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Posts Tagged ‘psalms’

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 You are Lord for All Ages

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on October 8, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus
Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Lord, surely you weren’t restricting this Scripture to young people only.

“How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your Word” (Psalm 119:9)

Couldn’t this apply to folks of all ages, those “fresh from the womb” to those “close to the tomb.” You require those claiming to be your follower to obey your Word—the sacred Scriptures. The psalmist may have been remembering his youth, when in the confusions of youth, he searched for meaning and purpose. Like all youths before him, including me, he asked all the “why” and “how” questions of life. These questions are not limited to youths. All ages seek answers only you provide.

Genesis details how you created us in your image. You even trusted us with the gift of free will, allowing us to make our own decisions. Sadly, that apple in the Garden that looked so luscious and juicy turned out to be rotten and full of worms. The sin of disobedience caused a separation between you and us. If there is a positive side of man’s downfall it must be this: you never allowed our desire to know you to be lost. We still desire to know you. True to your character, you revealed to the young psalmist your glory.

The psalmist wrote: “I have tried hard to find you—don’t let me wander from your commands” (Psalm 119:10).

Imagine the exuberance of the psalmist. He’d finally found what he had been looking for. Those lingering questions were finally answered. Following your commands, he found the joy and contentment he sought. His life had meaning.

How wonderful, Lord. You have this for all who follow you. 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 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 Repetition Creates Remembrance

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on July 30, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus

Tuesday, July 30, 2024

 Lord, I’m still amused. Your Word gives us instructions for living meaningful life, void of corruption. This formula isn’t rocket science, nor does it require complex algorithms. The psalmist made your plan so clear, even I understand it.

He began his explanation in his first psalm.

“Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked … they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night” (Psalm 1:1,2).

You know I try to follow the psalmist’s instructions, Lord. Reading Scripture before bedtime prepares my mind to dwell on your Word as I sleep. The psalmist advice is spot on, but here is what amused me, and left me wondering what it meant.

One morning, awaking from my slumber, the theme song from the “Flintstones” played over and over in my head. How did this 1960s song wrestle control of my mind? I’ve never seen any reference to the “Flintstones” in Scripture, yet I recalled clearly the words of the theme song from decades past.

I had to chuckle, hearing myself sing that song from my adolescence. Then wham! Your Spirit brought meaning to my mind.

“I have recited aloud all the regulations you have given us” (Psalm 119:13)

Isn’t that how we learned the alphabet? The multiplication tables? So reciting aloud becomes a practical way to remember your Word. By repeatedly speaking aloud your truths, your promises, your compassion—everything about your goodness, your Word makes a home in our spirit that we can recall at a moment’s notice.

Lord, only you can use a silly theme song about cave people to show us how to become more like you. I join Fred Flintstone as he would say, “Abba-daba-doo! — Only you, Jesus.” 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 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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Thankful Money Does Not Control Me

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on June 28, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Chatting with Jesus

June 28, 2024

Lord, how easily we fall in love with this mistress. The love for this deceptive charmer has ruined countless families and careers. Scripture warns that loving money creates all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:9–11). The temptations that accompany money are the same for all people, whether having great wealth or living from paycheck-to-paycheck. Christ followers are not exempt. We think of the things money can buy. We can acquire anything we desire and show off our “treasures” before those “less fortunate.” Some dream of using wealth to create envy among those we can’t stand. Funny, we then become like them.

We face the same temptations the psalmist faced. Later in life, after he accumulated vast wealth, he could choose to do good with this money or use it selfishly. He could bless others and further the Kingdom of God or allow his wealth to be his downfall. For a time, his riches negatively influenced his judgment and drew him away from you. His writings revealed how disappointing that was. All the psalmist’s fancy, shiny things soon tarnished, leaving him wanting more worthless fancy, shiny things.

“Give me an eagerness for your laws [living by your values] rather than a love for money. Turn my eyes from worthless things and give me life through your Word” (Psalm 119:36–37 NLT).

When the psalmist abandoned his love of this cruel mistress, he experienced life as you intended. He developed an insatiable desire to spend more time with you, meditating and outlining your pathway to having a real life with purpose and meaning.

Lord, show us how to use our money wisely. As you bless us show us how to bless others and your kingdom here.

Amen, Jesus.

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