Author: looking2jesus13

JANUARY 10

Psalm 8

Psalm 8:4, “What is man that you are mindful of him?”

The psalmist gazed into the heavens and marveled that such a Creator could be mindful of man.  He saw the stars that littered with brightness, the immensity of heaven, but he couldn’t know how many they were.  Astronomers now estimate that there are roughly one septillion stars in the universe.  That estimate is based on an estimate of the number of galaxies times the number of stars in each galaxy.  But, of course, that’s just based on what we’ve caught a glimpse of.  An infinite God has created an infinite universe.

The psalmist couldn’t know that there were an estimated 2 million people on the earth in his day.  That number has ballooned to some 8 billion today.  And, of course, the psalmist was an Israelite, a member of God’s chosen people of whom God was specially mindful through his promises.

Does the God of the universe care about men?  You are but a speck in His big universe.  Does He care about you?  Proof of His concern is the death of His Son on a cross for your sins (John 3:16; 1 John 3:16).  His sacrifice has worked to avail salvation to Jew and Gentile, slave and free, and male and female (Galatians 3:28).  Red, brown, yellow, black or white, they are all precious in His sight, and He desires salvation for them all (1 Timothy 2:3). He who has named all the stars (Psalm 147:4), knows your name, and bids you to cast your cares upon Him, for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).

Though you be but a speck in this big universe, the cross of the Lord Jesus stands as proof of God’s loving concern for you!

Application questions: Take some time to consider your “smallness” in the immensity of the universe.  Then consider how amazing it is that God so worked in love to save you from your sins and call you one of His own?  And that though there be some 8 billion humans on this planet, He is big enough and loving enough to be troubled with ever your smallest concerns (Hebrews 4:16)!

JANUARY 9

Psalm 7

Psalm 7:1, “O Lord my God, in you do I take refuge.”

Some of us are old enough to remember the 1970s song “Up on the Roof.”  The song speaks of climbing up on the roof to find refuge away from troublesome people and the cares of the world.  But there is a far better place of refuge to be found.

The source of the psalmists’ troubles was evil doers who sought to do him harm.  He likened them to a lion who would work to tear his soul apart, rending it to pieces.  Have you ever felt like that?  The prophet Daniel was once cast into a den of lions.  Apart from God’s intervention, the lions would have had him for lunch.  But it was wicked men who put him there that were the greater threat.

It is in the God who is powerful to deliver that we can find true security.  He knows all and judges rightly.  We can trust Him to deal with the wicked in His own way and in His own time.  It is up to us then to pursue God even as other people or troublesome circumstances pursue us.  “When this old world starts getting me down, and people are too much for me to face,” I find my refuge in the Lord, and leave all my cares with Him.

There is no better refuge to be found than in the One who is powerful to save.

Application questions: Have you ever felt oppressed or threatened by others?  What was your response?  Practically speaking, what does it mean to take refuge in the Lord?  Is there some situation even now which you need to entrust to the Lord?

JANUARY 8

Psalm 6

Psalm 6:2, “Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am languishing.”

While the specific circumstances of this Psalm of David are unknown, it is apparent from the context that it is a psalm of penitence and confession.  David found his soul deeply troubled– weary with his moaning, burdened with his grief, and tearful in his troubles.

The term translated “languishing,” is used to describe a state of weakness or feebleness, usually conveying a sense of being worn out or in a state of decline, whether that be physically, emotionally, or spiritually. Whether because of personal sin or otherwise, to languish is to deal with a prolonged, relentless, distress of some kind.  An inmate languishes in his imprisonment; a drug user in his addiction; a cancer patient in his illness; a hospice patient in his pain; a bereaved person in his grief.  To languish is not just to face some distress, but to endure it with no apparent remedy or relief.

The Psalmists response is instructive.  He poured out his heart in prayer to God.  As Archibald Smyson explained, “But coming before God, the most forcible argument that ye can use is your necessity, poverty, tears, misery, unworthiness, and confessing them to him, it shall be an open door to furnish you with all things that he hath.”

The Psalmist sought relief from God and was assured that God both heard and answered his prayer.  It’s good and prudent to take such concerns to Him!  There are hurts and troubles that God alone can heal.

“Though I deserve destruction, yet let thy mercy pity my frailty.”—Charles Spurgeon

Application questions: Can you relate to the Psalmists experience?  Why might someone be reluctant to turn to God when they find themselves in an overwhelming situation?  In what ways might God facilitate relief?

JANUARY 7

Psalm 5

Psalm 5:7, “But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, will enter your house.”

As a hospice chaplain, I’ve visited dozens of homes in recent years.  It is a unique experience to go to the home of new folks you haven’t met before.  But in nearly all cases, I’ve received a warm welcome.  It’d be an entirely different scenario than going to the home of someone I’ve harmed or offended, in which case I wouldn’t expect a hospitable situation.

How is it that we, as those who have sinned against God, can then find the freedom, and even a welcome invitation, to enter into the Lord’s presence in prayer?  The Psalmist, as one having faith in God, understood the invitation to be because of the “abundance of steadfast love.”  The phrase “steadfast love” speaks to God’s loyal and unchanging love for His people.  No matter how imperfect they were, God’s love for them didn’t change.  That overflowing love worked to open the door.

Hebrews 4:16 invites us to draw near with confidence to the throne of grace “that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”  That confidence is not based on who we are or anything we’ve done, but on the fact that in Jesus, we have a high priest who passed through the heavens (Hebrews 4:14).  He who lovingly died for our sins, and then ascended to the right hand of God, has worked to impart to us His own righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21).  He who cares for us bids us cast our cares upon Him (1 Peter 5:7).  Because of His amazing love, He lovingly welcomes us in with open arms.

“I will come into thy sanctuary, just a child into his father’s house.”—Charles Spurgeon

Application questions:  How’s your prayer life?  Take time to consider the amazing privilege that Jesus has availed to you in giving you the freedom to enter into God’s presence in prayer!  Is there some known and unconfessed sin holding you back?  Prayer is the antidote for that as well (1 John 1:9).

JANUARY 6

Psalm 4

Psalm 4:4, “You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.”

One of the great mysteries of our time is the fact that so many of our fellow citizens are unhappy and even miserable despite living in the most free and prosperous country in the world’s history.  Though most live according to a “whatever makes you happy” way of thinking, one in five Americans consider themselves “very dissatisfied” with their lives.

A part of the problem is the thinking that happiness can be had apart from God.  In that respect, it’s important to distinguish between happiness and joy.  Happiness is related to the word “happenstance” and has to do with one’s circumstances.  The happiness associated with pleasant circumstances is elusive and temporary, and doesn’t reach to one’s heart.  Joy, on the other hand, is sourced in God and can therefore be experienced at any time and in any circumstance. The Psalmist possessed joy in his heart in his relationship with God.  Even more than any joy he might have experienced in any kind of prosperity. 

Fanny Crosby lost her sight when she was only 6 weeks old. She lived into her nineties, composing thousands of beloved hymns. On her 92nd birthday she cheerfully said, “If in all the world you can find a happier person than I am, do bring him to me. I should like to shake his hand.”  What enabled Fanny Crosby to experience such joy in the face of what many would term a “tragedy”? At an early age she chose to “rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4). In fact, Fanny carried out a resolution she made when she was only 8 years old: “How many blessings I enjoy that other people don’t. To weep and sigh because I’m blind, I cannot and I won’t.”  She deliberately chose and determined, by the Spirit, to rejoice in the Lord.  Let’s do the same.

True and lasting joy of heart comes from God.

Application questions: Would others consider you a joyful person?  Do you look at the fame or fortune that others possess with envy, or are you content in the blessings you now possess in Jesus?  What steps can you take to focus on finding joy in Jesus?

JANUARY 3

Psalm 3

Psalm 3:3, “But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.”

The Psalm tells us of its context.  David had fled from his son, Absalom, who formed a conspiracy to take away not only David’s crown, but his life.  One can only imagine the distress and despair that David must have experienced.

We all face difficult circumstances, in which troubles, or even people, appear to be working against our wellbeing.  David invested his trust in God and in His ability to protect him.  The Lord was a shield about him.  I was recently at the dentist for a root canal.  When it came time for x-rays, the assistant laid a lead blanket over me, the purpose of which was to protect my vital parts from radiation.  David had the Lord Himself for a shield, but not just for a part of his body or temporarily.  The word in the original speaks of a protection all around—above, beneath, around, without and within.

The Lord was also David’s glory.  Some place confidence in their looks, intelligence, wealth, power or prestige.  David’s security and worth were founded in God.  Many were against him, but they were no match for God omnipotent (Psalm 3:1-2).  Imagine how downcast David must have been.  But then it was the Lord who lifted his head, much as a flower is lifted up towards the sun. 

Two key words made the difference in David’s situation—“But you (Psalm 3:3)!”  You’ve your own struggles and to the extent that you focus on them, you’ll despair.  But in Jesus, you’ve a guardian of your soul, who is well able to impart both peace and joy to your heart (1 Peter 2:25; Philippians 4:1, 6-8).

“Oh!  What a shield is God for His people!  He wards off the fiery darts from Satan from beneath, and the storms of trials from above, while, at the same instant, he speaks peace to the tempest within the breast.”  — Charles Spurgeon

Application questions: What was your response the last time you found yourself in an overwhelming situation?  How can reminding yourself that God is a shield about you help?

JANUARY 2

Psalm 2

Psalm 2:1, “Why do the nations rage, and the peoples plot in vain?”

There’s lots of chaos in the world, with many nations fighting and even talk of a third World War.  Where is it all headed?

Psalm 2 speaks of rulers plotting against God’s anointed, referring to the nations that opposed Israel during David’s reign. David wrote to highlight the folly of rebelling against God’s chosen ruler. However, the Psalm extends beyond David’s time, as evidenced by the seven times it is referenced in the New Testament. Peter, for instance, quoted it in Acts 4:25-27 to describe the rejection to Jesus, God’s anointed ruler.

Psalm 2 teaches several important truths.  The nations and rulers are a part of a long-standing war against God (Psalm 2:1-3).  And, though they rage against Him, they are as mere pawns in His plan (Daniel 2:21, 4:25).  God is sovereign over all (Psalm 2:4-9).  His plan to judge all rebels will be fulfilled and Jesus will reign.  Therefore, the time is now to humbly submit to Him, by receiving Him by faith as Lord and Savior (John 1:12).  Rejecting him brings peril, as “His wrath is quickly kindled” (Psalm 2:12).  As Matthew Henry put it, “Those who don’t bow, will break!”

“So that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow…and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” –Philippians 2:10-11

Application questions: Does the news of what’s happening in the world cause you anxiety?  How much confidence do you have in God’s ability to fulfill His promises?  Are you even now trusting Him with what’s going on in your own life?

JANUARY 1

Psalm 1

Psalm 1:3, “He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither.  In all that he does, he prospers.”

Famous for its fishing, the Deschutes River lies not too far to the west of here.  From its headwaters in the Cascade Mountains, it flows 250 miles north to its confluence with the Columbia River.  Whereas tree-covered mountains encompass its upper reaches; an arid high desert landscape characterizes its lower half.  I’ve fished in the lower portion of the river many times.  It has a beauty all its own, the blue of the river and green ribbon of bank-side vegetation, set against the backdrop of the barren golden hills which hem the river’s course.

Trees and green vegetation line the riverbank because that’s the only place where they can find sufficient hydration.  Long after the sweltering summer heat has vanquished the green and life from the surrounding hills, the trees along the river live on.  Year after year.  Season after season.  Rain or no rain.  This is despite their placement in a harsh environment.  The one meditating on the word is likened to a tree planted by streams of water, as the Word imparts both necessary sustenance and prosperous fruit-bearing.

A young man spoke to me of the challenges associated with staying on course, in his walk, amidst various distractions and disappointments.  Amidst such trials, it is time in the Word that is the determining factor for one’s spiritual health and growth.  You’ve gotten off to a good start in this new year in reading through this wonderful psalm.  Work to put the Word of God in your heart and God will work to spiritually prosper your life (Colossians 3:16-17).

The word in your heart will work in your life to prosper your walk!

Application questions:There are 168 hours in a week.  How much of that do you spend on hearing the Word?  Reading it?  Memorizing it?  Meditating upon it? Determine to set apart a plan, a place, and a time to devote to yourself to the Word and prayer.

December 31

Bible Reading: 2 Timothy 4

On a tombstone in a graveyard, you will likely find a symbol, a short and simple line, between two dates.  The dates, on the left and the right, mark the year of the beginning and end of one’s life.  The “in-between” part—the life lived—is all summed up and represented to us by a dash.

The dash bears more weight than it should.  A simple short line can hardly suffice to tell the story of all that transpired in the life of a person.  Did they die young or old?  The dates tell that story.  But the tombstone and the dash say little or nothing about the dead person’s character or deeds.

Our omniscient Creator knows both about the dates and that which lies in-between (Psalm 139:16).  Where we see a dash, he sees and knows a person.  A person created by Him to know and love Him.  He has “set eternity in their heart” (Ecclesiastes 3:11).  In the heart of each rebel sinner lies a God-given desire to be reconciled to Him. 

Knowing nothing about the life of a person, we still know something about them.  All of us were born sinners. We’ve all missed the mark and have fallen short.  We’ve failed to measure up to God’s holy standard (Romans 3:23).  The death date on the tombstone testifies to the reality— “death spread to all men, because all sinned” (Romans 5:12).

The date on the left speaks to the year of one’s birth, but another birthday can work to radically alter the character and eternal trajectory of a life.  Jesus said, “You must be born again” (John 3:7).  “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” 1 Timothy 1:15) and died “for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, in order that He might bring us to God” (1 Peter 3:18).  To those who receive Him, He gives “the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).  The new birth works a wonderful transformation in one’s identity, life, and eternal destination.  Jesus can make something beautiful of the dash between the dates.

The death date on the tombstone does not mark the end.  “An hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs shall hear His voice, and shall come forth; those who did the good deeds, to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment” (John 5:28-29).  Those who die knowing Jesus will spend eternity with Him.  Those who don’t will “pay the penalty of eternal destruction” (2 Thessalonians 1:9).

Having assurance of heaven, the believer in Christ is nonetheless concerned for the character of what lies within the “dash between the dates.”  “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10).  On that day, the “quality of each man’s work” will be revealed with fire and he will accordingly either suffer loss or receive reward (1 Corinthians 3:12-15).  What is done here matters there.

Paul’s instructions to Timothy speak to such matters: “Instruct them (“those who are rich in this present world”; 1 Timothy 6:17) to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed” (1 Timothy 6:18-19).  Our “dash” should be filled with such things.

“Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.”—Psalm 139:16

ONLY ONE LIFE
Missionary C. T. Studd

Two little lines I heard one day, Traveling along life’s busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart, And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet, And stand before His Judgment seat;
Only one life,’ twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, the still small voice, Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave, And to God’s holy will to cleave;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, a few brief years, Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its days I must fulfill, living for self or in His will;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore, When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way, Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep, In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e’er the strife, Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervor burn, And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone, Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, “twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, Now let me say, “Thy will be done”;
And when at last I’ll hear the call, I know I’ll say ’twas worth it all”;
Only one life,’ twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

December 30

Bible Reading: Lamentations 3:19-26

God called Jeremiah to be a prophet, warning him of the hardships he would face, both personally and as a messenger to his people. Despite facing persecution, Jeremiah faithfully delivered God’s message, warning of impending judgment. However, the people refused to listen, and judgment eventually came.

King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon captured Jerusalem, destroying the city and the temple, and taking many people into captivity. The streets were littered with corpses, and only a few impoverished people remained to farm the land. Jeremiah witnessed this devastation firsthand—the destruction, the suffering, and the heartbreaking pain. In response, he wrote, “My endurance has perished; so has my hope from the Lord” (Lamentations 3:18).

Jeremiah’s grief was not just because of the destruction, but because it was an affront to everything he cherished—the city, the temple, the priesthood, and his people. Yet, in the midst of his despair, Jeremiah found hope, saying, “But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope” (Lamentations 3:21). This verse highlights the importance of thinking rightly about God. Jeremiah’s circumstances spoke of hopelessness, but he reminded himself of truths about God that gave him hope.

Jeremiah recalled God’s steadfast love, mercy, and faithfulness: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him’” (Lamentations 3:22-24). Jeremiah may have thought back to God’s promises of future restoration or reflected on how God had led him to purchase land in the midst of the destruction, affirming that one day, “houses and fields and vineyards shall again be bought in this land” (Jeremiah 32:15).

In remembering God’s faithfulness, Jeremiah found hope. In times of personal or national turmoil, it is essential to remind ourselves of God’s faithfulness. When challenges threaten to overwhelm us, we can hold onto the promises in Scripture and trust in God’s unchanging nature. Just as God was faithful to Jeremiah, He will remain faithful to us.

“Upon God’s faithfulness rests our whole hope of future blessedness.”—A. W. Tozer

GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
there is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
as Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be.

Refrain:
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
all I have needed Thy hand hath provided:
great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest;
sun, moon, and stars in their courses above
join with all nature in manifold witness
to Thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love. [Refrain]

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow:
blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside! [Refrain]