An Important Message

Have you ever spent two days studying one Psalm? No? It’s rare for me, too, but Psalm 106 drew me in this week. It’s one more repeat of an important message: Give thanks to God for He is good (v. 1).

This is one of the longer Psalms, and I noted three messages: (1) Sins, (2) prayers of repentance, and (3) a God who hears and answers.

Stories of people before us are one way we learn. The people admitted, “We have sinned like our fathers, done wrong and acted wickedly” (v. 6).

What kinds of wrong things did they do? For one thing, they failed to remember God’s wondrous works during the Exodus. Also, they ignored the Ten Commandments, choosing to worship idols and follow pagan customs (v. 7, 9, 19, 34-35, Exodus 20:1-6).

It's also noted that they shed the innocent blood of their children in sacrifice to idols (v. 37-38). Can we condemn them for that? It seems perhaps we sacrifice innocent children in the womb. To what? Our self-will? The god of sex? Let’s not be like the Pharisees, casting others’ sins before the Lord and ignoring our own (John 8:1-11).

Also noted is rebellion against the Spirit of God, grumbling, and choosing not to believe His promises (v. 24-25, 33, 43).

They did not get a free pass, and neither do we. Sin is a choice, and always has consequences (Hosea 10:12-13). But there is hope!

Repentance is also a choice, and prayers get God’s attention. In fact, God noted two intercessors, people who prayed to God on behalf of others. One was Moses, the other Phinehas (v. 23, 30-31). Are you praying to God on behalf of anyone? Don’t give up!

Rebellion and sin caused God’s anger, but He heard their prayers of distress and requests for deliverance (v. 40-48).

Don’t skip this important message: Give thanks to God for His goodness! Do you ever recall how He has helped you? Your family? Your church? Your country?

Our God is worthy of thanks: His love endures, He hears our cries for help, and provides with compassionate care (v. 1, 12, 44, 46).

Amen!

Pixabay: Important, Polaroid, Imprint; geralt.

  

Splashes of Joy

Last week, after an Italian meal, I enjoyed spumoni for dessert. The mixture of flavors was delicious, but the chocolate was a splash of joy.

I began to think of other little things that bring me happiness, delight, or contentment in life. Splashes of joy are like raindrops, unlike heavy showers that make us run for cover.

Let’s face it. Daily life can become a desert of routine. Every twenty-four hours, we eat, sleep, dress, and go to work or school. We must also pay bills, shop for groceries, plus follow up on appointments. Sometimes it seems endless.

I’m grateful I can do these things, but they’re the reason I look forward to splashes of joy, little things out of the norm.

For example, the other day I talked to a friend who lives far away. We had been on staff at the same church years ago. Our conversation was filled with splashes of joy as we shared memories of our experiences there.

Most people have many acquaintances; however, true long-term friends are not numerous. They are people who have seen us at our worst and still love us. They don’t box us in with their expectations. Christian friends of mine also bring joy with their spiritual encouragement and prayers.

Hospitality is another splash of joy. Whether invited to someone’s home for dinner or hosted by them at a restaurant, the time to talk and laugh together is refreshing.

The early Christian church included both food and fellowship. In our day, churches are known to offer coffee, enjoy potlucks, and even BBQs. Splashes of joy come from both food and fellowship.

Another source of joy is meditation on scripture and giving thanks to God. The psalmist said we enter into God’s presence by giving thanks.

Let me sum up my splashes of joy this way:

1.  A valuable three-fold cord: A friend, Jesus, and me (Ecclesiastes 4:12)
2. Acceptance of me as-is (Ephesians 4:32)
3. Spiritual encouragement and prayer (James 5:16)
4. Pleasant hospitality (1 Peter 4:9)
5. Fellowship of believers (Acts 2:42)
6. God’s Word (Psalm 119:14-16)
7. Giving thanks to God (Psalm 100:4)

Your splashes of joy need not match mine, but think about it. What ARE your splashes of joy? You may never take them for granted again. 

Pixabay: Splash, Water, Liquid; TheDigitalArtist.

3 Spiritual-Life Essentials

While growing up, my family often vacationed out west. We would go to church with a favorite Aunt and Uncle. As a youngster, I always found it interesting when the priest dismissed the service by saying, “Go out and live for Christ.”

Over the years, I often thought about that. Six little words, but what do they really mean? I’m sure we all have our own responses; however, what does Jesus expect?

This week, I paused in the Book of Luke as I noticed an answer to that question.

They were simple words with deep meaning, noteworthy because Jesus was speaking. He said, “If anyone wants to come after (follow) Me: (1) He must deny himself, and (2) take up his cross daily, and (3) follow Me” (Luke 9:23-24).

Let’s think about this:

(1)        What does it mean to “deny” himself, or herself? For one thing, it means turning from a self-focused life to decisively following the teachings of Jesus. It would mean “Thy will,” not “my will.”

 

(2)        What does it mean to “take up your cross?” It means accepting the fact that living for Jesus can mean mockery or rejection. Carrying a cross physically makes one noticeable, as does trying to live by Biblical principles in a sinful world. Jesus gives no promises of an easy life; however, He does promise never to leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5-6).

          Did you notice that He said, "Take up your cross daily?" That's life! Every morning, we get up, clean up, and get dressed for the day. Yesterday's decisions are gone. Even The Lord's Prayer recognizes that life choices are daily: "Give us each day . . ." (Luke 11:3) 

(3)     What does it mean to "follow Jesus?" A true follower believes in someone enough to listen to their words, obey, and follow their example. Jesus said, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments" (John 14:15). Question: (1) How many of Jesus' teachings do you know? (2) Are you feeding yourself daily from God's Word?            

There is nothing automatic about these three spiritual-life essentials. They're personal . . . your choice . . . each day!

Pixabay: List, Checkbox; OpenClipart-Vectors.