Psalm 55:22
"Cast all your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall."
Taken at face value this verse is so comforting. Looking deeper, this passage is both a strong call to faith and a call to daily reliance on God. For those who have not placed their trust in God of cast their "lot" or "burden" on Him (as is translated elsewhere) David declares that He is worthy and able to bear all our load. Not only is God able to bear our load, but also to declare us righteous. He is able to restore our right standing before Him and preserve that standing for eternity. We are secure! This is a powerful and encouraging call to faith.
For those who have cast their lot with God, this is a strong reminder of His faithfulness and worthiness of our trust. We do not have to worry about any tempest or storm (vs. 8) enemy or foe (vs. 12) nor companion or friend (vs. 20). God is in control and will not let those He declares righteous be destroyed. We can endure (vs. 8) because of who He is.
Thank You Father for your faithful provision, protection and care for me. Help me surrender more and more of my burden each day and find You more than faithful. Amen.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Impulse Control
Psalm 51:6
"Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts,
And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom."
The Hebrew words for "inner parts" and "hidden parts" are rare phrases in Scripture and somewhat mysterious. David is not talking about the heart, the seat of emotion and will, but somewhere deeper and more unknown even to one's own self. This is the place where impulses and sinful indiscretions spring and surprise us. Proverbs 18:4 says, "The words of a man's mouth are deep waters...." Proverbs 20:5 says, "Council in the heart of a man are deep waters, but a man of understanding will draw them out." God desires truth, understanding and wisdom in the deep, dark, murky waters of our lives. God wants to control even our mysterious impulses. Paul wrote in Romans 7:15, "for what I am doing I do not understand, for what I will to do, that I do not practice, but what I hate, that I do!" So how can I give God full control of the place in my life that I do not control or fully understand?
Proverbs 1:7 says, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." I must live every moment in full knowledge and expression of the presence of God. He must be my conscious thought and the song on my lips at every moment; to pray without ceasing, to inhale His Holy Spirit and exhale His praise moment by moment.
Father - teach me to breath Your presence, to inhale Your Spirit and exhale your praise. Teach me to know You in my inner most parts. Control my impulses and guide me in Your understanding and wisdom. Amen.
"Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts,
And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom."
The Hebrew words for "inner parts" and "hidden parts" are rare phrases in Scripture and somewhat mysterious. David is not talking about the heart, the seat of emotion and will, but somewhere deeper and more unknown even to one's own self. This is the place where impulses and sinful indiscretions spring and surprise us. Proverbs 18:4 says, "The words of a man's mouth are deep waters...." Proverbs 20:5 says, "Council in the heart of a man are deep waters, but a man of understanding will draw them out." God desires truth, understanding and wisdom in the deep, dark, murky waters of our lives. God wants to control even our mysterious impulses. Paul wrote in Romans 7:15, "for what I am doing I do not understand, for what I will to do, that I do not practice, but what I hate, that I do!" So how can I give God full control of the place in my life that I do not control or fully understand?
Proverbs 1:7 says, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." I must live every moment in full knowledge and expression of the presence of God. He must be my conscious thought and the song on my lips at every moment; to pray without ceasing, to inhale His Holy Spirit and exhale His praise moment by moment.
Father - teach me to breath Your presence, to inhale Your Spirit and exhale your praise. Teach me to know You in my inner most parts. Control my impulses and guide me in Your understanding and wisdom. Amen.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Awake and Alert...
1 Peter 5:8
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour."
I get the image here of a hunter who, with gun in hand, has gotten drunk and passed out on his own front porch as a roaring (yes loudly) lion casually approaches for the easy kill. As believers we possess powerful weapons of spiritual warfare (Eph. 6:12-18), we have strong shelter in Christ (Prov. 18:10), we have been given the very sharp mind of the Spirit (1 Cor. 2:16) - and yet we tend to get drunk on pride or self-centeredness and fail to even see the obvious dangers right in front of us. As believers, servants for the advancement of God's kingdom, we are even greater targets for the Devil. He is not lazy nor careless in his pursuit of us (Job 1:9, 2:7, Zech. 3:1, Luke 4:1-2, Luke 22:31). His aim is not to maim us but to consume us and our lives completely; our faith, our character, our passion, our time, our families, our relationships, our churches... leaving nothing behind. The stakes are very high. I cannot relax, coast, take for granted or become content in my walk with Jesus or my dependence on the Holy Spirit. I must resist the devil with everything I've got (1 Peter 5:9, James 4:7).
Father - make me keenly aware of the spiritual danger in my life. Keep me humble, sober-minded and vigilant for the attacks of the Devil. Strengthen my resolve to resist temptations and defeat the accusations of my enemy. Preserve and protect me, me and my family and my family of faith. Amen.
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour."
I get the image here of a hunter who, with gun in hand, has gotten drunk and passed out on his own front porch as a roaring (yes loudly) lion casually approaches for the easy kill. As believers we possess powerful weapons of spiritual warfare (Eph. 6:12-18), we have strong shelter in Christ (Prov. 18:10), we have been given the very sharp mind of the Spirit (1 Cor. 2:16) - and yet we tend to get drunk on pride or self-centeredness and fail to even see the obvious dangers right in front of us. As believers, servants for the advancement of God's kingdom, we are even greater targets for the Devil. He is not lazy nor careless in his pursuit of us (Job 1:9, 2:7, Zech. 3:1, Luke 4:1-2, Luke 22:31). His aim is not to maim us but to consume us and our lives completely; our faith, our character, our passion, our time, our families, our relationships, our churches... leaving nothing behind. The stakes are very high. I cannot relax, coast, take for granted or become content in my walk with Jesus or my dependence on the Holy Spirit. I must resist the devil with everything I've got (1 Peter 5:9, James 4:7).
Father - make me keenly aware of the spiritual danger in my life. Keep me humble, sober-minded and vigilant for the attacks of the Devil. Strengthen my resolve to resist temptations and defeat the accusations of my enemy. Preserve and protect me, me and my family and my family of faith. Amen.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
The Manifold Grace of God
1 Peter 4:8-10
"And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."
God has blessed me in so many ways. I can't even count all of gifts of "the manifold grace of god" in my life. I feel like the billionaire about whom it is said he couldn't possible spend all his wealth even if he tried. The only way to truly appreciate and actualize this type of blessing is to give it away. We must become the Bill Gates of God's grace and leverage God's gifts to change the world. Yet sometimes I grumble. I grumble about not having enough money, time, stuff, energy, talent, etc.... The reality is that I don't have enough love. Love covers a multitude of sin and grumbling and more. If I loved others more than I loved the manifold gifts of God's grace in my life I would gladly give them all away. If I truly understood this command to "minister" them to others, I wouldn't hoard them. Peter never wrote for us to enjoy, treasure, save up, parcel out sparingly or reserve the gifts of God for a better opportunity. The command is to joyfully and lovingly pass along all of the manifold grace of God to one another. Will I hold tightly to these blessings or give freely of God's grace?
Father - make me hold loosely to the billions of blessings in my life. Push me and teach me to give freely of the manifold grace of God. Keep me from grumbling and worry and make me a cheerful giver. Amen.
"And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."
God has blessed me in so many ways. I can't even count all of gifts of "the manifold grace of god" in my life. I feel like the billionaire about whom it is said he couldn't possible spend all his wealth even if he tried. The only way to truly appreciate and actualize this type of blessing is to give it away. We must become the Bill Gates of God's grace and leverage God's gifts to change the world. Yet sometimes I grumble. I grumble about not having enough money, time, stuff, energy, talent, etc.... The reality is that I don't have enough love. Love covers a multitude of sin and grumbling and more. If I loved others more than I loved the manifold gifts of God's grace in my life I would gladly give them all away. If I truly understood this command to "minister" them to others, I wouldn't hoard them. Peter never wrote for us to enjoy, treasure, save up, parcel out sparingly or reserve the gifts of God for a better opportunity. The command is to joyfully and lovingly pass along all of the manifold grace of God to one another. Will I hold tightly to these blessings or give freely of God's grace?
Father - make me hold loosely to the billions of blessings in my life. Push me and teach me to give freely of the manifold grace of God. Keep me from grumbling and worry and make me a cheerful giver. Amen.
Monday, January 26, 2009
good husband
1 Peter 3:7
"Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered."
My blessing, my inheritance from God, is directly ties to my relationship to my wife. We are one flesh and I, being the head and more sturdy, common vessel, am responsible to fill her up with love, honor and respect. The image I get here is of a clunky tea kettle filling a fine china cup with sweet smelling tea. When I neglect to fill my wife, I neglect my own calling and forfeit the blessing of that relationship as well as the blessing of my relationship with God (Prov. 19:14).
In every instance where the phrase "dwell with" is used in the New Testament,it is referring to either marriage (3 times) or God's dwelling within us (5 times). This means that my understanding and honor regarding my wife ought to be as constant and unchanging as the Spirit's presence within me. As God lives in me, so I live for my wife. Similarly, as I live for my wife, so God's Spirit lives within me; neglect for neglect, honor for honor, blessing for blessing. We are in this life together, as one-flesh heirs of God's good gifts. It is my duty and privilege and in my best interest to fulfill this role and invite God's blessing into our marriage.
Father - make me a better husband. Humble me and strengthen my ministry to my wife. Let me fill her more with blessing and honor and respect. Make me more understanding. Draw us close together as we draw close to You and hear our prayers for Your pleasure. Amen.
"Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered."
My blessing, my inheritance from God, is directly ties to my relationship to my wife. We are one flesh and I, being the head and more sturdy, common vessel, am responsible to fill her up with love, honor and respect. The image I get here is of a clunky tea kettle filling a fine china cup with sweet smelling tea. When I neglect to fill my wife, I neglect my own calling and forfeit the blessing of that relationship as well as the blessing of my relationship with God (Prov. 19:14).
In every instance where the phrase "dwell with" is used in the New Testament,it is referring to either marriage (3 times) or God's dwelling within us (5 times). This means that my understanding and honor regarding my wife ought to be as constant and unchanging as the Spirit's presence within me. As God lives in me, so I live for my wife. Similarly, as I live for my wife, so God's Spirit lives within me; neglect for neglect, honor for honor, blessing for blessing. We are in this life together, as one-flesh heirs of God's good gifts. It is my duty and privilege and in my best interest to fulfill this role and invite God's blessing into our marriage.
Father - make me a better husband. Humble me and strengthen my ministry to my wife. Let me fill her more with blessing and honor and respect. Make me more understanding. Draw us close together as we draw close to You and hear our prayers for Your pleasure. Amen.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Suffering in His Steps
1 Peter 2:19-21
For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. 21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us,[f] leaving us[g] an example, that you should follow His steps."
To follow in the steps of Jesus is to take the path of righteousness and wrongful suffering. Perhaps no other word describes the life and ministry of Jesus better than suffering. Ordinary men will suffer for their faults but we are commended when we, like Jesus, patiently endure suffering for righteousness, doing good for the sake of God's glory. If my life is not marked by such suffering or even hints of it, I must ask myself if I am truly following in His steps. To this, to suffering for righteousness, I was called. I was not called to comfort or happiness or peace or praise or honor or influence. I was called to holiness (1 Peter 1:16) that leads to suffering. So when I suffer, I should not ask God why or beg for mercy but instead rejoice to be counted worthy to walk in His steps and to bring such glory to God. This is my calling. I want to be Holy, to suffer in His steps.
God take away my fear and timidity. Make me bold to speak out and step out in holy obedience to You. Make me less selfish and less busy so that I may follow in Your steps. Teach me to suffer for Your glory, to be found worthy to walk after Jesus. Amen.
For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. 21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us,[f] leaving us[g] an example, that you should follow His steps."
To follow in the steps of Jesus is to take the path of righteousness and wrongful suffering. Perhaps no other word describes the life and ministry of Jesus better than suffering. Ordinary men will suffer for their faults but we are commended when we, like Jesus, patiently endure suffering for righteousness, doing good for the sake of God's glory. If my life is not marked by such suffering or even hints of it, I must ask myself if I am truly following in His steps. To this, to suffering for righteousness, I was called. I was not called to comfort or happiness or peace or praise or honor or influence. I was called to holiness (1 Peter 1:16) that leads to suffering. So when I suffer, I should not ask God why or beg for mercy but instead rejoice to be counted worthy to walk in His steps and to bring such glory to God. This is my calling. I want to be Holy, to suffer in His steps.
God take away my fear and timidity. Make me bold to speak out and step out in holy obedience to You. Make me less selfish and less busy so that I may follow in Your steps. Teach me to suffer for Your glory, to be found worthy to walk after Jesus. Amen.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Holiness - to be like Him
1 Peter 1:14-16
as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” (Lev. 11:44-45)
1 Peter 1 is so packed full of deep and beautiful passages that I had a hard time focusing on just one. I must have read and reread this chapter 5 times. This portion however is so inspiring and challenging that I kept coming back to it. Oh to be Holy!
When do children become obedient children?... Not obedient out of fear or consequences, but out of character, values and truth. This obedience comes when a child matures and understands the character of their parent who has guided them through the lust and impulsiveness of ignorance. To know the Father and to have an intimate relationship with Him is to know His Holiness - the motivation of His calling and the fabric of His character, His nature. Then the relationship deepens and we desire to be like Him, not simply obey Him. I want to be Holy because my Heavenly Father, the Great I AM is HOLY.
Like a child who walks through the house in his father's shoes, tie and hat or her mothers jewelry and heals, we must take joy in reflecting the image and character of our Heavenly Father. To know Him is to desire to be like Him.
Heavenly Father - make me Holy. Let me know you and fill me with a desire to be like you in every way, in all my conduct. I want to he Holy. Amen.
as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” (Lev. 11:44-45)
1 Peter 1 is so packed full of deep and beautiful passages that I had a hard time focusing on just one. I must have read and reread this chapter 5 times. This portion however is so inspiring and challenging that I kept coming back to it. Oh to be Holy!
When do children become obedient children?... Not obedient out of fear or consequences, but out of character, values and truth. This obedience comes when a child matures and understands the character of their parent who has guided them through the lust and impulsiveness of ignorance. To know the Father and to have an intimate relationship with Him is to know His Holiness - the motivation of His calling and the fabric of His character, His nature. Then the relationship deepens and we desire to be like Him, not simply obey Him. I want to be Holy because my Heavenly Father, the Great I AM is HOLY.
Like a child who walks through the house in his father's shoes, tie and hat or her mothers jewelry and heals, we must take joy in reflecting the image and character of our Heavenly Father. To know Him is to desire to be like Him.
Heavenly Father - make me Holy. Let me know you and fill me with a desire to be like you in every way, in all my conduct. I want to he Holy. Amen.
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