Where is your God?

Why should pagan nations be allowed to scoff, asking, “Where is their God?” Show us your vengeance against the nations, for they have spilled the blood of your servants. Listen to the moaning of the prisoners. Demonstrate your great power by saving those condemned to die. O Lord, pay back our neighbors seven times for the scorn they have hurled at you. Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will thank you forever and ever, praising your greatness from generation to generation. Psalm 79: 10-13 NLT

How would you like God to prove Godself to those who scoff and don't believe? Does revenge come to mind? Striking out at unbelievers and sinners would prove something. Not sure if that would prove God exists or that our thoughts of revenge have taken on a power and life of their own. I kind of think that would be more evil than God-like.

God allowed Jesus to die on the cross. Rather than getting revenge on the Romans, Pilate, Judas, the Sanhedrin or anyone else who was responsible for his death, God gave the opportunity for belief and forgiveness. Not everyone took what God gave. But for those who did, the reward is beyond comprehension.

Truly we can praise God's greatness from generation to generation.

God, thank you for not getting revenge on everyone who tortured and executed Jesus. Thank you that you gave the possibility of forgiveness and new life instead. In His name we pray. Amen.

Copyright 2012 Amelia G. Sims

Forgive me

Help us, O God of our salvation! Help us for the glory of your name. Save us and forgive our sins for the honor of your name. Psalm 79: 9 NLT

Instead of asking that God saves them for their sakes, the psalmist asks that God save them for God's sake. Save them from death and forgive their sins. Don't hold what they have done in the past against them. Give them life and give it abundantly!

What sins are you guilty of? Don't like to think about them, do you?

If you were truly repentant, what reason would you give for God to forgive you? Would you say, God forgive me for the simple honor and glory of our name? Or would you say, God forgive me and I will be a better Christian, a better spouse, a better parent, etc.?

God wants to forgive you – no matter your reasoning.

God, help me! Help me for the glory of your name. Forgive my sins. I lift them up to you and confess each one. I want to be closer to you each day. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Copyright 2012 Amelia G. Sims

Meeting your Needs

Pour out your wrath on the nations that refuse to acknowledge you – on kingdoms that do not call upon your name. For they have devoured your people Israel, making the land a desolate wilderness. Do not hold us guilty for the sins of our ancestors! Let your compassion quickly meet our needs, for we are on the brink of despair. Psalm 79: 6-8 NLT

Let your compassion quickly meet our needs....

When typing this, I thought of one of the ministries I support called Compassion International. Through this agency, I sponsor a child. This means that I pray for her, pay a monthly fee to insure her education, after school care, food and clothing. I also give gifts on her birthday and at Christmas. And I write to her. It isn't much but it does meet her needs. Through Compassion International, she has a chance to rise above the poverty and neglect that is often found in her country. I am trying to give her the skills and faith she needs to have a productive life.

I'm not removing her from poverty or paying huge sums to make her family rich. I am simply doing a small thing to make sure she has what she needs – including self-confidence and a relationship with God.

Often we ask God for what we want when his compassion is all about what we need. Our needs are far more simple than we realize.

God, let your compassion quickly meet my needs. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Copyright 2012 Amelia G. Sims

What is God Jealous of?

O God, pagan nations have conquered your land, your special possession. They have defiled your holy Temple and made Jerusalem a heap of ruins. They have left the bodies of your servants as food for the wild animals. Blood has flowed like water all around Jerusalem; no one is left to bury the dead. We are mocked by our neighbors, an object of scorn and derision to those around us. O Lord, how long will you be angry with us? Forever? How long will your jealousy burn like fire? Psalm 79: 1- 5 NLT

If God is a jealous God, then right now think of some things in your life that God may be jealous of:

Your family?

Your job?

Your relationship(s)?

Your church?

Your hobbies?

Your favorite sport?

Where have you put others first over your relationship with God?

God wants you. All of you. Now. Don't make God jealous!

God, help me to stop making you jealous of all the things I give high priority to in my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Copyright 2012 Amelia G. Sims