Hope for the Broken-Hearted

We began a new sermon series this week on “Thankfulness” using Psalm 138 as our scripture reference.  This psalm is full of good stuff, but I’d like to dig into just a few verses.  Verses 3, 6-7 say, “When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted.”  “Though the Lord is on high, He looks upon the lowly, but the proud He knows from afar.  Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me.” (there is a study note in my Bible that says – He looks upon the lowly “with favor”).  These verses reference back to Psalm 113:5-6 which says, “Who is like the Lord, our God, the One who sits enthroned on high, who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth?”  Also, Isaiah 57:15 which says, “For this is what the high and lofty One says – “I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.”

Are you brokenhearted?  Do you think you are so unhappy that this can’t be what God had planned for your life?  Here’s some good news for you!  God himself will revive your broken heart!  Maybe things have happened to you, so you can experience God himself reviving your heart!  What might this look like?  Is there an example of this in the Bible you ask?  Yes, there is!  Psalm 18:6 says, “In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help.  From His temple He heard my voice; my cry came before Him, into His ears.”

The psalmist could have just said, “God helped me.”  But instead, in Psalm 18:9, 16-17, he gives us this great picture of how God helped him:

“He parted the heavens and came down; dark clouds were under His feet.”  “He reached down from on high and took hold of me; He drew me out of deep waters.  He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me.” 

Isn’t that fantastic?  God is in His temple and yet our cries come into His ears.  This reminds me of James 5:4 which says, “The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.”  He is not too big or mighty or busy to hear our cries.  Then, not only does He hear our cries, He takes action in a big way by parting the heavens and reaching down from on high to pull us out of the depths.  Aren’t you thankful to serve such an amazing God?  Let’s give Him praise with all our hearts!!

Remember who you are talking with

Praise the Lord.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
    his love endures forever.

2 Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the Lord
    or fully declare his praise?
3 Blessed are those who act justly,
    who always do what is right.

4 Remember me, Lord, when you show favor to your people,
    come to my aid when you save them,
5 that I may enjoy the prosperity of your chosen ones,
    that I may share in the joy of your nation
    and join your inheritance in giving praise.

6 We have sinned, even as our ancestors did;
    we have done wrong and acted wickedly.

There is no better way to begin our week than to pray these lines from Psalm 106. Praising God is an act of worship, and one I too often eliminate from prayer time. My self-absorbed way tends to jump right in to my list of wants, totally ignoring who God is and what He has done for me. (Verse 1)

Learning how to pray was a journey over time, and one I have enjoyed traveling. Years ago when I was exploring prayer I would go into my office after my evening meal and read a couple different books on prayer. Someone (not sure who, but I would like to thank them) introduced me to Richard Foster and Dutch Sheets.

First I poured through the books by these two men and then I began to pour out my heart on pages of my journals.  That was when I first began daily writing in these books. God revealed himself to me during that season of my life as I discovered how good it was to Praise God for His goodness. I felt freedom which comes from acknowledging my sinfulness and accepting the fact that I was no better than the parents whose behavior I had resented for years. (Verse 6)

The years of stumbling through my morning prayer time, striving to get the words 'just right', have brought me to a time of humbly acknowledging my need for prayer and my desire for Jesus to be with me every day--all day as I plead with Him to remember me and forget my sin. (Verse 4)

Psalm 106:1-6

Coming Before Our God

Psalm 95:1-7

What does coming before God mean and what does it look like?

At times it may be on your knees, head in your hands and tears in your sorrow filled heart.

Another time it could look more like grateful hands raised upward for all God has offered you.

Possibly the first thing in the morning in the quiet of your favorite room, you engage in silent conversation with the Savior.

We present ourselves before the Lord in many ways and for numerous reasons, but let us be reminded that regardless of our location or stance, we are to preface our prayer and petitions with praise.  

Psalm 95:1-7 reminds us;

“Let us come before Him with thanksgiving.”

“”Come let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for He is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under His care.”

No matter what our prayer may be addressing, when we go to Him, we are acknowledging God as our Maker and caretaker.

Throughout the Bible, references are made to the importance of worshiping in spirit and truth.

Hebrews 12:28-29 “Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.”

Lord, we praise and worship you for all that you are and always will be. We honor your unconditional love for us, and unending faith in this world. Glory to you, oh great and mighty one!

Read/Listen to Psalm 95:1-7 

Mark 12:28-34

Love God with Your Soul

This Sunday we revisit a scripture reading. Revisiting suggests it must be extremely important. You decide.

When Jesus was asked the question in Mark 12 regarding the most important commandment, his response was this: 

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” 

Let’s focus on the soul for a time.

Thinking deeply about what “the soul” feels is personal. Our soul is known to no one but our Lord. It’s like a concept rather than a thing. Something that is with us and guides us, yet we have no visual reference for it.

Our heart pumps to maintain our earthly life, and though we refer to having a broken heart when we experience emotional trials, is it not truly our soul that is affected. Then perhaps it is our soul that guides our heart to continue pumping or to give in, during our last moments.

Dictionary.com defines the soul as follows: noun: the principle of life, feeling, thought, and action in humans, regarded as a distinct entity separate from the body, and commonly held to be separate in existence from the body; the spiritual part of humans as distinct from the physical part.

Might it be, that our true heart (not physical heart), and our soul are one in the same?

Proverbs 4:23 “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”

May we closely guard our heart/soul and praise God in all seasons.

“Bless the Lord O my soul, O, O, O my soul. Worship His Holy name. Sing like never before, O, my soul. Worship His Holy name.”

Listen to Matt Redman: 
10,000 Reasons

Praise the Lord

I went to a party several years ago. My wife and I had a great time. We left with several other people. Everyone said their departing pleasantries, but I forgot to say “Thank You.”

 

The next day, when I realized my omission, I felt bad. I remedied the situation with a phone call, but I still felt a bit foolish.

 

Today’s reading is Psalms 103:1-10.

 

King David is praising the Lord for all he does. David tells us that the Lord heals, forgives, provides, loves and provides justice. David goes on to say that the Lord does not hold grudges and is compassionate.

 

David’s praises go far beyond “Thank You.”

 

Today, 3,000 years later, we have a lot to be thankful for. God has given us families so that we are not alone.  He provides us with food and clothing. He has given us the gift of medicine, and he has given us vocations so that we can help each other.  When our vocations get the best of us, he even gives us vacations to refresh and renew ourselves.

 

More importantly, God has given us wisdom. He gave us his Word, that is, the Bible, and he has given us the Holy Spirit so that we can understand his Word. His Word tells us a bit about God and how he loves those he created.  It also tells us how God expects us to live. It even gives us tasks that will please him. When things get rough, His Word gives us hope.

 

Most importantly, however, God sent his son, Jesus Christ, to atone for our sins. Although he might get angry at us for not living up to his standards, Jesus’ death on the cross “forgives all our sins.” Jesus' painful act of compassion assures us that we will have eternal life with him.

 

Sometimes we take God’s graciousness and love for granted. We get busy with work or with our families, or perhaps even watching a football game. When we realize our forgetfulness, it can make us feel bad.

 

Remember all God has done for us, and, like David, praise God and give him thanks!

 

You don’t even need a phone to remedy the situation.

Conduits without clogs

“As [the women] danced, they sang, ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.’  Saul was very angry; this refrain galled him.  ‘They have credited David with tens of thousands,’ he thought, ‘but me with only thousands.  What more can he get but the kingdom?’”  1 Samuel 18:7-8

How many times have we seen this scenario?  A young person finds fame, usually from acting, music or athletics ... with it comes applause, adulation and wealth, all in staggering amounts and at lightning-fast speed ... followed by an outlandish lifestyle of free-flowing drugs, alcohol, promiscuity and cash ... and right on cue come the addictions, the neuroses, the divorces, the troubled children and financial struggles.  Though rich in talent, the “stars” among us yet lack the ability to handle the acclaim that follows.  After all, they’re only people.  Gifted, yes, but only people.

It’s not just celebrities.  Our scenarios may not play out on as grand a scale or to such extremes, but we, too, struggle with praise – be it too much, too little, or not worded quite right.  I think the reason is this: We weren’t built to be the end-point of praise, rather, we are designed as conduits through whom praise flows on its rightful way to God.  Every blessing comes from him and all praise is due him.

Saul didn’t see it that way.  Had he glorified God in his heart for his battlefield successes, he would have worshipped him, also, for David’s.  To Saul, however, adulation stopped at the person and success was measured by comparison.  And by comparison, he lost 10 to 1.  Joy gave way to jealousy.

But David’s response to victory?  Pure praise.  Listen to his battle hymn ...

“It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.... He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.  You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great....  You armed me with strength for battle; you made my adversaries bow at my feet.  You made my enemies turn their backs in flight and I destroyed my foes.” Psalm 18:32, 34-35, 39-40

God’s blessings to David flowed through him to others ... and the victories for which the people praised David, he ascribed, in turn, to God.

The same is true for us when we live as conduits without clogs: his blessings flow out through us and his rightful praises flow up from us.

In 1674, another hymn writer, Thomas Ken, beautifully captured this flow of blessings and praise in a single verse.  And he inserted it as the final verse into two separate hymns, written for morning and evening worship at Winchester College: “Awake, my soul, and with the sun” and “Glory to thee, my God, this night.”

We know it today simply as “The Doxology” and with it, we praise the God who first blesses us.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise him all creatures here below;
Praise him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

Amen!

[Read today's text, 1 Samuel 18:1-9, in the NIV, or The Message.]

Acts 3: 3-10

Healing and Preaching the Name

A crippled beggar saw Peter and John about to enter the temple. Knowing only what his worldly need was, the beggar asked them for money. Peter responded by telling the man he had no silver or gold, but would give him what he had. "In the name of Jesus Christ, walk." Peter brought God to the situation, and the beggar was healed with words.

Peter had no power to heal, but in deep faithful trust in the Lord, he knew he could be used as a vehicle for healing. With his whole heart and being Peter believed God would be with him and had such deep faith that he allowed the words of healing to come forth. The Father was with Peter, and offered this cripple a gift far greater than what he asked for.

Often those hurting ask for things that do not reflect their true need. A few pieces of silver would not have helped this man in the long run, and Peter recognized this. Though having his physical ailment cured was a true blessing and relief, being able to walk did not offer the man what he truly needed.

Peter offered him the gift of eternal life through the presence of God. Once he could walk the beggar went to the temple courts "walking and jumping, and praising God." He began to enter into a relationship with Jesus, that is what he really needed, and what true healing is.

Our world is filled with suffering individuals who require a relationship with God in order to heal. They may be depressed, bitter, physically compromised, or have mental illness. Many have been through momentary tragedies and others, heartbreaking situations for many years. No matter what the apparent cause of their difficulties, only the peace that comes from a relationship with our Lord will heal them.

As we live our Christian faith, we are called to pray and create a place for others to be in God's presence so they can feel His love, and experience His healing touch. We are commissioned to "Speak Life" in order to save the lives of those who so desperately need it.

Hear the words of Toby Mack "Speak Life"
Read/Listen to Acts 3: 3-10

Peace from Grace

1 Thessalonians 5:15 (NIV) 
 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.  

What a world this would be if everyone always tried to be kind to each other.  It is difficult to even imagine that scenario.  I think to the time of Jesus and observe how He responded to people.  There was something different about Him; something unique and attractive that people flocked to be around Him.  The Bible says there was nothing outstanding about His looks that people should be drawn to Him, so it had to be something else.

 A kind-hearted person, one who exudes grace, is one who others want to spend time with.  There is a peace that accompanies grace.  There is hope where grace resides.  If you are fortunate to be in the audience this week during the VBS program you are witness to a variety of situations which give grace to each other.

When I hear the phrase "cut him or her some slack", I think of grace.  Grace is giving the benefit of the doubt, it is not jumping to conclusions and even more it is overlooking those conclusions even when the evidence is incriminating.  We are all guilty.  We all deserve punishment for our sins, but God forgives, extends grace to each of us when we repent.   

As the song, "It's By Grace" puts it, “When it’s nothing we could earn. When it’s not what we deserve. That’s the gift of the Lord we call grace. Grace is Jesus loving you, leaving nothing you must do. Just say thanks and give praise for His grace."

Watch Your Mouth-- Matthew 12:22-50

"You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the mouth, the heart speaks." (Matthew 12:34)

This verse reminds me of the saying, "Garbage in, garbage out."  Most of us can think of a time we wished we hadn't voiced the words we said.  How many times can you remember your own mother saying to you, "Watch your mouth?"  Words, once they are said, cannot be taken back.  We can apologize, but harsh or critical words can never be unsaid.

The Message puts it this way, "Words are powerful; take them seriously. Words can be your salvation. Words can also be your damnation." (Matthew 12:37)

It stands to reason that words can be life-changing.  Sweet talk, or singing, or praying goes a lot farther than cursing, screaming and gossip.  I know myself, I don’t like to be in the company of someone who is crabby; or worse yet, someone who cusses all the time.  I cringe when I hear the name of the Lord taken in vain, but let me hear a loud praise song and I am right there with you.  Even my spirit feels lighter and my heart and mind are open to what you are saying.

What is the lesson here?  When trying to reach someone for Jesus, I need to use words Jesus would use.  "

It's your heart, not the dictionary, that gives meaning to your words. A good person produces good deeds and words season after season." (Matthew 12:35 MSG)

To read the text for today click here.

Thanks for Unending Love - Psalm 136

As I read today's Psalm I kept singing the hymn: How deep the Father's love for us, how vast beyond all measure…That He should give His only Son, to make a wretch His treasure. I am reminded that throughout everything…throughout my life, God's love has never changed. His love for me has endured forever…and will continue forevermore.

Psalm 136 reminds us to give thanks to God for His great power and wisdom in creating the heavens and earth. (v 4-9) We are prompted to give thanks to God for rescuing us and protecting us. (v 10–22).Finally, the psalmist calls us to give thanks to God for His goodness and unfailing care. (v 23–26).

God gives us life, breath and food to sustain us. He rescues us, protects us, and delivers us. God cares for us. He gives us peace and joy. All we are, all we have, all we see is because of the Lord's faithfulness and love for us…His love that endures forever.

The psalmist reminds us 26 times to give thanks to God because "His love endures forever." Each time I read the words I am reminded how wonderful and powerful His enduring love is in my life. I don't understand it. I don't deserve it, but focusing on the Love of God brings me into His presence…I want to sing praise for His love, power, comfort, joy and strength…thanking Him for His unending love.

Read today's text on Biblegateway.

Worship With Thanks - Psalm 95

Psalm 95 calls us to praise God: “Come, let us sing…shout…come before Him with thanksgiving.” (v 1-2) The reason to praise Him is, “the Lord is the great God.” (v 3)

We're to praise God with thanksgiving regardless of our circumstances. Praise usually comes easy. However, when you've suddenly lost a job, a spouse becomes ill, or someone you love dies it’s hard to sing let alone shout out loud. It can be a struggle to feel God's presence.

The Psalmist reminds me when I am in the valleys or the mountain peaks of life, God is with me. He created me. He has me in His hands. When I rely on my faith and just start praising Him when I don’t feel like it, I feel Him empower me, lift me up to keep going.

Psalm 95 also calls us to worship: “let us bow down…let us kneel before the Lord." The reason to worship is, “He is our maker…He is our God…we are His people…[we are] under His care.”

My worship isn’t confined to Sunday worship time and holy holiday celebrations. As I read and study His Word and pray, God usually tells me something I need to hear. I find myself, alone, praising and thanking Him, worshipping Him for who He is to me and to the world.

God turned away from an entire generation of His people because of their hearts. Listen for His voice through Scripture, prayer, services, and during quiet moments. Your praise and worship with thanksgiving will come from hearing what He whispers in your heart.

Read today's text on Biblegateway.

Don't Be Caught With Your Praise Down, Psalm 30

How often do you praise God? Do you make sure and thank Him for all the blessings you have? Often when I pray I immediately start pouring out my needs to God. Asking for wisdom, strength or guidance, I also pray for my family and friends. None of those prayers are bad or wrong, but many times I forget to praise God.

Our scripture today is full of praises to God. “I will exalt you, LORD… You lifted me out of the depths… you healed me.” The praises continue and then something at the end of the passage struck me. The psalmist writes, “What is gained if I am silenced, if I go down to the pit? Will the dust praise you?”

Wow, that made me think, would the lack of my praises be noticed if I were to pass away? I’m afraid to tell you what I think. All I know is, I have a lot to Praise God for and I should be filling the heavens with those praises. How about you, are you going to leave it to the dust to give God praise?

Read the entire passage on Biblegateway Psalm 30

Jacob, Leah, and Rachel - Genesis 30:1-24

I feel sadness for Leah. She isn’t chosen by her husband, Jacob, and her sister, whom her husband loves, is jealous of her. Leah is in a marriage feeling frustrated and unloved. All she hangs on to is hope her husband will respect her as she gives him many sons.

Scripture shows that God listens to Leah in her time of distress. God sees what Leah needs and He provides. When He responds with her fifth son she recognizes God’s response as a “precious gift.”

I feel Rachel’s pain because at this point everything she wants, she can’t have. Her sister is married to the man she loves and she is unable to give Jacob any children

Rachel waits and waits, and she waits. Then God “remembered Rachel.” He gives her a son. I can hear Rachel say from the depths of her heart, “the Lord.” Suddenly Rachel acknowledges that it is God who has taken away her disgrace and provided for her needs.

It seems in this reading God is teaching patience to Jacob, Leah, and Rachel. Further, God wants them to comprehend that what is happening can only be because He is intervening in their lives. He is worthy of acknowledgement and praise!

I am reminded the Lord always sees and provides, hears and remembers. He unconditionally loves me through life wanting me to get His message.

If you would like to send your comments by email, click here.

Read today's text on Biblegateway, Genesis 30:1-24, click here.