QT 3/28/2024 Ps 81:11-16, Listen! The megaphone is calling

Psalm 81:11–16 (ESV) —

11 “But my people did not listen to my voice;

Israel would not submit to me.

12 So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts,

to follow their own counsels.

13 Oh, that my people would listen to me,

that Israel would walk in my ways!

14 I would soon subdue their enemies

and turn my hand against their foes.

15 Those who hate the Lord would cringe toward him,

and their fate would last forever.

16 But he would feed you with the finest of the wheat,

and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.”

 

NOTE: This is a common theme lately in my quiet times, and the idea (or principle) goes back to the garden of Eden. The idea is this, when we disobey, God gives us over to our will to show us our own stupidity. Even though He has a much better plan, we refuse to obey, and consequently He allows us to be our own god (so to speak) and experience the effects of our rebellion. C.S. Lewis once said, "(pain) is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world." It is even more important today. I believe (admittedly as many saints over the centuries have also) that God's judgment is soon and within my lifetime. But then it is too late for many, and quite painful for those who will attempt to live through the tribulation period. As the writer in Hebrews wrote,

 

Hebrews 3:15 (ESV) — 15 As it is said, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.”

 

PONDER:

1. Is God calling to me?
2. Do I hear his megaphone?

 

PRAYER: Father, I pray for us to hear your call to repentance and to faith in Jesus. Help us to listen and turn from our sin and turn to you for the real answers to life.

QT 3/27/2024 Ps 77:11-15, Seeing God's hand despite our feeble attempt to be god

Psalm 77:11–15 (ESV) —

11 I will remember the deeds of the Lord;

yes, I will remember your wonders of old.

12 I will ponder all your work,

and meditate on your mighty deeds.

13 Your way, O God, is holy.

What god is great like our God?

14 You are the God who works wonders;

you have made known your might among the peoples.

15 You with your arm redeemed your people,

the children of Jacob and Joseph. Selah

 

NOTE: I suppose I am not a cessation-ist. Most major miracles in the bible occurred during key periods of time to put God's stamp on a work that he was doing. But there are less frequent miracles all throughout history. I've seen your miracles in my life. I can't deny your hand of intervention over and over again. You don't make life perfect because no one would attribute it to you. They would completely ignore you. Besides, we were the ones that wanted to be our own gods. Why should we be so surprised at our lack of power to make life what we want it to be? Someday soon, life will change. You will be God, not us. And we will experience the freedom of living in a land of perfect justice. Our fears will be gone -- there will be no more sorrows. I look forward to that day of your reign, and the ending of man's reign.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I still trying to make life work for me?
2. Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again without any change in the outcome. Maybe it is time to try something different?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for the opportunity to share my faith yesterday. Thank you for using my background and experience to give me a platform for the gospel. Help me to continue to see those opportunities each day.

QT 3/26/2024 Ps 73:21-26, Trust him in the pain

Psalm 73:21–26 (ESV) —

21 When my soul was embittered,

when I was pricked in heart,

22 I was brutish and ignorant;

I was like a beast toward you.

23 Nevertheless, I am continually with you;

you hold my right hand.

24 You guide me with your counsel,

and afterward you will receive me to glory.

25 Whom have I in heaven but you?

And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.

26 My flesh and my heart may fail,

but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

 

NOTE: I think I learned this a long time ago -- it is okay to let your frustrations out to God. It is not so helpful to talk about them in the world continually. But sharing those deepest hurts and disappointments in life are perfectly acceptable to God. Moses continually objected to God's calling to a task, and God was patient with him, up to the point where he refused to obey God. Peter says to cast your anxieties upon him for he cares about you. Life is painful and God is there to listen. He will guide us in his path, usually not the path or solution we think is best, but a better one in the long run. We won't understand his answer many times, but we can accept by faith, that he is lot smarter than we are -- He knows what he is doing.

 

PONDER:

1. God is not looking for stoics. Am I open to sharing my hurts, anger, and frustration with my savior?
2. Am I real with God?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you that I can't wear masks before you. Maybe I wear masks that fool me, but you know me completely. You are not hurt by my frustrations. You want to help me. I need to hand things over to you and let you work your will.

QT 3/25/2024 Ps 67:4-5, How will God judge us?

Psalm 67:4–5 (ESV) —

4 Let the nations be glad and sing for joy,

for you judge the peoples with equity

and guide the nations upon earth. Selah

5 Let the peoples praise you, O God;

let all the peoples praise you!

 

NOTE: This word, equity, seems to have taken on its own meaning today. The word appears 14 times in the RSV, but is translated much differently in the Amplified and NIV84. The ESV follows the RSV in 10 of the verses. The root of the word, ysr, means level place, uprightness. The Hebrew word here, miyshor, is translated in the KJV as plain 15 times, equity twice, straight twice, even place once, and so on. It does not mean equal outcomes unless the people had equal conduct. It is probably where we get the phrase, a level playing field, as opposed to people receiving equal outcomes independent of their actions. God is the perfect judge, and God is a righteous judge. We will be judged according our works, everyone. And we will be redeemed according to our faith, everyone. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but through me." Yes, Christianity is exclusive. God cannot be perfect and accept every religion since their ideas about God contradict each other. Either Jesus is the Son of God, as he claimed, and everything he said is true. Or he is not, and then nothing he said can be true, and Christianity must be excluded as a way to God.

 

I believe that God in his plain justice has made himself known through the bible and through the person of Jesus Christ. Our life balance now sits on our decision. What will we do with Jesus?

 

PONDER:

1. Have I determined in my own mind if Jesus is who he said he is, the Son of God, or a liar, or a lunatic? And why?
2. Have I acted on my knowledge or am I still wavering? Commit or don't commit, the days are short and end without our knowing.

 

PRAYER: Father, I believe in Jesus and his words. I have put my faith in him for my salvation. I have experienced a changed life, a new creation (2 Cor 5:17). I have seen you work miracles in my life. It has not always been easy, but I have seen your hand in it.

QT 3/22/2024 Ps 66:8-12, Places of abundance -- how do I respond?

Psalm 66:8–12 (ESV) —

8 Bless our God, O peoples;

let the sound of his praise be heard,

9 who has kept our soul among the living

and has not let our feet slip.

10 For you, O God, have tested us;

you have tried us as silver is tried.

11 You brought us into the net;

you laid a crushing burden on our backs;

12 you let men ride over our heads;

we went through fire and through water;

yet you have brought us out to a place of abundance.

 

NOTE: Over the years, I have developed a principle of life. I'm sure it is not unique to me, and I have probably heard others say it many times, but it is meaningful to me because I have seen it play out over and over again. The principle is this: when times are good, people forget God; and when times are bad, people turn to God. It is a truism of human beings. It destroys one of the Atheist's argument against God, that if God existed there would not be all the pain and suffering in the world. My response to that is: so you mean if life was perfect, everyone would believe in God and serve him? The bible teaches by historical example and didactic teaching quite the opposite. I do think an important lesson to learn during times of suffering is NOT to forget God next time, that is when times are good.

 

I feel I am in a place of abundance. I have lived in the valley of despair. I know now how grateful I need to be for every blessing of life. None of it is my doing. If it was, it would soon fail, like most of my creations. I am so thankful for the peace I experience in a deep relationship with my creator. I don't ever want to go back.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I pause and thank God for life?
2. Do I take life for granted?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for these days and the joys that I am experiencing. A new baby granddaughter has been especially meaningful these days. I never thought my son, with all of his birth defects, would have the joy of a baby. You are so kind and so gracious. Truly, we are in a place of abundance.

QT 3/20/2024 Ps 62:2-4, A leader is a target

Psalm 62:2–4 (ESV) —

2 He alone is my rock and my salvation,

my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.

3 How long will all of you attack a man

to batter him,

like a leaning wall, a tottering fence?

4 They only plan to thrust him down from his high position.

They take pleasure in falsehood.

They bless with their mouths,

but inwardly they curse. Selah

 

NOTE: Verses 3 and 4 are my favorite verses on leadership. It is a lonely position to be the boss. People tell you what they think you want to hear, but you can never know how they really feel. If they don't like you, and the opportunity presents, i.e., the fence is shaky, they attack with false accusations. I have experienced that a few times. I really never noticed verse 2 in that context -- "I shall not be greatly shaken." I have been shaken to the core by false accusations during my time as a squadron commander and again as a director. They hurt. Some of my accusers I considered friends. But as much as I was shaken, I did not fall. I held my ground; I held onto the truth; I trusted in my integrity; and I trusted God's sovereignty. The last time, the event probably cost me financially and a future promotion. But today, I would not notice. God has provided abundantly. I pray for that person who tried to knock over the fence. I pray that person could realize their sin. I pray they could truly know Jesus. I pray for God's mercy on their life. And I pray I would not be bitter toward the person.

 

PONDER:

1. Are you in leadership? Be a leader and be cautious in your friendships with your employees.
2. Pray for your employees, even the ones who would seek to topple you from your lofty position.

 

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for protecting me through the years. I believe I was a great boss, and I believe the enemy wanted to destroy me for that reason. If I am ever in that position, I pray for sensitivity and insight into the needs of others.

QT 3/19/2024 Ps 61:1-3, Our need for time alone with God

Psalm 61:1–3 (ESV) —

1 Hear my cry, O God,

listen to my prayer;

2 from the end of the earth I call to you

when my heart is faint.

Lead me to the rock

that is higher than I,

3 for you have been my refuge,

a strong tower against the enemy.

 

NOTE: Sometimes, we just want to get above it all. It is so messy and ugly and dirty down here in this world. We want to step above, breathe in the clean air, see the big picture, and feel secure -- out of the troubles of our life. Our spirit feels the same way. We need a place to recover, to pour out our soul, and to feel secure. When the millennial age comes, we will have all of that and more, but right now, what do we have? I think most people do not know how to spend an extended time alone with God. Most have never experienced a half-day, whole day, or weekend away with God. They do not know what to do. They do not know how to be silent and listen to God. They do not know how to have a conversation alone with God. They do not know how to worship by themselves. It is a lost practice in our frenetic society.

 

PONDER:

1. How often do I get away and spend serious time (half-day, full-day, or a weekend) alone with God?
2. When was the last time I had time alone with God (TAG)?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you that in retirement I have no excuse. I can spend time alone with you. Thank you for teaching mean over the years how to spend time alone with you.

QT 3/18/2024 Ps 56:1-4, Our only hope is that which we are running away from

Psalm 56:1–4 (ESV) —

1 Be gracious to me, O God, for man tramples on me;

all day long an attacker oppresses me;

2 my enemies trample on me all day long,

for many attack me proudly.

3 When I am afraid,

I put my trust in you.

4 In God, whose word I praise,

in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.

What can flesh do to me?

 

NOTE: The phrase " … in God I trust; I shall not be afraid" is what stands out to me this morning. I don't (yet) have enemies seeking to trample me or all day oppressing me. In today's day and age, that could certainly happen. The constitution's emphases on freedom of religion hardly helps when liberal scholars believe it can be interpreted according the mores of the current time. But what doesn't change, is God. He is still there. He sits above all the nations. They are but a drop in the bucket. He laughs at our feeble attempts to unseat him. I believe He cries at their (the world's) acceptance of ideas that only hurt and kill children, the poor, woman, and people in general. Redefining marriage or gender is a pathway to destruction. Eliminating work is not good. Exalting sexual immorality destroys our own souls. Yes, the worldview attacks me, and maybe soon, the purveyors of the worldview will come after me too. But, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can the world really do to me?

 

PONDER:

1. We live in a broken society. Do we see it?
2. What am I placing my hope in, … technology, philosophy, self? It is all empty.

 

PRAYER: Father, I pray that true Christians would have courage to stand up for your truth and not shrink back. The only help for this world is to know you and to live according to your standard.

QT 3/15/2024 Ps 54:1-7, Where are my enemies?

Psalm 54:1–7 (ESV) —

1 O God, save me by your name,

and vindicate me by your might.

2 O God, hear my prayer;

give ear to the words of my mouth.

3 For strangers have risen against me;

ruthless men seek my life;

they do not set God before themselves. Selah

4 Behold, God is my helper;

the Lord is the upholder of my life.

5 He will return the evil to my enemies;

in your faithfulness put an end to them.

6 With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to you;

I will give thanks to your name, O Lord, for it is good.

7 For he has delivered me from every trouble,

and my eye has looked in triumph on my enemies.

 

NOTE: I really haven't had many enemies in life. Certainly there have been people who do not like by beliefs, but they have been peaceable. I have disagreed with people on algorithmic approaches to problems, even philosophical understanding of equations. I would not call those interactions friendly, but they were not my enemies. I think my enemies would be people who really don't know me and make assumptions about me. I have had people who have discredited me in order to reduce the threat to their career. But I can't say I have thought much on those situations. I can't really think of anyone I hold a grudge against because of something they have done to me. Maybe I forget too easily. My enemy is my flesh and the worldly system that the Satan has set up to fight against me. That battle is every day. All I can do, is to pick myself up after each battle, and prepare for the next. Sometimes I am successful in doing the right thing, often times not. I believe that God is my judge. And he will bring justice to a world awash in evil and injustice. This world even uses the moniker of justice to spread injustice. Everything is upside down. All I can say is, come Lord Jesus, come.

 

PONDER:

1. Are my lack of enemies because I have compromised myself so much to the world that I do not cause conflict?
2. Are my lack of enemies because I treat those who disagree with gentleness and respect?

 

PRAYER: Father, I want to be a light and to stand up for truth, even when it is not appreciated. I want to do it with gentleness and respect. But I do not want to shrink back just to avoid conflict.

QT 3/14/2024 Ps 51:7-10, Becoming like Jesus

Psalm 51:7–10 (ESV) —

7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;

wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

8 Let me hear joy and gladness;

let the bones that you have broken rejoice.

9 Hide your face from my sins,

and blot out all my iniquities.

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God,

and renew a right spirit within me.

 

NOTE: Sin tears at our soul. It is impossible to live sinless in a sin-marred flesh and in a sin-marred world. Repentance is our relief and restoration. And sanctification transforms us degree by degree into stronger men and women of God. But the transformation requires three steps. One: transformation does not occur unless we have the Holy Spirit (given when we believe). Two: transformation does not occur until we give ourselves over to God's rule and allow the Holy Spirit to fill us. Three: Transformation does not occur unless we are daily and regularly taking the word of God into our soul. Only the word of God has the power to transform our heart and mind. Most people, who call themselves Christians do not daily meet with God in his word, and their lives do not change appreciably. I wonder if they are even true Christians. If we are truly serious about knowing God and changing, we will make reading his word the top priority of our life.

 

PONDER:

1. How many days a week do I spend in God's word?
2. How much time each day do I spend in God's word?
3. What is the evidence of transformation in my life? Does anyone notice?

 

PRAYER: Father, continue the work of transforming me. I don't want to be a fake or phony. I want to obey you completely in my spirit. I want to become more and more like Jesus.

QT 3/13/2024 Ps 50:7-11, Learning to really give

Psalm 50:7–11 (ESV) —

7 “Hear, O my people, and I will speak;

O Israel, I will testify against you.

I am God, your God.

8 Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you;

your burnt offerings are continually before me.

9 I will not accept a bull from your house

or goats from your folds.

10 For every beast of the forest is mine,

the cattle on a thousand hills.

11 I know all the birds of the hills,

and all that moves in the field is mine.

 

NOTE: When we give out of our abundance, we are not really giving, because our 'sacrifices' aren't really sacrifices. A true offering to God costs something, not because he needs our works or our pain or any other ugly argument, but because true love sacrifices for the another. Jesus gave his life as a sacrifice for our sin because he loved us. As scripture says, no greater love has a man than this, to sacrifice his life for another. Giving money is good, but if giving a tithe is easy (it really doesn't affect our budget), what gift is that? Giving time is an even greater gift, because it is our most valuable commodity.

 

Yesterday, I had a chance to volunteer at a kitchen for the homeless. I had to wake up a 5am to get in. I had to drive through rush hour traffic to get downtown. And then I serve three hours preparing and serving food. And then I had to drive another half hour home. What I noticed was that my time is very precious to me. The actual volunteering was easier than the steps to get there. But that sacrifice is just as important as the serving of the food.

 

PONDER:

1. Where are areas that I need to start giving more of my time?
2. What are the true sacrifices of my life?

 

PRAYER: Father, thanks for the opportunity to serve. It seems like such a little thing compared to all that you do. I feel like I am giving two pennies. But, I enjoyed serving others. As I begin this habit, give me ideas how to share my faith to those around me. I want to use all things as a witness for you.

QT 3/12/2024 Ps 46:8-11, Judgment is nearer each day

Psalm 46:8–11 (ESV) —

8 Come, behold the works of the Lord,

how he has brought desolations on the earth.

9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;

he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;

he burns the chariots with fire.

10 “Be still, and know that I am God.

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth!”

11 The Lord of hosts is with us;

the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

 

NOTE: Once again we live in a time when a nation (or tribe) has lifted up the sword against Israel. Hamas attacked Israel on Oct 7. Hezbollah attacks as well. The nation of Yemen attacks shipping in support of the attacks against Israel. Hamas sits where the Philistines sat. There are that thorn in the side that you try to live with but you never can. Every so often it flares up. It is reminder of what you didn't do when you had the chance and now it is not possible. At one point in history, God commanded the genocide of a half dozen nations that existed in the land of Israel. We may argue that was unfair. God took Israel out of the land and gave the people of that land 400 years to repent, but they did not. So he removed them. God does not have to justify his actions. He gave us life and he can take it away. He does not need to give us time to repent, although he does because he is merciful and does not desire any to perish.

 

Our arguments are futile if God is the creator of all life. They only sound good to ourselves. And now, we come close to the end of the ages, and he is still waiting for all nations to repent. He promises to snatch away those who have placed their faith in Jesus before that awful day of judgment. There will be a peace treaty protecting Israel and those who want it destroyed. Then the countdown starts. Three and one-half years later, the treaty will be broken, and nearly 7 years after the peace treaty, after more than half of the people on earth have died, the Lord will return. He will establish the first government ever that has perfect justice. He will reign for a thousand years. This is the day to repent before that awful day of judgment comes.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I hide behind arguments against God that will never stand before God?
2. Do I think God is like me?
3. Do I think God has a small brain like me?
4. Do I understand what the infinite really means?

 

PRAYER: Father, open our minds to truth, your truth.

1 Corinthians 2:9 (ESV) — 9 But, as it is written,

“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,

nor the heart of man imagined,

what God has prepared for those who love him”—

We need to see things from your perspective, we are blinded by our own sin. Open our eyes to truth …

QT 3/11/2024 Ps 42:1-4, What do we truly seek?

Psalm 42:1–4 (ESV) —

1 As a deer pants for flowing streams,

so pants my soul for you, O God.

2 My soul thirsts for God,

for the living God.

When shall I come and appear before God?

3 My tears have been my food

day and night,

while they say to me all the day long,

“Where is your God?”

4 These things I remember,

as I pour out my soul:

how I would go with the throng

and lead them in procession to the house of God

with glad shouts and songs of praise,

a multitude keeping festival.

 

NOTE: Every psalm seems to contain a favorite verse of mine. During the years of suffering, the psalms cried along with me and comforted me. When life is (or seems to be) falling apart, everything becomes worthless and empty. All the dreams, all the expectations of life, all the stuff becomes meaningless -- and all you want is God's comfort. You yearn for peace, for a joy that is beyond understanding, for a reason that life can be so painful and yet still have meaning. Nothing answers that yearning except God. He remains the only answer for a world that makes no sense. He created it beautiful and he created it for eternity, but we rebelled and told him that we wanted to be our own gods, we wanted to determine right and wrong for ourselves, and so what was beautiful and perfect became badly marred. And even more importantly, we hid from God. So, when we finally realize that our kingdom won't work and we repent of our rebellion and turn to him; we realize how much he is all we ever wanted. And so pain becomes, not a reason to doubt his existence, but that which brings us back to where we should have always been.

 

I don't live in that pain today, but the scars are still there. They are not far under, and are easily touched and remembered. And, amazingly, they are good now, because they showed me my real need, and changed me.

 

PONDER:

1. What is our yearning?
2. Who are we really living for?
3. What (or who) do we think will really provide what we are searching for?

 

PRAYER: Father, I have said many times, that I would not choose to go through what I did to get where I am today. But I do see your hand of love and I do see the good you brought into my life through the pain. I have so much still to learn. I still think of myself before others, but I believe that you are changing me, little by little. There is little I can say, but 'thank you!' I have no crowns to throw down at your feet. Lead and guide me, and with your help, I will listen.

QT 3/8/2024 Ps 40:4-5, Are we sure what is really the lie?

Psalm 40:4–5 (ESV) —

4 Blessed is the man who makes

the Lord his trust,

who does not turn to the proud,

to those who go astray after a lie!

5 You have multiplied, O Lord my God,

your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us;

none can compare with you!

I will proclaim and tell of them,

yet they are more than can be told.

 

NOTE: There is always a new thing, a new idea, a new get-rich scheme, a new diet, etc. But there is a constant, and that is God. One of the constants is the hatred expressed toward God. I read a post today where someone complained about being strung along waiting for something, and then remarked that the only thing he hated worse, was being told by a person that they would pray for him. Why such hatred for God? I understand they think belief in God is a myth, but they don't do the same thing when someone mentions the Easter bunny, Santa Clause, the tooth fairy, or even the mystical karma. People hate God inwardly because they have been brainwashed by the evil one to do exactly that. The hatred is not for a myth, but that there is another who is owed their allegiance and life, and has the authority to say what is right and wrong with their life. They will probably hate the bible as well because we are a rebellious people since the time of Adam and Eve. Wholeness starts with repentance. Until we repent of our sins and our attitude toward God, we will always struggle with an inward anger that we can't let go of. We are destroying ourselves on the basis of a lie -- the lie that there is no God.

 

PONDER:

1. How much healthy could you be if you were able to let go of the anger within?
2. Have you ever really searched for the truth, or have you searched for people who agree with your opinion?

 

PRAYER: Father, open our eyes. Help us to see the lies that we follow. Return us back again to faith in you. Heal us and save us from ourselves.

QT 3/7/2024 Ps 37:21-29, Confident in the future

Psalm 37:21–29 (ESV) —

21 The wicked borrows but does not pay back,

but the righteous is generous and gives;

22 for those blessed by the Lord shall inherit the land,

but those cursed by him shall be cut off.

23 The steps of a man are established by the Lord,

when he delights in his way;

24 though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong,

for the Lord upholds his hand.

25 I have been young, and now am old,

yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken

or his children begging for bread.

26 He is ever lending generously,

and his children become a blessing.

27 Turn away from evil and do good;

so shall you dwell forever.

28 For the Lord loves justice;

he will not forsake his saints.

They are preserved forever,

but the children of the wicked shall be cut off.

29 The righteous shall inherit the land

and dwell upon it forever.

 

NOTE: In this passage, the focus of justice is how the wicked treat the righteous (vs 28). We can lend and are not hurt by the person who does not repay because we have an immeasurable eternal reward. We don't have to worry about what happens, even missteps and failures are short adventures because God has prepared our way for us.

 

I was young and now am old, I don't know what my last quarter of life holds for me, but I am at peace. I know that I must act and use my days wisely. They must not be spent upon myself, but must be spent in service to others. I see myself volunteering, leading the discipleship ministry, and teaching. Next year, when I am allowed to make money again, I would like to teach math to expand my ministry outreach. These are wonderful days, and as such, it is important to remember God even more. I have time to pray and I must. I have the time to do good and I must.

 

PONDER:

What is the plan for the future? Am I looking to God for answers?

 

PRAYER: Father, the boundary lines have fallen in pleasant places. Use me for good in the lives of others. I want to use these remaining years for ministry and helping others. And just in case I am missing something, help me to see your plan for me.

QT 3/6/2024 Ps 37:1-9, Healthy witness

Psalm 37:1–9 (ESV) —

1 Fret not yourself because of evildoers;

be not envious of wrongdoers!

2 For they will soon fade like the grass

and wither like the green herb.

3 Trust in the Lord, and do good;

dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.

4 Delight yourself in the Lord,

and he will give you the desires of your heart.

5 Commit your way to the Lord;

trust in him, and he will act.

6 He will bring forth your righteousness as the light,

and your justice as the noonday.

7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;

fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way,

over the man who carries out evil devices!

8 Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath!

Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.

9 For the evildoers shall be cut off,

but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.

 

NOTE: This passage has such good healthy advice. It really is a recipe for emotional health. The key is letting go of grudges, worries, and hurts that others have caused or are causing. Their time will come, there is more to this life than the short "seen" 80 years. Fretting and worrying about the future, getting angry at the news -- these things will destroy a person in time. What does it matter if evil seems to win, we know the final score. God is completely aware and the nations are a drop in the bucket to him. We need to let go of politics. We need to be good citizens, but our true energies should be directed to our Christian witness and growing in love for those around us. Politics won't save them, but Jesus will if we can show them the love of Jesus.

 

PONDER:

Do I let the news bother me? Why? What is my real motivation?

 

PRAYER: Father, help me to rest in your control. Help me to be a good neighbor -- a faithful, kind, and gentle neighbor. I want my love to be so much like Jesus, that it wins them to the savior.

QT 3/5/2024 Ps 36:7-12, Transformation to maturity

Psalm 36:7–12 (ESV) —

7 How precious is your steadfast love, O God!

The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

8 They feast on the abundance of your house,

and you give them drink from the river of your delights.

9 For with you is the fountain of life;

in your light do we see light.

10 Oh, continue your steadfast love to those who know you,

and your righteousness to the upright of heart!

11 Let not the foot of arrogance come upon me,

nor the hand of the wicked drive me away.

12 There the evildoers lie fallen;

they are thrust down, unable to rise.

 

NOTE: I have been reading Emotionally Healthy Discipleship. At first I was confused as to what the author was discussing. The clue should have been the words "emotionally healthy," since it appears he is discussing what happens when discipleship does not involve transformation. Outside of the church, the process is maturity, but it is process that gets short-circuited for many individuals. The advantage for the believer is that it does not have to be short-circuited, the word of God in the power of the Holy Spirit can transform a person. But, it doesn't always happen in the church, and the question is why? As I read verse 11 above, part of the answer is there. We succumb (or never grow out of it) to arrogance and wickedness. That is the problem, but what is the answer? The author suggests it is a religion that is a mile wide, and an inch (or half-inch) deep. But how does that happen? I think it happens when faith becomes religion and not a relationship, and knowing God does not involve key actions: daily listening to God speak directly to me; regularly talking to God; being transparent with other believers of my struggles and faults; being held accountable for change; and sharing my faith through word and action. Transformation causes me to love, to really love others, and not myself or my demands.

 

PONDER:

1. Where am I still immature emotionally?
2. How can I grow in that area and be transformed?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for the changes. The only sad thing is that many changes have taken almost 47 years. And I'm still working on others. And finally, there are all the ones I don't know about. Search me, know my heart. Show me my hidden faults. Help me to grow and transform into a loving man who deeply impacts those around me.

QT 3/4/2024 Ps 34:8-13, What does a deep relationship with God taste like?

Psalm 34:8–14 (ESV) —

8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!

Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!

9 Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints,

for those who fear him have no lack!

10 The young lions suffer want and hunger;

but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.

11 Come, O children, listen to me;

I will teach you the fear of the Lord.

12 What man is there who desires life

and loves many days, that he may see good?

13 Keep your tongue from evil

and your lips from speaking deceit.

14 Turn away from evil and do good;

seek peace and pursue it.

 

NOTE: It is hard to explain to another what a relationship with God feels like. Is it an absence of struggles? No. Is it an abundance of material blessings? No. Is it when everything goes right and there is no conflict? No. All those things are part and parcel of the rebellion -- the fall of man that occurred in the garden when Adam and Eve chose to be their own gods and decide what is right and wrong for them. What does it mean to taste and see? In some sense the wording tells you that it cannot be explained, you have to taste for yourself, only then can you see the truth. Looking from the outside in, is a poor view. But if it was possible, how would I describe it? There is a peace, not devoid of suffering or struggle, but one that calms the heart. There is a joy that gladdens the soul (somewhere deep, deep inside me). There is a certain hope in the future that someday all things will be made right. There is a new found love between my judge and my savior. I am loved completely and independently of anything I have ever done. I guess that’s it: peace, joy, certain hope, and unmerited love.

 

PONDER:

1. Have we taken God at his word and actually tasted him?
2. Where do I start to taste God? Pour yourself into his word each and every day.

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for what you are doing in me and all around me. Thank you for the spiritual changes you are bringing about. I am unworthy

QT 3/1/2024 Psalm 33:13-22, Remembering God in the good days

Psalm 33:13–22 (ESV) —

13 The Lord looks down from heaven;

he sees all the children of man;

14 from where he sits enthroned he looks out

on all the inhabitants of the earth,

15 he who fashions the hearts of them all

and observes all their deeds.

16 The king is not saved by his great army;

a warrior is not delivered by his great strength.

17 The war horse is a false hope for salvation,

and by its great might it cannot rescue.

18 Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him,

on those who hope in his steadfast love,

19 that he may deliver their soul from death

and keep them alive in famine.

20 Our soul waits for the Lord;

he is our help and our shield.

21 For our heart is glad in him,

because we trust in his holy name.

22 Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us,

even as we hope in you.

 

NOTE: God looks down and sees us. We are always in his vision. He fashions our hearts. Who we are and what we are, is because of Him. It is not our strength that his given us money, power, or prestige. It is not our strength that will save us. All that we are, is what he has given us and brought about in our lives. We are indebted and dependent upon Him at all times. We need to wait upon him. He is our help and our shield.

 

When times are good, remember him. When times are bad, remember him.

 

Lamentations 3:38 (ESV) —

Is it not from the mouth of the Most High

that good and bad come?

Isaiah 45:7 (ESV) —

I form light and create darkness;

I make well-being and create calamity;

I am the Lord, who does all these things.

 

Things seem very good these days. And that is all the more reason to be thankful and remember that God holds my life in his hands.

 

PONDER:

1. How often (especially in the good times) do I remember to thank God?
2. Do I only go to God in deep prayer when times are bad?

 

PRAYER: Father, I thank you for the word of God and the reminder to thank you. I don't want to be absorbed in life, I want to be absorbed in your will.