Wednesday Thought -- October 31, 2012

Good Morning Friends,

The devil is good at twisting scriptures.  Sometimes he uses only those portions of scripture that say what he wants said.  When Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness, he quoted scripture.  In one temptation, Satan said to Jesus, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down.  For it is written:  ‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” (Matthew 4:6)

That’s a quotation from Psalm 91:  “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” (Psalm 91:11-12)

What Satan didn’t mention was the next verse.  “You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.” (Psalm 91:13)

Jesus didn’t give in to the temptation to test God by jumping off the highest point of the temple.  But He did fulfill the next verse.  He did tread on the lion who seeks to devour us, Satan himself. (1 Peter 5:8)  And He did trample the serpent, Satan, the deceiver!

Don’t believe Satan, for he is the father of lies.  But you can trust the word of the Father.  He’ll see that it comes true.

His, by Grace,

Steve

Tuesday Thought -- October 30, 2012

Good Morning Friends,

“Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations.  Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.  You turn men back to dust, saying, ‘Return to dust, O sons of men.’  For a thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night.” (Psalm 90:1-4)

Have you ever considered how long God has been around?  He loved your great-grandfather and offered salvation to him.  My great-grandfather was a war baby.  He was born shortly after the war ended – the Civil War.  And God was around then, loving him and offering salvation to him.  When your mother was born, God was there watching, pleased that a new child had entered His world.  And long before your family even had a name, God was there and knew the generations that would come.

When John Hancock put his name on the Declaration of Independence, and He knew then what this nation would become.  When Orville and Wilbur first lifted off in flight, God was there, and knew jet planes would follow soon!

He watched with pleasure as Paul slept in the Roman prison, knowing there was a servant who would be faithful even unto death.  He wept with David’s first glance over toward Bathsheba’s house, knowing what sin David’s desire would birth.

For generation after generation, God has been there, never changing, ever loving, ever wooing men and women into relationship with Himself.  And all the time, He was God, Almighty, invincible, eternal, King of all creation and all time.

And forever, He’ll still be there.  And He’ll still love you!

His, by Grace,

Steve

Monday Thought -- October 29, 2012

Good Morning Friends,

“For who in the skies above can compare with the LORD?  Who is like the LORD among the heavenly beings?  In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared; he is more awesome than all who surround him.  O LORD God Almighty, who is like you?  You are mighty, O LORD, and your faithfulness surrounds you.  You rule over the surging sea; when its waves mount up, you still them.  You crushed Rahab like one of the slain; with your strong arm you scattered your enemies.  The heavens are yours, and yours also the earth; you founded the world and all that is in it.  You created the north and the south; Tabor and Hermon sing for joy at your name.  Your arm is endued with power; your hand is strong, your right hand exalted.  Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.  Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O LORD.” (Psalm 89:6-15)

There is no one like God!  He is held in reverence among the heavenly beings.  He alone controls the sea and its waves, no one else can even try.  The heavens belong to God.  He set the seasons.  He designed the weather patterns.  He controls the sun and the stars.

We may study all of these things and we may learn a great deal about them, but no one can control them, no one except God.

The earth, too, belongs to God.  We can predict earthquakes, sometimes, but we cannot stop them or reroute them.  We can track tornados and other storms, but we can’t divert them from the path God has set them on.  All the forces of the earth are in God’s control, no one else’s.

And what is the One who controls heaven, earth, and sea known for?  Power.  Strength.  Righteousness.  Justice.  Love.  Faithfulness.  These are His unchanging characteristics.  His power, strength, and authority are enough for us to fear Him.  His righteousness, justice, love, and faithfulness are more than enough to make us love Him and seek His presence.

His, by Grace,

Steve

Friday Thought -- October 26, 2012

Good Morning Friends,

“Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.  I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever.  For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths of the grave.” (Psalm 86:11-13)

An undivided heart is one that does not waver in its focus on and commitment to God.  That was David’s prayer, and it certainly matched God’s desire for him.

The enticement away from an undivided heart was strong in David’s life, even as it is in ours, too.  David struggled with selfishness just like we do.  When his heart was focused on his own needs and desires, it was not fully focused on God.

Paul described the journey toward an undivided heart in this way, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.  The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

Paul describes a radical process, putting to death my own needs, desires, and will in order to be fully devoted to God.

That was David’s prayer.  It should be our prayer, too.

His, by Grace,

Steve

Thursday Thought -- October 25, 2012

Good Morning Friends,

“How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD Almighty!  My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.  Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young -- a place near your altar, O LORD Almighty, my King and my God.  Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you.” (Psalm 84:1-4)

There are many struggles in this life.  What we go through is often difficult.  Often, we are not comfortable.  Sin has marred the landscape around us and deeply affected the world and our lives.  Disease brings pain and discomfort.  Aging brings aches and frustrations to us and those we love.  Life is not always easy.  Life is not often easy!

But here’s a thought from the Psalmist to keep us going:  we’re not home, yet!  God’s dwelling place is lovely.  It is the home we seek and wait for.

Paul said, “But our citizenship is in heaven.” (Philippians 3:20)  We’re just visitors here in this world, our true homeland awaits in eternity.

David was confident, “I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” (Psalm 23:6)  That is God’s promise to those who trust Him.

When life gets tough, remember:  you’re not home, yet!

His, by Grace,

Steve

Wednesday Thought -- October 24, 2012

Good Morning Friends,

“Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.  Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” (Psalm 82:3-4)

The heart of God can be seen in the ministry of Jesus.  Matthew says of Jesus’ ministry:  “Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.  When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.  Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.’” (Matthew 9:35-37)

Jesus saw the needs of the people around Him, He had compassion on them, and He moved to meet their needs.  He saw their physical needs and met them.  He saw their spiritual needs and met them, too.

The church reflects the heart of God when we model our actions after those of Jesus.  We are to see the physical needs of the people around us and move to meet them, as God supplies the resources.  We are to we see the spiritual needs of them, too, and move with the Gospel to meet them.

The Psalmist challenges us to look for the weak and the needy – and to move to rescue them.

See the crowds and their needs.  Move to meet them as God provides.

His, by Grace,

Steve

Tuesday Thought -- October 23, 2012

Good Morning Friends,

“But my people would not listen to me; Israel would not submit to me.  So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices.  If my people would but listen to me, if Israel would follow my ways, how quickly would I subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes!” (Psalm 81:11-14)

God is looking for a people who will listen to Him and walk according to His direction.

Israel failed in that.  They were rebellious.  They heard the direction God gave and they chose to follow their own way instead.  They were stubborn.  When God disciplined them to bring them back to Him it took them a long time, often multiple generations, to pay attention and turn back.

The sad truth is that it was to Israel’s harm that they chose not to follow God.  If only they had listened to God they would have found even greater blessings from Him.  God’s direction was not arbitrary.  His will was not harmful to His people.

How much like Israel are Christians today?  God is still looking for a people who will listen to Him and walk in His direction.  Like Israel, are we rebellious?  Like Israel, do we chose to ignore God’s direction and follow our own?  Like Israel, are we stubborn, even in the face of God’s discipline?  Are you rebellious and stubborn before God?

When will we learn that God’s direction and will are not for our harm, but for our good?  When will we learn that greater blessings await us when we listen to Him?

His, by Grace,

Steve

Monday Thought -- October 22, 2012

Good Morning Friends,

“Rise up, O God, and defend your cause; remember how fools mock you all day long.  Do not ignore the clamor of your adversaries, the uproar of your enemies, which rises continually.” (Psalm 74:22-23)

We live in an increasingly secular society.  An increasing percentage of the people around us don’t even consider God or His will.  They think they understand life and what is right and what is wrong.  They’ve determined it for themselves and they don’t need an ancient book or an invisible God to tell them what to do.

Just like the Psalmist, there are many times when I wish God would rise up and defend His cause.

I grow tired of being in the minority.  A few years ago I testified before a government body that was considering a moral issue.  It’s an issue that God has spoken so very clearly about.  But out of the 26 people that I heard speak in that hearing, I was one of only four that spoke with words consistent with the Bible.  Oh, several others invoked God’s name and claimed to understand His will, but they spoke in ways clearly contradictory to what He has revealed about His will in the Bible.

I wish God would rise up and defend Himself!  Let God silence those who purport to speak His will without listening to what He has said.  Let Him silence those who would ignore Him and proclaim that His Word is wrong.

I wish God would rise up and defend Himself.

And He will!  He waits only because of His own patience and His desire to see more people turn to Him of their own free will.  As Peter declared, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.  He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.  But the day of the Lord will come like a thief.  The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.” (2 Peter 3:9-10)

I’m waiting!

Steve

Friday Thought -- October 19, 2012

Good Morning Friends,

“Whom have I in heaven but you?  And earth has nothing I desire besides you.  My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:25-26)

What is it about heaven that you most long for?

There are many things about heaven that will be marvelous.  The book of Revelation paints a picture of heaven that delights us.  It speaks of heaven as a place of no tears, no death, no mourning, no pain.  There will be walls of jasper, streets of gold, gates of pearl and the adornment of beautiful jewels.  There is a river of the water of life and the tree of life.  It sounds grand.  And then there is the picture that Jesus drew in John 14 of a place with many mansions and a special place prepared just for us.  I do long to go there for all of those things and many more.  The angels, the singing, the glory of it all!

I also think about the loved ones that I already know are in heaven.  I so look forward to seeing them again and to experiencing an eternity with them.

But there is one overriding thing about heaven that caused the Psalmist’s heart to long for it the most.  It’s the thing about heaven that we should long for the most, too.  It is the presence of God Himself and of Jesus that should most thrill our hearts about heaven.  “Whom have I in heaven but you?”  Everything else about heaven pales when compared to fact that God will there!

Now switch your focus to earth.  What is about earth that is you desire the most?

Is it wealth?  Is it comfort?  Is it excitement?  Is it power?  Is it acclaim?  Is it rest?  Is it accomplishment?

For the Psalmist, none of those was his deepest desire on earth.  His deepest on earth was also his greatest longing of heaven.  On earth, he most desired God.  Oh, to have that kind of single-minded focus!  It would simplify our lives and clarify our purpose.

To desire God more than anything or anyone -- that is to be our focus for eternity and a focus that starts now!

His, by Grace,

Steve

Thursday Thought -- October 18, 2012

Good Morning Friends,

Psalm 72 is a prayer of David for his son Solomon who was about to become king of Israel.  To read what David prayed for his son reveals a great deal about David’s heart.  Wealth, success, power, comfort -- these were not David’s prayers for Solomon.  David’s desire for Solomon was much greater than those temporary things and achievements.

David longed for Solomon to be characterized by the attributes of God -- justice and righteousness.  “Endow the king with your justice, O God, the royal son with your righteousness.” (Psalm 72:1)

David didn’t want to see Solomon’s rule be for his own benefit, but rather that Solomon’s kingship would benefit the afflicted and needy and bring justice to those who oppress.  “He will defend the afflicted among the people and save the children of the needy; he will crush the oppressor.” (Psalm 72:4)

David wanted to see the desperate come to his son knowing that Solomon would be on their side and come to their aid.  He wanted Solomon’s heart to be moved on behalf of those who cried out to him.  “For he will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help.  He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death.  He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in his sight.” (Psalm 72:12-14)

And David didn’t just want the people of Israel to benefit from Solomon’s reign.  David prayed that all of the nations of the world would benefit because Solomon sat on the throne in Jerusalem.  “All nations will be blessed through him, and they will call him blessed.” (Psalm 72:17)

And it was to God that David turned to pour out his heart for Solomon.  David knew that anything worthwhile that Solomon would accomplish would not come because of David’s influence on his son, or because of Solomon’s inherent goodness or wisdom.  Any good that Solomon would accomplish would only come through God’s work in his life.  “Praise be to the LORD God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds.  Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory.  Amen and Amen.” (Psalm 72:18-19)

I doubt that any of our children will sit on thrones or rule kingdoms, but may the prayers of our hearts for our children be marked by the same spirit that marked David’s prayers for Solomon.  Pray not for the blessings you want to see poured upon their lives, but for the blessings that God will pour on others through them!

In this election year, David’s prayers for Solomon are also good requests that we could make of God for those chosen to lead our country!

His, by Grace,

Steve

Wednesday Thought -- October 17, 2012

Good Morning Friends,

“But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.  My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure.  I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, O Sovereign LORD; I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone.  Since my youth, O God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.  Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come.” (Psalm 71:14-18)

The Psalmist told others about what God had done for him.  He was taught to do it as a youth and he intended to continue even when he was old and gray.  All of his life he told others about what God had done.

He wanted his own generation to know and he longed to tell the next generation, too.  He didn’t want the worship of God to die with him and those of his generation, he longed to see it passed on from generation to generation.

The Lord has entrusted that same responsibility to us.  No matter how young we are, we are not too young to begin telling others of His love and grace.  No matter how old we are, we are not at “retirement” age.  We are not past the time when we are expected to be involved in telling others.  From youth to old age, God would have us be involved in telling others of Him.  We are to tell our own generation and the next generation so that His message continues through the years.

The Psalmist knew God’s salvation, His righteousness, His mighty acts, His marvelous deeds, His power, and he told others.  We know those same things and have the same privilege and responsibility to tell others.

His, by Grace,

Steve

Tuesday Thought -- October 16, 2012

Good Morning Friends,

“Sing to God, sing praise to his name, extol him who rides on the clouds -- his name is the LORD -- and rejoice before him.  A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.  God sets the lonely in families, he leads forth the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.” (Psalm 68:4-6)

God is a Father, even to the fatherless.  Even to those whose fathers were never around.  Even to those whose fathers abused them.  He is the perfect Father:  strong, compassionate, forgiving, always acting in the best interest of His children.

God is a Husband to the widow.  He will never leave them.  He’ll never be taken away.  He’ll protect and guard and guide and always love.

God sets the lonely in families.  A family is what He has designed His church to be.  It’s not always a perfect family.  Actually, it never is, filled with humans, like you and me.  But it is a family of people who care, who support, who are there when you need them.

God sets the prisoners to song.  He is the great Liberator.  He can break every chain.  He can disarm every captor.  Sickness, death, alcohol, drugs, none of them is strong enough to overpower Him.  No captor can overpower the Lord or those who trust in Him.

But the rebellious, they miss the blessings of God.  It is those who trust Him who find Him a Father, a Husband, a Liberator.

His, by Grace,

Steve

Monday Thought -- October 15, 2012

Good Morning Friends,

“You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance.  The grasslands of the desert overflow; the hills are clothed with gladness.  The meadows are covered with flocks and the valleys are mantled with grain; they shout for joy and sing.” (Psalm 65:11-13)

David knew he had a lot for which to be thankful.  He owed a debt of gratitude to God, and he expressed his thanks in song and poem.  Every direction David looked he saw more evidence of God’s blessings in his life.  There was an abundance in his life that God had provided.

Can you see the same thing that David saw?  Can you see the blessings that God has provided in your life?  Look in all directions with an eye to see what God has done for you.

See the salvation He has provided at great cost to Himself.

See the family around you.

See the church of people who care about what happens to you.

See the material possessions you own, far more than the vast majority of the world’s people.

Look and see the blessings.  Count them.  And give thanks to the One to whom it is due.

“You crown the year with your bounty!!”  Thank You, Father!

His, by Grace,

Steve

Friday Thought -- October 12, 2012

Good Morning Friends,

Sometimes David’s psalms challenge me and cause me to examine how my own relationship with God compares to his.  Does my relationship with God have the same intensity that David’s had?  Do I have the same kind of experience with God that David had?

“O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.  I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory.  Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.  I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.  My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.  On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.  Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.  My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.” (Psalm 63:1-8)

Do you earnestly seek God as though you were dying of thirst?

Have you seen His power and glory in worship?

Do you sincerely believe His love is better than life?

Are you free enough in worship to lift your hands to Him?

Does God satisfy your soul?

Do you sing to God?  Not just follow the order of worship, but really sing to Him?

When you wake in the night are your thoughts of Him?

Do you cling to Him as though life would not be worth living without Him?

I’m not there yet, but I long for a relationship like that with God.  I’m committed to doing those things that will help move me more and more toward the kind of relationship with God that David experienced and that God wants for me, too.  Are you?

His, by Grace,

Steve

Thursday Thought -- October 11, 2012

Good Morning Friends,

“My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him.  He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.  ... Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.  He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.  My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.  Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.  Selah ... One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that you, O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord, are loving.” (Psalm 62:1-2, 5-8, 11-12)

Rest!  Sounds good, doesn’t it.  Life is so hectic and so complicated.  It is filled with tension and troubles.  Where is rest?

Jesus offered it!  He promised, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

But my life is just too busy and too filled with difficult things that I have to deal with for me to find rest.  Why doesn’t God give what He promised?

David’s life provides a clue.  David’s life was not any simpler than mine, he ruled a nation.  And David’s life was not less troubled than mine.  He was pursued by Saul.  He was betrayed by his son.  He faced armies of opposition.  His daughter was raped by a half-brother.  Those are just a few of the troubles he faced, all much larger than any troubles I face.

Yet he said he was at rest.  How?  He remembered two things:  God is strong and God loved him.

For us, rest will come from the same things.  Not from a trouble-free life.  Not from a simplified life.  But from a life that knows and trusts God’s power and love.

His, by Grace,

Steve

Wednesday Thought -- October 10, 2012

Good Morning Friends,

“Be merciful to me, O God, for men hotly pursue me; all day long they press their attack.” (Psalm 56:1)

David was being pursued by his enemies.  He was under attack, this time by the Philistines.  They had the power to do great harm to David.  They could have diminished the control he had over the people of his kingdom.  They could have removed him from his throne.  They could have destroyed his family.  They could have ended his life.

David had reason to be afraid of them!  Instead, he chose not to be afraid.  He chose to trust the One who had the power to rescue him from those who opposed him.

“When I am afraid, I will trust in you.  In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid.  What can mortal man do to me?” (Psalm 56:3-4)

And for emphasis, he repeated himself later in the psalm.

“In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise -- in God I trust; I will not be afraid.  What can man do to me?” (Psalm 56:10-11)

David isn’t the only one who has faced opposition from others.  Fellow employees and supervisors at work can be against us and out to do us harm.  Government officials can oppose what we want to do, sometimes unreasonably and unfairly.  Neighbors can be belligerent and seek their own way at our expense.  Family members can try to treat us in ways that are to our harm and to their advantage.

There are times when we have reason to be afraid!  Instead, like David, choose not to be afraid.  Choose to trust the One who has the power to rescue you from those who oppose you.  Trust God and don’t be afraid.

His, by Grace,

Steve

Tuesday Thought -- October 9, 2012

Good Morning Friends,

Do you ever feel like your prayers are not getting through to God?  Do you feel like He isn’t listening?  David felt that same way at times.

“Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea; hear me and answer me.  My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught.” (Psalm 55:1-2)

But David didn’t give up praying despite the fact that sometimes it didn’t seem like his prayers were getting through to God.  Eventually it became apparent that God was listening.

“But I call to God, and the LORD saves me.  Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice.” (Psalm 55:16-17)

Here was David’s conclusion:  “Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.  ...  But as for me, I trust in you.” (Psalm 55:22-23)

It doesn’t always seem like God is listening and doesn’t always look like God is answering.  But He does care and He can be trusted.  It is a matter of trust -- a matter of faith.

Even when it seems like your prayers are not making it past the clouds, keep praying.  Trust that God is listening.  In the end, it will be clear that He was!

His, by Grace,

Steve

Monday Thought -- October 8, 2012

Good Morning Friends,

What does God see when He looks down at our world?

He sees many fools:  “A fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” (Psalm 53:1)  Many deny His existence, holding out their own intelligence in coming to that conclusion.  Instead, by denying there is a God they reveal their own foolishness.

“God looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.  Everyone has turned away, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.” (Psalm 53:2-3)

When God looks at the world, He sees that there are none who understand.  There are none who seek after Him.  There are none who are good.  All are corrupt and evil.  It is the universal condition of man.

And how does God respond?

Like Jesus when He looked over Jerusalem, God weeps with compassion.  But God’s actions do not end with His tears as though He is helpless to do anything.  While man does not seek God, God seeks man.  While all have turned away from Him, He pursues them to bring them back.  When no one understands, God reveals Himself in the clearest way possible, by becoming a man.  While no one is good, God still loves and responds with grace.

Remember, that’s how God has treated you!

You did not seek God, He sought you!

You turned away from Him, He pursued you to bring you back!

You didn’t understand, even though you probably thought you did, God revealed Himself to you!

There was nothing good about you, God still loved you and offered you His grace!

His, by Grace,

Steve

Friday Thought -- October 5, 2012

Good Morning Friends,

David sinned with Bathsheba and magnified his sin by dealing treacherously with her husband.  Then David tried to ignore his sin.  He didn’t want to deal with it.  He didn’t want to own it.  He didn’t want to admit it.

Haven’t you thought the same thing David did, “If I just ignore my sin, this feeling of guilt will go away after a while.”  But it didn’t for David, and it won’t for us!  The guilt continued to eat at David’s spirit until one day a prophet of God named Nathan came and exposed David’s sin.  It was the best thing that ever happened to David.  He could have continued to try to ignore the sin.  He could have had Nathan put to death.  But David chose the only way to really get away from his sin.  He stopped ignoring it, admitted it, and took it to God, and God wiped it away!  He wrote Psalm 51 after Nathan’s visit to express his heart to God.

“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.  Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.  For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.  Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge.” (Psalm 51:1-4)

He admitted his sin and cried out to God for mercy.

“Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.  Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:7, 10)

He asked for cleansing and a renewed spirit, a fresh start with God.

And God granted David’s request!

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” (Psalm 51:17)

David humbled himself before God in repentance and God forgave!  It was the only way he could ever get rid of his sin!  And the only way we can get rid of ours, too!

His, by Grace,

Steve

Thursday Thought -- October 4, 2012

Good Morning Friends,

“I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens, for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills.  I know every bird in the mountains, and the creatures of the field are mine.  If I were hungry I would not tell you, for the world is mine, and all that is in it.  Do I eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats?  Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.” (Psalm 50:9-15)

The offerings we bring to God are not brought because of His need.  God does not need the little we have.  He owns the world and all that is in it.  He still has the creative ability and power with which He made the world.  If God does have a need, He is capable of meeting it Himself.  He does not need to rely upon us.

So, why then do we give?

As an act of gratitude.  Our offerings are to be thank offerings that demonstrate our gratitude for what the Lord has done for us and what He has given to us.

To fulfill our vows to God.  Our offerings are to be an act of obedience in recognition of God’s ownership of all that we have.  We give because He has asked us to give.

To honor Him.  Our offerings are to be an expression of love and praise to God.

We give, not because of God’s need to receive, but because of our own need to give.

His, by Grace,

Steve

Wednesday Thought -- October 3, 2012

Good Morning Friends,

“No man can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for him -- the ransom for a life is costly, no payment is ever enough -- that he should live on forever and not see decay.” (Psalm 49:7-9)

“Do not be overawed when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases; for he will take nothing with him when he dies, his splendor will not descend with him.  Though while he lived he counted himself blessed -- and men praise you when you prosper -- he will join the generation of his fathers, who will never see the light [of life].  A man who has riches without understanding is like the beasts that perish.” (Psalm 49:16-20)

You cannot save yourself, it just can’t be done.  Try as hard as you will, your good works will not be enough to pay the ransom for your life.

You can give your money away in an attempt to purchase God’s favor, but no amount will cover the charge against you.  Bill Gates has enough money to buy anything this world offers.  But even his money will buy nothing from God.

Keep the law as perfectly as you can, it still won’t be enough.

“The ransom for a life is costly, no payment is ever enough.” (Psalm 49:8)

That is, no payment made by man is ever enough!  So what can be done?  I am hopeless!  “Who will rescue me from this body of death?” (Romans 7:24)

“Thanks be to God -- through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:25)

What I cannot do for myself.  What no man can do for himself or anyone else.  What money cannot buy.  What good works cannot earn.  What law-keeping cannot do.  Jesus has done for us.  Thanks be to God!

His, by Grace,

Steve

Tuesday Thought -- October 2, 2012

Good Morning Friends,

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.” (Psalm 46:1-3)

Where do you turn when your world falls apart?

The Psalmist knew the only place to turn where help, real help, could be found.  His advice was to turn to God.

When we turn to the Lord, even in the worst imaginable situations, we will find Him as a strong fortress of help and safety.  That doesn’t mean all the trouble will be taken away when we turn to Him.  Rather, it means that He will sustain us and see us through no matter what difficulties life brings.  Even through the “valley of the shadow of death” we'll find that God will walk with us.

So, what do you do when your world falls apart?

“Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

“The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” (Psalm 46:11)

His, by Grace,

Steve

Monday Thought -- October 1, 2012

Good Morning Friends,

“We have heard with our ears, O God; our fathers have told us what you did in their days, in days long ago.” (Psalm 44:1)

The story of God is as old as the history of man.  From the beginning men have been relaying to others the story of what God has done.  His works of the past are marvelous.

The dead have been raised to life again.  Remember Lazarus and Dorcas and Jesus!  God has conquered the worst enemy of man.  God has conquered death!

The sick have been healed.  Leprosy disappears.  The lame walk.  The blind see.  The deaf hear.  Miracles, all attributable to God.

Nature’s forces are harnessed.  At God’s word, the sun stood still.  At God’s word, the earth opened and swallowed wicked men.  At God’s word, the wind died and the waves calmed.  At God’s word, the earth shook.

Kings rose and kings fell, all because of God.  Kingdoms dissolved and armies were defeated, because of God.

People’s lives were changed.  Persecutors became preachers.  Prostitutes changed overnight.  Extortionists became philanthropists.

We have heard of the works of God of the past.  And now we cry with Habakkuk:  “LORD, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O LORD.  Renew them in our day, in our time make them known.” (Habakkuk 3:2)

We have heard of the works of God of the past.  God, let us see them again!!!  Let us see them in our own lives!

His, by Grace,

Steve