There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers. (Pr 6:16-19)
The Lord must really hate lies. It made the “top seven” list twice! I'd like to think that I never lie, but I know that's not really true. There is the subtle twisting of the truth, the half truth, and the strategic withholding of information. Always the goal is to make myself look a little better in the eyes of others. Lord, forgive me for my deceitfulness and pride.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Look Who's Watching
For a man’s ways are in full view of the Lord, and he examines all his paths. (Pr 5:21)
If we could keep this truth firmly in mind it might help dissuade us from sinning. I need to cultivate being in his presence at all times. That means several things at several levels, but one of them is knowing that he is watching all my actions, even hearing all my thoughts. Lord, help me to remember you at all times. When I am tempted, help me remember that you are there, not just as judge, but as the one who both inspires me and empowers me to do your will.
If we could keep this truth firmly in mind it might help dissuade us from sinning. I need to cultivate being in his presence at all times. That means several things at several levels, but one of them is knowing that he is watching all my actions, even hearing all my thoughts. Lord, help me to remember you at all times. When I am tempted, help me remember that you are there, not just as judge, but as the one who both inspires me and empowers me to do your will.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Let Nothing Come Between Us
If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. (Ps 66:18)
When I choose sin, when I cling to my sins, when I cherish them more than God and am unwilling to give them up, I am building a wall between myself and God. God wants my heart. He wants to be my first love. When I give my heart to something else, how can he act as if nothing has happened? How would it glorify him to answer the prayers of an unrepentant sinner? Lord, I don’t want anything to come between us. I repent of my sins. I want you, first and most. I love you, Lord.
When I choose sin, when I cling to my sins, when I cherish them more than God and am unwilling to give them up, I am building a wall between myself and God. God wants my heart. He wants to be my first love. When I give my heart to something else, how can he act as if nothing has happened? How would it glorify him to answer the prayers of an unrepentant sinner? Lord, I don’t want anything to come between us. I repent of my sins. I want you, first and most. I love you, Lord.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Desiring God
O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. (Ps 63:1)
What a tremendous picture of seeking and desiring God. Lord, I want to desire you this much. I want to seek you as urgently as I would seek water in a desert. Lord, increase my desire to know you. If I were dying of thirst you can bet my thoughts would never be far from water. In the same way, I want my thoughts to always be for you, Lord.
What a tremendous picture of seeking and desiring God. Lord, I want to desire you this much. I want to seek you as urgently as I would seek water in a desert. Lord, increase my desire to know you. If I were dying of thirst you can bet my thoughts would never be far from water. In the same way, I want my thoughts to always be for you, Lord.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Standing on the Rock
From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. (Ps 61:2)
With roiling clouds above me and raging seas around me, I stand upon the rock that is higher than I. The Rock of my salvation is higher than the highest waves and stronger than the strongest gales. I am secure in the fortress of his power, while about me swirl storms that alone I could not withstand. God is my Rock; God is my Fortress. My eyes see the storm and I am tempted to fear, but my heart sees only God and I am at peace. I will call upon him, and let the peace in my heart fill also my mind. He is mighty. He is in control. He is my Father.
With roiling clouds above me and raging seas around me, I stand upon the rock that is higher than I. The Rock of my salvation is higher than the highest waves and stronger than the strongest gales. I am secure in the fortress of his power, while about me swirl storms that alone I could not withstand. God is my Rock; God is my Fortress. My eyes see the storm and I am tempted to fear, but my heart sees only God and I am at peace. I will call upon him, and let the peace in my heart fill also my mind. He is mighty. He is in control. He is my Father.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Remembering God's Mercy
But the people were thirsty for water there, and they grumbled against Moses. (Ex 17:3a)
They grumbled against Moses, but their complaints were really against God. It seems incredible that after witnessing so many huge miracles they would still grumble so quickly. What they were completely missing was any understanding of the character of God. Perhaps they had a pagan concept of the capriciousness of the gods. They clearly didn’t grasp that God is true, faithful, good, merciful and omnipotent. Unfortunately, although we know better we often fall into the same trap. When terrible things happen we get angry or afraid or despairing. I said “we”. I should say “I”. I show myself to be out of touch with the character and nature of God when I feel that way. Lord, I want to know you as you really are. Forgive me for doubting your goodness and your power. Remind me when I forget. “Lord, you are good and your mercy endureth forever!”
They grumbled against Moses, but their complaints were really against God. It seems incredible that after witnessing so many huge miracles they would still grumble so quickly. What they were completely missing was any understanding of the character of God. Perhaps they had a pagan concept of the capriciousness of the gods. They clearly didn’t grasp that God is true, faithful, good, merciful and omnipotent. Unfortunately, although we know better we often fall into the same trap. When terrible things happen we get angry or afraid or despairing. I said “we”. I should say “I”. I show myself to be out of touch with the character and nature of God when I feel that way. Lord, I want to know you as you really are. Forgive me for doubting your goodness and your power. Remind me when I forget. “Lord, you are good and your mercy endureth forever!”
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Hope for the Lost
As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. (Acts 9:3)
What opening did Saul give God? Perhaps the very tiniest. But this story as presented is the clearest example of God sovereignly intervening to save those he has chosen. I myself was saved in a miraculous way. God is well able to save any that he pleases. No one is beyond hope. We can pray for their salvation, confident that God has the power to act. Lord, have mercy on the lost! Save them, if necessary by a direct miracle. Reveal yourself to them in a compelling way, so they will know that you are God. Soften their hearts and quicken their conscience so they would receive you as Savior.
What opening did Saul give God? Perhaps the very tiniest. But this story as presented is the clearest example of God sovereignly intervening to save those he has chosen. I myself was saved in a miraculous way. God is well able to save any that he pleases. No one is beyond hope. We can pray for their salvation, confident that God has the power to act. Lord, have mercy on the lost! Save them, if necessary by a direct miracle. Reveal yourself to them in a compelling way, so they will know that you are God. Soften their hearts and quicken their conscience so they would receive you as Savior.
Monday, May 3, 2010
A Pure Heart
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. (Ps 51:10)
It is only by God’s power that we are renewed and made clean. We invite him in to do the work he desires to do in us. The good news: this is a prayer he always answers. Lord, give me a pure heart and a steadfast spirit for you.
It is only by God’s power that we are renewed and made clean. We invite him in to do the work he desires to do in us. The good news: this is a prayer he always answers. Lord, give me a pure heart and a steadfast spirit for you.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Not How I Would Have Planned It
Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. (Acts 8:4)
I suspect they never realized what role this persecution played in spreading the Gospel. Maybe they did later, looking back. But at the time, it must have looked like a complete disaster. We have no way to know how God is going to use the hardships and trials of our lives. But we must trust him, knowing that he is Good and he is Sovereign, so everything he allows to happen is part of his plan.
I suspect they never realized what role this persecution played in spreading the Gospel. Maybe they did later, looking back. But at the time, it must have looked like a complete disaster. We have no way to know how God is going to use the hardships and trials of our lives. But we must trust him, knowing that he is Good and he is Sovereign, so everything he allows to happen is part of his plan.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Peace and Safety
“Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. (Ps 46:10-11)
In the midst of great turmoil and danger there is one who is Unmovable, Imperturbable and Indestructible. He is our fortress. We run to him and are safe. Be still my soul, when fears rush in to overtake me. There is no power that can breach this fortress. God is above every struggle. His strength is unmatched, his power unchallenged. When troubles come there is an inward peace, the gift of God who inhabits my heart. I will be still and know that you are God.
In the midst of great turmoil and danger there is one who is Unmovable, Imperturbable and Indestructible. He is our fortress. We run to him and are safe. Be still my soul, when fears rush in to overtake me. There is no power that can breach this fortress. God is above every struggle. His strength is unmatched, his power unchallenged. When troubles come there is an inward peace, the gift of God who inhabits my heart. I will be still and know that you are God.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
