You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
--- Psalm 23:5 (CSB)
These blessings fit well with King David, but can I apply them to me? God gave him a kingdom, to be seen by all those who hated him. I'm not oppressed by unbelievers (enemies), but some fellow-Christians don't think much of me. Yet God shows me each day how much he cares. Maybe it isn't so much that the "enemy" sees me, but rather the fact that God provides for me in a way that my oppressors cannot subvert.
In Old Testament times anointing with oil was used to initiate and recognize kings and priests. In the New Testament oil was identified with healing, as well as preparation for death. I've not been put into any religious position of authority, and I don't think I'm near death, having just survived open heart surgery. But it seems like God has "anointed" me, because I truly don't deserve the blessings he has bestowed.
David stated that he has received much more than he expected (cup overflowing). My cup is sufficient, but I could use some overflowing. But I realize that God has reasons beyond my knowledge for why I'm not getting everything I want. I am reminded regularly that he has given me each day what I need, and, sometimes, oftentimes, I receive an unexpected blessing. My stewardship, though, could use some work.
Lord, like the psalmist, help me to see how well you take care of those who trust in you. Forgive me when I don't act like I trust in you. Your love is sufficient --- and overflowing! Amen
Monday, November 18, 2019
Saturday, November 16, 2019
The Kiss of Death
We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, concerning those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who have no hope.
--- 1 Thessalonians 4:13 (CSB)
I have a friend who just lost his brother to ALS at age 54. We had just talked about the situation several days earlier. My friends family were in conflict. The mother and others didn't want the young man to die, even though the disease was at the stage where no recovery was possible. But my friend only wanted his brother to be relieved from his suffering.
The Apostle Paul wrote about the anticipated return of Christ and what would happen with the deceased, as well as those still alive. He gives God's promise that they all would be cared for and would ultimately spend eternity with the living Savior. The ALS victim had professed faith in Christ, so my friend could freely encourage his brother to "go be with the Lord."
Funerals are more for the living than the dead. We should not feel badly for the poor soul who went on, because he or she are now being comforted by the one who made them. We mourn the loss of the loved one, because we can no longer enjoy their company. There are some, however, who will not mourn the loss, because the deceased was not a good person, not a caring family member, or may even had led a life of crime. God sorts all of these things out. He has a plan, and his plan is perfect.
O Lord, even though I don't fully understand the future following death, help me to trust in your perfect plan and your everlasting love. Amen
--- 1 Thessalonians 4:13 (CSB)
I have a friend who just lost his brother to ALS at age 54. We had just talked about the situation several days earlier. My friends family were in conflict. The mother and others didn't want the young man to die, even though the disease was at the stage where no recovery was possible. But my friend only wanted his brother to be relieved from his suffering.
The Apostle Paul wrote about the anticipated return of Christ and what would happen with the deceased, as well as those still alive. He gives God's promise that they all would be cared for and would ultimately spend eternity with the living Savior. The ALS victim had professed faith in Christ, so my friend could freely encourage his brother to "go be with the Lord."
Funerals are more for the living than the dead. We should not feel badly for the poor soul who went on, because he or she are now being comforted by the one who made them. We mourn the loss of the loved one, because we can no longer enjoy their company. There are some, however, who will not mourn the loss, because the deceased was not a good person, not a caring family member, or may even had led a life of crime. God sorts all of these things out. He has a plan, and his plan is perfect.
O Lord, even though I don't fully understand the future following death, help me to trust in your perfect plan and your everlasting love. Amen
Friday, November 15, 2019
No Longer A Friend
We used to have close fellowship; we walked with the crowd into the house of God.
--- Psalm 55:14 (CSB)
King Solomon ruled over a nation of peace. His father, David, was a man of war, even though he loved the Lord dearly. Keeping watch over his enemies was bad enough. Even worse was the betrayal of someone close. David doesn't identify who the "friend" might be, but a close adviser, Ahithophel, switched his alliance from David to David's son, Absalom. (2 Samuel 15:12)
I have a friend. I wouldn't call him close, but close enough. Our friendship has changed, and I don't know why. We apparently aren't close enough to discuss it openly. When I attempt it, he denies that he has changed. Maybe I have changed, but I get nothing from him to indicate such. I truly don't won't to offend or hurt anyone, so it makes it difficult to know what to do.
While David couldn't fix the broken friendship, he could call upon his Maker for comfort and understanding. We do change over the years, but God never changes. His faithfulness is not only assurance for our well-being, but a wonderful example of how we should live. We saw this in his son, Jesus, as he encountered both enemies and friends.
Lord, give me wisdom on how to handle broken or shaky friendships. Help me to respond, not in the way I want to act, but in the way I should act. Amen
--- Psalm 55:14 (CSB)
King Solomon ruled over a nation of peace. His father, David, was a man of war, even though he loved the Lord dearly. Keeping watch over his enemies was bad enough. Even worse was the betrayal of someone close. David doesn't identify who the "friend" might be, but a close adviser, Ahithophel, switched his alliance from David to David's son, Absalom. (2 Samuel 15:12)
I have a friend. I wouldn't call him close, but close enough. Our friendship has changed, and I don't know why. We apparently aren't close enough to discuss it openly. When I attempt it, he denies that he has changed. Maybe I have changed, but I get nothing from him to indicate such. I truly don't won't to offend or hurt anyone, so it makes it difficult to know what to do.
While David couldn't fix the broken friendship, he could call upon his Maker for comfort and understanding. We do change over the years, but God never changes. His faithfulness is not only assurance for our well-being, but a wonderful example of how we should live. We saw this in his son, Jesus, as he encountered both enemies and friends.
Lord, give me wisdom on how to handle broken or shaky friendships. Help me to respond, not in the way I want to act, but in the way I should act. Amen
Thursday, November 14, 2019
Where Is God?
Unless the LORD builds a house, its builders labor over it in vain; unless the LORD watches over a city, the watchman stays alert in vain.
--- Psalm 127:1 (CSB)
We worship a God we cannot see. We listen for a voice we cannot hear. As the Teacher says, "All things are wearisome; man is unable to speak. The eye is not satisfied by seeing or the ear filled with hearing." (Ecclesiastes 1:8) We tuck little pleasures in here and there in a world filled with unrest, hatred and violence.
It is often easy to lose sight of the fact that God is real. That he IS watching over us. That he IS concerned for our well-being. Without his care life is futile. Because he doesn't produce the results that we think should happen, we begin to wonder if he's there or if he even cares. Our lack of faith brings daily troubles, and daily troubles suppress our faith, making it a vicious circle.
But God does care. That's why he sent Jesus. To add flesh to truth. To make the heavenly connection. We see God in his word: the Bible; pastors and teachers; fellow believers. We hear God in our prayers --- hearts and minds joining together to welcome his presence. Church is good, but it is only the kick-start of our weekly walk with our Maker.
Lord, when daily dilemmas get me down, when things or people get in the way of my spiritual walk, please lift me up and show me your perfect will for my life. Amen
--- Psalm 127:1 (CSB)
We worship a God we cannot see. We listen for a voice we cannot hear. As the Teacher says, "All things are wearisome; man is unable to speak. The eye is not satisfied by seeing or the ear filled with hearing." (Ecclesiastes 1:8) We tuck little pleasures in here and there in a world filled with unrest, hatred and violence.
It is often easy to lose sight of the fact that God is real. That he IS watching over us. That he IS concerned for our well-being. Without his care life is futile. Because he doesn't produce the results that we think should happen, we begin to wonder if he's there or if he even cares. Our lack of faith brings daily troubles, and daily troubles suppress our faith, making it a vicious circle.
But God does care. That's why he sent Jesus. To add flesh to truth. To make the heavenly connection. We see God in his word: the Bible; pastors and teachers; fellow believers. We hear God in our prayers --- hearts and minds joining together to welcome his presence. Church is good, but it is only the kick-start of our weekly walk with our Maker.
Lord, when daily dilemmas get me down, when things or people get in the way of my spiritual walk, please lift me up and show me your perfect will for my life. Amen
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
Will God Really Protect Me?
The LORD will protect your coming and going both now and forever.
--- Psalm 121:8
The way I understand protection is the process of keeping away physical harm or sickness, as well as fear and emotional threats. The psalm ensures protection in both "coming and going." The threats on our well-being is more likely when we put ourselves out there, move out of our comfort zone. But I look around me, and I struggle sometimes to see that protection for myself and others.
I'm sure the psalmist means protection for those who trust in the Lord, but I know devout Christians whose lives have been upended by disease or tragedy, agitation or violence, sorrow or pain. Was their trust weak? I always want to apply a formula for Bible promises, but it leaves me wondering if my formula is flawed when the anticipated results aren't realized.
--- Psalm 121:8
The way I understand protection is the process of keeping away physical harm or sickness, as well as fear and emotional threats. The psalm ensures protection in both "coming and going." The threats on our well-being is more likely when we put ourselves out there, move out of our comfort zone. But I look around me, and I struggle sometimes to see that protection for myself and others.
I'm sure the psalmist means protection for those who trust in the Lord, but I know devout Christians whose lives have been upended by disease or tragedy, agitation or violence, sorrow or pain. Was their trust weak? I always want to apply a formula for Bible promises, but it leaves me wondering if my formula is flawed when the anticipated results aren't realized.
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
Giving To Receive
God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work.
--- 2 Corinthians 9:8
The context of this verse is the encouragement to give generously. The promise is, that by giving generously, you will receive generously. Paul is addressing the fact that there were people in newly formed churches that were in serious physical need. How does this compare to the homeless person who approaches you in the parking lot of a grocery store, asking for money?
Is giving him or her a dollar considered giving generously? Paul writes in the previous verse that we are to give from what is in our heart. That we are to give, not wondering afterward if we did the right thing. That we are to give, not just because a person or preacher told us we must give. And that we are to give cheerfully.
We should be open and receptive to serious needs that we can help with, using what we have already been blessed with. We should be willing to give the dollar to the "homeless" person, without judging what they are going to spend it on. Maybe we should give two dollars, when only one is asked for. You will be giving from your heart, as long as you give cheerfully. God will do his will with the recipient.
Lord, teach me how to give within your will. Encourage me to give cheerfully, until I feel like I'm giving cheerfully. Having met my needs, make me open to observe the needs of others, whether it is physical or spiritual. Amen
--- 2 Corinthians 9:8
The context of this verse is the encouragement to give generously. The promise is, that by giving generously, you will receive generously. Paul is addressing the fact that there were people in newly formed churches that were in serious physical need. How does this compare to the homeless person who approaches you in the parking lot of a grocery store, asking for money?
Is giving him or her a dollar considered giving generously? Paul writes in the previous verse that we are to give from what is in our heart. That we are to give, not wondering afterward if we did the right thing. That we are to give, not just because a person or preacher told us we must give. And that we are to give cheerfully.
We should be open and receptive to serious needs that we can help with, using what we have already been blessed with. We should be willing to give the dollar to the "homeless" person, without judging what they are going to spend it on. Maybe we should give two dollars, when only one is asked for. You will be giving from your heart, as long as you give cheerfully. God will do his will with the recipient.
Lord, teach me how to give within your will. Encourage me to give cheerfully, until I feel like I'm giving cheerfully. Having met my needs, make me open to observe the needs of others, whether it is physical or spiritual. Amen
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