Category Archives: Devos

Feb 23 2016
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Devos

A prayer to pray when troubled by the evil in our world…

There is evil and injustice that troubles the righteous heart all around us! I could detail the things that trouble me deeply today… but I won’t. You probably have your own list!
 
In light of that, I read this verse this morning during “coffee with the Lord” and decided to make it my fervent prayer…
 
“Oh, let the evil of the wicked come to an end, and may you establish the righteous – You who test the minds and hearts – O righteous God!” (Psalm 7:9 ESV)
 
I recommend that brief, but fervent prayer! In fact, I have a feeling that I’ll be praying it often. I’m encouraged that the Lord hears (and answers!) prayers like that.
Feb 22 2016
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Devos

Your suffering may not be the result of some sin in your life! Just saying!

I know what tends to happen when good people face prolonged illness and severe pain. If they are not careful they can begin to think God is punishing them for something they have done wrong or that they are suffering the consequences of some sin in their life. I’ve stood by their bed as they have suffered and tried to comfort them, reassure them and provide God’s perspective in their suffering.
 
Now the Bible makes it clear that it is possible for us to suffer for our sin… God can allow physical pain and disease to bring us to the realization that there are issues in our life that need to be addressed. We should not run from that reality. But, on the other hand, those who love the Lord and trust in Him should not default to self-accusation and morbid introspection. When bad things happen to good people they should renew their trust in the Lord, pray for healing and help, claim His promises and depend on the goodness of His character in faith! After all, Job’s suffering wasn’t the consequence of his sin!
 
I think Psalm 6 reveals that King David, faced a challenge like that sometime in His life. Now David wasn’t a perfect person (any reading of II Samuel 11-12 and Psalm 51 reveals that reality)! But God also called him “a man after my own heart who will do everything I want him to do” (1 Samuel 13:14 cp. Acts 13:22)!
 
So here’s my best advice to Christians who are suffering… Confess any known sin in your life, reaffirm your commitment and trust in the Lord’s promises and character, pray for healing and help, and depend on the Lord to help, heal and sustain you (and whatever you do, don’t get caught up in morbid self-condemnation!). Here’s how David expressed that in Psalm 6:
 
“O Lord, rebuke me not in your anger, nor discipline me in your wrath! Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am languishing; heal me O Lord, for my bones are troubled. My soul also is greatly troubled. But you, O Lord – how long? Turn, O Lord, deliver my life! Save me for the sake of your steadfast love! For in death there is no remembrance of you; in Sheol [the grave] who will give you praise? I am weary with my moaning; every night I flood my bed with tears; I drench my couch with my weeping… But the Lord has heard the sound of my weeping! The Lord has heard my plea! The Lord accepts my prayer!” (from Psalm 6)
 
Someone needed to hear this today!
Feb 21 2016
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Devos

My Song for Sunday Morning

It’s early Sunday morning – “the Lord’s Day!” In a little while I’ll join fellow Christians at church. I expect to meet the Lord there and experience His presence among us. In preparation for that, I arose early this morning I set aside an unhurried for worship, prayer, Bible reading and reflection… Part of my Bible reading included Psalm 5… After reading it, I gave it this title:
 
“My Song for Sunday Morning”
 
“Give ear to my words, O Lord!
Consider my groaning!
Give attention to the sound of my cry,
My king and my God,
For to You I pray!
 
“Oh Lord, in the morning You hear my voice…
For You are not a God who delights in wickedness;
Evil may not dwell with you!
But I, through the abundance of Your steadfast love will enter Your house!
I will bow down in Your holy temple, in reverence of You!
 
“Lead me, O Lord in Your righteousness!
Make Your way straight before me!
Let all who take refuge in You rejoice!
Let them ever sing for joy!
Spread Your protection over them!
That those who love Your name may exult in You.
 
“For You bless the righteous, O Lord!
You cover them with favor as with a shield!”
 
(A personal adaptation of Psalm 5 for Sunday morning)
 
Just let me say, I’m looking forward to gathering with fellow Christians this morning! I expect to sense and experience God’s presence among us there!
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