The Everyday Prayer

RE Verse reading–Psalm 116:12-19, Mark 8:34-37, 2 Timothy 1:8-12 (day two)  “What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me?”  (116:12)  There is something very substantial here–a discipline frequently omitted by the blessed children of God.  It is possible to sing “Count your many blessings”  a thousand times and still never take the time to do what is being recommended.  Psalm 116 is a song of praise from a person who has recovered from a serious illness (see vs 1-11)  Rather than thank God for the lastest grace only, the writer wants to reckon ALL of God’s benefits, a whole lifetime of outpoured help.  To do so requires some reflection–for him and for us.  Will you start “this blessed arithmetic” (Spurgeon)?  Has He given you health?  Put it on your list!  friends? family?  opportunity?   A new bride cannot be overwhelmed.  Etiquette requires a thank you for every gift received.  Should we be less careful?  Will you begin your list today?

RE Verse reading–Psalm 116:12-19, Mark 8:34-37, 2 Timothy 1:8-12 (day one)  “What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me?”  Great question.  Perhaps you remember the true story of the HMS Bounty and the mutiny that took place on it in 1789.  Led by Fletcher Christian, men on the ship rebelled rather than leave Tahiti as ordered.  The irony, and the lesson for us, is that even “bounty” fails to create gratitude.  Wanting more, we become mutineers too and against a greater grace.  “For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks”  (Romans 1:21)  The RE Verse scriptures this week raise the issue of gratitude and duty.  How much does God have to give us before we begin to ask the question, “What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me?”  In Romans 1:14, Paul says “I am a debtor”.  May the goodness of God teach us to say the same.

RE Verse reading–Psalm 23, Psalm 27:1-5, Psalm 116:1-9, Matthew 6:25-33 ( day seven)  “For in the day of trouble, He will conceal me in His tabernacle”  (27:5)  Most of us have friends enough for the good times.  People with whom we share success and joyful moments.  Friends who stay loyal in the “day of trouble” are more rare.  David discovered that God was the second kind.  2 Samuel tells of a hard moment.  David had made serious mistakes.  His wounds were self-inflicted.  The consequences ahead looked serious.  When offered a choice, David still preferred God.  “Let us now fall into the hand of the Lord, for His mercies are great, but do not let me fall into the hand of man”  (2 Samuel 24:14)  Interesting insight.  Even when we have made mistakes, even when we have offended His law and He is entitled to be be harsh toward us, He is still the best friend we have.  He is generous in mercy. He is a friend in need.

RE Verse reading–Psalm 23, Psalm 27:1-5, Psalm 116:1-9, Matthew 6:25-33 (day six)  “Look at the birds of the air, they do not sow. . . nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them”  (6:26) Out of our kitchen window, I have a bird feeder.  It is a new hobby with one early observation.  Feeding birds involves benevolence from me and near constant activity from them.  I don’t feed birds who will not make the effort to find the food.  I think Christ would not apply this principle to God’s provision for us.  God provides by setting us under an umbrella of supply and opportunity (both spiritual and financial)  Our part is to  apply for jobs, learn skills, go to work.  In and through this constant activity on our part (with time off for rest and sabbath), God does His promised work of feeding us.   This is not a passive promise.  God’s generostiy is seen as He give us “power to make wealth”  (Deuteronomy 8:18)

RE Verse reading–Psalm 23, Psalm 27:1-5, Psalm 116:1-9, Matthew 6:25-33 (day five)  “Look at the birds of the air. . .your heavenly Father feeds them”  (6:26)  As we reflect this summer on the generosity of God, it is good to notice the certainty of Jesus on this topic.  Without any hesitation, the Lord proposes a God who “knows what we need”  (vs 32) and can be trusted to provide.  The conviction of Christ on this subject came (in part) from His observations of nature. ( I think we would all be better theologians, and better people, if we weren’t always surrounded by man-made things).  In nature, Jesus saw what we would call ecosystems–huge and successful systems of provision and protection, not just for people, but for animals and plants.  What remarkable mind could design and balance such an operation?  Only a gracious God!  The whole universe points to a regular and generous giver.  But only faith sees the deeper truth. . . this God is worthy of our trust!

RE Verse reading–Psalm 23, Psalm 27:1-5, Psalm 116:1-9, Matthew 6:25-33 (day four)  “The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear?. . .Though war rise up against me, in spite of this I shall be confident”  (27:1, 3)  Most (all) people have insecurities.  Even bright, successful, charismatic people like David.  Is it possible for our fears and  insecurities to be conquered?  David speaks of a Christ-centered life.  “The Lord is my salvation.”  “The Lord is my defense.”  (vs 1)  When Christ becomes our focus, our priority, our protection, our wisdom and our righteousness, we begin to experience confidence.  (Hebrew=batach-“to trust”)  What a gift from God!  To look on conflict and challenge without anxiety is God’s plan for us.  The path to such confidence is clear.  “One thing have I asked of the Lord” (vs 4)  Until we can reduce life down to one thing, we will be afraid of many things.  “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee”  (Isaiah 26:3)

RE Verse reading–Psalm 23, Psalm 27:1-5, Psalm 116:1-9, Matthew 6:25-33 (day three)  “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies”  (23:5)  I am finally reconciled to the fact.  There will be enemies.  David had them.  Every leader does.  People who oppose.  People who criticize.  Sometimes for valid reasons.  Sometimes not.  But God continues to provide what we need despite the fact that some people are not happpy with us.  God’s word has clear commands.  “Refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing they produce quarrels. (don’t show up for every controversy!).  The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome (don’t let things get personal!) but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition”  (2 Timothy 2:23-25)  These words describe the way Jesus faced opposition.  The only way that we will be able to follow His example is to know with certainty that the Lord will provide what we need. . .even when our enemies are present.

RE Verse reading–Psalm 23, Psalm 27:1-5, Psalm 116:1-9, Matthew 6:25-33 (day two)  “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want” (23:1)  The words of the 23rd Psalm are exceptional.  No argument.  David’s language is simple, real and beautiful.  The experience, however, is common–at least for spiritual people.  Confidence in God’s presence and protection is something that all who know God gradually learn.  “Who am I that I should go to Pharoah?” he asks in Exodus 3.  “Surely I will be with you”, God tells him.  It is an answer that is higher than the question asked.  Paul heard the same in Acts 18.  “Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking. . .for I am with you”  (vs 10)  It is what the disciples (then and now) experience when the Lord says, “Lo I am with you always”  (Matthew 28)  As we read David’s words this week, please remember that this confidence is something God intends  for all of us.  It is a normal Christian life.

RE Verse reading–Psalm 23, Psalm 27:1-5, Psalm 116:1-9, Matthew 6:25-33 (day one)  “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want”  (23:1)  Fairly often I meet people who have achieved a degree of success (career, personal, financial) but who are, nevertheless, still anxious, worried, restless.  These encounters always remind me of Jesus and His conversation with the Rich Young Ruler ( Mark 10)  “One thing you lack”, says the Lord and then proceeds to tell him how to establish a relationship with God (via faith) that would yield peace and life.  In what may be the most familiar passage of scripture in the entire Bible, David describes such a relationship–one that makes a person grateful and confident and hopeful, no matter the challenges being faced.  Friend, have you found such a relationship?  It is possible!  As we read this week, I am praying for God to show us how to NOT LACK THE ONE THING WE NEED MOST–a heart that is calm and confident in Him!

RE Verse reading–Genesis 1:1, Psalm 100, John 3:16, 2 Corinthians 8:8-9, Philippians 2:5-8, James 1:17-18  (day seven)  God is great.  God is good.  Teaching children this prayer shapes their minds in a positive and powerful way. These words are a simple statement of brilliant theology.  Great is a word that means “big”.  God is huge, vast.  Think size.  Good refers to moral value.  God is kind, benevolent and fair.  After 13 weeks of prophetic instruction, it is good to be reminded that there is a beautiful balance within the Father’s heart. “The Lord is slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, forgiving iniquity and transgression; but he will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generations” (Numbers 14:18)  How can anyone possibly be both?  Some are big but not kind. (power makes them harsh)  Others are kind but weak.  (they want to help but cannot)  Only God is both great and good.  Happy Sunday, everyone!