Affliction and Hope

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?

 

Time to Celebrate

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.

 

 

Delivered From Distress

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:

 

The Gift Box: From God

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

 

Manumit: Definition – to release from slavery. To set free.

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

 

 

Craving Righteousness

Matthew 5:6: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”

I have been reading John MacArthur’s book this summer on Revelation, “Because The Time is Near.” That sentence he stated about righteousness made me stop reading for a moment and really think about what it means to “crave righteousness.” How do you define that? What does it really mean?

Righteousness is a lifestyle. It does not mean following a set of rules and traditions– that is legalism. Instead, it is living in complete obedience to Christ, having faithful perseverance, and putting Him first above anything else. Righteousness has to do with attitudes and intents of the heart, not just conduct. It has to do with the character. It distinguishes a true Christian – a Christ follower, instead of following the world’s culture and philosophy.

Romans 12:1-2 is a good description of what righteousness means: “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 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.”

When one is thirsty and dehydrated, the tongue will stick to the roof of your mouth due to lack of saliva. You have an intense desire, strong craving, and an intensely focused pursuit to find satisfaction from drinking Gatorade or perhaps  Coconut Water, to replace the electrolytes lost in your body. It is with that same kind of intensity and passion that the believer needs to pursue righteousness.

Do I have that same amount of passion in pursuing righteousness? Do I crave the approval of God more than anyone else?

John MacArthur has said: “If you claim a relationship with Christ but you aren’t hungering and thirsting for righteousness, you need to honestly question whether you know Him.”

Jesus promised fulfillment in Matthew 5:6b when He said, “for they shall be satisfied.” Does that mean you will get that promotion, long life, perfect marriage, perfect children, and perfect friends, from pursuing righteousness? No. So what then? If you seek to have a truly Christ honoring lifestyle, it starts with your heart that is changed from the inside out. But you have to want it. It takes passion. It takes determination.

Craving Righteousness Requires:

  • Eagerly pursuing a consistent life of honoring Christ in all things.
  • Priority of spending time in prayer and giving thanks to God for all of the many blessings He has given.
  • Righteousness holds God’s will to be at the highest level of importance, producing His power in our lives (Matthew 7:21).
  • No longer seeking praise first from your spouse, friends, fellow employees, but seeking God’s approval above anyone else. Ouch. But that is what craving righteousness is all about.
  • Know yourself, accept yourself, and try to be yourself to the glory of God.
  • Confess sin immediately be it anger, bitterness, envy, lack of contentment, grumbling, gossip-whatever it is, squelch it quickly.
  • Having meekness over pride. It requires power under control.
  • Showing forgiveness and mercy to others as God has shown mercy to you (Matthew 9:13).

Right now I am sitting at my computer, staring at the screen, and rereading these words. My arms are bent, elbows are on my desk, and my chin is resting on my hands. I have such a long way to go.

We all need compliments, don’t misunderstand what I am saying. I so appreciate your encouraging comments about my women’s devotional blog. I need them. Keep them coming please! But we should not crave and only live for the applause of others, as John Piper has said: “Make much of God instead of wanting others to make much of us.”

We can enjoy being appreciated but not live to crave it. That is the difference.

Acts of kindness can change someone’s whole day with just a loving and spontaneous kind word or compliment. That is how we lift each other up by making much of others rather than merely ourselves. Looking at our glass half full instead of half empty. Again, this is yet another area where I have a lot of work to do.

As Paul said when he faced death calmly in 2 Timothy 4:7-8: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearing.” Dear Jesus come quickly!

How can you be more effective today for Christ than you were yesterday?

The same passionate drive and ambitions that are needed in winning at sports, exceling in a sales job, being an effective leader, or maybe just wanting to be the best at something, is what is likewise needed in a Christian pursuing righteousness. When we are spiritually hungry God feeds us through His Word. But we must read it in order for us to know Him. He gives to all the invitation: “Come everyone who thirsts . . . Seek the LORD while he may be found; call upon him while he may be near.” Isaiah 55:1, 6).

Matthew 5:6 NIV declares: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”

Make craving God’s righteousness your passion and thirst today.

Listen to Mercy Me’s song “Word of God Speak.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JK_6osCH74

 

 

Consolations

Psalm 94:19: “When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.”

The dictionary definition for the word consolation: Noun. The act of consoling. Comfort received by a person after a loss or disappointment. Synonyms: Comfort, solace, sympathy, compassion, pity, commiseration, empathy.

We all need to be comforted from time to time. We just need someone to listen to us and preferably over a cup of coffee or tea. Don’t be quick to tell us what to do, but listen to what is aching our heart. Advice is not always wanted, but a good listener is what is needed first in being compassionate.

We that are mothers get to have the role of compassion with our children. Women are nurturers. That is our bent. That is our nature in life. I still need my mother to talk to for those times when I am deeply bothered, or my daughter, or  with a close girlfriend. We women bond in this way with one another. We have girl-talk.

Job’s three friends missed the mark in giving consolation. They listened at first. They spent time with him and just sat with Job, wept, and were there alone with him for seven days, not saying anything (Job 2:11-13). However, afterward they misjudged Job. Job answered these men with: “. . . miserable comforters are you all (Job 16:1).” Job further states their long winded speeches did not give him the empathy that he needed (Job 16:2-3). He confronts them in Job 21:34: “How long will you comfort me with empty nothings? There is nothing left of your answers but falsehood.” Their human empathy was lacking in the end.

The book of Psalms is the book in the Bible that I go to for comfort. Friends and family are needed and so appreciated, but the Holy Spirit is the true and genuine comforter. God is always ready to listen. He will never put you on hold or tell me: “You already told me that.”

Here are ten verses from the book of Psalms that have given me comfort at needed times:

      • Psalm 94:18: “When I thought “My foot slips,” your steadfast love, O LORD, held me up.” God is my stronghold when I feel like I have blown it.
      • Psalm 3:3-4: “But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory and the lifter of my head. I cried aloud to the LORD, and he answered me from his holy hill.” Yes, God takes my chin in his big hands and tells me to look up at Him instead of looking at my circumstances.
      • Psalm 23:3: “He restores my soul.” Feel like you can’t breathe due to stress? This is my specific CPR verse!
      • Psalm 27:1-2: “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” When I feel intimidated by someone else  I try to remember this verse.
      • Psalm 27:13: “I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living!” This was the verse God pointed out to me, when we were in the decision process of moving from Minnesota to California in 1991. The “land of the living” was and is California.
      • Psalm 103:13-14: “As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame, he remembers we are dust.” Yes, men can show warm comfort to their children. God comforts me with His presence as He holds my right hand (Psalm 73:23-24).
      • Psalm 107:9: “For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things.” Only God can fill one’s heart and replace feelings of overwhelming emotions with His presence. That is the right time to be stubborn. Fight for righteousness. We all have a target on our back with Satan’s arrows being shot right into its bulls eye. Pull them out one by one by reciting God’s Word in your defense.
      • Psalm 119:92-93:If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life.” This has become what I call my signature verse. 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.”
      • Psalm 56:3-4: “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.” We all are fearful at times. But God gave David courage to fight the giant Goliath; He will do the same for us – we just have to ask for courage, release our fears and anxieties in prayer, and hold onto our hope. God is faithful to His promises.
      • Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Sometimes I need to stop fretting and just “be still.” God will always have the final victory. Give Him praise! Bravo! Bravo!

Oh, there are so many other verses throughout the Psalms that leap out at me from the pages of my Bible, when wisdom or comfort is needed within my heart.

It states in Acts 4:36, that Barnabas’s name meant, “son of encouragement.” The KJV uses the words: “son of consolation.” Barnabas was a great example of how to minister to new Christians. He spent time teaching and encouraging them. He was a man who was able to give empathy and commiseration to others young in their faith.

“If I were your enemy, I’d disguise myself and manipulate your perspectives so that you’d focus on the wrong culprit—your husband, your friend, your hurt, your finances, anything or anyone except me. Because when you zero in on the most convenient, obvious places to strike back against your problems, you get the impression you’re fighting for something. Even though all you’re really doing is just . . . fighting. For nothing.” ― Priscilla Shirer, Fervent: A Woman’s Battle Plan to Serious, Specific, and Strategic Prayer

While we are living on this earth, we will have trials. We will have conflicts. We will need to be comforted. However the source of our battles needs to be examined. That argument you had with your husband, your boss, your fellow employees, your children – they are not the real enemy. Satan is trying to break your fellowship with God and to cripple you with discouragement and shame (Revelation 12:10).

“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.

Read and reread a verse that gives hope, encouragement, increases your faith, and restores your soul, throughout the day and again before you go to sleep at night. Be aware of the source of the real battle you have been engaged in, and fight back with the sword of power found in the scriptures in your Bible (Ephesians 6:10-19).

Do you have a burden that keeps you awake at night?

Is it hard to concentrate on your work due to a heaviness that you are carrying?

Or maybe you are in-between coming out of a trial and going into your next trial. Ask God to increase your faith. Ask God to take control over your heart and mind. Be still.

Who can you give a gift of encouragement or comfort to as God has given His divine consolation to you? That would be a gift that does not cost any money, but would be cherished greatly.

May our prayer be: “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.” Psalm 94:19 NIV.

Listen to Mercy Me’s Song “Even If.” 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6fA35Ved-Y

Full of Sap and Green

Psalm 92:12, 14-15: “The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon . . . They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, to declare that the LORD is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.”

We are used to seeing palm trees in California and sap on various trees. But did you know how unique palm trees and cedar trees in the country of Lebanon are?

  • Palm trees can grow up to 120 feet tall.
  • An African oil palm produces two types of oil. It is used chiefly in making soaps and ointments.
  • Palm trees are robust and can withstand severe weather. They will bend and be flexible in a wind storm and normally not break. It has been reported that they can bend over 40 to 50 degrees without snapping during a storm.
  • Their root system is so secure that it will not be uprooted and will survive no matter what the weather conditions contain.
  • Can live up to 200 years old.
  • Unlike other trees, as the palm tree grows it will break a band that is placed on its trunk.
  • The author of Psalm 92 likened the righteous to that of a palm tree.

A righteous man, as it says in Psalm 92, will have the Lord’s positive presence and blessing in all areas of his life. He will grow strong in the Lord and not collapse much like a palm and cedar tree continue to grow despite adverse circumstances. Cedar trees are resistant to decay and disease, so they symbolized a long life. They live to be up to 3000 years old. Cedar trees in that geographical location were prized for their high-quality timber, oils, and resins. They were used in the construction of ships, palaces (David’s and Solomon’s), and temples. Lebanese cedar lumber resisted disease and decay in salt water better than most type of wood. Isaiah 60:13 states: “The glory of Lebanon shall come to you, the cypress, the plane, and the pine to beautify the place of my sanctuary, and I will make the place of my feet glorious.”

Likewise, those that have a stable relationship with the Lord will stay strong and have perseverance in withstanding the storms of life. We can have confidence and stability as we trust in God during the sticky times. We get opportunities to trust God more as we mature in our life on this earth. “Been there, done that” becomes a shadow of remembrance in observing those younger than ourselves as we age. Some call it acquired wisdom from experience.

However, just because you are a Christian, doesn’t guarantee we won’t have trials in life. Jesus said in John 16:33: “. . . In the world you will have tribulation . . . “ Remember what happened to Job? Remember Stephen? Stephen was stoned to death at a young age. Acts 6:8; 7:59: “And Stephen, full of grace and power was doing great wonders and signs among the people. . . And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”

God just says to us, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” Psalm 32:8. In other words, it is like God is saying to us, “be that as it may, trust me. I am the great I am.”

The author of Psalm 92 goes on to say that even when palm and cedar trees are fully mature, they are full of sap. The sticky substance that drips on your car when parked under a tree, is  sap. The sap is a vital part of a tree’s life. Hormones, nutrients, vitamins, all make-up the contents of fluid (sap) which gives the tree its life from the soil to the rest of the plant. A tree will ooze or drip out sap due to pruning, pests, be damaged, or have a disease. For example, when a bark beetle invades a tree, the tree will produce its sap as a matter of defense and to prevent the insect from laying eggs.

Wisdom to be gained from Psalm 92:12-14:

  • Evaluate how you spend your time. Remember every person’s days are numbered. We each get one day to live at a time to fulfill God’s purposes. Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow is not here yet.
  • The palm tree and cedar tree symbolize strength. Take time to verbally praise God for the grace and mercy He has freely given so you can become all that He wants you to be. Keep on keeping on for God. Have perseverance. Neither one of these trees reach their full growth in a day. It takes time.
  • Even in our older years we can still “bear fruit.” Be vigorous in obedience and in taking in God’s wisdom from His Word daily and live it.

Verses to put into practice to deepen our spiritual roots and be filled with scripture nutrients to our heart (think of it as our sap):

1 Corinthians 15:58: “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”

Colossians 1:10: “So as to walk in a manner worthy of the LORD, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.”

Ephesians 6:16-18: “In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.”

Getting sticky sap on your car or skin is irritating. But the sap serves a purpose in protecting the tree. When a tree is green under its bark, it shows that it is alive and not dead. It will still produce leaves and continue to grow. Trials in life have a similar purpose. They cause us to grow and realize we cannot make it on our own. God is our strength. He is our rock. God is molding us into His image, and sometimes it comes in the form of  discipline. His purpose is to make us stronger.

Only when you have felt a particular deep hurt in life can you in turn, encourage and comfort others that are needing your consoling “apples of gold –  words fitly spoken (Proverbs 25:11).”

I never seem to learn from my successes. But oh the lessons I have learned from my mistakes!

Do you ever feel old and useless? As long as you are still breathing God has a plan for your life. Psalm 90:12 HCSB states: “Teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts.”

What trial(s) in life have you and God worked through together that has made you a stronger woman of God? You need to share these lessons you have learned with a younger woman to encourage her from your story.

Remember a picture of a palm tree or a cedar tree in Lebanon  next time a windstorm hits your life. Don’t be surprised. Be ready with your armor on.

Remember the purpose of sap? Thrive and grow in obedience to God and feed your soul from a verse or chapter in the book of Psalm that will speak to your heart and protect it (like sap does for a tree). God will be your rock. God will be your refuge. Trust in Him.

“Often in the desert you will find orange or lemon trees growing beneath the shade of palms grouped together.” Brian Bell. How important fellowshipping with other Christians is so needed for our refreshment and encouragement.

Who does God want you to share with that He is good and just?

Who is your spiritual mentor? Why?

“Adversity is not simply a tool. It is God’s most effective tool for the advancement of our spiritual lives. The circumstances and events that we see as setbacks are oftentimes the very things that launch us into intense periods of spiritual growth. Once we begin to understand this, and accept it as a spiritual fact of life, adversity becomes easier to bear.” Charles Stanley.

Be a living testimony that the Lord is faithful to His promises. You are one of them! “They (insert your name here) still bear fruit in old age; they (insert your name again) are ever full of sap and green, to declare that the LORD is upright; he is my rock and there is no unrighteousness in him.” Psalm 92:14-15.

Listen to Danny Gokey’s song: “Masterpiece.”

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

 

Hidden Traps

Psalm 91:3-4: “For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.”

A “snare” when used as a noun, is a trap used to catch animals. The purpose is to entrap or entangle unaware by the use of grain, which serves as a bribe. These type of traps are often put in a hole in the ground and are concealed from sight. The animal walks into the snare not suspecting danger and is suddenly caught. When used as a verb, the definition of a snare is to catch or involve in trickery. Being caught, enticed, and taken by surprise. Either way, a “snare” is used to capture something or someone unaware of their downfall.

But what does David mean when he said God would deliver from “the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence?” A “fowler” was a hunter of birds of all kinds around Palestine, and these birds were seized for a meal. He was a professional bird catcher. David’s response was that if we keep close to God, He will deliver us from the evil plans laid to ruin us just as a bird sometimes in his struggles in the trap, escapes from “the snare (verse 3).” God will bring us to safety, as Psalm 124:7 declares: “We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowlers (professional bird catchers); the snare is broken, and we have escaped!”

Satan will be very creative when trying to snare us away from God’s truth and get us back into the habit of fear and anxiety. He will use many methods: trickery, circumstances, gossip, pride, fearful thoughts, anxiety, discontentment, and lack of thankfulness, selfishness, overloaded schedule, and lack of trust, lack of faith, lack of self-confidence, and lack of hope. These will keep us trapped in his snare of guilt, shame, frustration, or feelings of failure. He will change it up from time to time, when we least expect it, to try to make us fall and not rely on our Lord and Savior. It won’t just be one snare. He has many! I must admit, having a lack of patience with people has been a trap I have fallen into recently, among others.

I was listening to a sermon on TV from Charles Stanley, on overcoming discouragement. He advised that we need to be aware that giving into discouragement often leads to sin. That made me put myself in pause mode. I had to stop and think about that statement. He went on to say that “sometimes God allows disappointments to occur so that you will learn to rely on Him more fully—to walk by faith and not by sight. But never forget this: while disappointments are inevitable, discouragement is a choice. You should not allow the challenges that arise to steal your enthusiasm or confidence in Him.” Did you ever realize feeling dismayed, depressed, beaten down, and disheartened could lead you to sin? I didn’t, but I see he has a valid point and something to be on guard against.

The male lion is the one with the beautiful mane and loud roar. Along beside a river, a male lion will scare a herd of animals with its loud and ferocious roar. However, the female lion is waiting in a place that is not evident. The lioness is hiding in tall grass and waiting. Because she does not have a large mane she is not as easily seen. Then the male lion will let out his huge roar that can be heard from up to five miles away, and come from the front. But he is not the real threat. So the gazelle or antelope will then run as far away as possible only to be eaten up by the female lion hiding and unnoticed. The various animal’s instincts were wrong and cost them their lives. They should instead have run to the roar instead away from it and avoid being trapped. Isn’t that just like our emotions? When you run from things that cause you anxiety and worry, you may be running into danger.

“If you fail to face your fears, they will always be right there behind you. You must suppress the little voice inside that’s telling you to get out of Dodge. It is not your friend. When you feel that panicky fight-or-flight sensation and you want to run away, do the opposite. Run toward the roar. You have come into the kingdom for such a time as this (Esther 4:14).” Levi Lusko. “Through The Eyes of a Lion. Facing Impossible Pain Finding Incredible Power.”

How do we keep from falling into Satan’s conniving bribery? By reading and meditating on God’s Word – even if it is only one verse for the whole day. Review it. Repeat it out loud. Have it taped to your bathroom mirror. Be on guard with the shield of faith to fight against being caught unaware in the snares of  discouragement, defeat, fear, pride, unforgiveness, and anger which will all lead to sin. Proverbs 18:10 states: “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.”

Remember, God is your refuge and fortress. His faithfulness is a shield for you to wear. You even have angels commanded by God to guard you (Psalm 91:11)!

When facing a trial or problem stop to pray for wisdom, for God’s solution, and for His answer. Sometimes doing nothing is the answer at first. This is a process. Sometimes it involves tears. Sometimes it takes a period of grief. Sometimes it takes laughter. It takes working through anxiety (the synonym word for that is worry) of painful circumstances as God simply needs us to fully trust Him. God will prove Himself faithful. Remember He knows your name (Psalm 91:14)!

“We live in a culture that celebrates fifteen minutes of fame, but God honors a lifetime of faithfulness.” Mark Batterson, “Chase the Lion. If Your Dream Doesn’t Scare You, It’s Too Small.”

“IF YOU TAKE A SELFIE, YOU WON’T SEE THE VERSION OF YOURSELF YOU ARE MEANT TO BECOME, NO MATTER WHAT FILTER YOU USE.”  ― Levi Lusko, “Through the Eyes of a Lion: Facing Impossible Pain, Finding Incredible Power.”

“A failure to understand how powerful and extraordinary God’s plans for you are will lead to you being taken advantage of by the enemy and failing to live up to your potential.”  ― Levi Lusko, “Through the Eyes of a Lion: Facing Impossible Pain, Finding Incredible Power.”

Question: What verse reminds you that the end of your story has not taken place yet?

Question: What do you need to be delivered from?

What “snare” have you fallen into this week and what can you do to be on guard it won’t happen again?

May you experience mercy, grace, and the richness from God’s love in your life today as you find refuge in Him. Fear nothing. Say out loud Psalm 91:2 from the MSG: “GOD, your’re my refuge. I trust in you and I’m safe!”

Listen to Casting Crown’s song “Just Be Held.”

 

Hearst Castle and Psalm 73

Psalm 73:16-17: “But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end.”

Psalm 73 was written by a man named Asaph. Who was Asaph? King David appointed a few Levite Kings as worship leaders. Asaph was one of these singers. Asaph and Kind David were skilled poets and musicians. Psalms 50 and 73-83 are attributed to Asaph.

Asaph confesses he struggled and was consumed with envy, bitterness, and feeling resentful towards wicked people that appeared flamboyantly wealthy and prosper, in Psalm 73. My husband and I just went on two separate tours at Hearst Castle. The word elaborate cannot describe it all. Mr. Randall William Hearst had the first indoor Roman pool with pure gold trimmed tiles which held 205,000 gallons of water, 58 bedrooms are numbered in the whole complex, 345,000 gallons of water were in the Neptune pool, 25,000 artifacts, several statues are found throughout the 123 acres of gardens, a theater where movies were shown, rare tapestries hang on the walls, etc., etc. Many Hollywood actors, politicians, journalists, and famous artists were frequent guests of Mr. Hearst, at this home. Some of the names you may recognize were Howard Hughes, Hedda Hopper, Winston Churchill, Charles Lindbergh, Clark Gable, Charlie Chaplin, Joan Crawford, Carry Grant, Barbara Stanwyck, and Robert Taylor, to name just a few. Wealth was elaborately displayed. Walking through the grounds and rooms of Hearst Castle reminded me of what Aspah talked about in Psalm 73 in regards to looking at what the rich and famous have in comparison to what I have (although this is an extreme example). I don’t desire to live in such luxury, but it serves as a similar setting for what Asaph referred to in this Psalm.

I think we all can relate to this age old problem of looking at the material abundance in others’ lives that don’t follow Christ in comparison to our lot in life. Asaph was envious when he looked at the material wealth and prosperity of those around him that did not follow and believe in God. In today’s culture Asaph would wonder how this elite could afford their big homes, expensive cars, and famous designer clothes. What’s more, they appeared to not have any troubles in life, were carefree, and their wealth kept increasing. He also noticed they were very prideful and were atheists – they didn’t believe in God. Others deny God’s involvement in the world. Their greed consumes them and rules their lives. Don’t we all feel this way at times too when we compare what we have with others that are not living the Christian walk, have a sinful lifestyle, and look at outer fluff other people own? I confess I have done that at times.

But Asaph comes to the realization and conclusion that when he gets alone with God – “until I went into the sanctuary of God” then he had the light of spiritual realities from receiving and discerning God’s wisdom. He realized these wealthy unbelievers are all going to die someday, that will be their destiny, and that he was (Ps. 73:22) “ignorant.” The HCSB used the words “stupid and didn’t understand.” He realized in the end that their judgment day is coming. All of their material possessions won’t matter then as they are temporary because their life will end someday. Everyone has an appointed day to die, as Hebrews 9:27 declares: “And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.” No one is exempt. However we as believer’s in Christ, look forward to someday receiving our eternal rewards (Revelation 22:12).

How important it is for us as well to have our “sanctuary” time alone, just God and I, every day, to free our thoughts of being stupid, ignorant, and forgetting God is sovereign. Nothing can derail God’s ultimate purposes. We need our minds cleared of the political unrest in our world which keeps escalating, the facts not reportedly truthfully on the news, the burdens that we are carrying, and the big decisions we have to figure out. Asaph realizes this kind of thinking (“envious of the arrogant”) will ruin one’s faith. The importance of material possessions vs. an eternal perspective suddenly becomes apparent. He continues then to declare that:

  • God holds my right hand – v. 23
  • God guides me with his counsel – v. 24
  • God is the strength of my portion and heart – v. 26.
  • The lost will perish – v27.
  • God ‘s presence is all he needs– v. 28
  • Asaph made God his refuge so he could tell others of God’s power – v. 28.

Asaph went through a period of doubt and disillusionment when overthinking about the stark comparison others have, that appeared to be much more than he did.  Until Aspah entered the sanctuary of God, he could not realize God’s justice will eventually be done.  Once he spent quality time alone with God, he wrote these strong words in verse 25: “Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.”

Jesus said in Matthew 25:19-21:

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Do you have quality time in your own “sanctuary” time with God?

Where does your mind go when it drifts or daydreams? What consumes your thoughts?

Has your faith been tested by a trial in your life? What lesson did God teach you through that process?

“A prayerless Christian is like a bus driver trying alone to push his bus out of a rut because he doesn’t know Clark Kent is on board.”  ― John PiperDesiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist

“The longer the tea bag sits in the cup, the stronger the tea. The more God’s Word saturates our minds, the clearer our grasp on what’s important to Him and the stronger our prayers.” Joni Eareckson Tada.

I highly recommend the book, “Seated With Christ. Living Freely in a Culture of Comparison” by Heather Holleman. Foreword is written by Joni Eareckson Tada. Here is an excerpt from this book: “Because you’re seated in Christ at your own seat, this day will look nothing like your best friend’s, your co-worker’s, or your neighbor’s . . . I don’t need to worry about any other seat at this table in the heavenly realms. I just sit in my seat and understand that God is working in me to live the life He has planned for me.”

Listen to Danny Gokey “Give Me Jesus”