September 19, 2012
No wonder God described David as a man after His own heart. Perhaps Augustine was meditating on this verse when he said, “Thou hast made us for Thyself, O God, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in Thee.” Does your heart cry out for God like David’s did? Does your soul thirst for the living Lord?
September 13, 2012
David wrote this psalm while hiding in a cave from King Saul. He was anointed to be king by the prophet Samuel, but Saul had other plans for him. There’s always a tension between our calling and our circumstances. We know that God has a purpose for us, yet it’s hard to see the next step while hiding in a dark cave. At times like these we “cry out” to God asking Him to “fulfill his purpose” in us. May He who called us bring to completion that which He desires in/for us!
September 9, 2012
A fool says there is no God, but the wise seek Him. Ironic that the modern atheist claims superior intellect, yet God calls him a fool. The wise search for God, but cannot find Him without revelation. Jesus is the supreme revelation of God. Looking to Christ as Lord and Savior, God finds us. God is looking for seekers.
September 6, 2012
We really can’t give God anything that He doesn’t already own. Like children giving their father a necktie on Father’s Day, we have to ask daddy for our allowance in order to make the purchase. Giving God our tithes and offerings isn’t because He needs them. It’s because we need to give. Giving is our recognition that God is owner and we are His stewards.
September 4, 2012
The Psalmist saw God Himself as being present in his city, both as inhabitant and defender. I wonder, should we tour our own city and look for Him? Where is God at work here in this city? Where is He present? And how can we join Him in His work, here in our city?
August 16, 2012
How much trouble must you be in before calling on the Lord? Some call only when all else has failed. Others have learned to call at the first sign of difficulty. Like a child, they have learned to depend on the Lord for everything. Have you considered that troubles may come to teach us dependence on God? Sin and spiritual independence are related. Trusting and depending on Jesus is the antidote.
August 13, 2012
A generation that believes the universe is self-existent has no need to be in awe of a Creator. They worship human intellect and pour out their passion on natural lusts. Believing they are mere mammals, they prove it to themselves by acting on baser instincts. But what if there is a Creator who spoke us into existence? And what if He speaks again?
August 12, 2012
Jesus has cleared our record of guilt. This does not mean that we are sinless, but that we are forgiven. This gives us the freedom to live in complete honesty with ourselves and others. We no longer hide our sin. We confess it, agreeing with God, and asking Him to cleanse us. What joy to be able to walk in the light of day, not fearing condemnation. No more excuses. No defending. Just depending on the cross of Christ. What joy to be free to live wholly for Jesus!
August 8, 2012
David knew what it meant to grieve the loss a loved one. Yet in the midst of grieving he learned that he could exchange his mourning for joy in the Lord. Are you grieving a loss today? Bring it to Jesus. Leave it with Him. Let Jesus turn your mourning into dancing.
August 4, 2012
When I am in a fog, fearing the unknown, Jesus is my light, showing the way. When I am drowning in sin and failure, Jesus is my salvation, giving me a fresh start. When others attack and criticize, Jesus is my fortress, reminding me that I live to please an audience of One. No fear.