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Posts Tagged ‘god’

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 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 for What is Instore for 2025

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on January 6, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus

Monday, January 6, 2025

Lord, what’s do you have instore for 2025? Most folks are ready to forget the happenings of 2024. Many well-intentioned folks couldn’t wait until January 1 to make a new beginning. The truth is, with you we don’t have to wait till January 1. We can start over anytime. Nonetheless, many make New Year’s resolutions. Count me in. Usually, I’m sincere when I make these “I solemnly swear” promises of change, but honestly, I know I’m kidding myself. Who out there in reader-land feels the same?

Lord, because you blessed me with a speech impediment, this year I made the same resolution as last year: In 2025, I refuse to stutter again. And like last year, I broke that resolution within fifteen minutes after midnight.

I don’t know if the psalmist made New Year’s resolutions, but scripture suggests he needed to make some changes. Much like us, the psalmist was far from having life all together. His life was a daily challenge to stay close to you. He records his “New Year’s” resolutions in Psalm 101.

He begins with praise and worship.

(Verse 1) “I will sing of your love and justice, Lord. I will praise you with songs,”

Scripture says when we worship, we “enter your presence with praise” (Psalm 100:4). This is something we all can do. You already know our needs, but you love hearing us praise you for all you have done for us. What amazes me is you love my praise singing even if I sound like a cat in distress.

Lord, may all your followers sing loudly the new “song” you put in our heart. I’ll join the psalmist in singing your praises even if it makes those around me cringe. 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 Mary Was Like No Other Woman

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

Chatting with Jesus

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Lord, the images we have of Mary, the mother of Jesus, seem to portray her as gentle and humble. She probably would love kittens make chocolate chip cookies for those she loves. Often she is pictured kneeling over the manger, looking glowingly at the baby Jesus, while Joseph leans over her. We are not told her age, with some biblical scholars estimating her age between thirteen and sixteen. But what about her tough side of this young girl? Just how hardy was she?

This may be difficult for men to comprehend but guys, put on your thinking cap. Imagine being nine months pregnant and ready to deliver at any moment. Your body is swollen, retaining fluids, your ankles the size of cantaloupes. Irritable, grouchy, and your husband comes home and says, get ready, start packing, we’re going to Bethlehem in the morning. God must have restrained Mary not to kill Joseph.

Matthew’s and Luke’s Gospels detail the story of their journey. Mary rode the donkey for the 70-mile walk from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Traveling about fifteen miles a day, the journey must have taken nearly five days. Surely, the five day ride on a bumpy, smelly donkey must have tested her humanity, and Joseph’s sanity. But Mary endured. She persevered. She probably longed for the comfortable bed awaiting her in Bethlehem, where she might find relief from this arduous donkey ride.

As we know, there is much more to the Christmas story. Mary gave birth to Jesus in the stable and laid her baby son, the very physical being of God, in a manger. Her Son, the promised Messiah, would one day redeem not only her from her sins, but the sins of the world.

Lord Jesus, help us grasp the significance of you humbly coming to us as our promised Emmanuel, God with us!

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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 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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Thankful to Trust Even When You Delay, Lord

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on December 5, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus
Thursday, December 5, 2024

Lord, all he could do was trust you. The psalmist recorded his testimony of the dark time his soul dwelt into depression and despair. His world came crashing down around him. He prayed and waited for you to deliver him, but for some higher reason, you delayed his rescue.

Did he understand your delay? Probably not. He could only hold to your promise: You would rescue him from what he called a pit of mirey clay, a place so slippery no one escapes on their own. In his humanity, the psalmist must have questioned, “When, Lord? When are you coming to rescue me? I need help—now—not next week.” Hmmm. Lord, how many times have I pleaded with you to rescue me?

The psalmist’s plight caught the attention of the people in his sphere of influence. Will the psalmist abandon his faith or remain faithful? Why is God punishing him? Did people speculate he had a secret sinful life. Despite the backlash, the psalmist expressed his only hope: “He turned to me and heard my cry” (Psalm 40:3)

As the apostle Paul would scribe centuries later to the Galatian believers, “But at the right time, God sent Jesus” to meet the needs of those who call upon his name (Galatians 4:4).Faithful to your promise, Lord, you came to the psalmist’s rescue. You not only rescued his physical being, but you also rescued his spiritual being. “He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God” (Psalm 40:2). People were speechless. They could only give credit to you, Lord, for the psalmist’s transformed life.

May the same be said of us when we fully commit ourselves to you, Lord God. Amen, Jesus.

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