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Posts Tagged ‘faith’

Thankful in My Distress, You are with Me

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

Chatting with Jesus

Thursday, October 3, 2024

Lord, what did the psalmist need to be set free from? His pride may have caused him to stumble in his plight. Nothing to fear here, the psalmist may have told himself. No big deal. I got this. After all, I’m smart enough to figure things out.  But what probably started as a minor problem had evolved into a distressful situation

It appears his problem got out of hand. With his spiritual and emotional wellbeing disrupted, he recorded his situation to show what to do and not to do.

“In my distress I prayed to the Lord, and the Lord answered me and set me free” (Psalm 118:5).

Lord, you’ve seen the countless times I reacted the same as the psalmist. How many times have I ignored a problem, thinking it’s so minor it will solve itself, or just fade away. No need to bother you, Lord, since you have much more to do in the universe. How many times have you proved me wrong?  Too many times I’ve allowed the enemy of our soul, the devil, take an issue and blow it up into an overwhelming distressful situation? How did it get to this point?

Your answer is simple: “Why didn’t you bring me your problem in the first place? I’m for you. I’m on your side. Read my Word:”

“The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear.  What can mere people do to me?” (Psalm 118:6).

Lord, as I’m doing life here, help me bring my molehills to you before they become mountains I cannot climb. Help me not fear what others may think. There is no fear while you are in control of my situations, Jesus. Amen.

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Thankful You Are Faithful When Life Takes a Downturn

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on September 26, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus
Thursday, September 26, 2024

Lord, we’re content when life flows smoothly. We prosper in body and soul, and seldom worry about tomorrow. We have no human enemies that we’re aware of. Sure, some folks might resist our efforts to better ourselves or move up the corporate ladder, while others will figuratively “stab us in the back” to keep us down. Broken-world living involves these setbacks.

Without warning, life can take a downward turn. Our plans took a detour and our path going forward appears uncertain. How did this happen? Why did this happen? Our best laid plans are scattered like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. If only we lived in simpler times.
Troubling circumstances have plagued man since Eve tried that apple pie recipe. We may not have physical enemies like the psalmist faced—our enemies are spiritual. Pride. Doubt. Unbelief. Unforgiveness. Jealousy. Rejection. These are just a handful of our many spiritual enemies that if not kept in check, will destroy our souls.

Doing life gives us countless opportunities to put our faith into action, and reaffirm that you, Lord, are who you say you are, and you will do what you say you will do. You are working your plan for our life.

The psalmist words could have been written last week.

“Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will protect me from the anger of my enemies. You reach out your hand, and the power of your right hand saves me. The Lord will work out his plans for my life—for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever” (Psalm 138:7, 8).

Lord, because of your faithfulness, we can trust your plan is best for our lives. Amen, Jesus.

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Thankful You are Trustworthy, Lord

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on September 25, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus
Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Lord, trust appears to be at an all-time low these days. Our governments and institutions we once trusted have proven to be not what they claimed to be. Sadly, even our sacred religious bodies have been compromised, causing believers deep spiritual wounds and disappointments in its leaders. Once their lies and deceptions were exposed, out trust went out the window.

Thankfully, Lord, you are faithful in all you say and do. When searching for truth, our trust in you and your Word remains rock solid. You are our anchor in these turbulent times.

Consistent lying and lack of trust is nothing new. Topsy-turvy times originated in the Garden with that ugly snake/apple incident. That ole serpent, whom your Word calls the devil, lies every time he opens his mouth. We are so thankful, Jesus, you came and put the devil in his place. The psalmist saw this victorious time coming.

“The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you” (Psalm 9:9–10).

We’re never abandoned to figure this life out on our own. When the psalmist searched for you in his times of trouble, he found your faithfulness like none other. You are who you say you are, and you will do what you say you will do. You have been the same since the beginning.

Lord, help us be faithful in putting our trust completely in you. What a comfort to have you in our lives. We’re so tired of man letting us down.

Amen, Jesus.

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Thankful for the Patience You Give, Lord

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on September 23, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus
Monday, September 23, 2024

Lord, I hate waiting. I’m getting impatient waiting for you to give me patience.

In today’s culture, patience is a virtue is considered an ancient character trait. One day our grandchildren’s grandkids might ask them if they remembered what patience was. By holding instant information in our hand via our phone, we plan our lives according to our timeline.

That isn’t your way, is it, Lord? As Christ followers, we must understand how crucial patience is if we are to accept your timing over ours. King Solomon knew this godly truth well. He had the proverbial world at his fingertips, yet he reasoned, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” (Ecclesiastes 3).

Lord, many have waited for extended periods for healing from lingering diseases or painful afflictions. How many spent sleepless nights pleading with you for relief from the trials of life. Whatever the issues—sickness, financial, broken relationships—all we ask is just a little reprieve. But when our prayers hear only silence, accepting your timing becomes difficult. Life’s weariness drags on. Faith is tested.

Lord, help us accept your timing. We are aware of the truth that your timing is always perfect. While we often can only see just past the end of our nose, you see the beginning and the end of all issues. Help me order my spirit to trust you completely.

Amir Tsarfati eloquently explained Ecclesiastes 3, “We need to accept the fact that there are appointed times by God, and he has the authority to decide when, what, and how things are going to be.”

Amen, sovereign Lord.

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Thankful for a Clean Heart that Sees You, Lord

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

Chatting with Jesus

Thursday, September 19, 2024

Lord, these so-called religious “experts,” really get annoying. They claim to know the inside and outside workings of your kingdom, what you can do or cannot do. Notice how they pridefully display their academic titles following their names. Do they think these alphabet letters make them superior to other believers? Don’t get me wrong. Jesus, when a believer makes you the center of their life, you teach knowledge is power to live a life pleasing to you. But how easily our godly knowledge becomes an idol we trust more than we trust you.

Often, when spiritual issues arise, the “educated” come up empty, seeking answers using human solutions. Human wisdom might serve a part of the solution, but your Kingdom operates differently than man’s kingdom.

The psalmist addressed this issue of human wisdom employing man’s efforts to make things happen verses godly wisdom, employing your precepts.

“The humble will see their God at work and be glad. Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged” (Psalm 69:32).

Centuries later, while teaching to thousands seeking to know God, you double-downed on this truth of knowing you and seeing your invisible hand at work in our circumstances.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8).

You accept a humble heart, a heart willing to serve, over the proud heart that remains blind to your moving in our midst. Jesus, in godly humility, help us emulate your example of selflessness. You call us to serve, not dominate or exploit others. Show us how to deny ourselves when we commit to following you.

We echo the psalmist’s prayer. “Create in me a clean heart, O God” (Psalm 51:10). We want to see you.

Amen, Jesus.

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Thankful for the Joy of Knowing You, Jesus

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

Chatting with Jesus
Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Lord, did the psalmist have a playful streak, or did he just repeatedly make bone-headed decisions? You know that at the spur of the moment, we humans do some stupid things. We’ll jump headlong into something without considering the risks to our lives or well-being. The psalmist wrote about this youthful foolishness (Psalm 25:7). We’re no different.

Some wet-blankets point fingers, telling us to “act your age.” Others whisper tsk-tsk and scorn our “immature adult behavior.” But most enjoy our “senior playfulness.” For me, after walking this planet for 77 years, I am acting my age. I’m living proof of the adage, “I have to get older, but I can be immature all my life.” The truth is, depending on our temperament, life experiences, and relationships, we all act our age.

The psalmist wrote of his spur of the moment decisions.

“O God, you know how foolish I am; my sins cannot be hidden from you. Don’t let those who trust in you be ashamed because of me. Don’t let me cause them to be humiliated” (Psalm 69:5,6).

Lord, walking with you is a joyful life, but may we always take seriously our role as your representatives here. Like the psalmist wrote, forgive us when we allow the ugly side of our humanity to rise. Amid a heated exchange, muzzle our mouths from uttering harsh words that make folks question our faith. Help us resist that impulsive spirit that tempts us to make thoughtless decisions that brings shame to not only us but your people too.

My prayer, Lord: “Don’t let me cause them to be humiliated.” And may we always joyfully act our age. Amen

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Thankful You Are the Great I AM

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

Chatting with Jesus

Wednesday, August 1, 2024

Lord, although the psalmist desired to please you in every way, you didn’t exempt him from the difficulties and trials of life. Like his ancestor Abraham, you tested the psalmist’s faith too. Would he take his circumstances to you first, trusting your sovereignty in the matter? Or would he hem-haw around, wasting time and resources trying to make things happen? Perhaps the stings of previous mistakes taught him to place all hope in your unshakeable promise.

“Remember your promise to me; it is my only hope” (Psalm 119:49).

The psalmist didn’t really think you forgot your promise, did he? Hardly. You promise remains forever. Believers know verbalizing aloud your promise reassures our faith.  

From the throne room in Heaven, what declared truth calmed the psalmist’s fear, allowing him to place all his hope in you? What did you reveal that opened the psalmist’s eyes to the hope found only in you?

Lord God, the promise in which the psalmist placed his hope was in the power of your name.  We too place our hope in your name. Your name, as described in Scripture, is I AM (Exodus 3:14). You are the Great God, I AM. Your name, I AM, means you are everything we need you to be. Without hope? I AM is our salvation. Need safety? The Great I AM is our protection. Bare cupboards? Our provision. Grieving? The Great I AM is our comfort. Our leader. Our rock and fortress. The one who guards our faith and keeps draws us into a deeper relationship with you.

Like the psalmist, we’re never abandoned, never alone amid our difficulties and trials, since we have the power of your promise forever with us. 

Amen, Jesus.

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Thankful Repetition Creates Remembrance

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on July 30, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus

Tuesday, July 30, 2024

 Lord, I’m still amused. Your Word gives us instructions for living meaningful life, void of corruption. This formula isn’t rocket science, nor does it require complex algorithms. The psalmist made your plan so clear, even I understand it.

He began his explanation in his first psalm.

“Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked … they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night” (Psalm 1:1,2).

You know I try to follow the psalmist’s instructions, Lord. Reading Scripture before bedtime prepares my mind to dwell on your Word as I sleep. The psalmist advice is spot on, but here is what amused me, and left me wondering what it meant.

One morning, awaking from my slumber, the theme song from the “Flintstones” played over and over in my head. How did this 1960s song wrestle control of my mind? I’ve never seen any reference to the “Flintstones” in Scripture, yet I recalled clearly the words of the theme song from decades past.

I had to chuckle, hearing myself sing that song from my adolescence. Then wham! Your Spirit brought meaning to my mind.

“I have recited aloud all the regulations you have given us” (Psalm 119:13)

Isn’t that how we learned the alphabet? The multiplication tables? So reciting aloud becomes a practical way to remember your Word. By repeatedly speaking aloud your truths, your promises, your compassion—everything about your goodness, your Word makes a home in our spirit that we can recall at a moment’s notice.

Lord, only you can use a silly theme song about cave people to show us how to become more like you. I join Fred Flintstone as he would say, “Abba-daba-doo! — Only you, Jesus.” Amen.

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Thankful to be Swept

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on July 29, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus

Monday, July 29, 2024

Lord, you can save anyone. Throughout history, folks with different backgrounds have come to you for forgiveness once they understood the power of your grace. Whether they’re good, moral people, or the scourges of society, once they understand your grace, they are redeemed to a new life. Skeptics argue many “degenerates” have gone too far into sin. Forget forgiveness. They have too much wickedness on their record.

On the other hand, multitudes have come to you in repentance whom society considered as good and decent people, ideal citizens. Being self-righteous, they religiously kept the “rules” but did not know you personally as the one who offers forgiveness and eternal life.

Lord, from those who never give you a second thought, to the self-righteous of all religious stripes and shapes, to those hostile to message of salvation and hold with contempt Christ followers as weak and deceived, all have this in common:

Lord, your overwhelming power to save the most sinful among us means no one is beyond redemption when they turn to you in repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

Scripture details you went to the cross to redeem all of mankind. You paid for the sins of every human being who ever lived.

You have proven this time and again. The apostle Paul, before redemption, killed Christ followers because they followed you. Your grace changed his life. You’ve redeemed by your grace countless incarcerated Christ followers who committed heinous crimes. Jeffrey Dahmer comes to mind. Our humanity passes judgment—they deserve no mercy. Your grace says otherwise and sweeps the once-degenerate-but-now-redeemed souls into your kingdom.

We might not be social outcasts, but we need redemption too. Thank you, Lord, for sweeping us into your kingdom. Amen, Jesus

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Thankful You Give Me My Desires, Lord

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on July 26, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus

Friday, July 26, 2024

Lord, I’m often perplexed. I’m faced with choices that will determine which direction I will follow in life. What do I need to do to align my plans with your plan? What are my desires? What should I desire? Do my desires align with your Word? What awaits me if my plans don’t match your plans? Your Spirit warns me to guard against the “fake desires” of my human nature. There is no telling what ungodly desires lie hidden in my carnal heart.

Evidently the psalmist must have had the same confused feelings: My wants, or what you want, God. My desires, or your desires? His remembrance of the joys and peace of times spent in your presence surely encouraged him when dark clouds hung overhead. Finding his strength in you, Lord, how could he not desire to be more like you? He reveals his formula for attaining a life of peace and purpose when he journaled his famous Psalm 37.

“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4).

Lord, other than giving all believers the same desire to be like you, we are given desires that suit our gifts and talents. If you gave me a desire to teach four-year-olds about you, I would do well. But that is not my desire and if I tried, I’d probably leave them scarred for life. Neither did you give me a desire to run for public office. (A big “Thank you!”) But you did give me the desire to write about you and share your message of love and grace. And that pleases you and delights me.

May our delight always be found in you, Jesus. Amen.

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