Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Our Only Hope (Psalm 4:6)

Today's scripture: Psalm 4:6

Have you watched the news lately? Or visited Yahoo's or Googles' news page? It seems like all you read or see is bad news. I sometimes agree with the psalmist: "Who will show us any good?"

Our world is rapidly declining, and it seems like all we hear is corruption, hate, selfishness, and greed.

Where can we find any hope at all? As far as I'm concerned, the only hope we have is in God and the "light of His countenance." It's when things seem the darkest that I go to His word to remember that He is light, and in Him no darkness can be found (1 John 1:5).

These words give me hope. One day, the darkness of this world will end, and those who follow Christ will live in a new heaven and new earth. Best of all, "
there will no longer be any night; and they will not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God will illumine them ..." (Revelation 22:5).

So, when the darkness of this world drags you down, when you ask, "Who will show us any good?," go to the One who is good. Seek His light through the darkness. Remember how He loves you unconditionally.

And cling to the light that only comes from Him.

Monday, January 29, 2018

Trust in the Lord (Psalm 4:5)

Today's scripture: Psalm 4:5

"... trust in the Lord."

Sometimes, this is very easy. When things are going well, bills are paid, and the kids are healthy. When you're working at the perfect job or dating "the one." When you're on the winning team or just closed escrow on your dream home. Then it's easy to put your trust in the Lord.

But life isn't always perfect, is it? In fact, more often than not, things don't go well. You find yourself doing some creative financing just to get this month's bills paid. Your child is down with the flu ... again. You just tolerate your job. Your boyfriend just said the dreaded words, "It's not you. It's me." Your team is 9-0 or your house is in foreclosure.

Or even worse, your doctor says, "I'm sorry. It's cancer."

Can you trust in the Lord even then?

I've been journaling for over 25 years, and each time I start a new journal, I read the previous. The last 25-years' journey has been a combination of ups and downs, twists and turns. Times when I've been on top of the world; times when I've been in the deepest valley.

Trusting God hasn't always been easy, and over the years, there have been times when I cried out in confusion and frustration, "Why?!"

Fortunately, I've learned that God's ways really aren't mine, and His thoughts are so far higher than mind (Isaiah 55:8-9). I've learned that His plan for me really is one of hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).

No, my life isn't perfect. My health continues to decline, slowly but surely. My everyday pain isn't going away nor am I suddenly infused with energy. More days than not have me asking for strength—just to make it through the day.

I don't understand why God has chosen not to heal me, and I certainly continue to pray that He will one day. But even if I continue to live in pain, even if I get to a place where all I can do is lay in bed ... well, then I can still trust Him because I know how He loves me. I trust in His grace and mercy and compassion.

Trusting God isn't always easy, but I know that it's the only way I can live my life. Trusting Him that all things really do work together for my good and His purpose (Romans 8:28).

Friday, January 26, 2018

Meditate and Be Still (Psalm 4:4b)

Today's scripture: Psalm 4:4b

I love the second part of today's verse. I really, truly do.

First, I love how I'm given permission to "meditate ... on [my] bed ..."! So many days, all I want to do is curl into a little ball and pull the covers over my head. Often, I'll have my time of Bible study and prayer in bed, and I love that I'm able to spend time with the Lord and still rest my body. God meets me where I am, and if that's my bed, then He's okay with that. Besides, the psalmist says I can!

Second, I love the reminder that we are to "be still." We live such hectic, busy lives. Running here and there. Working. Committees. Kids' activities. Friends. Family. Ministry. Church.

So many things vie for our attention. Sometimes, we get so lost in the noise that we forget to listen for the most important voice: God's. Several years ago, I wrote a book based on a retreat talk I give, and in it I wrote:
The most important thing about listening for God’s voice is that, in order for Him to be heard, you must be silent. God doesn’t want to compete with the world’s noise, nor should He. We know God, we hear His voice, in the stillness, in the quiet. (The Best Laid Plans © 2005 Sauni Rinehart, All Rights Reserved)
Being still, just being quiet in God's presence is a gift. It's something we must do, if we want to hear God's voice.

So, now you've been given permission: Spend time today (whether on your bed or not!) in quiet meditation of God's word. Quiet your heart and mind, and be still. Listen for God's voice.

He'll speak to you in those quiet moments.

Wednesday, January 24, 2018

Anger .. Without Sin (Psalm 4:4a)

Today's scripture: Psalm 4:4a

You've probably heard the first part of today's verse many, many times. The New King James Version says it this way: "Be angry, and do not sin." Yet, this seems to contradict other verses that tell us not to be angry:

He who is slow to anger has great understanding, But he who is quick-tempered exalts folly. (Proverbs 14:29)
A man’s discretion makes him slow to anger, And it is his glory to overlook a transgression. (Proverbs 19:11)
Do not be eager in your heart to be angry, For anger resides in the bosom of fools.(Ecclesiastes 7:9)
Anger is included in the list of "deeds of the flesh" in Galatians5:19-21.

So, how can we be angry and still not sin? I think it has to do with two things: habit and heart.

If one is perpetually, constantly, habitually angry, then he is sinning. If he is taking his anger out on those around him, then he is sinning.

However, if one is angry because of injustice or when someone else victimizes the weak, then I believe he is not sinning—as long as that anger doesn't manifest itself in something destructive.

We can indeed be angry and not sin ... with the right heart.

Monday, January 22, 2018

Set Apart (Psalm 4:2-3)

Today's scripture: Psalm 4:2-3

We followers of Christ use a long, sometimes confusing word when we talk about our relationship with our Savior: sanctification. Simply said, it means that those who have committed their lives to Christ and have accepted His gift of salvation are "set apart." Because we are "set apart" from the world, our lives should be different from those who are not followers of Christ.

We should love more, have more joy, patience, and kindness. We should practice self-control. We should pray continually, saturate our hearts and minds in God's word, and live as Jesus did.

I can't remember who asked it, but have you heard the question, "If you were arrested for being a Christ-follower, would there be enough evidence to convict you?" Do people look at you and see love ... or hate? Do they see you patiently dealing with adversity ... or complaining about your "lot in life"? Are you guilty of doing what James wrote: "... with our tongues we speak both praises and curses. We praise our Lord and Father, and we curse people who were created to be like God, and this isn’t right" (3:9-10, CEV).

This life on earth is so very short, and we must not waste it. If we are truly "set apart," then we need to live like we are. Instead of focusing on how the world says we should live, let's focus on how God's word says we should live.

One day, we'll all stand in front of God's throne and tell Him how we lived our lives for Him ... what evidence will you give?

Friday, January 19, 2018

So Blessed! (Psalm 4:1)

Today's scripture: Psalm 4:1

So many times, I sit in awe of how very blessed I am. I have a supportive, loving husband, a lovely home, a sweet four-legged fur-baby. I have the privilege of teaching and helping my students to become more effective writers—all from the comfort of my own home. I have wonderful friends. I enjoy fun things like performing at our local community theater.

I am so very blessed.

My life, however, isn't perfect. If you've read my devotionals for any length of time, you know I deal with a plethora of health issues, any of which causes pain. Between them, I honestly don't know a moment without of pain of some kind. Some days are better; some are ... well, not.

Because of my moment-by-moment pain, I often call out to God "in my distress." I often lift a figurative hand and say, "Jesus, will You hold my hand just a little more tightly today?" ... and He does. He hears my cry and holds my hand. Some days, He carries me.

Even though He doesn't take away the pain completely, He offers relief for that moment. He offers mercy, peace, and comfort.

Through the pain, in spite of the pain, I feel His presence ... and I am blessed.

So blessed.

Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Our Victor! (Psalm 3:7-8)

Today’s scripture: Psalm 3:7-8

I’ve written before how often it seems that the enemy is winning way too many battles. I scan the headlines, and it’s all about sex scandals, senseless killings, and mistreated children.

This world seems to be more and more corrupt, moment by moment, and there doesn’t seem to be any hope in sight. It’s enough to make me want to crawl into a hole and hibernate until Christ returns.

But then I read verses like today’s, and I’m reminded that God, the Creator of all things, is the Victor. Just as He conquered the enemies of His people centuries ago, He will conquer the enemy of this world one day.

Salvation, indeed, belongs to the Lord, and one day, all the sin and suffering of this world will be vanquished by God’s power.

Our Lord God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—has “overcome the world”! (John 16:33).

Monday, January 15, 2018

Lie Down and Sleep (Psalm 3:4-6)

Today’s scripture: Psalm 3:4-6

I’m sure I’m not the only one who has problems sleeping. I’ve dealt with insomnia, in one way or another, most of my life.

Sometimes, I can’t sleep because of pain. Other times, it’s because I have too much on my mind, too many worries. Still other times, it’s because of noises or distractions.

When I can’t sleep, I sometimes “count sheep.” Or I read. Or I pray.

I wish I went to the last one first … Because God does hear me when I cry out to Him. And when I’m lying in bed unable to sleep, He reminds me that I’m covered by His protection. He sustains me. He gives me strength.

When I remember how He loves me, how He cares for me, how He provides for me, I can rest.

Not every night … but often enough.

Friday, January 12, 2018

A Shield About Me (Psalm 3:1-3)

Today’s scripture: Psalm 3:1-3

Okay … So, I wrote on January 1 that I’d be going through the psalms and “meditat[ing] chronologically on as many as touch my heart.” I have to admit: Psalm 2 didn’t inspire me, so I’m moving on to Psalm 3.

I love any piece of scripture that reminds me of God’s presence, and today’s verses do just that.

The psalmist was writing about actual, physical adversaries, and even though we may not be fighting an earthly army, each of us has “adversaries.” We may be fighting with relationships, with job crises, with health issues. We may be fighting habitual sin. We may be fighting our own pasts.

And many may indeed be telling us, “There is no deliverance …”

Oh, but there is!

When the enemy—in whatever form—is lobbing its spears of lies, its grenades of pain, its missiles of inadequacy, we have a shield. The Shield.

God is our protector. He is our strength. He is the Victor.

We can lift heads of courage, knowing we are on the winning team!

Wednesday, January 10, 2018

The Way of the Righteous (Psalm 1:6)

Today's scripture: Psalm 1:6

I love verses like this … the first part, at least.

“For the LORD knows the way of the righteous.” I speak often about how God has a plan for each of us. And when we seek His will, He’ll reveal that plan.

Knowing that God has a plan founded on His love, grace, and mercy, I’m confident that He’ll do His perfect will through me.

But God’s “knowing the way” means a bit more. As I’ve written before, I like to look at other versions and translations of the Bible to give me a bit more insight into how God speaks to us. One paraphrase I like interprets today’s verse as:

The LORD protects everyone who follows him,
but the wicked follow a road
that leads to ruin. (CEV)
I love knowing God protects me and guides me.

Then we move to the second part of the verse. And I actually prefer the CEV version: “… the wicked follow a road that leads to ruin.” The Bible talks about a “narrow gate” (see Matthew 7:13-14). The road that leads to salvation is narrow and often costly, so many will choose the broad path that seems to provide more … here on earth, that is. But that road truly leads to ruin: the outer darkness I wrote about yesterday.

So what can we learn from today’s verse?

First, we who follow Christ have a wonderful Heavenly Father who guides and protects us. When we prayerfully seek His will, He’ll lead us on a path that glorifies Him and makes us more like Christ.

Second, those who don’t follow Christ will one day experience eternal separation from God.

What’s the bottom line? We need to do whatever we can to help those who don’t know truth to find it. We need to help the “wicked” to find salvation through Christ so that they too can know God’s will on earth—and that they too can know they’ll spend eternity with God.


Monday, January 08, 2018

Abundantly Blessed (Psalm 1:4-5)

Today's scripture: Psalm 1:4-5

We who follow Christ are abundantly blessed in so many ways. Even if we are going through difficult times, we are still blessed with grace, with mercy, with provision.

Yet, sometimes it seems the wicked are blessed as well. We see those who flagrantly sin revel in wealth and all their “stuff.” We see them prosper … according to the world’s definition. Flashy cars. Sparkling jewels. Designer clothes.

It’s true. Many people who ignore God’s truth or blatantly oppose it are very fortunate in what they have here on earth.

But one day, they’ll stand in front of God’s throne, and just “like the chaff which the wind drives away,” they’ll be “cast into the outer darkness” (Matthew 8:12), eternally separated from God. They won’t join those of us who have committed our lives to Him. They won’t spend eternity “in the assembly of the righteous.”

Like most of us, sometimes I wish I had more of the “stuff” others have. Sometimes it looks like the sinners are winning. But then I remember what I have to look forward to, and I don’t want their “blessings,” in any way, shape, or form.

I’ll take the blessings I do have, and I’ll eagerly anticipate the blessings to come.

Friday, January 05, 2018

True Prosperity (Psalm 1:3)

Today's scripture: Psalm 1:3

People blessed by God don’t spend time with those who ridicule God. They do spend time delighting in God’s word, and when they focus on God, he “firmly plants” them. He nurtures and helps them grow into people He can use.

When we focus on God and His will for us, He uses us in ways we cannot even imagine.

I never expected to speak for Him. I never expected to be able to mentor young women. I never expected to write a devotional.

Yet, because I’ve learned to keep my focus on Him, because I’ve learned to delight in His word, He’s chosen to allow me to do things I absolutely love in service to Him

Even more, He’s allowed me to see some fruit from my efforts. I won’t know everything He’s done through me this side of heaven, but I’ve seen enough. Comments made. Tears of joy shared. Lives changed.

By Him. Through me.

As I’ve watched Him work, I’ve seen the areas of ministry He’s given me prosper. No, not prosper financially, as some would define that word. But prosper spiritually. Emotionally.

And I am blessed.

Wednesday, January 03, 2018

Delight in the Law of the Lord (Psalm 1:2)

Today's scripture: Psalm 1:2

Monday, we looked at what the man (or woman) who is blessed by God shouldn’t do. Today, we look at what we should do.

Our delight should be in the law of the Lord. One’s delight is what “brings a high degree of gratification or extreme satisfaction.” It is “something that gives great pleasure” (Webster’s Dictionary). When we delight in God’s word, we “take great pleasure” in His commandments and promises. We revel in those scriptures that encourage and affirm, and we strive to live by those passages that convict and exhort.

So how do we find great pleasure in God’s word? We study it. We learn from it. Indeed, we meditate on it “day and night.”

You know what “day and night” means to me? And even as I write these words, I’m feeling very convicted. It’s certainly more than reading a verse now and again. It’s even more than reading a bit of scripture every day.

“Day and night” means something more. It means regularly and consistently spending time interacting with the words God inspired. It means studying them, pondering them. Praying over them.

I believe with all my heart that God wants to speak to His children, and one of the ways He does so is through His written word. He longs to bless us, but to receive the blessing of hearing His voice through the Bible, we must spend time in it.

Delighting in it. Day and night.

Monday, January 01, 2018

Blessed Is the Man ... and Woman (Psalm 1:1)

Today's scripture: Psalm 1:1

Happy New Year!

A few years ago, I focused on some of my favorite psalms. The older I get, the more attracted I am to their truths. They encourage, affirm, and convict—often all at the same time.

So, for the foreseeable future, I’m going back to these ancient, beautiful, and still relevant words. I may not get through all 150 (in 2014, I only touched on about a third of them), but I think I’m just going to start at the beginning and meditate chronologically on as many as touch my heart. If you’ve been with me for a while, you’ll find some “repeats” alongside new inspiration. As we begin this journey (which may take several years!), I pray your heart is touched as well.

Let’s start with Psalm 1. I usually use the New American Standard translation as my study Bible (and the link above is, indeed, that translation), but I often look at other versions or paraphrases when I’m meditating on God’s word. I truly believe that, just as the Holy Spirit inspired the writers of the original manuscripts eons ago, He has inspired those who have prayerfully translated or paraphrased the words through the centuries.

And so, when I’m looking at verses I find so familiar—like today’s—I love to see how others have been inspired.

One paraphrase I really like is the Contemporary English Version, and it renders today’s verse this way:

God blesses those people
who refuse evil advice
and won't follow sinners
or join in sneering at God.
When I read these words, I see some principles to live by.

First, God blesses those who “refuse evil advice.” We’re surrounded by those who give us advice about how we should live. We watch movies or television shows, or read magazines that tell us we should be prosperous, no matter what it takes. We should be sexually free, not worrying about commitment or intimacy. We should do whatever we need to in order to get ahead, even if that means we have to step on a few people to get there.

We must “refuse” that advice because it goes against God’s word. Instead, we need to be so saturated with truth that we follow God’s ways and His advice.

Second, God blesses those who “won’t follow sinners.” I see this as being a warning about being careful about those with whom we associate. We’ll always have to be around nonbelievers—unless we join a monastery. However, we cannot let them influence us to sin. Instead, we need to be the light of Christ to them.

Finally, God blesses those who don’t “join in sneering at God.” It honestly breaks my heart when I hear people take God’s name in vain, using it as just another word. They don’t reverence Him or speak His name with awe. Others willfully and rebelliously speak of God maliciously and hatefully.

We need to speak words of praise and seek to glorify God with everything we say.

Then God will bless us. And I don’t know about you, but I really desire His blessing!