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Posts Tagged ‘prayer’

Thankful You Listen When I Call

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on February 7, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus
Friday, February 7, 2025

Lord, the psalmist recounted time and again how you answered his prayers when he was neck deep in alligators, although these reptiles are not mentioned in Scripture. His enemies relentlessly pursued him. Sometime, more than he wanted to admit, his troubles arose from his boneheaded decisions. Oh, how I can relate to that.

Something else I can relate to with the psalmist. As you did with him, you listened to my prayer too. And I find that amazing. With all going on in the universe, keeping everything in order, implementing your will throughout the Earth, you stop all you’re doing, bend down from Heaven, and listen to our prayers. Especially our prayers for mercy.

“I love the Lord, because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy” (Psalm 116:1).

Lord, I must stop here and try to take this all in. Out of the billions of voices lifted to you daily, you recognize my voice when I call out to you. My puny, often stuttering, crackling voice. When I plead for mercy, you don’t close your ears to my cries. I love how the psalmist describes your actions.

“Because he [you, Lord God] bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!” (Psalm 116:2).

Lord, because you care enough about me, you stop what you are doing just to listen to my voice. How can I not praise and worship you? The psalmist long ago burst with such gratitude.

“Then I called on the name of the Lord: Please, Lord, save me! How kind the Lord is. How good he is! So merciful this God of ours!” (Psalm 116:4, 5).

Lord, I share with the psalmist’s gratitude. Amen, Jesus.

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Thankful the Old Life is No More

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on December 6, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus

Friday, December 6, 2024

Lord, he must have been miserable. Did the psalmist try to stay constantly busy so his mind wouldn’t dwell on what he used to have? If only he could shake those memories of what used to be. But you wouldn’t allow it. Not for one moment did you let up until he came to his senses.

It started as just a little sin—no big deal. After all, who doesn’t sin, right? But before he knew it, this “no big deal” sin metastasized into something he couldn’t control. Sin’s crushing grip on the psalmist led to more despair and hopelessness.

One day he woke and wondered how did I get so far from God? What am I doing here in this mire of sin and shame? I’ve become a pariah to what friends I have left, a laughingstock among the community. The psalmist had no other option but to confess his foolishness in walking away from you, humble himself and seek your forgiveness.

Later, in moments of peace and sanity, he recorded his emotions during those dark times.

“My heart is breaking as I remember how it used to be: I walked among the crowds of worshipers, leading a great procession to the house of God, singing for joy and giving thanks amid the sound of a great celebration!” Psalm (42:4 NLT)

Prayerfully, future generations would heed his warning. Prayerfully, Lord, future generations would know your mercy as well.

“Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God! (verse 5).

Lord, when we’re tempted to see our past sins as something other than shameful and embarrassing, help us keep our focus on you. Life with you, Lord Jesus, is much more fulfilling. Amen.

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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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Thankful Not to Be on the Rollercoaster

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

Chatting with Jesus
Monday, November 18, 2024

Lord, reading the Psalms, I get the impression the psalmist’s life resembled a rollercoaster. One moment, he lived a godly life, serving you. Next, he wandered from faith and found himself surrounded by enemies, fighting for his life. One such psalm described his need for immediate divine assistance. Evidently, everything he tried failed to deliver. As he clung to the end of his proverbial rope, what other choice did he have but to call on you. Personally, the psalmist situation sounds familiar.

Most folks might not face the dangers the psalmist faced. Everyone has been broken at one time, some multiple times. We face mountains we cannot climb, walk around, or tunnel through. Mired in misery from one life’s disappointment after another, countless multitudes echo the psalmist’s prayer.

“From the depths of despair, O Lord, I call for your help. Hear my cry, O Lord. Pay attention to my prayer” (Psalm 130:1, 2 NLT).
No more denial. The time for complete transparency and honesty arrived. Scripture suggests the psalmist knew his problems rose from his sin. His hesitancy at repentance compounded his misery. In his pleading, he reminded you, and himself, of your merciful character.

“Lord, if you kept a record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive?” (Psalm 130:3)

Stubbornly, an enemy still hung around. It’s true you may not have kept a record of his sins, however, the psalmist did. Every day, the devil reminded him of his sin record. Every day, your Spirit faithfully revived him. He wrote of your mercy.

“But you offer forgiveness, that we might learn to fear you” (Psalm 130:4)

Lord, your love allows all who believe the freedom to fearlessly love you with all our being. I wanna live like that. No more rollercoaster.
Amen, Jesus.

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Thankful Not to Remain in Stubbornness

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on November 4, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus

Monday, November 4, 2024

Lord, guard me from being as stubborn as the psalmist. Talk about hardheaded. He could be the hardest of the hardheaded in ancient Israel. Being a ruler, maybe his pride refused to allow him to admit he made mistakes. After all, being a role model for the “lesser” people allowed him to justify his sinful actions. He couldn’t disappoint his fan club members. But, Lord, you would have nothing to do with his nonsense.

Because you loved the psalmist, you would not allow him any peace until he came clean with you and with those he offended. Suppressing his guilt created constant internal conflicts. Sickness. Ailments. Affliction after affliction. One problem followed by another. I doubt any smiley face stickers could be found in the palace. Scripture suggests in frustration, he threw his hands up and did not care anymore. Later, he recounted these incidences from that miserable time in his life.

“When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat” (Psalm 32:3,4).

Lord, that I might heed the psalmist’s warning. My choice could not be clearer. Life is too short to live in misery because I’m too stubborn to admit my mistakes. Lord, please expel me from the hardheaded club. Leaning into you is my only reprieve.

“Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone” (Psalm 32:5).

What was true three thousand years ago is still true today. God’s Word works. Amen, Jesus.

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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 Your Faithful Love Endures Forever

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

Chatting with Jesus

Wednesday, October 2, 2024

Lord, from ancient days down to today, this truth has never changed. All people should agree with this message: “Your faithful love endures forever.” If this truth of your holy character could be cemented into people’s hearts, what a difference it would make in the world.

The psalmist praised your glory over thirty centuries ago. Honoring your character hasn’t lost its impact or importance. Today, this message is needed more than ever. The psalmist urged people everywhere to take to heart this truth: Your faithful love endures forever.

“Let all Israel—God’s people everywhere—repeat: “His faithful love endures forever.”

Let Aaron’s descendants, the preachers, priests, biblical teachers, theologians, spiritual leaders, be on the same page: “His faithful love endures forever.”

Let everyone who stands wide-eyed, in awe and wonder of the majesty of your creation, the glories of the heavens and starry sky, praise you: “His faithful love endures forever.” (Psalm 118:2-4, my paraphrase)

The psalmist fit into all three categories. Could the psalmist not stay out of trouble? Or did you allow his mistakes to force him to call on you?

“In my distress, I prayed to the Lord, and the Lord answered me and set me free. The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear” (verses 5–6).

Lord, you honored your Word. You rescued the psalmist from whatever threatened him. Throughout my life, you have done the same for me.

I laugh now about some of my boneheaded choices, but when they occurred, I followed the psalmist’s advice. I prayed to you, Lord, and you answered me and set me free. I know “your faithful love endures forever.”

Amen, Jesus. Your faithful love sustains me as I follow you.

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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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