Wait With Confidence

How do you wait?  Do you watch the clock, or tap your foot, or twiddle your thumbs?  David wrote, "I waited patiently and expectantly for the LORD." (Psalm 40:1a).  The Hebrew verb "to wait" expresses a confident trust or faith in the Lord. We can track a package with a guaranteed delivery - see it is shipped and out for delivery - but we do not track God: we trust God. David waited patiently with confidence, knowing for certain his salvation comes only from Almighty God. He knew it is the Lord Who sets his feet upon a rock and steadies his footsteps and establishes his path (V.2).  Furthermore, waiting with such confidence in God "many will see and fear and will trust confidently in the Lord." (V.3b).  A personal confidence produces a personal testimony!  Is this how you are waiting?

Change A Day

Peanut butter isn't the only thing that spreads easily -- joy also is easily spread!  I recall one birthday morning years ago when my heart was so heavy at daybreak I didn't feel I could drag it out of bed.  But the sun came up, birds began to sing, and friends did what friends do: phone calls, cards, hugs, visits, gifts, smiles, e-cards, e-mails.  Before long I couldn't remember why my heart was so heavy. The Children of Israel used perfume and incense to worship God.  The aroma was so pleasing to The Father that He gave specific instructions on its use during worship.  Proverbs 27:9 says, "Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart ..."  I just can't think of anything more pleasing to my heart and spirit than the ministries of friends.  The fragrance of loving friends changes everything.  God has given me many and they bless
me in countless ways; He expects me in turn to befriend and bless others. Are you using your gifts in ministry to bring joy to others?  If not, think back to when you opened your mailbox to find a note of encouragement, or a phone call when your heart needed the sound of a caring voice.  Those otherwise small touches minister in big ways.  God uses people just like you and me to change the hearts and spirits of others.  Such simple things we do that count for eternity.  Do what a friend does -- change a day for someone … and do it today!

Spiritual Roots

The rainy summer caused many hearty-looking trees to topple during storms. It's sad to see huge, trusty shade trees lying on the ground. In the beauty of the morning, the LORD spoke to me about how easy it is to acknowledge God in the quiet beauty yet how hard it is to submit to Him in daily matters. It's a form of an "easy-believism" mindset, which is mere intellect. Yes, indeed, the call of and submission to the Gospel of Christ is simple but it is way more than an intellectual decision. Those who genuinely experience Salvation will see It prove Itself in faith and works. Think about it: how many otherwise little decision did you make yesterday without considering God? Personally, I don't care to think about it! You see, Salvation not only saves us from guilt of sin, It saves us from sin's power over us. "... continue to work out your salvation [that is, cultivate it, bring it to full effect, actively pursue spiritual maturity] with awe-inspired fear and trembling." (Philippians 2:12, AMP). That daily working out Salvation - not working for - allows our acknowledgement of God's gift to be unwrapped in our daily lives. For sure, it's not easy; nonetheless, every time we submit to Christ's Lordship in our lives, deeper-and-deeper go the spiritual roots! The result is a faith that withstands the rains-winds-storms of life!  Are you putting down roots?

The Realist

A realist is often mistaken for a pessimist: he doesn't necessarily want to "rain on your parade," he just wants us to see things as they really are. Hear what the Puritan wrote about God: "All nations are nothing before Thee; one generation succeeds another, and we hasten back to the dust; the heavens we behold will vanish away like the clouds that cover them, the earth we tread on will dissolve as a a morning dream." We find ourselves betwixt the joyful beauty of this world and its wickedness. As I sat on the front porch this morning, my mind and heart were drawn to the beauty of God's creation yet the realism of life here on earth. As Believers, we live with and in great hope: "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away." (Matthew 24:35). The Puritan prayed, "But Thou, unchangeable and incorruptible, art for ever and ever, God over all, blessed eternally. Infinitely great and glorious art Thou ... May Thy Holy Scriptures govern every part of our lives."  That which shall not pass away - that which endures forever, beyond this present world. Let us live in this Truth - be a realist.

Real Trust

Most would agree knowing and doing are two very different things. To agree with the psalmist in saying, "for in Thee do I put my trust" (Psalm 16:1b) then move forward in the purest of confidence, well ... there's often hesitation. That forward movement makes real - or not so real - just how trusting we are. If we say we believe but hesitate, there is present a heart divided - one of belief and unbelief - and therein is hypocrisy. The grieving father of a demon-possessed son puts forth a model prayer for each of us: "Lord, I believe - help my unbelief." (Mark 9:24b). Lord, help me to believe beyond the words I speak, to walk fully and completely in the trust I profess! Let us not hesitate to genuinely trust the One in Whom we trust.

Day after Day after Day ...

What's on your agenda this week? It's a topic for Mr Bill and I each Sunday. I'm so thankful for my online calendar! David asks God who is able to be His guest and dwell continually with Him.  "He who walks with integrity and strength of character, and works righteousness, and speaks and holds truth in his heart." (Psalm 15:2). Believers are commanded to be holy (1 Peter 1:15-16) and God gives us the power to become holy (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17). Guess what? It's not something we [randomly or casually] add to our calendar! The perfections of Jesus Christ - integrity and strength of character, righteousness, truth - must be the desired perfections and passions of every Christian. This process of becoming personally holy - sanctification - is to be a steady-committed daily pursuit day after day after day after day after day after day after day ... And may it ever be so!

Don't Delay - Begin Today

How many times have we witnessed the backside of an opportunity – a moment passed, never to be regained.  I recall only two times - after praying for them - when God granted me a do-over of a missed opportunity. I'm sure you'll agree those times are rare indeed!  Each day is full of opportunities to do things that outlive us - things eternal in nature.  Can't think of any? Choose from the list below; choose one or do them all.  Most importantly, don't delay - begin today!

Mend a quarrel.

Search out a forgotten friend.

Dismiss a suspicion and replace it with trust.
Write a letter to someone who misses you.
Encourage a youth who has lost his or her faith.

Keep a promise.

Forget an old grudge.

Examine your demands on others.
Fight for a principle.

Express your gratitude.

Overcome an old fear.

Take time to appreciate the beauty of nature. Give God the praise.

Tell someone you love them. Tell them again, and again, and again.
(Author Unknown)

Assume One Thing

It's funny - those phrases I heard as a child; one such phrase Aunt Sue used to describe someone who was assuming too many things: she'd say, "she's got too big for her britches." Oh, how I miss Aunt Sue! In Chapter 8, the psalmist praises God for His majesty and excellent Name; he also addresses man whom God "crowned with glory and honor" and gave rule over God's creation. What an honor! In our fallen state (sinfulness), however, we're profoundly impaired to care for it rightly. To further complicate matters, we've turned away from The Creator of it all, assuming we know better than He Who created it. Yes, Aunt Sue, too big for our britches. Hurricane Florence, for example, [then] reminds us of the unleashed power of nature which is only a blip of The Creator's power. Makes me wonder how long - just how long - we will refrain from joining the psalmist, "O LORD, our Lord, how majestic and glorious and excellent is Your Name in all the earth!" (Psalm 8:1, 9). Let us assume one thing alone: the Greatness of the LORD our Lord!

Soul State

As Americans, we are familiar with a yearly "State of the Union" address from the president.  As Christians, it is good we consider the state of the soul. Scripture tells us, "It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord" (Lamentations 3:26), and "Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from Him cometh my salvation" (Psalm 62:1). How can it be - this tranquil eye of life's hurricanes? For sure, such peace and calm are not self-manufactured! No, it comes from a settled soul, one which is sourced solely in The Calm One - Christ Jesus. Colossians 3:3 says the Christian is "hidden with Christ in God." Shielded. Safe. Secure. The spiritual reality is, "peace is the divine order, in whatever state we may be." (Francois de la Mothe Fenelon). May such peace be the true state of our souls.

Not so in haste, my heart - Have faith in God, and wait

Although He linger long - He never comes too late. (Anon)

#1

The year I married was the summer "Jaws" hit the movie screens across America. I remember - on our honeymoon - standing in knee-deep water paralyzed, looking for sharks!  Zephaniah wrote of coming judgment to Jerusalem and the nations for their resistance to obey God: "Woe to her who is rebellious and defiled ... She did not listen and heed the voice of God; she accepted no correction. She did not trust in the LORD; she did not draw near to her God." (Zephaniah 3:1a-2). How interesting [and shameful] when we know God is all He says He is yet refuse to move forward - rather, stand paralyzed in fear. As Believers - and, that IS what we call ourselves - we simply do not have the right!  Fear of failure - even repeated failure - is a ruse of Satan. I'm sad to say I didn't enjoy the ocean that summer; my fear ruled me.  Let us never live paralyzed but [instead] always be moving forward in firm belief God strengthens us and [also] knows and forgives any weakness that may "take us by surprise." (Jean Nicolas Grou). A genuine longing to please Him is #1.

God's Kingdom

How many times have we recited [what is called] "The Lord's Prayer" without giving serious thought to its words!  When we pray "Thy kingdom come," is that truly our heart's deepest desire?  If we do not wish it to be, then we should not pray for it!  God's kingdom [of immense treasures] are not somehow mystically called down by mere words. More is required than just praying it, just saying the words.  God's Kingdom comes to those who pursue it: "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33).  What things is Jesus referring to?  The things that trouble us, make us anxious, lure us into fanciful pursuits, things that draw us away from God.  God's kingdom - that for which we are to seek after - is one of established peace, immeasurable power and boundless love. Who wouldn't pray for these things!  May His kingdom be our desire and our pursuit so that His kingdom will be our greatest and most satisfying treasure!

True Trust

How many times have you said or thought this: "I trust the Lord, but ..."  The four-word phrase at the beginning is plundered by the single word at the end - "but."  Spiritually speaking, there's no such thing as partially (kinda-sorta) trusting God. Once again on-the-run, David writes in Psalm 3 of his countless enemies and God's protection: "With my voice I was crying to the LORD, and He answered me from His holy mountain. I lay down and slept; I awakened, for the LORD sustains me." (Psalm 3:4-5). We tend to think of enemies as what we can see and touch and even identify [perhaps by name], and I'm sure David could. However, the most common enemies we face are fear, anger, depression, worry, bitterness, sorrow, frustration - enemies unseen. These enemies cause us to lose sleep and appetite and withdraw socially. David's trust, however, was so deep and genuine, he says he safely and soundly slept because he knew Who sustains him. That [seems to me to be] true trust. Are you truly trusting?

The Approach

Don't you appreciate people who are approachable? There's no apprehension or hesitation about entering their presence. I've often imagined how it must have been for Adam and Eve in the garden before sin, and the unrestrained fellowship with God. The courtyard of the Old Testament Tabernacle was a place of approach. It was there where the Israelite stood before the Bronze Altar to acknowledge his-her sin and make sacrifice (payment) for it. Figuratively, it represented sin - the separating factor between man and God's Presence. Years later outside of Jerusalem, Jesus offered Himself as The once-for-all Sacrifice, satisfying man's sin-debt! Our God is approachable yet with condition: "Who may ascend onto the mountain of the LORD? And who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart ..." (Psalm 24:3-4a). Our approach is often neglected and genuine fellowship forfeited. Let us carefully consider our approach to the King of Glory! The right approach has immeasurable rewards!

Living in Day

Not sure if you've noticed, but we live in a you-owe-me and take-what-is-mine society. My Mama summed it up like this: "My name's little Jimmie and I take all you gimme." Last night, my Pastor taught us from Jesus' words: "In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets." (Matthew 7:12). Many of us, as children, learned this as "The Golden Rule." Is this even taught anymore? Although holy living is certainly present [and good] in the Christian's life, Jesus isn't teaching morality in this verse. No, rather, He is referring [back] to things He put forth in the first eleven verses of the chapter: make brotherly love your standard for living. The very concept of extending love to others opposes an attitude focused on me-myself-I. And, so goes "The Golden Rule." Romans 13:8 reveals what is truly owed: "Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law." Can you even imagine how improved our society would be when each human being paid up his-her true debt: love one another. Let us find the Joy of Christ Jesus paying our debt to others.  Live in debt!

Good To Remember

It's a fairly common subject to joke about - the "older brain," which tends to be unable to remember things. Well, I suggest this isn't a problem solely among the aging!  Too often we (Christians) forget what we once were before Christ saved us!  Paul reminded his readers of his past: "For I am the least of the apostles, and not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God." (1 Corinthians 15:9). No one cares to think of what we were before Christ; and, I'm not talking about old pictures of bouffant hair and polyester pants. I'm referring to our former spiritually sinful condition: sin-sick, undone, hopeless, dead. Paul continues, "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain ..." (V.10). Paul wasn't thinking too highly of or taking the credit for his new condition; no, he was rejoicing in and crediting who he is now to the good Grace of Jesus Christ. You see, through the process of remembering, Paul's joy was intensified! Let us never forget who we once were [before Christ] so that we can delightfully remember who we are in Christ! Really, it's good to remember.

Ever Completely Whatever

A partially filled glass of water - do you see it as half-full or half-empty? Now, that's a probing question!  God is never "half" anything - He is ever

completely

gracious, ever

completely

loving, ever

completely

kind, ever

completely

merciful ... ever

completely

whatever.  If we

could measure these things and we used man's application of these things, we'd be in a deep-and-wide heap a

'trouble. Psalm 36 and 37 plainly lays out the wickedness of men and the [contrasting] lovingkindness of God as well as their present-and-pending consequences and rewards. "Your lovingkindness, O LORD, extends to the heavens, Your faithfulness reaches the skies." (Psalm 36:5). It's David's way of saying there is no measure of what and how God is; all that He is, is ever fully and completely: fully perfect - fully whole. There is no limited or half anything with God.  Quite simply, He is ever completely whatever!

Kiss the Son

Really, is there anything sweeter than a kiss? Shh - don't tell Mr Bill - but I'm pretty sure I love kisses from the Grands best.  In Psalm 2, David speaks of surrounding nations which threaten his earthly kingdom and rightful heirs to Israel's throne: "Why are the nations in an uproar [in turmoil against God], and why do the people devise a vain and hopeless plot?" (Psalm 2:1). His quandary, of course, goes much deeper!  The Davidic kingdom [we know] is a mere shadow of the Kingdom and King yet to come - the Messiah, the Christ. The assault of evil against David and his kingdom is similar to the hostile days in which we live [today]. At every turn, it seems, true Christianity is found on the public chopping block and fair game for mockery and disqualification. Let us be encouraged: God says, "I have anointed and firmly installed My King ... Worship the LORD and serve Him with reverence ... Rejoice with trembling ... Kiss the Son ... How blessed are all those who take refuge in Him." (V.6, 10, 11, 12). Everyone is presented with a clear choice now.  The present and eternal spiritual blessings and prosperity must keep us faithful.  Make it a way of life: Kiss The Son!