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Posts Tagged ‘faith’

Thankful That You Listen, Lord

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on January 22, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Lord, what were the circumstances that caused the psalmist to cry out for justice? Did his “friends” betray him, falsely accusing him of wrongdoing? How many lies swayed public opinion to accuse the psalmist of corruption? Did folks make snap judgements about him without knowing the full story? How many times were the psalmist’s good intentions misunderstood? The psalmist knew deep within his heart you held him innocent of all offenses, yet his enemies’ lies persisted. Grace wasn’t in their portfolio. They knew only condemnation.

Amid similar circumstances, how many have prayed likewise from the depths of a hurting heart? I can join the psalmist in that group.

“O Lord, hear my plea for justice. Listen to my cry for help. Pay attention to my prayer, for it comes from honest lips. Declare me innocent, for you see those who do right” (Psalm 17:1, 2 NLT).

Scripture indicates the psalmist’s enemies attacked his integrity. The psalmist wasn’t perfect. None of us are in our fallen human nature. His enemies liked to parade his flaws in public displays. By your grace, he was forgiven when he placed his faith in you. His prayers came from his heart which sought to follow you wherever you led. Whether you led him along the path leading to still waters or if you led him into his enemy’s camp, he always attempted to do right. How sad some people will never know your grace when they don’t call out to you amid injustice.

Lord, when I’m striving to do right, yet people point fingers, misunderstand my intentions, and accuse me of being everything but a Christ follower, give me the grace to persevere and remain faithful.

Amen, Jesus.

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Thankful for Good Ideas

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on January 17, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus

Friday, January 17, 2025

Lord, I guess the psalmist king heard it all. Being the leader of his kingdom, his advisors could have given him the most ridiculous ideas how to run the kingdom. Their motives may have been virtuous, but the psalmist needed discernment as to what ideas were valid and what were folly. He wrote how he mulled over his advisor’s advice, deciding what to accept or dismiss. He knew each of his decisions would have either positive or negative consequences.

“I will reject perverse ideas and stay away from every evil” (Psalm 101:4)

People still face the same challenges of making the right decisions when weighing ideas. A good decision should result in good consequences, whereas the consequences of a bad decision could be disastrous. We should question some of these unreasonable ideas modern man has contrived:

Why be trapped in the wrong body? People are gender-fluid. If your gender “assigned at birth” was male, no problem, just claim to be female. Or if you are a male, just claim to be female. Label those who disagree as “haters.” It’s that easy.

The more money I send to the government, the better our chances to eliminate man-made climate change.

People with college degrees are smarter than those without a degree.

Many believe God doesn’t exist. And if there is a God, all religions lead to him/her. No matter how bad you are, everyone goes to Heaven. How could a loving God send anyone to Hell just for not believing in him/her? Doing good works builds up heavenly brownie points, making you a shoo-in for the Pearly Gates.

Doing good things may be noble, but it’s only by faith in Jesus Christ are we made righteous with God (John 3:16). It’s that easy.

Amen, Jesus.

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Thankful You Make the Crooked Straight

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on January 14, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus

Tuesday, January 14, 2025 a

Lord, they sprang up among us shortly after you booted Adam and Eve from the Garden. It’s safe to say this deeply flawed character trait originated from the serpent. Who else would do such a thing?

One of the psalmist’s “New Year’s” resolution dealt with the corruption within his kingdom. These were the dishonest “officials” who preyed on the ignorant, and the naïve. They were shysters, con men, serial liars. In biblical times, they were the herdsmen selling blemish lambs for Temple sacrifices, or religious leaders on the take for “spiritual favors.” Matthew, tax collector turned Christ follower, told how he became wealthy working for the Romans, exploiting people. Of course, there were used chariot salesmen.

Today, these bait-and-switch artists advertise on late-night cable TV promising one thing and delivering another. We see super-models promoting weight loss programs, which instead only produce chubby super models, or celebrities pitching worthless auto warranties few mechanics will honor. And endlessly, the politicians lining their pockets promising to save Social Security that his opponent threatens to take away.

Back to the psalmist. His anger simmered, seeing how these smooth-talking crooks took advantage of people. Finally, he had enough. He began purging corrupt people from his kingdom and his life.

“I hate all who deal crookedly; I will have nothing to do with them” (Psalm 101:3b).

Lord, perhaps I should do the same as the psalmist. Help me purge anything in my life that my eternal enemy, Satan, has planted. Grant me godly wisdom to choose my close friends and associates wisely, that they be of noble character and whose hearts are turned toward you. May I always be civil toward all but also be “wise as serpents and gentle as a dove” (Matthew 10:16).

Amen, Jesus.

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Thankful That Life Doesn’t Trample Me

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on January 9, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus

Thursday, January 9, 2025

Lord, the new year is still in its infancy and our New Year’s resolutions are still fresh on our minds. Our enthusiasm for making and keeping resolutions keeps us motivated to push forward to become a better person. But the difficulties of life in this fallen world block our efforts of improvement. This reality of life must have tried to attach itself to the psalmist. He seemed to reflect on his efforts in his famous Psalm 101.

(1) “I will sing of your love and justice, Lord. I will praise you with songs. (2) I will be careful to live a blameless life—when will you come to help me?” (Psalm 101:1, 2 NLT).

Life’s reality declares no one can live a blameless life—at least without divine help. Lord, the psalmist made the conscious decision to live all-in for you but knew he couldn’t in his own strength. Scripture suggests he began his closer walk with you by doing what he could to change his life, knowing you would see his efforts and his sincerity. Like you have always acted, you knew his heart and came quickly to his side.

Perhaps previously, his attitude was “Look at me, Lord. See all I’m doing for you!” His pride left little to no room for your help. Therefore, the psalmist wrote many songs how life trampled him like being ran over by an eight-horse chariot. If he were to keep his New Year’s resolution, he needed to forget his past failures.

That’s the same with us. Lord, trusting you is our only option if we are to keep our resolution to live a “blameless” life.

Amen, Jesus.

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Thankful You Make What I Mess Up into Something Good

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

Chatting with Jesus

Friday, December 20, 2024

Lord, it’s not like you don’t warn us. Most Christ followers hear the voice of your Spirit, saying be careful, make a good choice. Sadly, some close their ears to your voice if what they hear opposes what they want. Often, we mistakenly pray your will matches our will, and proceed with our plans, then expect you to bless our misguided efforts. If things don’t work out as we planned, then we blame you for not answering our “prayers.”

The new year 2025 is just days away. Man has evolved in knowledge where the antiquated wisdom of biblical days doesn’t apply to today’s standards. Most academic elitest believe your book of promises, the Bible, is only a book of myths that gullible people heed. Modern technology has given man superiority in knowledge over those superstitious folks of ancient times. We navigate through life being the captain of our destiny. The lessons and consequences of the bad choices those people made show how backward those people lived. It is not surprising that faithless man’s situations determine his ethics.

Lord, you’re probably shaking your head at such foolishness. If King Solomon were to view our society, he’d probably remark how man hasn’t changed. After studying the lifestyle activities of his society, he wrote this timeless truth:

“People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord” (Proverbs 19:3 NLT).

I believe one of man’s greatest faults is to deny his own foolishness. I’ve regretted some boneheaded decisions. Who can I blame for not seeking you, Lord? Only myself. Forgive me, Lord. But somehow you always make what I messed up into something you use for your glory. Amen, Jesu

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Thankful to Reflect Your Decrees

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

Chatting with Jesus
Thursday, December 19, 2024

Lord, I wonder what the psalmist would think seeing people walking around with their heads constantly looking down at a rectangular device in their hands. Would the psalmist believe how we carry the entire world in our hand? But how convenient for believers to have your written Word at our fingertips. With our cell phones, tablets, and other devices, we can access your Word anytime, anywhere. That being so, we have no excuse not to know what you require of those who follow you. Knowing what you require puts the acceptance of your Word and our obedience squarely on us. We now own it.

The psalmist didn’t have the luxury of instant communication. Lacking cell phone service or internet, the psalmist relied on your divine wisdom to record your commandments. However, as he recorded your Word, you opened the psalmist’s eyes of his erring ways. Lord, he recorded his revelation as a warning to keep our carnal desires in check, otherwise, we’re easily led astray.

“You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully. Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees!” (Psalm 119:4–5 NLT).

Lord, like the psalmist, this scripture passage describes me. Do my actions consistently reflect your decrees? Of course not. No one can perfectly keep the Ten Commandments and your godly principles. That is why I can never outrun your grace.

Lord, as Christ followers, may we sincerely desire to keep your commandments, even though you know we will come up short time and again. Strengthen us to always be on guard to protect our spiritual well-being is we are to “consistently reflect your decrees.”

Amen, Jesus.

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Thankful You Know I Know

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

Chatting with Jesus
Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Lord, I’ve read and said those two words without giving them a second thought. You know we unconsciously use these two words multiple times daily, never paying attention of their constant use. It must have been your Spirit that revealed the significance of these two words, [you know] to me while skimming the Scriptures. In the book of James, chapter one, verses 2, 3:

[2] “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. [3] For [you know] that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.

James warns being a Christ follower comes with a price. “Don’t be surprised. [You know] life happens. Trials and troubles come. But rejoice! It’s party time!” He reminds Christ followers these trials and problems must come, so get ready, for [you know] when our faith is tested, we grow in maturity as believers. There is no other way. Jesus, you made this point clear when you warned your followers they must deny themselves their wants, their wishes. Instead, we daily pick up our cross and follow you, (Mark 8:34; Matthew 16:24).

Lord, you test all your followers. You desire to strengthen our faith. [We know] this. Still, most times, we’re surprised when troubles come our way. In our humanity, [you know] we immediately ask ourselves are we being punished? Did we do something wrong? Did I act contrary to your teachings? Maybe I have, but you, Lord, are using these troubles to refine my faith, like a goldsmith refines gold through the fire.

May I always know and remember these tests are to make me more like you, Jesus. Amen.

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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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