DAY 185
3-31-10
PSALMS 106-107
Good Morning!
Read these two Psalms very carefully. They have a wonderful message for sinful, wandering, and struggling people. In them, David begins with the same line, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” He reminds Israel that no matter what, God has shown himself to be good, loving, kind, and patient with them. David recounts the history of sin and failure of Israel; and then shows circumstances where God will be there to help.
As you read, notice that we are not far from our ancient brothers and sisters. We too are consistently sinful and God is consistently good and loving. I don’t know why…but I praise God for it.
Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Let all the people say, "Amen!" Praise the Lord. (Psalm 106:48)
Barry
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
A Life that Praises God
DAY 184
3-30-10
PSALMS 101-105
Good Morning!
God is a loving God who is also a God of justice. He demands that we live a blameless life. For us to fulfill God’s righteous demands, we must be careful – which means a life that praises God does not happen by accident; and is not a result of casual Christianity.
Exactly how do we live?
v.2 I will walk in my house with blameless heart.
v.3 I will set before my eyes no vile thing.
v.4 Men of perverse heart shall be far from me; I will have nothing to do with evil.
v.5 Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, him will I put to silence; whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, him will I not endure.
v.6 My eyes will be on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me; he whose walk is blameless will minister to me.
v.7 No one who practices deceit will dwell in my house; no one who speaks falsely will stand in my presence.
v.8 Every morning I will put to silence all the wicked in the land; I will cut off every evil doer from the city of the Lord.
Notice that living a blameless life is a life where we surround ourselves with people who have the same goal in life. David encourages us to keep positive, faithful, and righteous company. Since he was the king, he can punish or expel the unrighteous. We don’t do that. However, we can choose who we associate with, just like we can choose what we look at. We must choose to live a righteous life.
Choose the righteous life! You won’t regret it.
Barry
3-30-10
PSALMS 101-105
Good Morning!
God is a loving God who is also a God of justice. He demands that we live a blameless life. For us to fulfill God’s righteous demands, we must be careful – which means a life that praises God does not happen by accident; and is not a result of casual Christianity.
Exactly how do we live?
v.2 I will walk in my house with blameless heart.
v.3 I will set before my eyes no vile thing.
v.4 Men of perverse heart shall be far from me; I will have nothing to do with evil.
v.5 Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, him will I put to silence; whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, him will I not endure.
v.6 My eyes will be on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me; he whose walk is blameless will minister to me.
v.7 No one who practices deceit will dwell in my house; no one who speaks falsely will stand in my presence.
v.8 Every morning I will put to silence all the wicked in the land; I will cut off every evil doer from the city of the Lord.
Notice that living a blameless life is a life where we surround ourselves with people who have the same goal in life. David encourages us to keep positive, faithful, and righteous company. Since he was the king, he can punish or expel the unrighteous. We don’t do that. However, we can choose who we associate with, just like we can choose what we look at. We must choose to live a righteous life.
Choose the righteous life! You won’t regret it.
Barry
Monday, March 29, 2010
“Come Before Him with Joyful Songs”
DAY 183
3-29-10
PSALMS 92-100
Good Morning!
This morning we have nine wonderful songs of praise. David was so in love in God! Only a person who follows the heart of God can express their love in this way. O, I want to have a heart like this!
Here’s a new song, with a line from each of today’s reading…
It is good to praise the Lord.
The Lord reigns, he is robed in majesty.
Your love, O Lord, supported me.
The Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods.
Sing to the Lord a new song.
The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad.
He has done marvelous things.
Let them praise your great and awesome name — he is holy.
Worship the Lord with gladness.
I love the Psalms.
Barry
3-29-10
PSALMS 92-100
Good Morning!
This morning we have nine wonderful songs of praise. David was so in love in God! Only a person who follows the heart of God can express their love in this way. O, I want to have a heart like this!
Here’s a new song, with a line from each of today’s reading…
It is good to praise the Lord.
The Lord reigns, he is robed in majesty.
Your love, O Lord, supported me.
The Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods.
Sing to the Lord a new song.
The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad.
He has done marvelous things.
Let them praise your great and awesome name — he is holy.
Worship the Lord with gladness.
I love the Psalms.
Barry
Sunday, March 28, 2010
What Happens When Your Schedule Gets the Best of You?
DAY 182
3-28-10
PSALMS 78-91
Good Morning!
What happens when our schedules overwhelm us? What happens when we don’t read for a couple of days; or fail to pray as we normally do? Well, of course, if I just dismiss God and suspend my faith for a while that is a problem. I pray for forgiveness and repent to turn my focus back to my relationships with God.
Sometimes, life takes on a life of its own. We get sick or our families or jobs take the lion share of our time and emotional strength. We might be constantly in prayer – those casual prayers that say, “God help me!” We might not sit down to read our Bible, but God’s word sustains us, when we think about God saying, “I will never leave you or forsake you.”
I missed two days in a row of my reading and commenting on our reading plan. I missed my quiet time; I missed my routine…and God was with me the whole time. I love what a good friend told me one time. He said he was not going to stress over his reading and prayer life anymore. He was not going feel like a sinner if he missed a day. He made up his mind that he was going to be a Bible reader for the rest of his life. That fits perfectly into the real life of every Christian when real life happens. God is there the whole time whether we read or not!
Psalm 91:14-16 "Because he loves me," says the Lord, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation."
Barry
3-28-10
PSALMS 78-91
Good Morning!
What happens when our schedules overwhelm us? What happens when we don’t read for a couple of days; or fail to pray as we normally do? Well, of course, if I just dismiss God and suspend my faith for a while that is a problem. I pray for forgiveness and repent to turn my focus back to my relationships with God.
Sometimes, life takes on a life of its own. We get sick or our families or jobs take the lion share of our time and emotional strength. We might be constantly in prayer – those casual prayers that say, “God help me!” We might not sit down to read our Bible, but God’s word sustains us, when we think about God saying, “I will never leave you or forsake you.”
I missed two days in a row of my reading and commenting on our reading plan. I missed my quiet time; I missed my routine…and God was with me the whole time. I love what a good friend told me one time. He said he was not going to stress over his reading and prayer life anymore. He was not going feel like a sinner if he missed a day. He made up his mind that he was going to be a Bible reader for the rest of his life. That fits perfectly into the real life of every Christian when real life happens. God is there the whole time whether we read or not!
Psalm 91:14-16 "Because he loves me," says the Lord, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation."
Barry
Thursday, March 25, 2010
What god is Greater than Our God?
DAY 179
3-25-10
PSALMS 72-77
Good Morning!
Sounds like a silly question. Since we do not live in a predominately idolatrous society of pagan gods and idol worship, we don’t usually view Jehovah as greater than all the “gods” of the people around us.
In the time of David, Israel, as a whole, was faithful to God. The nations around them were pagan and they saw their conflict with each other as “our God against your god.” Asaph’s worship song makes this point…
“Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. With your mighty arm you redeemed your people.” (Psalm 77:13-15)
Now for us, there may not be the comparison between the god’s because we know that there are no others. There is only one God, and he is Jehovah. However, God is still fighting for hearts and minds because not all believe in him and his son. God is competing with pleasure, money, sin, selfishness, and legalistic righteousness. These are the gods of our society. The “gods” of today still captivate people. There is still a battle going on.
How do we survive this battle? How do we stay on the side of the only true and living God?
"To this I will appeal: the years of the right hand of the Most High. I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.” (Psalm 77:10-12)
Barry
3-25-10
PSALMS 72-77
Good Morning!
Sounds like a silly question. Since we do not live in a predominately idolatrous society of pagan gods and idol worship, we don’t usually view Jehovah as greater than all the “gods” of the people around us.
In the time of David, Israel, as a whole, was faithful to God. The nations around them were pagan and they saw their conflict with each other as “our God against your god.” Asaph’s worship song makes this point…
“Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. With your mighty arm you redeemed your people.” (Psalm 77:13-15)
Now for us, there may not be the comparison between the god’s because we know that there are no others. There is only one God, and he is Jehovah. However, God is still fighting for hearts and minds because not all believe in him and his son. God is competing with pleasure, money, sin, selfishness, and legalistic righteousness. These are the gods of our society. The “gods” of today still captivate people. There is still a battle going on.
How do we survive this battle? How do we stay on the side of the only true and living God?
"To this I will appeal: the years of the right hand of the Most High. I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.” (Psalm 77:10-12)
Barry
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
When People are Mean
DAY 178
3-24-10
PSALMS 67-71
Good Morning!
One of the hardest things we have to endure is oppression, bad relationships, and opposition by people. Even more so if they are close - like friends, family, or fellow Christians. We must remember that all of us can sin in how we treat people. But there can be times when people are just down right ugly to us.
Obviously, this is not our excuse sin, strike back, gossip, or act ungodly. David’s response is to let God take care of it. He wrote in Psalm 70:3 “May those who say to me, "Aha! Aha!" turn back because of their shame.”
God gives us the way to handle these difficulties – “In your anger do not sin.” (Eph.4:26); “Forgive us our debts as we also have forgive our debtors.” (Matt.6:12); and “Love keeps no record of wrongs” (1 Cor. 13:5).
What a relief! We can let God take care of it.
Barry
"You are my help and my deliverer; O Lord, do not delay." (Psalm 70:5)
3-24-10
PSALMS 67-71
Good Morning!
One of the hardest things we have to endure is oppression, bad relationships, and opposition by people. Even more so if they are close - like friends, family, or fellow Christians. We must remember that all of us can sin in how we treat people. But there can be times when people are just down right ugly to us.
Obviously, this is not our excuse sin, strike back, gossip, or act ungodly. David’s response is to let God take care of it. He wrote in Psalm 70:3 “May those who say to me, "Aha! Aha!" turn back because of their shame.”
God gives us the way to handle these difficulties – “In your anger do not sin.” (Eph.4:26); “Forgive us our debts as we also have forgive our debtors.” (Matt.6:12); and “Love keeps no record of wrongs” (1 Cor. 13:5).
What a relief! We can let God take care of it.
Barry
"You are my help and my deliverer; O Lord, do not delay." (Psalm 70:5)
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
God’s Loving Strength
DAY 177
3-23-10
PSALMS 60-66
Good Morning!
Some think that faith is weakness. Some believe that those who turn the other cheek are afraid. Some hold that submission makes one inferior. Not only is that wrong, it shows that kind of thinking is ignorant of what real strength is. Believers in God are the strongest people on earth!
I am reminded that people of faith can put up with the worst circumstances and still have hope. Hebrews 11:35-38 describes such people. They “were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated - the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground."
The reason that they could do this was that God portrayed this kind strong and loving character for his children to see. They go together. It’s not one or the other. You can be strong and loving; firm and gentle; hurt but hopeful. In our text today, David says, “One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that you, O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord, are loving.” (Psalm 62:11-12) It’s not either, or; it’s both!
Let Paul have the last word…
"I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Cor. 12:10)
Barry
3-23-10
PSALMS 60-66
Good Morning!
Some think that faith is weakness. Some believe that those who turn the other cheek are afraid. Some hold that submission makes one inferior. Not only is that wrong, it shows that kind of thinking is ignorant of what real strength is. Believers in God are the strongest people on earth!
I am reminded that people of faith can put up with the worst circumstances and still have hope. Hebrews 11:35-38 describes such people. They “were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated - the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground."
The reason that they could do this was that God portrayed this kind strong and loving character for his children to see. They go together. It’s not one or the other. You can be strong and loving; firm and gentle; hurt but hopeful. In our text today, David says, “One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that you, O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord, are loving.” (Psalm 62:11-12) It’s not either, or; it’s both!
Let Paul have the last word…
"I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Cor. 12:10)
Barry
Monday, March 22, 2010
God’s Holds it All Together
DAY 176
3-22-10
PSALMS 52-59
Good Morning!
Psalm 54:4 “Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.”
I love this word “sustain” when it is associated with God. God is our help. But sustain goes deeper. Sustain means to support, to nourish, to hold things together, and to keep things alive. That is exactly what I need from God.
When things fall apart I need his help to put it back together. He also keeps me and circumstances from falling apart. I don’t even know what God has kept me from having to experience. That is a blessing.
Perhaps it would be good if we all just thanked God and his son for being our sustainer.
Thank you Father for keeping us going; for lifting us up; and giving us what we need to survive. You are a very good father!
Barry
3-22-10
PSALMS 52-59
Good Morning!
Psalm 54:4 “Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.”
I love this word “sustain” when it is associated with God. God is our help. But sustain goes deeper. Sustain means to support, to nourish, to hold things together, and to keep things alive. That is exactly what I need from God.
When things fall apart I need his help to put it back together. He also keeps me and circumstances from falling apart. I don’t even know what God has kept me from having to experience. That is a blessing.
Perhaps it would be good if we all just thanked God and his son for being our sustainer.
Thank you Father for keeping us going; for lifting us up; and giving us what we need to survive. You are a very good father!
Barry
Sunday, March 21, 2010
One Short Sentence that Makes a Huge Difference
DAY 176
3-21-10
PSALMS 46-51
Good Morning!
Sometimes, all it takes is one short sentence to give us what we need to focus on God; live and blessed life; or have a better day. Many words can often be confusing or redundant. However, God’s words are so powerful that even one inspired sentence can make a huge difference.
You read it. It was so short that you might not remember it. It’s so important that I’ll remind you of it.
"Be still, and know that I am God.”Psalm 46:10
Don’t let the pace and craziness of your life; and the pursuit of your goals; and the difficulty of your struggles cause you to forget God, your father.
Barry
3-21-10
PSALMS 46-51
Good Morning!
Sometimes, all it takes is one short sentence to give us what we need to focus on God; live and blessed life; or have a better day. Many words can often be confusing or redundant. However, God’s words are so powerful that even one inspired sentence can make a huge difference.
You read it. It was so short that you might not remember it. It’s so important that I’ll remind you of it.
"Be still, and know that I am God.”Psalm 46:10
Don’t let the pace and craziness of your life; and the pursuit of your goals; and the difficulty of your struggles cause you to forget God, your father.
Barry
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Thirsty for God
DAY 175
3-20-10
PSALMS 40-45
Good Morning!
Many years ago on a backpacking trip, I suffered from thirst so badly that I thought I wasn’t going to make it. I did not bring enough water. The available water supply was further than I could reach in my depleted state. A friend, a really good friend, emptied his back pack, left us in our dry camp, and hiked to a water supply for us.
It’s funny how the thirst affected my mind. I thought of nothing else. I had to have that water. Later, after I had my fill, I could focus and felt normal again.
I need God more than anything. Sometimes I feel fine spiritually. I’m nourished and satisfied. Sometimes I need more. I guess it depends on my circumstances. In David’s struggles, he needed God so badly that he felt he was dying of thirst.
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. (Psalm 42:1-2)
Although I don’t want get so thirsty for God that I feel I’m going to expire, I want to have that attitude that I can’t get enough of God, his word, and his people. If I neglect my relationship with God, I can find myself in situation where I am so weak and needy that I can’t go on.
The answer then is to feed and drink constantly. Don’t allow yourself to get to that spiritually depleted state. Don’t neglect your spiritual health. Remember the words of Jesus…
“If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." (John 7:37-38)
Barry
3-20-10
PSALMS 40-45
Good Morning!
Many years ago on a backpacking trip, I suffered from thirst so badly that I thought I wasn’t going to make it. I did not bring enough water. The available water supply was further than I could reach in my depleted state. A friend, a really good friend, emptied his back pack, left us in our dry camp, and hiked to a water supply for us.
It’s funny how the thirst affected my mind. I thought of nothing else. I had to have that water. Later, after I had my fill, I could focus and felt normal again.
I need God more than anything. Sometimes I feel fine spiritually. I’m nourished and satisfied. Sometimes I need more. I guess it depends on my circumstances. In David’s struggles, he needed God so badly that he felt he was dying of thirst.
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. (Psalm 42:1-2)
Although I don’t want get so thirsty for God that I feel I’m going to expire, I want to have that attitude that I can’t get enough of God, his word, and his people. If I neglect my relationship with God, I can find myself in situation where I am so weak and needy that I can’t go on.
The answer then is to feed and drink constantly. Don’t allow yourself to get to that spiritually depleted state. Don’t neglect your spiritual health. Remember the words of Jesus…
“If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." (John 7:37-38)
Barry
Friday, March 19, 2010
How Long Will I Live?
DAY 174
3-19-10
PSALMS 36-39
Good Morning!
A brother sent me an interesting web calculator that is supposed to determine how long I might live. As I looked it over, I thought I would fill it out by entering all the information as it should be – the weight I should be; the diet I should be on; always wearing my seat belt as I should…in other words, I lied. The result was my life would end up being 94 years!
I must confess to thinking a little too much about my life being more than half over. Soon I will celebrate my 47th birthday. Celebrate is not the right word. On my birthday I will “acknowledge” my age; eat the totally yummy dinner Karen will make me; and move on – being one year closer to the end – whenever that is.
I wonder if David stressed about the length of his life. In all his stresses and struggles he wondered how long he would live; and how long he would have to endure. He realized that life was short. He wrote in Psalm 39:4-5, "Show me, O Lord, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath.” In the words of another poet, life is “done too soon.”
Looking back to the calculator, entering all the correct info to get the result I wanted needs to translate into my life. I know what to do be healthy and safe – I just need to do it. Likewise I know what to do to be ready to face the Lord after living the number of days he has for me. Boiled down, as a baptized, spirit-filled, believer in Jesus, I will live everyday for God in faith and by grace.
If I grow and mature as I want to, perhaps one day I’ll be able to say faithful words like, “Father, into your hands, I commit my spirit” or “Come quickly Lord Jesus.”
Barry
3-19-10
PSALMS 36-39
Good Morning!
A brother sent me an interesting web calculator that is supposed to determine how long I might live. As I looked it over, I thought I would fill it out by entering all the information as it should be – the weight I should be; the diet I should be on; always wearing my seat belt as I should…in other words, I lied. The result was my life would end up being 94 years!
I must confess to thinking a little too much about my life being more than half over. Soon I will celebrate my 47th birthday. Celebrate is not the right word. On my birthday I will “acknowledge” my age; eat the totally yummy dinner Karen will make me; and move on – being one year closer to the end – whenever that is.
I wonder if David stressed about the length of his life. In all his stresses and struggles he wondered how long he would live; and how long he would have to endure. He realized that life was short. He wrote in Psalm 39:4-5, "Show me, O Lord, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath.” In the words of another poet, life is “done too soon.”
Looking back to the calculator, entering all the correct info to get the result I wanted needs to translate into my life. I know what to do be healthy and safe – I just need to do it. Likewise I know what to do to be ready to face the Lord after living the number of days he has for me. Boiled down, as a baptized, spirit-filled, believer in Jesus, I will live everyday for God in faith and by grace.
If I grow and mature as I want to, perhaps one day I’ll be able to say faithful words like, “Father, into your hands, I commit my spirit” or “Come quickly Lord Jesus.”
Barry
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Better Prayers Part 2
DAY 173
3-18-10
PSALMS 31-35
Good Morning!
I want to be a man of prayer. I have discovered that there is a difference between praying and being a man of prayer. I pray. I pray all the time. However, a person of prayer not only prays all the time, they pray about everything. They also have intimate conversations with God. They are confessors; and they are open and honest with God and themselves about personal sin.
Psalm 32:1-6 is an example of a man of prayer and his prayerful confessions to God.
Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit. When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord" — and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found.
Notice how David links forgiveness with the willingness to truthfully confess sin. David actually suffered until he prayed and confessed to God. Being a person of prayer is an honest and humble way to live. When we live this way, God will not count our sins against us.
Thank God!
Barry
3-18-10
PSALMS 31-35
Good Morning!
I want to be a man of prayer. I have discovered that there is a difference between praying and being a man of prayer. I pray. I pray all the time. However, a person of prayer not only prays all the time, they pray about everything. They also have intimate conversations with God. They are confessors; and they are open and honest with God and themselves about personal sin.
Psalm 32:1-6 is an example of a man of prayer and his prayerful confessions to God.
Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit. When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord" — and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found.
Notice how David links forgiveness with the willingness to truthfully confess sin. David actually suffered until he prayed and confessed to God. Being a person of prayer is an honest and humble way to live. When we live this way, God will not count our sins against us.
Thank God!
Barry
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Better Prayers
DAY 172
3-17-10
PSALMS 23-30
Good Morning!
I’ve always struggled to pray better. Not just in words and in frequency, but in content. I pray for the typical things for myself, my family, and my church. I pray for those in need. I would like to pray like David. No format. He prayed; wrote; and sang what was on his mind and heart.
Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. (25:4-5)
Words like these show that David wanted to be a better man. He wanted to know God better. He wanted his life to better reflect the salvation and hope in God.
I don’t want to copy David’s style; we are totally different people. But I do want to be less formal and more open with God. I just want to pray what’s on my mind. I think reading the Psalms will help me do that.
Barry
3-17-10
PSALMS 23-30
Good Morning!
I’ve always struggled to pray better. Not just in words and in frequency, but in content. I pray for the typical things for myself, my family, and my church. I pray for those in need. I would like to pray like David. No format. He prayed; wrote; and sang what was on his mind and heart.
Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. (25:4-5)
Words like these show that David wanted to be a better man. He wanted to know God better. He wanted his life to better reflect the salvation and hope in God.
I don’t want to copy David’s style; we are totally different people. But I do want to be less formal and more open with God. I just want to pray what’s on my mind. I think reading the Psalms will help me do that.
Barry
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
The Lord Helps the Overwhelmed
DAY 171
3-16-10
PSALMS 18-22
Good Morning!
David was very sure about his source of strength. He knew it was not in himself. He knew it was not in his fighting ability or his army. He knew his strength was not in his walled city. It came from God. God was his fortress and his power. David was strengthened by God’s word; and he totally loved and trusted his God.
18:1-2 I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
19:7 The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul.
20:6 Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand.
21:7 For the king trusts in the Lord; through the unfailing love of the Most High he will not be shaken.
22:24 For he has not despised or disdained the suffering of the afflicted one.
The way that we will remain unshaken in our life and battles is the exact same way David did – Trust in the Lord. We will not despise you. He will make you strong. If David stood strong because God loved him, how much more will God lovingly take care of you!
Barry
3-16-10
PSALMS 18-22
Good Morning!
David was very sure about his source of strength. He knew it was not in himself. He knew it was not in his fighting ability or his army. He knew his strength was not in his walled city. It came from God. God was his fortress and his power. David was strengthened by God’s word; and he totally loved and trusted his God.
18:1-2 I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
19:7 The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul.
20:6 Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand.
21:7 For the king trusts in the Lord; through the unfailing love of the Most High he will not be shaken.
22:24 For he has not despised or disdained the suffering of the afflicted one.
The way that we will remain unshaken in our life and battles is the exact same way David did – Trust in the Lord. We will not despise you. He will make you strong. If David stood strong because God loved him, how much more will God lovingly take care of you!
Barry
Monday, March 15, 2010
The Lord Examines the Righteous
DAY 170
3-15-10
PSALMS 10-17
Good Morning!
A popular theme of the Psalms is the difference between the righteous and the evil. David is at war against evil people; but I think he is at war against himself as well. Knowing that David is a good man with a lot of weakness, it is easy to see that he struggles against the wicked knowing that he is a sinner too.
In Psalms 10-17, David addresses the wickedness that is around him and wants God to see that he is different. He is different! He trusts in God. He wants God’s help. He takes refuge in God. That’s the difference between an evil person and a righteous one – the righteous have a relationship with God.
Ps 11:5 The Lord examines the righteous, but the wicked and those who love violence
his soul hates.
Ps 12:1 Help, Lord, for the godly are no more; the faithful have vanished from among men.
Ps 14:1 The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.
Ps 15:1-2 Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous.
Ps 17:3 Though you probe my heart and examine me at night, though you test me, you will find nothing; I have resolved that my mouth will not sin.
Our prayer should be that God will examine us and help us be the righteous people we are capable of being. May our walk be blameless; and may we speak the truth. May God always be our refuge.
Barry
3-15-10
PSALMS 10-17
Good Morning!
A popular theme of the Psalms is the difference between the righteous and the evil. David is at war against evil people; but I think he is at war against himself as well. Knowing that David is a good man with a lot of weakness, it is easy to see that he struggles against the wicked knowing that he is a sinner too.
In Psalms 10-17, David addresses the wickedness that is around him and wants God to see that he is different. He is different! He trusts in God. He wants God’s help. He takes refuge in God. That’s the difference between an evil person and a righteous one – the righteous have a relationship with God.
Ps 11:5 The Lord examines the righteous, but the wicked and those who love violence
his soul hates.
Ps 12:1 Help, Lord, for the godly are no more; the faithful have vanished from among men.
Ps 14:1 The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.
Ps 15:1-2 Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous.
Ps 17:3 Though you probe my heart and examine me at night, though you test me, you will find nothing; I have resolved that my mouth will not sin.
Our prayer should be that God will examine us and help us be the righteous people we are capable of being. May our walk be blameless; and may we speak the truth. May God always be our refuge.
Barry
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Praising the God of Protection
DAY 169
3-14-10
PSALMS 1-9
Good Morning!
David’s reign as king of Israel was filled with war, family troubles, insurrection, and rebellion. I’m sure the pressure of leadership made him feel that he had no help; no friends; and that he was all alone. Yet, he knew that God was his protector and his sustainer; God was always there for him.
(1:6) “The Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.”
(2:1) “Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain?”
(3:1-2) “Lord, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! Many are saying of me, "God will not deliver him.”
(5:2) “Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray.”
Even under all the pressure, David knew that God would make everything work out. He did not dwell on the problems only; he also concentrated on the deliverance of God his king.
(6:4) “Turn, O Lord, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love.”
(7:1-2) “Lord my God, I take refuge in you; save and deliver me from all who pursue me, or they will tear me like a lion and rip me to pieces with no one to rescue me.”
(8:9) O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
(9:3-4) My enemies turn back; they stumble and perish before you. For you have upheld my right and my cause; you have sat on your throne, judging righteously.
When life and pressure overwhelm us, God is our protector and our sustainer.
To God be the glory!
Barry
3-14-10
PSALMS 1-9
Good Morning!
David’s reign as king of Israel was filled with war, family troubles, insurrection, and rebellion. I’m sure the pressure of leadership made him feel that he had no help; no friends; and that he was all alone. Yet, he knew that God was his protector and his sustainer; God was always there for him.
(1:6) “The Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.”
(2:1) “Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain?”
(3:1-2) “Lord, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! Many are saying of me, "God will not deliver him.”
(5:2) “Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray.”
Even under all the pressure, David knew that God would make everything work out. He did not dwell on the problems only; he also concentrated on the deliverance of God his king.
(6:4) “Turn, O Lord, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love.”
(7:1-2) “Lord my God, I take refuge in you; save and deliver me from all who pursue me, or they will tear me like a lion and rip me to pieces with no one to rescue me.”
(8:9) O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
(9:3-4) My enemies turn back; they stumble and perish before you. For you have upheld my right and my cause; you have sat on your throne, judging righteously.
When life and pressure overwhelm us, God is our protector and our sustainer.
To God be the glory!
Barry
The End of the Matter on Suffering
DAY 168
3-13-10
JOB 41-42
Good Morning!
After he is allowed to vent and even blame God for his suffering, God sets Job straight on who God is; what God has done; and what God does not do. God’s final words on the subject of human suffering addressed Job’s real problem – Pride. God said about himself… “Nothing on earth is his equal — a creature without fear. He looks down on all that are haughty; he is king over all that are proud.” (Job 41:33-34)
In pride, Job thought that he was too righteous to suffer. He thought he did not deserve to suffer. He believed that God was wrong to hurt him. Then after God answers Job’s charges, Job realized how sinfully wrong he was about God. It wasn’t God after all. “I spoke of things I did not understand.” “I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.” (Job 42:3 & 6)
In a sinful world where Satan works; and in the natural world where disease and sickness and accidents occur, there will be suffering for all flesh. God is not unconcerned. He is not inactive. He definitely does care and listens to our prayers. God’s will and his discipline is sometimes hard to go through. Yet God’s plan is to help and heal and draw us close to him by faith.
No matter the condition of our bodies, our souls can be perfect, clean, and healthy because of the goodness and grace of God. God’s greatest blessings and our salvation are not found in the flesh. We receive God’s best blessing only when we are released from the flesh. “Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Cor. 15:50)
Barry
3-13-10
JOB 41-42
Good Morning!
After he is allowed to vent and even blame God for his suffering, God sets Job straight on who God is; what God has done; and what God does not do. God’s final words on the subject of human suffering addressed Job’s real problem – Pride. God said about himself… “Nothing on earth is his equal — a creature without fear. He looks down on all that are haughty; he is king over all that are proud.” (Job 41:33-34)
In pride, Job thought that he was too righteous to suffer. He thought he did not deserve to suffer. He believed that God was wrong to hurt him. Then after God answers Job’s charges, Job realized how sinfully wrong he was about God. It wasn’t God after all. “I spoke of things I did not understand.” “I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.” (Job 42:3 & 6)
In a sinful world where Satan works; and in the natural world where disease and sickness and accidents occur, there will be suffering for all flesh. God is not unconcerned. He is not inactive. He definitely does care and listens to our prayers. God’s will and his discipline is sometimes hard to go through. Yet God’s plan is to help and heal and draw us close to him by faith.
No matter the condition of our bodies, our souls can be perfect, clean, and healthy because of the goodness and grace of God. God’s greatest blessings and our salvation are not found in the flesh. We receive God’s best blessing only when we are released from the flesh. “Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Cor. 15:50)
Barry
Friday, March 12, 2010
Be Quiet and Let God Speak
DAY 167
3-12-10
JOB 38-40
Good Morning!
Have you ever heard a suffering or frustrated believer in God say things that normally they wouldn’t say? I have. It’s shocking. It’s sad. And it’s totally understandable.
Perhaps I am misreading chapters 38-40, but I don’t see God scolding Job; nor do I see him speaking loudly or shouting; or trying to scare Job. I see the glorious Almighty being who he is – overwhelmingly powerful. When God speaks, we brace ourselves. When God gives his wisdom, we must shut our mouths to receive it.
"Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge?" (Job 38:2)
When Job answered the Lord: "I am unworthy — how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth. I spoke once, but I have no answer — twice, but I will say no more." (Job 40:3-5)
God’s reply to Job is a series of questions to get Job to think correctly regardless of his pain and frustration. God is all powerful; he is all glorious; and he is always right. Job was questioning and blaming the creator of the universe instead of praying and trusting and waiting. So God shakes him up.
Remember the purpose of this book – all people suffer in the flesh. With that in mind; while I am well and my life is good; I will praise the one who hung the stars and created the oceans; I will respect the one who his so all powerful and still is concerned for me and my problems. So if God can hang the stars; he can get me through anything hard.
Barry
3-12-10
JOB 38-40
Good Morning!
Have you ever heard a suffering or frustrated believer in God say things that normally they wouldn’t say? I have. It’s shocking. It’s sad. And it’s totally understandable.
Perhaps I am misreading chapters 38-40, but I don’t see God scolding Job; nor do I see him speaking loudly or shouting; or trying to scare Job. I see the glorious Almighty being who he is – overwhelmingly powerful. When God speaks, we brace ourselves. When God gives his wisdom, we must shut our mouths to receive it.
"Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge?" (Job 38:2)
When Job answered the Lord: "I am unworthy — how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth. I spoke once, but I have no answer — twice, but I will say no more." (Job 40:3-5)
God’s reply to Job is a series of questions to get Job to think correctly regardless of his pain and frustration. God is all powerful; he is all glorious; and he is always right. Job was questioning and blaming the creator of the universe instead of praying and trusting and waiting. So God shakes him up.
Remember the purpose of this book – all people suffer in the flesh. With that in mind; while I am well and my life is good; I will praise the one who hung the stars and created the oceans; I will respect the one who his so all powerful and still is concerned for me and my problems. So if God can hang the stars; he can get me through anything hard.
Barry
Thursday, March 11, 2010
The Almighty Does Not Oppress
DAY 166
3-11-10
JOB 30-37
Good Morning!
We are now at the end of Job’s and his friend’s discourse on the subject of why good people suffer. They didn’t get it. I have found that we don’t get it any better. We have made strides though. I don’t think most people believe that suffering is the mark of a sinner; it’s the mark of a human being. However, we still struggle with the notion that if we are godly we’ll suffer less. Not necessarily. Suffering comes to all.
The last words from Elihu are right on. He said that Job was “justifying himself rather than God” (Job 32:2). Then Elihu said the final words that are completely true and the answer to the belief that God hurts us when we sin.
“The Almighty is beyond our reach and exalted in power; in his justice and great righteousness, he does not oppress. Therefore, men revere him, for does he not have regard for all the wise in heart?” (Job 37:23-24)
The Almighty is not the one who oppresses. He is the one who blesses. When we love and revere God, God gives special blessings in return. But as the creator and sustainer, he gives life and breath to everyone – the godly and the ungodly.
I look forward to hearing God answer the questions and charges of Job.
Barry
3-11-10
JOB 30-37
Good Morning!
We are now at the end of Job’s and his friend’s discourse on the subject of why good people suffer. They didn’t get it. I have found that we don’t get it any better. We have made strides though. I don’t think most people believe that suffering is the mark of a sinner; it’s the mark of a human being. However, we still struggle with the notion that if we are godly we’ll suffer less. Not necessarily. Suffering comes to all.
The last words from Elihu are right on. He said that Job was “justifying himself rather than God” (Job 32:2). Then Elihu said the final words that are completely true and the answer to the belief that God hurts us when we sin.
“The Almighty is beyond our reach and exalted in power; in his justice and great righteousness, he does not oppress. Therefore, men revere him, for does he not have regard for all the wise in heart?” (Job 37:23-24)
The Almighty is not the one who oppresses. He is the one who blesses. When we love and revere God, God gives special blessings in return. But as the creator and sustainer, he gives life and breath to everyone – the godly and the ungodly.
I look forward to hearing God answer the questions and charges of Job.
Barry
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Man is a Maggot…What !?
DAY 164
3-9-10
JOB 25-29
Good Morning!
Bildad bugs me! His depiction of man - who is created in the image of God himself - is so wrong on so many levels. When Bildad tells Job that God doesn’t care because he is a maggot, it shows the worst in man’s view of self and God. Bildad said, “How much less man, who is but a maggot - a son of man, who is only a worm!" (25:6)
We are the best part of God’s creation. We are the one’s with a soul and who live forever. We are the recipients of the gospel that was planned before creation. We are the one’s Jesus loved enough to die for. We are the one’s entrusted with the spread of the salvation message. Man is a maggot? No way!
This is not the only place in the Bible where this thought occurs. It was a common view of the people of the Bible. There is a difference between saying that we are only worms in the eyes of God, and feeling like a worm because we are sorry for our sin. Our enemies may consider us “maggots” but not God. David wrote in Psalm 22:6, “I am a worm and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people.”
Isaiah was inspired to use this idea when he wrote that God was big and great; and Israel was sinful and small. His point was that they needed God - not that they were worthless and lower than the lowest creature on earth. “Do not be afraid, O worm Jacob, O little Israel, for I myself will help you," declares the Lord.” (Isa 41:14)
Be very sorry for sin. Be very humble under the greatness of God. Always admit God’s perfection and our fleshly imperfections. Remember that he is the creator and we are the created. However, never forget that we are God’s dearly loved children. We are the children of the King. Our father never beats us down, he always lifts us up.
Barry
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
(2 Thess. 2:16-17)
3-9-10
JOB 25-29
Good Morning!
Bildad bugs me! His depiction of man - who is created in the image of God himself - is so wrong on so many levels. When Bildad tells Job that God doesn’t care because he is a maggot, it shows the worst in man’s view of self and God. Bildad said, “How much less man, who is but a maggot - a son of man, who is only a worm!" (25:6)
We are the best part of God’s creation. We are the one’s with a soul and who live forever. We are the recipients of the gospel that was planned before creation. We are the one’s Jesus loved enough to die for. We are the one’s entrusted with the spread of the salvation message. Man is a maggot? No way!
This is not the only place in the Bible where this thought occurs. It was a common view of the people of the Bible. There is a difference between saying that we are only worms in the eyes of God, and feeling like a worm because we are sorry for our sin. Our enemies may consider us “maggots” but not God. David wrote in Psalm 22:6, “I am a worm and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people.”
Isaiah was inspired to use this idea when he wrote that God was big and great; and Israel was sinful and small. His point was that they needed God - not that they were worthless and lower than the lowest creature on earth. “Do not be afraid, O worm Jacob, O little Israel, for I myself will help you," declares the Lord.” (Isa 41:14)
Be very sorry for sin. Be very humble under the greatness of God. Always admit God’s perfection and our fleshly imperfections. Remember that he is the creator and we are the created. However, never forget that we are God’s dearly loved children. We are the children of the King. Our father never beats us down, he always lifts us up.
Barry
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
(2 Thess. 2:16-17)
Monday, March 8, 2010
God Loves All People
DAY 163
3-8-10
JOB 21-24
Good Morning!
Remember that the argument Job has with God and his friends is that he is not suffering because he is a sinner, but that God is against him. Job’s friends contend that God is against Job because he is a sinner. The common understanding is that God is against the wicked and makes them suffer. So, if you are suffering, then you are a sinner.
After reading this argument multiple times, I come to the conclusion that I don’t believe this kind of thinking, but I do occasionally wonder why the wicked and the unbelievers thrive, when good people I know suffer. I can understand Job’s thoughts about why this is true.
"Why do the wicked live on, growing old and increasing in power? They see their children established around them, their offspring before their eyes. Their homes are safe and free from fear; the rod of God is not upon them. Their bulls never fail to breed." (Job 21:7-10)
His wondering why may not be legitimate, but I sure understand it. The best answer to this comes from our Savior. In Matthew 5:45, Jesus said, “He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” Jesus knows that we must have a different view of the unrighteous. We are to love and pray for them. We may wonder why they do well in life, but God’s physical blessings are for the people of the entire world.
God is not blind to the ways of the wicked. Nor is he unaware of the suffering of the righteous. We all are alive on this planet because God is the sustainer of all things and he loves everyone and wants all people to repent and accept his grace.
Barry
3-8-10
JOB 21-24
Good Morning!
Remember that the argument Job has with God and his friends is that he is not suffering because he is a sinner, but that God is against him. Job’s friends contend that God is against Job because he is a sinner. The common understanding is that God is against the wicked and makes them suffer. So, if you are suffering, then you are a sinner.
After reading this argument multiple times, I come to the conclusion that I don’t believe this kind of thinking, but I do occasionally wonder why the wicked and the unbelievers thrive, when good people I know suffer. I can understand Job’s thoughts about why this is true.
"Why do the wicked live on, growing old and increasing in power? They see their children established around them, their offspring before their eyes. Their homes are safe and free from fear; the rod of God is not upon them. Their bulls never fail to breed." (Job 21:7-10)
His wondering why may not be legitimate, but I sure understand it. The best answer to this comes from our Savior. In Matthew 5:45, Jesus said, “He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” Jesus knows that we must have a different view of the unrighteous. We are to love and pray for them. We may wonder why they do well in life, but God’s physical blessings are for the people of the entire world.
God is not blind to the ways of the wicked. Nor is he unaware of the suffering of the righteous. We all are alive on this planet because God is the sustainer of all things and he loves everyone and wants all people to repent and accept his grace.
Barry
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Good Friends are Always There
DAY 162
3-7-10
JOB 17-20
Good Morning!
When we are hurting, we obviously need God. If we are struggling with God, it can leave a person very needy for the support from his friends. I believe God is big enough to take it when we blame him or are mad at him. I’m not saying that disrespect is ever appropriate, but God understands us. God is a good father and he knows we are weak in flesh, spirit, and faith.
This is one reason why a hurting person needs the support and comfort from their friends. It’s been said that the “God of Comfort” uses us to hold hands with the hurting; and he uses our shoulders so that others can cry on them.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. (2 Cor. 1:3-4)
Not only did Job feel abandoned by God, he felt abandoned by his friends and family. He said, "He has alienated my brothers from me; my acquaintances are completely estranged from me. My kinsmen have gone away; my friends have forgotten me.” (Job 19:13-14) This is why it’s so important to be there for our friends. This is a major part of loving our neighbor.
In the body of Christ, we are related and must look out for the welfare of our brothers and sisters. We are commanded to “rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” (Rom 12:15)
What does Job need? Of course he needs God. But he also needs his friends.
Barry
3-7-10
JOB 17-20
Good Morning!
When we are hurting, we obviously need God. If we are struggling with God, it can leave a person very needy for the support from his friends. I believe God is big enough to take it when we blame him or are mad at him. I’m not saying that disrespect is ever appropriate, but God understands us. God is a good father and he knows we are weak in flesh, spirit, and faith.
This is one reason why a hurting person needs the support and comfort from their friends. It’s been said that the “God of Comfort” uses us to hold hands with the hurting; and he uses our shoulders so that others can cry on them.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. (2 Cor. 1:3-4)
Not only did Job feel abandoned by God, he felt abandoned by his friends and family. He said, "He has alienated my brothers from me; my acquaintances are completely estranged from me. My kinsmen have gone away; my friends have forgotten me.” (Job 19:13-14) This is why it’s so important to be there for our friends. This is a major part of loving our neighbor.
In the body of Christ, we are related and must look out for the welfare of our brothers and sisters. We are commanded to “rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” (Rom 12:15)
What does Job need? Of course he needs God. But he also needs his friends.
Barry
Saturday, March 6, 2010
God Knows How Much I Can Take and How Long I Can Take It
DAY 161
3-6-10
JOB 13-16
Good Morning!
Even in his pain, Job has a wisdom that is only given to Godly people. He might blame God for his pain, but he realizes that God determines length of days. He said, “Man's days are determined; you have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed. So look away from him and let him alone, till he has put in his time like a hired man.” (14:5-6) David wrote the same thing many years later in Psalm 139:16 “All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”
We can take some comfort in suffering when we realize that it won’t last forever. God has graciously put limits on the length of our lives. (Gen.6:6) I am grateful that God knows the limit to what we can bear. With that limit in mind, I also know that his love, grace, and power are limitless for our sake.
Barry
3-6-10
JOB 13-16
Good Morning!
Even in his pain, Job has a wisdom that is only given to Godly people. He might blame God for his pain, but he realizes that God determines length of days. He said, “Man's days are determined; you have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed. So look away from him and let him alone, till he has put in his time like a hired man.” (14:5-6) David wrote the same thing many years later in Psalm 139:16 “All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”
We can take some comfort in suffering when we realize that it won’t last forever. God has graciously put limits on the length of our lives. (Gen.6:6) I am grateful that God knows the limit to what we can bear. With that limit in mind, I also know that his love, grace, and power are limitless for our sake.
Barry
Friday, March 5, 2010
How Will I Feel About God When the Trials Come?
DAY 161
3-5-10
JOB 9-12
Good Morning!
What we have here is a debate over how Job views himself and God. Job’s friends argue that he is sinful and God is just in hurting him. Job contends that he is righteous and does not deserve what God is doing to him.
Job said, “Though I were innocent, I could not answer him; I could only plead with my Judge for mercy. Even if I summoned him and he responded, I do not believe he would give me a hearing. He would crush me with a storm and multiply my wounds for no reason.” (Job 9:15-17)
Job’s friend Zophar responded, “You say to God, 'My beliefs are flawless and I am pure in your sight.' Oh, how I wish that God would speak, that he would open his lips against you and disclose to you the secrets of wisdom, for true wisdom has two sides. Know this: God has even forgotten some of your sin.” (Job 11:4-6)
It’s important for me to keep in mind that the painful trials that I go through (and will go through) are not punishments from God. God doesn’t inflict cancer. He doesn’t have a dump truck with my name on it that will roll over me while riding my motorcycle. Even though I am a sinner and deserve whatever I get, God’s punishments are reserved for judgment.
What God has for me now is a time of discipline. His Spirit; his word, his church, and my family are here to help me get through whatever trials I find myself in. In God’s wisdom, he allows the challenges of life to discipline me, train me, and strengthen me.
Prov 3:11-12 My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.
James 1:2-3 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
So, while I am well and face no severe trials, I will keep these things in my mind. My prayer is that I’ll learn the lessons without the trials. But if the trials come, I pray that my friends will remind me of the truth that God loves me and his hand is never against me.
Barry
3-5-10
JOB 9-12
Good Morning!
What we have here is a debate over how Job views himself and God. Job’s friends argue that he is sinful and God is just in hurting him. Job contends that he is righteous and does not deserve what God is doing to him.
Job said, “Though I were innocent, I could not answer him; I could only plead with my Judge for mercy. Even if I summoned him and he responded, I do not believe he would give me a hearing. He would crush me with a storm and multiply my wounds for no reason.” (Job 9:15-17)
Job’s friend Zophar responded, “You say to God, 'My beliefs are flawless and I am pure in your sight.' Oh, how I wish that God would speak, that he would open his lips against you and disclose to you the secrets of wisdom, for true wisdom has two sides. Know this: God has even forgotten some of your sin.” (Job 11:4-6)
It’s important for me to keep in mind that the painful trials that I go through (and will go through) are not punishments from God. God doesn’t inflict cancer. He doesn’t have a dump truck with my name on it that will roll over me while riding my motorcycle. Even though I am a sinner and deserve whatever I get, God’s punishments are reserved for judgment.
What God has for me now is a time of discipline. His Spirit; his word, his church, and my family are here to help me get through whatever trials I find myself in. In God’s wisdom, he allows the challenges of life to discipline me, train me, and strengthen me.
Prov 3:11-12 My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.
James 1:2-3 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
So, while I am well and face no severe trials, I will keep these things in my mind. My prayer is that I’ll learn the lessons without the trials. But if the trials come, I pray that my friends will remind me of the truth that God loves me and his hand is never against me.
Barry
Thursday, March 4, 2010
It’s Not My Fault!
DAY 160
3-4-10
JOB 5-8
Good Morning!
Job’s “friend” is trying to “comfort” him in his grief and pain. Remember, Satan is behind all this and his goal is to get Job to curse God. Satan is taking advantage of the common misconception that bad things happen to bad people because they are bad.
It’s an interesting study just to take a few of the statements of Job and his friends and see how applicable they are today.
“Call if you will, but who will answer you? To which of the holy ones will you turn?” (5:1) What is Eliphaz saying? God is not there and he will not answer. He is not saying that there is no God, but that God is too important and busy to worry about a sinner like Job. He also said, “He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted.” (5:9)
Job’s comeback is a defense of his integrity and personal righteousness. Job is hurting so much that it’s working on his head. He says, “The arrows of the Almighty are in me, my spirit drinks in their poison; God's terrors are marshaled against me.” (6:4). He blames God for his woes. Then Job tells his friend, "Teach me, and I will be quiet; show me where I have been wrong.” (6:24) He doesn’t think he’s sinned. He dares his friends to show him his wrong.
This is a long narrative. There is more come; and it gets worse. So far it’s clear that hurting people and those who witness their hurting do not always speak and act with compassion, knowledge, and love during times of crisis. How do you encourage hurting people? How do you view yourself and God when you suffer?
Barry
3-4-10
JOB 5-8
Good Morning!
Job’s “friend” is trying to “comfort” him in his grief and pain. Remember, Satan is behind all this and his goal is to get Job to curse God. Satan is taking advantage of the common misconception that bad things happen to bad people because they are bad.
It’s an interesting study just to take a few of the statements of Job and his friends and see how applicable they are today.
“Call if you will, but who will answer you? To which of the holy ones will you turn?” (5:1) What is Eliphaz saying? God is not there and he will not answer. He is not saying that there is no God, but that God is too important and busy to worry about a sinner like Job. He also said, “He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted.” (5:9)
Job’s comeback is a defense of his integrity and personal righteousness. Job is hurting so much that it’s working on his head. He says, “The arrows of the Almighty are in me, my spirit drinks in their poison; God's terrors are marshaled against me.” (6:4). He blames God for his woes. Then Job tells his friend, "Teach me, and I will be quiet; show me where I have been wrong.” (6:24) He doesn’t think he’s sinned. He dares his friends to show him his wrong.
This is a long narrative. There is more come; and it gets worse. So far it’s clear that hurting people and those who witness their hurting do not always speak and act with compassion, knowledge, and love during times of crisis. How do you encourage hurting people? How do you view yourself and God when you suffer?
Barry
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
The Problem of Suffering
DAY 159
3-3-10
JOB 1-4
Good Morning!
Job is a hard book to read. It’s a painful reminder that there is much pain and struggling in this world; and that the righteous and the unrighteous both suffer the same. It hurts to see so much cancer, poverty, and heartache. Physical and emotional illnesses; consequences from sin; and the realities of living in the sinful world touch everyone.
Since this reality has been around from the beginning, I believe the account of Job’s struggles was written to answer the timeless question of “why do good people suffer?” The common thinking of Job’s day is that suffering comes only to sinful people. Eliphaz spoke from the common thought of his day when he said, “Who, being innocent, has ever perished?”
One thing is certain, righteous living does keep a person from suffering some of the consequences of sins that can destroy health and life. However, there are some things that happen to us in this world simply because we live in it.
Job’s response at the beginning – “the Lord gave and the Lord has taken away” is not true if one believes that God caused the tragedies that befell Job. Those words are true if we view them as the response of a hurting, suffering man of God who is trying to make sense of it all. As we’ve read so far, when it seemed that Job had suffered more than he could bear, he said, “May the day of my birth perish.” Who could blame him for those words?
Be careful about how you view the relationship of faith; God; and human suffering. We’re going to see a good man and his God work out the problem of why good people suffer.
Barry
3-3-10
JOB 1-4
Good Morning!
Job is a hard book to read. It’s a painful reminder that there is much pain and struggling in this world; and that the righteous and the unrighteous both suffer the same. It hurts to see so much cancer, poverty, and heartache. Physical and emotional illnesses; consequences from sin; and the realities of living in the sinful world touch everyone.
Since this reality has been around from the beginning, I believe the account of Job’s struggles was written to answer the timeless question of “why do good people suffer?” The common thinking of Job’s day is that suffering comes only to sinful people. Eliphaz spoke from the common thought of his day when he said, “Who, being innocent, has ever perished?”
One thing is certain, righteous living does keep a person from suffering some of the consequences of sins that can destroy health and life. However, there are some things that happen to us in this world simply because we live in it.
Job’s response at the beginning – “the Lord gave and the Lord has taken away” is not true if one believes that God caused the tragedies that befell Job. Those words are true if we view them as the response of a hurting, suffering man of God who is trying to make sense of it all. As we’ve read so far, when it seemed that Job had suffered more than he could bear, he said, “May the day of my birth perish.” Who could blame him for those words?
Be careful about how you view the relationship of faith; God; and human suffering. We’re going to see a good man and his God work out the problem of why good people suffer.
Barry
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
“Helping Ministries” are Evangelistic
DAY 158
3-2-10
ESTHER 8-10
Good Morning!
King Xerxes made it official…it was legal to be a Jew. In fact, it was made legal for the Jews to protect themselves. Because of his faith and integrity, Mordecai was promoted to second in charge. Just like Joseph and Daniel, God blesses those who serve him in the most challenging circumstances.
Two important things came out of this victory over evil Haman. First, “many people of other nationalities became Jews because fear of the Jews had seized them (8:17). Standing up for faith with courage and integrity brings honor to God and opens hearts his gospel of salvation.
Second, Mordecai was “held in high esteem by his many fellow Jews, because he worked for the good of his people and spoke up for the welfare of all the Jews” (10:3). Unselfishly working to help other people opens the hearts and minds of those being helped. Being held in high esteem is another way to bring glory to God.
Hold on to your faith and godly integrity. Fight for those who are oppressed as a faithful Christian. It will bring glory to God and it is evangelistic too.
Barry
3-2-10
ESTHER 8-10
Good Morning!
King Xerxes made it official…it was legal to be a Jew. In fact, it was made legal for the Jews to protect themselves. Because of his faith and integrity, Mordecai was promoted to second in charge. Just like Joseph and Daniel, God blesses those who serve him in the most challenging circumstances.
Two important things came out of this victory over evil Haman. First, “many people of other nationalities became Jews because fear of the Jews had seized them (8:17). Standing up for faith with courage and integrity brings honor to God and opens hearts his gospel of salvation.
Second, Mordecai was “held in high esteem by his many fellow Jews, because he worked for the good of his people and spoke up for the welfare of all the Jews” (10:3). Unselfishly working to help other people opens the hearts and minds of those being helped. Being held in high esteem is another way to bring glory to God.
Hold on to your faith and godly integrity. Fight for those who are oppressed as a faithful Christian. It will bring glory to God and it is evangelistic too.
Barry
Monday, March 1, 2010
If I Perish, I Perish
DAY 157
3-1-10
ESTHER 4-7
Good Morning!
I love the book of Esther. It reads like a short novel that is filled with intrigue; a beautiful queen; a noble man; a powerful king; and an evil nemesis.
I am so impressed with the courage of Esther. She has no regard for her life. She knows that she is going to die either at the hand of Haman’s murderers; or die because she presents herself before the king without an invitation. So, if death is her lot, she chose to do the right thing and tried to save the lives of her people. It’s too bad that the book of Esther is usually reserved for woman’s Bible studies, because it has a powerful word to all believers in God who need to be more courageous in accepting difficult challenges from God.
Esther 4:14 & 16 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" “I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”
The book of Esther is also a story of exquisite irony. Evil, hideous, Haman plots to kill the Jews because of his pride and his rage at a man of God who would not bow to him. I laugh when I read that he is forced to honor his enemy, Mordecai the Jew, after thinking he was going to be the one who was honored. I even smile (forgive me) when he is hanged on the gallows he built in his own front yard for Mordecai. How ironic! You can't make this stuff up! Who says that nice guys and men of God finish last!? God always blesses faith and strength. Even if Mordecai and Esther had been killed, they would have died in the name of the Lord.
Esther and Mordecai had the faith to stand up for right and for the innocent; and therefore stood up for God.
Barry
3-1-10
ESTHER 4-7
Good Morning!
I love the book of Esther. It reads like a short novel that is filled with intrigue; a beautiful queen; a noble man; a powerful king; and an evil nemesis.
I am so impressed with the courage of Esther. She has no regard for her life. She knows that she is going to die either at the hand of Haman’s murderers; or die because she presents herself before the king without an invitation. So, if death is her lot, she chose to do the right thing and tried to save the lives of her people. It’s too bad that the book of Esther is usually reserved for woman’s Bible studies, because it has a powerful word to all believers in God who need to be more courageous in accepting difficult challenges from God.
Esther 4:14 & 16 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" “I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”
The book of Esther is also a story of exquisite irony. Evil, hideous, Haman plots to kill the Jews because of his pride and his rage at a man of God who would not bow to him. I laugh when I read that he is forced to honor his enemy, Mordecai the Jew, after thinking he was going to be the one who was honored. I even smile (forgive me) when he is hanged on the gallows he built in his own front yard for Mordecai. How ironic! You can't make this stuff up! Who says that nice guys and men of God finish last!? God always blesses faith and strength. Even if Mordecai and Esther had been killed, they would have died in the name of the Lord.
Esther and Mordecai had the faith to stand up for right and for the innocent; and therefore stood up for God.
Barry
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