One Minute Devotional

Praising God for the Future

2012-02-11T01:00:00.001-06:00

Praise him, O heaven and earth, the seas and all that move in them. For God will save Jerusalem and rebuild the towns of Judah. His people will live there and settle in their own land. The descendants of those who obey him will inherit the land, and those who love him will live there in safety. Psalm 69: 34-36 NLT

What future happenings can you praise God for? Or are you still praising God for things that happened last week or even a few moments ago? Is it possible to thank God and give God glory for things that have not yet occurred?

What do you think God will do for you in your immediate future?

I guess I know of things that I want to happen. However, all that I am assured of is that God will provide. God knows what is best and I will follow him, no matter what that means. I am assured because I have seen it happen in the not so distant past. All I can do is trust God. And when I am truly trusting God, I can truly praise him.

God, I praise you and give you the glory for things you have not yet done in my life and in the world. May all the world give you praise and glory. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Really Pleasing God

2012-02-10T01:00:00.001-06:00

Then I will praise God's name with singing, and I will honor him with thanksgiving. For this will please the Lord more than sacrificing cattle, more than presenting a bull with its horns and hooves. The humble will see their God at work and be glad. Let all who seek God's help be encouraged. For the Lord hears the cries of the needy; he does not despise his imprisoned people. Psalm 69: 30-33 NLT

What do you think you could do that would really please God? I mean really please God.

The psalmist says that God is more pleased with ardent praise than in carrying large offerings to the sanctuary. In other words, God wants our hearts more than our stuff.

Where in your life have you kept your heart distant from God? How have you used your “offerings” as a replacement of your true self and an abiding relationship with your Creator?

What can you do to change that?

God, I will praise your name with singing and honor you with thanksgiving. I will turn my heart to you and sacrifice my praise. I will offer to you all that I am and honor you in the process. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

I am suffering and in pain

2012-02-09T01:00:00.000-06:00

Let the bountiful table set before them become a snare and their prosperity become a trap. Let their eyes go blind so they cannot see, and make their bodies shake continually. Pour out your fury on them; consume them with your burning anger.Let their homes become desolate and their tents be deserted. To the one you have punished, they add insult to injury; they add to the pain of those you have hurt. Pile their sins up high, and don't let them go free. Erase their names from the Book of Life; don't let them be counted among the righteous. I am suffering and in pain. Rescue me, O God, by your saving power. Psalm 69: 22-29 NLT

Okay. Seems like the psalmist has had enough. Is this just anger speaking?

The first verse reminds me of the twenty-third psalm – a table is prepared in the presence of our enemies. But here, instead of feasting in front of the enemies, it is the enemies who have the table of food that becomes a trap for them. This is really where the tables are turned!

But why asking for them to go blind, to have tremors, to be consumed with God's anger, to have their homes become desolate? These enemies have added their own contempt to God's judgment. The psalmist wants to God to pile up their own sins and throw them in the dungeon. In fact, he wants their names erased from the book of life.

These petitions are spoken from one who is in a great deal of pain. Pain and suffering can create a great deal of anger, especially toward the ones who increase, or are the cause of, the suffering.

If you have ever been in a time of great pain and suffering, perhaps you can relate.

God, rescue me by your saving power. Keep me from suffering that would cause me to ask for others to be punished or make angry demands upon you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Nobody knows the troubles I've seen

2012-02-08T01:00:00.000-06:00

You know of my shame, scorn and disgrace. You see all that my enemies are doing. Their insults have broken my heart, and I am in despair. If only one person would show some pity; if only one would turn and comfort me. But instead, they give me poison for food; they offer me sour wine for my thirst. Psalm 69: 19 -21 NLT

Sometimes it seems like nobody cares for us at all. Only God knows what we are going through, yet what we really want is some human sympathy. When people have broken our heart, we need other people to help us to heal and live through it.

Think about a time when others seems to have broken your heart. What insults did they throw your way? What poison did they feed you? Did no one show pity or even empathy with your plight? Did you pray to God? What did you pray for, exactly?

As we shall see, this psalm become quite bitter and bloodthirsty. I would imagine that those surrounding the psalmist were causing deep and lasting hurt.

God, sometimes it seems as though no one is for me. Only you are with me. But I don't always feel your presence. I seem to keep praying but my prayers go unanswered. I just want someone to understand what I am going through, to see the situation through my eyes. Help me, Lord, help me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Free me!

2012-02-07T01:00:00.000-06:00

Answer my prayers, O Lord, for your unfailing love is wonderful. Take care of me, for your mercy is so plentiful. Don't hide from your servant; answer me quickly, for I am in deep trouble! Come and redeem me; free me from my enemies. Psalm 69: 16-18 NLT

There seems to be a theme of freedom in Psalm 69. If you get a chance this week, take some time to read the whole psalm in one sitting. The idea of freedom or loss of freedom come up again and again.

How would you define being free from your enemies? Free from bills or constant credit bureau calls? Free from having to work? Free from worrying about your kids or grandkids? Free from pain in your body?

I would like to be free from fear and worry. Often my worries morph into fears. I try to change them into prayers but they sneak back again in other ways. I really, really try to give them up but they seem to be constant.

But God's unfailing love is wonderful! God's mercy is plentiful! God will take care of me, even when I am in deep trouble. God will come and redeem me and free me from my enemies – even if they are my worries.

God, free us from whatever or whoever our enemies are today. We pray for this freedom in Jesus' name. Amen.

Don't let me sink any deeper!

2012-02-06T01:00:00.000-06:00

Passion for your house has consumed me, and the insults of those who insult you have fallen on me. When I weep and fast, they scoff at me. When I dress in burlap to show sorrows, they make fun of me. I am the favorite topic of town gossip, and all the drunks sing about me. But I keep praying to you, Lord, hoping this time you will show me favor. In your unfailing love, O God, answer my prayer with your sure salvation. Rescue me from the mud; don't let me sink any deeper! Save me from those who hate me, and pull me from these deep waters. Don't let the floods overwhelm me, or the deep waters swallow me, or the pit of death devour me. Psalm 69: 9-15 NLT

Asking God for forgiveness and being humbled is one thing.

Asking others for forgiveness and/or asking God through others is much harder.

The psalmist has realized his mistakes and, it order to make amends, he has gone to what seems to be the extreme. He is spending all his time in the temple. He is weeping and fasting. He is wearing sackcloth (we know this as burlap), a very scratchy material used to transport feed and grain. Traditionally, this was worn in Biblical times to indicate mourning. He prays constantly to God for forgiveness.

Meanwhile, he has become a laughing stock in front of his hometown. People are making fun of him and everyone is gossiping about him and what he has done (you can imagine how that goes). Even the town drunks are ridiculing him by singing drinking songs with him as the subject.

So, the psalmist is asking for God's help in getting through this time of humiliation. He is already humbled enough. He asked that God not let all this overwhelm him. The best thing he is doing is not to give up on God and to continue to pray.

Have you ever tried to make things “right” but just made things worse or made yourself a laughing stock instead of a savior? If so, you can relate to the psalmist.

In your unfailing love, O God, answer my prayer with your sure salvation. Rescue me from the mud; don't let me sink any deeper! Save me from those who hate me, and pull me from these deep waters. Don't let the floods overwhelm me, or the deep waters swallow me, or the pit of death devour me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

You know how foolish I am

2012-02-05T01:00:00.000-06:00

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, O Sovereign Lord of Heaven's Armies. Don't let me cause them to be humiliated, O God of Israel. For I endure insults for your sake; humiliation is written all over my face. Even my own brothers pretend they don't know me; they treat me like a stranger. Psalm 69: 5-8 NLT

God knows our sins and our foolishness.

That doesn't mean we want everyone else to know. That does not indicate that our faults should bring down other faithful people. We don't want others to be ashamed for what we have done.

We should be filled with remorse when our sins come to light but why should what we have done wrong bring others down with us?

I suppose part of that is the nature of sin: it is more corporate than personal.

Jesus told us that the greatest commandment was to love God with all that we have and to love our neighbor has ourself. Neighbor and self are connected. In breaking one, we break the other. Our sin affects us and our neighbor. We don't like to think so, of course. Afterall, what we have done in the privacy of our own homes should not have anythign to do with other people.

Yet, the psalmist understands that his shame really does affect others. Even his own brothers treat him as a stranger.

How are your sins and mistakes affecting others?

Take time now to admit as much as you possibly can to God. Ask for forgiveness.

God, you know how foolish I am. Please forgive me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Save me, O God.

2012-02-04T01:00:00.000-06:00

Save me, O God, for the floodwaters are up to my neck. Deeper and deeper I sink into the mire; I can't find a foothold. I am in deep water, and the floods overwhelm me. I am exhausted from crying for help; my throat is parched. My eyes are swollen with weeping, waiting for my God to help me. Those who hate me without cause outnumber the hairs on my head. Many enemies try to destroy me with lies, demanding that I give back what I didn't steal. Psalm 69: 1-5 NLT

Often we can have a couple of bad things happen and we may fuss but then we go on. But sometimes things can really seem to pile up on top of one another and life just begins to get to us. I'm not talking an absolute tragedy. I am talking about when things pile up one after another. You get a late notice, your cell phone falls in the commode, your daughter totals your car, you have to have major dental work, your company is being restructured, and they made a mistake on your credit card bill. That paper cut you get in the next five minutes is not going to be a minor incident. You are going to be screaming things you would not say in church.

Those are what come to my mind when the psalmist says he is up to his neck in flood waters. He is sinking deeper and deeper into the muck. He has been crying, weeping, calling out to God. Enemies seem to be multiplying so much that they are more than the hairs on his head. It has even come to being blamed for a crime he did not commit.

What do you do when you get up to your neck in life? What happens when you cry out to God but things continue to pile up? How do you handle having others act like enemies?

I often lose my temper. But, I should probably spend more time in prayer and perhaps give poetic voice to my complaints, much like the psalmist did.

God, save me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

God is awesome in his sanctuary

2012-02-03T01:00:00.000-06:00

Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth. Sing praises to the Lord. Sing to the one who rides across the ancient heavens, his mighty voice thundering from the sky. Tell everyone about God's power. His majesty shines down on Israel; his strength is mighty in the heavens. God is awesome in his sanctuary. The God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God! Psalm 68: 32-35 NLT

The conclusion of Psalm 68 is a song of praise to God in which all the countries in the world are asked to give God praise and glory. Everyone is asked to share what God has done. God is praised for who God is and what God's might is like.

If you were asked to sing a song to God at this moment, what song would you sing? Could you at least hum it right now? Why do you think that song comes to mind?

If you were asked to share just one thing about your relationship with God, what would it be? What story would you tell to describe your relationship?

Can you name one thing you would like to praise God during this time of prayer?

God, I sing to you, I praise you and I share with a glad heart of all you have done for me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Submit To God

2012-02-02T01:00:00.001-06:00

Summon your might, O God. Display your power O God as you have in the past. The kings of the earth are bringing tribute to your Temple in Jerusalem. Rebuke these enemy nations – these wild animals lurking in the reeds, this herd of bulls among the weaker calves. Make them bring bars of silver in humble tribute. Scatter the nations that delight in war. Let Egypt come with gifts of precious metals; let Ethiopia bow in submission to God. Psalm 68: 28- 31 NLT

Having trouble with your neighboring countries? Ask for God's help!

Ask for God to display his power and might. Ask that the leaders of the other countries may come and bring God gifts in worship. Ask God to rebuke the enemies that are like wild animals in the reeds, or a herd of bulls among weak calves or even a bull in a china shop: they are causing wreckage and havoc and need to be stopped. May they bring bigger tithes and give of themselves. Make them no longer to desire war but to bow in submission to God.

But before you get too cocky in your prayers, better make sure you have submitted to God. Are you bringing your best to him? What kind of gifts have you given in worship? Are you causing havoc around you? Are you for peace in your neighborhood or for war?

God, summon your might and display your power. May we submit to you, may all the nations submit to you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

God's Point of View

2012-02-01T12:01:00.000-06:00

Your procession has come into view, O God – the procession of my God and King as he goes into the sanctuary. Singers are in front, musicians behind; between them are young women playing tambourines. Praise God, all you people of Israel; praise the Lord, the source of Israel's life. Look, the little tribe of Benjamin leads the way. Then comes a great throng of rulers from Judah and all the rulers of Zebulun and Naphtali. Psalm 68: 24-27 NLT

The procession of my God and King as he goes into the Sanctuary. What an image of God entering with God's people! First there at the singers and musicians. Then comes the young women playing tambourines – certainly people of no consequence. Then, of all the tribes, the smallest one leads the way with the other tribes following. When God enters God's dwelling place, the least and the last will be first.

Funny how God does things backwards. God looks for and honors the least, the lost, the poor, the powerless, the weak, the helpless, the downtrodden, the peacemakers, the grieving, the meek and the forgotten. Yet, we look up to those who are powerful, rich, well-educated, well-spoken, strong, out-going, and memorable. How can we change our point of view? Could you start by allowing your own worship to reflect the procession described in Psalm 68? Instead of the most important people in the church, begin with children or those newly baptized, the single members or those who don't have as much “pull” in church politics.

God, we praise you, the source of our life! May our worship and our life outlook reflect you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Loving our Guilty Ways

2012-01-30T01:00:00.002-06:00

But God will smash the heads of his enemies, crushing the skulls of those who love their guilty ways. The Lord says, “I will bring my enemies down from Bashan; I will bring them up from the depths of the sea. You, my people will wash your feet in their blood, and even your dogs will get their share!” Psalm 68: 21-23 NLT

Bloody, vengeful and insulting. That is today's reading.

God's enemies may have gone up the highest mountains or even drowned in the farthermost seas but they still remain in God's reach. In fact, this God is pretty bloody and vengeful. Smashing the enemies heads and crushing the skulls of those who love their guilty ways. Forget the threats of hell, this is worse! Then, the righteous will wash their feet in the blood of the enemies. This is insulting. Even the dogs will take part in this! This is beyond insulting.

God is pretty angry, don't you think?

How much do you love your guilty ways? You probably loved them more before reading this devotional today. And I don't think God is going to come mash your head in and pour your blood on the streets to be trampled by dogs. I think that was the psalmist's own desire. But I do think God becomes very disappointed in us when we love the things that tempt us, that lead us to sin. This is a time in our day for us to take an honest look at what we really love in our lives and admit to ourselves and to God when we are in love with our guilty ways.

God, forgive me for loving the things you hate. Forgive me for continuing to do those things you don't want me to do...and enjoying them in the process. Forgive me for allowing sin to reign over my life when you so desperately want to be my only sovereign. In Jesus' name. Amen.

God is Holding You

2012-01-29T01:00:00.001-06:00

Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms. Our God is a God who saves! The Sovereign Lord rescues us from death. Psalm 68: 19-20 NLT

For each day, God carries us in his arms.

Is that not a comforting thought? Today (or tomorrow if you are reading this devotional at night) keep those words in your head. Maybe write them down or make them your social website status:

God is carrying me in his arms today.

Meditate on this; think about this as you are driving to work, washing dishes, texting your friends, working in the yard, even watching television.

God, I praise you, my Lord and my savior! Each day you carry me in your arms and today is no exception. Do I not get heavy at times? Don't you wish to put me down? Am I struggling even while you give me love and support? I am so blessed and thankful for your saving love and grace. In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen.

Becoming Jealous

2012-01-28T01:00:00.003-06:00

The mountains of Bashan are majestic, with many peaks stretching high into the sky. Why do you look with envy, O rugged mountains, at Mount Zion, where God has chose to live, where the Lord himself will live forever? Surrounded by unnumbered thousands of chariots, the Lord came from Mount Sinai into his sanctuary. When you ascended to the heights, you led a crowd of captives. You received gifts from people, even from those who rebelled against you. Now the Lord God will live among us there. Psalm 68: 15-18 NLT

These verses address the majestic mountains of Bashan. Although they are massive, they are still jealous of Mount Zion, a single mountain that is not all that high. This is because God has chosen to live there. God came from Mount Sinai with an endless army and entered his dwelling place on Mount Zion. God led those who were captured and now were to be slaves. Gifts were given to God from those who had fought against him. God has been victorious and little Mount Zion is the winner.

Obviously, there has been a battle against a much superior foe. The people of God have been victorious and the tributes and captives have arrived in Jerusalem. God is among the people there rather than in the mountains of Bashan. This is actually the area we now know as the Golan Heights, the mountain range north of the Sea of Galilee. Although it is a beautiful place, God has not chose to dwell there.

Has God chosen to dwell with you?

What will others see in your life to make them jealous of God's presence in your life?

Taking Care of God's Enemies

2012-01-27T01:00:00.003-06:00

The Lord gives the word, and a great army brings the good news. Enemy kings and their armies flee, while the women of Israel divide the plunder. Even those who lived among the sheepfolds found treasures – doves with wings of silver and feathers of gold. The Almighty scattered the enemy kings like a blowing snowstorm on Mount Zalmon. Psalm 68: 11-14 NLT

God took care of the enemy so thoroughly that even the poorest among God's people got a share of their enemies' valuable idols.

Who would you consider to be your enemy? A co-worker or even your boss? A family member? Someone in a government office? Your ex? The father of lies?

What would it look like if God “took care of” your enemy for you? Would they be scattered like a blowing snowstorm? Would they flee from your life, leaving you holding their most precious belongings? How would God announce this to you?

Until then, how will you live each day in the presence of your enemy? What will God do to give you courage and fortitude in the face of those who are out to get you?

God, save us from our enemies. Help us to feast even in their presence, knowing you are with us always. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Refresh us, Lord

2012-01-26T01:00:00.000-06:00

O God, when you led your people out from Egypt, when you marched through the dry wasteland, the earth trembled and the heavens poured down rain before you, God of Sinai, before God, the God of Israel. You sent abundant rain, O God, to refresh the weary land. There your people finally settled, and with a bountiful harvest, O God, you provided for your needy people. Psalm 68: 7-10 NLT

As I write this, I am in the middle of a storm. My dog is so scared that she is under my desk. While the thunder booms, the rain is pouring onto the roof and violently hitting the windows. So, when I hear about the earth trembling and the heavens pouring down rain before God in order to refresh the weary land, I can really relate.

But in the psalm, the Lord does this in order to provide for people who are needy. These are the people who have been wandering in the desert for years. These nomads need a home and plenty to eat. And the Lord provides what they need.

I think that is the key in this psalm. It is not up to us, but up to God. We can only do so much. God takes care of the rest and is our true provider. Next time you are in a thunderstorm, think of how God has poured out his mercy and grace on your own life.

God, we give you thanks and praise for your generous love and grace pouring down upon our lives. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Father to the Fatherless

2012-01-25T01:00:00.001-06:00

Father to the fatherless, defender of the widow--- this is God, whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy. But he makes the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land. Psalm 68: 5-6 NLT

What kind of family are you a part of? Is your immediate family a strong one? Or would you consider yourself part of a dysfunctional family? Does getting together with them over the holidays fill you with joy or dread? Do you consider yourself orphaned or single? Are you lonely? Are you under some kind of bondage or addiction or even in real-life prison?

God wants each one of us to belong. He does this be creating a new family for us. God becomes the father to those who do not have a father or even a parent. God becomes the life partner for those who are single. God finds the family for those who are lonely. God takes those who are under some kind of bondage and frees them, giving them joy.

God, help me to find the joy, the companionship and the family that you promise to us. In Jesus' name. Amen.

His name is the Lord!

2012-01-24T01:00:00.000-06:00

Rise up, O God, and scatter your enemies. Let those who hate God run for their lives. Blow them away like smoke. Melt them like wax in fire. Let the wicked perish in the presence of God. But let the godly rejoice. Let them be glad in God's presence. Let them be filled with joy. Sing praises to God and to his name! Sing loud praises to him who rides the clouds. His name is the Lord – rejoice in his presence! Psalm 68: 1-4 NLT

Psalm 68 is a pretty bloody psalm. It begins by asking God to get ride of all God's enemies in a most horrific way. It asks that God rise up and scatter all who hate God, making them run for their lives. But they won't be able to run. God will kill them by blowing them away like smoke and/or melting them like wax in fire. They will all die in the presence of God.

When this happens, everyone who is godly (and who is left) will rejoice. Probably because they were not incinerated! Seriously, the psalm says they will be glad in God's presence rather than dead. They will be filled with joy and sing to God.

You have got to be pretty angry to ask God to make this happen. You have to be incredibly confident in your own belief and relationship with God to want this. In fact, I think you would have to be down trodden and oppressed for this scenario to make you happy.

Maybe you are there right now. Maybe you have been there in the past. And you may possibly be there in the future. The destruction of God's enemies (and ours) aside, we all can pray for joy in God's presence.

God, no matter what, may I experience true joy in your presence. May I always be able to praise you when in worship and prayer. In Jesus' name. Amen.

What is stopping you?

2012-01-23T01:00:00.001-06:00

May the nations praise you, O God. Yes, may all the nations praise you. Then the earth will yield its harvests, and God, our God, will richly bless us. Yes, God will bless us, and people all over the world will fear him. Psalm 67: 5-7 NLT

The picture we receive from the psalmist comes in four parts.

All the nations praise God. We know from yesterday's devotional that we are the instruments to help people know about God so that this will come about.

Then the earth will yield its harvests. Has the earth been holding back? Are we talking about the plentiful bounty that is pictured in the garden of Eden? Have our worldy harvests just been a tip of the iceberg in terms of what the earth is capable of producing?
Then God will richly bless us. The bounty of the earth is not part of God's blessing. What for you would be God's blessing? Restored relationships? Harmony among peoples? World peace?
Then, people all over the world will fear God. I think this is more than trembling in one's boots. I think this is a mark of respect, awe and reverence. People all over the world will finally get it, will finally get God.

What is stopping you from helping to make the first step happen?

God, we want alll the nations to praise you. What must I do to make that come true? In Jesus' name. Amen.

May God's Ways be Known on Earth

2012-01-22T01:00:00.000-06:00

May your ways be known throughout the earth, your saving power among people everywhere. May the nations praise you, O God. Yes, may all the nations praise you. Let the whole world sing for joy, because you govern the nations with justice and guide the people of the whole world. Psalm 67: 2-4 NLT

So, how is this going to happen? Will God televise a live broadcast or place something on the internet so that everyone on earth with know God? Will people simply know suddenly, psychically, that God exits? Will everyone just start praising God, sort of like a world-wide flash mob?

No. We are the ones who are to spread the news about God's ways. We are the hands and feet that must show everyone God's saving power. God is depending on us to carry out Jesus' commandment. That doesn't mean that God won't be with us. God will fill us with the Holy Spirit to complete the task.

And what carries us from day to day is this promise: the picture of all nations praising God and all people singing for joy. The real time experience of God's saving justice and guidance will lead to a spontaneous praising of God. It may seem impossible but with God all things are possible.

God, keep us focused on our task. Help us not to get side-tracked by everyday life. May we see the vision of the whole world praising you come to life. In Jesus' name. Amen.

May God be merciful and bless us.

2012-01-21T09:24:00.002-06:00

May God be merciful and bless us. May his face shine with favor on us. Psalm 67: 1 NLT

A simple verse, a simple prayer. Yet, powerful and complex in its scope and desire.

May God be merciful. God's mercy is something we all should be asking for as we are sinful creatures. Even when we think we are right with God, we often harbor disobedient thoughts in our hearts. Asking for God to be merciful certainly covers a lot of mistakes!

May God bless us. God's blessing is more than just asking for provisions or rescue. If you receive God's blessing, you receive more than you could imagine.

May God's face shine with favor upon us. This is another way of asking for God's blessing. If God's face is shining upon you, God is paying attention to you and shedding his light on you. God is looking at you and directing his countenance upon you. To be in God's light and attention is more than a mere answering of our petitions; it is being in the light of perfection.

A simple verse, a simple prayer. Let's pray this now.

May God be merciful and bless us. May his face shine with favor on us. In Christ's name. Amen.

How to ask for help

2012-01-20T06:59:00.002-06:00

Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what he did for me. For I cried out to him for help, praising him as a I spoke. If I had not confessed the sin in my hearts, the Lord would not have listened. But God did listen! He paid attention to my prayer. Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer or withdraw his unfailing love from me. Psalm 66: 16-20 NLT

The psalmist wants to tell what God has done for them. But he doesn't just tell a story.

First he admits that he asked for help. In fact, he cried out for help. But even as he cried out, he praised God. So, even this request was a praise.

Second, he confessed the sins he had on his heart. Not what he had done but what he was thinking about. He admitted his weaknesses to God.

Because of this, God listened to him, acted on his request and continued to love him.

Where do you need God's help in your life? Ask, praise and confess and God will hear your prayer.

God, I need your help with ____________________. I praise your Holy name and your marvelous glory! I freely admit these sins which are on my heart: ___________________________________. Forgive me, Lord, and hear my prayer. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Keeping your Promise

2012-01-19T09:54:00.000-06:00

Now I come to your Temple with burnt offerings to fulfill the vows I made to you – yes, the sacred vows that I made when I was in deep trouble. That is why I am sacrificing burnt offerings to you – the best of my rams as a pleasing aroma, and a sacrifice of bulls and male goats. Psalm 66: 13-15 NLT

Have you ever made a vow to God? That is, have you ever promised God that you would do something for God in exchange for something else? Maybe if you received a certain grade in school, got a coveted promotion at work, were healed of a sickness or even lived through a near-death experience you would give your life over to God or always obey God's will. Did you get what you asked for? How have you held up on your part of the bargain?

The psalmist has made a vow. We don't know what it was but we do know that he was “in deep trouble.” Coming to the temple and offering these sacrifices probably did cost the psalmist some money as well as time. Rams, bulls and goats were never cheap and it seems like they have all been offered at once. There must have been some serious trouble and some intent vows!

The important part is that the psalmist has kept his word. No matter the cost, he is willing to fulfill his part of the bargain. In fact, he is giving the best of his own animals to God for a “pleasing aroma.” This is a selfless gift given to God.

Vow or not, what selfless gifts do you owe to God?

God, may I fulfill my promises made to you. May I continue to do your will and follow your guidance in all that I do beginning this very day. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Tested and purified

2012-01-18T01:00:00.000-06:00

You have tested us, O God; you have purified us like silver. You capture us in your net and laid the burden of slavery on our backs. Then you put a leader over us. We went through fire and flood, but you brought us to a place of great abundance. Psalm 66: 10-12 NLT

Psalm 66 both blames God for suffering yet gives God credit for the outcome.

I have been studying the book of James lately and have come to the understanding that God does not make us suffer in order to produce results. We suffer and God provides the opportunity to be molded in a different fashion by the end of what we are going through. We should see troubles as an opportunity to grow in our faith and endurance. This is what will produce full maturity in us.

Certainly there are times when God does not save us from suffering. In those times it is by God's help that we can come through better people. We go through fire and flood but God brings us to a place of great abundance. God never leaves us alone (God provides a leader) and God never forgets us.

God, you are always with me, even when I go through times of trouble and suffering. Help me to hang on to you and to endure so that I will be perfect in every way. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Come and see what God has Done!

2012-01-17T01:00:00.000-06:00

Come and see what what our God has done, what awesome miracles he performs for people! He made a dry path through the Red Sea, and his people went across on foot. There we rejoiced in him. For by his great power he rules forever. He watches every movement of the nations; let no rebel rise in defiance. Let the whole world bless our God and loudly sing his praises. Our lives are in his hands, and he keeps our feet from stumbling. Psalm 66: 5-9 NLT

If you were to invite folks over to your home to see and hear what God has done in your life, what would you tell them?

What miracles has God performed in your life? What miracles have you seen in the lives of those around you?

Has what God has done in your life been echoed by anything you have seen done around the world?

Do you see evidence that God watches the nations and blesses all people?

Even though God has done wondrous things in your life, have there been times that you have rebelled?

What sorts of things did you do or say? How did you come back to sing God's praises?

In what ways could God keep your feet from stumbling this week?

God, our lives are in your hands and you keep our feet from stumbling. We rejoice in you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Giving thanks

2012-01-16T01:00:00.000-06:00

Shout joyful praises to God, all the earth! Sing about the glory of his name! Tell the world how glorious he is. Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! Your enemies cringe before your mighty power. Everything on earth will worship you; they will sing your praises, shouting your name in glorious songs.” Psalm 66: 1-4 NLT

I was at a Christian women's lunch yesterday and we were all asked to lift up what we were thankful for to God. Yet, the first person who opened their mouth had a prayer request. Why are we so quick to lift up others in prayer yet so slow in giving thanks?

This psalm is all about giving God praise, glory and thanks. It is a litany of what great things God has done as well as what God is more than capable of doing: “your enemies cringe,” “everything on earth will worship you.” It is a word of hope and future glory. Not everything has happened yet but the prayer is that God is going to do these things and how glorious it will be!

For what in your life can you give thanks today? What great things can you imagine God doing in the world around you – even if those seem realistically impossible? Let's give God thanks and praise!

God, we shout our joyful praises to you! We sing of the glory of your name. We tell the world how glorious you are. How awesome are your deeds! You have defeated death and conquered sin. You will do great and mighty things now and in the future. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Thanks for Rain

2012-01-15T01:00:00.000-06:00

You take care of the earth and water it, making it rich and fertile. The river of God has plenty of water; it provides a bountiful harvest of grain, for you have ordered it so. You drench the plowed ground with rain, melting the clods and leveling the ridges. You soften the earth with showers and bless its abundant crops. You crown the year with bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance. The grasslands of the wilderness become a lush pasture, and the hillsides blossom with joy. The meadows are clothed with flocks of sheep, and the valleys are carpeted with grain. They all shout and sing for joy! Psalm 65: 9-13 NLT

As a person who lives where it seems to rain a lot, I find myself lacking in appreciation for these verses.

However, in the Holy Land, water has historically been scarce. Today, modern forms of irrigation have made the country of Israel more fertile as well as created some problems (like the shrinking of the Dead Sea). In biblical times, a bountiful harvest depended on the rains. It is no wonder this psalm is practically a poem of praise in honor of the God who has provided all the water.

Take a moment and re-read today's scripture. Then spend some time thinking about what “rains” you depend on in your life – yet often find to be scarce. When God provides a bounty of those waters, what kinds of growth and harvest do you see?

God, thank you for providing the rain and rich soil in our lives. In Jesus' name. Amen.

For the Beauty of the Earth

2012-01-14T01:00:00.000-06:00

You formed the mountains by your power and armed yourself with mighty strength.You quieted the raging oceans with their pounding waves and silenced the shouting of the nations. Those who live at the ends of the earth stand in awe of your wonders. From where the sun rises to where it sets, you inspire shouts of joy. Psalm 65: 6-8 NLT

I receive a lot of spam email. Sometimes it is sent by well- meaning friends. It gets to be too much at times. But I have one friend who often sends me pictures and I always read her emails. I love to see scenes from all over the world, especially scenes of nature taken by professional photographers. When I hear the words “those who live at the ends of the earth stand in awe of your wonders” I think of some of those awesome pictures I have received.

When have you stopped lately and simply enjoyed a wonderful sunset? How about the fog over the still water? A beautiful bird perched on a branch? A newborn baby? You and I need to spend more time in awe of God's wonders.

God, you formed the mountains by your power and armed yourself with mighty strength.You quieted the raging oceans with their pounding waves and silenced the shouting of the nations. Those who live at the ends of the earth stand in awe of your wonders. From where the sun rises to where it sets, you inspire shouts of joy. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Forgive us our sins

2012-01-13T01:00:00.001-06:00

What mighty praise, O God, belongs to you in Zion. We will fulfill our vows to you, for you answer our prayers. All of us must come to you. Though we are overwhelmed by our sins, you forgive them all. What joy for those you choose to bring near, those who live in your holy courts. What festivities await us inside your holy Temple. You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds, O God our savior. You are the hope of everyone on earth, even those who sail on distant seas. Psalm 65: 1-5 NLT

All of us must come to you...if we want our sins forgiven.

Being forgiven of our sins does take action on our part. God wants to forgive us but we must come to God.

The understanding of the Hebrews was that God was only in one place: in the Holy Temple. So, you physically had to go to God and offer particular sacrifices to be forgiven. There was no falling on your knees and giving a humble and contrite apology (although that would be okay, too). You had to travel to Jerusalem, go to the Temple, present your sacrifice and let the priest do the work. Interesting that the psalm talks about how God is everyone's hope, even those who are physically the furthermost from God – those out on the high seas.

You and I can be on the distant seas, in Jerusalem or anywhere and ask for God's forgiveness. Jesus has already given the ultimate sacrifice. All we have to do is go to God in prayer.

Why don't we do this right now?

God, forgive me for my sins, for they are many. Some I know, others I do not know. Forgive me for each and every one. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Rejoice in the Lord

2012-01-12T01:00:00.001-06:00

The godly will rejoice in the Lord and find shelter in him. And those who do what is right will praise him. Psalm 64:10 NLT

This verse has two sentences but they are not two separate thoughts. There is not a group of godly people and another group who do what is right. The godly do what is right! This verse is trying to express what the followers of God do: followers of God give God the glory and find stay in God's protection. Rejoicing in God and praising God are simply two ways to say the same thing.

This makes me wonder if godly people automatically give God praise or if giving God praise makes you a godly person. It also follows that God wants us to praise him so if we are doing what is right, we will be giving God the glory. Do only the godly find shelter in God? Do those who seek shelter in God become godly?

I have no answers beyond saying that I want to be a godly person, doing what is right.

God, we rejoice and find shelter in you. We do what is right and give you praise. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Sticks and Stones

2012-01-11T01:00:00.000-06:00

O God, listen to my complaint. Do not let my enemies' threats overwhelm me. Protect me from the plots of the wicked, from the scheming of those who do evil. Sharp tongues are the swords they wield, bitter words are the arrows they aim. They shoot from ambush at the innocent, attacking suddenly and fearlessly. They encourage each other to do evil and plan how to set their traps. “Who will ever notice?” They ask. As they plot their crimes, they say, “We have devised the perfect plan!” Yes, the human heart and mind are cunning. But God himself will shoot them down. Suddenly, his arrows will pierce them. Their own words will be turned against them, destroying them. All who see it happening will shake their heads in scorn. Then everyone will stand in awe, proclaiming the mighty acts of God, realizing all the amazing things he does. Psalm 64:1-9 NLT

Their swords are their sharp tongues and their arrows are bitter words. Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me?

If only that were true!

How have other people hurt you with what they have said? I can focus on one negative complaint about me even in the midst of 20 compliments.

But I know that I am not alone. This is because I, too, have said things that hurt other people. One of the regrets of my life is what I said over the phone to my good friend when I was between college and the real world. She and her boyfriend had gone and gotten married (a simple ceremony with just close family). She then called my house to see if I would come over to help them celebrate. I had been doing something for my parents and had yet to take a shower. I gave some flimsy excuse and never heard from her again. I even tried years later and wrote a letter to apologize. I still never heard from her. As you can tell, this regret is still something I think about from time to time. I never meant to hurt her but my words were like swords and arrows.

When have you said something you later regretted? Have you been able to apologize or make up with that person? How can you avoid this in the future?

God, help me to stop saying things that hurt others. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Are you a liar?

2012-01-10T01:00:00.000-06:00

But the king will rejoice in God. All who trust in him will praise him, while liars will be silenced. Psalm 63: 11 NLT

If you trust in God, you will be able to use your voice in praising God. If you say you trust God but don't really, you will be silenced. Perhaps it will be a final silence or maybe a temporary one. The point is to rejoice in God not just say you rejoice in God.

Sometimes I know I haven't been as close to God as I should. Sometimes I can talk the talk but find my walking to be a bit shaky. It is easy for me to express myself in words. Actions are harder. I don't think I could be considered a liar but I sometimes come awfully close.

How honest are you with your own relationship with God right now? Are you doing as well with God as you claim? Or would someone – like God – call you a liar? Are you in danger of being silenced.

God, we don't want to be liars but followers. We don't want to be silenced but rejoice. Help us, please. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Following Closely

2012-01-09T01:00:00.000-06:00

I follow close behind you; your strong right hand holds me securely. But those plotting to destroy me will come to ruin. They will go down to the depths of the earth. They will die by the sword and become the food of jackals. Psalm 63: 8-10 NLT

For some reason these verses remind me of battle scenes in a movie. The hero is closely following someone else who can protect them while all around are shots and explosions. It doesn't look like either the hero or the person they are following are going to make it but somehow they do, even when the bad guys on their tail are killed.

Have you ever thought that following God is like that? You are in a great chase scene and your only hope is to follow so closely behind God that God's right hand is holding you securely. Those who are trying to get you will be destroyed. You will be safe, however.

Are you following closely enough behind God to be holding God's right hand?

God, help me to follow you so closely that your right hand will always keep me secure. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Lying Awake at Night

2012-01-08T01:00:00.000-06:00

I lie awake thinking of you, meditating on you through the night. I think how much you have helped me, I sing for joy in the shadow of your protecting wings. Psalm 63: 6-7 NLT

I know of at least a handful of people who wake up in the middle of every night. Some of them go back to sleep after a time and others simply get on up. I know one person who spends that time in prayer. Another completes tasks begun during the day. In each case, they are always wondering why they cannot sleep a full night's sleep.

I wake up on occasion and can't go back to sleep. If I realize that I really can't just fall back to sleep, I try to pray. I ask God to reveal to me whomever God wants me to be in prayer for. Sometimes I pray for those who wake up every night! At other times, God places people on my heart. Usually, I am able to go back to sleep after that. The psalmist lies awake at night, too. But the psalmist spends the time in praise. The psalmist remembers all the ways God has helped him and how God continues to protect him. The loss of sleep does not matter because the psalmist remains in the shadow of God's protective wings. This midnight prayer seems to be part of being God's follower rather than an exception to the rule.

Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night? Have you tried doing as the psalmist did?

God, I sing for joy for all the ways you have helped me – whether in the middle of the day or in the watches of the night. Thank you for continuing to be with me 24/7. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Gazing on God

2012-01-07T01:00:00.001-06:00

I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory. Your unfailing love is better to me than life itself; how I praise you! I will honor you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. You satisfy me more than the richest of foods. I will praise you with songs of joy. Psalm 63: 2-5 NLT

What do you do when you go to worship? Resent the time away from the golf course? Think about what you will have for lunch? Compare what you are wearing with others in the congregation?

The psalmist comes to worship to gaze on God's power and glory. The psalmist meditates on how God's love is better than life itself. The psalmist praises God, honoring God by lifting up his hands to God in prayer. The psalmist realizes that being in God's presence is better than a good meal, a good game or the finest clothes. Being in worship is more satisfying to the psalmist than any other thing life offers. So, the psalmist continues to praise God with joyful songs.

Next time you step into worship think of these things: God's power and glory, how God's love is better than life itself, how being near God is more satisfying that anything else you could be doing at that moment. Then lift up your hands in praise, joyfully giving God the glory. I think you will find it will be the best worship service ever.

God, I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory. Your unfailing love is better to me than life itself; how I praise you! I will honor you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. You satisfy me more than the richest of foods. I will praise you with songs of joy. Amen.

Longing for God

2012-01-06T01:00:00.001-06:00

O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. Psalm 63: 1 NLT

How hard are you looking for God? Are you earnestly searching? Are you thirsty enough that if you don't have God you will die? Does your entire body yearn for the living God? Do you feel like you are in a desert where only God can provide the water and cool shade you need?

If you are not feeling this passion for finding God, you probably are going to end up with something else. Maybe a warm and fuzzy feeling or a buddy or group to hang out with is what you will have. You might be a member of a church or other community of faith.

But you are not going to find God.

The thing is that God earnestly searches for us. God yearns for you. God wants you so badly but you keep turning to other things. Let's pray that we can yearn for God almost as much as God years for us.

God, you search diligently for me and want me to be in a deep and lasting relationship with you. Help me to have the same kind of desire for you as well. In Jesus' name. Amen.

God has spoken plainly

2012-01-05T01:00:00.002-06:00

God has spoken plainly, and I have heard it many times: power, O God, belongs to you; unfailing love, O Lord is yours. Surely you judge all people according to what they have done. Psalm 62: 11-12 NLT

Power belongs to God.

Yet, how often to we depend on political figures to weld the right kind of power? How often are we totally dependent on our military to protect us? How often do we put our faith in the stock market to keep us from floundering?

Unfailing love belongs to God.

Yet, we spend much of our lives looking for the right kind of love. First, we look to our parents but eventually find them too human and lacking in the amount of love we need. Then, we search for a friend or friends to fill that gap but they are doing the same and often betray us. We turn for that “soul-mate” who will compliment us in every way, especially by providing the love we need. But we come away with our hearts broken instead. Some of us look to our children to provide that love but they are not capable of this task.

True justice belongs to God.

Sure, we can sue, we can go to court, we can follow the latest case in the media. But there may be a loophole or a lawyer that leaves us wanting a different kind of justice. What court will really uphold the law we want implemented?

God has the ultimate power. God has the unfailing love for which we are searching. Only God can provide real justice – not just what we want to see happen.

Thank you, God, that you have the power, love and justice that we really need. In Jesus' name. Amen.

What is central to your life?

2012-01-04T01:00:00.001-06:00

From the greatest to the lowliest – all are nothing in his sight. If you weigh them on the scales, they are lighter than a puff of air. Don't try to get rich by extortion or robbery. And if your wealth increases, don't make it the center of your life. Psalm 62: 9-10 NLT

If your wealth increases, don't make it the center of your life.

Wow! What powerful advice, especially as we enter a new year. Will you receive an increase in salary or retirement this year? Perhaps your son or daughter is graduating from college and that means one less bill to pay – it will seem like an increase in your income! Maybe you have paid off a debt (good for you)! If you will receive more money this year, you should celebrate and thank God.

But don't make this increase in money the center of your life.

I know our family has done this in the past and may still be doing it. We have depended on a raise to pay our bills. And we structure our lives around it. We live dependent on the wealth we have rather than being dependent upon God.

That is what God desires from us. God does not want us to be dependent on our money (notice I did not say that God does not want us to take care of what we have been given). God wants us to be dependent on him. Our lives should be structured around God, not our relationship with God dependent on how we earn our income.

Now is the time to take a good look and see what is at the center of our lives: money or God?

God, we want you to be the center of our lives. So be it.

Pour Out Your Heart

2012-01-03T01:00:00.000-06:00

I wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 61: 5-8 NLT

What is on your heart this day?

Have you told God all about it? Or are you afraid to bother God? Perhaps you feel like God is tired of hearing the same old things. Have you really unburdened your heart to God or are you still holding back, just giving what you think God wants to hear from you?

The psalmist tells us to pour out our hearts to God – that means give God everything. Empty your heart to God with all you have. Trust God. Make sure you hold nothing back! It is like taking a bottle of soda and emptying every last drop. Nothing should be left when you pour out your heart to the Lord!

Take some truly quiet time today to spend with God. Empty out all that is on your heart and in your mind to him. He wants your whole heart.

Amen.

Lonely at the Top

2012-01-02T01:00:00.000-06:00

So many enemies against one man – all of them trying to kill me. To them I'm just a broken-down wall or a tottering fence. They plan to topple me from my high position. They delight in telling lies about me. They are friendly to my face, but they curse me in their hearts. Psalm 61:3-4 NLT

The imagery in these two verses says it all:

So many enemies against one person.

I seem like a broken-down wall to them.

They see me as a tottering fence.

They plan on toppling me from my high position.

They like to tell lies about me.

They are friendly to my face but curse me in their hearts.

When I read these images, I have strong feelings of isolation and vulnerability. I see someone standing on the top of a pole or a ladder with people trying to grab their feet and make the fall – all while these people are looking friendly and innocent. I suppose we could say it is lonely at the top – and you are more susceptible to making enemies and being overcome.

I wonder what led to being on the top. Is it because the psalmist has followed God and God alone while others follow their own ambitions and agendas? Is the person in position of power been given that position by God? It certainly seems like the psalmist is the good guy while everyone else seems to be the enemy.

Have you ever felt like the psalmist? What happened to you?

God, it is lonely at the top. Help us to follow you wherever you lead us and for us to depend on you for everything. In Jesus' name. Amen.

One Minute Devotional Takes a Holiday

2011-12-26T01:00:00.000-06:00

Yes, even devotional writers need a Sabbath - especially after the holidays! We will resume our devotionals together on January 2, 2012.

See you in the New Year!

Blessings,

Amelia

Waiting Quietly Before God

2011-12-25T01:00:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas!

I wait quietly before God, for my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken. Psalm 62: 1-2 NLT

How often do I wait quietly before God?

Well, I would like to say on a daily basis. I do have a morning devotional, after all.

But the truth of the matter is I am not that quiet. Between taking care of the antsy dog (wanting me to play), the begging cats (wanting me to brush them), listening to Pray As You Go, reading my own one minute devotional, saying good morning to my family and praying for my family and my Compassion International child I would say I do not really spend quiet time with God.

I am certainly not waiting on God. After all, I have things to do and people to see. I have got to keep myself on a schedule! Who has time to wait on God, especially in silence?

However, my salvation come from God. God alone is my rock and my salvation. God will never be shaken.

How often do you wait quietly before God?

God, help me to wait quietly before you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

An Inheritance

2011-12-24T01:00:00.001-06:00

For you have heard my vows, O God. You have given me an inheritance reserved for those who fear your name. Add many years to the life of the king! May his years span the generations! May he reign under God's protection forever. Appoint your unfailing love and faithfulness to watch over him. Then I will always sing praises to your name as I fulfill my vows day after day. Psalm 61: 5-8 NLT

The conclusion of this psalm reminds us of the public nature of these prayers: the king himself is being prayed for. Perhaps David himself composed Psalm 60 or a writer in his household did this to honor his king. In either case, God has given the psalmist an inheritance reserved for those who fear God's name.

How real is this inheritance? What kind of inheritance can you and I expect? A king has already received his inheritance. I suppose victory over enemies would be another kind of inheritance for a ruler.

As Christians, we have already received an inheritance because of what Jesus Christ has sacrificed for us. Although that is real, it is not as tangible as physically sitting on a throne. The victory we can expect also includes a victory over death and evil. Perhaps that does not seem possible in our lives at this point but it is our inheritance. We may not have it yet but we have been promised this in the future.

God, you have given me an inheritance for those who fear your name. May I be under your protection forever. May your unfailing love and faithfulness watch over me. I will always sing praises to your name as I follow your will day after day. In Jesus' name. Amen.

My Heart is Overwhelmed

2011-12-23T01:00:00.000-06:00

O God, listen to my cry! Hear my prayer! From the ends of the earth, I will cry to you for help, for my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me. Let me live forever in your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings! Psalm 61: 1-4 NLT

The sentence that stands out to me in these verses is: From the ends of the earth, I will cry to you for help, for my heart is overwhelmed.

Where in your life is your heart overwhelmed? What kind of help are you crying out for?

I am thinking of people I know who are overwhelmed. Illness, divorce, grief, joblessness, teenagers, separation from loved ones, pressures of work are just some of the ways these folks are burdened. At the time of year I am writing this, it is a few days before Christmas. Many people feel overwhelmed at this time of year and I am no exception. I know that sounds petty compared to what others are dealing with, but that is how it is!

What do we do when we feel this way? The psalmist appeals to God. The psalmist looks to God to lead him to a towering rock of safety where the enemy – real or imagined – can not reach them. Then the psalmist asks God to let him live there always – safe beneath God's sheltering wings.

With God's Help

2011-12-22T01:00:00.001-06:00

But who will bring me into the fortified city? Who will bring me victory over Edom? Have you rejected us, O God? Will you no longer march with our armies? Oh, please help us against our enemies, for all human help is useless. With God's help we will do mighty things, for he will trample down our foes. Psalm 60: 9-12 NLT

All human help is useless. What a statement! It could mean that no one will do things my way so why do I insist on asking people for help! It could also mean that human beings are worthless and helpless so there is no reason to even try to do better or be better. Or it could mean that without God, we are truly unable to accomplish anything.

I think the last sentence is the correct one.

Without God, what can we truly accomplish? I am sure there are those persons in the world who feel they have succeeded on their own merit alone. Even if they had help along the way, it certainly was not from God. Even some Christians may feel that they have done most of the work themselves, with God just cheering them on from the sidelines.

Certainly, we could all do things without God. However, if we want to “do mighty things” as the psalmist suggests, we will need God's help.

God, I need your help! I admit that I cannot do without you. I want to accomplish mighty things but I need your help in doing them. Please lend me your strength and power! In Jesus' name. Amen.

God's Promises for Your Struggles

2011-12-21T07:09:00.000-06:00

Use your strong arm to save us, and rescue your beloved people. God has promised this by his holiness: “I will divide up Shechem with joy. I will measure out the valley of Succoth. Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine. Ephraim will produce my warriors, and Judah will produce my kings. Moab will become my lowly servant, and Edom will be my slave. I will shout in triumph over the Philistines.” Psalm 60: 5-8 NLT

The psalmist reminds us of God's claims today. When asking God for help and rescue, the psalmist remembers God's promises for God's people as well as the enemies of God's people. God claims Shechem, Succoth, Gilead, Manasseh, Ephraim and Judah. Moab, Edom and Philistine will be under God's control and mastery. All of this is possible because of who God is, because of God's holiness.

Where do you need God's help? Are you asking for rescue today? What promises of God can you claim in answer to your needs?

I need help in feeling guilty for not doing more – more visiting, more time spent with friends, more time spent writing, more time doing the important tasks. Yet, what does God truly ask of me? The promises that come to mind are to walk humbly, to seek God, and to be with God.

May God help you see what promises shed light on your struggles this day. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Looking for a Rallying Point

2011-12-20T01:00:00.001-06:00

You have rejected us, O God, and broken our defenses. You have been angry with us; now restore us to your favor. You have shaken our land and split it open. Seal the cracks before it completely collapses. You have been very hard on us, making us drink wine that sent us reeling. But you have raised a banner for those who honor you – a rallying point in the face of attack. Psalm 60:1-4 NLT

Things have been bad, very bad. In fact, it seems as though God is allowing bad things to happen in order to punish wicked behavior and drifting away from God's purposes. It is God, not the enemy, who has broken the defenses and put a crack into the very foundations. It has seemed as though God has been angry and very hard on everyone.

We can only ask that God restores God's favor. We can only appeal for a seal to these cracks before everything collapses. We simply ask for a banner, something to rally around in the face of all this calamity.

God, we appeal to you in the midst of very bad things happening in our lives and to us and our loved ones. Where are you? Are you trying to punish us? Where have we gone wrong? What do we need to do to fix our relationships with you and one another? Give us a hope to rally around this very day, Lord. In your name we pray, Amen.

Snarling Like Vicious Dogs

2011-12-19T01:00:00.000-06:00

My enemies come out at night, snarling like vicious dogs as they prowl the streets. They scavenge for food but go to sleep unsatisfied. But as for me, I will sing about your power. I will shout with joy each morning because of your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety in the day of distress. O my Strength, to you I sing praises, for you, O God, are my refuge, the God who shows me unfailing love. Psalm 59: 14-17 NLT

What an image! The enemy comes out at night, snarling like a vicious dog, prowling the streets, sniffing at the garbage, looking for something to eat. However, they go to bed when morning comes still hungry. The enemy is not victorious! The enemy has found nothing on which to feed. Therefore, the psalmist is able to sing about God's power, shout for joy because of God's unfailing love each morning.

Have you ever pictured your enemy or even the Enemy prowling around at night trying to feed off of you? Can you wake up in the morning knowing you have fed no enemy? Can you sing with joy and praise God because of it?

God, I will shout with joy each morning because of your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety in the day of distress. O my Strength, to you I sing praises, for you, O God, are my refuge, the God who shows me unfailing love. In Jesus' name. Amen.

I'm Not God

2011-12-18T01:00:00.001-06:00

Don't kill them, for my people soon forget such lessons; stagger them with your power, and bring them to their knees, O Lord, our shield. Because of the sinful things they say, because of the evil that is on their lips, let them be captured by their pride, their curses and their lies. Destroy them in your anger! Wipe them out completely! Then the whole world will know that God reigns in Israel. Psalm 59: 11-13 NLT

So, should God kill the wicked or just make them suffer? Should God bring them down so that others will learn from their punishment? Or should God completely destroy them from the face of the earth?

This psalm is almost as if two different persons are doing the writing/praying. One wishes that God would make an example of those who have done evil. If they are killed off, no one will remember what happened and the cycle will begin again.

The other one is all for them being destroyed by God's anger. Perhaps it is their own anger rather than God's that is speaking. However, they believe that the destruction of the wicked will let the whole earth know that God reigns in Israel.

So, what shall it be? Should the wicked by punished as an example or wiped off the face of the earth?

God, even though we think we know what should happen to bad people, it is you who are in control. Only your anger is righteous and only your punishments are just. Help us not to play at being you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Watch your mouth!

2011-12-17T01:00:00.002-06:00

They come at night, snarling like vicious dogs as they prowl the streets. Listen to the filth that comes from their mouths, the piercing swords that fly from their lips. “Who can hurt us?” they sneer. But Lord, you laugh at them. You scoff at all the hostile nations. You are my stregnth; I wait for you to rescue me, for you, O God, are my place of safety. In his unfailing love, my God will come and help me. He will look down in triumph on my enemies. Psalm 59: 6-10 NLT

Listen to the filth that comes from their mouths. I have been amazed to hear young children use even the “f” word in church! Children, not teens! Of course, I am sure they hear worse at home and at school. Even the cutest movies these days get a PG rating because they use “colorful” language. I have had to work with my own ten year old to help him find appropriate words when he is frustrated. I probably need the same type of help!

What kind of words come out of your own mouth when you are angry, startled or frustrated? Would you be embarrassed if your pastor was present? How about your children?

In the psalm those who say filthy things also sneer that no one can hurt them. Yet, it is clear that God can hurt them. Words are powerful things. When we say bad words, we give our words rather than God more power than they ought to have. Give God power rather than your own words.

God, may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Rescue Me from my Plight!

2011-12-16T01:00:00.001-06:00

Rescue me from my enemies, O God. Protect me from those who have come to destroy me. Rescue me from these criminals; save me from these murderers. They have set an ambush for me. Fierce enemies are out there waiting, though I have done them no wrong, O Lord. Despite my innocence, they prepare to kill me. Rise up and help me! Look on my plight! O Lord, God Almighty, the God of Israel, rise up to punish hostile nations. Show no mercy to wicked traitors. Psalm 59: 1-5 NLT

This sounds like a prayer from the bush after a heated battle. Perhaps from a boy or young girl who have had nothing to do with the fighting and cannot protect themselves. Yet, the enemy will come and kill them regardless. The prayer is desperate: where is God, does God not see the trouble they are in? God, they need your help!

This sounds like a prayer of someone going through divorce. And the spouse, who has broken their own vows of trust, is being truly vindictive. The innocent spouse is now the victim. Does God not hear their anger and frustration? Where is God in the courtroom and during the visitation days?

This sounds like a prayer of someone like you. In your situation, where is the enemy, who is the enemy? Do you see your self as falling into an ambush? Do you need God to rise up and help you?

Let's pray:

God, rise up and help me. Know my innocence. Know that I have done nothing wrong to those who are trying to hurt me. Look at my plight, O Lord! Rise up and help me! In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Justice

2011-12-15T01:00:00.001-06:00

Justice – do you rulers know the meaning of the word? Do you judge the people fairly? No, all your dealings are crooked; you hand out violence instead of justice. These wicked people are born sinners; even from birth they have lied and gone their own way. They spit poison like deadly snakes; they are like cobras that refuse to listen, ignoring the tunes of the snake charmers, no matter how skillfully they play. Break off their fangs O God! Smash the jaws of these lions, O Lord! May they disappear like water into thirsty ground. Make their weapons useless in their hands. May they be like snails that dissolve into slime, like a stillborn child who will never see the sun. God will sweep them away, both young and old, faster than a pot heats on an open flame. The godly will rejoice when they see injustice avenged. They will wash their feet in the blood of the wicked. Then at last everyone will say, “There truly is a reward for those who live for God; surely there is a God who judges justly here on earth.” Psalm 58 NLT

Do your rulers know the meaning of the word justice?

Or are they more familiar with the words money, fame and power?

Do you know the meaning of the word justice? True justice is color blind, socio-economic blind and even gender blind. Where in your life have you been more likely to be defanged and dissolved into slime? How can you be more just in your own life?

God, you are just for everyone, not for me alone. Help me to be fair in my own life as you are fair to us. In Jesus' name. Amen.

A Confident Heart

2011-12-14T01:00:00.000-06:00

My heart is confident in you, O God; no wonder I can sing your praises! Wake up, O my soul! Wake up, O harp and lyre! I will waken the dawn with my song. I will thank you, Lord, in front of all the people. I will sing your praises among the nations. For your unfailing love is as high as the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens. May your glory shine over all the earth. Psalm 57: 7-11 NLT

How can you sing praises in the midst of the storms of your life? What would make it possible for you to praise God when it seems like you should be suing the pants off somebody? When in your life have you been so confident in God that you are not afraid to get up in front of a crowd in order to give God the praise and glory?

The palmist is able to do all that and more. This is because his heart is confident in God. When can say we trust in God. We can understand what that means. But until are hearts are confident in God, until our inner most being is trusting God, all this praising may be beyond our capability.

God, change my heart so that I have deep and inner confidence in you. Wake my soul to sing to you. May I praise you in front of my church, in plain sight of all the world. For your unfailing love is as high as the heavens and your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. In Jesus' name. Amen.

No Mouth!

2011-12-13T01:00:00.000-06:00

I am surrounded by fierce lions who greedily devour human prey – whose teeth pierce like spears and arrows, and whose tongues cut like swords. Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens! May your glory shine over all the earth. My enemies have set a trap for me. I am weary from distress. They have dug a deep pit in my path, but they themselves have fallen into it. Psalm 57: 4-6 NLT

My dog bites. And I don't mean strangers that come to the door. I am talking about me. My dog bites me. Usually, she isn't biting hard but there have been some really painful occasions. Maybe it is because she was weaned too soon from her mother. Maybe it is her personality. Perhaps it is my personality. I probably have to give the correction, “No mouth!” more than any other, even “No feet!”.

So when I hear the psalmist speak of lions white teeth that pierce like spears and arrows and tongues that cut like swords, I can almost feel those sharp piercings. But I don't think saying, “NO MOUTH!” is going to cut it with those fierce lions.

Yet the psalmist immediately starts talking about God. God, may you be exalted as high as the sky. God, may your glory shine over the entire earth so everyone will know what I am talking about.

Maybe that is instead of saying, “Ouch!” or “No Mouth?”

Then the psalmist continues on what traps the enemy has set. The good news is that, even though the psalmist is weary, God is going to make sure the enemies fall into their own pit.

Next time you feel trapped or being eaten by lions, try praising God. You may be surprised at what you will discover.

Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens! May your glory shine over all the earth. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Have mercy on me

2011-12-12T01:00:00.000-06:00

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy! I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings until this violent storm is past. I cry out to God Most High, to God who will fulfill his purpose for me, rescuing me from those who are out to get me. My God will send forth his unfailing love and faithfulness. Psalm 57: 1-3 NLT

That is a comforting image – hiding under God's wings until the violent storm is past.

When in your life have you found yourself in the midst of a violent storm? Was it beyond your control? Did you have some help in getting it started or keeping it going? How did you cope? Would thinking about hiding under God's wings until it past have been helpful imagery for you? Why or why not?

The explanation to go with that same imagery is that when we cry out to God, God will rescue us and fulfill God's purposes for us. The rescue may not be the rescue we imagine that we need. Nevertheless, God will continue to love us and be faithful to us.

Can we not be loving and faithful to God in return?

God, you are the eagle under whose wings we can find shelter. You are the parent who will be waiting to welcome us as we come down the road. You are the one who will always love us. Thank you for your unfailing love and faithfulness. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Walking in God's presence

2011-12-11T01:00:00.000-06:00

I will fulfill my vows to you, O God, and offer a sacrifice of thanks for your help. For you have rescued me from death; you have kept my feet from slipping. So now I can walk in your presence, O God, in your life-giving light. Psalm 56: 12-13 NLT

I do not see these verses as a thanksgiving for God having saved them from the enemy troops, referred to at the beginning of Psalm 56. This is more like continuing to honor and worship God during a time of stress and uncertainty. Nothing will stop the one in need from constantly giving praise to God.

God has helped the psalmist in the past and God does continue to help the psalmist. The one who is in distress can still walk in God's presence, can still be in God's life-giving light. You don't have to be free from trouble to worship God or to be in God's presence.

When you are in distress or stressed out, follow the psalmist. When you feel like the enemies' troops have surrounded you, don't just cry out to God. Go to church. Worship. Give God glory. Listen to praise music and sing along, meaning every word whether you can carry a tune or not. Walk in God's promises and God's incredible grace.

Amen.

What can mere mortals do?

2011-12-10T01:00:00.001-06:00

On the very day I call to you for help, my enemies will retreat. This I know: God is on my side. O God, I praise your word. Yes, Lord, I praise your word. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?What can mere mortals do to me? Psalm 56: 9-11 NLT

What can mere mortals do to you compared with what God can do?

I don't mean what harm God can do to you – although a healthy dose of the fear of God is part of this understanding. What I mean is, what are human beings to be afraid of? They can kill the body but not touch the soul. They can wreak havoc in your life, they can hurt you or your loved ones.

But it is ultimately God who saves. God holds our souls. God gives us love. God forgives our faults. God provides courage when even all we had seems washed away.

With God on your side, what do you have to be afraid of?

God, this I know: you are on my side. I call to you for help, my enemies retreat. I praise your word. I trust in you. Why should I be afraid? What can people really do to me? Thank you for your love, God. In Jesus' name. Amen.

It is okay to cry

2011-12-09T01:00:00.000-06:00

You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. Psalm 56: 8 NLT

I grew up learning to suppress my tears. I suppose I was brought up more like a boy than a girl – or at least not like a girlie girl.

It took some work for me to accept my tears and to even let them fall when in front of other people. Actually, it was during a requirement for ordination that I was able to let my tears flow in front of a small group of pastors. From that point on, I came to see my tears as a blessing, an offering to God.

Psalm 56:8 gives us a biblical mandate for crying. God sees our sorrows. God counts our tears. God stores up all our tears in a bottle. God knows when our hearts are breaking and when we are overwhelmed with sorrow. Our tears are not something to hide: God accepts each and every one.

God, help me to express my sorrow to you – and to others. Help me not be afraid to cry. Teach me that my tears are a blessing and that you record each one – not to punish me but to remember my sorrows. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Wonders Never Cease

2011-12-08T01:00:00.000-06:00

O God, have mercy on me. The enemy troops press in on me. My foes attack me all day long. My slanderers hound me constantly, and many are boldly attacking me. But when I am afraid, I put my trust in you. O God, I praise your word. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?What can mere mortals do to me? They are always twisting what I say; they spend their days plotting ways to harm me. They come together to spy on me – watching my every step, eager to kill me. Don't let them get away with their wickedness; in your anger, O God, throw them to the ground. Psalm 56: 1-7 NLT

For some reason, I have this image of a factory worker. The set up of the conveyor belts is poor. Injuries are common. The foreman is all about those of his own race. The two people on the left and the right speak little English. The eight hour shift is agonizing. But it is a job and the worker is loathe to quit. Then there is a miserable family life to come home to. Here is what they say:

O God have mercy on me. I am surrounded by awful things and I am filled with fear. I am desperate and hopeless.

But wait, why am I so worried? Why am I so afraid? I need to trust God. God will see me through.

Everyone at the factory is out to make my life miserable. If they don't talk about me or complain about me to the supervisor for things that I didn't do, then I will find myself missing a finger or falling on the damp floor. There doesn't seem any way out of this misery.

God, I trust that you can handle these for me! In fact, God is going to make sure someone sees how unsafe our working conditions are. That foreman will lose his job. The two ladies on either side of me will become friendly. Wonders will never cease, even at home.

God, no matter where we may work, we ask for mercy when we are surrounded by enemies. Help us to not be afraid but to trust in you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

I am trusting you to save me

2011-12-07T01:00:00.000-06:00

But you, O God, will send the wicked down to the pit of destruction. Murders and liars will die young, but I am trusting you to save me. Psalm 55: 23 NLT

Often the psalms will end with this little punch line, warning evil doers and verifying the psalmist's own faith.

Psalm 55 ends no differently.

God will send the wicked down to the pit of destruction. In the psalmists' day that was simply down to death, not hell as we might assume. Everyone is going to go down there to what was referred to as Sheol. However, according to the psalmist, God would send the evildoers early. That is why they next line says that murders and liars would die young. Of course, if you are going around killing people and telling lies it is pretty certain that you will get your comeuppance sooner rather than later.

The last part of this verse reinforces the good guys: I am trusting you to save me. God, I am trusting you to keep me from dying too young. I am trusting that you will keep me from being a murderer. God, I am trusting that you will keep me from being a liar. It will not be my hands that save but yours.

God, I am trusting you to keep me from dying too young. I am trusting that you will keep me from being a murderer. God, I am trusting that you will keep me from being a liar. It will not be my hands that save but yours. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Give your burdens to the Lord

2011-12-06T01:00:00.000-06:00

Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall. Psalm 55: 22 NLT

I like the image of giving your burden over to someone so that you will not fall. We do that many times with young children. Even with my ten year old, I often will take what he is carrying from him if it is particularly heavy or breakable.

God wants to do that for us. God wants to take all the heavy weight that has settled on our shoulders. God wants to carry our burden for us. God knows that if we continue to carry this, we will fall. If we would just let God take it from us, then we will not slip.

But it is so hard to let go! We say we will give up our baggage to God, but it is merely just words. We hold on to what we are carrying, even if the weight is way more than we can handle.

We are going to slip and fall. It is just a matter of time.

God, I lift up my burden to you. Take it, God, take if from me, take all of it! I do not want to slip and fall. In Jesus' name. Amen.

As for this friend of mine...

2011-12-05T01:00:00.000-06:00

As for this friend of mine, he betrayed me; he broke his promises. His words are smooth as cream, but in his heart is war. His words are as soothing as lotion, but underneath are daggers! Psalm 55: 20-21

I think of Jesus when I read these verses. I especially think of Judas. According to scripture, Judas was so close to Jesus that he sat beside him at the last supper. They dipped their food in the same bowl of sauce! Judas was in charge of the money – obviously he was highly trusted and responsible. Judas must have also had a caring heart because he protested when the woman broke the jar of perfume over Jesus. This was one of Jesus' closest friends.

Yet Judas betrayed Jesus to the religious leadership. Talk about your smooth words becoming words of war or being like lotion yet full of daggers! Judas broke his promises. Judas betrayed his best friend. I don't think we will ever know figure out why.

But we all can relate to the idea of someone we trusted – whether a friend, a co-worker or a person in office – betraying us. Whether we gave our trust to the wrong person, or they were overcome by greed or temporary insanity, we found ourselves deeply hurt. This kind of hurt is not something we can get over quickly. It will take a long time for us to trust again. And it certainly would take quite a bit of time to be able to forgive our former friend.

God, sometimes we are hurt most by those we trust and love. We depend on you to be the one constant in our lives who will never betray us and will always love us. Thank you, Jesus! Amen.

I will call on God

2011-12-04T01:00:00.000-06:00

Let death seize my enemies by surprise; let the grave swallow them alive, for evil makes its home within them. But I will call on God, and the Lord will rescue me. Morning, noon and night I plead aloud in my distress, and the Lord hears my voice. He rescues me and keeps me safe from the battles waged against me, even though many still oppose me. God, who is king forever, will hear me and will humble them. For my enemies refuse to change their ways; they do not fear God. Psalm 55: 15-19 NLT

Even when others are following their own evil ways, I will call on God.

My enemies refuse to change because they don't fear God.

I changed and God is my king forever.

Now I call on the Lord and he hears my voice. Now I plead with God 24/7. God hears me. God rescues me. Even from the deepest dark or the bloodies battle, God rescues me from all who oppose me. God rescues me and humbles others.

Will you turn back?

Will you fear God?

Will you call on God morning, noon and night and allow God to save you?

Is God your king forever?

God, you hear my voice and rescue me from all my battles. Thank you for your loving kindness and swift grace. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Instead, it is you

2011-12-03T01:00:00.001-06:00

It is not an enemy who taunts me – I could bear that. It is not my foes who so arrogantly insult me – I could have hidden from them. Instead, it is you – my equal, my companion and close friend. What good fellowship we enjoyed as we walked together to the house of God. Psalm 55: 12-14 NLT

I could bear it if it was an enemy who made fun of me. If the people I hate are hating me back, I can handle that. But it is my best friend, my equal, my peer who is insulting me. What happened to our companionship in the church? What happened to our friendship? Why is this person who I considered my closest companion being so mean to me?

I am the kind of person who has a hard time making and keeping friends. Sure, I have a lot of good acquaintances but few good friends. The good friends that I do make often move to other states! I have had times when I have had a falling out with a friend and I can admit my part of the misunderstandings. However, I haven't had a so-called friend make fun of me since elementary school. So, while I can feel for the psalmist and his deeply hurt feelings, I can't exactly claim a similar experience.

How about you? Have you ever had a good friend become an enemy of sorts? Did you ever wonder what happened to your friendship or do you know the moment you were no longer friends? If you had to relive that friendship over, what would you do differently? Do you think they were the taunter or were you?

God, you give us friends as gifts. Help us to find a friend who will be as loyal as Jonathan was to David. If we already have such a friend, help us to treat them as a precious gift. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Violence in the City Streets

2011-12-02T01:00:00.001-06:00

Destroy them, Lord, and confuse their speech, for I see violence and strife in the city. Its walls are patrolled day and night against invaders, but the real danger is wickedness within the city. Murder and robbery are everywhere there; threats and cheating are rampant to the streets. Psalm 55: 9-11 NLT

Gated communities pop up all over our town. Sometimes they are in the most unlikely places! But I often wonder what they are trying to protect themselves from. What about all the bad things the people who own property there are already doing? Does living in a gated community really keep you safe?

The psalmist looks at his own city and sees the fortified walls and the constant guards. But looking around him he also sees high crime and injustice. The real danger is within rather than without.

Sometimes I think I am like that in my personal life. I am on my guard against others who do and say wicked things. But what about my own thoughts and actions? Are they really that good or that godly? While looking at the world, I may try to protect myself against certain things but I am missing the rotten things within.

God, help us to look inside ourselves for our own wickedness and depravity. Then we can be better protected against what threatens us within and without. In Jesus' name. Amen.

I can't stop shaking

2011-12-01T01:00:00.001-06:00

My heart is in anguish. The terror of death overpowers me. Fear and trembling overwhelm me. I can't stop shaking. Oh, how I wish I had wings like a dove; then I would fly away and rest! I would fly far away to the quiet of the wilderness. How quickly I would escape – far away from this wild storm of hatred. Psalm 55: 4-8 NLT

Anyone remember the old commercial for a women's bubble bath product? “Calgon, take me away!” Well, here is the biblical version.

My heart is in anguish. The terror of death overpowers me, fear and trembling overwhelm me. I can't quit shaking. If only I had wings and could fly away to the quiet of the wilderness and be at peace!

Surely there has been a time when your heart was full of anguish or you were filled with terror. Have you ever been so overwhelmed that you could not stop shaking? Has life sometimes been so overwhelming that you wish you could just get in your car and drive away, leaving it all behind?

There have been times in my life – I don't know if I was full of fear or terror – when I certainly did not feel up to facing my inner or outer demons. Would anyone miss me if I just kept driving? What if I didn't take that turn or that exit and just kept going in this direction? Of course, I know that is not a solution but it certainly makes us feel like we know the psalmist.

God, sometimes I just want to fly away and leave all this behind. You know it, Lord. You see me at my best and my worst. Help me to hang in there and see this through. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Listen to my prayer, O God

2011-11-30T09:58:00.000-06:00

Listen to my prayer, O God. Do not ignore my cry for help! Please listen and answer me, for I am overwhelmed by my troubles. My enemies shout at me, making loud and wicked threats. They bring trouble on me, hunting me down in their anger. Psalm 55: 1-3 NLT

Are you surrounded by noise most of the day? Traffic noises, electronic media, phones, neighbors and co-workers, perhaps even your dishwasher can drown out even your own please and prayers for help.

This is what the psalmist seems to be going through. His enemies are shouting at him, threatening him. Their voices are full of anger and hatred. How can God hear the psalmist's own pleas through all this noise? The psalmist asks for God's attention through all the noise. Even the psalmist is raising his voice to “cry” to God. Is God even listening?

Perhaps all the noises in your own life are drowning out what you need to be saying to God. Can God hear you over all the other sounds around you? I suggest taking some time today to go to somewhere quiet – not even where your pet can beg from you – and just be with God. Take time to talk to God so that you are not just shouting your requests at God. Be still and listen to God as well.

God, we are surrounded by so much noise but your voice is being drowned out. So are our voices as well. Help me to find the quiet time and space to talk with you today. In Jesus' name. Amen.

If you do this, I'll do that

2011-11-29T01:00:00.000-06:00

I will sacrifice a voluntary offering to you; I will praise your name, O Lord, for it is good. For you will rescue me from my troubles and help me to triumph over my enemies. Psalm 54: 6-7 NLT

On the one hand, this sounds like a bargain with God. If you will rescue me, God, I will go and take a sacrifice to the temple. God, if you will just defeat my enemies, I will give some extra money to the church this month. God, I promise, if you just get me out of this situation, I will be a better person.

Have you ever tried to make such a bargain with God? If so, how did it turn out? Did you keep your end of the bargain? Or did God have other plans for you?

If you have never bargained with God, why not? Have you ever made a vow, pledge or promise to God? Why or why not?

On the other hand, this sounds like a description of what is going to happen in the psalmist's life. I will go give a sacrifice and praise God's good name. God will rescue me from trouble and help me triumph over my enemies. Just a regular day in the life of the psalmist.

Does this sound like one of your regular days?

God, we should praise your name always for you are good and your mercy is everlasting. You are our God and you love us so much. Thank you for sending your son, Jesus. In his name we pray. Amen.

God is my Helper

2011-11-28T01:00:00.002-06:00

But God is my helper. The Lord is the one who keeps me alive! May my enemies' plans for evil be turned against them. Do as you promised and put an end to them. Psalm 54: 4-5 NLT

Even when you feel attacked, remember that God is your helper. God gives you life. God fulfills all of God's promises – not always what we want God to do but what God has promised to do.

God can turn our enemies plans and use them against them. We must be careful, however, that we don't become the enemy ourselves. God wants us to follow God, not just to get revenge. God needs our full commitment to God, not to just looking good in the world's eyes. God is not out to make sure we are always #1; that is God's position.

Before you ask for God's help, spend some time thinking about your own mistakes, your own inactions and your own sins. And ask for God's forgiveness.

God, we come asking for your help. But sometimes we need to first take a good look at our own hearts and minds. You are our helper. It is you who gives us life! Thank you! In Jesus' name. Amen.

Rescue Me!

2011-11-27T01:00:00.002-06:00

Come with great power, O God, and rescue me! Defend me with your might. O God, listen to my prayer. Pay attention to my plea. For strangers are attacking me; violent men are trying to kill me. They care nothing for God. Psalm 54: 1-3 NLT

What is your number one prayer request right at this moment?

Does it have anything to do with others or even satan attacking you? Do you feel like you are being targeted? Are you dying a bit inside each day because of the calamity surrounding you? What kind of help do you need from God? What actions do you think God will expect you to take? Or will God do it all for you?

From time to time in our lives we need God's defense. We ask for God's mighty protection. We plea for God's help. We need God's awesome power.

Let's spend some time today asking for God's help in our lives over big and small issues.

Come with great power, O God, and rescue me! Defend me with your might. O God, listen to my prayer. Pay attention to my plea. In Jesus' holy name I pray. Amen.

O That Salvation Would Come!

2011-11-26T01:00:00.001-06:00

Oh, that salvation would come from Mount Zion to rescue Israel! For when God restores his people, Jacob will shout with joy, and Israel will rejoice. Psalm 53: 6 NLT

Salvation is all about being rescued.

Have you received rescue from God? Have you been restored to God and God's people?

When that happened, did you feel joy? Were you moved to shout? Did you cry out with happiness?

Perhaps you need rescuing right now. Maybe you aren't sure of your own salvation. Or you are in a really bad spot at the moment.

Come, Lord Jesus, fill the hearts of your faithful. Rescue those who need your salvation. Restore us, O Lord, and we will rejoice! Amen.

Will we ever learn?

2011-11-25T01:00:00.000-06:00

Will those who do evil never learn? They eat up my people like bread; they wouldn't think of praying to God. But then terror will grip them, terror like they have never known before. God will scatter the bones of your enemies. You will put them to shame, for God has rejected them. Psalm 53: 4-5 NLT

What an image: the evil ones who eat other people up like bread. Is this cannibalism? I suppose there are those who eat up other people. Perhaps they make money at the cost of other people's lives and/or livelihoods. I can think of many companies whose CEOs get bonuses while the workers get laid off. That is eating others up like bread. Or in other countries where certain religious or racial groups are killed and their homes and possessions taken by their enemies. Being eaten up like bread.

Do those who do such things, take advantage of others as though eating them, not pray? Do they even think about praying?

The psalmist says that God notices. Those who do such cannibalistic acts will be struck with terror that they have never known nor inflicted upon other people. When you totally reject God, God will turn and totally reject you.

God, help me to not eat others up like bread – not even a nibble. Convict me when I even get close to that kind of evil. May I always turn to you in prayer. In Jesus' name. Amen.

The Big Picture

2011-11-24T01:00:00.000-06:00

God looks down from heaven on the entire human race; he looks to see if there is even one with real understanding, one who seeks for God. But no, all have turned away from God; all have become corrupt. No one does good, not even one! Psalm 53: 2-3 NLT

How often has God looked down on the entire human race and seen no one who has real understanding or seeks God? If you think it is something for our modern times, think again.

These verses seem straight out of the beginning of the Noah's Ark story. Or the story of Lot leaving Sodom and Gomorrah. Or even the Samaritan village that wouldn't allow Jesus and his disciples to enter.

And how about the so-called Dark Ages? Or even the years prior to World War II? Time and again God must look down on the human race and we all seem pretty much turned away from God.

God, when you look down on the human race, do I seem to seek understanding? Am I seeking you? Or do you find me turned away and corrupt? Help me to seek you, to seen understanding, to do good and to turn from corruption. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Only a Fool

2011-11-23T01:00:00.005-06:00

Only fools say in their hearts, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and their actions are evil; no one does good! Psalm 53: 1 NLT

So, are atheists all evil? Do those who don't believe in God never do good? Are they all corrupt and their actions all pure evil?

Perhaps it is better to say that they are fools. But I am a fool as well. I am a fool for Christ. Yes, my beliefs as a Christian may look foolish to others. My Christian standards may seem hopelessly old fashioned. I may seem strange in my outlook. I understand my foolish appearance and accept it for the price of following Christ.

At the same time, I am to be reaching out to those who don't believe in God. I can't say that there are no corrupt atheists. Sometimes I have my doubts about those who call themselves Christian. But I am to be open to conversation, relationships and prayers for those who are foolish enough to say that there is no God. They may have rejected God but God has not rejected them. May their goodness flourish and their hearts be strangely warmed.

In Jesus' name. Amen.

Past, Present and Future

2011-11-22T01:00:00.000-06:00

I will praise you forever, O God, for what you have done. I will wait for your mercies in the presence of your people. Psalm 52: 9 NLT

These two sentences are the past, the present and the future.

The first sentence of this verse says that the psalmist will praise God forever for what God has done. Glorifying God for the past is what the praises to God are all about. Remembering God's mercies is the focus of the glorification.

The second part of the verse all about the future and a bit of the present as well. The psalmist waits for God's mercies. There is an expectation that God will do great things in the future. But the psalmist is not alone. Waiting with him or her is the congregation. The psalmist is in the midst of the present and in the midst of the other believers.

What has God done for you that you can praise God for right now?

What mercies are you looking for from God in the near future? Where can you go (physically or otherwise) to share in the waiting?

I will praise you forever, O God, for what you have done. I will wait for your mercies in the presence of your people. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Like an Olive Tree

2011-11-21T01:00:00.000-06:00

But I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God. I trust in God's unfailing love forever and ever. Psalm 52: 8 NLT

When I think of this image of an olive tree, thriving in the house of God, I think of what I know about olive trees. I once heard of a tradition in Israel of planting an olive tree when your child is born. Olive trees take many years to mature. But when you plant one at the birth of a baby, when the person is an adult they will have a tree to depend upon for years to come.

Many of the olive trees that I have seen in the Holy Land are very old. Their roots are well-established. They are sturdy. They produce relaxing shade and good fruit. In other words, they are thriving. Even when an olive tree is cut down, it can grow back from the roots.

To be like an olive tree in God's house means to be well-rooted from birth. It also means that you won't be going away from God. Instead, you will continue to grow, producing viable fruit for years to come.

Trusting in God's unfailing love means that you will be well-rooted, sturdy, growing and producing fruit.

God, help us to trust you and your unfailing love forever and ever. May we be like an olive tree in your presence. In Jesus' name. Amen.

God or Money?

2011-11-20T01:00:00.001-06:00

The righteous will see it and be amazed. They will laugh and say, “Look what happens to mighty warriors who do not trust in God. They trust their wealth instead and grow more and more bold in their wickedness.” Psalm 52: 6-7 NLT

Look what happens to the mighty who trust in their wealth rather than in God.

Do you trust God as much as you do your money? Could you give all you own away and trust God to provide? Do you find yourself praying at times for more money when you should be praying for more trust in God's own provision?

When we trust our money, credit ratings, savings account and retirement income more than God we can quickly become more bold in wickedness. When we trust God we rely on God and move away from wickedness.

God, help us to rely on you, not on the income we bring into our households. May our trust in you turn us away from doing that which is wrong. In Jesus' name. Amen.

You call yourself a hero?

2011-11-19T01:00:00.000-06:00

You call yourself a hero, do you? Why boast about this crime of yours, you who have disgraced God's people? All day long you plot destruction. Your tongue cuts like a sharp razor; you're an expert at telling lies. You love evil more than good and lies more than truth. You love to say things that harm others, you liar! But God will strike you down once and for all. He will pull you from your home and drag you from the land of the living. Psalm 52: 1-5 NLT

So, how do you define a hero?

Is it someone who commits crimes? Does a hero disgrace those who follow God?

Would you say that a hero plots destruction or tells lies? Does a hero harm others by what he or she says (and enjoys it at the same time)?

Obviously not. So, why would someone call themselves a hero when they do these things? Are they disillusioned? Mentally ill? Incredibly full of themselves?

I happen to know many Christians who always make themselves into heroes, whether they fit the definition or not. It seems to me that they have put themselves rather than God into the center of life. Instead of praising and glorying God, they come off praising and glorifying themselves.

And I can't say I have not done the same. What about you?

God, you are the hero. I am not. Let me remember always your saving grace. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Rebuilding the walls

2011-11-18T01:00:00.000-06:00

Look with favor on Zion and help her; rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Then you will be pleased with worthy sacrifices and with our whole burnt offerings; and bulls will again be sacrificed on your altar. Psalm 51: 18-19 NLT

Reading these verses reminds me a of churches who are struggling to survive. What kinds of walls have been torn down in those places? How can they go about rebuilding their walls so that God will be pleased with their worship and offerings? Can they do it themselves or do they need to be asking God to do this for them?

What walls have been torn down in your own life? What do you need to rebuild in order to strengthen your relationship with God? What is preventing you? Who do you need to ask to help you in this task? Have you thought about going to God with your request?

God, help us to see where we need help in rebuilding our own walls. May we rebuild in order to strengthen our relationship with you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

God wants Repentance

2011-11-17T01:00:00.001-06:00

Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me and I will be whiter than snow. Oh, give me back my joy again; you have broken me – now let me rejoice. Don't keep looking at my sins. Remove the stain of my guilt. Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don't take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me again the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. Then I will teach your ways to sinners, and they will return to you. Forgive me for shedding blood, O God who saves; then I will joyfully sing of your forgiveness. Unseal my lips, O Lord, that I may praise you. You would not be pleased with sacrifices, or I would bring them. If I brought you a burnt offering, you would not accept it. The sacrifice you want is a broken spirit. A broken and repentant heart, O God, you will not despise. Psalm 51: 7-17 NLT

The psalmist wants God to wipe away all of their sins so that the psalmist is renewed and restored to God.

In return, the psalmist promises to go to other sinners and teach what it means to be a follower of God. This will in turn cause the other sinners to repent.

So, this isn't just a personal request for forgiveness but a communal request. If one person asks God to turn them around, that person will help others to do the same.

God doesn't want offerings or sacrifices. God wants repentance.

Will you offer yours today?

Unseal my lips, O Lord, that I may praise you. You would not be pleased with sacrifices, or I would bring them. If I brought you a burnt offering, you would not accept it. The sacrifice you want is a broken spirit. A broken and repentant heart, O God, you will not despise. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Teach me to be wise

2011-11-16T01:00:00.000-06:00

For I was born a sinner – yes, from the moment my mother conceived me. But you deserve honesty from the heart, so you can teach me to be wise in my inmost being. Psalm 51: 5-6 NLT

Two things are important in these verses.

The first is that none of us is free from being a sinner. I don't believe in the “conceived in sin” theology as totally true. God created us the way we are and I don't believe he created us as sinners. I think we sin later on. However, I do believe that there is not one among humans who never sinned. Perhaps we sin rather than Sin. But we are not free from sin.

The second is important idea is that we are not doomed forever because of sin. If we are honest with God, that is all God wants. Tell God the truth when you make mistakes, hurt others, do something or don't do something. Never try to sugar coat our behavior to God nor act like it doesn't matter to God. Be honest with God from our heart, our inmost being. Then we shall be wise.

God, teach me to be wise. May I admit my mistakes from my heart. May I be totally honest with you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Have Mercy

2011-11-15T01:00:00.000-06:00

Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. For I recognize my shameful deeds – they haunt me day and night. Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgement against me is just. Psalm 51: 1-4 NLT

My freshman high school English teacher once said that she would love to meet the person who, if caught speeding, would freely admit to the police that they had been doing wrong and accept the consequences of their actions without making excuses or bursting into tears.

I have to admit I am not one of those people.

But here God wants us to do this every thing: admit our mistakes and accept the consequences.

God wants us to face up to our sins, our guilt, our shameful deeds and our evil actions. We in turn ask God to blot out our sins and make us guilt free. We admit that we have only sinned against God and accept God's punishment.

Are you ready?

Giving Thanks to God

2011-11-14T01:00:00.000-06:00

“But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God.” Psalm 50:23 NLT

I have never thought of giving thanks as keeping with God's path. But I have learned that being appreciative of others helps my relationship with them.

Take my marriage, for example. I have recently discovered how wonderful my spouse is. Only took 18 years. But I am not just thinking my spouse is wonderful but noticing all the great things he does around the house. And telling him thanks. When you thank someone you become less picky about the minor things. You begin to notice more and more great things they are doing. This means you will be doing more thanking.

The same thing is happening to me at church. When I tell someone thanks or send them a thank you note, I notice more and more what they and other people are doing around the church. I am less likely to criticize and more likely to be appreciative.

Giving thanks to God works the same way. We begin to notice more and more what God is doing in our

lives. We stray less and less from God's path. We become more aware of God's own plan for salvation.

God, help me to give you thanks as my greatest sacrifice. May our relationship become stronger as I follow your will for my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Can you ignore God?

2011-11-13T01:00:00.000-06:00

Repent, all of you who ignore me, or I will tear you apart, and no one will help you. Psalm 50: 22 NLT

Can you ignore God?

I know I have done it. Just as I learned to ignore my parents on occasion while a teen/college aged. Sometimes I know what God wants me to do. And I do the opposite or don't pay God any attention.

Now my reasons are varied and some of them are quite legitimate. Sometimes I am scared (lack of trusting God), sometimes I am busy (making my own schedule and not following God's plans), while other times I am not trained/capable/prepared (God will provide a way). Obviously, I am ignoring God while straying from God. Perhaps I know I have strayed in some way and hope by tuning God out that things will work out.

Sometimes they end in disaster. And no one will help me.

But God wants us to repent. That is the focus of this verse. Repent now and stop ignoring God.

God, I repent of my wickedness and give you my full attention. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Don't pretend to obey God

2011-11-12T01:00:00.001-06:00

But God says to the wicked: “Recite my laws no longer, and don't pretend that you obey me. For you refuse my discipline and treat my laws like trash. When you see a thief, you help him, and you spend your time with adulterers. Your mouths are filled with wickedness, and your tongues are full of lies. You sit around and slander a brother – your own mother's son. While you did all this I was silent, and you thought I didn't care. But now I will rebuke you, listing all my charges against you.” Psalm 50: 16-21 NLT

I was talking recently to another Christian whose son used to go to this terrific optional service for teens and young adults here in town. But she said that she had to prevent him from going because of all the drugs that were being sold and consumed in the parking lot.

The parking lot.

Of the place of worship.

Did the kids not get anything from attending?

But, who am I to judge? Who are you? How many times have we spoken ill of someone else in the church while standing in the parking lot? Gee, how many “meetings” have we attended after the meeting while standing around our cars? And how many good church folks have I found out were having affairs with one another? Not to mention the things teens have done around my own church.

I suppose we think God isn't watching or doesn't' care because we don't usually get reprimanded forthis type of behavior. But God does see. God does know. And God will rebuke us.

Now is the time to take a good look at our own behavior and make sure we are not counted among the wicked.

God, so many times we think of the wicked as those who don't attend church. But your word reminds us that the wicked may appear to be obeying you when they are not really. Help us to monitor our own behavior and convict us when we stray. In Jesus' name. Amen.

I am God, Your God!

2011-11-11T01:00:00.002-06:00

“O my people, listen as I speak. Here are my charges against you, O Israel: I am God, your God! I have no complaint about your sacrifices or the burnt offerings you constantly bring to my altar. But I want no more bulls from your barns; I want no more goats from your pens. For all the animals of the forest are mine, and I own the cattle on a thousand hills. Every bird of the mountains and all the animals of the field belong to me. If I were hungry, I would not mention it to you, for all the world is mine and everything in it. I don't need the bulls you sacrifice, I don't need the blood of goats. What I want instead is your true thanks to God; I want you to fulfill your vows to the Most High. Trust me in your times of trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory.” Psalm 50: 7-15 NLT

I don't have anything against the animals that you are killing on the altar. But I have enough of that. In fact, all animals are mine. If I were hungry, would I even have to mention it to you or depend on you? What I want instead is true thankfulness from you. Fulfill to me the things you have promised to do. Trust me. I will rescue you and you will give me glory, not sacrifices.

I don't have anything against your tithe or your offering. But I have enough of that. In fact, all the world's mine in the first place. Would I tell you if I needed something or would it just happen? I want instead your thanks, your trust, your promises and vows fulfilled. Then, when you are in trouble I will save you and you will give me glory.

God, may we be truly thankful, trust in you and give you glory. In Jesus' name. Amen.

God has Spoken

2011-11-10T01:00:00.000-06:00

The mighty God, the Lord, has spoken; he has summoned all humanity from east to west! From Mount Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines In glorious radiance. Our God approaches with the noise of thunder. Fire devours everything in his way, and a great storm rages around him. Heaven and earth will be his witnesses as he judges his people: “Bring my faithful people to me – those who made a covenant with me by giving sacrifices.” Then let the heavens proclaim his justice, for God himself will be the judge. Psalm 50: 1-6 NLT

I am trying to picture this scene: God has summoned all of humanity. God is ready to judge all of them. God shines in great radiance. God makes the noise of a great storm. Fire marks God's path. God asks for those who have been following his covenant by making sacrifices. All of the sky proclaims God's justice.

I am kind of scared at this point. I a going to be judged. Will I pass? Make the mark? Will God see something in me or an action I have done (or haven't done) that will cause God to punish me? How faithful have I been?

How faithful have you been? What will God see when you come before his throne?

All I can say is that I throw myself on the mercy of God through Jesus Christ. May Christ's blood and atonement cover my many sins. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Don't Be Dismayed

2011-11-09T01:00:00.000-06:00

So don't be dismayed when the wicked grow rich, and their homes become ever more splendid. For when they die, they carry nothing with them. Their wealth will not follow them into the grave. In this life they consider themselves fortunate, and the world loudly applauds their success. But they will die like all others before them and never again see the light of day. People who boast of their wealth don't understand that they will die like the animals. Psalm 49: 16-20 NLT

I hate getting the magazines from two of my Alma Maters: my college and graduate schools. The reason is those long lists of people from the same schools who have accomplished great things. Usually they have been promoted to some great position in their company or won some prestigious award. Often they are my age or younger.

Then there is the magazine from my sorority that showcases those alums who have given hours and hours for volunteer work. Many of them have also been lauded for their contributions to society. They often are married, work and have children. Just like me. Yet, they have given so much of themselves to charitable organizations and really good causes.

My name never appears in any of these lists.

What then, shall I boast in?

The good news is that I can boast in what Christ has done for me. There won't be an article written up about me. You won't see me in an Alumnae Blurb. But I know what Christ has done. And I am not afraid to share it with others.

God we know what Christ has done for us. That is what we should all boast in. Help us to stop being jealous of those other people who seem so successful and wealthy. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

God will redeem my life

2011-11-08T01:00:00.000-06:00

Like sheep, they are led to the grave, where death will be their shepherd. In the morning the godly will rule over them. Their bodies will rot in the grave, far from their grand estates. But as for me, God will redeem my life. He will snatch me from the power of death. Psalm 49: 14-15 NLT

But as for me, God will redeem my life.

Not power.

Not fame.

Not wealth.

Not success or prestige.

God.

God redeems us.

God snatches us from the power of death through the sacrifice and resurrection of his own son, Jesus.

Grand estates don't matter in the big picture.

God matters in the big picture.

God, thank you for redeeming me. Help me to stop being jealous of those who have tremendous wealth and help me to appreciate what you have given me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Death is the great Equalizer

2011-11-07T01:00:00.001-06:00

Those who are wise must finally die, just like the foolish and senseless, leaving all their wealth behind. The grave is their eternal home, where they will stay forever; they may name their estates after themselves, but they leave their wealth to others. They will not last long despite their riches – they will die like the animals. This is the fate of fools, though they will be remembered as being so wise. Psalm 49: 10-13 NLT

The psalm opened saying that the psalmist himself was very wise. Here he admits that even the wise who are wealthy cannot escape death. He seems to suggest that those who are wealthy and wise sometimes name their estates after themselves, giving their money to others as though they are going to live forever through them. But, like animals, no money will save them from death. They will die like all living creatures. They will die like fools even though they are remembered to be wise.

Death is the great equalizer.

Think of someone that you just cannot stand, for whatever reason. Don't dwell on what they have done to you or against you. Just picture them in your head. Now think about this: you and that other person will someday die. Is that other person a believer? What are you going to do when you see them in God's presence? Will they still be the same person you can't stand? And if they aren't a believer, what kind of personal gripe have you had that has prevented you from trying to share the gospel with them? Have you ever prayed for their salvation?

God, sometimes we consider ourselves wise because we believe in you. But that is not what you want from us. You want us to share the gospel and to forgive others as you have forgiven us. Forgive us for thinking of ourselves more than we should. Help us to reach out, even to those we cannot stand. In Jesus' name. Amen.

You can't take it with you

2011-11-06T01:00:00.001-05:00

Listen to this, all you people! Pay attention, everyone in the world! High and low, rich and poor – listen! For my words are wise, and my thoughts are filled with insight. I listened carefully to many proverbs and solve riddles with inspiration from a harp. There is no need to fear when times of trouble come, when enemies are surrounding me. They trust in their wealth and boast of their riches. Yet they cannot redeem themselves from death by paying a ransom to God. Redemption does not come so easily, for no one can ever pay enough to live forever and never see the grave. Psalm 49: 1-8 NLT

Death is the great equalizer.

The psalmist wants us to hear that wealth will not save you from death. Therefore, we should not be afraid of enemies who boast in wealth's power. We have something far greater: the power of the Lord our God.

Money will not buy redemption. Sure, you can get medical treatments to help you live a bit longer or look a bit younger. But money will not keep death away.

In fact, money won't get you saved, either. Belief in and following Jesus is what you need no matter the size of your paycheck.

Using money as a means to control others cannot be used to control death – or God.

God, we boast about what we have. We show others our stuff. We think we can control our lives with money and sometimes we think we can control others with money. But it is only you who matter. Your love is worth more than all the gold in the world. Money cannot buy our redemption: Jesus has already paid the price for us. In his name we pray. Amen.

Share your Story

2011-11-05T01:00:00.000-05:00

O God, we meditate on your unfailing love as we worship in your Temple. As your name deserves, O God, you will be praised to the ends of the earth. Your strong right hand is filled with victory. Let the people on Mount Zion rejoice. Let the towns of Judah be glad, for your judgments are just. Go, inspect the city of Jerusalem. Walk around and count the many towers. Take note of the fortified walls, and tour all the citadels, that you may describe them to future generations. For that is what God is like. He is our God forever and ever, and he will be our guide until we die. Psalm 48: 9-14 NLT

How will you describe your life of faith to future generations? Do you tell any children right now of how you came to Christ? What details would be important for folks to know in the future? What significant things has God done in your life that would witness to others who want to know more about Jesus?

We all tend to think that our story is not important or has very little meaning in the big picture. But if we can't share our story with others, how are nonbelievers going to believe that God matters? Will they too see themselves as insignificant? Will they think they have to have a Road to Damascus experience to become a believers? If future generations of believers don't hear your story, then there may be fewer future generations.

Share your stories of your faith: describe your own towers, walls, citadels and the God who is your God forever, guiding our lives and our lives after death.

God, help all who read this devotional to share their faith with others. In Jesus' name. Amen.

How great is my place of worship!

2011-11-04T08:06:00.000-05:00

Sorry I was late in posting today!

How great is the Lord, and how much we should praise him in the city of our God, which is on this holy mountain!It is magnificent in elevation – the whole earth rejoices to see it! Mount Zion, the holy mountain, is the city of the great King! God himself is in Jerusalem's towers. He reveals himself as her defender. The kings of the earth joined forces and advanced against the city. But when they saw it, they were stunned; they were terrified and ran away. They were gripped with terror, like a woman writhing in the pain of childbirth or like the mighty ships of Tarshish being shattered by a powerful east wind. We had heard of the city's glory, but now we have seen it ourselves-- the city of the Lord Almighty. It is the city of our God; he will make it safe forever. Psalm 48:1-8 NLT

If you had to describe your place of worship, what would you say?

Would you point out what God has done? The amount of people it holds for worship? Would you find yourself talking about the buildings or physical plant or would you focus on the people? If you talk about the buildings, how are they like God? Does just looking at your place of worship inspire terror of those who are not of God? Do you feel like God will make this place of worship safe forever?

Of course, we all know that Jerusalem and God's holy temple were not kept safe forever – at least physically. God had a different temple in mind: Jesus Christ. The focus went from the building to the person of Christ. And many of us know that the power of our place of worship is not in the physical plant but in the people filled with the Holy Spirit. Certainly, we don't want people to look upon our church people in fear; in awe perhaps, but not in terror.

Thank you, God, for providing a place for me to worship. Thank you most of all that you gave your only son as our Temple that I can worship you in Spirit and in truth wherever I am. In his name I pray. Amen.

God is King

2011-11-03T01:00:00.000-05:00

For God is the King over all the earth. Praise him with a psalm! God reigns above the nations, sitting on his holy throne. The rulers of the world have gathered together. They join us in praising the God of Abraham. For all the kings of the earth belong to God. He is highly honored everywhere. Psalm 47: 7-9 NLT

In a recent sermon series in my church, we have talked a great deal about how God is our sovereign Lord. In other words, God is our King. So, we should treat God as such. In fact, God is King over all of creation. God is not just king inside our sanctuaries.

How infrequently we fail to join with other believers in giving God praise! We would rather worship God in private, behind closed doors. We don't want to offend anyone with our praise to God.

But if we really and truly believe that God is King, we should be giving him praise and honor all the time, not just one hour on Sunday. The psalmist is here to remind us of God's sovereignty and our allegiance.

God, you are the King over all the earth. I praise you with this psalm! In Jesus' holy name. Amen.

Praise God!

2011-11-02T01:00:00.001-05:00

God has ascended with a mighty shout. The Lord has ascended with trumpets blaring. Sing praise to God, sing praises; sing praise to our King, sing praises! Psalm 47: 5-6 NLT

I enjoy singing, especially singing in church. The funny thing about me is that I enjoy singing the songs out of the hymnal, singing special choir music, singing gospel-style songs and singing contemporary Christian rock music. I love it all!

The good thing is that, no matter your preferred type of music or song, it is all about praise. We praise God when we sing – no matter how good our voices are. God is our king, God is worthy to be praised. Even if you don't like that particular song it is better to go beyond that and remember who you are singing to: God.

And God wants to hear your praises to him. After all, God has ascended with shouts and music. We need to worship and bow down to the Lord our maker.

God, help us to sing your praises in church, around the house and wherever we go. May we overlook the type of music or the song and remember to whom we are singing. You are worthy and almighty! In Jesus' name. Amen.

Clap your hands!

2011-11-01T01:00:00.002-05:00

Come, everyone, and clap your hands for joy! Shout to God with joyful praise! For the Lord Most High is awesome. He is the great King of all the earth. He subdues the nations before us, putting our enemies beneath our feet. He chose the Promised Land as our inheritance, the proud possession of Jacob's descendants, whom he loves. Psalm 47 1-4 NLT

Growing up, I always understood from my mother that it was rude to clap your hands in church. So, even if the rest of the congregation was clapping, I followed my mother's example and never did. I guess that was to indicate that we were in worship not in a performance.

In my current church, we clap for various reasons but mostly to celebrate with someone who brings their praises to the congregation. It is a sign of happiness, of joy. We join in with that individual or family in their praises. Not only that, if we like a song, we feel comfortable joining in and clapping. It is a way to express praise.

The psalmist tells us that we should clap our hands with joy (sorry, Momma). We should be shouting to God in worship (tell that to us Caucasian Methodists). We aren't just being noisy or rude.

The reason is that God is king over the earth. God has subdued all the forces of evil, putting them beneath our feet. God has given us a grand inheritance, even greater than the Promised Land: eternal life.

God, you are awesome and you love us. We give you thanks and praise with shouts and clapping of hands. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Be silent and know that I am God!

2011-10-31T01:00:00.000-05:00

“Be silent, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” Psalm 46:10 NLT

I have always remembered the other verse that you must be still and know God. But Psalm 46 gives us a direct quote: be silent and know that I am God!

Remember when God appeared to Elijah? God was not in the thunderous storm, God was not in the blasting wind, God was not in the rumbling earthquake and God was not in the roaring fire. God was in the silence. That is when Elijah fell on his face and worshipped. [See I Kings 19: 11-13]

How silent are you for God? Right now, is it silent where you are? Or do you have music going or the television in the background? Have you ever spent a few minutes in silence with God?

Let's try this today. Find a quiet place. Set a timer for 5 minutes. Just be in God's presence, not talking to God but just being still and listening, waiting.

God may have something to say to you in the silence.

Be silent and know that I am God! Amen.

World Peace

2011-10-30T01:00:00.000-05:00

Come, see the glorious works of the Lord: See how he brings destruction upon the world and causes wars to end throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and snaps the spear in two; he burns the shields with fire. Psalm 46: 8-9 NLT

Okay, these verses are a strange combination. What kind of visual is this: God brings destruction on the earth and causes wars to end. Does this mean that God's violence far outweighs ours? Now that is a frightening thought!

The psalmist says that God breaks the bow, snaps the spear in two and burns the shields with fire. All the weapons are gone, completely destroyed by God. When I prayed for world peace, I was not thinking in these terms.

But the whole section begins by saying that these works are glorious. Even though God is acting in a violent manner, the outcome of God's actions will be wonderful. There will be peace over all the earth.

Will God someday destroy all our nuclear arsenals, our guns, our knives, and our chemical weapons?

That would be the new earth we read about in the Book of Revelation. That would be a true era of peace.

Come, Lord Jesus, come! Bring glory and peace to your whole creation. Amen.

God is With You

2011-10-29T01:00:00.001-05:00

A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High. God himself lives in that city; it cannot be destroyed. God will protect it at the break of the day. The nations are in an uproar, and kingdoms crumble! God thunders, and the earth melts! The Lord Almighty is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Psalm 46:4-7 NLT

God is right where you are this very moment.

For the Israelites, God was in Jerusalem. And as long as God resided there, that city would always stand. Even when other nations were falling apart around them, they knew that God would protect their city.

God is with you right now. That does not mean that you will not die, nor avoid injury, illness or being hurt. But you – the inner most being you – will never be destroyed. No matter what drama happens around you, no matter how others feel threatened and lost, God will anchor you and keep you with him.

Trust God and stand firm and God's presence.

The Lord Almighty is here with me; God is my fortress. Thank you, Lord. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

God is our Refuge and Strength

2011-10-28T01:00:00.000-05:00

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! Psalm 46 1-3 NLT

Can you say that you will not be afraid whatever happens?

That is what the psalmist says to do. Because God is the ultimate protection and is always there with us, we should not be afraid. Even if we are caught in an earthquake, a tsunami or a tornado. Let nature roar! Go ahead and have bad weather – our trust is in God and God alone.

Now, the psalmist does not say to stand still and watch everything happen. You can still grab your loved ones and head to higher ground or a shelter. But don't be afraid.

What troubles are surrounding you today? Is the ground shaking beneath your feet? Do you see the waves rise up above your head? You may have to do some moving and seek shelter. But there is one thing you will not have to do: be afraid.

Do not fear. Trust in God, your refuge and strength.

God, you are our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge. We trust you. In Jesus' name. Amen.