Month: July 2016

Romans 2: 1 “Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.”

Dear God,

You are indeed my true Refuge and Rock, and I flee to You this morning.  Please rescue me from the rising unproductive negative thoughts, lack of belief and resting my spirit in You.

I have noticed in myself and in others, when I have no project or time pressures and see someone else challenged, it is easy to be unsupportive or even be superior, and think thoughts of judgement.  Again forgive me for my lack of care and support of others no matter whether it seems a legitimate judgement or not.

Please calm my apprehension and bring me again to your side and in trust I will rejoice in You, and in confidence, I know, that You will guide my presentation of healthy food, as You always have done before.  You also know that I am faithful in starting my preparations well ahead, and that I also try as I can to be faithful to health principles.  Neither do I expend all this effort to build myself up; but instead I am intending to progress in Your strength, wisdom and love, in my desire to reach out with the gifts and knowledge that You have given me; and so share a way of life, that give more mental clarity and improved health to the body.

I really appreciate Psalm 37 and some verses have spoken to my heart again today.  Verse 5 “Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him and He shall bring it to pass.” V 7 “Rest on the Lord and wait patiently for Him……”

I offer my sincere thanks and praise to You, God this morning, for you have heard my prayers, and, lifted me up on to higher ground. How good it is to dwell on the words written out of experience of another who also loved You, Psalm 37 :3, 4 “Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, feed on His faithfulness.  Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.”

I ask that I be kept from being prideful and placing myself in my own mind, as some sort of expert, or negatively judging another.

Amen

Psalm 50: 2, 3 “Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God will shine forth.  Our God shall come, and shall not keep silent…”

Dear God,

I thank You for all things, especially for the hope of salvation through You Son, Jesus Christ.  The signs of His coming, for tell that He comes again soon, and we each will receive our reward, according the Lords judgement of what is recorded in the record book in heaven.  When my sins are confessed, Jesus will blot out all these sins from His record, and no record of these sins will be in heaven. This can only be through absolute grace that allowed the blood of Jesus to be spilt on the cross, wiping out every consequence for my sins, because Jesus had paid the cost.  Jesus will never penalize one soul, In the presence of genuine repentance and humble confession!

Please God, through Your Spirit, give me a fuller understanding of what Jesus has done, and what this really means to and for me.  In no way do I want to be deluding myself, by thinking all my sins are confessed and I am cleansed from them, and covered by the righteousness of Jesus, if this is not the case.  I long to be Your true child, in every liberating sense of the word; walking in newness of life and light, that comes from Jesus.

I have believed my sins are forgiven, I rejoice in this, and in Your strength, walk in obedience to Your will, and receive the inner peace as promised, in Your word.  None of this can I do in my own thought and strength; which I very well know.  So one would wonder why I forget so quickly, and try to rely on my own strength and interpretation of things?  Sadly I allow things of this world to crowd You out or dull my spirit, which stifles the spiritual perceptions You long to give to the engaged mind and heart.

David’s Psalm 51 illustrates our need for forgiveness and cleansing from sin, and the assurance we have of Your gracious dealing with us when we sin, and I believe and rejoice these words.  Psalm 51: 10 – 12 “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.  Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.  Restore to me the joy of Your salvation.  And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.”

Amen

Psalm 46: 1 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

 

Dear God,

How good it is to know that all are loved to such a degree, that You seek us out to suggest starting an ongoing relationship.  I ask that I will be alerted; if I ever take this love lightly, or ever reject Your love.  Instead, through the Holy Spirit, grow my love and view of You so that always it is a most precious gift.  Luke 15: 3 – 10 has recorded parables in which Jesus gives an illustration of a shepherd searching for his lost sheep, and of a lady searching for her lost coin until it is found.  These earthly illustrations by Jesus were to lead our minds to accept the worth of every person in the estimation of You, God.  Luke 15: 10 “Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

It is evident in the biblical account, that You, Father God, could have done no more toward assuring our eternal destiny than to offer each human being who has ever lived, salvation through Your Son, Jesus Christ.   You have given us on earth the sacred task of following Your direction to people who are ready to accept Jesus, as their own Saviour.

John 6:44 “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.”  Let all of us on earth, give much praise and rejoicing that reaches to the highest heaven!  For we have been given priceless treasure, when we were ‘drawn’ and now live in the expectation or being ‘raised in the last day’.

Those of the Old Testament, Israelite people, who loved and remained faithful to You, also rejoiced in Your love and care each day, especially as much of the time, they were in fear for their lives, due the frequent conflict they took part in.  In the Psalms especially is recorded, their thanks and praise, for they knew first hand, that there was nothing on earth that afforded them secure refuge and strength, or could help them, save their God.

I believe it is the same for us, especially for those in the present and of past times, who have experienced terrible happenings, which seem to be increasing in scale and frequency around the globe.  Though at present, I am not personally experiencing the horror of war and conflict, many thousands are.  As I pray for them daily, place in my mind the best way to uphold these dear and unfortunate people.

Whether in war, or conflict in our homes, workplace, or wherever we are, please make the following text real for us, Psalm 46: 2, 3 “Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling.”

Amen

Psalm 41: 1 and 2 “Blessed is he who considers the poor; the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble.  The Lord will preserve him and keep him alive, and he will be blessed on the earth; You will not deliver him to the will of his enemies.”

Dear God,

Thank You that the words of David were written and have been preserved, for they give guidance and comfort, applicable for all situations, and for frequent contemplation.  It is good to be reminded that that those who consider the poor are especially blessed by You.   Thank You that these guiding words of reminder/rebuke have been recorded for us in the Old Testament, and in the New Testament teachings.

Lord, please reveal to me my own heart in this matter and direct me upon Your way.  It is just like You to give a special blessing upon those who care for those in need whether they are poor, sick, infirm or lonely etc.  Because I am living after the life of Jesus, I have the very best and divine example of how I should respond to all those in some need, by providing as I can when indicated, of my means and some caring action and words.  Helping the poor was particularly the focus in the life and ministry of Jesus.  He of course on earth lived in poor earthly circumstances, yet sowed and reaped spiritual riches beyond compare.

I determine today, that in Your wisdom and strength, I will be more like Jesus toward all people, but especially the poor and those in need.  As David revealed in his writings I also, unfortunately sin, and I also pray as in Psalm 41: 4 “I said, ’Lord, be merciful to me; heal my soul, for I have sinned against You.’”  V12 and 13 “As for me, You uphold me in my integrity, and set me before Your face forever.  Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting.  Amen and Amen.”

 

Dear God,

Again I give thanks for my life and strength, through You today!  Your words of life in the Bible, have lifted me up and made me strong, as well as given me encouragement.  I rest in the belief, that Your love is an absolute fact, and to acknowledge Your love and accept it, brings great joy and liberation to my spirit instead of remaining cast down and self-blaming over the many times, I am not a true reflection of Your love within me, and all the sinful tendencies, that seek expression leading to sin.  I am grateful for the times when the Holy Spirit, brings to my mind, sins that I have committed, that my sin infused mind had not previously acknowledged.  During my Christian journey this will happen very often, because I have been born in sin, and in Your love, I am given the opportunity to confess and be forgiven, and for things to be made right.  I rest in the assurance that You will teach me as I am able to comprehend, and I fully believe the words of Psalm 103: 8 “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and plenteous in mercy.”

Again today, I humbly acknowledge that salvation is truly a free gift for absolutely  every person.

Amen

Acts 26: 14 – 16 “And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?  It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’  So I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’  And He said, I am Jesus whom, you are persecuting.  But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you.’”

 

Dear God,

How beautiful is the way You seek out those who will be great warriors for You, despite the reality that presently they were/are acting under Satan’s power.  Even when I am claiming to be Your child, and not be under the control of Satan, You come and reveal to me/us, that there are issues in the Christian walk that we individually need to make right, such as to be more ‘switched on’ by Your power, and thus able to widely proclaim You and salvation for all.  I am privileged to be able to read Your word freely again this morning.  I give thanks, for Your inspiration of those who contributed to scripture.

I pray that through Your Spirit it will be revealed to me, when there is any below the surface meaning from the recorded words and historical events that I am reading from scripture, and the lessons I should take from the passages for myself.  It is truly a heart beautiful experience, to be led and nurtured by the ‘Comforter’ that Jesus sent into the world when He left, to prepare to bring us to Himself in heaven.  It was Jesus who revealed Himself, as He stopped Saul in his tracks and turned him around from being a persecutor of Christians to being a converted, powerful missionary to the Gentiles; as well as a humble, Spirit filled insightful Christian. The proud accusing Pharisee was forever gone; though thankfully his zeal and energy was not!

Because You are the God Almighty, You can see the heart of man.  This ability is not available to mankind, for we see what is manifested on the outside, and too frequently assume we know what is going on in the persons heart, or just ‘write them off’ because of their behaviour.  God could see the worth of Saul, and knew that Saul had been conditioned by his upbringing and training and was honestly deluded in his beliefs about Jesus, and His mission, and thought he was doing God’s work.

As soon as Jesus appeared to him in dazzling light from heaven, he was convicted unreservedly that Jesus was God and the long awaited Messiah.  True to his nature, Saul did not hold back from witnessing about His divine intervention.  Telling of what Jesus had said, and “of the things which I will reveal to you.” Saul in sync with his new life began to be known as Paul.

They like me, and every other person, were not forced to become a Christian, and instead out of conviction, chose to accept Jesus, and receive forgiveness for every sin and “an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.”

Jesus has all my praise, because of His loving sacrifice and for never giving up on any one of the human race.

Amen

Psalm 37 : 1,2 “ Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity,  For they shall soon be cut down like grass, and wither as the green herb.”

Dear God,

I delight to greet You this morning and give thanks for Your love and care of me, whilst I live in this world, a place of wickedness and spiritual darkness.  In these quiet times of reflection, I realise I take too lightly Your constant care of me, amidst the equally constant schemes of Satan and his army of evil angels, for ever out to harm anyone on earth, especially we who desire to have a loving relationship with You.

The future Israelite king, David during his lifetimes is an example of direct interference by Satan, as well as having to contend with Satan inspired armies and groups of evil men, including his king, frequently seeking him to kill him.  Thank You for giving me the opportunity to seek Your forgiveness for my past, almost lack of thoughts, care and prayers for those caught up in war and persecution by human agents, under Satan’s influence.  Please keep me reminded not only to pray for them, but that people, including myself will answer Your call to bring aide and love to displaced and persecuted people in the way You give each personally.

In all ways we are in a deadly spiritual battle every day, which is intensified through modern media avenues, IT sources and advertising of all kinds, bombarding the receiver with concepts designed to draw each away from their God.  How good it is to know through the Psalms, that You, God are there for us, no matter the events or place in which I live, the answer always is, Psalm 37: 3 “Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.”

I have found it so beneficial for my mind and soul, to dwell upon Your love and faithfulness, instead of Satan and his actions, or on those of his agents.   It is also profitable to keep in mind, as did the Psalmist, that Satan and his angels, were defeated by Jesus, and will one day die forever.  I also will, V4 “Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.”

I take courage in the sure knowledge, that You will always grow me spiritually, which is what I long for, V6 “He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.”  Even though it often seems that the wicked prosper more than the righteous, or that we are too often the ones who suffer at the hands of the wicked.  In the end, V7 “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.”  I praise You for the promises to those who have allowed Your grace to subdue a rebellious attitudes, V11 “But the meek shall inherit the earth, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.”

Amen

Psalm 31:3 and 5 “For You are my rock and my fortress; therefore, for Your name’s sake, lead me and guide me.  Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O Lord God of truth.”

Dear God,

All of Your workings and character as the one true God make You worthy of all my trust, even though most is beyond my full knowledge and understanding; however my limited knowledge and experience of You are more than enough to anchor my belief and faith.   You have become my ‘rock and fortress’, always keeping me in Your ‘sights’ so to speak.  Along with David, I can pray Psalm 31: 16 “Make Your face shine upon Your servant; save me for Your mercies’ sake.” As well as V 14 “But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God.’” And then V19 “Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men!”  How sad that many of the people on earth do not know about Your goodness, because they have never learned to love and trust in You because of lack of opportunity or rejection of the opportunity.

Please prepare my heart and mind to be used by You, revealing that Your love and Spirit abide in my heart each day, by my invitation.  As soon as I knew about You, how could I not love the One of infinite love, and mercy toward me as a sinful person?  David exhorted in V23 “Oh, love the Lord, all you His saints!  For the Lord preserves the faithful, and fully repays the proud person.”

I am uplifted in the times when I stop and reflect, like in these early morning hours.   Sadly I often neglect You throughout the rest of the day.  There are all the daylight hours during which very often I am silent in thanks and praises, even forgetting a prayer answer came after my prayer request.

Then at these times, You again are the total answer, for not only do You remind me, but accept my prayer of confession and asking for forgiveness.  V24 “Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.”

I give praise, for there are no ifs or buts here, it will happen, for those who ask.

Amen

Jeremiah 9:24 “………’I.am the Lord, exercising loving kindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth.  For in these I delight,’ says the Lord.’”

Dear God,

When I think about You, Almighty God in heaven; aspects of Your character, and what You have done in the past, as well as the many  things You do now, I give You glory.  It is then, that I am uplifted and my spirit nurtured.

We people are the rebellious inhabitants of the planet, earth, under the dictatorship of Satan; and I am so thankful this does not deter You from “exercising loving kindness, judgement and righteousness in the earth.”  Which is just as well as none of us personally have anything to ‘glory in’ save You, God Almighty and what is done for us each and every day; and more besides.

Everything of human manufacture or achievement will pass away and be like ashes in my mouth, because any human wisdom, might, or riches, will pass away in death and at the end of this earth as known by each of us.  It will only be my relationship with You, as my God, that will bring lasting satisfaction and endure into eternity.

I believe that I love You with all of my heart, then at other times I am brought up short, by the realization, that many times despite what I thought, I actually do not at all times, love You with all my heart.  With gratitude I acknowledge, that I am not left to my own devices, and instead the Holy Spirit woos and leads me to You, and by His strength I am able to give all my heart to You at that time.

I like all of us, have choice, and need to daily keep in my mind, that I do not know when my life or time of probation will close for me.  Each day I plan to tell Jesus to have my heart, so that He dwells in me, and I in Him.

In real joy I live in expectation for the day when Jesus comes back to collect all His faithful followers.  I treasure You Holy Spirit, and ask that I be filled today.   As I wait for the Lord’s harvest, I will not say as in Jeremiah 8: 20 “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.”  When Jesus and His angels are descending toward earth in triumph, there will be much gnashing of teeth by unrighteous people, and the calling for the rocks to fall upon them, announcing the glorious person of Jesus, King of Kings, Lord of Lords; with the backdrop of God’s cataclysmic events being unleashed up on the earth.  Only those whom Jesus knows as His own people, will look up with rejoicing as the One of their expectation and strength comes for them at last.  ‘O happy day.’

Today I give You my love and allegiance, and willingly invite that my heart be searched, then correction and direction given, so that I indeed will be prepared for the coming of our Saviour.

Amen

Psalm 24; 1 – 2 “The earth is the Lord’s and all its fullness.  The world and those who dwell therein.  For He has founded it upon the seas; and established it upon the waters.”

Dear God,

Thank You that You have never abandoned the earth or it’s inhabitants, even though for the main we are peopled by an unappreciative, Godless lot.  I am so very grateful, that I was nurtured in a family that worshiped and lovingly walked in Your ways.  And that you have led me through the years, and kept me by Your providence.  You have become more precious to me as time goes on.  For me and all who love You, our hope of spending eternity with You, also grows more precious, with each increasing day.

Again with the psalmist David, I consider my worthiness, for I know that individually I have none, and that any righteousness I have is from the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ.  A place in heaven is not for all, because if the heart is not for God, it would be a place of torment; and not for that person a heavenly haven, filled with delight because You are there and all is peace, glory and light.

We are never left without the help and direction on the type of people who will be in heaven and  how to walk God’s way, as found in Psalm 24: 4,5 “He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, nor sworn deceitfully.”

Thank You God that You are my strength and wisdom, and will bring me to a purity of belief and practice that does not allow another person or object to become an ‘idol’, because ‘whatever’ is pushing You out of my life and mind, and taking much of my time.  These idols can sneak in, such as self-indulgence or making a living or acquiring money, or anything that causes You to become less important in my thoughts and then behaviour.  So, in the end, we all choose our final destination.

Today I know my every need and answer comes from You; with joy I also say, Psalm 24: 5 “He shall receive blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.”

As Your spiritual children, we have become part of Abraham’s family and share in his promised inheritance, and Christ is our King of glory.  Psalm 8 “Who is this King of glory?  The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle” is the One to lead the triumphant redeemed to heaven; His battle with Satan and his followers forever finished.  O blessed release may the day of the Lord, the King of glory come quickly.

Amen

Psalm 19: 1 “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.”

Dear God,

I know You are the Almighty God and that You never change!   When I feel not so close to You, I have learnt, it is not because You have moved away or become uncaring, it is because of my own transgressions or life practices, which can make my mind dull and uncomprehending and/ or less attentive, and lack of focused heart searching time spent with You. Absolutely I know that You will be my strength and desire, so that I will be more disciplined, and so come each morning better rested, and able to have clear communication with You, during which I am given direction and a knowledge of being loved.  It is my greatest desire to worship and praise fully, with my whole heart and mind.  I know because I am welcome to draw closer every day and from Your endless store find love and the strength to understand and overcome all of my separating practices and issues; that have sometimes robbed me of Your full blessing and vibrant joy.

David’s words in His psalm, I take as mine again today, in Psalm 17:5 – 7 (Clear Word Translation) “Help me to follow where You lead so I will not slip and fall. So now I call on You, Lord, because I know You will answer me.  Please listen to me and hear my prayer.  Show me Your wonderful love more tangibly.  I know what You can do for those who take refuge in You.  Thank You, for the assurance of Your help and revelation of Your love.  Protect me Lord, as You protect Your own eyes.  Hide me under the shadow of Your wings as a mother hen hides her little chicks.”

Today, as I search my heart, I know that I love You, even though I seem to put myself and my own interests and  doings ahead of You; even though these are not wrong in themselves.  It is my desire, to live the words of Psalm 18:1, 2 “I will love You, O Lord, my strength.  The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

Today I again thank You for the privilege of being Your beloved child, with the privilege of being filled by Your Spirit for my every spiritual need now and in the future, rejoicing in salvation through Jesus Christ.

Amen