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Faith is the Evidence

Overwhelmed? Go To Psalm 56 When You Need The Assurance Of God's Protection

6/29/2020

It only takes one look at the world around us to see that we are living in an overwhelming time in history. We are overwhelmed with COVID-19. We are overwhelmed with racial injustice. We are overwhelmed with racial division. We are overwhelmed with heartache. Overwhelmed with information. Overwhelmed with education. Overwhelmed with conflict. Overwhelmed with relationship struggles. Overwhelmed with life.

Often when we are overwhelmed, we turn to friends for help, or family for support. But the one place we will find true help and support is in the presence of God Almighty. God’s Word offers the help and hope we need in overwhelming times.

Pray Psalm 56 When You Feel Overwhelmed And Need God’s Protection

Psalm 56 a prayer to pray in moments of fear and attack. When we need God’s protection, sometimes we try to handle things in our own strength. But we can’t fight our battles and expect to win without God’s protection and strength. It requires us to trust God and believe His word even when we feel surrounded.

Psalm 56:1-13 (NLT2)1 O God, have mercy on me, for people are hounding me. My foes attack me all day long.2 I am constantly hounded by those who slander me, and many are boldly attacking me.3 But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.4 I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?5 They are always twisting what I say; they spend their days plotting to harm me.6 They come together to spy on me— watching my every step, eager to kill me.7 Don’t let them get away with their wickedness; in your anger, O God, bring them down.8 You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.9 My enemies will retreat when I call to you for help. This I know: God is on my side!10 I praise God for what he has promised; Yes, I praise the LORD for what he has promised.11 I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?12 I will fulfill my vows to you, O God, and will offer a sacrifice of thanks for your help.13 For you have rescued me from death; you have kept my feet from slipping. So now I can walk in your presence, O God, in your life-giving light. (emphasis mine).

Psalm 73 FTE Psalm Of The Week - The End Of The Arrogant Versus That Of The Righteous

6/29/2020

Psalm 73:1‭-‬28 NIV Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from common human burdens; they are not plagued by human ills. Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence. From their callous hearts comes iniquity ; their evil imaginations have no limits. They scoff, and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression. Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth. Therefore their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance. They say, “How would God know? Does the Most High know anything?” This is what the wicked are like— always free of care, they go on amassing wealth. Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and have washed my hands in innocence. All day long I have been afflicted, and every morning brings new punishments. If I had spoken out like that, I would have betrayed your children. When I tried to understand all this, it troubled me deeply till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny. Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin. How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors! They are like a dream when one awakes; when you arise, Lord, you will despise them as fantasies. When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you. Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.

Despite Troubles And Doubt, Joy In The Lord Is Always The Right Choice!

The writer of this Psalm begins by announcing his topic: God’s goodness.

Psalms 73:1 NIV Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.

He quickly confesses that he had lost his grip on this truth.

Psalms 73:2 NIV But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold.

He had become envious. The arrogant looked like they were prospering, and God seemed to be doing nothing.

Psalms 73:3‭-‬12 NIV For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from common human burdens; they are not plagued by human ills. Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence. From their callous hearts comes iniquity ; their evil imaginations have no limits. They scoff, and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression. Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth. Therefore their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance. They say, “How would God know? Does the Most High know anything?” This is what the wicked are like— always free of care, they go on amassing wealth.

He thought, why pursue righteousness if it only brings problems?

Psalms 73:13‭-‬14 NIV Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and have washed my hands in innocence. All day long I have been afflicted, and every morning brings new punishments.

Even though he felt this way he didn’t say anything because he didn’t want to lead others astray. He started to worship and then he realized his mistake. He was thinking that what he was seeing with the wicked was that that there is.

Psalms 73:15‭-‬17 NIV If I had spoken out like that, I would have betrayed your children. When I tried to understand all this, it troubled me deeply till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.

What the writer finally realized was that God will make sure that the wicked receive justice. God has promised it and His nature is perfectly just.

Psalms 73:18‭-‬20‭, ‬27 NIV Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin. How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors! They are like a dream when one awakes; when you arise, Lord, you will despise them as fantasies. Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.

Much like this psalmist we fail, at times, to see the complete picture. We fail to acknowledge that God is always in control even when we’re not. We can become bitter when we misinterpret what we see. We are more concerned with temporary things than eternal things.

2 Corinthians 4:16‭-‬18 NIV Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

When we change our view from temporary to eternal we find guidance, strength, and fulfillment through our relationship with the Lord.

Psalms 73:23‭-‬28 NIV Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.

Let God turn your disappointment into joy!

Don't Despair Celebrate The New Normal

6/27/2020

Editor's Note: This post was inspired by the article "4 Things To Celebrate As We Move Into A New Normal" written by Janet Perez Eckles

Like it or not the events of the last four months have caused changes in the way we go about our lives. Some of them are good changes like; having to stay at home has made us slow down, we've had to spend more time with our families, we've been forced to check in with relatives who need help, we've been forced to take a hard look at racism and its effects on our lives. and some of us have even spent more time with God.

Once the COVID-19 is under control (whenever that happens), and changes are made to begin to address the effects of racism (that may take much longer but it will happen), we'll find that some of the changes have become permanent. There will not be a return to what we considered normal. We will enter into what is sometimes called a "new normal"

Although we wish we had the “old” life back—secure with jobs, freedom to travel, safe from contagious, potentially fatal diseases and ignoring racial injustice. Those days are gone forever.

That’s why we need to change. We need to welcome new ways to face tomorrow with a brand-new kind of thinking.

We can start by answering these questions:

Where do we find hope and strength?

For many, the old habits included putting their hope and looking for strength in what the world offers. As a result, they ended up dragging their burdens, they become exhausted and discouraged.

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31

What will bring us prosperity?

Sadly, we were deceived in thinking our jobs and careers would bring satisfaction and prosperity. We had conformed to the world’s whims in order to fill our needs and quench our desires. But even when seated on the chair of disappointment, we can lean forward and receive God’s instruction:

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2,

Jobs may be gone, freedom might be compromised and our security may be shaky, but God’s will, pure and perfect remains the same.

Where should our focus be?

God’s will includes wisdom to make a drastic change, take our eyes off the circumstances and boldly declare: “I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth," (Psalm 121:1-2).

The Creator will create a new path for today, a promise for tomorrow and give us reasons to celebrate the new.

How can life be better?

Life will be different as often happens after a major setback. But also, life can be better if we rekindle our faith. And while many give up, lose their faith, we declare: “as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me," (Micah 7:7).

The tomorrows enter will not only be new, but exciting. And covered by God’s grace, we boldly celebrate because even if the pandemic lingers, our paychecks are gone, and the fight for racial justice continues, God’s still present.

He hears our cries. He loves us. He shows His power and He, and only He will lift us to higher heights.

Jesus Brings People Together He Doesn't Separate Them

6/27/2020

Galatians 5:19‭-‬21 NLT When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

If that is what we have to work with, no wonder we are dealing with hatred, division, and racism — it is our nature. But Jesus offers a different way. While Jesus’ goal was not just to end social injustices (although many in his day wanted him to), what he accomplished made a way for injustices and sins of every kind to be totally forgiven and overcome. In fact, Jesus did exponentially more to bring people together than anyone else in history — combined!

He did this in at least three ways:

1. Jesus Taught Reconciliation

Jesus’ sermons were challenging to the people in his time for many reasons. One, he taught his followers to love, accept, and forgive not only their friends but even their enemies.

Matthew 5:43‭-‬48 NIV “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Matthew 22:34‭-‬40 NIV Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

He told a parable about a Samaritan that cared for someone in need even when a religious Jew wouldn’t.

Luke 10:25‭-‬37 NIV On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” He answered, “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ ; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.” But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

Jesus described the Kingdom of God as a wedding feast where the host invited strangers from the streets to attend.

Matthew 22:8‭-‬10 NIV “Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited did not deserve to come. So go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.’ So the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, the bad as well as the good, and the wedding hall was filled with guests.

He taught that people who recognized their spiritual poverty and hunger would be blessed instead of those who had it all together.

Matthew 22:8‭-‬10 NIV “Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited did not deserve to come. So go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.’ So the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, the bad as well as the good, and the wedding hall was filled with guests.

He said not to retaliate when someone hurts you, but to “turn the other cheek”.

Matthew 5:39 NIV But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.

Even more than that, Jesus raised the bar so high with how we treat others that he said to “be perfect”.

Matthew 5:48 NIV Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

2. Not Only Did He Just Teach Reconciliation He Demonstrated It

While the religious people around Jesus were notorious for their hypocrisy, Jesus always “practiced what he preached.” For example, Jesus went out of his way to stop and have a conversation with an ashamed and divorced Samaritan woman.

John 4:7‭-‬9 NIV When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)

He rebuked his disciples when they tried to keep children away and welcomed their distraction with open arms.

Matthew 19:13‭-‬14 NIV Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

He spent time with, talked with, and ministered to a rich tax collector named Zacchaeus, a rough fisherman named Peter, a philosopher named Nicodemus, a woman that had been possessed by demons named Mary, a group of outcast lepers, countless handicapped men and women, and the marginalized of society. To top it off, as he was hanging on a cross dying, himself, he forgave the sins of a convicted criminal.

3. Jesus Taught About Reconciliation, He Demonstrated Reconciliation And He Made A Way For Our Reconciliation

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is truly the great unifier of humankind. When we look through the lens of the gospel, although we still see skin color, eye color, hair color, clothing style, tattoos, body size and shape, gender, and everything else that is unique about someone, those distinctions no longer influence our love for them.

The gospel calls us to deny ourselves, lose our own life, defer to others, love our neighbor, and forgive our enemies. So, when (and only when) we totally surrender our lives to Jesus Christ, those things that used to divide us no longer matter.

Galatians 3:28 NIV There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Just because we know what Jesus taught or have studied his life does not mean that we will have what we need to be reconciled to others. That is why even though Jesus did focus on mending human relationships, that is not where he started.

He started with the need for a spiritual rebirth. He emphasized that unless we are first reborn spiritually and brought together with God, we will never experience the kind of love that God has for us, which is the only real way that we can be brought close to and love others.

John 3:3 NIV Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. ”

The “good news” is that God saw us in that condemned, depraved state, he loved us anyway, and then he sent his Son to the earth to make a way for all of us to be brought into a relationship with him.

John 3:16‭-‬17 NIV For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Jesus’ death and resurrection make a way for us to be reconciled to God and others.

Colossians 1:19‭-‬20 NIV For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Ephesians 2:14‭-‬16 NIV For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.

When we accept what he did for us and receive his gift of salvation, he makes a way for us to move past just talking about ideals of love, forgiveness, peace, and unity and to actually living them out!

How is that possible?

Because when we are born again, the Holy Spirit that takes up residence in our hearts yields these things like a tree bearing fruit.

Galatians 5:22‭-‬24 NIV But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

When we have been changed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, then even how we see ourselves and others changes.

2 Corinthians 5:16‭-‬17 NIV So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

As the songwriters, Seth and Nirva Ready (an interracial couple themselves) sing in their song “Brother:” “When I look into the face of my enemy, I see my brother.”

Brother
by Seth & Nirva Ready

When I look into the face
Of my enemy
I see my brother
I see my brother

Forgiveness is the garment
Of our courage
The power to make the peace
We long to know
Open up our eyes
To see the wounds that bind
All of humankind
May our shutter hearts
Greet the dawn of life
With charity and love

As I travel through this world
It’s gettin' clearer to me
Some of the things I believed,
I’m casting out to the seas
And as I’m waving my goodbyes
To the lies I was taught
Gotta searchlight my soul,
'Cuz some of them I bought into
They grip like shadows in my mind
Unknowingly they shapin'
How I’m viewing humankind
Reaching past the differences,
The colors we were suited in
The places we were born,
And the cultures we were rooted in
Children of God, ain't that all of us
How we gonna hate
When compassion’s what called to us
Love, oh love, you got me covered
I’m lettin’ go of enemies
And holdin’ on to brothers

This is only possible by first being brought together and reconciled with God.

A Prayer Of Conviction For Repentance and Healing

6/25/2020

Photo Credit: © Getty Images/MangoStar_Studio

Jesus’ Parable of the Good Samaritan is a story of a man who was robbed, beaten, and left for dead. A priest came along and, seeing the man, passed by on the other side of the road. A Levite or religious leader did the same thing. Then a Samaritan, a people group hated by the Jews, came by. He had pity on the one who was broken and bloody. He treated his wounds and then took him to an inn, paying for future needs. After sharing this story, Jesus asked which of the three was a neighbor and they replied the one who had mercy.

Luke 10:36‭-‬37 NLT “Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked. The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.” Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.”

Editor's Note: The following is a prayer written, by Susan Aken, after hearing a sermon on the Parable of The Good Samaritan, delivered by T. D. Jakes Susan is a white Christian who is a native of Oklahoma now living in Nebraska.

Father,

Please forgive me for being like the priest and the Levite who passed by on the other side of the road to avoid the man who was beaten and bleeding. These two were religious leaders; the good people everyone looked up to. They had no concern or love for the man who was left for dead, but pretended he didn’t exist.

I confess I’ve been like them in relation to my brothers and sisters of color. The injustices they’ve faced for years has had no direct bearing on me, so I’ve turned a blind eye to their need. I’ve taken no action when story after story of injustice occurred. Even after seeing mothers on the news weeping over their sons, I’ve never seen myself connected to them.

Lord, I’ve been self-focused, selfish, and a lover of comfort. I’ve been so concerned about me; I often don’t look beyond my own home or church doors.

How it must break Your heart, Father, to see Your children suffering and their brothers and sisters take no action. Instead, many of us pass by on the other side like the uncaring religious leaders in Jesus’s story.

May we be more like the Samaritan. This man, considered an outcast by the Jews, was suffering from prejudice and hate. Yet, he stopped to help his enemy. He gave all he had to meet the needs of the beaten man going beyond what might be considered reasonable help.

Jesus, You told us to be like the Samaritan. You told us to go and do likewise. You gave this as example of what it means to love our neighbor as ourselves.

I’ve been blind to the sin of self-focus. Change my heart Lord. Open my eyes to those who are suffering from injustice and need someone to see them and take action. Help me to be willing to give sacrificially as the Samaritan did in order to reach out.

God, help us! We’ve refused to see our precious brothers and sisters or to listen to their cries for help. We’ve lied to ourselves that everything is better and they’re ok. They’re not ok, Lord. They need us. They need You.

God have mercy. Wake up the church so that we will stand together as we should. All believers standing together. Ready to help all who are hurting. Help us to see the needs of those around us.

Thank You Father that You forgive us when we fail to love like You. Jesus paid for our sin but it has hindered the spread of the gospel in this world. Our apathy has not shown Your glory to those around us. Purify our hearts so that Your light can shine and the world can see Your love.

Heaven will have the most diversity of any place we’ve ever been.

Father, may our churches be a picture of the glory to come.

May we say to our brothers and sisters of color, “I see you. I hear you. I will stand with you.”

This isn’t about feeling guilty. It’s about feeling grief. Let it change our hearts.

Take The Shame Out Of Your Game

6/24/2020

Romans 12:17‭-‬18 NLT Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

So here we are, ready to transition back to life. Plans vary by state, city, and even household. As we continue our journey through COVID-19 there are many opinions about how and when to return to some sense of normalcy. Some believe in continuing to stay-at-home while others feel it’s time to emerge from quarantine; to get out more, to go back to church, to go to restaurants, to get our hair cut or done, nails for the ladies, or the movies. If we’re not careful, those differing opinions can lead to arguing and division among God’s people.

Shaming others has become so widespread that we often don’t even realize we’re guilty. We post innocent comments on social media, or make some remark , suggesting someone “lacks faith” because they choose to stay home. On the other hand, we accuse people of carelessness because they choose to leave the house (and yes I'm guilty so forgive me Father) .

When we forget to use wisdom mixed with grace, we could unintentionally damage relationships.

This even goes for ourselves. Parents could feel guilty for keeping their kids from their friends if they choose to continue to self-quarantine as much as possible. Or, on the other hand, they could be wracked with guilt about the risk involved with interacting with other families, but feel like social interaction is essential for their family's well being. We must prayerfully choose what works for our families, and not let shame have any voice.

While we work through the pains of re-entry, let’s look to these words for wisdom in how to interact with other believers.

1 Thessalonians 5:9‭-‬11 MSG God didn’t set us up for an angry rejection but for salvation by our Master, Jesus Christ. He died for us, a death that triggered life. Whether we’re awake with the living or asleep with the dead, we’re alive with him! So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you’re already doing this; just keep on doing it.

Even when we don’t agree, we can respect and love our brothers and sisters in Christ, using wisdom and offering grace as God provides.

Psalm 51 FTE Psalm Of The Week - The Tension between Repentance and Priase

6/22/2020

Psalms 51:1‭-‬19 NIV Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge. Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb; you taught me wisdom in that secret place. Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you. Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, you who are God my Savior, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise. You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise. May it please you to prosper Zion, to build up the walls of Jerusalem. Then you will delight in the sacrifices of the righteous, in burnt offerings offered whole; then bulls will be offered on your altar.

God Works Through Failure

Psalm 51 is a great example of the tension between repentance and praise. David had failed in dramatic fashion by committing both adultery and murder. When he finally repented, he wrote this psalm. True repentance involves at least five ingredients shown in this Psalm.

(1) An acute consciousness of and sorrow over specific sins.

Psalms 51:3‭, ‬17 NIV For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.

(2) An understanding that all sin is first and foremost against God.

Psalms 51:4 NIV Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge.

(3) An understanding of and sorrow over our general sinfulness.

Psalms 51:5 NIV Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.

(4) A strong faith in and desire for God’s love and mercy as our only hope.

Psalms 51:1 NIV Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.

(5) A strong and urgent desire to be cleansed and transformed by God.

Psalms 51:1‭-‬2‭, ‬7‭-‬12‭, ‬14 NIV Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, you who are God my Savior, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.

David didn’t deserve forgiveness, but he knew he could count on God’s mercy. This joy-filled anticipation caused him to break forth in praise.

Psalms 51:13‭-‬15 NIV Then I will teach transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you. Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, you who are God my Savior, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise.

David failed, but God never fails, and David wanted to proclaim His grace and mercy to all who would listen.

Let's Be The C.A.L.M. In The Storm

6/19/2020

Here in the United States, and throughout the world we are going through a season of fear, anxiety, depression, social unrest, religious, racial, and ethnic, division. Add to that the devastating results of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals, families, business, and churches. During these times it’s easy to become stressful and even more fearful because it seems that everything is out of control. It's at these times that we need to be reminded that God is still in control.

Psalm 27:1 (NLT) 1 The LORD is my light and my salvation-- so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?

The Lord is near you right now. He’s not far off, not absent, not unaware. He’s right with you. Don’t be afraid!

Joshua 1:9 (NLT) This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

Stay C.A.L.M.
From: “4 Ways to Keep it Together When Your Life is Falling Apart” by Cindi McMenamin

Are you one to crumble at life’s circumstances? Or do you allow them to make you stronger?

When life brings something painful or you simply feel like your life is falling apart, how you respond makes all the difference in the world.

You and I can either react emotionally and escalate the drama of the situation. Or we can respond biblically and grow through it.

The drama that life brings is inevitable. Yet how we respond to it determines whether or not it will be fruitful in our lives in conforming us to the image of Christ. Our response to the drama also determines whether God gets the glory or we shine the spotlight on our frailties, insecurities, and emotional instability.

With help from God’s Word, plus some practical guidance, you and I can be drama free – even when the unthinkable happens. Even when life takes an unexpected turn and you are caught in an overwhelming whirlwind of circumstances that would make any person lose it.

C - Consider the bigger picture.

Life – and therefore every circumstance you encounter – is meant to conform you to the image of Christ. We know this because Romans 8:28-29 tells us: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son…” Once you consider this, you can relax and realize God knows what He’s doing in the circumstances He’s allowing. And you can focus on passing the test, rather than failing it through unnecessary drama.

A – Acknowledge God is in control.

You are not at the whim of the weather or the most likely predicted outcome. You are not going to consider “averages” or statistics. You are going to trust the God of miracles and whatever He decides to do or not do, for your greater good. Try taking a look at God’s track record in the stories of the Bible. People went through trial after trial, but when they acknowledged God’s control and remained faithful to Him in spite of their circumstances, they experienced deliverance, protection, comfort, and peace. God has an excellent track record of honoring those who trust Him.

L – Look for the lesson.

The lessons are everywhere. And sometimes they aren’t the ones you think. Ask God to show you what He wants you to see in the moment, and then stay tuned to His instruction. I find it is helpful, and a reminder to me that God is working in my life, when I say aloud, “God, show me what You want me to see in this situation” or, “Mold me through this, God,” or, “Open my eyes to the truth of Who You are through this situation and my pain.” Maybe your short prayer is simply, “Change me through this, Lord Jesus.” By acknowledging that God is doing something through our situation, we won’t miss the lesson.

M – Make it a point to praise.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 we are instructed to “give thanks in all circumstances: for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Note that command says in all circumstances, even the unexpected, uncomfortable, and unwanted circumstances. As we thank God for our circumstances – and for whatever He determines to do through them – it will change our perspective and make us people who anticipate His provision, rather than dread the worst. That is displaying faith, rather than demonstrating fear or doubt.

Don’t Waste These Experiences

From "5 Ways to Make Sure You Don’t Waste Your COVID-19 Experience" by Rachel Baker

The headlines are heartbreaking, and the fear of uncertainty can be completely overwhelming.

In times of duress we must cling to the Lord more than ever. As we hold fast, we also have the opportunity to learn from this season.

Here are 5 helpful suggestions to help ensure that as Christ-followers we are the calm in the storm and the example of God’s steadfast peace and love for this world.

Our God is not a God of waste—and so we should not waste our experiences during this time. Even the darkest of days He can and will use for His glory.

1. Keep an Eternal Perspective

The despair our country is feeling is now amplified by COVID-19, racial tensions and a state of unrest. When all feels lost, focusing on the Word of God and setting our gaze upon the eternal can help to bring peace.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NLT2)11 Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.

Understanding that eternity is in the heart of all who follow Christ helps to bring light to the darkness of today’s circumstances. It is only normal for us to want healing for the sick and solutions to our suffering.

It is normal to cry out to God and implore him to move in big and powerful ways. And cry out we should, but in our lamenting and pleading we must also remember to cast our gaze upon the eternal.

Colossians 3:2 (NLT2)2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.

With problems so immense, we have seen our need for a big and powerful God. Keep your eternal perspective so you don’t lose sight of this constant need.

2. Acknowledge Your Troubles, but Never Lose Hope

Setting our minds on the eternal in no way negates the struggle and suffering that mankind experiences this side of Heaven. Suffering is synonymous with a fallen world. Where there is sin so too will there be suffering.

Jesus himself warns us that there will be troubles in this world; trouble is the result of our sinful natures.

John 16:33 (NLT2)33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

Understanding that there will be trouble prepares us in advance for suffering. We will experience it, as individuals and as a collective.

So many of us are walking through suffering right now. I’ve not met a single person who has escaped it. Having an expectation that we will suffer does not need to translate into a doom and gloom outlook on life, however.

Even within our troubles, we find joy and beauty. Within the dark and heavy headlines of late there have been stories of triumph and mankind showing up for one another.

We have experienced firsthand a collective grief, and should learn to expect suffering as part of being human, even long after this crisis has passed.

We must acknowledge our troubles but, through setting our sights on the eternal, prevail over them.

Psalm 30:5 (NLT2)5 For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.

3. Continue Caring for Your Neighbors

Many churches had to close their doors at the beginning of COVID-19; most have yet to reopen. Despite the building being closed the church has shown up for one another and is learning a new way to be the church.

Well, we are learning the original way that the church functioned.

Luke 10:27 (NLT2)27 The man answered, “‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

During life under the restrictions of COVID and the protests against racial injustice many members of the church have become more intentional in developing a deeper relationship with their neighbors and community.

The church is still alive and well within the spirits of those who call Jesus Lord, we are just showing up differently.

These times have forced us to take a good long look at our neighbors, our actual neighbors, and help each other out. Our communities are slowly working towards a new normal and restrictions are being reduced. Though life may be returning to “normal” or some semblance of “new normal” it shouldn’t mean that we stop engaging and helping our neighbors and the people closest to us geographically.

How beautiful could it be if we kept showing up for each other. What if we continued to check in on our neighbors, or get to know them for the first time? We can allow these lessons to guide us to being better neighbors.

Ultimately, connecting in with our communities on the grounds of neighborly love is not only transformative, but an imperative.

4. Keep Developing Your Contemplative Practice

In times of trouble leaning on the Word of God can be a force of calm in our lives. As believers, the Bible should be our manual for life, its words are alive and convicting, they guide us and grow us spiritually.

But there is something incredible that happens when we hold fast to the Word in times of trouble, there is a calming and quieting that takes place the more we cling to the word and allow our hearts, minds and souls to be changed by it.

We, as humans, can manipulate the Bible to fit our agendas and purposes. What if, rather than trying to use God’s holy word to justify our own behaviors we allowed ourselves to be guided and informed by it?

To be informed by the word we must develop a contemplative practice of both reading the word and seeking the Holy Spirit in our lives. This requires quiet, prayer, an open heart and contemplation.

It requires us to do some digging into our own preconceived notions about how life should be. We need to ask, “What does God say about this issue?”

Right now, while the world feels like it's spinning off axis, perhaps our time is best spent in deep and contemplative time in the Word and prayer.

If the current circumstances of life have taught me anything, they have taught me to cling to the Word and stay diligently in prayer.

5. Seek God’s Wisdom over the World’s

The world wants us to react. “Be afraid,” the headlines prompt, “hide in fear, exhaust yourself with panic.” What if, instead of fear and panic, all believers were a force of calm and serenity?

What if we responded to the rash and risky with wisdom and discernment.

We can absolutely be aware of and prepared for times of trouble, whether it be widespread illness or civil unrest, but rather than giving into fear and responding like everyone else we have an opportunity to seek God’s wisdom over the world’s. God’s ways are higher, His wisdom surpassing of time and space. When we look to the world to solve its own brokenness we are going to be left wanting.

Proverbs 3:5 (NLT2)5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.

Often we want to show up to the conversations and contribute to the dialogues of our society. Certainly, there are times where that is absolutely what God calls us to, but before we ever share our voice with this world we must first quiet ourselves before God.

When the world wants us to react, sit first with God.

Matthew 6:33 (NLT2)33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

For as much as we all want this season of uncertainty to be behind us let’s make sure this time has not been wasted. The deep work of spiritual growth is at our fingertips, we only need to press in.

And, on those days when our bodies, hearts and souls feel weighted down and heavy with fatigue, call on the Lord.

Matthew 11:28 (NLT2)28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

Stay calm!

What's This Good News

6/18/2020

Romans 10:15 NIV And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Bold mine)

When Paul wrote his letter to the church in Rome when he said

“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”. He was quoting from;

Isaiah 52:7-10 (NKJV)7 How beautiful upon the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who proclaims peace, Who brings glad tidings of good things, Who proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion, "Your God reigns!"8 Your watchmen shall lift up their voices, With their voices they shall sing together; For they shall see eye to eye When the LORD brings back Zion.9 Break forth into joy, sing together, You waste places of Jerusalem! For the LORD has comforted His people, He has redeemed jerusalem.10 The LORD has made bare His holy arm In the eyes of all the nations; And all the ends of the earth shall see The salvation of our God. (Bold mine)

What's This Good News?

This is one of the earliest usages of “Good news,” or as we would say today “the gospel.”

The word "gospel" comes from the Greek word evangelion (translated in Old English as "good news" or "good spell"). The term implies and includes salvation - literally meaning, the message that saves us.

So what is the good news being proclaimed by Isaiah? Isaiah is talking about a time when Jerusalem is desolate. Its ruin was no accident—it was God’s punishment for Judah’s long disobedience. Before Jerusalem’s destruction, God tried to call his people back to himself. He was patient beyond all reasonable bounds. He tried to win them with kindness. He tried to warn them with discipline. But they would not listen.

Isaiah 6:10 (NKJV)10 "Make the heart of this people dull, And their ears heavy, And shut their eyes; Lest they see with their eyes, And hear with their ears, And understand with their heart, And return and be healed."

Finally, He sent Babylon to deliver His punishment and destroy Jerusalem.

Ezekiel 18:30-32 (NKJV)30 "Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways," says the Lord GOD. "Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin.31 Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel?32 For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies," says the Lord GOD. "Therefore turn and live!

He even abandoned his Temple

In the first chapter of Ezekiel the prophet saw a vision of the glory of God while he was among the exiles in Babylon. In that vision God showed Him that He was abandoning the temple. Which was the place of God’s presence. It indicated that He had had it with Israel’s disobedience.

Ezekiel 10:3-4 (NKJV)3 Now the cherubim were standing on the south side of the temple when the man went in, and the cloud filled the inner court.4 Then the glory of the LORD went up from the cherub, and paused over the threshold of the temple; and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was full of the brightness of the LORD'S glory.

Ezekiel 10:18-19 (NKJV)18 Then the glory of the LORD departed from the threshold of the temple and stood over the cherubim.19 And the cherubim lifted their wings and mounted up from the earth in my sight. When they went out, the wheels were beside them; and they stood at the door of the east gate of the LORD'S house, and the glory of the God of Israel was above them.

It seemed as though human rebellion finally overwhelmed God’s gracious plan to bless the nations and restore creation. But then Isaiah announces, “Good news!” What is the news? “Your God reigns!” God has not given up on Israel, so there is hope for the world. God promises a day when he will establish his reign on earth and bring about his great restoration.

Isaiah 52:7 (NKJV)7 How beautiful upon the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who proclaims peace, Who brings glad tidings of good things, Who proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion, "Your God reigns!"

The figure who accomplishes this is an unlikely hero: a suffering servant.

Isaiah 52:13-14 (NKJV)13 Behold, My Servant shall deal prudently; He shall be exalted and extolled and be very high.14 Just as many were astonished at you, So His visage was marred more than any man, And His form more than the sons of men;

This servant ransoms and cleanses God’s people with his own blood.

Isaiah 53:5-9 (NKJV)5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.6 All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.7 He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth.8 He was taken from prison and from judgment, And who will declare His generation? For He was cut off from the land of the living; For the transgressions of My people He was stricken.9 And they made His grave with the wicked-- But with the rich at His death, Because He had done no violence, Nor was any deceit in His mouth.

Kings and rulers mocked him at his death

Isaiah 53:3 (NKJV)3 He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.

Afterward they realized that his apparent defeat was actually His victory

Isaiah 53:12 (NKJV)12 Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, And He shall divide the spoil with the strong, Because He poured out His soul unto death, And He was numbered with the transgressors, And He bore the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors.

So they exalt him as king of kings and lord of lords.

Philippians 2:9-11 (NKJV)9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name,10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth,11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

That good news is that Jesus, the suffering servant, reigns! Jesus brought about his rule by defeating, cleansing and ransoming a people for God. Isaiah spoke of this messenger to Israel before he ever arrived. We must hear his message and trust it before it is totally fulfilled at the return of Jesus. Your God reigns. That's good news!

Psalm 23 A Prayer Of Safety In The Midst Of Division And Racial Injustice

6/18/2020

Psalms 23:1‭-‬6 NKJV The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Yea, 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. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.

In God There Is Peace And Blessing

Psalm 23 is so rich with peace and blessing for all our days. Yet often we can become so “familiar” with popular verses and chapters of God’s word, that they can almost lose the important message that He is wanting to instill within our hearts. Praying God’s words back to Him, and meditating on them verse by verse, can help us to remember his goodness, and be strengthened by his truths.

v.1 - He leads us, He guides us, He's always with us, and we can be assured and feel safe under His protective care.

v.2-3 - He knows where true rest and blessing are found, and leads us there, He restores, He refreshes, He brings peace and goodness.

v. 3 - He leads us to walk in His ways, He draws us to stay close to Him and follow Him.

v. 4 - Though life is uncertain and we may suffer with illness, loss, or pain, our God of comfort, our Lord who holds all power over death and disease walks with us. Always. He is the only One who can take us by the hand through life's darkest moments of suffering, bringing freedom and healing from the pain of this life, straight into glory and the hope of heaven that He has reserved for us. We never have to fear, in life or in death, for He is with us, our constant strength and Shepherd.

v. 5 - We have a place at His table, He makes room for us, He wants us to stay close to Him. Through history, hosts were expected to protect their guests at all costs. God's protection is real, in the midst of the traps and attacks of enemy forces, we can find security and refuge in His great care. It doesn't mean that we won't ever face huge battles, but that He covers us with His Spirit of anointing and power, to live out our days with His strength and blessing.

v. 6 - That word for "follow" means "to chase, to pursue." We can be assured, He chases us today, and all our days, with His goodness and love. And even at the end of all our days here on this earth, He still has more in store, and it's greater than we could ever imagine.

Dear God,

Thank you that you are our good Shepherd and we can trust you with our lives. Thank you for your leadership and Sovereignty. Thank you for your guidance and care in all our days. Thank you that you restore our souls, give us peace, and bring us hope in all of our tomorrows. Thank you for your protection and strength that surrounds us like a shield. Thank you that we never have to fear. Thank you for your goodness and love that follows after us, chases us, even when were unaware. Thank you Lord, that you trustworthy and able, that you are our Refuge and hope.

In You alone is rest and peace. We praise you for the assurance that we will dwell with you forever.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen.

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