Devotional Fuel to Reboot Your Mind

Matthew 21:22: “And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”

James 5:16: “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”

“Prayer is the mechanism that brings down the power of heaven into your experience. It is the divinely authorized method that activates your spiritual armor and makes it effective. Prayer alerts the enemy to your awareness of his intentions while safeguarding you from his attacks. It is his kryptonite. It is what weakens and unravels all his plays against you.” Priscilla Shirer.

When I send an email of an order from one of my customers, to our Customer Service people at my work, to process, Customer Service will reply back – “Done.” I know they will take care of it and make sure all is handled and delivered. I don’t have to repeat myself. It is done. That is just how I picture God replying back to me when I spend time praying and lifting up a heavy burden up to my heavenly father. As I pour out my heart, God speaks back to me through His Word, “Linda – Done! I got it! Check!” He gives me words of comfort and reassurance from reading His promises throughout the scriptures.

In my office, I sit in a red leather office chair. Next, to me, I have a black folding chair with a sign on it that is written: “Reserved. God’s Chair.” This poster helps remind me that God is sitting right next to me. I don’t have to wait until he finishes another call or conversation with someone else. He is right there, waiting for me to spit out my words, my cares, my joys, and enjoy our morning time together.

Recently, I started writing down, in my prayer notebook, of things I earnestly prayed to happen. I wrote down my raw emotions as I trusted God to answer my particular requests. I filled six pages in my notebook. I needed God’s wisdom, answers, and resolution. After a few days, God filled my heart with His divine peace, as I asked Him to help me hear His voice above my own. Then I told God, “OK, my job is done, now it is yours.”

After several days, God did answer. I went back to the six pages I had written on what I was praying for and I counted 14 or more specific –DONE-check points, specifically answered by God! WOW! God went-“Done!” It was terrific seeing God answer clearly defined things to happen that I had lifted up to Him to carry out that weighed on my heart. Furthermore, just last night God answered another need and I can write next to that entry in my prayer journal – Done – 11/21/2017.

The King James Version states James 5:16b this way: “The effectual prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

If we are living in obedience and seeking God’s will and direction, we have the promise of Psalm 84:11: “For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.”

Are you carrying a heavy burden? Are you waiting for God to change your spouse, your children, or a specific situation? Lay it all down before the Lord. He is the healer of broken hearts, and his compassion is beyond measure. May your prayers help you to make the right choice in your attitudes and let God handle the rest. Then you will see check marks too on your prayer list, and see God say – “DONE! Received. DONE DEAL!”

Further Homework: Read 1 Chronicles 17: 16-27 and 22:7-10. How David responded to God’s “no:”

• God told David that his son Solomon would build the temple and not David.
• David responds with humility and gave glory to God, saying “There is no one like you, O LORD.”
• David stated God’s past blessings and accepted God’s decisions, promises, and commands.
• David ordered the leaders of Israel to help his son Solomon, and reminded them: “Is not the LORD your God with you? . . . Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the LORD your God.”

David was a man of prayer. God always protected David  from his enemies for his sake and the sake of his nation. It is interesting to note that David never lost a battle. God said “Done!”

Question:

What is the one thing you would want God to answer or meet? He is waiting for you to tell Him. Walk in the assurance God knows and cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).

How would you rate your relationship with the Lord – close at all times, needs improvement, or depends on my day?

We are all in the process of being shaped and molded by God’s truth and will, once it sinks into our mind and we fully understand. God has many things to say, but sometimes we have to stop talking and listen to what He has to say and not interrupt. We must read and search the scriptures to be enabled to follow the path He has purposed for us, as we discern the voice of God in our lives.

My prayer: “Dear God, enable me to hear your voice over my own. Help me to face obstacles with courage and not defeat. I give you my desires and dreams to answer in Your timing. Help me to be wise and not foolish. “Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation, for you I wait all the day long.” Psalm 25:5. In Jesus name, Amen.”

Listen to Hillary Scott’s song “Still.”

 

Psalm 147:5-6: “Great is our LORD, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure. The LORD lifts up the humble; he casts the wicked to the ground.”

The cross-reference verse of Psalm 147:5-6 is found in Isaiah 40:28: “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.”

Psalm 147 is a psalm of praise. It may well be applied to the first building and fortifying of Jerusalem in David’s time, and the gathering in of those that had been out-casts in Saul’s time, perhaps after the exile. God’s greatness is never off-site remotely or indifferent to those who are faithful.

There is no limit to God’s wisdom, compassion, empathy, mercy, and kindness. It is infinite.

I picture us all bowing on our knees before the Lord when we get to heaven. We look up humbly and sing praises to God of His  greatness. We’ll be looking at His face as He sits on His throne as we pour out our praise in an acapella chorus, or there may be someone playing a harp and someone else on a grand piano accompanying all in unison and perfect pitch. Then I can see an elaborate percussion section building in majestic volume, with Duncan, from the Newsboys, playing a drum solo, and then have an interval of string instruments following behind. What a glorious moment that will be!

But for today, I cling to finding comfort in the Lord’s over sufficient ability to direct and influence the behavior of others or the course of events when obstacles get in the way. He is the great I AM. He is knowledgeably aware of our character and intent. He searches into our hearts and knows our thoughts and trials of our life. His understanding of us cannot be measured with any measuring tape.

The Urban Dictionary’s definition of the word humble is: “An admirable quality that not many people possess. It means that a person may have accomplished a lot, or be a lot, but doesn’t feel it necessary to advertise or brag about it.”

Our grandson, Tate, had to sign recently, a sports character agreement that his school has, to participate. Every young athlete’s character must display humility on the field. Their body language, their reactions when they score, win or lose, and when they disagree with the referee, are all to show humility. Unleashed anger is not permitted. Loud self-boasting is also to be squelched. The underlying philosophy is that in all they do at Legacy Christian Academy, the highest priority is to honor God. They state that “Athletic Distinction can only be achieved if success in competition is the byproduct of practicing and performing in a manner that gives honor to God.”

God is the healer of broken hearts and the NIV states in Psalm 147:6a “The LORD sustains the humble.” That tells me that God will strengthen and support me physically, and mentally, when my heart is crushed –  when I become humble. “But to the humble he gives favor.” Proverbs 34:b and James 4:6 declares: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

The following attributes of God are found in Psalm 147 :

• Caring
• Healer of the broken hearted.
• Comforter
• Saving
• Sovereign
• Sustains
• Praiseworthy
• Provider

“When you follow God’s will for your life, you can see how yesterday’s events prepared you for today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities.” David Jeremiah.

Questions:

Have you been hanging in suspense between hope and fear this week? Try writing out the situation. Hold that paper in your hand and lift it up to God. He wants to take it over for you and already has been working behind the scenes, because of 1 Peter 5:7, “He cares for you.”

Do you have emotional wounds that need binding? God specializes in that too, as Psalm 147:3 states: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Ask God to heal your broken places as you humbly come before Him, and offer your sacrifice of praise. You will receive His wealth of compassion and healing.

My prayer today: “God, help me to hear your voice above my own. I pray for the Holy Spirit to break any burden of the oppressor for who is reading this devotional today. May the desires of my heart line up with the desires of yours. Take me by the hand as I review the milestones of your mercy and love. Lead me down the path of truth I humbly pray. In Jesus name, Amen.”

Listen To Casting Crowns song “Great Are You Lord.”

 

Isaiah 41:10: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

“Discouragement often feels circumstantially determined, something we can’t help feeling because powerful forces beyond our control are causing it. That’s why our response is often passive – we sit, weighed down with a heavy spiritual listlessness looking at the world through the grey, bleak lenses of fear.” Jon Bloom, staff writer desiringGod.com.

Haven’t you felt at times discouraged and defeated? Some days everything is going right, and then other days everything falls apart. All seems to go wrong, and fears start to creep in due to someone’s comment directed your way.

The word dismayed has 76 occurrences throughout the Bible. Here are four examples that God has given us to fight those times when we are tempted to lose hope and see something as an obstacle that is too hard to turn around for any useful purpose:

• God sent Moses, in Exodus 9:1, back to Pharaoh, for the fifth time, to demand that he let the people go. Talk about a problematic conflict! Moses had to be persistent, have courage, hope, faith, and continued to obey God, despite being told no by a stubborn ruler. Moses is an example of how we need to keep our faith in God to fight against hopelessness due to obstacles.
• Hannah overcame her discouragement through much prayer. She had reason to feel bitter. But Hannah prayed from her depth of anguish and grief (1 Samuel 1:16). She prayed so earnestly that she couldn’t even speak out loud the words she was uttering up to God. God doesn’t always answer the next day or the next month, and sometimes His answer is no. But as Hannah realized persistent faith is what God requires: “And the LORD remembered her. So in the course of time, Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son.” 1 Samuel 1:19-20.
• Sometimes discouragement comes after a great spiritual victory – 1 Kings 19:3ff. Elijah experienced extreme physical fatigue and despair just after he had two significant spiritual, miraculous victories: the defeat of the prophets of Baal and the answered prayer for rain. Elijah told God he had had enough and asked God just to take his life. He was discouraged and his hope was shattered. However, God let Elijah first rest and eat to recuperate, and then confronted him that he needed to return to his mission – to speak God’s words in Israel. He still had work to do in his ministry.
• Twelve spies returned after scoping out the new land in Numbers 13. They reported the people were powerful, some were giants, and the cities are fortified and very large. “They are stronger than we are.” Numbers 13:31. Their majority opinion was sinful and out of the will of God. They forgot everything God had already miraculously provided for them. Only Joshua and Caleb retained their faith in God. Caleb trusted God and said, “We can do it!”

Points to remember when feeling discouraged:

1. God still has a purpose in your life since you are still alive.
2. People will let you down; God will not.
3. When feeling hurt by your expectations not being met – it is merely that. Most expectations are assumed.
4. There will be battles in life. Be prepared for combat with your armor of faith and truth from God’s Word.
5. Let go of what you wish you would have said differently.
6. You cannot change the past experiences of others opinions.
7. If you made a mistake, it is just that. It is not the end.
8. Each of us may face a time of barrenness when nothing seems to be giving birth to our desire in relationships, work, dreams, and expectations. But prayer opens the path for God to work.
9. Discouragement opens the door to temptations of selfishness, self-pity, fear, shame, frustration, anger, and feelings of failure. These are the weapons that Satan uses to play havoc in our lives and get us off track with God.

I have often struggled with discouragement. Satan wants us to feel intimidated, overwhelmed, and lose hope. No believer is exempt until we get to Heaven. How glorious it will be as we get to glorify and praise God all day long! There will be no more tears, no more debt, no more trying to figure out health insurance issues when we are living in Heaven!

But for the here and now, I asked God to give me a verse to go back to, to help encourage and lift my spirits, and Psalm 25 came to mind. Especially verse 12 in the NIV: “The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them.” I love that word “confides.” That tells me to hold on to the promises of God, as He speaks to me through His Word. My prayer is: “May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you.” Psalm 25:21.

“God is in the business of strategically positioning us in the right place at the right time. A sense of destiny is our birthright as followers of Christ. God is awfully good at getting us where He wants us to go. But here’s the catch: The right place often seems like the wrong place, and the right time often seems like the wrong time.”  ― Mark Batterson, In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day: How To Survive And Thrive When Opportunity Roars

Questions:

How can having an awareness of God’s presence change the way you view your day?

Would you describe your prayer time with God, too short, just right, or needs improvement?

Remember, God says “I am with you.”

Listen to “To You O Lord I Lift Up My Soul (Psalm 25) by Graham Kendrick.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQgZAg8QwX4

 

Psalm 142:3-4: “When my spirit faints within me, you know my way! In the path where I walk they have hidden a trap for me. Look to the right and see: there is none who takes notice of me; no refuge remains to me; no one cares for my soul.”

When going through a trial, do you ever feel like you are the only one and everyone else appears to be care-free? All around you, it seems that others have more free time on their hands than you have? Or maybe everyone else seems to have a more affluent back account than yours? David felt much that way in Psalm 142.

David was in danger. His life was being threatened by Saul. David was depressed, and he was backed into a corner. He was hiding in a cave on the run from King Saul. David felt that no one cared about what happened to him. He felt all alone. He had no bodyguard with him, and nobody seemed to care whether he lived or died. I think we can all identify with David’s predicament of feeling abandoned, overwhelmed, and friendless from time to time. We all need encouragement and compassion from loving friends especially when we are hurting. But feelings of loneliness, insecurities, fears, desperation, and weaknesses, are all used as a sticky trap Satan uses to make life appear insurmountable and hopeless.

David was a skilled soldier but felt wholly inadequate in saving his own life from Saul. He was in over his head in trouble. But David was also a man of faith in his heart. He prayed in earnest and voiced his need of deliverance to God. In Psalm 142:2 he uses the word “him” – “I pour out my complaint before him; I tell my trouble before him.” Then in verse three, he changes the pronoun to “you” – “When my spirit faints within me, you know my way!” He did the same in Psalm 23:4a: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me . . .” David prayed directly and earnestly to God and was confident that God would protect and deliver him from his enemies as he declares in verse 5 of Psalm 145:

“You are my refuge” and then ends this chapter with verse seven: “. . . For you will deal bountifully with me.”

Eventually, David was delivered and the nation embraced him as God’s chosen King. God’s purpose was then fulfilled and perfected for His plan for David.

When life is sticky we have to fight against the following lies Satan will try to trap us in a set of false beliefs:

• I am all alone.
• Nobody cares what I am going through.
• This is impossible.
• It is all my fault.
• I am a complete failure.

Truths to cling to and fight back with when waiting for God’s rescue:

• God cares for me. 1 Peter 5:7: “Casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.”
• God is working all things together for good and is the author of my story. Romans 8:28: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
• God will protect me. Psalm 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
• God’s purpose will be fulfilled no matter what. Psalm 138:8: “The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever.”
• God is rich in His grace and mercy for me: Hebrews 4:16: “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace in our time of need.”
• God’s power is limitless. Ephesians 3:20: “Now unto Him that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that worketh in us.”

“There comes a moment when you must quit talking to God about the mountain in your life and start talking to the mountain about your God. You proclaim His power. You declare His sovereignty. You affirm His faithfulness. You stand on His Word. You cling to His promises.” Mark Batterson.

Questions:

When you are physically tired have you noticed how your faith in God is affected? Is it stronger or weaker when your body is crying out for rest or sleep?

What is the most significant answer to prayer that God has given you during your lifetime? Why is our praise short-circuited or our memory of that event cloudy when a new crisis erodes?

If you are feeling lonely right now, ask the Holy Spirit to bring you to someone’s mind today, and that he or she will encourage you with just the right “apples of gold” words. Proverbs 25:11 HCSB: “A word spoken at the right time is like gold apples on a silver tray.” Next, who has been laid on your heart to brighten their day? Let them know in an email, or message, or phone call, that you are praying for them and are grateful for how God has used them in your life.

My prayer for today: “God in yielding my body, mind, and will, to you today, transform my mind and prepare my thinking to meet the requirements or expectations of people I will encounter. Bring to my mind anyone that You want me to encourage today. I acknowledge and give You thanks that You have a purpose in my life, which will be fulfilled no matter what. Your power is more than I can ever fathom. Sustain me from the verses I have read as I echo back my praises of thanksgiving and gratitude to You. I wait and look for your showers of blessings today. Amen.”

Listen to Lauren Daigel’s song with lyrics, “Here’s My Heart Lord.”

 

Romans 12:2: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Last week I talked about how suffering, going through trials, transforms our hearts and minds for God’s glory. I want to take that thought one step further. The word transform describes having a change from within. I ask myself the question: “How will my mind be transformed to understand what God’s will is in my life?” The answer is found in Romans 12:2. Here is how this verse is worded in the Message:

• “Take your everyday, ordinary life – your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life – and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it.”

For my mind to be revolutionized, and not get stuck in the mire and discombobulation of the world’s false philosophy and thinking, I need to read and memorize God’s Word, so it is hidden in my heart. Then the truth of scripture will be my mind and heart’s default setting. It will infiltrate more of my inner self to be regenerated spiritually, as David prayed in Psalm 51:10: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”

What contains the supremacy of my thoughts typically? I would have to say, what is going on with family concerns, ministry needs, work appointments and expectations, groceries to buy, and other responsibilities. I have to ask myself, how many times throughout the day am I thinking about the verse or verses I read this morning rather than my to do lists? I get so busy with distractions that side track me. They are all important of course. But I need to recite and review in my mind what God showed me out of His Word that morning. It can be as simple as taping a verse on my bathroom mirror and reading it every time I walk past it, or having a card with a written verse in my purse to pull out and read quickly.

Only when the Holy Spirit renews, redirects, and reeducates our minds through reading God’s Word, will we be transformed from pride, covetousness, selfishness, and arrogance. It is a continual work in progress. I so often feel like Paul admitted in Romans 7:15: “For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.”

“The enemy’s goal is to derail the train of your behavior off of the tracks of God’s truth.” Priscilla Shirer, “The Armor of God.”

Our mind controls our body. Self control usually often fails. But when we yield our mind, body, and will, to God in disciplined prayer each morning, then God gives the will power and the won’t power that is needed to live a victorious life.

Prayer activates our spiritual armor. I ask God to prepare my thinking for the day. I ask Him to do the transposing and reengineering of my thoughts to be in alignment with His in order to keep my attitudes and ambitions aligned with God’s truth, instead of the opinions of others or my own feelings.

As my pastor Todd said in a sermon on the “Sufficiency of Scripture” this past Sunday: “Scripture gives us instruction to not be stupid. 2 Tim. 3:16-17 and Psalm 119:24; 105.”

As Paul said in Romans 8:6b NIV: “But the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.”

May our minds be transformed and renewed, growing in the knowledge of God and having a godly mind control. May we dwell more on the things that are above rather than those of this earth.

Questions:

Write down everything that has upset you today. How many of the items will matter one or two months from now?

Which of your ongoing frustrations might be connected to not being obedient to a truth from God’s Word?

Have you yielded your mind, body, and will, to God today?

My prayer for today: “God, I give to You my plans for today. Work them out as You see best. I already know there will be things that are going to upset me. Help me not to overreact and to maintain proper self-control. I do not want to embarrass You. I pray the words of Psalm 25:1-2a: “To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame.” I place my day before You as an offering. I embrace that you only want what is best for me. Transform my mind to be in alignment with Yours, and prepare my thinking for today. Thank you for your goodness, grace, and mercy, which I so do not deserve. Amen.”

Listen to Casting Crowns song ,with lyrics: “What If I Gave Everything.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tP27ySgbYLU

 

 

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.