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Posts Tagged ‘jesus’

Thankful You Keep Your Promises, Lord

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on July 16, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus

Tuesday, July 16, 2024

Lord, you never promised we wouldn’t have dark times. No one is immune. In the Old Testament, 1st and 2nd Samuel details King David’s many problems. David was to secede Saul as king and Saul determined not to let that happen. David and his men fled from Saul, finding refuge in the hundreds of caves in the mountains.

David never forgot his mountain experiences though. Close encounters, barely escaping death. Fleeing from mountain to mountain, one dark cave after another. Without your promises, stress and despair would have crushed David and his followers’ souls. David found the safety and security he needed in the mountains. He found his strength in you, Lord. He would fulfill your purpose in his life.

After Saul’s death, David became king and no longer needed to hide in the mountains. Whenever David looked toward the hills, he remembered that, yes, there were major, life-threatening problems in those mountains. Most importantly, he remembered how you, the Great I AM rescued him from those troubles.

David the psalmist, from a grateful heart, wrote a psalm that’s one of the most quoted Scriptures for believers:

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1, 2 NIV).

Lord, I’ve faced dark times before. In my humanity, at times I thought I was on my own. “Lord,” I cried. “Have you forgotten me?” Afterward, looking back at the mountains, I saw you were holding me all the time. You promised “never will I leave you; never will I forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). You keep your promise to all your followers.

Amen, Jesus.

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Thankful You Muzzle My Mouth … When I Let You

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on July 15, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus

Monday, July 15, 2024

Lord, what have we become? How did this contentious spirit spread throughout our nation? Hateful, vitriolic dialogue dominates the air waves. The Left demonizes the Right. The Right demonizes the Left. The “ungodly” declares the “godly” as dictatorial, wanting to take away our freedoms. In return, the “godly” portray the “ungodly” as degenerates who will lead our country down the toilet. Many blame the Left for stirring the pot with these horrible accusations. The Right doesn’t hesitate to retaliate with both fists making the same accusations. Finally, the continued demonizing of political enemies came to a head (literally) Saturday with the attempted assassination of former President Trump. Thank you, God, for your divine protection.

Sadly, many Christ followers have added fuel to the fire. Forgive me, Lord. I’ve thrown a log or two into the fire. As a Christ follower, I’ve set a bad example by harshly criticizing our current administration. Yes, we have the right to protest and state our disapproval of our leaders. But do we have the right to wish them I’ll and rot in Hell? Lord, muzzle my mouth. Defusing this vitriol begins with me. Scripture commands me to do so.

“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. [2] Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. [3] This is good and pleases God our Savior,[4] who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth” (1 Timothy 2:1–4 NLT).

Lord, I admit I need to be more like you, and less like my carnal self. Amen.

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Thankful That in Good Times or Bad, Lord, You Are Good

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on July 2, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

Lord, I agree with the psalmist. He and I are much alike. Hopefully we have more good things in common than bad. He recorded his successes and embarrassing failures, all for our benefit, to show us your mercy and righteous judgment. Reflecting on his life, your Spirit reminded the psalmist that in his good times, and in the times he wishes he could forget, you have always been good to him. You remained faithful, just as you promised.

You have done many good things for me, Lord, just as you promised. I believe in your commands; now teach me good judgment and knowledge (Psalm 119:65, 66 NLT),

We both yearn to live according to your precepts.

I pray my life and actions will be pleasing to you. Nonetheless, Lord, every day I fail to live up to your standards. If I claim to believe your Word, and that you will do what you say you will do, why do I keep making dumb choices and wander from the truth? If I interpret Scripture correctly, the psalmist fought the same issue. He pleaded with you:

Now teach me good judgment and knowledge (verse 66).

Even though the nation recognized him for his wisdom, many questioned his judgment.

I might not be known nationally, but like the psalmist, I echo his prayer. “Teach me good judgement. Help me stop and think things through before jumping into something I shouldn’t. Give me discernment so I will know what life choices to avoid. I’m tired of wandering from the truth. And please, Lord, might I have more knowledge of you.”

Trusting you, Jesus. Amen.

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Thankful You Clear Which Path to Choose

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on June 24, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus

Monday, June 24, 2024

Lord, this broken world offers only two life-paths to follow. Depending on which road we follow determines our destiny. God’s way, or the world’s way? Eternal life, or a dead end?

Following your path, Lord God, leads to contentment and peace in life here. From your love, you desire a personal relationship with us through your Son Jesus.  Many ignore this path for it seems too restrictive, burdened with outdated rules.

The opposite path appears exciting and promising. Our destiny lies within our hands. We make our own rules. We establish our truths, without your input. We’re told that’s the ticket for a fulfilling life.  

God offers his way, but he allows you and I the right to choose which path we will follow.

We face the same choices as the psalmist. Because he’d previously traveled on the wrong road, he was determined not to repeat those mistakes. Lord, that I should follow the psalmist’s advice:

“Make [direct] me to walk along the path of your commands [God’s way of living], for that is where my happiness is found” (Psalm 119:35 NLT).

The psalmist’s earthly resources never ran dry. He could have anything and anybody he wanted. To his dismay, when he lived for himself, pleasure quickly fled, leaving him still empty and wanting more. Surely, he must have questioned: Is this all there is?

The psalmist tells his readers the happiest times in his life were when he walked with you. Happiness, contentment, joy—he had it all.  Whatever came his way, your peace covered him.

Lord, your spiritual resources never run dry. Oh, that I might stay close to you, walking the path of life together.  Amen, Jesus.

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Thankful I’m at the Right Place at the Right Time

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

Chatting with Jesus

Thursday, June 20, 2024

Lord, why? You didn’t have to do it, but Scripture tells us this was your plan all along. Why did you leave the splendors of Heaven and become one of us? You saw the mess we made of your beautiful world, yet you came anyway. Amazingly, you were determined to work your plan knowing it would cost you your life. What humbles me is you made me a part of your plan. Everyone else is included too. You were the perfect, sinless sacrifice for the sins of mankind, I’m still trying to spiritually absorb that while you hung on the cross, you had me in mind.

Why did you come? You saw my arrogance, how I ignored your precepts, not thinking them necessary?

I live a decent life without you making all the rules on how to live. I’m a smart guy, knowing right from wrong.

And Lord, that was the problem. I lived by “my truths, my values,” not yours. So did everyone else. That’s why the world was such a mess when you came.

Thinking of myself as such a good guy blinded my spiritual eyes. Reflecting over my life, I can think of nothing about me that would cause you to offer your sinless life for some hardheaded, rebellious soul as me. Yet you did anyway. The two reasons come to mind. You were proving to the world what 1 John 4:9–10, and 1 Timothy 2:6 so clearly states:

“This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins” (1 John 4:9–10).

“God is love and sent his Son Jesus to give his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time” (1 Timothy 2:6)

Thank you, Jesus, for putting me at the right place at the right time. 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 You Are Here All the Time

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on May 14, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus
Tuesday, May 14, 2024

Lord, how many times did I sigh as my circumstances became bleaker by the day. My industry’s job market is dwindling, I have more dust bunnies than food in the pantry, and the kids need shoes. Plus, if I don’t do something with this hair, people will mistake me for a dust mop. I could write a best-seller about shoe-string budgets.

From the ancient psalmist to today’s Gen Zer’s, all are subject to challenging times. The psalmist certainly experienced his share of journeys through the valley. When he faced trials in his own strength and ingenuity, his troubles increased. Only after abandoning his way of living and adopting your precepts for life, did he see his much-needed turnaround. His story echoes mine. And probably millions of others.

I imagine the psalmist meditating about his plight, then in an act of faith, releasing his circumstances to you. Did his radiance change as your peace came over his soul, knowing you had his situation in hand? Perhaps your Spirit softly rebuked him, “Why didn’t you trust me to begin with?”

Did the psalmist change his tune like I changed mine? Going from, “No way this will end well!” to “Lord, you amaze me how you work all things for my good.” When he penned his great Psalm 111, he declared your goodness and graciousness to all generations who believe you.

“How amazing are the deeds of the Lord! All who delight in him should ponder them” (Psalm 111:2 NLT).

How many times did you come through for the psalmist? And how many times did he fail to see your hand in action? After dwelling on your goodness, you opened his spiritual eyes to see clearly you were there all along.

Jesus, centuries later, you would teach your followers, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (Matthew 5:8).

Thank you, Lord, for always being there for all who believe you. 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 for True Knowledge

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

Chatting with Jesus

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Lord, was King Solomon way ahead of his time, or has human nature stayed the same over the centuries. Today, civil order and disrespect for one another is spiraling down the drain. Decency? Where did it go? For many, thumbing your nose at law and order has become a competitive sport.

Funny, Solomon’s description of the misfits of his day clearly describes today’s protesters.

“Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline” (Proverbs 1:7 NLT).

Lord, as in ancient times, today’s rebels have no fear of you. If they consider you at all it is in the sense that you are irrelevant. Respect for your sovereignty, your holiness, your awesome power is non-existent among them. They claim your grace tolerates all peoples’ behavior. They boast of their rebellion as a badge of honor.

Without a reverence for you, Lord, they have no solid foundation upon which to base their lives. Their relevance is based on the current whims of society. How fragile they must feel, finding their worth by the number of “likes” on Facebook. Without a firm foundation, Solomon says they are subject to fall for any lie.

Trusting in the Lord reveals to us true knowledge. We have a clearer understanding of who you are, a deeper revelation of your power, a truer love for your compassion and mercy. We understand only you, Jesus, can save us from our sin and give us a life of meaning and purpose.

Out there on our own leads us to false knowledge, or as we say in Texas, stinkin’ lies. No one is higher than we are. We are accountable to no higher power. Good or bad, all people go to Heaven, if such a place exists.

Sadly, these deceived people act foolishly, not understanding what or why they are protesting. They’re looking for something to hang their hat on. Open their spiritual eyes, Lord, to see that trusting in you will bring clarity to your timeless truths.

Amen, Jesus.

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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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