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.

This past Friday, we celebrated the life and passing of Joyce Haffner. Joyce was the wife of my cousin Ed Haffner. One of our fond memories is Ed and Joyce bringing my parents with them to Cleveland, TN for the college graduation of Christian and Stephanie. Here is a picture of Christian with Ed and Joyce from that graduation event in 2003. Christian joined me in officiating the memorial service.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.” Psalm 34:23,24 NLT

These verses are ones that became an anchor and source of encouragement when I was a pastor and our church was involved in a major relocation effort.

When you journey in life, just like a walk in the wilderness, it is good to have a guide. It is good to have someone who knows the way and is there to look out for you.

When I read the Lord directs the steps of the godly, I like to think of the guide who says, “this way” or “no not that direction over here.” 

It is also good to know that the Lord is pleased with us as we submit our lives to Him and trust in Him. I’m not sure how many really have that sense of confidence. The default seems to rely too much on our own merit, even though we believe and proclaim the grace of God. The psalmist declares of the “godly” – “the Lord delights in every detail of their lives.”

I had the opportunity on Friday to lead the memorial service for Joyce Haffner, a cousin of mine. Joyce and her husband Ed attended my church and I have memories of them throughout my life. Joyce was a good mom and an even better grandmother. I think of Joyce when I read of the Lord, “delighting in every detail of our lives.” She was that way with her grandchildren.

One of her grandson’s is a surgeon. As he shared his memories of his grandmother he began by saying, “this is the first talk I have given that I didn’t have grandmother listen to and give me feedback.” He went on and told how he even shared a very technical medical speech that he had prepared. When he finished, grandmother looked at him and sad, “that was very nice!” He said, “I know she had no clue what I was talking about.” But that is delighting in every detail of a person’s life.

Psalm 37:24 is the verse that encourages us all. “Tough they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.” As a parent I can recall, holding my child’s hand when they were small and having them stumble. But because I had their hand, they did not fall. It can be reassuring to know that the Lord is not only with us, but that He is “holding our hand” as we journey through life.

The challenge is to cooperate. Just like a small child will at times refuse the parents desire to provide safety and security, we can have an “I-don’t-need-help” attitude. Trusting in the Lord, recognizing our need of His help is not a sign of weakness, it is a demonstration of wisdom.

Let’s be those who are wise and demonstrate child-like trust and connection to the Lord. As we do we are assured of His smile and we can be safe by His side.

Prayer for today….. Lord thank You for being our guide; for taking delight in us. Help us to surrender and relax in Your care knowing that when we journey with You, we never have to live in fear.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Don’t worry about the wicked or envy those who do wrong.” Psalm 37:1 NLT

The first part of Psalm 37 directs our focus on what we can and should in living our lives in the midst of wronging and wickedness. Psalm 37:1 and Psalm 37:7 form brackets around the verses in between. “Don’t worry about the wicked or envy those who do wrong” (v. 1) “Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.” (v. 7)

In David’s day, like ours it can seem that all that is opposed to God and His principles are “winning.” It is easy to focus on all that is wrong and that we would like to see “go away” or change. The other temptation is to play be their rules. But this psalm calls us to a different standard a higher focus.

The intervening verses tell us how to “take care of business.” In other words, instead of anxiety over that which we can’t change, we must focus on what we can do. Scripture is clear that the wicked are temporary, the godly are eternal.

Here are the commands, here is what we are to focus on….

• “Trust in the Lord and do good….” (v. 3)
• “Delight yourself in the Lord.” (v. 4)
• “Commit everything you do to the Lord.” (v. 5)
• “Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for Him to act.” (v. 6)

Those priorities by themselves speak volumes. They show us how we bring focus to our lives, even when it seems like evil prevails and wickedness wins.

However, this psalm gives us the anticipated outcome the benefit, of focusing our lives and attitudes aright.

When we trust in the Lord, we have confidence in the Lord’s protection and provision, “you will live safely in the land and prosper.”

When we delight in the Lord we align our hearts with His the promise is, “…He will give you your heart’s desires.”

When we commit everything we do to the Lord and trust Him we are given the assurance, “…He will help you.”

When we focus on the Lord’s presence and wait patiently for Him to act we have the confidence, “He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.” (v. 6)

This psalm emphasizes that the wicked “will not last.” In response to their arrogance and schemes and confidence, “…the Lord just laughs, for he sees their day of judgment coming.” (Psalm 37:13 NLT)

There is certainly a time and place to take a stand. To speak out. But our focus is not be to on that which is wrong, but a commitment to that which is “right.” Trusting in the Lord, committing our lives to Him, seeking His presence, waiting on the Lord, making Him our delight.

I am reminded how those who are trained to detect counterfeit money, don’t focus on the fakes, but on the real. I believe there is a good application. When our hearts and minds are focused on the Lord and what pleases Him, we will be better prepared to see the “fakes” and be used by Him in a world headed toward destruction.

Prayer for today….. Lord, help us to follow Your plan for our life. May our lives be lived in Your presence committed fully to Your ways and purposes for our lives in this world.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Everyone who sees me mocks me. They sneer and shake their heads, saying, “Is this the one who relies on the Lord? Then let the Lord save him! If the Lord loves him so much, let the Lord rescue him!”  Psalm 22:7,8 NLT

Our sovereign God, not only reveals His plans of redemption but provides amazing details of actual events related to the Messiah’s life and His redemptive work.

We are familiar with the prophecies fulfilled at Christ’s birth. “A virgin shall be with child…” Bethlehem foretold as the place of His birth; Nazareth as His home town; the flight to Egypt. “Out of Egypt I have called my son.” 

Even more vivid are the details that relate to Christ’s death on the cross. These are not found in the words of the Old Testament prophets, but in the psalms, written by the one whose distant and heaven-sent “son” would fulfill at the end of His life.

Luke records the actual event with these words, “The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” (Luke 23:35 NIV)

We read in the gospels, “And they divided up His garments by casting lots.” (Luke 23:34 NIV) David spoke thousands of years earlier, “They divide my garments among themselves and throw dice for my clothing.” (Psalm 22:18 NLT)

Matthew records Jesus’ cry from the cross, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” (Matthew 27:46 NLT) David spoke of the event as well, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” (Psalm 22:1 NLT)

David spoke of the intensity of Jesus’ suffering, “My life is poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart is like wax, melting within me. My strength has dried up like sunbaked clay. My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth….I can count all my bones. My enemies stare at me and gloat.” (Psalm 22:14-15,17 NLT)

When David wrote these words, he was not speaking with the coming Messiah in mind. He was uttering prophetic words of the Messiah’s suffering without realizing. The words that he wrote, were word that described how he felt and what he experienced. We don’t have historic record of why David wrote what he did, or what he had in mind when he wrote these words. (Perhaps we can find out in heaven!)

We can believe that the Holy Spirit was the source of David’s inspiration, even as he wrote words that he, himself did not understand.

But just as Christ and His life reflected back on the history of Israel, so we find words that reflect back on the life and words of David. He was to be known after all as “The Son of David.”

My “take-a-way” thoughts are these. I am reminded that prophetic words come to pass in God’s way and in God’s timing. It may take thousands of years, but they do occur. What is an eternity for us is not with God. The scriptures that foretold of Christ’s birth and death were fulfilled and the ones that speak of His return will be fulfilled.

The other lesson, is that Christ came to identify with us in our struggles and in our weaknesses. The writer of Hebrews declares, “Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” (Hebrews 2:18 NIV) We see the promised work of the Holy Spirit, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” (Romans 8:26 NIV)

The psalms provide great words of comfort and they reveal a God who cares for us and knows the beginning from the end. That should compel greater trust and confidence in our walk of faith.

Prayer for today…. Lord we pray for greater grace to trust You more. We recognize Your greatness and stand in awe of who You are and Your ways.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….. “Tainted wealth has no lasting value, but right living can save your life.” Proverbs 10:2 NLT

It is interesting how Solomon the richest person in ancient history provides many lessons about money and priorities. The more one has, the more one understands that having more isn’t the answer. That doesn’t mean it is more “godly” to be poor than rich or that having money automatically makes a person suspect of a corrupt moral nature.

That is why it is the “love” of money that is decried by scripture. That is why Solomon speaks of “tainted” or ill-gotten wealth. When we achieve at the expense of others or our gain is someone else’s loss, that is a problem.

I recall the adage that guides a balanced perspective. “Use money, love people; don’t Use people and love money.” Selfishly “using” people to gain wealth is what Solomon would say is “tainted wealth” and has no lasting value. It may, like sin, provide satisfaction for a “season” but in the long run that which is highly valued by people, is found to be of no eternal worth.

The other challenge that Solomon challenges is in the blessing that we seek. Do we seek the blessings that comes being “rich” in what the Lord provides or just what money provides. Once again we are reminded that Jesus said, “it is hard for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:24)

Solomon put it this way, “The blessing of the Lord makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.” (Proverbs 10:22 NLT)

Do we seek the Lord’s blessing as our source of satisfaction? The Lord’s blessing speaks of His favor. It reminds us the richness of friendship and the value of family unity.

The 2007 movie, “The Bucket List” finds two men facing a terminal illness. A blue-collar mechanic (played by Morgan Freeman) and a billionaire (played by Jack Nicholson). At the end of the movie after the two were together for their joint adventures, we find a stark contrast. The billionaire is seen alone fixing a frozen dinner and the blue-collar mechanic is pictured at a dinner table full of family, laughter and love.

We don’t have to choose financial security and means over family, but we do need to choose that which we will value above the other. Especially if seeking “blessing” through financial gain results in sacrificing family and and our integrity and the blessing the Lord alone can provide.

Prayer for today…. Lord thank You for the practical guidance we receive from Your Word. Help us to always seek Your blessing that makes us truly rich.