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Posts Tagged ‘devotional’

Thankful Lord You Keep Your Promise

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

Chatting with Jesus
Thursday, October 17, 2024

Lord, the more I read about the psalmist and his struggles with life issues, I see a common trait. I’ll never be a shepherd, nor a warrior, and certainly never a king, but the psalmist had the same human nature as I have. He might have faced temptations I may never face. He might have met challenges I will never meet, dealt with a caliper of people I’ll never associate with, however, we have this in common: We broke our promise. I doubt I’m alone in this comparison with the psalmist.

I know he promised you he would forsake his wandering ways and remain loyal to you. But life has its ups and downs. There were periods he rode high with you, sharing your message of hope, making a difference in his world. Nonetheless, occasionally, he made foolish choices that landed him in trouble. Driven by his passion to serve you, he must have kicked himself repeatedly for acting so foolishly. Hoping to escape the embarrassment and shame, he made the same promise again, possibly for the umpteenth time.

“I’ve promised it once, and I’ll promise it again: I will obey your righteous regulations. I have suffered much, O Lord. Restore my life again as you promised” (Psalm 119:106, 107).

By your grace, Lord, the psalmist ceased his wandering ways.

Sadly, I must confess the psalmist’s story sounds much like me. You have been with me while I’m doing life and the dumb choices I made, but by your grace, you have kept me on the right path. You will help me keep my promise to you. And you will do the same for all who call upon you, for you are a forgiving and merciful God.

Amen.

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Thankful You are Lord for All Ages

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on October 8, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus
Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Lord, surely you weren’t restricting this Scripture to young people only.

“How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your Word” (Psalm 119:9)

Couldn’t this apply to folks of all ages, those “fresh from the womb” to those “close to the tomb.” You require those claiming to be your follower to obey your Word—the sacred Scriptures. The psalmist may have been remembering his youth, when in the confusions of youth, he searched for meaning and purpose. Like all youths before him, including me, he asked all the “why” and “how” questions of life. These questions are not limited to youths. All ages seek answers only you provide.

Genesis details how you created us in your image. You even trusted us with the gift of free will, allowing us to make our own decisions. Sadly, that apple in the Garden that looked so luscious and juicy turned out to be rotten and full of worms. The sin of disobedience caused a separation between you and us. If there is a positive side of man’s downfall it must be this: you never allowed our desire to know you to be lost. We still desire to know you. True to your character, you revealed to the young psalmist your glory.

The psalmist wrote: “I have tried hard to find you—don’t let me wander from your commands” (Psalm 119:10).

Imagine the exuberance of the psalmist. He’d finally found what he had been looking for. Those lingering questions were finally answered. Following your commands, he found the joy and contentment he sought. His life had meaning.

How wonderful, Lord. You have this for all who follow you. Amen, Jesus.

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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 Grace is Sufficient for Me

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

Chatting with Jesus

Wednesday, June 19, 2024

 Lord, what would we do without your grace? A life without grace must leave a person fearful. We would be forever embroiled doing “works” we think will win your favor. We’d question whether we’ve collected enough heavenly brownie points that canceled our sins.  

 We’re trapped living in this broken world. It seems secular people tend to look at the craziness, and outright evil as “nothing to see here.” But you’ve seen it all, Lord, even my contributions to this madness. I’ve lost count of the number of poor choices I’ve made over the years that I’m sure left you shaking your head. Some had little consequences and didn’t change much. Other choices left extreme consequences that last for a lifetime.

 Lord, I just cannot emphasize enough how thankful I am for your grace. Your grace that led me to repentance. Your grace that protected me when I acted foolishly. Your grace that guided me through troubled waters that threatened to sweep me away. Your grace that enabled me to resist temptations that would bring shame to your message of your love and forgiveness. Your grace enables me to endure the consequences I rightfully deserved. And your grace that gives me your blessings that I don’t deserve.  

 Lord, help us envision how wide and deep and high is your love and grace. May we join the psalmist in prayer: “Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me, Restore to me the joy of my salvation.” (Psalm 51:10-12).

 Your grace is sufficient for me, Jesus. Amen.

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