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Posts Tagged ‘faith’

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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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 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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Thankful You Restore Our Soul

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on April 22, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus

Monday, April 22, 2024

Lord, you gave Christ followers your promises of a secure future, here on Earth, and later in Heaven. Following you would not lead to disappointment (Proverbs 23:18).

How naïve to think life will always be wine and roses. Far from it. Ups and downs, good times, and times of grief happen on a regular basis. How often have we said, “Wow, Jesus! You’re incredible!” How often have we slapped our forehead and said, “oh, no, Jesus! What’s gonna happen next?”

One truth the believer can count on is your promises remain steadfast. Without difficulties, how would we know your power to deliver us from the evil one, or comfort us in our darkest hour? The psalmist wrote his 23rd Psalm from personal experience, describing the goodness of God during the hardships of life.

He wandered restlessly before finding the “green pastures” his life desperately needed. Only you could turn the storm that raged within his soul into still waters. He never walked alone through the “valley of the shadow of death.” He experienced the death of his dreams, his ambitions, his desires. He “put to death” his will to be the “lord of his life,” and submitted to your will. Submission meant trusting your “rod and staff,” though painful at times, were for his good, and would lead him in the paths of your righteousness.

Lord, all the psalmist could offer you was a battered and wounded soul that needed restoration to contentment and peace with you. That’s your specialty. Only you could do that, Jesus. Who else can restore our bruised and tattered souls today? Only you, Jesus. Only you.

Amen

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