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Posts Tagged ‘hope’

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 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 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 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 to Seek Only That Which is Worthy

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on October 11, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus
Friday, October 11, 2024

Lord, how did we get bogged down in such a busy do-more/see-more lifestyle? We rush from one “must-do” activity and scurry to another “can’t-miss” event. Then we hustle off to another “must-attend” meeting. We know we need to slow down, but our busy lifestyle will not allow it. In all this busyness, we must ask ourselves if our participation in all these activities is necessary. For me, in my younger years, I thrived in such environments. Now older, and hopefully wiser, I enjoy a slower pace.

Media ads claim we’ll never have the quality of life we deserve unless we have the latest gadget. New miracle creams promise to keep us looking young well past our twilight years. Unless we have the latest cell phone, which comes with lunar rocket programming, how can we keep up with our friends? Madison Avenue is aware of our desire for the latest widgets. Their advertising keeps us focused on their client’s product. Why can’t we just live primitive lives without these latest marvels?

When the psalmist committed to live totally for you, the devil lost him forever. His only tactic was to disrupt the psalmist’s walk of faith. The psalmist wrote how these distractions, and the never-ending temptations, tried to lure him away from you.

“Turn my heart to your decrees … Turn my eyes from looking at what is worthless. Give me life in your ways: (Psalm 119:36, 37).

Lord, that I might pray the same. Help me keep my eyes on you and may I focus on fulfilling the plan you have for me. I’m thankful I find my purpose, joy, and contentment in you and not in man’s worthless marvels.

Amen, Jesus.

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Thankful to Love You More

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on October 10, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus
Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Lord, the psalmist had a love problem. Who did he love more? Did he love you more or himself? He had to choose.

His writings suggest that during a period in his life, all attention focused on him. After all, he was king and being king had its perks. True to your character, you loved the psalmist enough not to allow him to stray too far. Being publicly humbled has a way of bringing us back down to earth—and to you—where we belong. He wrote about his redemption journey.

“Give me an eagerness for your laws rather than a love for money!” (Psalm 119:36).

When the psalmist wrote about your “laws,” he implied that following your laws, or “commands,” or “precepts” was a believer’s formula for a life of peace, joy, and contentment. The psalmist found the hard way that ignoring your laws, and living for himself, left his soul empty. Money left him empty. More money left him even more empty. Seeking sensual pleasures and chasing worldly things led to gaining more of the same emptiness.

Reality brought the psalmist to his senses. Self-centeredness wasn’t working. He moved his affections from himself and turned to you. The more he sought you, the more you revealed your character. You filled his soul with grace and love, the things he sought, but his money could never buy.

Lord, you refuse to remove this desire to know you from our hearts. Thank you. The world offers substitutes that try to satisfy this desire, but man has found money, pleasures, fame, or power can become monsters that consume our souls. In his rebellion, man looks at every passing fancy, except looking to you, to try and satisfy his soul.

Only you can give us life, and life to its fullest (John 10:10). Amen, Jesus.

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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 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 to Know Where I’m Headed

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

Chatting with Jesus
Monday, July 1, 2024

Lord, the psalmist promised this time would be different. He meant it. I will obey your Word and order my life accordingly.

Being honest, he admitted where he was headed. “I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow your ways” (Psalm 119:59 NLT). He faced the truth. For someone so gifted, why was he acting like a fool? He had to turn his ship around.

On our faith journey, how many Christ followers stump their toes at some time and find themselves in a similar situation? The truth of Psalm 119:58–59 is timeless. The psalmist saw where he was headed and did a 180 to again follow your ways. Like countless millions, Lord, you bandaged my toes and helped me make that turn too.

Acknowledging our wandering ways, we found living by our rules and whims left us hanging. Nothing seemed to work as planned. Wasn’t being your own man/woman supposed to bring fulfillment? What about the joy when we trash-canned the biblical mandates and lived for the moment? As blatant as the lie is, many of us still fell for the whopper that throwing off the restraints of old-fashioned, out-of-date values leads to freedom and happiness. Like the psalmist, how many looked in the mirror and asked, “How’s this working out for you?”

Lord, lessons learned. No longer would we be steamrolled by the enemy of our soul. No more wandering. Everyone who has been on the receiving end of your amazing grace is eager to tell how living by your values leads to true contentment and satisfaction. Experiencing the peace we have with you and your peace residing within us makes living for you all worthwhile.

Amen, Jesus.

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