Friday, August 31, 2018

Asking God For A Favor

Some time ago a clergyman shouted with all of his might, “May God damn America!” Standing behind his pulpit, with his colorful clerical robe and embroidered stole, his rant and rage shocked many who saw him on television.
The longer I watched and wondered, the more his words confused and disturbed me. I could not help but think about the impact this would have on those who were in his congregation or watching him on television or read his words in newspapers and magazines. Surely some would be as disturbed as I was. But, there would be others who would agree with him and cheer for him.
Most often when we and others call on God, it is for a favor or something we cannot do. It could be for healing, a financial need, a loved one who has wandered from God, or insight or wisdom. Then there are others who call on God because they want Him to use His power to do things that are destructive - like “God, I hate America so much that I want You to use Your power to hurt the people I can’t.”
David spoke of them: “They speak of You with evil intent; Your adversaries misuse Your name.” We need to remind ourselves that God will only answer our prayers if our requests are consistent with His name or in keeping with His character. He is not available to hurt or harm His children or His creation or to satisfy our anger or do our “dirty work” or evil intentions.
God is always there, willing to hear our requests and answer them in the way that will bring honor and glory to Him. If we call on Him “with evil intent,” He will not hear us.

Prayer: Lord, grant us purity of heart and mind when we approach You in prayer. May our requests always honor You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Psalm 139:20 - They speak of You with evil intent; Your adversaries misuse Your name.
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Asking God For A Favor

Some time ago a clergyman shouted with all of his might, “May God damn America!” Standing behind his pulpit, with his colorful clerical robe and embroidered stole, his rant and rage shocked many who saw him on television.
The longer I watched and wondered, the more his words confused and disturbed me. I could not help but think about the impact this would have on those who were in his congregation or watching him on television or read his words in newspapers and magazines. Surely some would be as disturbed as I was. But, there would be others who would agree with him and cheer for him.
Most often when we and others call on God, it is for a favor or something we cannot do. It could be for healing, a financial need, a loved one who has wandered from God, or insight or wisdom. Then there are others who call on God because they want Him to use His power to do things that are destructive - like “God, I hate America so much that I want You to use Your power to hurt the people I can’t.”
David spoke of them: “They speak of You with evil intent; Your adversaries misuse Your name.” We need to remind ourselves that God will only answer our prayers if our requests are consistent with His name or in keeping with His character. He is not available to hurt or harm His children or His creation or to satisfy our anger or do our “dirty work” or evil intentions.
God is always there, willing to hear our requests and answer them in the way that will bring honor and glory to Him. If we call on Him “with evil intent,” He will not hear us.

Prayer: Lord, grant us purity of heart and mind when we approach You in prayer. May our requests always honor You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Psalm 139:20 - They speak of You with evil intent; Your adversaries misuse Your name.
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Thursday, August 30, 2018

Justice For The Poor And Needy

Have you ever been told the reason an ostrich hides its head in the sand is that it is frightened? If you have and you believe it, you have been led astray. They do, however, run in circles when they are frightened. And, the male ostrich will dig a hole that is six feet by eight feet where the female ostrich lays her eggs. Perhaps this nesting story is the source of the idea of an ostrich hiding its head.
There are times, however, when most of us “feel” like hiding our heads underneath a pillow or standing behind an object where no one can see us. Often we are filled with a sense of inadequacy or “beneath others” because everyone seems to have more than we have or be more capable of doing things than we are. Or, perhaps, we feel “poor” in the sense that we have not been blest by God as much as others.
David had a solution for this “feeling”: “I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor, and upholds the cause of the needy.” In other words, David wants us to know that things are like they are because God designed them as they are for His purpose. If we feel poor - or lacking, - God will “make things right” because He is ultimately responsible for everyone’s wellbeing and treated equally with justice. Our God is a just God and will not allow His own to suffer unfairly. He is at work completing His ultimate purpose for our lives.
David also wrote that “God will uphold the needy.” It may be that when our wants exceed our resources, He is asking us to evaluate our priorities. His love always surrounds us and directs us as His plan to make us Christ-like unfolds.
Prayer: Lord, when things aren’t right, it does not mean that You are treating us wrong. It means it is time to trust You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Psalm 140:12 – I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor, and upholds the cause of the needy. 
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Justice For The Poor And Needy

Have you ever been told the reason an ostrich hides its head in the sand is that it is frightened? If you have and you believe it, you have been led astray. They do, however, run in circles when they are frightened. And, the male ostrich will dig a hole that is six feet by eight feet where the female ostrich lays her eggs. Perhaps this nesting story is the source of the idea of an ostrich hiding its head.
There are times, however, when most of us “feel” like hiding our heads underneath a pillow or standing behind an object where no one can see us. Often we are filled with a sense of inadequacy or “beneath others” because everyone seems to have more than we have or be more capable of doing things than we are. Or, perhaps, we feel “poor” in the sense that we have not been blest by God as much as others.
David had a solution for this “feeling”: “I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor, and upholds the cause of the needy.” In other words, David wants us to know that things are like they are because God designed them as they are for His purpose. If we feel poor - or lacking, - God will “make things right” because He is ultimately responsible for everyone’s wellbeing and treated equally with justice. Our God is a just God and will not allow His own to suffer unfairly. He is at work completing His ultimate purpose for our lives.
David also wrote that “God will uphold the needy.” It may be that when our wants exceed our resources, He is asking us to evaluate our priorities. His love always surrounds us and directs us as His plan to make us Christ-like unfolds.
Prayer: Lord, when things aren’t right, it does not mean that You are treating us wrong. It means it is time to trust You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Psalm 140:12 – I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor, and upholds the cause of the needy. 
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Always On His Mind

He was looking forward to his marriage. But at the last moment, his fiancée decided that she did not want a life that included sharing his blindness. In his disappointment and distress, he turned to the Lord for His comfort and compassion. In Christ, he found Someone who would love him “no matter what.” He became one of the greatest preachers of his day, and people would travel great distances to hear his sermons. Over the years he became known as “The Blind Preacher Who Could See Quite Well.”
Because of his limited sight, he became dependent on his sister, who assisted him in the chores of living and his pastoral responsibilities. On the day of her marriage, he became very distraught mentally. Whether it was because it brought back memories of his once anticipated marriage or whether he realized that he would be abandoned once again, in pain, anguish, and sadness, he wrote:
O Love that wilt not let me go
I rest my weary soul in Thee;
I give Thee back the life I owe,
That in thine ocean depths its flow
May richer, fuller be.
He penned this hymn in five minutes, never having to make one correction or change. And its spirit seems to capture the words of David when he wrote, “How precious it is Lord, to realize that You think about me constantly. I can’t even count how many times a day Your thoughts turn to me. And when I awaken You are still thinking of me.”
What great love God offers us. It will never let us go.
Prayer: It’s simply impossible, Father, for us to fathom the depths of Your love. In deep humility we thank You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Psalm 139:17-18 How precious it is Lord, to realize that You think about me constantly. I can’t even count how many times a day Your thoughts turn to me. And when I awaken You are still thinking of me. 
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Always On His Mind

He was looking forward to his marriage. But at the last moment, his fiancée decided that she did not want a life that included sharing his blindness. In his disappointment and distress, he turned to the Lord for His comfort and compassion. In Christ, he found Someone who would love him “no matter what.” He became one of the greatest preachers of his day, and people would travel great distances to hear his sermons. Over the years he became known as “The Blind Preacher Who Could See Quite Well.”
Because of his limited sight, he became dependent on his sister, who assisted him in the chores of living and his pastoral responsibilities. On the day of her marriage, he became very distraught mentally. Whether it was because it brought back memories of his once anticipated marriage or whether he realized that he would be abandoned once again, in pain, anguish, and sadness, he wrote:
O Love that wilt not let me go
I rest my weary soul in Thee;
I give Thee back the life I owe,
That in thine ocean depths its flow
May richer, fuller be.
He penned this hymn in five minutes, never having to make one correction or change. And its spirit seems to capture the words of David when he wrote, “How precious it is Lord, to realize that You think about me constantly. I can’t even count how many times a day Your thoughts turn to me. And when I awaken You are still thinking of me.”
What great love God offers us. It will never let us go.
Prayer: It’s simply impossible, Father, for us to fathom the depths of Your love. In deep humility we thank You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Psalm 139:17-18 How precious it is Lord, to realize that You think about me constantly. I can’t even count how many times a day Your thoughts turn to me. And when I awaken You are still thinking of me. 
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Wednesday, August 29, 2018

"God Is Now Here!"

A professor of biology, who was an atheist, wrote on the dry erase board, “God is nowhere!” A student raised his hand and asked, “Sir, may I try something?”
“Of course,” said the professor.
Walking to the front of the class he moved the “w” from “where” to the end of the word “no,” and the sentence read, “God is now here!”
Wherever anyone is, God is! There is no place, nor can there be any place, where He is not. He is the Creator, Sustainer, and Governor of the universe.
There are approximately seven billion people on our planet occupying seven billion different places. Each of them could, if they would, say with equal certainty, “God is now here.” No one is closer to or further from God at any time in any place. Again, wherever anyone is, God is.
Do you remember the story of Jonah? God had a plan for him. It was to travel east - to Nineveh. But Jonah had his plan, and he decided to go west - to Tarshish. He crossed half of the world trying to get away from God, and when he got there, he found God waiting for him.
There was a king who made the same discovery. He said, “If I go up to the heavens, You are there. If I make my bed in the depths, You are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast.”
We may be above the clouds in an aircraft, or on the floor of the ocean in a submarine; but, He will be there waiting.
Prayer: Thank You, Father, for Your presence in our lives knowing that “You will never leave us.” Never! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Psalm 139:8 If I go up to the heavens, You are there. If I make my bed in the depths, You are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast.
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"God Is Now Here!"

A professor of biology, who was an atheist, wrote on the dry erase board, “God is nowhere!” A student raised his hand and asked, “Sir, may I try something?”
“Of course,” said the professor.
Walking to the front of the class he moved the “w” from “where” to the end of the word “no,” and the sentence read, “God is now here!”
Wherever anyone is, God is! There is no place, nor can there be any place, where He is not. He is the Creator, Sustainer, and Governor of the universe.
There are approximately seven billion people on our planet occupying seven billion different places. Each of them could, if they would, say with equal certainty, “God is now here.” No one is closer to or further from God at any time in any place. Again, wherever anyone is, God is.
Do you remember the story of Jonah? God had a plan for him. It was to travel east - to Nineveh. But Jonah had his plan, and he decided to go west - to Tarshish. He crossed half of the world trying to get away from God, and when he got there, he found God waiting for him.
There was a king who made the same discovery. He said, “If I go up to the heavens, You are there. If I make my bed in the depths, You are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast.”
We may be above the clouds in an aircraft, or on the floor of the ocean in a submarine; but, He will be there waiting.
Prayer: Thank You, Father, for Your presence in our lives knowing that “You will never leave us.” Never! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Psalm 139:8 If I go up to the heavens, You are there. If I make my bed in the depths, You are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast.
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Tuesday, August 28, 2018

Great Escapes

“Jet away from it all” was a successful advertising campaign of a major airline a few years ago. “If you need to get away from it all, we can help you make it happen” was the intent of their message.
Many people, however, spend their entire life trying to get away from “it” all. But is “it” the problem? Some move from one job to another. Others, from one spouse to another. Then there are many who “bar hop” - looking for the perfect drink and a place to make friends and find counsel. Confused minds and broken hearts often cause people to seek help from others who have no hope to offer.
“What’s going on?” we might ask.
It’s like a person who has been injured and is in so much pain that he can’t be still. He tries to “walk it off” only to discover that the pain and injury are inside and follow him wherever he goes.
So it is with life. “What’s going on” is that we cannot run away from ourselves or our problems! They follow us wherever we go.
If we want relief from the pain and problems of our past, it is possible. If we choose to carry the guilt and grief, shame and sorrow, that troubles our mind and disturbs our peace, it is because we want to. Life is choice.
The Psalmist wrote, “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence?” The guilt and grief, pain and problems that trouble us during the day and keep us awake at night are God’s Spirit convicting us of our need to repent from our sinful ways. It is Christ pursuing us wherever we go - calling us to “come back. Let Me rescue you!”
Prayer: Thank You, Father, for loving us so much that You refuse to give up on us. Teach us to hear Your voice. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Psalm 139:7 Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence?
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Great Escapes

“Jet away from it all” was a successful advertising campaign of a major airline a few years ago. “If you need to get away from it all, we can help you make it happen” was the intent of their message.
Many people, however, spend their entire life trying to get away from “it” all. But is “it” the problem? Some move from one job to another. Others, from one spouse to another. Then there are many who “bar hop” - looking for the perfect drink and a place to make friends and find counsel. Confused minds and broken hearts often cause people to seek help from others who have no hope to offer.
“What’s going on?” we might ask.
It’s like a person who has been injured and is in so much pain that he can’t be still. He tries to “walk it off” only to discover that the pain and injury are inside and follow him wherever he goes.
So it is with life. “What’s going on” is that we cannot run away from ourselves or our problems! They follow us wherever we go.
If we want relief from the pain and problems of our past, it is possible. If we choose to carry the guilt and grief, shame and sorrow, that troubles our mind and disturbs our peace, it is because we want to. Life is choice.
The Psalmist wrote, “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence?” The guilt and grief, pain and problems that trouble us during the day and keep us awake at night are God’s Spirit convicting us of our need to repent from our sinful ways. It is Christ pursuing us wherever we go - calling us to “come back. Let Me rescue you!”
Prayer: Thank You, Father, for loving us so much that You refuse to give up on us. Teach us to hear Your voice. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Psalm 139:7 Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence?
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Monday, August 27, 2018

Being Alone Is A Choice

We all enter this world alone, and we all depart this world alone. But we do not need to go through life alone.
A visitor walked through the Garden and then came into the office. After sitting quietly for a moment, he began to weep loudly, his body trembling. “You know,” he said, “I am so alone and so misunderstood. I wish I belonged to somebody, anybody. I hate life with all of its bitterness and loneliness. I am afraid to die.”
Continuing, he said, “I have wealth and property, success and influence. But I would rather feel accepted by someone, anyone in exchange for all of my possessions.”
Unfortunately, he was not aware of our Father. The Psalmist said, “O, Lord, You have searched me and You know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue, You know it completely, O Lord.”
Many lead lonely lives because of a fear of being known - or as some might say, “being found out.” Being “known” comes from a fear of not being acceptable to others for who we are or what we might have done in the past. “If you know me,” so it seems, “you probably won’t like me.”
Perhaps that may be true of people, but not God! He has searched us, knows everything about us, and in spite of it all loves us so much that “He gave His only begotten Son to die on our behalf so we can be saved.” And if we accept His salvation, He’ll never leave us nor forsake us.
Prayer: Thank You, Father, that You offer us a love we do not deserve and Your salvation that we cannot earn. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Psalm 139:2a-4b O, Lord, You have searched me and You know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue, You know it completely, O Lord. 
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Being Alone Is A Choice

We all enter this world alone, and we all depart this world alone. But we do not need to go through life alone.
A visitor walked through the Garden and then came into the office. After sitting quietly for a moment, he began to weep loudly, his body trembling. “You know,” he said, “I am so alone and so misunderstood. I wish I belonged to somebody, anybody. I hate life with all of its bitterness and loneliness. I am afraid to die.”
Continuing, he said, “I have wealth and property, success and influence. But I would rather feel accepted by someone, anyone in exchange for all of my possessions.”
Unfortunately, he was not aware of our Father. The Psalmist said, “O, Lord, You have searched me and You know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue, You know it completely, O Lord.”
Many lead lonely lives because of a fear of being known - or as some might say, “being found out.” Being “known” comes from a fear of not being acceptable to others for who we are or what we might have done in the past. “If you know me,” so it seems, “you probably won’t like me.”
Perhaps that may be true of people, but not God! He has searched us, knows everything about us, and in spite of it all loves us so much that “He gave His only begotten Son to die on our behalf so we can be saved.” And if we accept His salvation, He’ll never leave us nor forsake us.
Prayer: Thank You, Father, that You offer us a love we do not deserve and Your salvation that we cannot earn. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Psalm 139:2a-4b O, Lord, You have searched me and You know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue, You know it completely, O Lord. 
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Sunday, August 26, 2018

Look Carefully

Years ago I was given a pencil. Written on one side of it was a quote from Socrates: “The unexamined life is not worth living.” When I asked what it meant, I was told, “Humans should look within themselves to find the true meaning of life.” Most of us do “examine” ourselves in one way or another. Often, however, it is difficult to be honest and objective, thorough and impartial. Many times we do not like what we see and gloss over our faults and failures. Sometimes when we can no longer hide a flaw, we make excuses and blame someone else for what we see and do not like. Often when we see what we do not like, we try to cover it up and hide it from others.
But we cannot hide from God. “O Lord,” the Psalmist wrote, “You have examined my heart and know everything there is about me.” If that statement were about anyone but God, most of us would be rather frightened by what someone might do with that information.
But with God, it’s different. What He knows about us can be used to our advantage to complete the purpose and plan He has for our lives. He knows when we sit down, when we stand up, what we are thinking, where we are going, when we are active, and when we are resting, even everything we are going to say before we say it. “Why” we ask?
And, the Psalmist answered it clearly and convincingly: “You go before me and follow me. You place Your hand of blessing on my head.” He is before us and after us to bless us!
God has no intention of gathering information about us to destroy us. He knows everything there is to know about us, yet He still accepts us and loves us. He is with us in every situation, in every trial and every triumph, every defeat and every victory.
Prayer: Thank You, Father, for Your involvement in our lives. We are grateful for Your grace that guides and guards us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Psalm 139:1 O Lord, You have examined my heart and know everything there is about me. 
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Look Carefully

Years ago I was given a pencil. Written on one side of it was a quote from Socrates: “The unexamined life is not worth living.” When I asked what it meant, I was told, “Humans should look within themselves to find the true meaning of life.” Most of us do “examine” ourselves in one way or another. Often, however, it is difficult to be honest and objective, thorough and impartial. Many times we do not like what we see and gloss over our faults and failures. Sometimes when we can no longer hide a flaw, we make excuses and blame someone else for what we see and do not like. Often when we see what we do not like, we try to cover it up and hide it from others.
But we cannot hide from God. “O Lord,” the Psalmist wrote, “You have examined my heart and know everything there is about me.” If that statement were about anyone but God, most of us would be rather frightened by what someone might do with that information.
But with God, it’s different. What He knows about us can be used to our advantage to complete the purpose and plan He has for our lives. He knows when we sit down, when we stand up, what we are thinking, where we are going, when we are active, and when we are resting, even everything we are going to say before we say it. “Why” we ask?
And, the Psalmist answered it clearly and convincingly: “You go before me and follow me. You place Your hand of blessing on my head.” He is before us and after us to bless us!
God has no intention of gathering information about us to destroy us. He knows everything there is to know about us, yet He still accepts us and loves us. He is with us in every situation, in every trial and every triumph, every defeat and every victory.
Prayer: Thank You, Father, for Your involvement in our lives. We are grateful for Your grace that guides and guards us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Psalm 139:1 O Lord, You have examined my heart and know everything there is about me. 
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Saturday, August 25, 2018

Are We There Yet?

One of the most frustrating questions I ever tried to answer was the one my children would ask whenever we started on a journey: “Are we there yet?” And, the longer the journey, the more frequently the question was asked. 
The Christian life is a journey. As soon as we surrender our lives to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, the journey begins. The goal of our journey is to become Christ-like in all that we think or do or say. So, it begins in a moment in history and continues until we are with Him in glory. Often, when we are born again, we expect our life to be filled with sunshine and roses, skies with no clouds and waters with no waves. But that never happens.
Our days continue to be filled with difficulties and our nights are no easier: the unending and unanswered questions remain. What is going on? What’s happening? Why me?
The Psalmist gives us insight into those questions: “The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me; Your love, O Lord, endures forever - do not abandon the works of Your hands!”
The journey is the plan, and the plan that He designed for each of us includes His purpose for our lives. And, the Psalmist reminds us that, “He will fulfill His purpose.” There can be no doubt that God has a unique purpose for each of us. That’s why we are all different: our tastes are different, our interests are different, our talents are different, and our gifts are different. God created each of us to be different because the plan He has for each of us is different.
When the Psalmist spoke of God’s enduring love or the fear of being abandoned, he must have been going through a difficult time. So he reminded himself that he is a “work of God’s hand” as is each of us. This thought reminds us, too, that “we not there, yet.”
Prayer: Give us patience and perseverance, Lord, to trust You always, knowing that You are fulfilling the plan You have for us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Psalm 138:8 The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me; Your love, O Lord, endures forever - do not abandon the works of Your hands!
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Are We There Yet?

One of the most frustrating questions I ever tried to answer was the one my children would ask whenever we started on a journey: “Are we there yet?” And, the longer the journey, the more frequently the question was asked. 
The Christian life is a journey. As soon as we surrender our lives to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, the journey begins. The goal of our journey is to become Christ-like in all that we think or do or say. So, it begins in a moment in history and continues until we are with Him in glory. Often, when we are born again, we expect our life to be filled with sunshine and roses, skies with no clouds and waters with no waves. But that never happens.
Our days continue to be filled with difficulties and our nights are no easier: the unending and unanswered questions remain. What is going on? What’s happening? Why me?
The Psalmist gives us insight into those questions: “The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me; Your love, O Lord, endures forever - do not abandon the works of Your hands!”
The journey is the plan, and the plan that He designed for each of us includes His purpose for our lives. And, the Psalmist reminds us that, “He will fulfill His purpose.” There can be no doubt that God has a unique purpose for each of us. That’s why we are all different: our tastes are different, our interests are different, our talents are different, and our gifts are different. God created each of us to be different because the plan He has for each of us is different.
When the Psalmist spoke of God’s enduring love or the fear of being abandoned, he must have been going through a difficult time. So he reminded himself that he is a “work of God’s hand” as is each of us. This thought reminds us, too, that “we not there, yet.”
Prayer: Give us patience and perseverance, Lord, to trust You always, knowing that You are fulfilling the plan You have for us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Psalm 138:8 The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me; Your love, O Lord, endures forever - do not abandon the works of Your hands!
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Friday, August 24, 2018

Why Worship God?

Worship is as important to the believer as oxygen is to life. We know that without oxygen we could not live. In fact, if a person goes too long without oxygen, it causes serious damage. After one minute without oxygen, brain cells begin to die; after three minutes serious brain damage is likely, and after ten minutes brain cells have died. After fifteen minutes without oxygen, a person’s recovery is virtually impossible.
If we use that information and compare it to believers worshiping God, we see an amazing similarity. It is possible for the believer to go without worshiping God for hours or days. We’ve all done that. But the longer we refrain from worshiping God, the more likely we are to die spiritually.
Psalm 138 is a Psalm of Thanksgiving and Worship. In the seventh verse, David reminds us of the importance of worshiping God: “Though I am surrounded in the midst of trouble, You preserve my life; You stretch out Your hand against the anger of my foes, with Your right hand You protect me.”
What we pledge our lives to, or whom we deeply and reverently love, is what or whom we worship. It can be God or a person, place or thing. Whatever or whoever is at the center of our lives becomes that which we worship. It’s logical to David that the one who protects and preserves us is the one we are to worship. So, the danger we face is that all too often we look at what God has given us as our god and replace Him with things, and then die spiritually.
Prayer: May we realize, Father, that we can easily become dependent on the gifts You give us instead of You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Psalm 138:7 Though I am surrounded in the midst of trouble, You preserve my life; You stretch out Your hand against the anger of my foes, with Your right hand You protect me. 
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Why Worship God?

Worship is as important to the believer as oxygen is to life. We know that without oxygen we could not live. In fact, if a person goes too long without oxygen, it causes serious damage. After one minute without oxygen, brain cells begin to die; after three minutes serious brain damage is likely, and after ten minutes brain cells have died. After fifteen minutes without oxygen, a person’s recovery is virtually impossible.
If we use that information and compare it to believers worshiping God, we see an amazing similarity. It is possible for the believer to go without worshiping God for hours or days. We’ve all done that. But the longer we refrain from worshiping God, the more likely we are to die spiritually.
Psalm 138 is a Psalm of Thanksgiving and Worship. In the seventh verse, David reminds us of the importance of worshiping God: “Though I am surrounded in the midst of trouble, You preserve my life; You stretch out Your hand against the anger of my foes, with Your right hand You protect me.”
What we pledge our lives to, or whom we deeply and reverently love, is what or whom we worship. It can be God or a person, place or thing. Whatever or whoever is at the center of our lives becomes that which we worship. It’s logical to David that the one who protects and preserves us is the one we are to worship. So, the danger we face is that all too often we look at what God has given us as our god and replace Him with things, and then die spiritually.
Prayer: May we realize, Father, that we can easily become dependent on the gifts You give us instead of You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Psalm 138:7 Though I am surrounded in the midst of trouble, You preserve my life; You stretch out Your hand against the anger of my foes, with Your right hand You protect me. 
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Thursday, August 23, 2018

Will Power Or His Power?

“It’s no use,” said Tom to his youth minister. “I’m unable to resist the temptation to sin. I’ve tried again and again to resist the devil and run from him when I’m tempted, but it never works. Something must be wrong with my willpower, so why should I try any longer?”
“Perhaps that’s the problem - trying to resist temptation with ‘willpower.’ No doubt it’s time to turn to God’s power,” said Jeremy.
Then he opened his Bible to Psalm 138:3 and read, “As soon as I pray, you answer me; You encourage me by giving me strength.”
The Psalmist had it right: Rather than using his power, he depended on God for His power. And as we read that verse, we can learn from his struggle how to be faithful to God. There must have been a period in the life of the Psalmist when he tried to “make it on his own” and was unsuccessful. From his failure came his success because he was willing to turn from will-power to God-power. Notice that he wrote, “As soon as I pray...”
He learned an important “life-lesson.” He could not resist the temptation to sin if he depended on himself. But “as soon as” he turned from himself to his Savior, he got exactly what he needed: “encouragement and strength” that comes only from God. So, he literally “gave up” on himself and his willpower. His power did not work.
There is nothing that pleases God more than for one of His children to depend on Him for “survival.” And, we must never forget that “as soon as” we call, He answers!

Prayer: Help us, Lord, to be strong enough to be weak and to call on You for encouragement and strength. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Psalm 138:3 As soon as I pray, you answer me; You encourage me by giving me strength. 
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Will Power Or His Power?

“It’s no use,” said Tom to his youth minister. “I’m unable to resist the temptation to sin. I’ve tried again and again to resist the devil and run from him when I’m tempted, but it never works. Something must be wrong with my willpower, so why should I try any longer?”
“Perhaps that’s the problem - trying to resist temptation with ‘willpower.’ No doubt it’s time to turn to God’s power,” said Jeremy.
Then he opened his Bible to Psalm 138:3 and read, “As soon as I pray, you answer me; You encourage me by giving me strength.”
The Psalmist had it right: Rather than using his power, he depended on God for His power. And as we read that verse, we can learn from his struggle how to be faithful to God. There must have been a period in the life of the Psalmist when he tried to “make it on his own” and was unsuccessful. From his failure came his success because he was willing to turn from will-power to God-power. Notice that he wrote, “As soon as I pray...”
He learned an important “life-lesson.” He could not resist the temptation to sin if he depended on himself. But “as soon as” he turned from himself to his Savior, he got exactly what he needed: “encouragement and strength” that comes only from God. So, he literally “gave up” on himself and his willpower. His power did not work.
There is nothing that pleases God more than for one of His children to depend on Him for “survival.” And, we must never forget that “as soon as” we call, He answers!

Prayer: Help us, Lord, to be strong enough to be weak and to call on You for encouragement and strength. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Psalm 138:3 As soon as I pray, you answer me; You encourage me by giving me strength. 
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Wednesday, August 22, 2018

A Good Habit For Christians

The word “habit” cannot be found in the Bible. Now, we might ask, “Is that good or bad?” It’s neither. But that does not mean that it can’t be placed in front of the word “habit.” For surely there are both good and bad habits, and most of us have some of each.
Unfortunately, most of us develop habits without realizing it. They just “seem to happen” when we least expect them and are troublesome to get rid of once we become attached to them. Some of them can be toxic and troublesome like excessive snacking, texting unnecessary messages or wasting time doing things that lead nowhere. Others can be nourishing and nurturing like walking with a pet, setting aside time for prayer and Bible reading or attending church. So, depending on the nature of a habit it can be helpful or hindering.
A helpful habit for every Christian to cultivate is the habit of praising God for His grace, gifts, and goodness. The Psalmist said, “I praise Your name for Your unfailing love and faithfulness.” While this sounds straightforward and simple, we receive so many gifts from God that we scarcely recognize most of them. Unless they are out of the ordinary or we see an answer to a prayer we thought He might have overlooked, we rarely pause and praise Him. How very sad!
Might God’s blessings be slow in coming because we do not burst forth in praise each time He shows us His favor? Might His gifts increase if we focus more on His goodness and less on our greed? Let’s make praise a habit!
Prayer: How very sad, Father, that we need to be reminded to give You praise. Grant us grateful hearts! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Psalm 138:2b I praise Your name for Your unfailing love and faithfulness.
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A Good Habit For Christians

The word “habit” cannot be found in the Bible. Now, we might ask, “Is that good or bad?” It’s neither. But that does not mean that it can’t be placed in front of the word “habit.” For surely there are both good and bad habits, and most of us have some of each.
Unfortunately, most of us develop habits without realizing it. They just “seem to happen” when we least expect them and are troublesome to get rid of once we become attached to them. Some of them can be toxic and troublesome like excessive snacking, texting unnecessary messages or wasting time doing things that lead nowhere. Others can be nourishing and nurturing like walking with a pet, setting aside time for prayer and Bible reading or attending church. So, depending on the nature of a habit it can be helpful or hindering.
A helpful habit for every Christian to cultivate is the habit of praising God for His grace, gifts, and goodness. The Psalmist said, “I praise Your name for Your unfailing love and faithfulness.” While this sounds straightforward and simple, we receive so many gifts from God that we scarcely recognize most of them. Unless they are out of the ordinary or we see an answer to a prayer we thought He might have overlooked, we rarely pause and praise Him. How very sad!
Might God’s blessings be slow in coming because we do not burst forth in praise each time He shows us His favor? Might His gifts increase if we focus more on His goodness and less on our greed? Let’s make praise a habit!
Prayer: How very sad, Father, that we need to be reminded to give You praise. Grant us grateful hearts! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Psalm 138:2b I praise Your name for Your unfailing love and faithfulness.
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Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Courage!

The battle was long and fierce. Although it was dark, the skies were bright with tracer bullets and bombs bursting everywhere. Frightened soldiers were afraid to move from their trenches fearing that the enemy would see them. Suddenly, one of them began to cry.
“I’m afraid. I’m a coward. Will someone please help me? I don’t want to die,” he cried out in fear.
His friend, hiding next to him, extended a word of comfort. “It’s O.K. to be afraid. I’m right here with you. Let’s pray for God’s help.” Then his friend began to quote Psalm 138:3: “As soon as I pray You answer me, You encourage me by giving me strength.”
Fear is a normal feeling when our lives are being threatened. It is a gift from God sending us a signal that we need to reach out to Him for His protection as well as a reminder that He will never leave us nor forsake us no matter how desperate or dangerous our surroundings may be.
Courage can be compared to a muscle: it will grow over time if used. Often, however, we would rather give in to a test or temptation that God sends our way than to call on Him for strength. As the Psalmist said, “As soon as I pray You answer!” Included in the answer are His courage and His strength.
God is the very best resource available to us when we need help in any situation. Friends are helpful, but God is faithful - and will not allow us to be tempted or tested beyond His power or ability to rescue and save us.

Prayer: Thank You, Father, for Your promise to give us courage and strength when we face the dangers of life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Psalm 138:3 As soon as I pray, You answer me; You encourage me by giving me strength.
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Courage!

The battle was long and fierce. Although it was dark, the skies were bright with tracer bullets and bombs bursting everywhere. Frightened soldiers were afraid to move from their trenches fearing that the enemy would see them. Suddenly, one of them began to cry.
“I’m afraid. I’m a coward. Will someone please help me? I don’t want to die,” he cried out in fear.
His friend, hiding next to him, extended a word of comfort. “It’s O.K. to be afraid. I’m right here with you. Let’s pray for God’s help.” Then his friend began to quote Psalm 138:3: “As soon as I pray You answer me, You encourage me by giving me strength.”
Fear is a normal feeling when our lives are being threatened. It is a gift from God sending us a signal that we need to reach out to Him for His protection as well as a reminder that He will never leave us nor forsake us no matter how desperate or dangerous our surroundings may be.
Courage can be compared to a muscle: it will grow over time if used. Often, however, we would rather give in to a test or temptation that God sends our way than to call on Him for strength. As the Psalmist said, “As soon as I pray You answer!” Included in the answer are His courage and His strength.
God is the very best resource available to us when we need help in any situation. Friends are helpful, but God is faithful - and will not allow us to be tempted or tested beyond His power or ability to rescue and save us.

Prayer: Thank You, Father, for Your promise to give us courage and strength when we face the dangers of life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Psalm 138:3 As soon as I pray, You answer me; You encourage me by giving me strength.
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Monday, August 20, 2018

Unending Mercy

One of the greatest attractions in all of America is Yellowstone National Park. There are over two hundred active geysers in the park, but Old Faithful is the best known and most visited. It is famous because it is so predictable in its “activity” of shooting streams of water high into the air.
No one knows when it began, but it was first discovered in 1870. The silvery cascades of water shoot out of the geyser about every sixty-five minutes every day of the year.
The ancient Hebrews and present-day Christians see in the faithfulness of this geyser the unending, timeless and inexhaustible mercy of God. Since the fall of man, there has not been one moment when God did not have man’s need for redemption in the center of His heart. And, this need for our redemption springs upward and outward from God’s unlimited mercy every moment of every day - much like the dependability of Old Faithful.
The “mercy” of God is an everlasting expression of His divine compassion. This “mercy” of God is a statement of the undeserving love that He has for us by withholding His judgment on us for our sins. We are reminded of His immeasurable love whenever we pause and think of His Son coming to earth to die on a cross for our sins. God's mercy is “God at work” helping and healing, protecting and providing, strengthening us sustaining us each day and saving us from death and destruction.
Give thanks to the Lord! His mercy is never ending!
Prayer: We lift grateful hearts to You, Lord, for mercy we do not deserve yet desperately need for our salvation. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Psalm 136:26 Give thanks to the God of heaven. His faithful love endures forever.
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Unending Mercy

One of the greatest attractions in all of America is Yellowstone National Park. There are over two hundred active geysers in the park, but Old Faithful is the best known and most visited. It is famous because it is so predictable in its “activity” of shooting streams of water high into the air.
No one knows when it began, but it was first discovered in 1870. The silvery cascades of water shoot out of the geyser about every sixty-five minutes every day of the year.
The ancient Hebrews and present-day Christians see in the faithfulness of this geyser the unending, timeless and inexhaustible mercy of God. Since the fall of man, there has not been one moment when God did not have man’s need for redemption in the center of His heart. And, this need for our redemption springs upward and outward from God’s unlimited mercy every moment of every day - much like the dependability of Old Faithful.
The “mercy” of God is an everlasting expression of His divine compassion. This “mercy” of God is a statement of the undeserving love that He has for us by withholding His judgment on us for our sins. We are reminded of His immeasurable love whenever we pause and think of His Son coming to earth to die on a cross for our sins. God's mercy is “God at work” helping and healing, protecting and providing, strengthening us sustaining us each day and saving us from death and destruction.
Give thanks to the Lord! His mercy is never ending!
Prayer: We lift grateful hearts to You, Lord, for mercy we do not deserve yet desperately need for our salvation. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Psalm 136:26 Give thanks to the God of heaven. His faithful love endures forever.
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Sunday, August 19, 2018

Always On His Mind

Mrs. Hattie Hollowell is known as “The Forgotten Woman of New York City.” She spent three years, four months and sixteen days in jail without a member of her family, a friend or an attorney visiting her.
When she was finally “discovered,” an investigation revealed that she had never been brought to trial. Instead of being helped, she was forgotten and ignored by "the system." When she finally was discovered, the legal machinery moved swiftly to release her.
Others may forget and ignore us, but not the Lord. In Psalm 136:23 we read, “He remembered us in our low estate and weaknesses. His faithful love endures forever.”
One day Jesus was teaching a group of followers. He wanted to get them involved in his lesson, so He asked, “What is the price of five sparrows?” Then, He answered his question by saying, “A couple of pennies? Not much more than that.” He continued, “And yet God does not forget a single one of them. And He even knows the number of hairs on your head. In fact, He knows all about you - your weaknesses, your wants, and even your worries. And never forget that He cares for every one of you!”
If a little bird is the object of His love, how much more does He love each one of us, no matter who or what or where we are. We may be forsaken by our family and friends, but not the Lord. He remembers us in our “low estate,” and His faithful love endures forever.
Jesus promised, “Remember, I am always with you!”
Prayer: We thank You, Father, for the promise of Your presence and the fact that Your love for us will never end. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Psalm 136:23 He remembered us in our low estate and weaknesses. His faithful love endures forever. 
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Always On His Mind

Mrs. Hattie Hollowell is known as “The Forgotten Woman of New York City.” She spent three years, four months and sixteen days in jail without a member of her family, a friend or an attorney visiting her.
When she was finally “discovered,” an investigation revealed that she had never been brought to trial. Instead of being helped, she was forgotten and ignored by "the system." When she finally was discovered, the legal machinery moved swiftly to release her.
Others may forget and ignore us, but not the Lord. In Psalm 136:23 we read, “He remembered us in our low estate and weaknesses. His faithful love endures forever.”
One day Jesus was teaching a group of followers. He wanted to get them involved in his lesson, so He asked, “What is the price of five sparrows?” Then, He answered his question by saying, “A couple of pennies? Not much more than that.” He continued, “And yet God does not forget a single one of them. And He even knows the number of hairs on your head. In fact, He knows all about you - your weaknesses, your wants, and even your worries. And never forget that He cares for every one of you!”
If a little bird is the object of His love, how much more does He love each one of us, no matter who or what or where we are. We may be forsaken by our family and friends, but not the Lord. He remembers us in our “low estate,” and His faithful love endures forever.
Jesus promised, “Remember, I am always with you!”
Prayer: We thank You, Father, for the promise of Your presence and the fact that Your love for us will never end. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Psalm 136:23 He remembered us in our low estate and weaknesses. His faithful love endures forever. 
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