Devotional Fuel to Reboot Your Mind

1 Peter 4:13: “But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.”

I was reading an old journal of mine from April 2016 this week. I had written down lessons I had learned from a series of tumultuous trials we had experienced. We all have them, but what was more important, was that I had discovered something in 1 Peter 4:13, in my Bible reading that day, that I had not realized before. I had written down, the last part of this verse in my journal: “. . . rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” When going through those successive school of hard knocks, we were in standby mode. God’s glory was revealed later. But in the beginning, we couldn’t see it until we had worked through each one, and the eventual result was like looking in our car’s rearview mirror. The revelation of God’s glory, after that strenuous episode, was unveiled much later.

In 1 Peter, Peter was writing to people, that were discouraged from all of the persecuting they were encountering because of their faith. It is said that Peter was called the “apostle of hope.”

I have not suffered like the New Testament Christians, Peter was writing to, but trials of any nature require strength to walk victoriously. My emotions go rampant and need to be put under control when my endurance is not stretching and incomplete. I seem to go one step forward and then two steps backward in this regard. Do you?

Peter’s primary message in experiencing being in the refining fire of anxiety was:

• Trust the Lord.
• Live in obedience to God, no matter what your circumstance, so there will be no room for criticism.
• Be steadfast.
• Keep your hope on God’s future deliverance of the battle.
• There is always an end to any trial in life.
• Wait with patience even though you cannot see the reason or the finish line.
• Expect God’s glory to be revealed out of a time of suffering. That is a promise.

I have to admit, out of each trial in life I have gone through, I have gained knowledge and wisdom afterward. But I have not always seen the promise of it being for my benefit as Romans 8:28 declares: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” In some of the trials I have gone through, I haven’t seen “God’s glory” revealed to me until years later. But I have learned it has to with the changing of my heart, more than the changing of the circumstance. My attitude may be the problem. God’s glory is revealed in the radiance and joy displayed in the molding of my heart and mind, as I draw upon God’s strength to fulfill my desire, raise me up when bowed down with cares, and receiving His grace and mercy abounding from His love for me (Psalm 145). That is the revelation in my life of God’s glory being revealed.

I have been told in various work emails: “standby, more will be revealed later.” I am only given part of the information or instruction in the beginning. It usually has to do with an announcement about changes in policies or personnel. I have to wait for the rest to be disclosed to understand why. Our faith, hope, and trust in the sufficiency of Christ is much the same scenario.

If you are ‘in the wait” and standing by for news that is good or bad, have these verses by your side:

• Psalm 27:13-14, NIV: “I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
• Psalm 34:22: “The LORD redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.”
• Hebrews 11:6: “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”

Beth Moore made a statement in her recent Bible study series “Watermarks”: “What is not fair? I’ll tell you what is not fair. God’s grace is not fair, but he freely gives it to each one of us. Nothing you have been through is wasted – God wants to use it all.” Yes, God has given me His grace when I so don’t deserve it.

May Psalm 145:1-2 become your prayer while standing firm and growing and learning when you are in standby mode, and waiting for more to be revealed. Pray these words to God as a sacrificial prayer of praise to Him in expectancy: “I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever; every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever.” Then standby, and wait on God-for more will be revealed later.

Two Questions:

Are you more like Jesus before a trial, or after the storm?

How have you experienced the grace of God in your life when you did not deserve it?

Remember, standby – more will be revealed later. Meanwhile, give glory to God for what He has in store when His purpose in your thorn is accomplished, and the transformation is unveiled.

My prayer today: “Dear God: Show me your glory today. I am standing by and waiting for more to be revealed later from your sovereign plan. Amen.”

Listen to John Waller’s song (with lyrics) “While I Am Waiting.”

 

Ecclesiastes 5:18-19: “Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot. Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil – this is the gift of God.”

Giving our top performance in doing a job well done is the pleasure we receive from being thorough, planning, analyzing all possibilities, being responsible, perfecting one’s skills, and covering it all to the best of our ability. There is not a reward for laziness. Solomon stated earlier in Ecc. 2:24: “There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also is from the hand of God.”

How good it is to crawl into bed at the end of my day, and say, “It was good. I didn’t get everything done I wanted to do, but I did the best that I could today. Thank you, God, for giving me another day to live.”

“Man’s subjection to endless toil and work is exceedingly frustrating, for it never seems to render profit comparable to the work required. Death is each person’s destiny; it is inevitable and inescapable for all – no matter how a person lives.” HCSB The Study Bible For Women.

Ecclesiastes 5:12-17 denotes anxiety from earthly treasures:

• A business deal gone bad. Money lost from a negative venture.
• Squandering money for oneself and not using it for the good of others.
• Fear and anger can result from ill-advised investment schemes and plans.

In contrast, when we realize God is the source of our income and bank account and has a purpose in our life on this earth, then we can say with Solomon: “There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil.” Ecclesiastes. 2:24.

Fame and notoriety are short lived. When I again set another new record for the month, in my sales job (which is entirely from God), I have to start all over again the following month. The exhilarating high is short lived. How accurate is the phrase, “You are only as good as your last sale.”

Principles of despair found in Ecclesiastes:

• Many times life is unjust and unfair.
• Sometimes wicked people prosper, and righteous people suffer.
• Accumulating wealth is short lived.
• One generation works hard and saves carefully, while the next generation is irresponsible and wasteful.
• The fate of every human is eventually having a funeral or memorial service. No one is exempt from death.
• A fool believes money is the answer for everything.

Principles of truth found in Ecclesiastes:

• God is ultimately in control of times and seasons.
• Best philosophy for humanity: “Fear God and keep His commandments.”
• We can enjoy a relationship with Christ through His death and resurrection.
• Fulfillment in this life only comes from God.

I have learned throughout my later years that not all answers to life are found in any one particular book that has been written. I can discover how to do new things I haven’t done before from reading a book, but God’s Word, the Bible, is the only book that gives lasting wisdom and knowledge and joy. Reading books is good, don’t misunderstand me. I have written two books and working on my third. I am eagerly awaiting our Pastor Todd Smith’s upcoming book, “Dark Valleys. When you love Jesus but hate life.” Some of the favorite authors of the books on my shelf are written by Chuck Swindoll, Matt Batterson, Holley Gerth, Timothy Keller, and Priscilla Shirer, to name just a few. But I have to apply the principles found in God’s word and put it into practice to own it and make it mine and to receive the peace of God that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7). No one else can do it for me.

Solomon’s final words to the issues of life all rest on our relationship with God as stated in Ecclesiastes 12:13: “When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is: fear God and keep His commands, because this is for all humanity. For God will bring every act to judgment, including every hidden thing, whether good or evil.” Wealth, prosperity, unfairness, all the pleasures of life, appeared irrelevant to Solomon, as he came to the end of his life. God will bring every person’s every act to judgment. Life is short (as we keep seeing from the aftermath of the Las Vegas killings).

Invite God to reorganize your priorities, ambitions, and dreams, aligning them up with eternity in view. Enjoy tonight’s sunset. It is a gift from God. Set your hope on God, not on the uncertainty of riches, “who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.” 1 Timothy 6:18b.

Questions:

Sit down and watch a sunset. How many colors can you see? How long did it take for the sun to go down?

Why is it so easy to get our minds sidetracked and off of God, when in crisis mode?

How do you handle life when it is unfair? What verses do you rely on?

Does your life seem empty, ok, or full of the joy of the Lord? What verse is your sunset?

I confess I get so caught up each day in the dilemmas that come across for me to try to solve. I need to pause, reflect, and worship and praise God for each breath and day He has given me. This is an imperfect world. That will never change. But I can still experience God-given enjoyment in life from setting my hope, faith, and trust in God’s promises for my eternal future.

“If only everyone could know we’ve been created by and for God! If only we could all comprehend that we’re precious to Him, housing mirrored souls designed to reflect His glory.”  ― Louie Giglio, The Air I Breathe: Worship as a Way of Life

“No faith is so precious as that which lives and triumphs through adversity. Tested faith brings experience. You would never have believed your own weakness had you not needed to pass through trials. And you would never have known God’s strength had His strength not been needed to carry you through.” Charles Spurgeon.

Listen to “Through All of It” by Colton Dixon. I can so relate to the words of this song’s message.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91KliTa1ksY

I have felt weary with the fighting, hostility, dissension, arguing, slamming, slander, badgering, and divisive harsh tone of our world these past few months. Then we were all shocked by the sudden tragedy that just took place in Las Vegas, injuring and killing so many innocent victims. I wonder, what does God think about our current state of events? If I could sit down with God, sitting on a bar stool at the island in our kitchen, and have a cup of coffee with Him, face to face, and ask Him that question I think He would remind me of the following truths:

• “Be still and know that I am God.” I am exalted above the nations. I will be exalted above the earth.” Psalm 46:10.
• “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe.” Proverbs 29:25.
• “The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment.” 2 Peter 2:9.
• “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Colossians 3:1-2.
• “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33.
• “A king’s heart is like streams of water in the LORD’s hand. He directs it wherever he chooses.” Proverbs 21:1.
• “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done.” Revelation 22:12.

It seems recently that many have lost all hope. The common response is despair and self-indulgence. Have I ever felt a particular circumstance was unbearable and had no answers? Oh yes! Sometimes every week! But Jesus declares in the midst of the crisis the following:

“Do not fear, only believe.” Mark 5:36

Remember when Joseph was taken from his brothers and had to become a slave? Joseph’s father never thought he would ever see him again. Jacob cried tears of sorrow. He went through deep grief. But eventually God’s plan was revealed, and we read in Genesis 48:11 a verse that tells us all that no situation is ever hopeless: “And Israel said to Joseph, “I never expected to see your face; and behold, God has let me see your off-spring also.”

There are no circumstances that are beyond God’s help.

There may be repeated failures on man’s part in government or leadership, but that will not ever prevent God’s plan from taking place.

There are no easy solutions or quick fixes when in the pit of despair. But our problems do not have to define us or muddy our outlook on life.

Even in hopeless situations, God still has people whom He can work through.

Christ is in control of history. Why do we forget that when we are watching the news? The book of Revelation ends with verses 20 and 21, NIV: “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.”

“What happens in America has nothing to do with the kingdom of God, because the kingdom of God is built one soul at a time, as a sinner puts his trust in Christ.” John MacArthur.

“If you and I are going to live and love audaciously, we are going to have to quit answering the door when hopelessness bangs its ugly fist at it. It has no place in our lives. Hopelessness is a liar.” Beth Moore, “Audacious.”

Priscilla Shirer in her Bible study book, “Armor of God,” has said: “ . . . The enemy often attacks us at points of strength, influence, and weakness. So we need to prayerfully discern where the attacks are likely to come from, and take measures to defend ourselves in the power of God’s strength. Safeguard yourselves through prayer.”

Questions:

When hard times strike, how can stress and anxiety fuel greater passion for God’s Word, more time in prayer, and an increase of worship and praise of God’s everlasting love, instead of gloom and disheartenment?

Has the outcome of your eternal future been decided?

Write out your own empowered script of Bible verses that give you armor to fight the enemy’s doubts and insecurities when your boat is rocked and sinking – when the news is filled with hostility and hopelessness. Keep these promises from God close, so you can read them throughout the day to reboot your mind.

Do you need God’s vision for your life? Enlighten your heart and mind as you pray the words of Ephesians 1:18 NLT: “I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called, what a rich and glorious inheritance he has given to his holy people.”

Listen to Sidewalk Prophets song, “Come To The Table.”

 

 

 

Psalm 138:7-8 “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me. The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.”

I was on a hike with my fellow sales reps. this spring and we came upon a stream we had to cross over. It was a body of water that had large stones protruding up above the water that you had to step on carefully to get to the other side of the trail without falling into the water. There were no other paths – only this stream which required agility and perfect balance. There was no turning back. We had to keep going to our final destination and the only way to get there was stepping on each of these slippery rocks with one foot at a time. Just beyond this large creek, was a beautiful waterfall. The beauty to be seen during this nature hike, was beyond our  immediate scope of vision. We could not see the waterfall that was up ahead, until we were almost through the creek that we had to work to get across. What a magnificent scene of God’s creation! But we couldn’t see it when we first started our hike. Not until the end.

Life is much like that. When we place our faith and trust in God’s everlasting love for us, one day at a time, He preserves us. Our faith is stretched like elastic, as we step carefully on each treacherous stepping stone on our path of life, through the trial, and then maybe another heartache. But God will be our deliverer, comforter, and provider.

David expressed triumphant thanksgiving to God in Psalm 138 for the following:

• David praised God in spite of his difficult circumstances (vv. 1-3). He showed that happiness is a choice.
• David prayed for God’s help, and God answered him, which gave David courage to move forward (v.3).
• David trusted God for deliverance in battle (vv. 7-8) and defeated the enemy. God protected David’s life, as he chose to have unwavering faith in the overruling sovereignty of God.
• David was the only monarch giving praise to God. Other pagan kings of his time, were not, so David prayed that all the kings would hear the words of God, respond in faith, and would then “sing of the LORD’s ways” (vv. 4-5). What an example to us!
• We need to be like David in having audacious faith that God’s eternal purposes will be fulfilled in our life despite monumental challenges.

We can become “fear fighters” by remaining steadfast in reading His word, having faith in His almighty power, and hope in seeing the revelation of His glory. Sometimes we are in the wait for God to give us wisdom and answers longer than we expect.

God does not always answer our prayers as we see fit. The ESV in verse 7 says: “You preserve my life.” The HCSB says: “Your right hand will save me.”  I like how the NASB words verse 7: “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You revive me. You will stretch forth Your hand against the wrath of my enemies. And Your right hand will save me.” Sometimes when heaviness lasts longer than desired, I have to ask God to give me His CPR. To revive my heart and mind. Do you ever have to do that?

When I was having to step carefully during that hike, and put  one foot on the stone ahead of me and then the next foot on the next stone, I was afraid of falling and losing my balance. One man had to take my one hand with his arm and hand in mine, and help hold me up, and helped pull me forward so I wouldn’t fall into the water. I had to trust him to help support me so I wouldn’t tip over and fall. I couldn’t turn back. The only way to go was straight ahead. The reward was eventually standing in front of the impressive waterfall!

God made each one of us and has put us where he wants us to be used for His glory and influence. God had a specific purpose to fulfill through David’s life, and He did not allow the enemy to obstruct God’s plan.

“It’s at the heart of everything we struggle with in life: longing to be valuable, to be accepted, to be prized, to be worth something, to be somebody, to have a life that matters, and God’s saying, “You matter! I didn’t make anyone else like you. You’re not a reprint or a lithograph. You’re a one-of-a-kind, original creation, of God.” Louie Giglio.

How can you show audacious faith that God has a plan and purpose for your life no matter what is on your plate right now?

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the surmounting issues of the moment? Have any Goliath’s going on?

How can you vigilantly keep your confidence in the providence of God and not fall into the pit of despair in your most recent trial today?

My Prayer: “God help me to see and know that you are in control. Help me to trust you beyond my understanding. Increase my faith. You have divinely appointed purposes to complete in my life. Help me to say as David said, “The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me …” Psalm 138:8a.

May you be a fear fighter today!

“God’s plans for your life far exceed the circumstances of your day!” Louie Giglio.

“I am immortal until the will of God for me is accomplished.” David Livingstone.

Listen to Casting Crown’s “God Of All My Days.”

 

 

 

 

Psalm 136:1: “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.”

Today’s Blog post is not about finding comfort, or about enduring trials in our chaotic world (which there are plenty). Instead I want to focus on thanking God for who He is and that He loves us first (1 John 4:19), and how incredible that is –  as He demonstrated supremely on the cross. Beth Moore had said in one of her Bible studies that we need to remember that, that God loves us first, so when we pray we can in response to His love, say “I love you too, Lord!”

The theme of God’s steadfast and eternal love is repeated throughout Psalm 136. Twenty-six times the author declares “His love endures forever.” No other psalm is like Psalm 136 which states:

• God has created the earth, the sun, moon, and stars. He knows each stars name. All of creation shows His handiwork and greatness. He gives us one day at a time to enjoy. Ps. 136: 5-9.
• God struck down the first-born in Egypt, (v. 10) in response to Pharaoh’s hardened heart in not letting God’s people go out of his land. God punishes our enemies. Exodus 12:29
• God divided the Red Sea and overthrew Pharaoh and all his army, in saving the lives of the Israelites. God fights our battles in mysterious and powerful ways (v. 13). Exodus 14:21-30.
• God led the people through the wilderness, but He did not take them through the shortest route, and He never abandoned them (v. 16). Exodus 13:17-18.
• God killed mighty pagan kings. He defeated Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan. He used Moses and then Joshua to have military strategy and leadership in their commitment to God (vv. 17-22). Numbers 21; Joshua 12.
• God freed the Israelites from all of their enemies (vv. 23-26). God rescues due to His eternal love. He fights, feeds, and puts His love into action.

“In what creative ways can we worship God without engaging in what can become meaningless repetition?” Gene Getz.

God in His mercy does not give us what we deserve.

God in His grace gives us what we do not deserve.

The author of Psalm 136 said 26 times: “His steadfast love endures forever.” The HCSB’s responsive phrase is: “His love is eternal.” The anonymous author wrote nothing about Israel’s suffering in Egypt. Instead, he focused on the exodus. He reviews what God had done for them and gives God praise. Instead of dwelling on things going wrong that I cannot change, I need to worship God for His consistent and eternal love. I need to give thanks to God for bringing deliverance in previous instances. How soon I often forget and stew unnecessarily.

“Our present inheritance is in Jesus Christ, an inheritance that we claim as we walk by faith and defeat Satan and his forces that want to keep us in bondage and spiritual poverty.” Warren Wiersbe.

Write out a list of everything you are thankful and read it over throughout the day. What happens to your attitude?

What are your goals in life? What takes priority?

Set aside a day each month or even just a segment of time, to celebrate what God has done for you. Put it on your calendar to create your own personal “Bravo God!” time of thanksgiving. Set a time to purposefully reboot your mind with the blessings God has freely given. Take a chance to push the refresh, reset, and reboot button of your heart and mind. The significance of our Thanksgiving holiday should not only happen in the month of November.

I have experienced God’s mercy in my life.

I have experienced God’s grace in my life.

Yes, I love you too Lord! Thank you for not just putting up with me, but loving me for all eternity.

 “We need to discover all over again that worship is natural to the Christian, as it was to the godly Israelites who wrote the psalms, and that the habit of celebrating the greatness and graciousness of God yields an endless flow of thankfulness, joy, and zeal.” –J.I. Packer

 “God is in control, and therefore in EVERYTHING I can give thanks – not because of the situation but because of the One who directs and rules over it.” –Kay Arthur

Listen to “God of All My Days” by Casting Crowns.

 

Psalm 119:92:“If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.”

Joseph is a prime example of facing affliction in life and how he correctly responded to each setback. He didn’t ask why? Joseph’s training involved first being a slave and then a prisoner. He amazingly transformed each setback to a step forward. His approach was, “What shall I do now?” Because of Joseph’s humble and obedient spirit, others acknowledged that God was with Joseph, as Genesis 41:38-39 states: “And Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find a man like this, in whom is the Spirit of God?” Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has shown you all this, there is none so discerning and wise as you are.”

We all have seen the devastation of tropical storm Irma in Florida on the news. One of our suppliers from my work is off line in Georgia, for production runs and closed last week Friday, for their employees to prepare to take care of their homes. We have not been given a date when they will reopen yet. These people have experienced affliction in not being able to work due to record flooding and protecting their homes.

According to the National Hurricane center, this is the first time on record two category four landfalls occurred in the continental United States, in the same hurricane season, much less within 16 days.

I see “affliction” all around our world. The North Korean government threatened on Thursday to use nuclear weapons on Japan, and fired a ballistic missile, and then the second one was launched early this morning, that landed in the Pacific Ocean. There also was a threat made against the the U.S. to reduce us to ashes and darkness. A new headline this morning reported at least 18 people injured in a London subway bombing called a ‘terrorist incident.’ This reminds me of Matthew 24:6: “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet.” Affliction is mounting threatening political peace and safety.

Several friends of mine are experiencing critical health conditions. Physical affliction is being experienced with unclear diagnoses.

“We do not go to the Bible to escape the realities of life but to be strengthened to face life and serve God effectively. We may not be able to delight in what is going on in the world, but we can delight in what God says in His Word.” Warren Wiersbe, “Be Exultant. Praising God For His Mighty Works.”

The word “affliction” is used 66 times in the ESV. A few examples are:

Psalm 25:16, David cried out: “Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins.”

Psalm 119:50: “This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.”

Psalm 119:92, is what I call my signature verse: “If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.” My prayer then became, “Teach me Your Word during this season of my life like I have never known it before, and make this verse my testimony when I emerge from this place.” “Taming the Lion’s Roar. Handling Fear in the Midst of a Trial.” Linda Killian.

2 Corinthians 4:17: “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.”

2 Thessalonians 1:5-6: “This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering – since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels.”

Job’s greatest test was not knowing why he suffered affliction.

Jesus faced the greatest suffering of all, which is why He can identify with our sorrows and weaknesses. Hebrews 4:15.

Paul was in prison, and yet he used the situation to advance the gospel of Christ.

John Piper has listed four reasons affliction helps us learn and obey the word of God:

• Affliction takes away the glibness of life and makes us more serious, so that our mindset is more in tune with the seriousness of God’s word.
• Affliction knocks worldly props from under us and forces us to rely more on God, which brings us more in tune with the aim of the word. Romans 15:4: “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”
• Affliction makes us search the Scriptures with greater desperation for help, rather than treating it as marginal to life. “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13.
• Affliction brings us into the partnership of Christ’s sufferings, so that we fellowship more closely with him and see the world more readily through his eyes.

Questions:

What can afflictions teach you?

How does your reaction to adverse circumstances reveal what you believe?

Can others see God in you from the encouragement He gives you through His Word, that gives you hope?

I ask myself, can others see God in me by my kind words, merciful acts, and wise advice? I admit I often complain (the Bible calls it “murmuring”) and stew when yet another unpleasant ordeal arises. My Pastor Todd Smith recently said in a sermon on Exodus 16: “Grumbling keeps you from listening to God.” Patience and staying positive is not always my strong point. I am convicted. I have such a long way to go in this area!

“God increase my faith and help my life to reflect Your infinite grace. My hope is in You. Amen.”

“We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.” Chuck Swindoll.

Listen to the Newsboys song “That’s How You Change the World.”  Who needs to receive a smile or act of kindness from you today so they can see your hope displayed?

 

Psalm 108:13: “With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes.”

David wrote Psalm 108 as a song, commemorating past victories, and praising God for his steadfast love. He took the first five verses from Psalm 57:7-11 (David was being pursued by his enemies in vv. 1-6) and the last eight from Psalm 60:5-12 and made 108 as a new psalm. He had complete assurance, trust, and faith in God’s faithfulness despite his own unfaithfulness. Therefore, David’s inward strength rested solely in God.

David prays for deliverance and recognizes that human beings help is worthless (verse 12). He continues to stand strong in his  confidence in God, in spite of new distressful situations as he declares:

• “My heart is steadfast (HCSB uses the word “confident”), O God! I will sing and make melody with all my being!” Verse 1. David knew the power of singing praise through music to God, is soul-lifting. He gave his full attention to glorifying, extoling, and exalting God through his music.
• “I will awake the dawn!” Verse 2b –with his harp and lyre.
• “I will give thanks to you, O LORD, among the peoples.” Verse 3a.
• “I will sing praises to you among the nations.” Verse 3b.

On our return flight from visiting family back in Iowa and Minnesota, I was in awe of the big, majestic, and puffy clouds our plane flew above. It was a reminder that on the ground, we can only see half of each cloud. We see the bottom half, and we can’t see the top half. We can’t see the complete structure of clouds on the ground-only the bottom half. Viewing the various types of clouds above and below our plane in flight, reminded me of the sovereign will and plan for our life that God has in mind (Romans 8:28-working everything out for our good.). We trudge through our daily grind of problems wondering the value of each one, and yet God has a complete plan for them all, due to His abundant and faithful love for us. He knows the eventual outcome, the end, which we cannot see in the beginning, just as we cannot see the top half of clouds from the ground – only one-half. The Message states Psalm 108:4b: “Every cloud’s a flag to your faithfulness.” God already has planned the complete picture that we can only put together as puzzle pieces afterwards.

The HCSB, in Psalm 108:13 states, “With God we will perform valiantly; He will trample our foes.”

David never lost his focus on the character of God, which is steadfast love and faithfulness. In Psalm 108:4, he declares: “For your steadfast love is great above the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.” As our flight this past weekend flew through, and above the clouds, this verse was so vivid to my eyes. I thought, “God, you are above these clouds in Heaven! Great is your faithfulness!”

The Hebrew word “chesed” in verse 4, is translated as “loving-kindness” and is a common term for describing the “faithful love” or “unfailing love” of God. It is unwavering and bound up in God’s total compassion, forgiveness, blessings, and merciful kindness.

The Hebrew word for “valiantly” in verse 13 is “chayil.” It means strength, power, strong, army, ability, efficiency. Acting boldly and courageously with bravery and determination. Psalm 60:12 is repeated word for word in Psalm 108:13: “With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes.”

As I visited with my parents and other relatives last week, I listened to their memories of how God had brought them through various trials in life:

• My one uncle had a mass on his adrenal gland removed that would not have been discovered if he had not first had a gall bladder attack.

• My Dad remembered when his church prayed for a certain man from their church that was a POW, in World War II. This was the first time his church held an evening for praying for prayer requests as a congregation. When this man landed he was immediately captured by the Germans. Dad said, “See that man over there at that table? That was him.”
• My sister-in-law reminisced how her view of life has been drastically changed by having cancer twice. The first instance was stage four. It still has an impact on her attitude and conviction that God is in control of it all!

Gaining wisdom from the boot camp of hard knocks teaches endurance and courage. However wisdom, never prevents storms.

“If you and I are going to live and love audaciously, we’re going to have to quit answering the door when hopelessness bangs its ugly fist at it. It has no place in our lives. Hopelessness is a liar.” Beth Moore, “Audacious.”

Are you going through a situation that is unfair? You have done nothing to deserve this? David had them throughout his life and yet he declared in his musical composition of praise to God in Psalm 108:13: “With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes.”

“What if you approached every person, every situation, every challenge as if Christ were in your corner? Christ Himself is pleading your case! Christ is in your corner, on your side.” Mark Batterson, “if. Trading Your If Only Regrets for God’s What if Possibilities.” Isn’t it time to celebrate that you have the King and His kingdom interceding on your behalf? I so need to remember that!

Questions:

How can I be more steadfast in my faith in God?

How do prayer and praise affect your mood?

What new demanding trials are you facing that only God can provide the means to march in step valiantly?

“Satan so hates the genuine praise of Christ that his fiery darts of discouragement are not effective against us when we respond in praise.” William Thrasher.

Listen to “All Ready There” by Casting Crowns.

 

 

Five times throughout Psalm 107, the phrase “And he delivered them from their distress” is repeated four times, and “he delivered them from their destruction,” one time. God is our deliverer!

1. Psalm 107:6-7: “Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He led them by a straight way till they reached a city to dwell in.” God brought the Israelites safely home out of the wilderness, and typifies anyone who has not found the satisfaction from knowing God. True contentment comes from fulfilling the Lord’s purpose for your life.
2. Psalm 107:13-14: “Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble; and he delivered them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and burst their bonds apart.” The children of Israel were in prison when in Babylon (v. 10, 14, & 17) because they had rebelled against the Lord and they cried out in repentance. God showed His goodness to them in their trouble. Anyone who rejects God’s message is imprisoned in sin, and only Jesus can give light to those who sit in spiritual darkness (Luke 1:79).
3. Psalm 107:19: “Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.” The people showed foolishness and deliberate disobedience and rebellion against God. God offers His gift of forgiveness to anyone. When you ask God to take control of your life, He will answer.
4. Psalm 107:20: “He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction.” The Word of God is compared to medicine that God sends for healing. Physical healing abides in God’s control.
5. Psalm 107:28-29: “Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed.” God provides in ways we can’t even imagine. We must pray in time of safety as well as in the storms of life.

Those who have not been through hard trials will not have empathy for others going through the school of hard knocks. One cannot give comfort where comfort has not been received. Those who have humbly experienced suffering with health, grief, injustice, loss, and various financial or relationship needs, must eventually learn to see God maturing them during their seasons of life. Total obedience is required in our perseverance and steadfastness in clinging to our great shepherd. That sometimes is the hard part – while going through one’s wilderness and needing – perhaps pleading for a Red Sea deliverance. But when you at some point, visually see God answering your prayers, you have greater joy and praise that can’t always be verbalized and is felt deep in your soul. That is a “Bravo God!” moment!

I am looking forward to taking a trip to visit my parents and family in the Midwest. My dad has a 101-year-old sister that looks amazing and my parents are 92. I want to hear their stories of how God has delivered them in their distresses throughout their life time. While we are there I want to gather our family’s Christian legacy of godly wisdom obtained in life, so I can pass on all of their Christian testimony of insight learned, to my children and grandchildren. They obviously don’t have employment stresses at their age, but have sufferings with various health issues instead. But my parents still praise the goodness of God in their life despite their physical concerns.

There is the word “but” used in Psalm 107:41: “But he raises up the needy out of affliction and makes their families like flocks.” God’s purpose is never to destroy us but to cleanse and purify us. We need to maintain our focus only on God, and meditate on the “steadfast love of the LORD,” Ps. 107:43b, and not forget to offer our sacrifice of thanksgiving, verse 22.

God will always accomplish His purpose in His time.

So what are we supposed to do while waiting for our deliverance from any situation?

• Redirect our attention on the Lord and not the problem.
• Reach out to a Christian friend and ask for their prayer support.
• Reflect on past answers to prayers.
• Recite scripture verses that have comforted you in the past.
• Read the Psalms.
• Rejoice in the Lord. Philippians 4:4.
• Relax in the Lord. Philippians 4:5.
• Rest in the Lord. Philippians 4:7.

What do you do to relax and de-stress?

What are the three substitutes for worry?

Who is your godly model at handling the not so pleasant times in life?

Assignment for today: May I go about my day today giving praise and thanksgiving to God for His new mercy He has given to me for this specific day. As the author of Psalm 107, concludes: “. . . Consider the steadfast love of the LORD.” Psalm 107:43b.

 

Listen to The Afters “Battles” song:

 

Romans 4:26-27: “No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. That is why his (Abraham’s) faith was “counted to him as righteousness.”

Abraham is such an example to us of a man who had strong faith. He believed what God had told him as it says in Romans 4:18-19: “In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told . . . He did not weaken in his faith . . .“

Abraham squarely faced the impossible – he never doubted. He experienced being tested by difficulties (Gen. 12:10 – a famine in the land). Yes, Abraham had weaknesses and mistakes during his lifetime, – sins, and failures. When he was under direct pressure, he distorted the truth, but he was also noted for having wisdom, was a caring father, and even allowed an opponent to set the rules in handling a dispute. Abraham purposefully and steadfastly trusted God. So his faith then pleased God. How did he do that? He continued holding onto God’s promise (or covenant) despite obstacles and odds of it coming to fruition because he accepted as true, God would do what He said – therefore he remained steadfast in his faith.

Our faith is like a muscle. When a muscle is stretched properly, it becomes stronger. That is the purpose of physical therapy. It helps rejuvenate motion and mobility and contributes to reducing pain. Physical therapy exercises and massage therapy, bring oxygen and blood flow to injured places in our body. It takes work and time to rebuild ligaments. The same is with our faith. When I am “in the wait” or being tested yet again, my faith is stretched, pulled, and tested. If I resist, my faith will not improve the quality in my relationship with God, and will not be able to become stronger, better, or deeper. Do I enjoy it? No, of course not. I admit at times I have been weak, and other times I have been mighty in my faith, hope, and trust in God working through various trials in life. It could be called – learning to live with the hand you have been dealt.

I have a gift box that I keep on our mantel in the living room. I have a gift card on the lid that says:

To: Steve and Linda Killian and Friends and Family.

From: God.

Inside the box I keep answers to prayers that I have written down on 4X6 white cards. When I need my faith strengthened, courage, encouragement, or my mind rebooted to look upward, I go to this box and read what I have written on the cards. Each one is dated so I can reflect on when and how God answered each one of these prayer requests.

I opened this box this week and sorted by date each card. I put the cards out in front of me according to the date. What a joy to read through each one of them. I couldn’t help but notice that the year 2016 had the most cards. I don’t remember 2016 being a challenging year necessarily. The shortest stack of cards was from 2012. That shocked me. I remember that year as being long and extremely difficult. However, I can now see how God rewarded, established, and used those incidents to strengthen our faith in Him. We failed many times in doubting God and asked why but eventually we were able to say “Yes, why not?”

I had problems with many fears back then of all the possible “what ifs?” But if I had not lived through each detail, had not seen how God brought us through each one, as He eventually delivered us out of our own Red Sea experiences, I would have never identified with what I call my signature verse – Psalm 119:92: “If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.” Then my prayer became: “Teach me Your Word during this season of my life like I have never known it before and make this verse my testimony when I emerge from this place.” I learned to be strengthened in my faith in God, by reading and living out His faithful promises found in His Word, such as Genesis 18:14a: “Is anything too hard for the LORD?”

Are you wanting to “emerge from this place” too in your life right now?

How can you be like Abraham, squarely face the impossible, and have hope beyond any hopeless situation?

“Look to see God’s provision for today. “God help me to see my abundance.” Keep a tangible testimony of the Lord’s provision.” Pastor Todd Smith.

There is a note in my NIV Application Bible regarding 2 Peter 3:18 that says: “No matter where we are in our spiritual journey, no matter how mature we are in our faith, the sinful world always will challenge our faith. We still have room for growth. If every day we find some way to draw closer to Christ, we will be prepared to stand for truth in any and all circumstances.” That is so true!

“Satan will do everything he can to make a fool of you.” Beth Moore, “Jesus, Because Life is Complicated, Part 3.”

Our daily assignment and application must become: “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever!” 2 Peter 3:18.

How can you be strong in your faith today despite the circumstances?

What verses do you hold close when your faith needs to stand firm?

May we remember that the Lord’s mercies are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness! Sometimes we just have to wait (oh how I hate that word) quietly for the Lord’s deliverance (Lamentations 3:22-26). Put your hope in Him.

My prayer for today: “God I ask for your guidance today. Help me to make right decisions that will have the right long term results.”

Listen to Danny Gokey’s “Comeback.”

https://www.com/watch?v=hfhFWjaOfJs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qvr64VsNT-s

 

Psalm 25:20-21: “Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me! Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you.”

I receive an email every morning from Miriam Webster’s “WORD OF THE DAY.” The word “manumit” appeared one morning and I could immediately see a correlation for this term I had never heard of before with our Christian life. Don’t we all have various circumstances throughout our day that  hold us in bondage where we need to be set free?

A few typical daily adrenalin boosting stresses may be:

• Did I let my boss down in that situation?
• Did I perform well enough at my presentation at work or a ministry teaching spot?
• Will my children remember more of the good things from their childhood rather than the mistakes I made as a parent?
• Is anyone praying for me?
• Why can’t I make everyone to get along?
• How could I have said that? They must think I am terrible!

Care to comment about any of your own?

When we are bogged down by the circumstances in our day that are like pebbles in our shoe, and like a paper cut, we become enslaved and in captivity to them. God is always there to release us from the bondage of our fears, our misgivings, and pressures of life. Why do we carry the load we were never intended to take? As Jesus said in John 8:31-32: “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” We are set free by the truth of God’s Word!

Last week something happened in my job, that weighed me down. I was in a panic about a certain incident that looked like it was going wrong. I was caught in this situation where I was blamed for something that was out of my control. I had done everything right, but something went south with a new customer, and I was left responsible in the end. Then something else occurred, and I was overcome with feelings of self-inadequacy and wanted off my merry-go-round. Even though it was in the high 90’s outside, I took a walk to help free my thoughts. I suddenly remembered 1 Peter 5:7: “Casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.” I told God: “OK, you take them!” I literally held an invisible bundle in my hands and threw them up to the sky as I was casting them up to God to keep them and carry them as I continued walking. I needed the Lord’s rescue in setting me free of this turmoil and I needed His rescue of the right solution. His working out the justice part of my dilemma was required.

A half hour later, my cell phone rang, and the problematic customer called me, apologized for his silence, and took full blame. We had a brief discussion, he acknowledged the part of his fault in the matter, and a compromise was agreed that was not totally what I wanted but it would work. The other situation I realized could have been all my imagination and over thinking (which I am told we women often do more than men) which had a boomerang down rolling spiral effect on me. My own fretting thoughts were holding me hostage, and I needed to be set free from their captivity and thanked God it was Friday!

Next, I suddenly remembered I had just posted that morning my devotional Blog post on “Craving Righteousness.” One of my points about what craving righteousness requires was: “Know yourself, accept yourself, and try to be yourself to the glory of God.” Then just the week before I wrote a post titled “Consolations.” “Bottom line: Anticipate the enemy to hit you in the area of your greatest influence . . . consider where you’re feeling the strongest these days. And expect to take some hits at those particular areas. Priscilla Shirer, The Armor of God.” Yep. I had taken some hits. The reality is six months from now neither of these things may even matter. And by the way, that new problematic customer of mine that was last Friday’s fingernail on my chalkboard? His needs drastically changed in my favor this week much to my surprise! Bravo God!

When that pit is on the bottom of your stomach, cast that burden onto the LORD, and remember Isaiah 30:18b, & 21:“For the LORD is a God of justice . . . And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.”

“The gravitational pull of life presses on us and shrinks us down, yet the hope of the gospel is that we can lift our gaze and know that there is a God, the Maker of heaven and earth, who is going to come on our behalf and rescue us. A God, who, even when the world is closing in around us, is at work, making everything possible in our lives . . . As we ascend daily into God’s presence, we remember His greatness, live in confidence, rest in His grace, respond in worship and pour out His love into the people around us so that many will put their trust in the one who rescues and restores.” Louie Giglio, LIFT.

Relief from God doesn’t always come when we want it. The Israelites groaned in their slavery and cried out to God for help, in Exodus 2:23-25. They had to wait a long time to be manumitted to freedom, but God rescued them when He knew the time was right. God is never late. He is always on time. We just cannot see His timetable.

Are you looking for a way out of something? Do you need manumission? You may not see even a glimpse of the end of your trouble, but as my pastor, Todd told me at a heartbreaking time in our life, “There is always an end coming no matter what it is.”

It says in John 8:31 we are truly Jesus’s disciples if we abide in His word. The Message puts the next part of this verse this way: “Then you will experience for yourselves the truth, and the truth will free you.”

Manumission is found in knowing and abiding in God’s Word.

Question: How can you train your heart and mind to look for God at work in your life? In what ways does an awareness of God’s presence change the way you live each day?

The goal and challenge is to become more like Christ and be a mirror of Jesus at all times one day at a time. Will that change anything you do today?

May the Lord fill your heart and soul with the freedom of His peace and hope, giving you needed perseverance for whatever may try to hold you hostage next. The trial may not yet have its end, but the peace of God gives liberation. Shalom.

Listen to Danny Gokey’s “There’s Hope in Front of Me.”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KIhYZQ_ovw