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Desperate for Christ's Strength

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:13

"What is not possible to us by nature, let us ask the Lord to supply by the help of his grace." - The Rule of St. Benedict Prologue 41

Good morning, or good day, to any and all who have taken time to visit this link. I write this morning with a deep, raw awareness of how desperately I need the strength and grace of God through Jesus Christ to sustain me, heal me, and set me right. Much of what has passed for "security" over my first 40 years of life, I realize, were props masking a profound insecurity and instability. Having kicked one of the biggest props out from under myself -- a steady paycheck, in favor of a new business venture -- I knew life would look and feel different, and I haven't been disappointed. Through unforeseen circumstances that have arisen in recent days, the Lord is working on me in places He hasn't been welcome before -- at least not for many years -- and it just plain hurts. I share this not to whine but to lay bare God's work in my life as a testimony and, yes, a request for your prayers, and also as an encouragement if you're walking through anything similar. I sense God's hand at work in the midst of pain and upheaval, and I pray and trust that you will feel it too. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope that we have in Christ, and let us keep walking today, whether we are in abiding joy or deep and discomforting transition. 

Father, thank you that you are faithful to comfort us in our despair, to shower us with love and forgiveness as we repent where necessary, to hear our cries when we call to you, and to remind us that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Amen.

Fear, Dread, Desperation and Joy

Reading Psalm 116 with my children this morning, I was struck again by the depth of David's anguish, and struck even more by the depth of God's intervention. David was acutely aware of his desperate need for help, for a rescue from despair, for "the ear" of God to be inclined toward him. In the midst of David's pain, God showed up. And just as passionately as he had poured out his fear and dread, David poured out his gratifude when God indeed heard his cry and comforted him. Here in the start-up phase of my new business, after 18 years of a steady paycheck, with a healthcare challenge facing my wife and the global economy teetering, I have become more aware than ever of my desperate need for the Lord's presence, power and peace. In my most fearful moments, I find myself crying out and seeking God's face in ways that I haven't sought Him for many years. I hope you're in a similar place of desperation, because -- as David experienced -- it's usually at our place of greatest uncertainty that God's certainty becomes real to us as we grow toward maturity in Christ.

A prayer for today: Heavenly Father, thank you that we are not alone, that You have not forsaken us, that we can trust You for provision. We give you thanks for saving us and await the miraculous ways that You will "show up" big in our circumstances this week. In the name and power of Jesus Christ, Amen.   

Eyes Fixed

"...let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who, for the joy set before Him, endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Father." (Hebrews 12:2)

As the United States prepares to elect a new president and other leaders tomorrow, it can be tempting to fix our eyes on the promise of political deliverance and take our gaze off of the Most High God who truly rules the nations. I, for one, have found myself becoming too swept up in the debate this campaign season and have had to repent of allowing it to distract my gaze. It's not that engaging in politics is ungodly or unbiblical in itself; on the contrary, Christ followers are called to be "in the world" -- active and involved -- even  as we're not "of" it. But problems can arise when we lose our focus on the fact that, whoever wins tomorrow's elections, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ will still be in control and will still move mightily in this nation through the lives of all who fear Him and draw near to Him in faith. I would encourage us to pray for His perfect will to be accomplished tomorrow, and to fix (or re-fix) our eyes on Jesus, trusting that His truth will ultimately prevail in the election and in all things.

Heavenly Father, thank you that You still reign, that Your truth still prevails, and that You still love us with a perfect love beyond what we could imagine. Let Your perfect will be done in our nation, O God. We fix our eyes on You again, trusting You, in the name of Jesus Christ and for Your glory, Amen.  

 

Welcome, Y-WORD and New-Life News readers!

For those who formerly received these weekly devotionals from my YMCA address, welcome to the blog site. Please check back each Monday for an updated message. Blessings to you in Christ -- Phil 

MAY THE WORD DWELL RICHLY IN US 

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (John 1:1)

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." (Colossians 3:16)

"Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ." (Romans 10:17)

"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)

"For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God." (1 Peter 1:23)

Heavenly Father, as we begin this week, we thank you for the Word of Christ. In these challenging days, draw us closer to You, we pray, as we soak our minds and hearts in your living, active, holy Word. Instruct us, inform us, correct us, and guide us into a deeper, more trusting faith in You. For your sake and glory, Amen.

Life On Demand

We live in an on-demand world. Instant access has become standard. You want more channels? Upgrade to Comcast On Demand. Need breaking news? Check the local station’s web site for “updates on demand.” A local law firm advertises: “Justice is your right, and we demand it.”

“But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed.” (Luke 23:23)

Our culture’s credo tends to be: Get it, get it exactly the way you want it, and get it now. In contrast, the Scriptures teach us not to demand, either of God or of others, but to employ a deferential approach:

“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Luke 11:9-10)

A wise friend once reminded me, “There is more power in the open hand than in the clenched fist. Do all in love and kindness.” We are wisest when we remain open and willing to serve, seeking to bring an in-kindness spirit to an on-demand world.

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” (1 Peter 3:15-16)

Father, thank you for the truth of your Word. Help us, we pray, to ask more and to demand less; to wait patiently more and to complain less; to exude kindness more and to be less abrasive with others. In the mighty name of Christ, and for His sake, Amen.

Joy In the Midst of Unease

“But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.” (King David, in Psalm 5:11)

“If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” (Jesus, in John 15:10-11)

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” (Paul, in Romans 12:12)

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” (James 1:2-3)

Much like peace, it seems that deep and abiding joy is something of a scarce commodity at the moment. A sense of unease has gripped many in the land as we confront economic turbulence. We see traces of fear and fatigue on the faces of our neighbors and colleagues—and in our mirrors. While acknowledging the very real concerns that this season has brought and may bring, we would be wise to resist the temptation toward discontentment and instead to focus on the joy that is promised to all who place their trust in the Lord. His timeless goodness, His provision, His faithfulness are able to sustain us through even the wildest market fluctuation or global economic challenge.

Great and gracious God, your joy is our strength. Thank you for your promise of joy, a deep contentment that results from trusting in your goodness. Lord, thank you that regardless of external circumstances, all can be well with our souls as we rest in you. Fill us anew, we pray, with joy. Amen.