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Psalm 18:37-45

Published by S.M. Wibberley on November 29, 2018
As King David wrote Psalm 18, he faced human foes; we more often face the unseen ones of the devil and his troops. However, the reality of the battle is the same and the One who vanquishes the enemy is also the same.
 
As we follow you, Lord Jesus, our Warrior King, I praise you that in the spiritual battle before us, our true enemies, Satan and His hordes, will be defeated as we submit to and trust in you, joining you in what you are doing. Then we can say with David,
 
Psalm 18:37 [By keeping on the armor of God] “I pursued my enemies [Satan and his demons] and overtook them; I did not turn back till they were destroyed [by praise, prayer and persistence in obedience].
 
18:38 I crushed them [with the Word of God] so that they could not rise; they fell beneath my feet” [because I joined God in what He is doing].
 
[This is possible, Lord Jesus, because]
18:39-41 “You armed me with strength for battle; you made my adversaries bow at my feet. You made my [spiritual] enemies turn their backs in flight, and [in your power] I destroyed my foes [Satan’s servants]. They cried for help, but there was no one to save them—to the LORD, but he did not answer [for they had rejected Him and His ways].
 
18:42 “I beat them as fine as dust borne on the wind; I poured them out like mud in the streets.” [This is your doing, Lord Jesus, for you are my shield and strength].
 
18:43-45 [David could say in his situation] “You have delivered me from the attacks of the people; you have made me the head of nations; people I did not know are subject to me. As soon as they hear me, they obey me; foreigners cringe before me. They all lose heart; they come trembling from their strongholds.”
 
[Your power, Lord Jesus, triumphs in the end. Praise be to you, O Triune God, for you are faithful to protect, provide and lead us through our daily battles.
 
Help us to keep on your armor and use well the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit, so that Satan may be defeated and you be honored today.]
 
Picture of us in 1980, engaging in the battle for the souls of Mus.lims.
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Life With Meaning!

Published by S.M. Wibberley on November 28, 2018
 
I praise you, Lord God, Creator and Sustainer of all, for the meaning you give us in life, for the possibility of having purpose, which can only flow from you. All else is, from a human perspective, meaningless, random, chaos, and chance.
 
In contrast, in you there is order, a place in your affections, a part in your great plans, and participation in eternity. We are not caught in a time box with just so many years and then nothing. As we move through the autumn and winter of our lives, we have the definite hope of another spring followed by an endless summer where life will continue with you through out eternity.
 
That will be life on a higher, wider, brighter plain, free from brokenness, anguish, disappointment and rebellion. We will walk with you in lightness, fullness, warmth and joyfulness, unhindered by the twistedness of this present, sin-choked existence.
 
We will be with you, Lord Jesus, in body, soul and spirit, free to obey, worship, work and love without that constant battle with the world, the flesh and the devil.
I think, in contrast, of how most people live in the toxic Darwinian, postmodern atmosphere, where meaning is just some chemical reaction we produce in our brains, where might makes right in the survival of the fittest, where everything is natural and therefore acceptable, where morals and ethics are human concepts, changeable at any time, where life ends at death and where worth is nonexistent—this is a description of pure purposelessness.
 
No one, not even the most ardent atheist who espouses this false philosophy, can live that way. Man without meaning equals despair. As philosophers like Camus and Sartre said, in such a situation, the only serious question is whether to commit suicide or not.
In contrast, the God of the Bible has rescued us from this dominion of darkness, He has brought us into the Kingdom of Love and Light and Life where we can know where we came from, who we are and where we are going.
 
We can join Him in His great plans. We can have belonging, worth and competence (Eph. 1:18,19). In Jesus Christ we are embraced, accepted, cleansed, forgiven, valued, commissioned and equipped for special service to the King (Eph. 1:3-10).
We can do things that will last for eternity–sharing with others about our King, Jesus, and the salvation He offers, and doing the good works He’s prepared for us. We can know that we belong to the winning side, we can give exaltation to God and we can earn glory, praise and honor (1 Peter 1:6,7) which we can then submit to Jesus in worship when we enter Heaven.
 
Praise you, Lord Jesus, that your death and resurrection brought to us all these marvelous possibilities and more. So, instead of complaining about things we don’t get, help us to focus on these wonderful gifts, on the light, love and life you have granted us. Help us to rejoice in you all through each day, enjoying living in the Truth where there is meaning, purpose and love.
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Psalm 18:35

Published by S.M. Wibberley on November 27, 2018
Psalm 18:35 “You give me your shield of victory,”
 
[Your powerful, proficient protection for us goes on and on, Lord, as you give us your shield of victory. But I must take it up and lift it with praise (Eph. 6:16)–and as I do so, you give the victory over the enemy, over temptation, over negative thoughts and emotions, over my old self.]
 
“and your right hand sustains me;”
 
[As I tire in the daily battle, I can look to you and you will strengthen me, refresh me, give me more will and energy to press on in the fight against the world, the flesh and the devil. I must look “to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” and “consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that [I] will not grow weary and lose heart” (Heb 12:3).]
 
“you stoop down to make me great.”
 
[You in your greatness, as Lord of all creation, must lower yourself from Heaven to enter the universe, our galaxy, our solar system, our world and come to the location when I’m at. There you reach into my life to do what is necessary to make me successful in following you, as you define success.
 
You stooped very low to willingly and lovingly redeem us, becoming a man, being weak, dying in our place, being buried, going to the lower parts of the earth to defeat the devil and death. Therefore, you could rise up in power and light, out of the tomb, up to the Father, again filling the whole of the universe (Eph 4:10).
 
You are astoundingly Great and amazingly Humble. In your grace you stoop down to share your greatness with us so we can push through and win, so can we conquer the enemy, reach the goal and achieve your desires–for without you we can do nothing (John 15:5).]
 
Psalm 18:36 “You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn.”
 
[You attend to the details I can’t even think about, like where my next step will be; your capacity to deal with the minutia of our lives is amazing. You protect through provision of exactly what we need, and bring us on to the place of achievement and success that you have designed for each—the good works you prepared for us to do (Eph. 2:10).
 
All credit, honor, praise and glory must go to you, Heavenly Father. You are the One to be exalted, not us. We play the small role you give, while you move all the events of history along to accomplish the end of time, sin and death–the glorious end you have for us.
 
I thank you and praise you for the privilege of knowing you, being your child, working as your partner, trusting you by praising you in all circumstances. To you be glory and honor in all: may your name be exalted, may your Word be lifted up, may many be drawn to you today through what you are doing in our lives.]
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Psalm 18:34

Published by S.M. Wibberley on November 26, 2018
Psalm 18:34 “He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.”
 
[You prepare your children on every level for what you know will come, Lord. We see this in how you put Joseph through training in Potiphar’s house, and then through serving others in prison, making him ready for being the Prime Minister of Egypt.
 
So you are preparing us, equipping us, strengthening us through challenges and difficulties, getting us ready for the opportunities you are planning to give us.
 
I think of how you had me study Latin in high school and this prepared me for learning a difficult Asian language for ministry.
 
I think of how you had me working for years in the tire shop, learning how to manage both people and business, and how to deal with the public, preparing me for leading the field in the Middle East.
 
I think of how you had me marry late, giving me time to mature and giving me a German wife with a vision for missions and an understanding of other cultures, making transition to the Middle East easier and our work there more effective.
 
To you be glory for your wisdom, for your knowing what will come, for your faithfulness in preparing us, for your unfailing presence with us, for the fact we can praise you now for things we neither understand or like.
 
We can trust you in every difficulty, responding with thanksgiving and wholeheartedly embracing our present experiences, knowing that you will use them to prepare us for greater service for you in the future. Right now you are working in us through my wife’s deep depression to prepare us for some future ministry, unknown to us now.
 
It is a great comfort to know that nothing comes to us randomly, for every event in the lives of your children flows from your wisdom, plan, purpose and provision. You are in the process of finishing our faith, so we can live in the joy you have for us, enduring whatever cross you bring and despise whatever shame others try to put on us (Heb. 12:2).
 
Help us to live in the light of this truth, that you are training our hands for the battles to come, so we can effectively join you in your great plan to end history and bring in eternity while sweeping as many as possible into your Heavenly Kingdom.]
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Lost Among 9 Million People

Published by S.M. Wibberley on November 25, 2018
When we first entered our new country in December of 1979, the plan was to stay in a big city with a worker from Word of Life named Howie. He’d sent us instructions to get to his place, but we did not understand some points, like, “turn left at the bufe.” I had no idea what a bufe was. Now I know that it’s a little kiosk that sells newspapers and snacks. It did not surprise me that we quickly got lost after we left the freeway to enter the city of 9 million.
 
I stopped and asked directions several times, showing the locals the address Howie had given us. We seemed to be going in the right direction, as the people always pointed us further on. Later, however, we learned that this is what the locals do when they don’t know where the place is—they say “Go further on!”
 
Finally we were directed down a narrow, cobble stoned street that got steeper and steeper. It finally came out into an area filled with little car repair shops. I saw one with a sign for Volkswagen repairs, so I stopped there to ask for directions, thinking that someone might speak German.
 
The owner didn’t speak any German, but knew a little English. He looked at the address and began to give me directions: “This way, turn left at third street, then go five blocks, turn right at….” My head was not absorbing these directions. But just then a customer came to the mechanic, looked over his shoulder at the address and made a comment in the local language.
 
The mechanic smiled and said, “This man’s car is done. He is going to this place, follow him.”
 
Now think about the elements of this event: to find the one repair place where someone spoke some English—a rare thing we found out; and to arrive at just the right time when a customer was getting ready to leave and would be going from there right to our destination; then to have the customer take the initiative to come over and see what was happening and then offer to lead us to our friend’s home! This was definitely God’s direction and protection! A four-star God sighting! God sets us free from our ignorance and helplessness.
 
We never would have found Howie’s place by following anyone’s directions. The route was very complicated, but our “angel” knew the way and we stuck to him like glue. When we arrived at the right spot—in front of the factory Howie had mentioned–there was no sign of Howie’s apartment building.
 
A woman threw open the window of an apartment and called out something in French. Our “angel” replied and the woman pointed to a building a bit further on, our destination. We thanked everyone profusely, being so glad to be “found” again!
 
 
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Psalm 18:33

Published by S.M. Wibberley on November 24, 2018
Psalm 18:33 “He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;”
 
[David had to be quick and sure of foot in his fleeing from King Saul, as well as in his battles. In our battles with the Satan and the people he uses against us, you, Lord Jesus, make it possible for us to run swiftly, surely and gracefully in your paths so that, in your strength, we can endure through whatever comes.
 
I think of a recent incident where I was excluded from an event; it was painful and I was angry. But you, Lord Jesus, helped me, bringing to mind Scripture: “Trust in the Lord and do good…delight yourself also in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:3-4). So, I let go of my anger and hurt, held on to your commands and promises, and I was able to rise above my natural responses and to be gracious to those who excluded me. I was able to run gracefully in the paths of the Lord.
 
You helped me to “run with perseverance and patience the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” (Heb. 12:1b,2). The credit for doing these things goes to you, Lord God, for you make our feet like that of a deer.]
 
“he enables me to stand on the heights.”
 
[For David, to be on the heights was to be safe, to be the winner. And you, Lord Jesus, make us winners with you by bringing us to the mountain tops of truth, wisdom and faith. You guide us through the valleys, the traps and attacks of the enemy, leading us out into the place of victory.
 
You empower us then to stand on the heights, even though Satan tries to “throw me down [I am just a] leaning wall, a tottering fence. Surely they intend to topple me from my lofty place,” but you are “my rock, my salvation, my high tower,” and as I abide in you “I will never be shaken…for my hope comes from you alone” (Psa. 62:1-5).
 
As we “put on the whole armor of God” we will “be able to stand in the evil day”—no matter what comes—“and having done all to stand” (Eph. 6:13).
 
Whatever triumph, whatever victory, whatever accomplishment comes, you are the One who brings it to pass, Lord Jesus, “for without you we can do nothing” (John 15:5). I give you praise, for you are the reigning, equipping and protecting God, fully worthy of our obedience, worthy of bringing you glory and honor today. May it be so.]
 
Picture below of a high place is from Petra in Jordan, taken from internet
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Psalm 18:32

Published by S.M. Wibberley on November 22, 2018
Psalm 18:32 “It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.”
 
[It is not my wisdom or effort, my talent or training nor my resources that bring effectiveness. It is you alone, Lord God, who prepares all: you are the Mighty and Wise One who pours strength into my life, who goes before and prepares the way in relationships and opportunities–and in me–in making a way perfect according to you.
 
Help me to run with endurance and patience the race that you have set out for me this day, looking consistently to Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith (Hebrews 12:1-2).
 
Every day there are uncertainties before me, all of which I could worry about. But to reject worry, to actively trust in you by praising you for your help before any appears, to think the truth of who you are, of how you have laid out a perfect path for me to follow, and to find my rest in you (Ps. 62:5)–in doing these, I will fulfill the purpose you have gifted me in life: to give you glory and honor before all.
 
You, out of your eternal riches, have prepared more than I need of strength and grace, of power and wisdom, of protection and provision, and of guidance and goodness (2 Pet. 1:3-4). You are pouring them into my life whether I see them or not, sense them or not– and I will praise you for your goodness and graciousness now before I see them manifest in this day!]
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Psalm 18:31

Published by S.M. Wibberley on November 22, 2018
Psalm 18:31 “For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God?”
 
There is no one else like you, O LORD, the Eternal One with no beginning or ending–all others are creatures with a finite start, each one designed to be in relation to you. You, as LORD, are the only source of unchanging goodness, unwavering stability and unending grace.
 
Although you are the great and mighty God of history, or eternity, of all that is to come, you have made yourself “our God.” You are not distant and impersonal. No, you are personal and patient, compassionate and kind, concerned and consistent. In your love we find rest.
 
You are the “wholly other One,” different from your creatures in essence, in eternalness, in entirety. You are perfect in each part, so there is no need for change or growth, maturing or learning. You know all, you do all in completeness, you make no mistakes. You are the solid Rock of Truth, Stability and Love, totally trustable, fully faithful and completely compassionate.
 
What appears to be failure from a human perspective, is actually perfection in process. Think of the death of Christ–without this seeming defeat, there would have been no resurrection, no regeneration, no redemption. His death was one part of the perfect plan you were bringing to pass.
 
In a similar way you are at work in our lives today, bringing good to pass through the ups and downs of life. You only are our Lord, you only are the Rock, you only are to be worshiped.
 
Guide us today, Lord, in resting in you, in thinking Truth, in praising you in all, and in seeing the daily God-sightings as you lovingly work in our lives.
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Psalm 18:30b

Published by S.M. Wibberley on November 21, 2018
Psalm 18:30b, “He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.”
 
[Here is another statement of the perfect partnership you desire with us, Lord: your powerful protection is predicated on our premeditated hiding in you. If we choose to rely on ourselves, refusing to flee to you, to seek your wisdom, to obey what we know to be true, to run in your Way–we place ourselves outside your shelter.
 
But if we run to you for help, thinking Truth, praying for guidance, submitting to your Wisdom–then you swing your shield of protection over us, keeping us safe from all true harm. “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty (Psalm 91:1).
 
How do we run to you? Primarily through the three actions of praise: praying, thinking your Word, and obeying it. It means taking seriously such statements as “I will boast all the more gladly in my weakness so that the power of Christ may rest on me” (2 Cor. 12:9), and “…call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me” (Psa. 50:15).
 
It means implementing Philippians 4:6,7 “in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God [our part]. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard [shield] your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” [God’s part].
 
So, for example, when we are sick, taking refuge in you means our first move is to praise, thanking you for the situation, then asking for your help and healing. Then going to the doctor if necessary. This declares our dependence on you, gives you glory and opens the way for you to work through whatever means you choose to bring healing at the right time.
 
The opposite of this is seen in the life of King Asa: “Though his disease was severe, even in his illness he did not seek help from the LORD, but only from the physicians” (2 Chron. 16:12). And he died in his illness.
 
When we believe your Word, Lord, and offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving, you raise up your shield of love and power over us. We hide in you by giving you honor in words of worship, offering the sacrifice of thanksgiving; and as we exalt you in faith, you protect us.
 
To praise in trust ahead for whatever you will bring is a wonderful partnering with you, a taking refuge in you, a strong statement of faith, a great giving of glory to you before the unseen hosts.
 
Praise be to you, the faithful and holy One, the good and wise God who is never too late, never too early, always prepared and powerful enough to work out all the details of life. I give you glory, Lord Jesus, for you are the trustable Teacher, the good God, the powerful Protector and the saving Shepherd.
 
It is so true, Lord, that you are “a shield for all who take refuge in you.” You are worthy of all worship. Help me to worship you today by taking refuge in you each moment.
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Psalm 18:30b

Published by S.M. Wibberley on November 20, 2018
Psalm 18:30b “the word of the LORD is flawless.”
 
[Praise be to you, Lord, that we can trust your Word completely: there is no error, no contradiction, no mistake, no flaw in it. It is a light to our path in this dark world. When you speak, command, direct and teach, we can trust that what you say is right and we can lean on it fully.
 
Praise you that you carefully had your words recorded in the Bible, using faulty men to produce a perfect product.
 
We can take it at face value, and then dig deeper by reading, studying, memorizing and meditating to find the profound and powerful aspects hidden beneath.
 
Sadly, many twist your Word for selfish reasons, cutting it out of context, taking a superficial, separate understanding, even blatantly denying what it clearly says and using it for their own ends, rather than your purposes.
 
Give us wisdom to discern these perversions of your Word when confronted with them–or are tempted to use them ourselves–and to replace them instead with your clear and clean and complete Truth.
 
Help us to ever come to your Word to see what you say (exegesis) instead of coming with our preconceptions, looking for some verses to support our position (eisegesis). Seeking your Truth will then lead us away from the very human tendency of asking you to join us in our plans, instead asking you to help us in joining you in your plans.
 
Protect us from the traps of the enemy and keep us on the pure path, in your perfect provision as revealed in your wonderful Word. Help us to be consistent in reading, meditating, believing and living it out every day.
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