March 1, 2013 Love Him

Read Psalms 74-75 Love Him Ps 74:10 How long will the enemy mock you, O God? Will the foe revile your name forever? THERE HAD been many, many years when God was neglected and ignored in Israel. Within the hearts and minds of God’s own people there lived a desire for false gods that lead to wicked acts. People ignored God’s ways. Eventually God would come to his people, and he would, in effect, answer the psalmist’s question and say, “Enough! No more!” His judgment would be extremely hard on his people. Then they would return to him—for a time. And eventually, they would turn away, mocking God’s truth again. Ugh. Does any of this sound familiar? Today, God is gone from our neighborhoods. He’s absent from our homes, and he’s been chased from the cities and farms. Everywhere you turn people mock him. They say such awful things as: “I got enough of God when I was in a Catholic school.” Or “I believe in God in my way.” Or “I really don’t like church—too many rules.” Or “Don’t you dare mention Jesus’ name when you pray in public.” Or “We need to tolerate those who do wrong.” Well, you don’t have enough time to read all the ways people mock God. I just want you to pay attention to what you are saying—and doing—and living. Please be careful. Please honor him with your words and your ways and your worship. God sent his Son to die for you. Oh my. Can he love us so much? Can you love him back? It’s True! Neglect the Lord, and he will judge you. Love Him, and he will honor you with his presence.

February 28, 2013 A Pure Heart

Read Psalm 73 A Pure Heart Psalms 73:1 Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. WHAT is a pure heart? Have you ever thought about that? Does it matter? Let’s see. A pure heart, according to Asaph, the psalm writer, is one that does not envy those who have worldly wealth. Your heart is pure when you are content with what God has given to you. A pure heart removes the necklace of pride and puts on a humble heart. A pure heart dwells in peace, seeking reconciliation, willing to forgive and desiring oneness with others. A pure heart speaks blessing and encouragement. The pure in heart offer freedom and joy to people in their midst. They speak softly of good things they have and see wonder in God’s world around them. A pure heart knows God’s wisdom is above all knowledge. It is filled with God’s Word and truth, proclaiming his ways with love and honor. Pure hearted people honor their children and lead them into wise living. A pure heart enters into God’s sanctuary and knows it is in a holy place. A pure heart welcomes the Lord and thirsts for more of God’s filling. Firm footing on solid ground marks the pure heart as it knows and sees that the Lord is good. A pure heart is tempted with the world’s wealth, but it holds firm against the temptation. One pure in heart may grieve temporarily for what he does not have, but then he awakens to the reality that God has come to touch him with his eternal wonder. A pure heart knows temporary from eternal, and it clings to the eternal. A pure heart knows full well God is God. Nothing can ever hold him back from his love for God. A pure heart dwells in heaven forever. It’s True! A pure heart does matter.

February 27, 2013 A Gift Worth Praising

Read Psalms 70-72 A Gift Worth Praising Ps 71: 23 My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you — I, whom you have redeemed. I AM thinking right now of church—you know, that place where people (some people) go on Sunday. It’s the place where music is played, and songs are sung—“kind of”. When I say, “kind of”, I’m referring to what I see in too many of us as we worship. I call it “worship restraint”. As shackles on a prisoner’s legs, we have shackles on our tongues. We’re scared someone might hear us singing. We’re afraid that raising our hands might look dumb. We’re concerned we don’t know the words. After all, “Everyone’s looking at me!” But what’s really happening is, “I’m looking at me.” In other words, when we come to worship God, we seldom really WORSHIP GOD with unrestrained joy, reverence, gratitude and love. We guard ourselves and our emotions based on traditions. We don’t want to offend anyone with outbursts of PRAISE! And we don’t want them to offend us. Consider, though, if you hold back, you are offending God. In 1 Timothy 2:8, the Apostle Paul says, “I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.” as he encourages the men of the early church to raise their hands in praise of God, instead of raising a fist to threaten someone. Yes, we are too often unrestrained in our emotions against God’s ways. Why do you hold back your soul and mind when it comes to honoring our Great God? But here’s the thing: David PRAISED God because he knew what mighty acts God had done to save him. Think on that truth. God offers mighty acts to save you. Your enemies may be a bad relationship with a child, a bitter memory of an angry parent, a recurring sin, cultural traditions that keep you from God, or a frustration with perceived failure. But get this: God has come to save you, to heal these wounds, and to welcome you into his sacred, eternal home! Praise Him! It’s True! Salvation is a wondrous gift.

February 23, 2013 "Lift Me Up, Lord"

“Lift Me Up, O God” Ps 69:29 But I am in pain and despair; lift me up, O God, and save me! & Ps 66:5 Come and see what God has done, his wonderful acts among men. & Ps 68:6 He gives the lonely a home to live in and leads prisoners out into happy freedom & Ps 68:35 How awesome is God as he comes from his sanctuary—the God of Israel! He gives strength and power to his people. Praise God! SO MANY people I meet feel the anguish of Ps 69:29. “But I am in pain and despair; lift me up, O God, and save me!” A phone call brings a plea. “Help me. Get me out of this mess.” They desperately want a God who cares, but they can’t find him. What do I say? What can you say to those you meet so deep in despair? First, let’s offer the invitation of Ps 66:5. “Come and see what God has done, his wonderful acts among men.” I tell them of God’s love. His Son dieing. His Spirit bringing life. I then tell how he’s made a difference in my life—all the difference in my marriage, my parenting, my friendships, my attitude, my health, my finances, my ministry—yes, my life. And then I offer the same God to them and assure them the reality of Ps 68:6. That he does indeed “give the lonely a home to live in and leads prisoners out into happy freedom.” Yes, to the imprisoned heart, the Gospel of God is freedom. Take this freedom to be your own. And celebrate Ps 68:35. “How awesome is God as he comes from his sanctuary…He gives strength and power to his people. Praise God!” It’s True! How powerful your life story can be for someone.

February 21, 2013 Ready to Go

Ready to Go Ps 62:1 Truly my soul silently waits for God; From Him comes my salvation. 2 He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense ON THE DAY I write this, I have been waiting for 3 months for God’s next call on my ministry. I’m wondering why it takes so long, where will it be, and when will it happen? Then I read this. David is waiting for God to rescue him from rebel enemies that threatened his throne. David had to escape to Moab. Thousands of people were uprooted, and David’s life was on the line. So what’s my problem? Can’t I wait for a few weeks? Why do I need to know now? Actually, when I think about it, the waiting has been very good. I’ve had a wonderful time with God in his Word of power, hope and joy. I’ve experienced intimate times of prayer with Him. I’m off to see the grandkids tomorrow. I’ve enjoyed very special moments with my wife. Waiting can be difficult in the human way—joyful in the spiritual way. Waiting can be a great time of getting closer to God. And when you’re closer to God, you’re always closer to those around you. Waiting in God prepares you for the next thing God has prepared for you to do. I’m glad for the waiting this summer. It really has been a time of growing, and now I’m ready to go where he leads me. It’s True! How restful waiting can be.

February 19, 2013 God My Refuge

God, My Refuge Ps 59:8-9 But you laugh at them, LORD; you mock all the heathen. 9 I have confidence in your strength; you are my refuge, O God. WHAT WOULD you say and do if there were armed men in your front yard waiting for you to leave the house? Perhaps the president of the United States had sent special forces to attack you, even though you are innocent, even though you support the president and the United States with all of your heart! What would you say or do? Would you curse the president? Would you cower in fear? Would you curse God? The occasion of these psalms is King Saul’s first attacks on David. Recorded in 1 Sam 19:11 “Saul sent men to David’s house to watch it and to kill him in the morning.” Wow! Where’s God? All David had done was good for Saul, and now Saul is out to kill him. Worse, Saul’s attempts to kill David would continue for many years. Would David say, “What’s up, God? I thought you were on my side. Curse you for abandoning me!” Not David. No, he has a deep passion for his God. It is a passion that sees through the darkness into the light. David sees God. David knows God is present to protect him. And David PRAISES him! My friends, whatever the darkness—even if it is the darkness of extreme guilt and shame—turn to God. Welcome in his love. Trust him to conquer your enemies and know he will come to you. You have the same God as David. I pray you have the same heart as David’s heart that trusted God. It’s True! How powerful praise language is on your heart.

February 18, 2013 Cleaned Up

Cleaned Up Ps 51:10-12 Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. 11 Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. WHAT happens when you’ve realized you have done a great wrong to someone you love? You realize the wrong, and then you have deep regret. For days you may wonder what you can do or say to right the wrong. Your heart feels dirty, and you don’t know how to clean it. In this psalm, David is responding to the great sin of adultery and murder he did with Bathsheba and against her husband Uriah. God had come to him through the prophet Nathan. God accused, and he judged David. And David’s heart was filled with guilt. The guilt of sin took away his joy. You know what that’s like, don’t you? You were wrong, and now the guilt grinds your heart to a halt as dirt poured into a car engine. What do you do? You do what David did. He called on the Lord to cleanse him. Yes, he called on the One who judged him because the Judge is the Savior. He will save us from our sin when we admit, “I’m dirty, and I need cleaning.” God’s cleansing is yours – for free. It’s the cleansing of the blood of Jesus. Jesus came to show God’s pure heart to the world. Jesus came to bleed his pure blood for you. Call on God to create in you a clean heart with the blood of Christ. When you do, release the guilt to him. It is finished. Go and live in the joy of clean soul with him. Amen. It’s True! God is so creative, he can even create in you a new heart.

Lent Day 13 February 25, 2013

Lent Day 12 Judgment by Jesus’ Words Read John 12:44-50 John 12:48 Whoever rejects me and does not accept my message has one who will judge him. The words I have spoken will be his judge on the last day! WARNINGS are a good thing, aren’t they? They keep us safe from danger, for example, as we drive when a road sign warns us of sharp curves and steep hills ahead. We slow down and negotiate the road safely, unless… Unless we don’t heed the warnings. If we ignore the signs and drive normal speed, we could have an accident, damaging our car and possibly even losing our life. Jesus did not want his followers to lose their lives by ignoring him. He made it clear—and we need to listen today—that it is imperative we listen to him, that we believe him. If we do not, a future judgment awaits us. How horrible—can’t even describe it or conceive of it—to stand before God and then be sent to Hell? It’s an ugly picture beyond description. This fate is so horrible; you don’t even want your worst enemy, the most hateful person you know of to go there. It is a judgment with no parole, no clemency, no delayed sentencing. It is a judgment for eternity (sink in—e-t-e-r-n-i-t-y). If you reject Jesus, God will reject you on that Day of Judgment when you stand before him. This is not a game. It is not a contest to see who wins this time before we get another shot. Nope. It’s a onetime thing, and it’s forever. Jesus came to die and rise again for your eternal life. He came to save you for all time. Heed his word. Believe his word. One day, when you stand before the Great Judge, it is Jesus you must confess. Pause and Consider: how you need to live a “resurrected life”. Please, tell your friends—and your enemies.

Lent Day 11 February 23, 2013

Lent Day 11 The People’s Unbelief Read John 12:36-43 John 12:42-43 They loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God. OH, I don’t like this scripture. It hits way too close to home. How often to I consider inviting someone to church or asking a person about his thoughts on Jesus, and I inwardly make some lame excuse—”Surely he won’t be interested. He might laugh at me. He might make fun of my job or my church. It’s better if I keep quiet. I’ll just make small talk.” Ick. I almost want to vomit. I’m such a liar. I say I love Jesus, but do I act like it and talk like it? Too many times I don’t. Once in a while, though, I get a glimpse of what life would be like if I were more obedient to Jesus. When I pray with a stranger who has just shared some deep anxiety with me, I feel God’s presence and his hand on me. When I invite someone to church, and they talk about issues in their life, I can encourage them, and share my love and Jesus’ love for them. Sometimes I confront lies about the Bible face to face with someone who publicly ridicules God’s Word. I feel empowered to stand firm for the truth again. In other words, when I show my love for Jesus by helping others know him, I sense him close by saying, “Thank you. I love you, too.” Pause and Consider: who needs to know the truth.

February 22, 2013 Lent Day 11

Lent Day 11 Jesus Speaks About His Death John 12: 27-36 John 12:27 “Shall I say, 'Father, do not let this hour come upon me'? But that is why I came--so that I might go through this hour of suffering.” JESUS had two natures. He was God, and he was man. This is why we can call him “Savior”. Human, yet perfect, he became the sacrificial Lamb. And in his “man” or human nature, he knew what it was like to doubt and fear. He knows the cross awaits him. He knows how terrible it is. It is certain he had seen Rome’s victims executed in this way many times. He also knows why he has to die this way. But he doesn’t want to go. His human nature is screaming at him, “No, no!” The devil is tempting him, “Take the easy way out. Do what you want to do! You’ve worked hard, did all the Father asked you to do all your life. Now it’s your turn. Go have some fun. Live to a ripe old age. Oh, but Jesus had a mission. He had a purpose. He had to go to the cross. It was the only way. It was the Father’s way, and he was determined to follow the Father’s way. Even thought it was the hardest way. Why? Love. Jesus’ love for the Father; love gave him joy to obey the Father. Jesus loves you and me; he knew you and me—our friends and family—were in God’s plan to be born, to live and to die—and to receive salvation. Jesus wanted us to be with him in eternity. Living a “resurrected life” in Christ understands these two things: Jesus did not veer from the Father’s will, and we must express to our Lord a deep gratitude for the gift of life. Jesus does understand why we might not want to follow him to the hard places, to the tough situations. But he also knows that when we go there with him, the Father will be there. And where the Father is, that is where we want to be, forever. Honor God. Complete the purpose to which he has called you. Even if it’s the hardest thing, God is there with you in glory and eternity. Pause and Consider: Jesus loves you.

February 21, 2013 Lent Day 10

Lent Day 10 Some Greeks Seek Jesus Read John 12:20-26 John 12:20-21 Some Greeks were among those who had gone to Jerusalem to worship during the festival. 21 They went to Philip (he was from Bethsaida in Galilee) and said, “Sir, we want to see Jesus.” AH, yes. They had come from Greece – perhaps Jews who had come for the Passover, perhaps men curious about this teacher who had a reputation for doing miracles. Or maybe they just happened to be in town to do some trading, passing through, and they saw Jesus’ glorious entry in Jerusalem. They wanted to get to know the object of the people’s affection. No matter the reason, they had a desire to spend time with this teacher. They approached Philip. Philip and Andrew go to Jesus. What lesson can we learn from this simple request? One of the lessons here is that when we have a desire to spend time with Jesus, to get to know him, it is good if we go to him in a good and proper way. One place to go to Jesus is to the Scriptures, seeking through God’s Word the truth of God the Son. Another way is to go to someone who knows Jesus—a pastor, teacher, mentor, friend, for example and ask questions. For example, I heard recently of someone who was reading the Bible and had a number of questions about what was read. To get some answers, the person went to someone trusted as having knowledge of God’s Word. That is the proper way, God’s way, to seek him. In this passage, we hear Jesus words that “The hour has now come for the Son of Man to receive great glory.” Sharing your knowledge of his word, testifying to his truth, and seeking him will give glory to our Lord. Looking for Jesus? Go to the Bible. Go to the right people. Discover for yourself who he is. Ask Jesus to send his Spirit upon you to understand him, to know him. And the hour will come when you uncover the wonder and joy he has for you as you live a resurrected life with him. Pause and Consider: how you will seek Jesus today.

February 21, 2013 Lent Day 9

Lent Day 9 The Triumphal Entry Into Jerusalem Read John 12:12-19 John 12:19 The Pharisees then said to one another, “You see, we are not succeeding at all! Look, the whole world is following him!” THE Pharisees, the religious establishment of Jesus’ time—the church—if you will, were very distressed. They had debated with Jesus. They had accused him of being a pretender, a magician, a false-teacher, and often tried to discredit him. But now the crowd of his followers was praising him as King of Israel. They praised him as the life-giver. They had heard and seen what Jesus had done. And while the crowds cheered, the church sneered. The Pharisees could only think about themselves first. Their authority was threatened, so their desire was to keep the crowd away from the Son of God. God stood right there before them, and they were afraid because, “The whole world is following him.” They “saw” Jesus, but they missed the wonder of God in their midst. Do we as a church see the wonder of God in our midst? Are we paying attention? Are we showing Jesus to the world, or inadvertently trying to drive people away from Jesus? How might we do that? We may be too selfish with our money and not use it with enough faith to help the needy. We might worry too much about form at Sunday’s worship and be less attuned to the heart of worship. We might neglect caring for one another when someone is in need because it feels awkward. We might spend too much time formulating strategy instead of doing ministry. To be a church that lives a resurrected life, let us keep our hearts and eyes open to God in our midst. Let us be a church adoring the resurrected Jesus, seeking new life in him as the crowd did. Let us, with our hearts, proclaim Jesus as King. Pause and Consider: what it means to “follow” Jesus.

February 20, 2013 Lent Day 8

Lent Day 8 The Plot Against Lazarus Read John 12:9-11 John 12:10-11 So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus too, 11 because on his account many Jews were rejecting them and believing in Jesus. POOR Lazarus. He had died, been raised to life, and now, about 3 weeks later, the chief priests were plotting to kill him! Talk about a rough month! What was Lazarus’ crime? He had received a magnificent healing—he had been given, literally, a new life. As a result, he was a walking, talking, living testimony to Jesus’ power. He gave credibility to Jesus, who proclaimed himself the Son of God, the author of life. With Lazarus out of the way, it would be much easier for the priests to discredit Jesus and to crucify him. Are you a living testimony to the life-giving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ? What are some practical ways you can show Jesus to the world? Sometimes it may mean giving comfort to a person who is very sad. We can share how Jesus’ comfort has come to us through prayer and being with others for support. Perhaps someone needs to make a decision about a relationship or finances or a job, and they seek our advice. We can tell them how we make our decisions by checking out the Bible and learning what Jesus says about getting along with others. We can tell them how following Jesus’ words have made a big difference in our lives and give them real-life examples. We can tell people in need how we have taken time to seek him when we needed strength and patience to deal with daily challenges—that going to him in prayer and having others pray for us has made a big difference in our lives. We can share simply that when we follow Jesus, life is better, that Jesus’ words have given us a new outlook on life—they have given us a new life in him. Sometimes your witness, your life may cause people to mock you or even threaten you. Try not to let that bother you. More often, living a resurrected life—a life with Jesus—will cause people to know your Lord in a special way. Some people are blind to Jesus’ love, and it takes someone like you to begin to show his love to them. Pause and Consider: showing Jesus gets people stirred up. That’s good!

February 19, 2013 Lent Day 6

Lent Day 6 Jesus is Anointed at Bethany Read John 12:1-8 John 12:3 Then Mary took a whole pint of a very expensive perfume made of pure nard, poured it on Jesus' feet, and wiped them with her hair. The sweet smell of the perfume filled the whole house. QUITE a gift…quite an honor. Mary’s attitude has changed a good deal since her disappointment in her Lord. Jesus came to her brother; Jesus came to Mary’s sister Martha and to Mary with the fullness of life. Now it is time to say, “Thank you, Lord.” It is a thank you from the heart. Mary takes an expensive pint of perfume and uses it all to anoint her Lord with honor and worship. In the perfume is her love, and she wants Jesus to know that he is worth far more than any price that is on that bottle of perfume. Judas is the disciple who complains the perfume is wasted. Yes, it could have been used for the poor; it could have been used for Mary’s own household. I doubt they had much money. She could have bought food for her family. Instead she honored Jesus. She now understood Jesus as the source of all life, of all that comes from life and into life. Jesus is the great Provider, the loving giver of himself. How do we model that in our lives? What do we give – our time, our talents, our love, our encouragement – to our family, friends, neighbors, church family? Do we sacrifice some things we want in order to give unto others? Yes, that is resurrection living. Let us worship and honor Jesus, share his resurrection gift, by giving him to others who need his tender care. Pause and Consider: the gift you have for your Lord.

February 18, 2013 Lent Day 5

Lent Day 5 The Plot Against Jesus Read John 11: 45-58 John 11:47 So the Pharisees and the chief priests met with the Council and said, “What shall we do? Look at all the miracles this man is performing!” “WHAT shall we do?” I want to reach back through the centuries and shake up these guys! “What shall we do?” Worship him for crying out loud! Love him. Obey him. Experience his miracles in your life! Good grief. The Lord of Life stood before them, and they wondered “What shall we do?” How ignorant can one be? Oh, wait a minute. I was pretty discouraged the other day. Some circumstances occurred that surprised me—shocked me, in fact. And actually the circumstance caused me to mourn over a lost relationship. I didn’t know what to do. I guess I asked the same question the Pharisees asked. I wasn’t sure what to do. My work causes me to spend a good deal of time in the Bible every day. I ponder it and respond to it. I ought to know of God’s miracles, Jesus’ resurrection power and the Holy Spirit’s comfort in a very personal way. But sometimes I don’t trust these things. I don’t trust God cares enough to be involved in my situation. I think I’m in it alone. But I’m not. When I “wake up” spiritually, I’m aware that this work I am about is his work. He reminds me that I need to trust him, I need to celebrate him, and I need to worship him. There is hope the broken relationship will be made new again. The Pharisees had the Lord of Life standing before them. They missed him. Let’s not be like that. Let’s grab hold of him. Let’s worship him, for crying out loud! Pause and Consider: what you will do in response to Jesus’ resurrection power.

February 17, 2013 A City of Peace

Read Psalms 48-50 The City of Peace Ps 48:2 the city of the great king brings joy to all the world. PRAISE to the city of God. The psalmist’s words give us a picture of Jerusalem being a fortress for God’s people. The city protects them from attack. And the city “brings joy to all the world”. How does a city do that? Quite simply, when a city is a place of peace, people want to come and escape from their troubles at home. When a city is a place of worship, people want to come and worship their LORD. When the city is a place of law-abiding citizens, it is a joy to be in a place where people get along. When a city has good news of hope to share with the world, people love to read about it. Now let’s change the word “city” to “church”. In God’s ultimate plan of a new heaven and earth, his “city” the church will be established over all the earth. His church will be the place of joy to all the earth. Do you think it’s a good time to begin being that church? Do you think your church should bring joy to all the world? It’s True! Joy to the world, the Lord has come, and he’s coming again.

February 16, 2013 Ever Present Help

Read Psalms 46-48 Ever Present with You Ps 46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. CONVERSATIONS THIS WEEK—talk of fear and uncertainty, discussions of weariness and sadness. In that talk it is difficult to see the answers and to trust. In our hearts lurks this ever-present challenge: What next? Whom can you trust? What to do? What’s right? And then the psalm rings out loud and clear. What is there to fear? Oh, my friends, trust in God, and you truly, truly have nothing to fear, nothing to wonder, nothing to worry about—in life or in death. For God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. You can trust David’s words. David was a fugitive. David had the guilt of the death of 80 priests and their families on his conscience. David lost control of his lust. David denied his sons, and David’s vanity counted the numbers of his army. David’s sins were deep and painful. His heart was filled with their dirt. Broken family, broken promises, broken faith, sin tore him up, cast him aside and left him for dead. What to do? There was still one thing, the only thing. There was a song that came in his heart and the song gave him life. Sing a song of praise. Lift your hands, lift your heart, lift your mind to the Lord who saves. Your God is above all things. Trust the One, who is an ever-present help in time of need. It’s True! God is ever-present with you.

February 15, 2013 Sing Your Song

Read Psalm 45 Sing Your Song Psalms 45:1-8 My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer. 2 You are the most excellent of men and your lips have been anointed with grace, since God has blessed you forever. 3 Gird your sword upon your side, O mighty one; clothe yourself with splendor and majesty. 4 In your majesty ride forth victoriously in behalf of truth, humility and righteousness; let your right hand display awesome deeds. 5 Let your sharp arrows pierce the hearts of the king's enemies; let the nations fall beneath your feet. 6 Your throne, O God, will last forever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. 7 You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy. 8 All your robes are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces adorned with ivory the music of the strings makes you glad. WHO IS the “most excellent of men” and whose “lips have been anointed with grace”? He is the Christ. Jesus is the one proclaimed in this prophetic psalm of the Messiah. He is the King to whom you can sing. He is the one whose truth will bring victory. It is the Christ’s sharp arrows that pierce your heart with truth. God has anointed him to reign in victory, to lead the church and to be your fragrance of joy. Come and worship. Come and sing to the king to raise your heart to joy. Then rejoice in the power and wonder of his truth that covers your life. Fill your heart with the words of life and, indeed, sing to the King. It’s True! His song of joy will fill your heart.

February 14, 2013 Great Joy

Read Psalms 43 - 44 Great Joy Psalm 43: 5 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. & Psalm 44:2-3 With your hand you drove out the nations and planted our fathers; you crushed the peoples and made our fathers flourish. 3 It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory; it was your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, for you loved them. I LOVE these 2 psalms. You might easily see why I feel that way about Psalm 44 as it speaks of the majesty and strength of God. But why do I love such words in Psalm 43 as “Why are you downcast, O my soul?” No, I’m not happy to be downcast. I’m actually delighted that I don’t have to be downcast. This verse reminds me of how silly it was for me many years ago to feel discouraged and even depressed. I wasn’t happy with life because I tried to live life without the power of my God to help me. I thought I was stronger than He is. I was unhappy with my life because it was so much less than what I expected and wanted. But when I began to live into the real power of God, the power his “right hand, (his) arm, and the light of (his) face”, I saw how silly and futile it was to live a downcast life. I look back now on that time and think how I wasted energy and time focusing on myself when God’s “right hand” was reaching out ready for me to take hold. It’s True! God will lift up your soul. Grab his hand and go with him.

February 13, 2013 Drink Deeply

Read Psalms 40-42 Drink Deeply Ps 40:17 Yet I am poor and needy; 5 the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; O my God, do not delay. & Ps 42:1-2 As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? THIRSTY—a desire for water. Thirst—a desire to drink deeply. We thirst for happiness. We want to drink peace and joy into our lives. We long to quench the thirst of our sorrow and our shame. Our soul is dry. What cools our thirst? Our Father, who is in heaven, soothes our thirst. The cool water of his love rushes into our body as we drink of his Word. The cool water of his assurance quenches our despair and discouragement. The water of his strength wets our cracked lips with hope. And as the deer at the watering hole, we have new life. Pant for God, my friends. Walk on the path to the Living Water, the well of life. Long for his word, and you will be satisfied. Fill your lips, your tongue, your throat, your stomach with the Living Word of the Father Almighty. Long for the water and call to Jesus: John 4:15 The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.” Drink the Living Water and be cooled in God’s grace. It’s True! The Living Water is as a drink of fresh, cold water on a hot dry day.  

February 12, 2013 A Breath

Read Psalms 38-39 A Breath Psalms 39: 6-11 Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro: He bustles about, but only in vain; he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it. 7 “But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you. 8 Save me from all my transgressions; do not make me the scorn of fools. 9 I was silent; I would not open my mouth, for you are the one who has done this. 10 Remove your scourge from me; I am overcome by the blow of your hand. 11 You rebuke and discipline men for their sin; you consume their wealth like a moth — each man is but a breath.” IF YOU perhaps would be thinking that you are irreplaceable, pause and consider. I know, you need to get to work. You have your parenting responsibilities. You have a job to do at church. You’re babysitting your friend’s kids tomorrow because you are a generous person. Certainly your work, your church, your friends can’t get along without you! Or can they? These two psalms are really difficult to read. The words cry out from the lips of a man in pain and in great distress and illness. He longs for hope of healing in his body. He struggles to know God’s love. But then he realizes: “each man is but a breath”. That’s humbling. What then is his only hope against disease and sin? Of course it is the eternal Lord. I see this kind of pain and longing nearly every day. People cry out, “Where’s God?” Only when the person realizes he is but a breath against God’s majesty can he begin to submit to God’s healing of soul and spirit. What’s your distress? Can you give it up and give it to God? It’s True! Your life is but a breath.

February 11, 2013 Be at Peace

Read Psalm 37 Be at Peace Psalms 37:35 I have seen a wicked and ruthless man flourishing like a green tree in its native soil, 36 but he soon passed away and was no more; though I looked for him, he could not be found. 37 Consider the blameless, observe the upright; there is a future for the man of peace. TAKE a moment to dwell on Psalm 37:37 Consider the blameless, observe the upright; there is a future for the man of peace. (For you ladies reading this, of course, you can easily substitute “woman” to “man”.) Now, what do you think about your life as compared with this verse? Do you feel your life is at peace? Then you are doing great. I’ll bet you’re a person who has a great relationship with Jesus, aren’t you? After all, Jesus is the one who left his disciples with (John 14:27) Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. Note, Jesus words, “I do not give to you as the world gives”. That’s the psalmist’s message. Read through his words, and you’ll see how the psalm encourages you to know that your true peace comes as you are walking with God. The world’s ways of greed, worry and deceit will cause you needless conflict. Focus in on God’s marvelous strength and love for you. Live in his truth, and you will feel his peace in your life. It’s True! Ps 37:7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him … 9 but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.

February 10, 2013 God's Passion For You

Read Psalm 36 High, Deep Passion for You Ps 36:5-6 Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. 6 Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep. & Ps 36:10 Continue your love to those who know you, your righteousness to the upright in heart. ONE OF the most impossible things to know is the height and depth of God’s love. The psalmist tries to give us a picture of a love as high as the mountains, faithfulness even higher in the sky, and righteousness to the depths of the ocean. We seldom consider such greatness in our God and instead put great limits on him. For example, “I did this nasty thing. Does he still love me?” “Where is God? I need a job?” “It’s really okay if we don’t tithe. I have needs!” “I don’t read his Word. It’s not for me.” David praises God’s mountaintop love, sky-high faithfulness and ocean deep righteousness because he knows such a God will stay with you when you walk away. He’ll welcome you home when you turn back to him. He will give you strength to finish your faith walk to him. He will help you understand when you’re not quite sure. And he will let you know with all certainty that he is your God. When you trust God has a passion for you that goes from the cross to the tomb to the throne of Heaven, your heart for him will grow. And your big heart will trust him more deeply in all things. It’s True! Grow your heart with God’s words. Your big heart has more room for God’s love.

February 9, 2013 A Tough Prayer

Read Psalm 35 A Tough Prayer Psalms 35:4 May those who seek my life be disgraced and put to shame; may those who plot my ruin be turned back in dismay…9 Then my soul will rejoice in the Lord and delight in his salvation. JESUS says, in Matthew 5:44 “But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” David certainly isn’t obeying that command is he? David’s on a rampage. He’s praying for the Lord to destroy his enemies. David is tired of people opposing him, and he’s tired of God standing by, seeming to do nothing about it. David seems to be bargaining with God in his prayer. “Lord, squash my enemies. Throw them in a pit, God, and I’ll praise you!” What can you learn from these words that seem to oppose God’s Word? There are numerous conversations in the Bible between God and men who are frustrated with God’s waiting. They long to see him work. They bargain with him. They lose faith. They wonder, “When? Why?” Then God shows up, and he does exactly what he needs to do to redeem, restore and revive his broken servants. David’s prayer is impatient and vengeful. He would have to learn to wait on God’s deliverance and that in truth, as a sinful man, he was an enemy of God. His vengeful words, needed to turn to words of peace for his enemies in the manner of peace Jesus offered his disciples. The lesson of this psalm is to trust God to deal with your enemies. Obey Jesus’ words. Then trust him to act in his own time and good will to be your salvation. It’s True! “Living he love me. Dieing he saved. Buried he carried my sins far away.” (Glorious Day by Casting Crowns)

February 8, 2013 Taste & See

Read Psalms 32-34 Taste and See Ps 32:7 You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. & Ps 33:11 But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. & Ps 34:8 Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. WHERE DO WE go when the hard days come? We go and hide in the Lord. What do we do when the world says, “Come, it’s really better over here.” We go and hide in the Lord. What do we do when disease weakens and seeks to destroy? We go and hide in the Lord. What do we do when there’s nowhere to turn, when the question looms large, “Now what?” We go and hide in the Lord. To hide in the Lord does not mean we are cowardly and weak. To hide in the Lord means we seek his strength and wisdom. To hide in the Lord means we let go of what we think is best, and we seek what is best in him. To hide in the Lord means we cover our lives with the blanket of his truth. We “taste and see that the Lord is good”. Oh, he is so good my friends. He is true and right and complete. Let his wisdom reign over all you think and say and do. You will taste and see that the LORD is good. It’s True! Taste God’s love and you will see how good he is for you.  

February 7, 2013 God Lifts

Read Psalms 30-31 God Lifts Psalms 30:1 I will exalt you, O Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me. 2 O Lord, I called to you for help and you healed me. & Ps 31:24 Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord. YOU can see in the psalmst’s life from so many different points of view. Psalm 30 is a celebration of God’s hand to heal and restore David out of the depths. The Hebrew word for “lift” relates to pulling one up in a bucket from the depths of a well. David exalts the Lord because the Lord has delivered him from the pit of despair and disease. David exalts, worships, praises and thanks God as God has blessed him with new life. Read Psalm 30, and see how an attitude of praise and thankfulness pours from David’s hand to your heart today. Let God’s Word turn your heart that may be in the depths to a heart that dwells on the heights. Be in awe that God would spread his favor over you. I know. It may be difficult for you to see God’s favor, his blessings, today. Several people come quickly to mind when I consider those who desperately need God’s healing favor today. In one way or another, we all need God’s healing today. Even being tired when everything else is good can distort our minds to miss God’s blessings. Through David’s words God wants you to know this: Turn to him and let him be your strength. When David says, “be strong”, he encourages you to faitfhfully focus on God. See God’s eternal favor for you. Focus on your Savior and let him lift you up into a life of praise. It’s True! God is strong enough to lift you up.

February 6, 2013 One Thing

Read Psalms 27-29 One Thing Psalms 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation — whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life — of whom shall I be afraid? 2 When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. 3 Though an army besieges me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident. 4 One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. THE psalmist reminds you of life’s challenges, doesn’t he? David dealt literally with evil enemies trying to kill him. Sadly even his own son Absalom led a revolt against him. David knew life-wrenching grief. David also knew about soul-wrenching doubts such as in Psalms 89:49 “O Lord, where is your former great love, which in your faithfulness you swore to David?” He wanted, as we all do, to know God would be with him. What kept David going through the hard days? What kept him fearless amid his enemies? He knew that God is above all of his enemies. David did not fear the world because of: One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. David knows he is Heaven-bound. Certain of eternity, he has no fear of mortality. His “one thing” is to be with the Lord forever. What’s your “one thing”? Is it the world or the world’s creator? It’s True! The One God is your one security.

February 5, 2013 Joyful Hope for You

Read Psalms 25-26 Joyful Hope for You Ps 25:4-5 Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; 5 guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. GOD IS everything. “Oh, I know that,” you might say. But I want to challenge you. Do you really know that God is everything? Someone called today. Lost, depressed and disappointed she didn’t know what to do. Hope was gone. “What should I do?” she asked. “Fill your heart with God’s Word each day.” was my response. She wasn’t ready to believe me, are you? Most often, we look at the Bible as a story about somebody else long ago, don’t we? But as you open God’s Word, I challenge you to see the Bible is truly about you and life’s challenges right now. From beginning to end, the Bible tells you many difficult stories of people in great trouble and without hope. But you will see that when they turn to see God, they find life-transforming strength as they act into God’s great truths. Even Jesus’ horrible crucifixion is a story of eternal triumph and victory! Another way to find real hope in your life is in the stories of people who have experienced God’s saving power. Many books, film and other media tell of people coming through difficult times as they put their hope in God their Savior all day long. Fill your heart and mind with God’s remarkable work in his people’s lives. Then take steps into God’s story, and you will see how his story is for you. The psalmist’s heart was filled with hope in God because he saw God’s majestic power day by day. When you look, you will see God, too. It’s True! Hope is trusting God’s truths are really for you.  

February 4, 2013 All You Need

All You Need Psalms 23:1-24: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. 24 The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; 2 for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters. 3 Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? 4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false 5 He will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God his Savior. 6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob. 7 Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. 8 Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. 9 Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. 10 Who is he, this King of glory? The Lord Almighty — he is the King of glory. FOR YOU the glory – the perfection – of God has come as a Good Shepherd to earth in power to bring you into his glory forevermore. It’s True! The King of Glory has come into your life. Receive him.

February 3, 2013 Blessed in Jesus' Suffering

Read Psalm 22 Blessed in Jesus’ Suffering Psalms 22:1-5 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning? 2 O my God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, and am not silent. 3 Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the praise of Israel. 4 In you our fathers put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them. 5 They cried to you and were saved; in you they trusted and were not disappointed.” YESTERDAY’S devotion on Psalm 20 focused on the prayer of blessing, and seeking the Lord in time of need. The psalm celebrated God’s blessings to you from Heaven. But then look at this prayer of distress. You can hear great pain in the psalmist’s voice, and this is just the start. Go ahead. Read the rest of this psalm, and you will actually see a picture of Jesus’ agonizing death on the cross. The great misery of life culminates in the excruciating details of the Lord of Life suffering in death’s grip as he hangs in torment on the cross. Where is the blessing from Heaven now? Is it gone? No. Look and see. The blessing is the reality that to give you help through your suffering, whether it be days, months or years, God sent his Son to suffer death that you will know he knows your suffering. If you or your loved one is suffering in some way today, God’s Word in essence says, “I’ve been there. I know how bad it is. I know the pain. And I know you. I love you. Focus on me, and I’ll get you through this.” It’s True! Jesus’ suffering is your blessing.

February 2, 2013 God Greets You

Read Psalms 20-21 God Bless You Psalms 20:1-4 May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. 2 May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion. 3 May he remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings. Selah 4 May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. I’M thinking right now of a greeting card. I’m looking for some words of comfort, encouragement and blessing to give to a friend who’s struggling with the ordinary challenges of life. I’d like him to feel loved and that I understand my desire is for him to have rest and strength to live life well and in joy. Where would I find such a card? Wait a minute! The “card” right here, isn’t it? It’s right there in Psalms 20. Do you see the Lord’s blessing of encouragement and comfort, the words of strength and peace for my friend? “May the Lord answer you, my friend, when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you, my friend. May he send you, my friend, help from the sanctuary and grant you, my friend, support from Zion. May he remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings, my friend. As I pause a moment, I pray, too, my friend that God gives you the desire of your heart, and he makes all your plans succeed.” What would happen if you gave your friend this greeting card from Heaven? What would happen if you sent this card to someone you may have argued with recently? What would happen if you send it to yourself? Lots of questions…what do you think might be the answers? It’s True! God blesses you with greetings from Heaven.