WHAT A MESS!

Posted on December 6, 2018 by randscallawayffm
Psalms – Prayers of Honesty
 
Psalm 79 cupI came home tired yesterday from grocery shopping and errand running. It was a cold and windy evening so I poured a cup of water into the coffee maker to make a wonderful mug of decaf coffee. I was also putting groceries away, making popcorn and cleaning up…all at the same time. Ah, multi-tasking. We think we are good at it. I am peacefully dreaming about sitting down to a nice, hot mug of mocha, when I hear a dripping sound on the floor. For the first time in my life, I did not put a mug under the drip dispenser to catch all the wonderful goodness I was waiting for and excited to drink to make me warm.
 
Psalm 79 coffee
WHAT A MESS! I lost it! I blamed myself for not paying closer attention. I went to work to unplug the maker so I could clean up the mess. I literally “threw in the towel”, (and many more) to soak up what could have been a nice cup of peace while sitting on my couch. I was angry at myself and at the situation. I questioned how one mug of coffee could be in so many places while on my knees reaching and stretching to get every drop. This time my coffee was NOT good to the last drop. (Old commercial, many of you won’t get the reference.) I spent about 30 minutes cleaning this mess and letting everything dry out.
 
Many of God’s people turned away from Him for awhile. They made a mess of their lives and very existence! Their attention was drawn to other gods, to worldly behaviors, to all that was not pleasing to God. God sent prophets to tell them what would happen in their disobedience but they didn’t listen. Their lack of trust and belief in God caused their children to not know God. The sins of the fathers where on their children! Now they have a royal mess, created by their own unrighteous living.
 
“God, Barbarians have broken into your home, violated your holy temple, left Jerusalem a pile of rubble!”
 
Psalm 79 save usGod’s people discover that you can avoid God and His ways for just so long. They realized that in accepting the world they lost the Creator. Our self created messes result from our lack of attention, praise, and worship of our One and Only living God and then we wonder where God goes in a crisis. God is always there but He cannot be where sin is. God separates Himself for our sin until we decide to come back to Him. God is a gentleman who does not force His way into our hearts. God waits until we realize the mess we have made. He waits for us to want Him back, realizing our need for a loving Father. Because of God’s love, mercy and grace He made a way for us to come back. Jesus is that Way.
 
When my attention was not fully on the task to create a mug of goodness, I failed to complete the work. I didn’t blame others for my failure. I didn’t blame God for creating me to be an easily distracted person. I didn’t tell others, “that’s just the way I am, deal with it”. I did grumble at myself WHILE cleaning up my mess. I pray I won’t let that mess happen again! If fact, this morning a cup of wonderful was made. Guess what I did first? The MUG went into place BEFORE everything else. Sometimes you win, sometimes you learn. I do a lot of learning!
 
Asaph, the Psalmist, is crying out to God for His people who are in a devastating mess. The Babylonians, as predicted, came in to destroy all the things of God. They destroyed The Temple, killed many and took the rest captive.
 
Psalm 79, The Message
An Asaph Psalm
 
1-4 God! Barbarians have broken into your home,
violated your holy temple,
left Jerusalem a pile of rubble!
They’ve served up the corpses of your servants
as carrion food for birds of prey,
Threw the bones of your holy people
out to the wild animals to gnaw on.
They dumped out their blood
like buckets of water.
All around Jerusalem, their bodies
were left to rot, unburied.
We’re nothing but a joke to our neighbors,
graffiti scrawled on the city walls.
 
Psalm 79 how long o God5-7 How long do we have to put up with this, God?
Do you have it in for us for good?
Will your smoldering rage never cool down?
If you’re going to be angry, be angry
with the pagans who care nothing about you,
or your rival kingdoms who ignore you.
They’re the ones who ruined Jacob,
who wrecked and looted the place where he lived.
 
8-10 Don’t blame us for the sins of our parents.
Hurry up and help us; we’re at the end of our rope.
You’re famous for helping; God, give us a break.
Your reputation is on the line.
Pull us out of this mess, forgive us our sins—
do what you’re famous for doing!
Don’t let the heathen get by with their sneers:
“Where’s your God? Is he out to lunch?”
Go public and show the godless world
that they can’t kill your servants and get by with it.
 
11-13 Give groaning prisoners a hearing;
pardon those on death row from their doom—you can do it!
Give our jeering neighbors what they’ve got coming to them;
let their God-taunts boomerang and knock them flat.
Then we, your people, the ones you love and care for,
will thank you over and over and over.
We’ll tell everyone we meet
how wonderful you are, how praiseworthy you are!
 
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT…
 
Psalm 79 how longThe question the palmist is asking and we ask sometimes is, “How long do we have to put up with this, God?” After my mess, I am humbled. What jumps out to me today is this thought: How long will God put up with us!
 
It’s time to come to God with our full attention on Him with every thought and action guided by His Holy Spirit. It’s time to clean up the “Babylonian” mess we have made of our lives caused by living with divided attentions. We cannot continue to live like the world with very short attention spans while trying to live in God’s best and perfect ways.
 
Choose this day whom you will serve!
 
Heart Check:
 
Psalm 79 GodPeace comes when we are centered and focused on the One who loves us most. Our main focus is knowing what God wants and doing it. The peace of Christ overwhelms us when we put all our attention on Him, even in challenging situations. Jesus is the TRUTH of God, the WAY to live for God and is the eternal LIFE with God.
 
Paul’s rich message to the Ephesians helps us with our attention spans: “And so I insist—and God backs me up on this—that there be no going along with the crowd, the empty-headed, mindless crowd. They’ve refused for so long to deal with God that they’ve lost touch not only with God but with reality itself. They can’t think straight anymore. Feeling no pain, they let themselves go in sexual obsession, addicted to every sort of perversion.”
 
“But that’s no life for you. You learned Christ! My assumption is that you have paid careful attention to him, been well instructed in the truth precisely as we have it in Jesus. Since, then, we do not have the excuse of ignorance, everything—and I do mean everything—connected with that old way of life has to go. It’s rotten through and through. Get rid of it! And then take on an entirely new way of life—a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you.” (Ephesians 4:17-24, The Message)
 
Also, “Watch what God does, then you do it. like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t’ love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that.” (Ephesians 5, The Message)
 
What is dividing my attention this day?
 
How long has it been since I’ve talked to God and sat long enough to listen to what He wants for me?
 
Who really guides my every thought and action?
 
Psalm 79 forgiveness.jpgDear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for teaching us with love, mercy and grace when we fall prey to failures and mistakes. Thank you for teaching us through Your Word of the experiences of your people who made a mess but turned back to you to help them. Thank you for being a patient, gentle God who waits for us to come back, fully attentive, redeemed by Jesus, ready to follow you…after cleaning up the mess we made.
In Jesus Name, Amen
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WE CAN’T KEEP THIS TO OURSELVES!

Posted on December 5, 2018 by randscallawayffm
(From gossip to gospel telling)
 
Psalms – Prayers of Honesty
 
Typically, we humans cannot wait to tell someone what we know. It is thrilling to know what you think others don’t. Somehow, it makes us feel a bit powerful and more important to have a secret the rest of our friends don’t know…yet. So, we wait for the best time to reveal the big secret. The best time is when all eyes and ears are on us, ready to hear our juicy morsel. We like the attention this gives us.
 
So, what IS the secret? Is it a half truth that you overheard? Is it about the demise of someone you don’t like and want others to shun with you? Is it about a friend who is struggling? Is it about someone at church, work or in your own family? Is true? Oh, that doesn’t matter when you have the attention of those you want to admire you. Wait, what?!?
 
We are quick to pick up morsels of knowledge and pass on information that is, at best, very temporary situations, passing attitudes in real struggles in ever changing circumstances of others. Oh, how it must break God’s heart for us to spend enormous amounts of our precious time on earth with this kind of talk when our time is better spent telling of all HIS work in us and in all those who love Him.
 
Psalm 78 worth passing on
Is it possible to move our talk from gossip to gospel telling? What if each of us look to God and for God’s actions for this day? Start with THIS day. What if we told someone who is struggling that God is more powerful than their struggle by expressing your love and care for them in tangible ways? What if, instead of telling everyone around them your opinion of their struggle, that you pass on what God has done, is doing and will do in those who know and follow Him? “Look what GOD has done!” might be a better way to begin more holy conversations.
 
THIS gossip telling is our enemy’s greatest weapon. Satan works in our minds, using the passion that God put in our hearts to tell of His greatness, to instead talk about others and their situations around us. Don’t fall for it! This happens when we only look around, from the left to the right, seeking information about those whose struggles are worse than ours so we will feel better about our own selfishness and failings. Yikes.
 
The Psalmist recounts all that God has done in a hymn with a lot of verses but worth the read. He tells of all that can happen when we stop telling God’s Story to the next generation and turn our hearts to only self. God gets angry, but He doesn’t stop loving us. AND praise God, He doesn’t give up on His created. I am humbled at the thought.
 
Psalm 78, The Message
An Asaph Psalm
 
Psalm 78 listen1-4 Listen, dear friends, to God’s truth,
bend your ears to what I tell you.
I’m chewing on the morsel of a proverb;
I’ll let you in on the sweet old truths,
Stories we heard from our fathers,
counsel we learned at our mother’s knee.
We’re not keeping this to ourselves,
we’re passing it along to the next generation—
God’s fame and fortune,
the marvelous things he has done.
 
Psalm 78 mom to daugher
5-8 He planted a witness in Jacob,
set his Word firmly in Israel,
Then commanded our parents
to teach it to their children
So the next generation would know,
and all the generations to come—
Know the truth and tell the stories
so their children can trust in God,
Never forget the works of God
but keep his commands to the letter.
Heaven forbid they should be like their parents,
bullheaded and bad,
A fickle and faithless bunch
who never stayed true to God.
 
Psalm 78 father to son9-16 The Ephraimites, armed to the teeth,
ran off when the battle began.
They were cowards to God’s Covenant,
refused to walk by his Word.
They forgot what he had done—
marvels he’d done right before their eyes.
He performed miracles in plain sight of their parents
in Egypt, out on the fields of Zoan.
He split the Sea and they walked right through it;
he piled the waters to the right and the left.
He led them by day with a cloud,
led them all the night long with a fiery torch.
He split rocks in the wilderness,
gave them all they could drink from underground springs;
He made creeks flow out from sheer rock,
and water pour out like a river.
 
Psalm 78 dont have
17-20 All they did was sin even more,
rebel in the desert against the High God.
They tried to get their own way with God,
clamored for favors, for special attention.
They whined like spoiled children,
“Why can’t God give us a decent meal in this desert?
Sure, he struck the rock and the water flowed,
creeks cascaded from the rock.
But how about some fresh-baked bread?
How about a nice cut of meat?”
 
21-31 When God heard that, he was furious—
his anger flared against Jacob,
he lost his temper with Israel.
It was clear they didn’t believe God,
had no intention of trusting in his help.
But God helped them anyway, commanded the clouds
and gave orders that opened the gates of heaven.
He rained down showers of manna to eat,
he gave them the Bread of Heaven.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
They ate the bread of the mighty angels;
he sent them all the food they could eat.
He let East Wind break loose from the skies,
gave a strong push to South Wind.
This time it was birds that rained down—
succulent birds, an abundance of birds.
He aimed them right for the center of their camp;
all round their tents there were birds.
They ate and had their fill;
he handed them everything they craved on a platter.
But their greed knew no bounds;
they stuffed their mouths with more and more.
Finally, God was fed up, his anger erupted—
he cut down their brightest and best,
he laid low Israel’s finest young men.
 
Psalm 78 1632-37 And—can you believe it?—they kept right on sinning;
all those wonders and they still wouldn’t believe!
So their lives dribbled off to nothing—
nothing to show for their lives but a ghost town.
When he cut them down, they came running for help;
they turned and pled for mercy.
They gave witness that God was their rock,
that High God was their redeemer,
But they didn’t mean a word of it;
they lied through their teeth the whole time.
They could not have cared less about him,
wanted nothing to do with his Covenant.
 
38-55 And God? Compassionate!
Forgave the sin! Didn’t destroy!
Over and over he reined in his anger,
restrained his considerable wrath.
He knew what they were made of;
he knew there wasn’t much to them,
How often in the desert they had spurned him,
tried his patience in those wilderness years.
Time and again they pushed him to the limit,
provoked Israel’s Holy God.
How quickly they forgot what he’d done,
forgot their day of rescue from the enemy,
When he did miracles in Egypt,
wonders on the plain of Zoan.
He turned the River and its streams to blood—
not a drop of water fit to drink.
He sent flies, which ate them alive,
and frogs, which bedeviled them.
He turned their harvest over to caterpillars,
everything they had worked for to the locusts.
He flattened their grapevines with hail;
a killing frost ruined their orchards.
He pounded their cattle with hail,
let thunderbolts loose on their herds.
His anger flared,
a wild firestorm of havoc,
An advance guard of disease-carrying angels
to clear the ground, preparing the way before him.
He didn’t spare those people,
he let the plague rage through their lives.
He killed all the Egyptian firstborns,
lusty infants, offspring of Ham’s virility.
Then he led his people out like sheep,
took his flock safely through the wilderness.
He took good care of them; they had nothing to fear.
The Sea took care of their enemies for good.
He brought them into his holy land,
this mountain he claimed for his own.
He scattered everyone who got in their way;
he staked out an inheritance for them—
the tribes of Israel all had their own places.
 
56-64 But they kept on giving him a hard time,
rebelled against God, the High God,
refused to do anything he told them.
They were worse, if that’s possible, than their parents:
traitors—crooked as a corkscrew.
Their pagan orgies provoked God’s anger,
their obscene idolatries broke his heart.
When God heard their carryings-on, he was furious;
he posted a huge No over Israel.
He walked off and left Shiloh empty,
abandoned the shrine where he had met with Israel.
He let his pride and joy go to the dogs,
turned his back on the pride of his life.
He turned them loose on fields of battle;
angry, he let them fend for themselves.
Their young men went to war and never came back;
their young women waited in vain.
Their priests were massacred,
and their widows never shed a tear.
 
65-72 Suddenly the Lord was up on his feet
like someone roused from deep sleep,
shouting like a drunken warrior.
He hit his enemies hard, sent them running,
yelping, not daring to look back.
He disqualified Joseph as leader,
told Ephraim he didn’t have what it takes,
And chose the Tribe of Judah instead,
Mount Zion, which he loves so much.
He built his sanctuary there, resplendent,
solid and lasting as the earth itself.
Then he chose David, his servant,
handpicked him from his work in the sheep pens.
One day he was caring for the ewes and their lambs,
the next day God had him shepherding Jacob,
his people Israel, his prize possession.
His good heart made him a good shepherd;
he guided the people wisely and well.
 
 
Psalm 78 tellHEART CHECK:
 
“Listen, dear friends, to God’s truth, bend your ears to what I tell you…”
 
“Stories we heard from our father, counsel we learned at our mother’s knee…We’re not keeping this to ourselves, we’re passing it along to the next generation–God’s fame and fortune, the marvelous things he has done.”
 
“Know the Truth and tell the stories so their children can trust in God”
 
“Never forget the works of God, but keep his commands to the letter.”
 
The next generation, and those to come, of our beloved family and friends cannot “obey God’s commands to the letter” if that do not know God and His commands. We must tell them. We can be a “fickle and faithless” bunch as God’s people who fall easily to Satan’s plan to have a whole generation to himself that never knew God.
 
Are we going to let that happen?
 
May we hear His Truth, follow Him and tell of HIS greatness not humans’ misfortunes. Let us be determined to tell of His greatness and to tell HIS story. Let us be gospel tellers not gossip spreaders. Our time is precious.
 
Dear Heavenly Father,
You are a great and mighty God. You created all and are in all. We repent of spending too much time on talk that is foolish and unholy. We will tell of your greatness, all you have done, are doing and will do in our lives. I only know what You have done for me. So, that is what will be on my lips. Help me to be a better gospel teller so others will know You.
In Jesus Name, Amen
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GOD MAKES IT HAPPEN!

Posted on December 4, 2018 by randscallawayffm
Psalms – Prayers of Honesty
 
We love to be around people who seem to know how to get the job done, to make the event happen and who confidently smile as they work to accomplish what most cannot. These are typically joyful people who lay out the, gather people to join the plan then work to make it happen. Does their success make them happy or does their happiness and joy lead to success? Mm….(There is a good book to read by a person who has researched this phenomenon…”The Happiness Advantage” by Shawn Achor.)
 
Psalm 77 smile and know GodGod is the Source of all joy, peace and confidence for all humans. God has a purpose for each of us that fits us perfectly. He created His plan in us who believe and follow Him in His ultimate goal to bring all people to Him. His plan has been unfolding since the beginning of time, since the fall of Adam and Eve, his first created humans.
 
Although many of His created, imperfect humans waffled in their love and obedience to Him, his love for them never changed. His protection was always with those who followed Him. He was, is and always will be on our side. Let that soak in.
 
The Psalmist is honestly yelling at God for he is facing troubles that are overwhelming. He is depressed, down on life with all confidence in God depleted. Why? Because he has forgotten that God is on his side. He has forgotten in the midst of his current circumstance that God is God and he is not. He has forgotten God’s power is no match for his circumstance. He has forgotten that God does not make it happen at our command. God makes it happen at just the right time, in His perfect way.
 
The Psalmist stops in the middle of his ranting to remember what God has done, how He has blessed, provided and protected in the past. He remembers the history of God’s people and God’s actions in and for His people. His yelling turns to thanksgiving as he recalls the blessings of God.
 
So, it seems, that if we are down on life, thinking everyone, even God is against us, it is time to stop and recall all that God has done in our lives. This “looking back” is valuable to our confidently moving forward. Recalling all the ways God has helped us restores our strength and confidence that He’ll do it again!
 
Psalm 77, The Message
An Asaph Psalm
 
Psalm 77 yellingI yell out to my God, I yell with all my might,
I yell at the top of my lungs. He listens.
 
2-6 I found myself in trouble and went looking for my Lord;
my life was an open wound that wouldn’t heal.
When friends said, “Everything will turn out all right,”
I didn’t believe a word they said.
I remember God—and shake my head.
I bow my head—then wring my hands.
I’m awake all night—not a wink of sleep;
I can’t even say what’s bothering me.
I go over the days one by one,
I ponder the years gone by.
I strum my lute all through the night,
wondering how to get my life together.
 
Psalm 77 I yell
7-10 Will the Lord walk off and leave us for good?
Will he never smile again?
Is his love worn threadbare?
Has his salvation promise burned out?
Has God forgotten his manners?
Has he angrily stalked off and left us?
“Just my luck,” I said. “The High God goes out of business
just the moment I need him.”
 
Psalm 77 then i remember
11-12 Once again I’ll go over what God has done,
lay out on the table the ancient wonders;
I’ll ponder all the things you’ve accomplished,
and give a long, loving look at your acts.
 
13-15 O God! Your way is holy!
No god is great like God!
You’re the God who makes things happen;
you showed everyone what you can do—
You pulled your people out of the worst kind of trouble,
rescued the children of Jacob and Joseph.
 
Psalm 77 remember
16-19 Ocean saw you in action, God,
saw you and trembled with fear;
Deep Ocean was scared to death.
Clouds belched buckets of rain,
Sky exploded with thunder,
your arrows flashing this way and that.
From Whirlwind came your thundering voice,
Lightning exposed the world,
Earth reeled and rocked.
You strode right through Ocean,
walked straight through roaring Ocean,
but nobody saw you come or go.
 
20 Hidden in the hands of Moses and Aaron,
You led your people like a flock of sheep.
 
HEART CHECK:
 
Even when we yell, it’s okay for we are finally getting honest with God. “I yell… He listens.” Whew, that’s good news.
 
Remember a time, (maybe you are there now), when you yelled at God for help? Are you assured God listened? When we yell in frustration to God about a circumstance, God can handle it. Good to know, right?
 
When we give up and turn to God who is already working on our circumstances, our memory gets better as we recall all the ways God has helped us in other challenging, overwhelming times in our lives. Take some time to recall there events and write down the results of God’s actions.
 
Psalm 77 do it againGod makes it happen. He pulls us out “of the worst kind of trouble” and rescues us. That alone, with our salvation, is our confidence.
 
Yes, and God will “DO IT AGAIN”…for HE is God, the Father who loves His children. He listens.
 
And I’m singing…
Walking around these walls
I thought by now they’d fall
But You have never failed me yet
Waiting for change to come
Knowing the battle’s won
For You have never failed me yet
 
Your promise still stands
Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness
I’m still in Your hands
This is my confidence, You’ve never failed me yet
 
I know the night won’t last
Your Word will come to pass
My heart will sing Your praise again
Jesus, You’re still enough
Keep me within Your love
My heart will sing Your praise again
 
Psalm 77 do it again by GodYour promise still stands
Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness
I’m still in Your hands
This is my confidence, You never failed
 
Your promise still stands
Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness
I’m still in Your hands
This is my confidence, You never failed me yet
 
I’ve seen You move, come move the mountains
And I believe, I’ll see You do it again
You made a way, where there was no way
And I believe, I’ll see You do it again
 
I’ve seen You move, come move the mountains
And I believe, I’ll see You do it again
You made a way, where there was no way
And I believe, I’ll see You do it again
 
I’ve seen You move, come move the mountains
And I believe, I’ll see You do it again
You made a way, where there was no way
And I believe, I’ll see You do it again
I’ll see You do it again
Oh-oh
 
Your promise still stands
Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness
I’m still in Your hands
This is my confidence, You never failed
 
Your promise still stands
Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness
I’m still in Your hands
This is my confidence, You never failed me yet
And You never failed me yet
I never will forget
You never failed me yet
And I never will forget
 
Songwriters: George Veikoso / Michael Stevenson / Nicholas Matthew Balding / Christopher Maurice Brown / Mark Kragen / Marc Randolph Griffin / Pia Mia Perez / Jerry Afemata
 
Dear Heavenly Father,
We are so blessed! You, the One and Only, makes all things happen. You continue to show everyone what you can do! I love watching You at work in every detail of our lives. I love you, Lord. Do it again!
In Jesus Name, Amen
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THE ONE WHO WATCHES

Posted on December 3, 2018 by randscallawayffm
Psalms – Prayers of Honesty
 
Psalm 76 list
“He’s making a list and checking it twice…” We hear this and other secular songs loudly playing over our dizzy heads as we buy everything from milk to clothing. The music seems to lure us into those impulse buys that will either sit on a shelf with the elf or be consumed as useless calories. (Not boasting, but I am a professional in this area of life.)
 
“Gonna find out who’s naughty and nice…” The world tells kids to behave well because Santa is watching. This tool of discipline has been around since the invention of the mythical character, Santa Clause. But did you know the real St Psalm 76 santa bowsNicholas did his deeds in the dark of night to help the poor, without being seen, so only the God he adored would get credit? He loved Jesus and wanted to please HIM! Wait, what? Yeah, how many know THAT part of the story? (I strongly suggest reading, “Santa, Are You for Real” to kids…and to grownups who have not quite, well, grown up!)
 
Sometimes we treat God like the mythical Santa. We make a list and give it to him each day. We think He checks it over and delivers what we ask IF we are good. We assume we are bad if He does not deliver exactly all we asked for on the list. This is a very immature way to look at an all powerful, all knowing, gracious and loving Father who protects and provides for our real needs as He sees them. He created us. He knows what is best for us. Our part is to trust and obey what God has invited us to be and do. God is looking all over the earth to see whose hearts are completely His. (Chronicles)
 
“Do for God what you said you’d do–
He is, after all, your God.”
 
When we say yes to God, our Father, we need to do our best, with joy and enthusiasm, knowing God will help us, so that others will know and follow Him, too. It’s not about us. God doesn’t even need us but He invites us along for the ride of a lifetime. Our work is for HIS glory and our maturity. Our goal is for God’s glory to be seen in us when we do what we told God we would do.
 
God cares enough for us to watch over us when we do it! Those who care are there. God cares more than we know.
 
“Let everyone in town bring offerings to the One who Watches our every move.”
 
This can be good and better, never bad. Knowing that we are doing a work to please God first and always, instead of pleasing ourselves and other humans around us makes us do more than is expected and be more than is required. And what does God require of us? Reminder:
 
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.
(Micah 6:8, NIV)
 
ON ANOTHER NOTE…
Sometimes in our zealousness to serve and be known as God’s person, we say yes to God AND to all the activities humans put in front of us without asking God if that is what He wants us to do. Then we wonder why we get frazzled and winded. One of Satan’s greatest tools of evil is to strike a too busy, tired person with all kinds of temptations. When we say yes to many things, more than what God has asked of us, our “self inflicted yoke” becomes to heavy to bear. We are tired all over. We are weak. The foe strikes and can tear down all the good in one fatal blow. We begin to do many things with half effort because we have too much on our plate. It has taken me a lot of years to learn to do a FEW things, God ordained things, really well. That is HIS assignment. Jesus comes to the rescue with good sound teaching:
 
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30, NIV)
 
Did you get that? HIS yoke is EASY. HIS burden/work given to us, LIGHT! Joy of His salvation restored!
 
Yes, God is always there watching us to help us. He is God and we are not. We need Him every hour!
 
“Nobody gets by with anything, no one plays fast and loose with him. (God).”
 
This is a good thing. Knowing God is watching over us, helping us, keeping our wild and crazy minds focused is a benefit not a punishment.
 
Psalm 76, The Message
An Asaph Psalm
 
Psalm 76 41-3 God is well-known in Judah;
in Israel, he’s a household name.
He keeps a house in Salem,
his own suite of rooms in Zion.
That’s where, using arrows for kindling,
he made a bonfire of weapons of war.
 
4-6 Oh, how bright you shine!
Outshining their huge piles of loot!
The warriors were plundered
and left there impotent.
And now there’s nothing to them,
nothing to show for their swagger and threats.
Your sudden roar, God of Jacob,
knocked the wind out of horse and rider.
 
Psalm 76 God7-10 Fierce you are, and fearsome!
Who can stand up to your rising anger?
From heaven you thunder judgment;
earth falls to her knees and holds her breath.
God stands tall and makes things right,
he saves all the wretched on earth.
Instead of smoldering rage—God-praise!
All that sputtering rage—now a garland for God!
 
Psalm 76 strength
11-12 Do for God what you said you’d do—
he is, after all, your God.
Let everyone in town bring offerings
to the One Who Watches our every move.
Nobody gets by with anything,
no one plays fast and loose with him.
 
 
HEART CHECK:
 
psalm-76-god-is-in-control.jpg
Is God shaking His head right now at all we have on our plate? How can we remedy the situation?
 
Do you believe in the One Who Watches our every move with love and care? If not, why not?
 
Healthy fear of the Father is wanting to do exactly what God has asked so that He is praised and adored. If we believe in the Father of Creation and the work of His One and Only Son who paid for our sin, how can we tell someone else of the benefits of a loving Father who watches over us?
 
Do you believe in the one called Satan?
Some think he is also a mythical character, but his real and alive. His work is to be in direct opposition to all the God is and all that God does. Be aware, alert but do not glorify him with half effort and disobedience to God the Father. Our temptation thoughts to do things for self praise come from him.
 
Psalm 76 gifts to God
Dear Heavenly Father,
You make all things right and good. You watch over us with care. Nothing gets by You. You save us. You correct us. You love us beyond our wildest and highest thinking. It is You we praise and adore. It is you we turn to always. Continue to help us be at our best doing our best for You. Our lives are in your hands. Put your message on our lips. Yes, and Amen.
In Jesus Name, Amen
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THE ONE

Posted on December 2, 2018 by randscallawayffm
Psalms – Prayers of Honesty and Praise
 
Psalm 75 worshipAs we gather in our church groups today may we remember to thank God for all He is done, is doing and will do in our lives and in those lives around us who are His believing children. May we tell God’s Story to those who are coming to see who God is for the very first time. May we focus on The One who saved us with humble adoration. May we worship the One who protects us and provides for all we need. May we sing with joy in our hearts and smiles on our faces that bubble up from a well of gladness and thanksgiving.
 
Come. Let us worship The One who sets all things right in His time, in His way, with His power. He is God, He is The One and Only. And we are not. Don’t forget why we gather.
 
Psalm 75, The Message
 
Psalm 75 thanksWe thank you, God, we thank you—
your Name is our favorite word;
your mighty works are all we talk about.
 
2-4 You say, “I’m calling this meeting to order,
I’m ready to set things right.
When the earth goes topsy-turvy
And nobody knows which end is up,
I nail it all down,
I put everything in place again.
I say to the smart alecks, ‘That’s enough,’
to the bullies, ‘Not so fast.’”
 
5-6 Don’t raise your fist against High God.
Don’t raise your voice against Rock of Ages.
He’s the One from east to west;
from desert to mountains, he’s the One.
 
Psalm 75 tell7-8 God rules: he brings this one down to his knees,
pulls that one up on her feet.
God has a cup in his hand,
a bowl of wine, full to the brim.
He draws from it and pours;
it’s drained to the dregs.
Earth’s wicked ones drink it all,
drink it down to the last bitter drop!
 
9-10 And I’m telling the story of God Eternal,
singing the praises of Jacob’s God.
The fists of the wicked
are bloody stumps,
The arms of the righteous
are lofty green branches.
 
Psalm 75 youSOMETHING MORE…
 
This prayer psalm contains very important elements of true worship to God as a gathering of believers devoted to Him.
 
We Begin with an Invocation of Praise:
True worship centers on the Lord and not on us, our personal problems, or our “felt needs.” We praise God for who He is–His glorious attributes–and for His wonderful works. God’s name is a synonym for God’s person and presence. He is indeed “a very present help in trouble” (46:1), and when God’s people call on the Lord, they know He will hear them. We thank the Lord for all He has done, and we tell others about His wonderful works. Though God wants us to bring our burdens to Him and seek His help, worship begins with getting our eyes of faith off the circumstances of life and focusing them on the Lord God Almighty.
 
Is your heart, mind and soul prepared to worship God with all that is in you?
 
Psalm 75 nearWe Hear the Lord’s Message (vv. 2-5):
If we expect the Lord to receive our words of praise, we must pay attention to His Word of truth as it is read, sung, and preached.
 
Are we ready to learn?
 
We Apply God’s Message Personally (vv. 6-8):
How easy it is to hear God’s message, leave the meeting, and then forget to obey what we heard! The blessing doesn’t come in the hearing but in the doing of God’s Word (James 1:22-25).
 
Are we ready to live what we have learned?
 
We Close with Praise and the Fear of the Lord (vv. 9-10): “As for me” (v. 9 nasb) indicates decision on the part of the psalmist. Asaph had participated in the sanctuary worship and helped lead the music, but he, too, had to make a decision to obey the Lord and tell others about Him. Witness and praise go together. Telling God’s Story to others IS praise to God.
 
Are we ready to tell others God’s Story…all He has done, is doing and will do?
 
“The God of Jacob” is a frequent title for Jehovah in the Psalms (20:1; 24:6; 46:7; 81:1, 4; 84:8; 94:7; 114:7; 132:2, 5; 146:5). It’s easy for us to identify with Jacob, who was not always a great man of faith, and yet God deigns to be called by Jacob’s name! What an encouragement to us! The fact that God will one day judge the wicked ought to motivate us to share the gospel with them, and the fact that God’s people (“the righteous”) will be exalted ought to humble us and give us faith and courage in the difficult hours of life.
 
Psalm 75 God is allGod knows we are not perfect but He provided a way for us to be perfectly forgiven. This is not what we do but what HE has done for us. If that isn’t enough to praise Him, then I don’t know what else others need to live freely, worship joyfully, trust explicitly and tenaciously obey THE ONE. Blessed be the Name of the Lord!
 
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you, thank you, thank you for all you have done, are doing and will do in our lives and in the lives of those around us. We come to you with humble hearts, willing minds to learn, and souls that long for Your Presence this morning. May our worship together with others be pleasing to you and a learning time for us.
In Jesus Name, Amen
psalm-75-proclaim.jpg
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WHERE DID GOD GO?

Posted on December 1, 2018 by randscallawayffm
Psalms – Prayers of Honesty
 
Chaos is all around us, but our hearts remain with Jesus. “There is no peace to be found”, many shout, but we know God is there. Even we, as his children, though trusting God will make all things right and good, begin to wonder when He will.
 
The Psalmist is beside himself as he sees the enemy tear down all the symbols and signs of God. We wonder if that is and/or will happen in our neighborhood. We wonder if God will go silent when it does happen?
 
Remember, God is not the one who moves away, we do. We stop praying to God with the trust and assurance that He hears us. We forget to even prayer thanks over our meals. We sometimes seriously forget Who we are even talking to…the Creator of everything.
 
We compartmentalize God and pull Him out on worship days, if we have time. We turn to Him only in crisis instead of daily developing an intimate relationship with Him, walking and talking with Him all day long. The new series, “God Friended Me”, shows us how far the world has drifted from God and how much God longs to draw us back to Himself.
 
Sometimes we worship signs and symbols of God but not God. As I read the lament of the Psalmist of the destruction of where “God lives”, I am wondering why the writer doesn’t know that God is everywhere? Then I wonder, do we do that? Do we worship our buildings, symbols, flags, banners, jewelry and t-shirts, fellowship halls and sanctuaries more than God, Himself? We cannot have a relationship with man-made buildings and edifices….only God!
 
Psalm 74, The Message
An Asaph Psalm
Psalm 74 how longYou walked off and left us, and never looked back.
God, how could you do that?
We’re your very own sheep;
how can you stomp off in anger?
 
2-3 Refresh your memory of us—you bought us a long time ago.
Your most precious tribe—you paid a good price for us!
Your very own Mount Zion—you actually lived here once!
Come and visit the site of disaster,
see how they’ve wrecked the sanctuary.
 
4-8 While your people were at worship, your enemies barged in,
brawling and scrawling graffiti.
They set fire to the porch;
axes swinging, they chopped up the woodwork,
Beat down the doors with sledgehammers,
then split them into kindling.
They burned your holy place to the ground,
violated the place of worship.
They said to themselves, “We’ll wipe them all out,”
and burned down all the places of worship.
 
9-17 There’s not a sign or symbol of God in sight,
nor anyone to speak in his name,
no one who knows what’s going on.
How long, God, will barbarians blaspheme,
enemies curse and get by with it?
Why don’t you do something? How long are you going
to sit there with your hands folded in your lap?
God is my King from the very start;
he works salvation in the womb of the earth.
With one blow you split the sea in two,
you made mincemeat of the dragon Tannin.
You lopped off the heads of Leviathan,
then served them up in a stew for the animals.
With your finger you opened up springs and creeks,
and dried up the wild floodwaters.
You own the day, you own the night;
you put stars and sun in place.
You laid out the four corners of earth,
shaped the seasons of summer and winter.
 
18-21 Mark and remember, God, all the enemy
taunts, each idiot desecration.
Don’t throw your lambs to the wolves;
after all we’ve been through, don’t forget us.
Remember your promises;
the city is in darkness, the countryside violent.
Don’t leave the victims to rot in the street;
make them a choir that sings your praises.
 
22-23 On your feet, O God—
stand up for yourself!
Do you hear what they’re saying about you,
all the vile obscenities?
Don’t tune out their malicious filth,
the brawling invective that never lets up.
 
SOMETHING TO PONDER…
Even though the prophets had warned that judgment was coming (2 Chron. 36:15-21), the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple were catastrophic events that shook the people’s faith. As he surveyed the situation, Asaph moved from despair to confidence and in the end affirmed that all was not lost.
 
QUESTION OF THAT DAY...Why did God permit a pagan nation to defeat the Jews and destroy their Holy City and sacred temple, and why was He doing nothing about it?
 
The people of Judah thought that the presence of the temple was their guarantee of security no matter how they lived, but the prophet Jeremiah refuted that lie (Jer. 7). Jeremiah even used the phrase “everlasting [perpetual] ruins” (v. 3 niv; Jer. 25:9) and warned that the temple would be destroyed and the nation taken into captivity. Many times in the past, God had intervened to save Israel, but now He seemed to be doing nothing.
 
Then Asaph remembers what God had done for them….Verse 12 is the central verse of the psalm and the turning point in Asaph’s experience. He lifted his eyes by faith from the burning ruins to the holy throne of God in the heavens and received a new perspective on the situation. (The Asaph who wrote 73 had a similar experience; see 73:17.) No matter how discouraging his situation was, Asaph knew that God was still on the throne and had not abdicated His authority to the Babylonians. The symbos and signs of God may have been destroyed but God, our Father, the Creator of the all cannot be destroyed.
 
The nation had been ravaged, the city of Jerusalem had been wrecked, and the temple had been destroyed and burned–but the essentials had not been touched by the enemy! The nation still had Jehovah God as their God, His Word and His covenant had not been changed, and Jehovah was at work in the world! God is at work in our world today, and we need not despair.
 
HEART CHECK:
 
The psalmist believed that God had rejected His people. When are you most apt to feel that God has rejected you?
 
What promises has God given His people to remind us in hard times that He will not fail us?
 
Psalm 74 CreatorDear Heavenly Father,
When we think all is lost that we know and live, You remind us that is false. You are there. You always will be there. You are our hope, our salvation, our past, present and future. You are God and we are not. I love you with all that is in me. I praise your Holy Name. Blessed be the Name of the Lord. I cherish our relationship most of all. Thank you, Lord.
In Jesus Name, Amen
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I ALMOST MISSED IT!

Posted on November 30, 2018 by randscallawayffm
Psalms – Prayers of Honesty and Praise
 
Someone or something exciting comes to town and we drive to the location, climb a fence or on each other, stretch out our necks just to get a glimpse. What if we miss it? We can’t miss it. This is the talk of the town! We will be sad and disappointed to miss what everyone is trying to see. We want to be “in on it”. Right?
 
When the President of the United States came to our little city this very thing happened. (Please, this is no political statement, only an observation.) People lined the streets just to get a glimpse of the passing motorcade. Big events like this have happened many times in my own lifespan.
 
Psalm 73 crowds in awePeople tried to get a glimpse of the space shuttle has it flew over the school where I taught. Of course, we took all our students outside to see it! People lined the streets when slain President Kennedy’s horse drawn hearse drove through Washington DC streets. Most of us were glued to our television sets to pay honor as we sat in silence and watched. As I reflect, I also remember the whole world stopping to watch “one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind” as Armstrong set his foot on the moon. No one wanted to miss it!
 
Psalm 73 gloryThe most important life experience that I almost and could have missed was knowing the God of Creation. I almost missed out on many years of living with His overwhelming, reckless, limitless love for me. I could have and did a few times look the other way, but He graciously drew me back into His arms. As we read of all that God did for the Psalmist this morning, I am recalling all that God did for me, my family and all those around me. The song, “Reckless Love” plays in the background of my mind…
 
Psalm 73, The Message
 
An Asaph Psalm
 
1-5 No doubt about it! God is good—
good to good people, good to the good-hearted.
Psalm 73 nearly missed.jpgBut I nearly missed it,
missed seeing his goodness.
I was looking the other way,
looking up to the people
At the top,
envying the wicked who have it made,
Who have nothing to worry about,
not a care in the whole wide world.
 
(Reckless Love)
Before I spoke a word, You were singing over me
You have been so, so good to me
Before I took a breath, You breathed Your life in me
You have been so, so kind to me
 
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
Oh, it chases me down, fights ’til I’m found, leaves the ninety-nine
I couldn’t earn it, and I don’t deserve it, still, You give Yourself away
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God, yeah
 
 
6-10 Pretentious with arrogance,
they wear the latest fashions in violence,
Pampered and overfed,
decked out in silk bows of silliness.
They jeer, using words to kill;
they bully their way with words.
They’re full of hot air,
loudmouths disturbing the peace.
People actually listen to them—can you believe it?
Like thirsty puppies, they lap up their words.
 
Psalm 73 you
11-14 What’s going on here? Is God out to lunch?
Nobody’s tending the store.
The wicked get by with everything;
they have it made, piling up riches.
I’ve been stupid to play by the rules;
what has it gotten me?
A long run of bad luck, that’s what—
a slap in the face every time I walk out the door.
 
15-20 If I’d have given in and talked like this,
I would have betrayed your dear children.
Still, when I tried to figure it out,
all I got was a splitting headache . . .
Until I entered the sanctuary of God.
Then I saw the whole picture:
 
(Reckless Love…)
When I was Your foe, still Your love fought for me
You have been so, so good to me
When I felt no worth, You paid it all for me
You have been so, so kind to me
 
And oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
Oh, it chases me down, fights ’til I’m found, leaves the ninety-nine
And I couldn’t earn it, and I don’t deserve it, still, You give Yourself away
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God, yeah
 
 
The slippery road you’ve put them on,
with a final crash in a ditch of delusions.
In the blink of an eye, disaster!
A blind curve in the dark, and—nightmare!
We wake up and rub our eyes. . . . Nothing.
There’s nothing to them. And there never was.
 
21-24 When I was beleaguered and bitter,
totally consumed by envy,
I was totally ignorant, a dumb ox
in your very presence.
I’m still in your presence,
but you’ve taken my hand.
You wisely and tenderly lead me,
and then you bless me.
 
Psalm 73 good25-28 You’re all I want in heaven!
You’re all I want on earth!
When my skin sags and my bones get brittle,
God is rock-firm and faithful.
Look! Those who left you are falling apart!
Deserters, they’ll never be heard from again.
But I’m in the very presence of God—
oh, how refreshing it is!
I’ve made Lord God my home.
God, I’m telling the world what you do!
 
(Reckless Love of God)
There’s no shadow You won’t light up
Mountain You won’t climb up
Coming after me
 
There’s no wall You won’t kick down
Lie You won’t tear down
Coming after me
 
There’s no shadow You won’t light up
Mountain You won’t climb up
Coming after me
 
There’s no wall You won’t kick down
Lie You won’t tear down
Coming after me
 
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
Oh, it chases me down, fights ’til I’m found, leaves the ninety-nine
And I couldn’t earn it, I don’t deserve it, still, You give Yourself away
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God, yeah
 
(Songwriters: Caleb Culver / Cory Asbury / Ran Jackson)
 
HEART CHECK:
 
How much effort do we put into getting a glimpse of God and what He is doing all around us each day? If we did, we would be amazed!!
 
What if we put as much effort, excitement, and dedication into seeing God at work as much as we strain ourselves watching human accomplishments? Think about it…
 
What if we not only recognized God’s goodness, His salvation work, along with His loving actions and gracious benefits, we passionately TALKED about Him and pointed in His direction so others could get a glimpse of God? Whew, I’m already excited! How about you?
 
Imagine pointing and yelling, “Come and see what God has done!” “Look, He’s right here in our midst!” “What a mighty, loving God!” “I wonder what He will do next?” “Watch and see!”
 
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
Oh, it chases me down, fights ’til I’m found, leaves the ninety-nine
And I couldn’t earn it, I don’t deserve it, still, You give Yourself away
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God, yeah
 
Psalm 73 God is closer than you thinkDear Heavenly Father,
I am so glad I didn’t miss YOU in my life. I could have. I tried to walk away, but you brought me back. You protected me. You taught me. You have molded my mind to look to You for all help and instruction. You continue to knock of my rough edges. You shape my heart to look more like your heart. You have loved me since the day I was born. You forgive my messes and help me to clean them up. You restore me when I falter by looking to others instead of you for the joy and peace of your salvation. Yes, I almost missed it, but because of You, I did not. For that I praise you, love you, honor you with all that is in me. I love you, Lord. Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of YOU! Thank you!
In Jesus Name, Amen
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THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING…

Posted on November 29, 2018 by randscallawayffm
Psalms – Prayers of Honesty and Praise
 
At this time of year our thoughts are easily pulled to what presents to give. We hear a barrage of words blaring at us in commercials about the best gift to give AND receive. Marketing preys on our own selfishness. We are not good enough if we don’t give the perfect gift. Sometimes we think that our value is wrapped up in pleasing someone else, too. So, not only are the marketing geniuses wanting us to buy for others they want us to buy for ourselves! “Just buy our products”, they are really screaming, “my job depends on it!”
 
If that isn’t enough, we are told we must look good at all the Christmas parties and secular celebrations with the “hottest” clothing of this year. Ladies, our daily hair and makeup just isn’t enough and won’t do! Makeup that completing changes what we look like so others don’t recognize us seems to be what is “in”. We are also seduced by weird commercials (that I don’t understand until the bottle is shown) to splash on this mystic, magical potion that will make us look and smell like Julia Roberts. Um, I tried it. It didn’t work.
 
Psalm 72 wisdom of Solomon
SO, it is so refreshing to come to a prayer of Solomon in our next psalm of honesty and praise. He prays for the gift that keeps on giving….He asks God for wisdom. God’s wisdom. Oh, that we all would begin each day with a prayer for wisdom, insight and understanding! Wisdom from God is the gift that keeps on giving.
 
Psalm 73, The Message
 
A Solomon Psalm
Psalm 72 Jesus is wisdom
1-8 Give the gift of wise rule to the king, O God,
the gift of just rule to the crown prince.
May he judge your people rightly,
be honorable to your meek and lowly.
Let the mountains give exuberant witness;
shape the hills with the contours of right living.
Please stand up for the poor,
help the children of the needy,
come down hard on the cruel tyrants.
Outlast the sun, outlive the moon—
age after age after age.
Be rainfall on cut grass,
earth-refreshing rain showers.
Let righteousness burst into blossom
and peace abound until the moon fades to nothing.
Rule from sea to sea,
from the River to the Rim.
 
9-14 Foes will fall on their knees before God,
his enemies lick the dust.
Psalm 72 needyKings remote and legendary will pay homage,
kings rich and resplendent will turn over their wealth.
All kings will fall down and worship,
and godless nations sign up to serve him,
Because he rescues the poor at the first sign of need,
the destitute who have run out of luck.
He opens a place in his heart for the down-and-out,
he restores the wretched of the earth.
He frees them from tyranny and torture—
when they bleed, he bleeds;
when they die, he dies.
 
Psalm 72 Jesus15-17 And live! Oh, let him live!
Deck him out in Sheba gold.
Offer prayers unceasing to him,
bless him from morning to night.
Fields of golden grain in the land,
cresting the mountains in wild exuberance,
Cornucopias of praise, praises
springing from the city like grass from the earth.
May he never be forgotten,
his fame shine on like sunshine.
May all godless people enter his circle of blessing
and bless the One who blessed them.
 
psalm-72-17.jpg
18-20 Blessed God, Israel’s God,
the one and only wonder-working God!
Blessed always his blazing glory!
All earth brims with his glory.
Yes and Yes and Yes.
 
SOMETHING TO KNOW…
 
There is a difference between wisdom and knowledge. “What is wisdom? What is the difference between wisdom and knowledge?”
 
Wisdom and knowledge, both recurring themes in the Bible, are related but not synonymous. The dictionary defines wisdom as “the ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting.” Knowledge, on the other hand, is “information gained through experience, reasoning, or acquaintance.”
 
Knowledge can exist without wisdom, but not the other way around. One can be knowledgeable without being wise. Knowledge is knowing how to use a gun; wisdom is knowing when to use it and when to keep it holstered.
 
God wants us to have knowledge of Him and what He expects of us. In order to obey Him, we have to have knowledge of the commands. But as equally important as having knowledge is having wisdom. Knowing facts about God and the Bible is not all there is to wisdom. Wisdom is a gift from God.
 
Wisdom is knowing God’s commands, beginning with the most important, “Love God and Love Others” then simply living obedient to God coupled with God-given skills to apply to daily living. Living in God’s ways make life better for you and those around you. When troubles come or hard decisions need to be made, Godly wisdom takes over and guides us through every circumstance.
 
Wisdom is given just for the asking….James confirms as he writes: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5, NIV)
 
HEART CHECK:
 
How long has it been that you earnestly asked for God’s wisdom?
 
When you did ask, what happened?
 
Has God ever failed to respond to your honest plea to be wise in decision making? When, how? What happened?
 
We sometimes forget that God wants us to succeed. He wants us to ask for what HE knows is best for us. He is on our side! He loves us more than we can imagine. He loved us before we were a twinkle in our parents’ eyes. He loves us still and always will!
 
Psalm 72 God came downTHE BEGINNING OF WISDOM…
In this Psalm, Solomon is also telling of the greatest gift to come…Jesus Christ, King of kings and LORD of lords. He will rule with all wisdom forever. Jesus is God and we are not. So, wisdom begins by accepting God’s greatest gift…the gift of His Son who came into the world and moved into the neighborhood of humanity. Jesus felt all that humans felt. He felt love and lived love that was beyond human thinking. He came to seek and save the lost who thought God was dead and/or not listening anymore. He ask others to follow and they did. This motley crew of young followers were teachable and in awe of his character. Then, unlike humans, he laid down his own life willingly to pay the debt of our sin…the gift of redemption for all of us. Later, all but one of the motley crew, knew for sure, without doubt, Jesus was, indeed, the son of the Living God.
 
James (earthly brother to Jesus) was one of the ones who resisted for awhile and then realized later all that Jesus said about Himself was true. It isn’t any wonder that James asked for wisdom and was assured that God would give it…as a gift. Wow.
 
GOING DEEPER…
Solomon knew that above all that wonders and riches that his earthly father, David had collected for him would not be enough unless God gave him the wisdom to rule in ways that would be pleasing to God and good for the people he was to care for and help. God gave a humbled Solomon so much wisdom, insight and understanding that Solomon became known, became famous all over the world for having “the gift”.
 
We can have it, too. Just ask for it. God’s Wisdom is the gift that keeps on giving. God blesses us with wisdom in order for us to glorify Him and use the knowledge we have of Him.
 
The book of Proverbs is perhaps the best place in the Bible to learn of biblical wisdom. Proverbs 1:7 speaks of both biblical knowledge and wisdom: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, / but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” To fear the Lord is to start on the path to knowledge, and God can then begin to provide us with wisdom through Christ, who the Bible says is wisdom itself: “It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption” (1 Corinthians 1:30).
 
Knowledge is what is gathered over time through study of the Scriptures. It can be said that wisdom, in turn, acts properly upon that knowledge. Wisdom is the fitting application of knowledge. Knowledge understands the light has turned red; wisdom applies the brakes. Knowledge sees the quicksand; wisdom walks around it. Knowledge memorizes the Ten Commandments; wisdom obeys them. Knowledge learns of God; wisdom loves Him.
 
Psalm 72 wise men still seek himDear Heavenly Father,
I am asking for your wisdom, insight and understanding for every detail of my life. I know you. I know you want the best for me. I know you loved me so much you sent Jesus to die for my sin. I know you are a loving, kind and gracious Father who wants what is best for His children. I know who you say I am and I am grateful for all your Gifts!
In Jesus Name, Amen
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NO REGRETS

Posted on November 28, 2018 by randscallawayffm
Psalms – Prayers of Honesty and Praise
 
Psalm 71 14
There is no one like our God! From the time He formed us in our mother’s womb, He has been looking on, knowing. He knows us from the inside out and outside in. He is sovereign. He is all knowing. God is patient with us in our messes and smiles when we love Him back. God gives victory to us when we rely on His wisdom and obey His better plan for us. God doesn’t just watch from the sidelines, He is by our side!, relates the Psalmist, and we discover that for ourselves when we put all our trust in Him. God sets us free from all that the evil one tries to throw at us to entangle and trip us up. Yes, HE is God and we are not. HE is the One and Only to be praised.
 
“I’ll write a book on your righteousness, talk up your salvation the live long day, never run out of good things to write or say.”
 
Psalm 71, The Message
Psalm 71 31-3 I run for dear life to God,
I’ll never live to regret it.
Do what you do so well:
get me out of this mess and up on my feet.
Put your ear to the ground and listen,
give me space for salvation.
Be a guest room where I can retreat;
you said your door was always open!
You’re my salvation—my vast, granite fortress.
 
4-7 My God, free me from the grip of Wicked,
from the clutch of Bad and Bully.
Psalm 71 20You keep me going when times are tough—
my bedrock, God, since my childhood.
I’ve hung on you from the day of my birth,
the day you took me from the cradle;
I’ll never run out of praise.
Many gasp in alarm when they see me,
but you take me in stride.
 
8-11 Just as each day brims with your beauty,
my mouth brims with praise.
But don’t turn me out to pasture when I’m old
or put me on the shelf when I can’t pull my weight.
My enemies are talking behind my back,
watching for their chance to knife me.
The gossip is: “God has abandoned him.
Pounce on him now; no one will help him.”
 
12-16 God, don’t just watch from the sidelines.
Come on! Run to my side!
My accusers—make them lose face.
Those out to get me—make them look
Like idiots, while I stretch out, reaching for you,
and daily add praise to praise.
I’ll write the book on your righteousness,
talk up your salvation the livelong day,
never run out of good things to write or say.
I come in the power of the Lord God,
I post signs marking his right-of-way.
 
Psalm 71 birth17-24 You got me when I was an unformed youth,
God, and taught me everything I know.
Now I’m telling the world your wonders;
I’ll keep at it until I’m old and gray.
God, don’t walk off and leave me
until I get out the news
Of your strong right arm to this world,
news of your power to the world yet to come,
Your famous and righteous
ways, O God.
God, you’ve done it all!
Who is quite like you?
You, who made me stare trouble in the face,
Turn me around;
Now let me look life in the face.
I’ve been to the bottom;
Bring me up, streaming with honors;
turn to me, be tender to me,
Psalm 71 23 singAnd I’ll take up the lute and thank you
to the tune of your faithfulness, God.
I’ll make music for you on a harp,
Holy One of Israel.
When I open up in song to you,
I let out lungsful of praise,
my rescued life a song.
All day long I’m chanting
about you and your righteous ways,
While those who tried to do me in
slink off looking ashamed.
 
The current song running the background of my mind as we read this prayer of praise to God….
 
What is this love that won’t relent

Psalm 71 no one like our God

That’s calling out with heaven’s breath

 

Who is reaching wide to save our souls?
Only you, oh oh oh oh oh oh
 
What is this grace that makes no sense
That we could never recompense
Who gives us all a second chance?
Only you, only you, only you
 
There is no one like our God
There is no one like our God
There is no other God who can save
There is no one like our God…
 
Songwriters: Taylor Gall / Corbin Phillips / Lincoln Brewster
 
AND…
 
I’ve heard a thousand stories of what they think you’re like
But I’ve heard the tender whispers of love in the dead of night
And you tell me that you’re pleased
And that I’m never alone
 
You’re a good good father
It’s who you are, it’s who you are, it’s who you are
And I’m loved by you
It’s who I am, it’s who I am, it’s who I am
 
I’ve seen many searching for answers far and wide
But I know we’re all searching
For answers only you provide
‘Cause you know just what we need
Before we say a word
 
You’re a good good father
It’s who you are, it’s who you are, it’s who you are
And I’m loved by you
It’s who I am, it’s who I am, it’s who I am
 
Because you are perfect in all of your ways
You are perfect in all of your ways
You are perfect in all of your ways to us
You are perfect in all of your ways
You are perfect in all of your ways
You are perfect in all of your ways to us
 
Oh, it’s love so undeniable
I, I can hardly speak
Peace so unexplainable
I, I can hardly think
As you call me deeper still
As you call me deeper still
As you call me deeper still
Into love, love, love
 
You’re a good good father
It’s who you are, it’s who you are, it’s who you are
And I’m loved by you
It’s who I am, it’s who I am, it’s who I am
You’re a good good father….
 
Songwriters: Anthony Brown / Pat Barrett
 
Psalm 71 hopeDear Heavenly Father,
There are not enough words to tell of our greatness, but I will not give up trying. Many have tried to tell of your greatness, but it is impossible to accurately put into songs of praise with prayers of honor to You. Why? There is NO ONE like You. You are there all the time even when we tire and fall asleep. You are there when the morning brings a new day to remind me of your unfailing love. Life is all about You. My life is yours. You live in me. Thank you, Lord. Guide my every thought and action today.
In Jesus Name, Amen
 
“I run for dear life to God, I’ll never live to regret it.”
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ON THE HUNT

Posted on November 27, 2018 by randscallawayffm
Psalms of Honesty and Praise
 
Psalm 70 deliver me
When you are on a hunting expedition for animals (or shopping on Black Friday) you go where they are. They do not come to you, normally. You even paint your face to look like part of the environment. You wear clothes that blend in with what is around you. Then you hide and wait. You wait and listen. You wait and watch for signs of what you are hunting so that you might capture it. Hunting takes patience, attentive focus and alert readiness so that you can get a glimpse of your prey and maybe “bag” your prize.
 
Those who are truly on a hunt for God, as David writes, know who God is, know what God can do, are attentive to His actions and alert to His Presence. They go where God is. They sing and celebrate all along the way with “God is mighty!” Hunters of God know He will come to the rescue. They know God saves them. They know God’s Presence is with them.
 
Psalm 70, The Message
A David Prayer
 
Psalm 70 seekers1-3 God! Please hurry to my rescue!
God, come quickly to my side!
Those who are out to get me—
let them fall all over themselves.
Those who relish my downfall—
send them down a blind alley.
Give them a taste of their own medicine,
those gossips off clucking their tongues.
 
4 Let those on the hunt for you
sing and celebrate.
Let all who love your saving way
say over and over, “God is mighty!”
 
5 But I’ve lost it. I’m wasted.
God—quickly, quickly!
Quick to my side, quick to my rescue!
God, don’t lose a minute.
 
 
SOMETHING TO CHEW…
 
Psalm 70 search for God
We hunt for God as we are hunted by God. We need to come out of our hiding place into the wide open spaces of God’s love and care. WE are the ones who must be attentive, focused on every sight and sound of God and be alert to where He is at work.
WE need to know and recognize Him. Yes, WE need to be on the “hunt” for God, daily looking and seeing what He does and do that. We need to learn who He wants us to be and be that, singing “God is mighty!” We give all the credit to God!
 
Yes, this is a different kind of hunt. God sought US out from the beginning. God saved and rescued us. God chose us. God loved us first. God has us in the palm of His hand. He “bagged his prize” when we said yes to Him. Our relationship with God is eternal for those who love God with all their mind, heart and soul. Our relationship is intimate and forever. God-hunters rejoice! God-hunters know peace and live peace.
 
Psalm 70 live for himHEART CHECK:
 
Are you a God-hunter?
 
Are you still hiding in the environment of the world hoping you will not be seen by God?
 
When you see God at work, do you immediately worship and celebrate God?
 
God knows your name. He knows your heart. You cannot hide from His Presence. So…come out into His wide open spaces of his love, mercy and grace. Walk and talk with Him. See where He is at work. See HOW He works. Rejoice and be glad for another day to watch, wait and then run to God. Say yes to God.
 
Psalm 70 God loves us
Dear Heavenly Father,
When we hunt for you, you are found easily. When our minds focus on You, we see You around every corner. When we follow You, joy explodes into celebration. When we get tangled up in our own traps or of those set by the evil one, You rescue us. You are God and we are not. I want to be where you are doing what you do…loving others who follow you or need to follow you. Thank you, Lord.
In Jesus Name, Amen
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