proverbs describes what he was probably thinking when these “enlightened” idiots rambled on and on with their “word salads.”   

“Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil” (Proverbs 3:7 NLT).

Wise people don’t have to tell others they are wise. Their speech, actions, their general manner reveal their wisdom. Narcissists are the opposite, thinking themselves as the smartest, wisest one in the room. We should be grateful to be in their presence.

How did King Solomon deal with these conceited people? He told them their biggest problem was they didn’t have a personal relationship with you, God. Because narcissists believe themselves to be the god of their lives, they leave little to no room for the one true God, who freely gives true wisdom to anyone who asks (James 1:5). To get right with you, they needed to humble themselves before you and acknowledge and make you the Lord of their lives.

Lord, because fallen man has that same sinful nature as Adam, protect us from foolishly setting ourselves up as god of our lives. Using godly wisdom, may we always choose you.

Amen.

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