Category: Good Life Journal

Scripture:

[14] But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

Observation:

It’s not just being committed to Jesus, knowing the Word and teaching it that makes you mature.  You must have discernment.  Discernment comes from training.

Application:

It takes training through practice.  It must become habit – to discern good from evil.  This is key in growing as a true believer and Christ follower.  This isn’t just the 21 day habit or quitting smoking or coffee.  This is the.. use it all the time habit.  Apply everything you see and hear through the magnifying glass and ear piece of the Word.  This is especially important in the world today where we see so much of the problem where people call good evil and evil good.

Prayer:

Lord I love You.  Thank You for choosing me.  Lord help me filter everything I see and hear every single day through your Word and give me discernment through that to truly know good from evil.  Amen.

Scripture:   “Since therefore it remains for some to enter it (the Rest of God), and those who formerly received the good news failed to enter because of disobedience, again he appoints a certain day (“Today”) saying through David so long afterward—in the words already quoted: Today if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.

For if Joshua had given them rest God would not have spoken of ANOTHER day later on.

So then, there remains a Sabbath rest of the people of God—for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his.

Let us therefore strive to enter that rest so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience.  For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.  (And) No creature is hidden from His sight but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we much give account.”  Heb 4:6-13

Observation:   I think what the Writer is addressing is RESPONSE.  How should the Hearer/Reader respond to the Holy Spirit?  What does “His Rest” mean or is defined?

Application:   Sometimes I wish there was a Dummies Guide…give me 10 good bullet points—maybe 5 so I can get what the Holy Spirit is saying without too much time invested.  After all, I have things to do, places to go, people to see…

But that is not the way God gives us His Word.  He means for me to immerse myself in, search for Him in, devour his Word like a desperate, starving man.

Ok, that may be a little too much theater—but not by much.

What is the Rest the writer is speaking of?  Simple answer: the Gospel.  But what about the Gospel is Rest referring to?

The Sabbath was instituted to set aside one day a week for the nation of Israel to focus on God.  That is a very broad and general statement but essentially accurate.  It is a “rest” of works—doing stuff to gain favor particularly with God.  “If I do this, God will do that…” and usually the thought is about acceptance and favor of God towards me.  It is a “balance sheet” theory of moral accounting; a theology of Value Transaction as it applies to Heaven.

Yet, that is NOT anywhere close to the Gospel.  The Son did the Work required to cover sin.  Done.  Rested.  My response is to have faith, have confidence that He did that for me—and to live my life DAILY (not one day per week) in that Faith.  Done.  Enter the Rest of the everlasting Sabbath and forget Transactional Theology.

There is a dichotomy in the verse: “Let us therefore STRIVE to enter that REST…”  Why the dichotomy?  Because I am eaten up with Sin still and need to apply effort to remembering and applying the Gospel in every aspect of my life.

 

Prayer:    Lord God, my Lord: Thank you for the Cross.  Forgive me for not remembering the Cross; for not striving to enter that Rest.  Thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit in the Word that convicts me and keeps my eye singly on You.  Help me to surrender to you in every aspect of my life—and please don’t let this just be words in my mouth.  Put some teeth into this wish.  AMEN.

 

 

Scripture

Hebrews 3:12-14 – Take care brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God.  But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today”, that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.  For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our confidence firm to the end.

Observation

The author has just written about the rebellion of the Israelites and how their hearts grew hard.  Beginning in verse 12, this is a strong warning to not let an unbelieving heart, which is evil, lead you astray from God.  We are to encourage each other daily so as not to allow our hearts to become hard and be fooled by sin.  We are to share in Jesus with confident faith till the end.

Application

There is a good reason for the warning today that I don’t allow myself to slip away from following God.  We must take care to guard our mind and hearts from the ways of the world.  There are so many examples of things that are celebrated and legislated that are actually sin in disguise, dressed up to be something they aren’t.  Verse 13 tells us to encourage each other daily, not weekly, monthly or when convenient, to not allow sin to creep in and take control.  We are believers in Jesus Christ and this is not a one and done scenario where I can rationalize that I have my salvation now I can live however I want under grace.  We are to bury the word in our hearts and to have perseverance in our faith that lasts today, tomorrow till the end in all our circumstances.

Prayer

Father,

Thank you for the truth in your word.  Help me to be on guard to follow you and encourage each other daily.  Let my faith persevere even when facing persecution and finish strong to glorify you.

Scripture:   “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son (whom he appointed the heir of all things) through whom also he created the world.

He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature and he upholds the universe by the word of his power…

After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.”  Heb 1:1-4

Observation:   I begin to see the unfolding of the Character and Attributes of God and particularly the Trinity.  What I read, when I read it slowly, is the Majesty and Wonder of the Most High.

Application:   When I think about “application” things, I guess I have to think “how does this apply in my every day sort of stuff?”  What are the affects?  What should be the affects?  One word that comes to mind is:

Confidence.

This is different than the word “faith” or “belief” in application.  Dictionary says in part that “confidence is a belief or trust of somebody to act in a proper, trustworthy, and/or reliable manner.”  A dictionary definition of “faith” includes a trust without logical proof.

Trust without logical proof is not what the writer of Hebrews is communicating.  On the contrary, he is starting off with definitive, principled, factual, and accurate descriptions of God.

I am trying to change my ways by not saying stuff like “this is what I believe”; but framing my thoughts and my words in the manner of “this is how God is…”, “these are His ways…” etc.

I read the first 4 verses and I see definitive and imperative words and phrases.  There is nothing wishy-washy about them.  “Many times and in many ways, God spoke…”, “his Son whom he appointed as heir of all things”; and each one of these verses can be broken down this way.

I see “His Son through whom he also created the World” and my inner view of Jesus is expanded.  I see that Jesus is the “radiance of God’s Glory and the EXACT imprint of God’s nature” and well as “upholds the universe by the Word of His power.”

And with that majesty and awesomeness as his Character and Attribute, the Son went to the Cross for purification of Sin.  Awesome; majestic; inconceivable Glory.

This is how I fill in all the Facets of the Gospel—one Jewel, many sides; each having a splendor all its own but unfailingly a part of the Whole.

Prayer:   Lord God Almighty: This is crown throwing stuff right here; fall on the face stuff.  How wonderful You are, glorious Trinity!  AMEN.

 

 

Scripture

Vs 15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise …

Vs 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Vs 20 … giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Vs 21 … submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Observation

Paul is telling the believers how to live out their faith.

They must observe themselves closely … “look carefully how you walk”.

And think wisely … “understand the will of God”.

Living out the will of God includes giving thanks to God and submitting to others.

Application

Look at my “how” … and … understand God’s “will”.

I love that Paul wants me to have a very active mind and body.

Watch my walk and understand God’s will.

Does how I am walking match what God is willing?

I must “look closely” and “understand” clearly.

So, then what is God’s will?

Perhaps this is the most frequent question I hear from other Christians.

Paul tells me here it’s at least two things:

“Give thanks to God always for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

And … “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”.

Again, God does not separate our relationship with Him from others.

For both things, how I relate to God and others, the will of God is in the context of Christ.

So, I have to ask myself (or “look carefully” as Paul says) …

Am I thanking God always for everything? “always” and “for everything” …. That’s a big ask.

Am I submitting to others? “submitting” … another big ask.

Which is why if I am not doing these things, I need to check how I am relating to Jesus!

I thank God … in Jesus name!

I submit to others … out of reverence for Christ!

It all comes back to Jesus!

I don’t thank God because everything is wonderful.

I thank God because in everything I can see Jesus!

I don’t submit to others because they are wonderful.

I submit to others because I revere Jesus!

Another fascinating part of Paul’s instructions here is that it’s the opposite of how I want to so often live.

It’s so much easier to observe others closely and point out their foolishness.

And I want others to submit to me.

But Paul tells me to look closely at how I live and submit to others …

In Jesus name and out of reverence for Christ!

Prayer

Thank you, God … for everything!

Help me to be thankful when I ‘m not

Help me to look closely how I live

Give me wisdom and help me walk in it

And give me such reverence for Christ

That I will gladly submit to others

In Jesus name

Amen

Scripture:

[11] And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, [12] to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, [13] until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, [14] so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.

Observation:

The couple verses here boil down to what is expected of us when it comes to building up the body of Christ, and why.

The Lord cave us church leaders in order to equip the saints for the work of ministry.  Believers are not meant to rely only on the leaders for ministry, but to get fed and go out themselves and minister in building up the body of Christ.

Application:

We are the saints.  In Christ, our purpose is to build up the body of Christ into mature followers of Jesus.  We should be building the body to be closer and closer to the fullness of Christ.

The individuals in the body, and therefore the body of Christ, needs to be mature enough not to get fooled by false doctrine or worldly deceit.  There are plenty of both nowadays so we all need good discernment and maturity.  For instance, we need to teach one another about the tricks of charismatic speakers, wily politicians, and false doctrinal teachers.  We need to sharpen one another to make our body mature.

We are called to share the gospel.  Share with others what Jesus has done in our lives.  Share the love and joy we get for free as Christ followers.  Share the grace we don’t deserve.  All of this will build up the unity of the body of Christ.

Prayer:

Lord thank You for equipping me to build a body focused on You and the fullness only You can provide.  Help me to share the gospel with unbelievers or those who are undecided, and help me to sharpen my fellow believes so that we will be in unity on the big issues and not be fooled by Satan’s mouthpieces.  In Jesus’ Holy and Mighty name I pray.  Amen.

 

Scripture:   “…this grace was given to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God—who created all things—so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord (in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in Him)…

…according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in your inner being so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth…and length…and height…and depth…and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge…”(excerpts from Eph 3:8 through 3:19).

Observation:     Key words: Mystery, Purpose, and Comprehension.  There is a Mystery to be searched out; a Purpose to be found out; a Comprehension to embrace—this is the voyage of the Believer, to boldly go where he is supposed to go…

Application:    The Gospel.

The Gospel is an unfathomable subject.  It is a true mystery with an eternal purpose from before time began.  God does give creation and a creature like me a glimpse of the purpose of the Gospel although the depth can probably not ever be fully found.  But, it doesn’t mean it isn’t supposed to be searched for…and declared.

While the Gospel is simple, simple enough that a child is supposed to be able to understand it, it is not simplistic.  There are facets to the Gospel that books and commentary throughout the last 2,000 years have been written and maybe they have only scratched the surface.

I am daily amazed at the Gospel.

One particular mystery that I think about often is “I understand saving [so and so] but why me?”  “Why me?” is the response I usually have when I look in the mirror and examine myself (2^nd Cor 13:5).

Nevertheless I benefit from God’s unimaginable Grace and Mercy.

Here are a few hints of what to do:

• Paul refers to “the unsearchable riches of Christ”: Search for them anyway. Remember the parable of the Pearl of Great Price.  If I think I have found all I need I am short-changing myself on the Treasure.
• What is “the mystery hidden for ages?” It is the church; the Church is the “many sided” or diverse Wisdom of God—manifested to both the seen and unseen sides of Creation.  How does that play out in my personal embrace of “walking worthy of the Gospel?”
• According to the “eternal purpose realized through Christ Jesus”, what do I deserve? What has been accomplished in Christ that I don’t deserve but get?  What is it that I need to comprehend?

I am aware that I need to practice the “crown toss” more (Rev 4:10).  Hard to do when the “old man” rears his ugly head all…the…time.  But, the Gospel instructs me that I don’t deserve His Grace; I get it anyway; by Faith in Jesus’ work on the Cross I have been set free—sin no longer has dominion on me.  So by faith, I humbly draw near to God and guess what?  He draws near to me.

The Truth sets me free.  What Truth?  Jesus died being the propitiation for my Sin.  I don’t deserve it.  I fight against it and in parallel for it (through the Power of the Holy Spirit) daily.  Jesus never lets me go and continues to change me into His Image.

How unbelievably cool is that?

 Prayer:   Lord, what can I say to You for loving me so?  Thank you for all that You have done to bring me this far.  Take me to the end, to that Day, when sight replaces faith.  AMEN.

 

Scripture

Ephesians 2:8-9 – For by grace you have been saved through faith.  And this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Observation

Our salvation comes from a loving God, who in His grace to us sent His son to complete the work on the cross to save us from being dead in our sin when we place our faith in Jesus.  Grace and our subsequent faith in Jesus is the gift from God and it was finished on the cross.  Therefore, there is no work required to receive the grace of God so one can’t point to themselves rather than make God known.

Application

Grace through faith as a gift from God separates Christianity from all other world religions.  God loved us so much, when we were in opposition to Him, that He sent Jesus to pay full price for our souls.  The work is finished and it is done.  I must remember this and know that there is nothing I can do to work my own salvation.  If that was the case, then Jesus didn’t need to die on the cross.  This is counter to the anti-gospel of other religions which says you have to work to obtain salvation.  Grace and faith in Jesus is the greatest gift the world will ever know.

Prayer

Father, Thank you for your gift of grace in sending Jesus and allowing me to have faith in him so I can know you. Help me to share your love and gospel in a kind and gentle way to point others to your glory.

Scripture:   “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness.

Keep watch on yourself lest you too be tempted.  Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.  For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing he deceives himself.  But let each one test his own work and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor—for each will have to bear his own load.”  Gal 6:1-5

Observation:   I recognize this!  It is accountability.  But it is describing an accountability that I haven’t quite seen practiced much…

Application:    There has been one kind of “accountability” that I have practiced or have been practiced on me: “Gotcha…”  I don’t know of many other kinds I have experienced except for the one described by Paul here in Gal 6—and I remember that fully.

Most “accountability” meetings have been along the theme of “straighten up and fly right or else…”

Paul isn’t above looking a brother in the eye and speaking firmly to him—but that isn’t where he usually starts.  Scripture is instructing that there are long and patience steps that are to be taken in parallel to daily care for one another.

1. Remember the Gospel.  I have been bought with a price.  Here is where I just about wrote “and if it wasn’t for Jesus’ sacrifice…”  I continually have to swallow that and change to:  “I deserve the Wrath of God always.”  Now, I can write “Jesus has paid the price for the rightful charge of ‘GUILTY.’”
2. I am not Superior.  Because of remembering the Gospel I remember that whom I am addressing has also been bought with a price—I can claim not even one spec of superiority or worthiness over this fellow.  I talk across being from the exact same place of rebellion—never authority—never talk down.
3. Examine myself.  Talk to the face in the mirror.  If I am not examining myself thoroughly and fiercely, why am I looking to exercise authority over another?
4. Practice fierce humility.  “If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing…”  ‘Nuff said…
5. Practice gentleness in speech and confrontation.  Harder than it seems because most times (at least for me) it comes out as “beating around the bush” and never getting to the crux of a matter.  Gentle bluntness is a practiced approach and perhaps is the best description of “truth in love.”  Most times I have sacrificed “love” for the “truth” thinking that “at least I got the truth out.”  I guess in doing so I have also sacrificed “bearing another’s load” to my own arrogance.
6. Be transparent as a practice of character.  “Confess your sin to one another…”
7. Before one “correction”, have I identified nine other “evidences of grace?”  Do I even habitually look for evidences of grace in others?

There are probably more principles that I am not thinking of.  I would bet I could write a whole book on them.

Prayer:   Lord God, Father, every time I tackle one of these, You are good to prepare me through it.  Facing issues today I am remembering Your Goodness towards me.  Thank you for caring for me in so many visible and invisible ways.  Your Word is delightful and good for my wayward and constantly wavering heart.  Keep me steadfast towards You for I know I don’t have the strength in myself to do it without You.  AMEN.

 

 

Scripture

Vs 8 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods.

Vs 9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more?

 

Observation

Paul is clearly frustrated with the Galatians.

He describes their former selves very bluntly, “you did not know God” and “you were enslaved”!

He cannot understand their actions now to go back to old ways of thinking and behaving.

“How can you turn back now?”

And he has blunt terms for their old ways, as well … “weak” and “worthless”!

He asks two very stark questions.

One about them, “You want to be slaves once more?”

One about himself, “Have I become your enemy for telling you the truth?”

 

Application

Old ways are often seemingly easy ways. “Old habits die hard”, as they say.

There are patterns of behavior that persist … “muscle memory” … even of the mind.

I need to ask myself … Do I have parts of my “old ways” and “old thinking” that I keep going back to?

I then need to ask myself if I would describe them in the same terms Paul does?

Do I “turn back” to things that are “weak” and “worthless”?

If I keep turning back to them, I must get some value from them. Right?

But whatever value I think there is … is “weak”.

 

I must keep the mindset that I “know God” and I am “known by God”.

This should change everything … especially how I value things that fill my mind and life.

I must keep in mind that everything is different now.

So I must live with a “But now …” perspective.

 

That’s the phrase that stands out to me from Paul …”But now …”

It’s almost to say, “I can see how you would think and act like that before you knew God … BUT NOW?!!”

 

So, whenever I am tempted to previous ways and previous thinking, what’s really at work?

I am actually devaluing God, Himself!

If I am engaging in weak and worthless things, then I am functioning declaring God “worth less”.

How tragic.

Fortunately, there is always a … “but now”!

Because of grace, there is always available a “turning back” to God from the “turning back” to the old ways.

But now … that I know and am known by God!

 

Prayer

Thank you, God, for your grace

Help me always see the worth of it “now”

Help me, Holy Spirit, see truth and run to it

In Jesus name,

Amen

Scripture:

[2] Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? [3] Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?

[5] Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith—

Observation:

Paul is frustrated.

The Galatian churches were getting confused with Jewish Christians demanding things like circumcision as following the laws of the Torah in order to be in God’s family.  This was totally against what Paul was preaching.  It was a wrong gospel.

Application:

Just as Paul is lambasting the Galatians for, we all need to be smacked back to reality once in awhile.  We hear it over and over – it is not by works, or by following the law, but by faith, trust and devotion to Jesus as the Son of God,  that we are justified.  As much as we all know that, we slip anyway.  Does this sound familiar?  God, I have done this to serve you in this way, why are You not blessing me in the way I asked?  God, I have been faithful and have prayed for this, why have You not given it to me?  Aren’t You listening?  Don’t You care about me God?

We were justified by faith alone, it had nothing at all to do with our following the law.  The process is the other way around.  It had everything to do with Jesus dying for us and our faith in Him.   First we are saved.  Then, as we follow Jesus the process of sanctification sets us apart, and a byproduct of that is that we follow His will for our lives and serve Him with our outward actions.

As true believers, we received salvation through faith.  As we follow Jesus, we find joy in abiding by His will and find joy in being set apart and living within His will.  While it has nothing to do with following the laws of the Torah, is following God’s will following the law?  Maybe, but again, it’s not because we are good Christians that we receive God’s grace.  It is by faith alone.  From faith comes our willingness and joy from doing what is right, not the other way around.

Prayer:

Lord thank You for my salvation and for leaving me with Your Spirit, living in me, to guide me.  Let me glorify You in all I do and let my faith never falter.  As I stumble through this life, help me become more and more like you – living for You, serving You, and sharing the gospel.  In Your glorious name I pray. Amen.

 

Scripture:   “Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days….Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia.  And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ.  They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us in now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.”   And they glorified God because of me…Then after fourteen years (14 years!!) I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus also with me…”  Ga1 1:18-24 and Gal 2:2

Observation:    I lose time when I read the Scriptures.  It is imperative that reclaiming time helps me understand persevering to the End.

Application:   There are times where starting at a new chapter leaves out juicy parts from the chapter before.  Probably good to remember that chapters and verses were someone’s arbitrary thought and decision way back when…

3 years in Arabia/Damascus and then a 2 week visit with Peter (and a lunch or two with James perhaps).  What did they visit about?  Doesn’t quite say although a guess might be that Paul wanted to talk theology with Peter—bounce some germinating ideas off the guy who walked with Jesus.

Then leaving Peter (and James) Paul went off into Syria and Cilicia—a nobody, non-recognized person, incognito—and hung out 14 years before going back to Jerusalem to present a gospel.

Seventeen years!  Seventeen!  He toiled over writing up and preparing for a presentation to the main guys in Jerusalem concerning a theological position that would become the Gospel as it is known today.

Most folks are in a hurry today.  1 year, maybe 2 years is considered patience.  “We have a lot of work to do quickly because Jesus is getting ready to blow the horn…”    Certainly Paul understood that but also understood God’s Sovereignty concerning the harvest (what would become the Doctrine of Election).  Maybe it was very important that, as Paul preached and taught throughout Syria/Cilicia, that he got the Foundations right.

I am no Paul but I feel that way too, about getting the Foundations right and, not just right in my head, but established in my heart and particularly in my walk—how I conduct myself daily and think and see everything through the Lens of the Gospel.

I am discovering that this isn’t a 1 hour lesson but has been a lifetime pursuit.  Knowing Him is knowing about Him through His Word and that is breaking down everything I can into principles, precepts, doctrines.  I have been at this for 45 years and will continue to pursue for the rest of my years.

“Taking the long view” is a concept of patience and perseverance I have been espousing for the past 20 years or so.  It has been the best way to communicate waiting upon the Lord when talking about His pace of answering prayer.

Prayer:   Lord, you know what I wait for.  I don’t know if You will bring to fruition what I ask for but I continue to ask.  While I wait, I continue walking worthy of the Gospel, never stopping, but putting one foot in front of the other, I pursue You all my days.  AMEN.

 

 

Scripture

Galatians 1:10 – For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God?  Or am I trying to please man?  If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Observation

Paul is writing to the church at Galatia to warn them against a different gospel being taught by false teachers.  The gospel is the gospel with nothing else to be added or omitted to the grace offered by God through Christ.  Here in verse 10, Paul is exhorting the Galatians that the gospel should not be preached to gain approval of man.  Rather, we should seek God’s approval when we truly serve Christ.

Application

As humans we naturally seek the approval of other individuals.  The introspective question that Paul poses is one we need to continually ask ourselves.  What are my motives in doing this service?  I can even be doing the right action but if my heart is not aligned correctly, I could be doing it to seek human approval.  This is especially troubling when we look at this in context of the gospel.  If I can do works and gain human approval then I have my role and God has a role also, thereby diminishing the atoning work of Christ on the cross.   I need to stay focused on Christ and make sure I am serving Him with nothing else before Him.

Prayer

Father, Thank you for your love, grace and the truth in your gospel.  Help me to realize that the gospel is enough.  Let the power of the Holy Spirit guide me to please and honor you not man.

Scripture:  “Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to Your Name give glory for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!”  Ps 115:1

Observation:    Like finding North on a compass the Psalmist identifies where our orientation should be…

Application:   I have said it before and I will say it again: The Psalmist is just like me.

Well, not quite—it is a bit irreverent to identify with David or any other of the Psalm writers.  But the point is that they are real; candid; transparent to a fault.  Fakery isn’t found unless they are pointedly describing themselves.

When I read the Psalms and especially out loud…it could sound just like me especially the whining, groaning, grumbling, and complaining sections.

This one verse caught me—maybe because it is part of a song I used to sing, maybe because there is a biblical truth hiding there that I so easily forget.

“Your Name.”

If there is one name that deserves, yes, mandates praise and acknowledgement it is His Name.

All the benefits I experience is a result of His Steadfast love and faithfulness towards me—not a thing I deserve or could ever earn.

Which should lead me to be reminded that His Redeeming Love is all one sided: the Trinity’s steadfast love and faithfulness is His entire prerogative exercised toward me.  All.  His. Every last bit.  Even my supposed “choice” to follow Him is only because He called me first—His steadfast love and faithfulness in full display.

“Perfect wisdom in the mercy of the Cross, still I’ll never understand why a rebel so unworthy of such a cost would be ransomed by Your hand.”  Lyric from “Name above all Names” by Judah Groveman.

Prayer:   Lord God, thank you for Your Grace.  I will not understand why you love me.  I am glad that You do.  AMEN

Scripture:

[1] Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!

[2] Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works!

[3] Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!

[4] Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!

[5] Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered,

Observation:

Powerful 5 verses about praising the Lord..

We are to:

Give thanks for all he has done

Give thanks for what he has yet to do

Call upon his name above all others

Not only are we to give thanks, we are to tell everyone about him, what he has done, and what he will do.

Sing praises to Him.  The Lord loves us to sing praises to him.

Above wealth, power, and even above happiness in this life, we are to glory in His holy name.  Our rewards are great.

As we seek him, our hearts will rejoice – we will find joy even when happiness seems distant

As we continually seek him and draw closer to him, his strength will fill us

Something to notice is that David is not saying to only remember all his miracles, and to praise the Lord without also remembering His judgement.  This includes judgement that worked against David’s enemies as well as judgement that worked to keep David himself in line. Our Lord is not 100% grace, He balances appropriately with judgement.

Application:

Make known his deeds – we are called to tell everyone about God and the Good News.  Why would we not do this?  What a wonderful God we serve.  The lyrics from the chorus of a Casting Crowns song are stuck in my head – “I’m just a nobody, trying to tell everybody, all about somebody, who saved my sole”.  That should be us.

Sing praises to him – I love singing praises to the Lord but even more than that, I love that He loves when we sing praises to Him.  “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” (Zeph 3:17).  He exults over us with loud singing – love it!

I don’t know about you but even without thinking about miracles from God like life itself, how the universe was formed, or the amazing anatomy of the human body that allows us to breathe and see, God has done enumerable wondrous works in my life.  Sing praises to him!

Prayer:

Lord we love You. We can’t count the reasons why we should give thanks to You. The list is endless.  Thank you for specific miracles You’ve performed in our lives and in the lives of our families.  We glory in Your holy name and Lord, we know Your judgement is always good, even if we can’t get our minds around it sometimes. Lord we sing praises to You and it fills us with joy to know you sing to us as well. In Jesus’ glorious name we pray, amen.