Daily Manna (Coffee with Jesus)

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.

People 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!

The 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.

But 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.

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.

25-28 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

Dear 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.

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

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.

Kings 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.

15-17 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.

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!

THE 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.

Dear 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

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

1-3 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.

You 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.

17-24 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,

And 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 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 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

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

Dear 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

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

1-3 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…

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.

HEART 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.

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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GOD-SEEKERS, TAKE HEART!

Posted on November 26, 2018 by randscallawayffm

Psalms of Honesty

How many times have we come to a place in our lives that sent us tumbling to our knees, head bowed in exasperation? With no other thoughtful words coming to mind, we simply and desperate cry out, “God, save me!” I’ve been there. Weirdly, I have never felt closer to God than in those times of disillusion and despair.

As God-Followers we come to these places on our journey here on earth that overwhelm us and bring us to a point of giving up. Giving up isn’t always a bad thing. In fact, it is a good thing when we are finally giving up self to know God and what HE wants…after we have exhausted all efforts on our own! And no, I do not know why we wait so long!

We don’t always understand why we are in a particular situation or trying circumstance, but we know God is there. He knows the why, the beginning and the end of the trial. We have to also give up wanting to know the why. It gets in the way of forthcoming solutions and the outcomes that God will provide. Wondering why blinds us to God’s work in us and in the situation.

It may have nothing to do with us or what we have done. But it will have everything to do with how we respond, yield, and be flexible as we experience yet another growth spurt on our journey in Christ! It might have something to do with who we will blame. or not, instead of looking from the inside out of our own hearts and minds. It will be a test, for sure, to see how we will respond when others, who have looked at us as God-Followers, will make fun of our imperfections, setbacks and failures. “Look at you, now! We thought you knew God, but now…” Jesus knows. He was jeered as He hung on the cross for OUR sin! It may have everything to do with how we will view the imperfection in ourselves and know that we need God every hour of every day.

Psalm 69

A David Psalm

God, God, save me!

I’m in over my head,

2 Quicksand under me, swamp water over me;

I’m going down for the third time.

3 I’m hoarse from calling for help,

Bleary-eyed from searching the sky for God.

4 I’ve got more enemies than hairs on my head;

Sneaks and liars are out to knife me in the back.

What I never stole

Must I now give back?

5 God, you know every sin I’ve committed;

My life’s a wide-open book before you.

6 Don’t let those who look to you in hope

Be discouraged by what happens to me,

Dear Lord! God of the armies!

Don’t let those out looking for you

Come to a dead end by following me—

Please, dear God of Israel!

7 Because of you I look like an idiot,

I walk around ashamed to show my face.

8 My brothers shun me like a bum off the street;

My family treats me like an unwanted guest.

9 I love you more than I can say.

Because I’m madly in love with you,

They blame me for everything they dislike about you.

10 When I poured myself out in prayer and fasting,

All it got me was more contempt.

11 When I put on a sad face,

They treated me like a clown.

12 Now drunks and gluttons

Make up drinking songs about me.

13 And me? I pray.

God, it’s time for a break!

Psalm 69 foes God, answer in love!

Answer with your sure salvation!

14 Rescue me from the swamp,

Don’t let me go under for good,

Pull me out of the clutch of the enemy;

This whirlpool is sucking me down.

15 Don’t let the swamp be my grave, the Black Hole

Swallow me, its jaws clenched around me.

16 Now answer me, God, because you love me;

Let me see your great mercy full-face.

17 Don’t look the other way; your servant can’t take it.

I’m in trouble. Answer right now!

18 Come close, God; get me out of here.

Rescue me from this deathtrap.

19 You know how they kick me around—

Pin on me the donkey’s ears, the dunce’s cap.

20 I’m broken by their taunts,

Flat on my face, reduced to a nothing.

I looked in vain for one friendly face. Not one.

I couldn’t find one shoulder to cry on.

21 They put poison in my soup,

Vinegar in my drink.

22 Let their supper be bait in a trap that snaps shut;

May their best friends be trappers who’ll skin them alive.

23 Make them become blind as bats,

Give them the shakes from morning to night.

24 Let them know what you think of them,

Blast them with your red-hot anger.

25 Burn down their houses,

Leave them desolate with nobody at home.

26 They gossiped about the one you disciplined,

Made up stories about anyone wounded by God.

27 Pile on the guilt,

Don’t let them off the hook.

28 Strike their names from the list of the living;

No rock-carved honor for them among the righteous.

29 I’m hurt and in pain;

Give me space for healing, and mountain air.

30 Let me shout God’s name with a praising song,

Let me tell his greatness in a prayer of thanks.

31 For God, this is better than oxen on the altar,

Far better than blue-ribbon bulls.

32 The poor in spirit see and are glad—

Oh, you God-seekers, take heart!

33 For God listens to the poor,

He doesn’t walk out on the wretched.

34 You heavens, praise him; praise him, earth;

Also ocean and all things that swim in it.

35 For God is out to help Zion,

Rebuilding the wrecked towns of Judah.

Guess who will live there—

The proud owners of the land?

36 No, the children of his servants will get it,

The lovers of his name will live in it.

SOMETHING TO CHEW ON…

David was innocent this time of the accusations of his enemies who hated God and therefore hated him. When we read the psalm, we find David confronting the Lord with three important concerns.

“God, Save Me”: When his enemies blasphemed God, they blasphemed David, and their attacks against David were attacks against God, and David felt them. David had a great zeal for God’s house and had received the plans for the temple from the Lord. He had gathered the materials for its construction. It takes no special gift to discover Jesus in this psalm and to see the way people treated Him when He was ministering on earth.

HEART CHECK:

Is loving God and following Him just to good to be true for humans to wrap their heads around, accept and live?

“Judge My Enemies!”: Judgement is in God’s hands, not ours. Only our Perfect, Sinless God can be the final judge of what is not pleasing to Him. In contrast to what David prayed; Jesus prayed, “Forgive them for they know not what they do.”

HEART CHECK:

Where is our heart when others accuse us, gossip about us and malign our character? How quickly do we forgive…even when there is no apology and never will be?

“Be Glorified, O Lord!”: He wanted the Lord to be glorified in his worship, his witness to the needy, in all of creation, and in all of Israel. He asked the Lord to protect and provide for the poor whom the sinners were abusing and exploiting. He saw a day coming when the land would be united and healed and the cities populated again. “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem” (Ps 122:6). “Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” (Rev. 22:20).

HEART CHECK:

And finally, we will continue to praise God or hold back until we are safely on the other side of our problem? Mm. We must evaluate our hearts before, during and after a trial.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Save us. Restore the joy of YOUR salvation in us. Hold our enemy, the evil one, at bay. Capture our thoughts from the evil one. Lift our thinking to Your higher, more positive, faith-filled thinking of what is pure, praiseworthy, true, noble, the best, not the worst, the beautiful, not the ugly, things to praise not curse. Help us to think of Your grace so that we will behave more graciously.

In Jesus Name, Amen

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DAY BY DAY… GOD CARRIES US ALONG

Posted on November 25, 2018 by randscallawayffm

Psalms – Prayers of Honesty and Praise

Have you ever just stopped life for awhile and meditated on how God has carried you through trials that overwhelmed, situations unbearable and human relationship so challenging you didn’t know what to do?

As believers in God, He always helps us get to the other side of the tough tests that grow us from the inside out. So, maybe, like the Psalmist who wrote this rather lengthy hymn of sorts, we should just sit for a while, thank and praise God as we recount all the ways He has carried us.

In the end, like David, we learn life is about God. It always has been about God. It’s not about us as much as it is about God in us! He carries us day by day, hour by hour. He IS for us, not against us.

Here is a good example to begin our journey reflection…

Psalm 68, The Message

A David Psalm

1-4 Up with God!

Down with his enemies!

Adversaries, run for the hills!

Gone like a puff of smoke,

like a blob of wax in the fire—

one look at God and the wicked vanish.

When the righteous see God in action

they’ll laugh, they’ll sing,

they’ll laugh and sing for joy.

Sing hymns to God;

all heaven, sing out;

clear the way for the coming of Cloud-Rider.

Enjoy God,

cheer when you see him!

5-6 Father of orphans,

champion of widows,

is God in his holy house.

God makes homes for the homeless,

leads prisoners to freedom,

but leaves rebels to rot in hell.

7-10 God, when you took the lead with your people,

when you marched out into the wild,

Earth shook, sky broke out in a sweat;

God was on the march.

Even Sinai trembled at the sight of God on the move,

at the sight of Israel’s God.

You pour out rain in buckets, O God;

thorn and cactus become an oasis

For your people to camp in and enjoy.

You set them up in business;

they went from rags to riches.

11-14 The Lord gave the word;

thousands called out the good news:

“Kings of the armies

are on the run, on the run!”

While housewives, safe and sound back home,

divide up the plunder,

the plunder of Canaanite silver and gold.

On that day that Shaddai scattered the kings,

snow fell on Black Mountain.

15-16 You huge mountains, Bashan mountains,

mighty mountains, dragon mountains.

All you mountains not chosen,

sulk now, and feel sorry for yourselves,

For this is the mountain God has chosen to live on;

he’ll rule from this mountain forever.

17-18 The chariots of God, twice ten thousand,

and thousands more besides,

The Lord in the lead, riding down Sinai—

straight to the Holy Place!

You climbed to the High Place, captives in tow,

your arms full of booty from rebels,

And now you sit there in state,

God, sovereign God!

19-23 Blessed be the Lord—

day after day he carries us along.

He’s our Savior, our God, oh yes!

He’s God-for-us, he’s God-who-saves-us.

Lord God knows all

death’s ins and outs.

What’s more, he made heads roll,

split the skulls of the enemy

As he marched out of heaven,

saying, “I tied up the Dragon in knots,

put a muzzle on the Deep Blue Sea.”

You can wade through your enemies’ blood,

and your dogs taste of your enemies from your boots.

24-31 See God on parade

to the sanctuary, my God,

my King on the march!

Singers out front, the band behind,

maidens in the middle with castanets.

The whole choir blesses God.

Like a fountain of praise, Israel blesses God.

Look—little Benjamin’s out

front and leading

Princes of Judah in their royal robes,

princes of Zebulon, princes of Naphtali.

Parade your power, O God,

the power, O God, that made us what we are.

Your temple, High God, is Jerusalem;

kings bring gifts to you.

Rebuke that old crocodile, Egypt,

with her herd of wild bulls and calves,

Rapacious in her lust for silver,

crushing peoples, spoiling for a fight.

Let Egyptian traders bring blue cloth

and Cush come running to God, her hands outstretched.

32-34 Sing, O kings of the earth!

Sing praises to the Lord!

There he is: Sky-Rider,

striding the ancient skies.

Listen—he’s calling in thunder,

rumbling, rolling thunder.

Call out “Bravo!” to God,

the High God of Israel.

His splendor and strength

rise huge as thunderheads.

35 A terrible beauty, O God,

streams from your sanctuary.

It’s Israel’s strong God! He gives

power and might to his people!

O you, his people—bless God!

Another song of today plays in the background as I read this hymn of praise for all God has done for His people.

WHO YOU SAY I AM

Who am I that the highest King

Would welcome me?

I was lost but He brought me in

Oh His love for me

Who the Son sets free

Oh is free indeed

I’m a child of God

Yes I am

Free at last, He has ransomed me

His grace runs deep

While I was a slave to sin

Jesus died for me

Yes He died for me

Who the Son sets free

Oh is free indeed

I’m a child of God

Yes I am

In my Father’s house

There’s a place for me

I’m a child of God

Yes I am

I am chosen

Not forsaken

I am who You say I am

You are for me

Not against me

I am who You say I am

I am chosen

Not forsaken

I am who You say I am

You are for me

Not against me

I am who You say I am

I am who You say I am…

(Songwriters: Ben Fielding / Reuben Morgan)

We could all write a “hymn” of how God has brought us through life’s journey. Right?

Dear Heavenly Father,

I am overwhelmed by your love for me. I am amazed at how You work and that You are always at work for us, not against us. Thank you for carrying me when all I wanted to do was run and hide. Thank you for your Holy Presence day by day, hour by hour. I need you every hour. I love you with all that is in me.

In Jesus Name, Amen

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MARKED WITH GRACE

Posted on November 24, 2018 by randscallawayffm

Psalms – Prayers of Honesty and Praise

Psalm 67 price check How inconvenient it is shop for an item that most stores do not have. It is special to you for a specific reason. So the hunt goes on. It is hard to find but it is worth looking for in all the places you visit. When you finally find it, you shriek with joy, “Yes, it is here!”

But it is not marked with a price. Ugh, so you look around for a store worker to give you the price. I use professional lingo when I ask for a price, “Do you have one of those clicker thingys so I can get a price on this?” They understand, especially if they are female. It pays to speak their language. They click the bar code with no resulting price. They shake the price thingy then try again. (Um, yes they do. Every time.) No price value is available. You really want it, so they search the computer inventory base to find something like it so they can access value. Not there. There is nothing like it.

So the next step includes going together to find a manager, the top dog, at least for that time period. We tell him we need a price for our special item. He responds, “I have no idea, I’ve never seen that before. I don’t think we sell that.” I’m thinking, “Um, I found it in your store”. But, I ask him what do you think it is worth. It is the only one. He gives me what he thinks it is worth and I purchase it for that price for it is special only to me.

Psalm 67 beauty We are the special item sought by God, Himself! (Stick with me here for a bit.) We are like no other item. We are like no other human. We are all created uniquely different by God who loves us and already knows our value. He knows the price for our soul well and does not have to search out our value on a clicker thingy. Psalm 67 marked Once found, he marks us with a valuable price of mercy that no one else can afford to pay. He marks us with grace that leads to blessing and inheritance. That price can only be paid with the currency called Sacrifice. It is paid in full by Jesus Christ, God’s Son who laid down the price for our purchase. Wow. Amazing love, how can it be?

Psalm 67, The Message

Psalm 67 marked by grace 1-7 God, mark us with grace
and blessing! Smile!
The whole country will see how you work,
all the godless nations see how you save.
God! Let people thank and enjoy you.
Let all people thank and enjoy you.
Let all far-flung people become happy
and shout their happiness because
You judge them fair and square,
you tend the far-flung peoples.
God! Let people thank and enjoy you.
Let all people thank and enjoy you.
Earth, display your exuberance!
You mark us with blessing, O God, our God.
You mark us with blessing, O God.
Earth’s four corners—honor him!

SOMETHING TO CHEW…

Psalm 67 blessings of Father We are under the curse of sin since Adam, but we can ask Jesus to take my curse and give me His blessing. “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curses for us…” (Galatians 3:13) Our pastor put it this way, “Jesus dressed like us so we could dress like Him.” Jesus paid it all.

Galatians 3:26, 29 “In Christ Jesus you are all called through faith, if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

We are marked with grace. We are blessed to be blessings back to God and to each other. Blessings from God to us shape and mold our souls to be all He intended for us to be and do. A blessing is an accurate spiritual discernment of who God made me to be. A blessing is an empowering affirmation to do what He asks me to do.

We all have infinite value in the eyes of our Creator, God, our Father. He looks at us like He looks at Jesus when we accept the gift of being made righteous by the Sacrifice of the first born…Jesus Christ. (Revelation 1:5)

We are all desperate for blessing. We are all desperate to know our worth and value. Actually, we are all desperate for Christ.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.

This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.” (John 3, NIV)

HEART CHECK:

What is your value and worth? Is it tied up in what you can give or what God has given to you?

What is your price?

Do we “price check” others?

Dear Heavenly Father,
You are amazing. You are the final answer that tells the world of our “price” and worth. Thank you, God for sending your Son to pay the price for me. Thank you marking us with grace and mercy. Thank you for marking us with your love. Thank you for blessings upon blessings in this world so that the world may know You, too. Thank you for the inheritance of being a part of your Kingdom forever and ever, as your “first born” with Christ. YOU make us smile!
In Jesus Name, Amen

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PURE APPLAUSE FOR GOD!

Posted on November 23, 2018 by randscallawayffm

Psalms of Honesty and Praise

In the background of reading our next prayer of praise to our God who is our salvation because of His mercy and grace wrapped up in limitless, unconditional love for us is the another song…How Great is Our God, Sing with me…

Psalm 66, The Message

1-4 All together now—applause for God!

Sing songs to the tune of his glory,

set glory to the rhythms of his praise.

Say of God, “We’ve never seen anything like him!”

When your enemies see you in action,

they slink off like scolded dogs.

The whole earth falls to its knees—

it worships you, sings to you,

can’t stop enjoying your name and fame.

5-6 Take a good look at God’s wonders—

they’ll take your breath away.

He converted sea to dry land;

travelers crossed the river on foot.

Now isn’t that cause for a song?

The splendor of a King, clothed in majesty

Let all the Earth rejoice

All the Earth rejoice

He wraps himself in light

And darkness tries to hide

And trembles at His voice

Trembles at His voice

How great is our God, sing with me

How great is our God, and all will see

How great, how great is our God

7 Ever sovereign in his high tower, he keeps

his eye on the godless nations.

Rebels don’t dare

raise a finger against him.

8-12 Bless our God, O peoples!

Give him a thunderous welcome!

Didn’t he set us on the road to life?

Didn’t he keep us out of the ditch?

He trained us first,

passed us like silver through refining fires,

Brought us into hardscrabble country,

pushed us to our very limit,

Road-tested us inside and out,

took us to hell and back;

Finally he brought us

to this well-watered place.

Age to age He stands

And time is in His hands

Beginning and the end

The Godhead Three in One

Father Spirit Son

The Lion and the Lamb

How great is our God, sing with me

How great is our God, and all will see

How great, how great is our God

13-15 I’m bringing my prizes and presents to your house.

I’m doing what I said I’d do,

What I solemnly swore I’d do

that day when I was in so much trouble:

The choicest cuts of meat

for the sacrificial meal;

Even the fragrance

of roasted lamb is like a meal!

Or make it an ox

garnished with goat meat!

16-20 All believers, come here and listen,

let me tell you what God did for me.

I called out to him with my mouth,

my tongue shaped the sounds of music.

If I had been cozy with evil,

the Lord would never have listened.

But he most surely did listen,

he came on the double when he heard my prayer.

Blessed be God: he didn’t turn a deaf ear,

he stayed with me, loyal in his love.

Name above all names

Worthy of our praise

My heart will sing

How great is our God

You’re the name above all names

You are worthy of our praise

And my heart will sing

How great is our God

How great is our God, sing with me

How great is our God, and all will see

How great, how great is our God

How great is our God, sing with me

How great is our God, and all will see

How great, how great is our God

The whole world sings, the whole world sings

How great is our God

How great, how great is our God

(Songwriters: Chris Tomlin / Ed Cash / Jesse Reeve)

Dear Heavenly Father,

May this offering of applause and praise be pleasing to you this morning. Thank you for filling my heart with all of You. Thank you for saving us. Thank you for being with us always. Thank you for loving us the way you do. Help us to love others the way you love us. How extremely great you are!

In Jesus Name, Amen

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COME AND WORSHIP

Posted on November 22, 2018 by randscallawayffm

Psalms – Prayers of Honesty and Praise

The turkey is in the oven and rolls are beginning to rise. All is well and quiet in the early morning hours of prep. As I go about the chores, I am also preparing my heart, mind and soul for praise to the One and Only God. May God’s glory be seen in me today. May thanks-living be seen in my behavior. May the peace of Christ rule in our home because of the rule of Christ in our hearts.

We are thankful but we are not haughty. We also think of many who need our prayers for their circumstances. The gravy on top is knowing God knows every heart and every circumstance. He is there waiting to love and forgive all of us. He always has been there. He always will be with those who love Him back. There is no one like our God! No one. Come and worship.

Psalm 65, The Message

A David Psalm

1-2 Silence is praise to you,

Zion-dwelling God,

And also obedience.

You hear the prayer in it all.

2-8 We all arrive at your doorstep sooner

or later, loaded with guilt,

Our sins too much for us—

but you get rid of them once and for all.

Blessed are the chosen! Blessed the guest

at home in your place!

We expect our fill of good things

in your house, your heavenly manse.

All your salvation wonders

are on display in your trophy room.

Earth-Tamer, Ocean-Pourer,

Mountain-Maker, Hill-Dresser,

Muzzler of sea storm and wave crash,

of mobs in noisy riot—

Far and wide they’ll come to a stop,

they’ll stare in awe, in wonder.

Dawn and dusk take turns

calling, “Come and worship.”

9-13 Oh, visit the earth,

ask her to join the dance!

Deck her out in spring showers,

fill the God-River with living water.

Paint the wheat fields golden.

Creation was made for this!

Drench the plowed fields,

soak the dirt clods

With rainfall as harrow and rake

bring her to blossom and fruit.

Snow-crown the peaks with splendor,

scatter rose petals down your paths,

All through the wild meadows, rose petals.

Set the hills to dancing,

Dress the canyon walls with live sheep,

a drape of flax across the valleys.

Let them shout, and shout, and shout!

Oh, oh, let them sing!

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow

Praise Him all creatures here below

Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

In Jesus Name, Amen

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FROM THE HEART…

Posted on November 21, 2018 by randscallawayffm

Psalms – Prayers of Honesty

We are known by our dispositions more than our positions in life when others describe us to others. How we are perceived comes from what is brewing and bubbling in our hearts. Jesus said, “…how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of his good store of treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure.” (Matthew 12:35)

We are good at hiding what is in our hearts for a while, but when we are tired, pressed for immediate action, sick, under pressure of deadlines, or frustrated, what is truly in our hearts gushes out in a burst of behavior that surprises even us. Sometimes it comes in a rush of words that are not praiseworthy or kind. Sometimes it comes in actions that are destructive. Most of the time we realize that our hearts, the well house of our souls, need to be cleansed often. Then we need to clean up the mess we made in relationships before the cleansing.

There is only One who can cleanse us completely. He is the Source of real life, abundant life and life forever. God sent His One and Only Son, Jesus Christ to provide that complete cleansing. All we have to do is ask for it through a prayer of repentance and remorse. After the cleansing (forgiven of repentant sins), we discover we have extreme supernatural, beyond self-help, guidance in transforming our hearts and minds to be all that God intends for us to be.

This supernatural help is God’s Holy Spirit, part of the Three-In-One of God, to help us continually change our hearts. Cleansed hearts are healthy. They love more and are more accepting of others. Hearts filled with God’s love causes changes of our dispositions to life. As hearts change so do behavioral habits. We love more, say more kind words than unkind words. In fact, our first thoughts begin to be love driven causing our behaviors to be love driven, thinking more of others than we do ourselves. We praise more and whine less. In other words, we are becoming more like Christ! (See Philippians 2)

Our very first thought when we get up in the morning is praise to the One who is love. I am reminded of a song written by the band Whiteheart that I still recall when I remind myself to let my first thought be love.

LET YOUR FIRST THOUGHT BE LOVE

Somehow, someone has hurt you again

And said things and done things you don’t understand

You don’t understand

It’s easy, just to think of your pride

So easy, to get angry inside

But let your first thought

Let your very first thought be love

Let your first thought

Let your very first thought be love, be love

Let it be love

Some people go looking for trouble to start

Oh but those people are hiding a lonely heart

They’ve got lonely hearts

So listen, listen to their silent cries

And touch them with the warmth in your eyes

And let your first thought

Let your very first thought be love

Let your first thought

Let your very first thought be love, be love

The Master showed us what to do time and time again

A gentle word of love can warm the heart of any man

So let your first thought

Let your very first thought be love

Let your first thought

Let your very first thought be love, be love…

Like David expressed in his prayer of honesty for today,

“Everyone sees it. God’s work is the talk of the town.”

Psalm 64, The Message

A David Psalm

Listen and help, O God.

I’m reduced to a whine

And a whimper, obsessed

with feelings of doomsday.

2-6 Don’t let them find me—

the conspirators out to get me,

Using their tongues as weapons,

flinging poison words,

poison-tipped arrow-words.

They shoot from ambush,

shoot without warning,

not caring who they hit.

They keep fit doing calisthenics

of evil purpose,

They keep lists of the traps

they’ve secretly set.

They say to each other,

“No one can catch us,

no one can detect our perfect crime.”

The Detective detects the mystery

in the dark of the cellar heart.

7-8 The God of the Arrow shoots!

They double up in pain,

Fall flat on their faces

in full view of the grinning crowd.

9-10 Everyone sees it. God’s

work is the talk of the town.

Be glad, good people! Fly to God!

Good-hearted people, make praise your habit.

HEART CHECK UP:

David cried out for help and received God’s help. Every. Time. The God of David is the same magnificent, awesome God who sees our hearts and is ready to cleanse us from all that is not pleasing to Him or healthy for us.

Come for a cleansing. You won’t regret a good bath in the soul cleansing blood of the Lamb.

Then “make praise your habit.”

Dear Heavenly Father,

Cleanse me of all the dark places and dank, musty cellars that harbor the leftovers of evil in my heart. Transform my behavior continually as I grow in my love for You and others. May Your Holy Spirit guide my cleansed heart to pleasing habits of praise back to You!

In Jesus Name, Amen

Posted in Blessings, Christian Living, Christian Perspective, Embrace, Encouragement, Faith, Forgiveness, Grace, Holy Spirit, Hope, Jesus, joy, Leadership, Listen, lost but found, Love, marriage, Mercy, ministry, Philippians, Praise, Prayer, Psalms, relationship with God, Salvation, Searching, Teaching, Thanksgiving, Training, Transformation, trust in God, Truth, Uncategorized, Unconditional love, waiting on God, wisdom | Tagged Anger, Christian, Christian Living, Comfort, Conversation, Criticism, David, Depression, encouragement, Faith, Family, Focus, Freedom, Friendship, Give life, Gratitude, Happy, Heart, inspiration, joy, Kindness, LIfe, LIfe Lessons, Love, management, Marriage, Ministry, Motivation, Peace, ponder, Power, Praise, prayer, Purpose, Relationship, Relationships, Spiritual, Teaching, Theology, Thinking, Truth, Understanding, Virtues, Waiting, Whining, work | Leave a comment

Daily Manna (Coffee with Jesus)

I ALMOST MISSED IT!

THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING…

NO REGRETS

ON THE HUNT

GOD-SEEKERS, TAKE HEART!

DAY BY DAY… GOD CARRIES US ALONG

MARKED WITH GRACE

PURE APPLAUSE FOR GOD!

COME AND WORSHIP

FROM THE HEART…

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