BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Did I keep my heart pure for nothing? Did I keep myself innocent for no reason? I get nothing but trouble all day long; every morning brings me pain.” Psalm 73:13.14 NLT

Following the Lord is a path of life and blessing. But challenges and trials arise from life, a secular world and the rise of wickedness and evil. Keeping on the “straight and narrow” can often be a challenge is we focus too much on “all that is happening around us.”

That is what we see expressed in this psalm written thousands of years ago. The same thought process and temptation to “throw in the towel” in the fight of faith has been faced by believers down through the years. As a matter of fact we see as the second coming of Christ comes near that “spiritual casualties” will be greater than anticipated. Jesus even asked, “…But will the Son of Man find faith on earth when he comes?” (Luke 18:8 GNT)

In Psalm 73 we see a reflection on the “prosperity of the wicked.” The struggle here is, the life of faith was filled with hardship and the life of the wicked was one of ease. Just the opposite of what we would expect, or the way we would want it to be.

It was a conundrum, that defied human reasoning. It was in a sense “driving the psalmist crazy.” He says, “I was like a brute beast.” But something happened. Insight did not come by human logic or some simple formula or cliche. It came by time in God’s presence. “Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked.” (Psalm 73:17 NLT)

The psalmist was able to see the wicked and life from God’s perspective and from the vantage point of eternity. The wicked and those who reject God reject hope and a future. They will be quickly gone and God views their dreams and plans and “laughs.”

But we see that in spite of all the confusion, frustration and anger in the heart of the psalmist, he had the assurance that God was with Him. God was with him in the time of question. The time of doubt. The time of wanting to “give up” or even “join the other side.”

“Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant—I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you. Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny.” (Psalm 73:21-24 NLT)

The Lord is able to deal with our “nearsightedness” and is not quick to give up on us. He holds to us even when we don’t hold to Him as tightly as we should. If we hang in there, we will find Him guiding us to a glorious destiny.

I think of an Old Testament and a New Testament verse that relates to this theme of faith and our future. The Lord though Malachi gives this promise to those who hold fast to the Lord,

“On the day when I act,” says the LORD Almighty, “they will be my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as a father has compassion and spares his son who serves him. So you will again distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him.” (Malachi 3:17-18 NIV)

When Peter asked the Lord, in a sense, “what’s in it for us?” He responded,  “I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property—along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life.” (Mark 10:29,30 NLT)

Eternity itself will prove that it is “worth it” to follow the Lord and to trust in Him.

Prayer for today…. Lord thank you that you know us and love us anyway. Our doubts, temptations and frustrations with life, don’t throw you off. You are there and if we recognize your presence and seek you, we will be steady and strong in all kinds of storms, life may bring.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Don’t brag about tomorrow, since you don’t know what the day will bring.” Proverbs 27:1 NLT

This familiar proverb of Solomon’s would seem to be contrary to confident living. But when we look at this simple admonition, there is as much to it as what is infers as what it says.

First it has a focus on a self-reliant confidence that ignores that life is fragile. This doesn’t negate plans and dreams and mapping out a “life plan” for those who are more purposeful and strategic in their view of life.

It is good, however, to hold to life and what is “today” with an open hand and a cautious approach. What we have may be short-lived. what we cherish may soon be gone. Without a God-centered existence that can create more discomfort, and discouragement.

But it calls us to understand where we place our confidence and hope and how we prioritize our life. The workaholic may push to accomplish some career and financial goals and “then” spend time with his family. Only he learns by that time kids are raised and life has changed. The one who says, “I will take care of my relationship with God, when I have time” finds that time never comes, or is cut short.

This verse catches my attention, not only because of its personal application to my life, but because of how the concept is repeated in the New Testament.

The Apostle James addresses the concepts in these words,  Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”—yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring…” (James 4:13,14 ESV) He goes on an talks about how life is like a “vapor” or a “mist.” It is quickly gone.

He then gives this advice, Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.” (James 4:15,16 ESV) 

In the verses that precede James’ admonition he deals with strife and conflict among believers. It is apparent that there was self-centered living. It was reflected in their relationships with others and their view of life. It is just a few verses before James talks about pride-filled plans that he says, “Humble yourselves before the Lord and He will exalt you.” (James 4:10)

If we don’t humble ourselves before the Lord, we might find the Lord or life humbling ourselves before the eyes of the world. We can recognize that life is fragile, but we can live life confidently when our focus is on the Lord and trusting Him to guide and direct our lives.

In closing, this verse from Proverbs 27:1 brings another one into context, “Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed.” (Proverbs 16:3 NLT)

Prayer for today…. Lord thank you that You help us to understand life and give us the way to navigate it and make the most of these days that You give us on this earth. Thank You that when we commit our ways to You, You allow all of our life to have greater purpose and significance. 

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.” Proverbs 14:12 NLT

While many want to believe it to be true, the idea that “all paths, end in the same destination” is not just the “way it is.”  This “path” of life is more than just a decision about what to do with my life. It speaks more of the direction of my life and who is in control and in whom do I trust. Is it myself? Others? God?

I have people be so bold as to say, “I have tried to live a good life, work hard, provide for my family and if that isn’t good enough for God, then…..” When we “choose our own path” not so much in life but of life that makes all the difference. “Death” does not come by choosing one occupation over another. It does not come from what college I attend or if I choose to pursue a particualar goal in life.

Death comes when we choose a path that ignores God and turn a deaf ear to His invitation to follow Him in life’s journey.

David declared, “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” (Psalm 16:11 NIV)

The psalmist declared, “Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” (Psalm 139:24 NLT)

Jesus put it in straight forward words, “The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” (Matthew 7:13,14 NLT)

So, the call and the challenge is to follow the Lord in the path of life. The reality is that all of us start out charting our own direction in life as seems “best” to us. It is the Lord’s grace and mercy that call us to “follow Him.” Our natural inclination is our “own way.” That is why the prophet declared, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way….” (Isaiah 53:6 ESV) 

It was Thomas who seemed to ask in frustration, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” (John 14:5 NIV) Jesus simply said, “I am the way….” (John 14:6 NIV)

We can be confident in living our lives following “Jesus the way” and have confidence that on that path He will guide and direct our steps and allow us to know the joy and satisfaction of living our lives according to His will and purpose. With the psalmist our confidence as we on the “right road” is, “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me…” (Psalm 138:8 ESV)

Prayer for today…. Lord thank You that you show us the way to life and You give us purpose as we walk in the life that You have for us.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.” Psalm 55:22 NLT

When a I received a legal brief from our City Attorney, the memo will include a highlighted section entitled, “The Bottom Line.” It is a summary or capsule of the issue at hand that is explained in detail.

The “Bottom Line” for today is, the Lord is our partner in life’s journey and is present not only to help, but to “take” our burdens as we trust in Him.

Our mental picture of our relationship with the Lord and the challenges of life can often run contrary to what we see in scripture. There is a stark difference between carrying our own burden and allowing the Lord to carry our burdens.

Yes, we have the responsibility to act, to do what we can and should do as we face the circumstances of life. Yet often the greatest impact of the “burdens” we carry in life is the worry and anxiety that can grip our life.

We feel that we have to just “bear our cross” and realize that the “Lord won’t give me more than I can handle.” These misunderstood concepts promote an idea that the Lord is a distant bystander, watching us struggle our way through life.

David’s admonition is to, “Give your burden to the Lord….” I think of the physical application that I experience as I attempt to carry something that is bulky as I try to walk with two crutches. Often someone will offer to help me carry my “load.” I am usually glad to take them up on the offer. It helps me save my strength and lessens my frustration and helps my mood! I believe the same is true of the issues of life that wear on our spiritually and emotional strength.

I find it of interest, but not inconsequential that we see a similar admonition found in Psalm 55 in the New Testament. The Apostle Peter writes, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” (1 Peter 5:7 NLT) I like the versions that use the word, “cast.” “Casting all you cares on the Lord…” To me it is a picture of not a reluctant giving up, because of realizing my weakness, but a willing and eager throwing off that which unnecessarily weighs us down.

In both Psalms and in Peter, we see the reason we are willingly relinquish our “burdens.” Psalms says, “…He will take care of you….” Peter says, “….He cares for you….” We need to remember that because the Lord cares “for” us, He stands ready to take care “of” us as we trust in Him.

When we give our burdens to the Lord, we can be confident that He will not “let us down.” He will work in our behalf, He will make a way and He will show us the way. Remember Jesus’ great invitation, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28 NLT) 

Our “burden bearer” is standing at our side. Don’t refuse His invitation. Don’t needlessly struggle. Trust in His care.

Prayer for today….. Lord thank You that You stand ready for us to relinquish that which would burden us down in life to You. Help us to be quick to turn to You and allow You to help us as we journey with You through life.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Its walls are patrolled day and night against invaders, but the real danger is wickedness within the city.” Psalm 55:10 NLT

David lived in a day when battles and bloodshed were common. Today the seasons of battle are played out in sports stadiums in a variety of ways. In David it was real battle. The verse always gets my attention when I read, “In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war…” (2 Samuel 11:1 NIV) Spring time was battle season.

The threats from various Kings and kingdoms was a constant threat. It seems the battles were vicious and frequent. Kings needed to possess a constant vigilance to keep their people and their kingdom safe. Cities were walled fortresses to provide security. Guards would keep constant watch with an eye on the horizon and any signs of pending trouble.

We see this pictured in the opening words of verse 10 of Psalm 55. But David quickly and wisely, points to the place where the battle is often won or lost. He is aware that while eyes may be focused outward that danger also exists “within the city.”  

The founders of our nation understood the threats to freedom from outside of our country and within our country. That is why the oath of office includes a commitment to, “defend [the country] against all enemies foreign and domestic.” 

But even that doesn’t capture David’s focus. His words are clear. “The real danger is wickedness…” John Adams one of our nations founders and early President’s stated, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”

We can look at nations throughout time and see that moral decay, injustice and wickedness was the precursor to their demise. The same can be true of individuals. The news in recent days has focused on the immoral actions that continued for years, of one of Hollywood’s richest and most renown  and powerful producers and “star makers” and one of the elite “movers and shakers.”

We can dedicate time and be diligent to protect our financial assets and our standing in the eyes of the community, our profession and church; but we need to keep an eye “within” on our hearts. I recently was visiting with a pastor friend who is recovering from his own physical challenge. He asked me before we concluded our meeting. “How is Ken? How are you doing physically, emotionally, spiritually?” It made me realize that even in a time of life when the pressures are less than in the past, and the schedule is not as intense, that it is still important to pause in life and have an inward assessment.

We need to be in prayer for our communities and our nation. We need to take a stand against injustice, evil and wickedness. We need to examine our own hearts. I think of the words of the old “spiritual” – “It’s me o Lord, standing in the need of prayer.” We can spend all kinds of time and focus and energy protecting what we believe to be important, but it what’s “within” that is the most important.

Prayer for today…. Lord, search our hearts and reveal our hearts to each of us. Keep us strong within and on guard “without” that we may be faithful to You and strong and safe in challenging days.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Only fools say in their hearts, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and their actions are evil; not one of them does good!” Psalm 14:1 NLT

My pastor’s wife growing up was Marilyn Hickey. She would go from being a Sunday School teacher and pastor’s wife to becoming a nationally known Bible teacher and author. I recall a time she explained what an “agnostic” was. She said, “an agnostic by the meaning of the word is ‘one without knowledge’ and one without knowledge is an ignoramus.” 

So being a well-informed teen, I tried that one out on my high school English teacher. She wasn’t amused!

David said those who declare that there is no God are fools! The Hebrew word for “fool” usually carries the concept of, “one who is morally debase.” We see an indication of that as the verse continues and says, They are corrupt, and their actions are evil; not one of them does good!”

Someone whose lifestyle is contrary to what would be pleasing to God, finds it more convenient to try to convince themselves that God doesn’t exist. If there is no God, then I can be my own “god” and I am not accountable to anyone. They believe there actions don’t really “hurt anyone” so it becomes a convenient view of life.

There is believing like a fool and there is acting like a fool. Someone may not consider themselves as “foolish” but their action betray their heart. We see it in this psalm, “The Lord looks down from heaven on the entire human race; he looks to see if anyone is truly wise, if anyone seeks God.” (Psalm 14:2 NLT)

In many ways and at many times we can all “play the fool.” We can what former Senate Chaplin Richard Halverson called, act like “functional atheists.” (not the exact term) But the explanation was, “there are those who believe in God, but live their lives as if He doesn’t exist.”

The psalmist put it in these words, “No one does good, not a single one!” (Psalm 14:3 NLT) That sound a lot like what Paul would say centuries later, “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

We then see the psalmist assert, “….God is with those who obey him.” (Psalm 14:5 NLT) He also declares, “….the Lord will protect his people.” (Psalm 14:6 NLT)

In contrast to being a “fool” those who are wise – learn. Those who are wise embrace the knowledge of God and live in the “fear of the Lord.” In other words, they recognize God for who He is. They understand that He, not we, are God alone. They understand that life with God provides true freedom, peace and a glorious future.

Prayer for today….. Lord help us to be wise through trusting and obeying You. Allow what we believe to be reflected through how we live.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….  “I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:12,13 NLT

When it comes to Paul, the idea of “I can do all things through Christ…..” means “I can do poor….I can do rich.”    Paul’s well known and often used assertion declares the Lord’s strength not to do what I want, as much as to endure what life brings.

If someone were to ask Paul, “How to you keep going when you suffer so much?” or if they asked, “How do you keep you perspective when you have all your needs met?” His answer would be the same, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”    

In a world where contentment is focused on what you have, Paul turns that concept on its head and says it is more about “who has you.” We find more in scripture about Paul’s sufferings and trials than times of plenty and comfort. For example we read of Paul’s troubles and trials,

“I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not. I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm.” (1 Corinthians 11:23-27 NLT)

Any one of these trials would be enough for anyone to question where God was and why he was allowing all this to happen. But Paul’s attitude was, “I can survive it, because in my need the Lord gives me strength.”

In time of suffering and trials our nature inclination is to question God, question our self, to believe something has to be wrong. When we have much and our needs are met, the temptation is to ignore God. To live on our own strength and trust in our own resources.

There are temptations that come with suffering and want, and there are temptations and trials that can come with having plenty and all of our needs met. Whatever our circumstance of life may be, we can keep our focus on the Lord; we can “acknowledge Him in all of our way.” 

When Christ is our source of strength, we will find what we need in life to “keep our spiritual fervor” in plentiful supply. When we trust in our own ability and strength, we will find that we run “hot and cold” or we will be “up and down” based on our circumstances. We will go from being content to being filled with anxiety.

It is the strength that we find in Christ alone that gives us the contentment that can so illusive in life. Christ’s provision and presence frees us of worry, gives us peace and it keeps us focused.

Prayer for today…. Lord, in a world of anxiety, unrest and uncertainty thank You for the contentment that comes from You and the strength that You alone can provide.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….. “If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept correction, you will be honored.”  Proverbs 13:18 NLT

Although Solomon was wise beyond words, he understood important concepts of about life, human nature and success. We see this reflected in his perspective of the value and role of criticism.

The Amplified Bible words Proverbs 27:6 like this, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend [who corrects out of love and concern]…” However, even ill intended and criticism offered with malice may have some redeeming aspect to it.

There are extremes that need to be avoided. One is a stone-cold response to criticism, dismissing it even when it is given with good intentions. This response is one of immediate defensiveness, perhaps even lashing out at the individual who spoke the words.

Solomon says, that criticism ignored is the path to poverty and disgrace. That “criticism” may be actually a warning. It might be advice that if heeded, will be of great benefit. The first part of Proverbs 15:32 says, “Those who disregard discipline despise themselves…” 

The other extreme is to allow criticism to destroy any motivation for improvement. In this situation an individual feels so “beat down” that they draw a false and fatal conclusion about themselves and their worth. Of course those who constantly criticize are guilty of verbal abuse and promote those negative conclusions one can have.

This proverb assumes the condition that criticism is not a constant barrage on a person’s life. I remember the quote, probably of a politician, “I’m never lost, because everyone is telling me where to go!”

Over the years, I have learn much and appreciate the criticism I have received from individuals. As if being a pastor doesn’t make you a target enough, I found going into politics provided a whole new dimension of ideas and criticism and yes judgments. But most of them I found where from individuals who were “in my corner” and wanted to help me be the best I could be.

Some important principles to keep in mind:

1 – We have to recognize that others see things in us that we don’t see in ourselves.

2 – When criticism is offered, consider the source. While even some good can come from criticism that is intended to harm more than help, it is important to discern the motives of the person making the comments. Some one who is a “frequent offender” is not a reliable source.

3 – Try not to immediately react or respond. The idea of a “selah moment” is helpful. “Pause and Ponder.”

4 – Prayerfully consider what has been shared and ask the Lord to help you to understand the point and how to apply it to your life if the criticism is valid.

Criticism should not be a default self-improvement plan, but it can be of some value when we keep an open mind and heart; when we consider the source and we trust the Lord to help us to create value for our lives. When criticism is valuable correction and instruction, it can be a key to improvement and success.

Prayer for today…. Lord, help us to grow in all the ways that come into our life. Even though criticism is a challenge, it can present an opportunity for something positive in our lives. Give us discernment and understanding that we need so we can be honored before you and others.