Deserted

“As a deer longs for flowing streams, so I long for you God.  I thirst for God, the living God.  When can I come and appear before God?” Psalm 42:1-2

Have you ever felt deserted?  Where you felt like God has abandoned you? Here the psalmist longs for the day when he can be in the presence of God.  He is in a desert and he longs for flowing streams.  Tears have been his food and he feels totally alone.  There are times in our walk with God when it will feel like he has left us.  I am reminded of Deuteronomy 8:2 when Moses reminded the people: “Remember that the LORD your God led you on the entire journey these 40 years in the wilderness, so that He might humble you and test you to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commands.”

The reality is God is more concerned with your faith than your comfort.  This Psalm reminds us of this truth and wedged between the psalmist struggles is his declarations of faith. “Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your breakers and your billows have swept over me.” (Psalm 42:7) Here the writer feels like he has lost his footing on the cliff and the waves are pounding him!  Have you ever felt that way?  Yet listen to his response to his situation: “The Lord will send his faithful love by day; his song will be with me in the night—a prayer to the God of my life.” (Psalm 42:8)   

I don’t know where you are today in your life.  I know we all go through periods where we feel deserted by God.  But what I love about my God is these moments are temporary and I trust they serve a purpose to build my faith.  Nothing in life is wasted by God, he will take every opportunity to grow our faith in his faithfulness.  At the end of the day I can declare “Why, my soul, are you so dejected?  Why are you in such turmoil?  Put your hope in God, for I will still praise him, my Savior and my God.” (Psalm 42:11) 

Number Our Days

 “Lord, make me aware of my end and the number of my days so that I will know how short-lived I am” (Psalm 39:4)

I am constantly reminded at the shortness of life.  We come into this world and we have so many years ahead of us we give very little thought of it being over.  As I get older I now am painfully aware that one day this life will end.  Along the way, I am given reminders when others I know and love die.  I am reminded of the finality of life and how there are no restarts.  When life on this earth is finished, it is finished.  There are no more chances to go back and fix things.  There are no more chances to say I’m sorry or I love you one last time.  There are no more chances at mending fences.

Yesterday I was again reminded of this reality when someone I knew pasted away.  I can’t say we had the best of relationships but I was hopeful one day it would have worked out.  That day sadly didn’t come and now I have to live with a level of regret.  The Psalmist ask God to help him number his days, so he would know how short-lived he was.  He wanted to make his day’s count and not waste them on what could have been.  Eight years ago, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer.  On the day I received the call I read Psalm 78:39, “He remembered that they are only flesh, a wind that passes and does not return” At that moment I was hit by the reality of my own mortality. 

This reality of our limited time should inspire us to live our lives with a sense of urgency.  It should cause us to make the most of the relationships we have now.  As Christians, we have hope, we know death is not the end for the those who place their faith Jesus Christ.  Scripture promises “if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, the he who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through his Spirit who lives in you”.  (Romans 8:11) Our lives are short and I want to encourage you make the most of today. Keeping your eyes on Christ and trusting him.          

Freedom

 “How joyful is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered! How joyful is a person whom the Lord does not charge with iniquity and in whose spirit is no deceit!” Psalm 32:1-2

When I was in the Air Force Security Forces one of the many things we did for training was go on ruck marches.  We would load up our gear on our backs and walk for miles in formation.  It wouldn’t be long before the 50-pound pack started to feel like a 300-pound gorilla.  At the finish, we couldn’t wait to be released from our weighty burden. Once that pack slipped from our backs it was the greatest feeling!  You could move again and everyone around you was feeling the same way.  Silent groans of determination gave way to joyous sounds of laughter and relief.   

The Psalmist talks about carrying the burden of his sin.  He says his bones became brittle from groaning all day long. (v.3)  He felt like the hand of God was heavy on him draining him of his strength. (v.4) When he could no longer bear the weight of his sin be repented.  He turned to God and acknowledged his sin to God.  He brought his sin out into the open and no longer had to hide it.  He confessed his transgressions to the Lord and the Lord forgave the guilt of his sins. (v.5)

1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” God is faithful and he promises to forgive us of our sin.  It all hinges on us to be confessional.  What burden are you carrying?  What do you need to confess to God?  I want to encourage you to trust God enough to confess your sin.  Believe your sins are forgiven through Jesus Christ and turn to the Lord who forgives.  Have the confidence in knowing God will strengthen you and walk with you through your struggle.  Be joyful knowing your sins have been erased and live in the joy of your freedom.     

You Are My God

“Be strong, and let your heart be courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord” (Psalm 31:24 CBS)

The Psalmist is feeling overwhelmed, he is greatly distressed.  His eyes are worn out with frustration and his life is being consumed with grief. (v.9-10) Greif and stress has taken its toll on him and he is at the end of his rope.  It would be easy for him to continue to turn inward and slide down the hole of despair and depression.  But he turns his gaze to the Lord and says, “But I trust you Lord; I say, “You are my God.” The course of my life is in your power, rescue me from the power of my enemies and from my persecutors.” (v.14-15)     

The Psalmist recognizes where his help will come from and he turns to the only one who can rescue him.  This is very important for those who are feeling like life has run them over.  It’s easy to blame others, it’s easy to drown in our sorrows.  But it is difficult for us to raise our heads and turn to God who is waiting.  I think this happens for several reasons, one being pride.  It’s hard for us to admit our need for help and we hate to admit we are wrong.  Second, we get into ruts and it feels like it’s impossible to get out of the hole we are in and we get comfortable there.  It becomes what we “know” and we are more afraid of freedom because it is “unknown”.   Think of a battered wife who refuses to leave her abusive husband—to leave would take her into the unknown and it scares her more than what she knows.

I want to encourage you this morning with the words of the Psalmist, be strong!  Turn from what is holding you down and turn to God who is your strength and hope.  Be courageous to step out into the unknown and trust the Lord with all your heart.  Put your hope in the Lord and know how much he loves you!  Know he will fight for you and lift you out of the desolate pit and place your feet upon a rock.  He will put a new song in your mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.  Only trust him and declare, “You are my God!”       

Everything is Temporary

“I have asked one thing from the Lord; it is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, gazing on the beauty of the Lord and seeking him in his temple.” (Psalm 27:4 CSB)

When David wrote these words he wasn’t a stranger to battles. He fought in many battles and many times his life was threatened.  In this Psalm he declares, “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom should I fear?  The Lord is the stronghold of life, whom should I dread”.  David trusted in the Lord and in the face of the enemy he was strengthened by his faith.  His eyes were squarely focused upon his Lord.  Regardless if he lived or died he longed to dwell in the house of the Lord.  He longed for the day when he would be able to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord. 

Paul while in chains said, “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain”. (Phil. 1:21) We live in the world that is temporary.  Nothing here will last forever, it is always changing and eventually will no longer exist.  Jesus is forever.  We are not children of the temporary but we are children of eternity.  How does this play out in this life?  Nothing we face here on this little ball last forever, it may feel like it, but it will pass—pain, hurt, cancer, diabetes, hatred, betrayal, politics, presidents, you name it, it's temporary.  The only thing that last is God.  The only thing that is unchanging in this universe is God. 

This gives me a great sense of hope.  I am encouraged by this incredible reality—this truth.  I can face the day with confidence and I can have peace no matter the situation.  It also frees me to truly live.  It allows me to love those around me and to be thankful for the time I do have.  It gives my life purpose knowing I am living for a greater glory—the glory of the Lord!  Live free, live in peace knowing one day you will gaze upon the beauty of the Lord.        

Believe in the Lord Jesus

“Sir, what must I do to be saved” Acts 16:30b

The jailer had dosed off.  He had secured his prisoners, two Jewish men who had caused a disturbance.  They had been stripped of their clothing and beaten.  The magistrate ordered the jailer to make sure they were carefully watched.  These men were not like his usual clients, these two men were at peace.  They rejoiced at being beaten, they joyfully sang and prayed.  He shackled them in the most secure part of the jail and confident they were not going anywhere he rested his eyes. Suddenly and without warning the foundations of the jail shook violently.  Jolted from his rest the jailer ran out to see all the doors of the cells open, he drew his sword to end his life.  He knew the magistrate would kill him if the prisoners had escaped and he was going to take matters into his own hands. 

At the moment of desperation a voice called out of the darkness, “Don’t harm yourself, because we’re all here!” The jailer called for lights and rushed to verify what was said to him.  Seeing the prisoners still in their cells he fell to his knees in front of Paul and Silas.  Trembling he said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”  They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved—you and your household.”  The jailer took them home and his whole household believed and were baptized. 

The jailer was in a hopeless situation and he saw no way out.  It was at that very moment God intervened through the apostle Paul and the jailer was rescued.  His life was never the same from that point on.  Where are you?  Have you reached the end?  I have a message for you, believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved.  Turn to Jesus the living savior and he will forever change your life.  Join the jailer and his family and rejoice in the Lord.               

God Knew

“I know about their sufferings and I have come down to rescue them from the power of the Egyptians and to bring them from that land to a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey” (Exodus 3:7b-8 CSB)

The people of Israel had been in captivity in Egypt for many years and had grown in numbers.  So much so the Egyptians feared they may someday over throw them.  They enslaved the Hebrews and even went so far as to start killing all the male babies.  It was in the midst of their cries and suffering God heard them. He rescued the infant Moses from the water and had him raised in the palace of the Pharaoh.  He was educated and taken care of and yet seeing his people oppressed he lashed out and killed an Egyptian.  He had to flee everything he knew and became a sheep herder.  For 40 years he labored in the desert while his people suffered.

At the right moment God spoke these words to Moses out a burning bush.  He knew about the people's suffering and he had come down to rescue them and to bring them into a land where they would be taken care of.  Does this story sound familiar to you?  One of the absolutely wonderful thing about the bible is how God doesn’t change and he is fulfilling his plan.  We can read his promises and we can read about his faithfulness in fulfilling those promises.

Fast forward and God is still using the same game plan. He has heard the suffering of his people in the bondage of sin and he came down to rescue them and to deliver them to the promise land. Only this time he didn’t send a flawed man, he came down personally.  He took residence among us, humbled himself to the point of dying on the cross.  This time he would defeat sin and death, the real enemies—he would set his people free once and for all. Not only does he free them but he is preparing a place for them.  A place with no more sin or death.  A place with no more suffering and pain.  A place where he will wipe away the tears from his people and he will be their God.  The sun will no longer shine but the light of the Son will shine brightly and there will be no darkness.
I don’t know where you are in life.  Perhaps you find yourself in places you never imagined you would be in.  Maybe you’re suffering or cruising through life at light speed and want to stop. I want to encourage you this morning God knows.  He knows where you are in life and he wants you to know he has come down to free you and wants to walk you home through this life.      
     

Think before you speak...

“Your speech should always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person.” (Colossians 4:6 HCSB)

It’s concerning to read social media today and to hear how people talk to one another.  There seems to be little room for discussion or tolerance of different points of view.  How we talk to others matters.  Paul reminds us that our conversations are to always be gracious and seasoned with salt. 

Being seasoned with salt is thought to mean to be witty or winsome.  In other words, we should give well thought out responses.  We should talk to others with grace and not in anger—not "over charged" with emotions. We shouldn’t crush people to prove them wrong just to win the argument.  When we talk to others it should be with a heart to glorifying Christ. I see this also a “measured” response, from a life that is lived in Christ.  Is your heart is right, are you praying, to give an answer out love for the other person.  If you are not ready for a measured response be quiet, hit the delete button! 

On my desk I have a small sign under the monitor that simply reads “Be sure brain is engaged before putting mouth in gear”.  I have had this sign for years on my desk and it doesn’t point to people I’m talking to.  It serves as a reminder to me to stop and think before I speak.  I also think about Proverbs 5:1-2 which says, “A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath. The tongue of the wise makes knowledge attractive, but the mouth of fools blurts out foolishness.”

I hope as you reading this you’ll start to think about what you’re saying to others.  I hope for graciousness and wisdom will guide your heart before you engage your mouth or fingers on your keyboards.   

Shrewd Serpents

“Look, I’m sending you out like sheep among the wolves.  Therefore be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16 CSB)

Jesus is sending out the disciples to proclaim the kingdom of heaven is near to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.  They couldn’t take anything with them and were to be totally dependent upon God to provide for them through the kindness of others.  As they are leaving Jesus gives them this warning, how they would suffer.  As we read the book of Acts we know that is exactly what happened.  We know they were arrested, beaten and in the end killed for their faith.  He also told them not to worry about what they said when brought before magistrates and kings.  He told them in those moments “it isn’t you speaking but the Spirit of your Father is speaking through you”.   

How then are we to interact with the world that has entirely different set of values? How do we not compromise the gospel and still engage the world around us?  How do we remain sheep among the wolves?  Prayer—devote yourselves to prayer, as if your very life depended upon it.  Be alert to the needs of those around you and act—be thankful.  Act wisely towards those who are outside the faith, don’t waste your time, but live with a sense of urgency knowing the time is short.  Be gracious towards everyone, be wise when speaking to others.  Especially on social media where you have an audience watching and not responding.  Know how to explain and defend your faith—be able to answer people when they ask about the hope that is in you. 

We live among wolves and we have to be wise to that reality.  Because there is more at stake than some political agenda—like the eternal destiny of those we love.  We need to live dependent upon God, praying for those around us and those in ministry.  We need to live thankfully and graciously.  We need to be innocent as doves and as wise as serpents.   

Evil Plans

“You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result—the survival of many people” (Genesis 50:20 CSB) 

Jacob is dead and he has been buried.  Joseph’s brothers now fear what may happen to them with their father’s protection gone.  They had sold Joseph into slavery, ripping him from his home.  They had lied about his death to their father.  Joseph was falsely accused by his master’s wife and thrown in jail.  There he was forgotten about by the cupbearer and eventually was rescued by God.  By interrupting a dream of Pharaoh he saved Egypt from disaster and eventually saved his own family.  Years later Joseph sees the bigger picture of God’s sovereignty and faithfulness. 

This isn’t the only time God has used the evil plans of people in order to save them.  Jesus was innocent and without sin.  He did nothing wrong and yet the evil of man plotted and succeeded in killing him.  What they didn’t know was God was working out his predetermined plan to save man, using their evil hearts.  The men who were pounding in the nails into Jesus’ hands were the very ones whom Jesus came to save.  The religious leaders planned evil against Jesus and God planned it for good—to save his people.

What about you? Have you suffered at the hands of others?  Remember what God’s word says in Romans 8:28, “We know all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”  You are not forgotten, you are not alone, God is working all things to the GOOD of those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ.  Trust in Christ, walk with him and know he is with you.  Understand you are part of God’s bigger plan saving his people to bring Glory to his name.  Be encouraged and walk boldly in faith!