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Great Opportunities Every Day

Published by S.M. Wibberley on May 7, 2018
Sometimes I wonder, how could Adam and Eve, living in a perfect environment, with a perfect relationship with God, choose to disobey Him and do evil?
 
It is easy to be critical of Adam for failing to do what he knew to be right. It is correct to condemn his choice; however, we must remember that, we get to relive the drama of the Garden of Eden every day , as we are repeatedly confronted with the choice of doing what we selfishly naturally like or obeying God.
This past weekend, in several instances, I followed in Adam’s footsteps, choosing to be impatient with one of my young mentorees. He is a difficult, pushy person, but that is no excuse for my reacting out of my frustration with impatience. I had to choose against the next sin of justifying myself, and instead apologize for my sin, which was not pleasant, but good.
 
Things have not changed significantly since Adam’s fall. The same battle, with the same enemy, goes on in the garden of our souls every day. And like Adam’s sin, our fall affects many more than just ourselves.
 
So, instead of being critical of Adam, I need to realize I am just as weak as he was, while Satan is just as wily and evil as he ever was.
 
Each decision becomes my mini “Garden of Eden opportunity” to correct the failure of our first parents. And as I make the choice to believe God rather than Satan, I am joining God in His great work of taking ground back from Satan, of advancing His Kingdom in my heart and among the people around me.
 
What a significant role He’s given us! May we step up and join Him in His great plan to conclude history, eliminate evil and usher in eternity where all will again be perfect, pristine and pure.
 
A prayer: “Lord, help me to recognize the significant opportunities you give me each day to choose for you, against my flesh, against the world and the devil. May I join you in your great plans through obedience in the little things and bring light and blessing to all those around me. Amen.”
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Big Prayer Need

Published by S.M. Wibberley on May 6, 2018
Tomorrow (Monday, May 7) is the second hearing in the trial of Pastor Andrew Brunson, imprisoned so far for 18 months in T on trumped up charges. He is discouraged, but has a captive congregation with him in a very crowded cell.
 
Pray for him to trust in the Lord, finding his rest, hope and joy in Jesus. It is, humanly speaking, highly unlikely that he will be released or acquitted because he’s being held as a political pawn.
 
But we don’t pray for things on a human level, but on a heavenly level for the Creator of all, the Breather of Stars, Beginner and Ender of time, the Savior of all who believe, to work in the way He knows best.
 
Pray for Pastor Brunson to come to the place where a “yes” or a “no” is the same for him. Ask that he sees this imprisonment as his new ministry; that he has a big, international platform on which to demonstrate his faith; that God has a specific plan for him, just as He did with Joseph in Egypt.
 
Pray that he will reject self-pity and replace it with self control; that he will reject complaining and replace it with the sacrifice of thanksgiving; that he will reject human thinking for the heavenly viewpoint; that he will reject worldly wisdom for heavenly wisdom; that he will let go of what is temporal, hold on to what is eternal and rise above, knowing that God is doing big things here in this painful situation; that he will choose to live the truth that Knowing Jesus is Enough for Joy.
 
Pray also for his family to do the same things, as it is hard for them to see their husband and father in such a difficult, unjust and painful situation.
 
Let us praise God now for what He is going to do.
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Psalm 37:23-27

Published by S.M. Wibberley on May 5, 2018
 
Psalm 37:23-24 “If the LORD delights in a man’s way,”
 
[Lord, it is a wonder that you can delight in our ways when we are so prone to sinful, selfish motives, thoughts, words and actions. Praise you that you view us with the perfect and proper balance of love and forgiveness, chastening and grace. Help me to walk in such a way as to give you delight, to be responsive to your leading, your Word, your conviction, your wisdom. Correct me immediately with your staff as I begin to wander. Praise you for the direction you will give.]
 
“he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.”
 
[Praise you, Lord, that you are actively, powerfully, wisely at work in my life, smoothing the way, protecting my steps, keeping my spiritual ankles from turning.
 
In spite of this, I stumble at times–but you are there to catch me and keep me from falling. I praise you for your personal, intimate, gracious, constant involvement in my life. You, Lord, are the One I can trust, the One I can rest in, the One I can praise at every happening, whether it is pleasant and positive or painful.
 
You are the Sovereign One, wise, good and firm, always doing what is best, right and gracious. Help me to walk with you today, Lord, to move forward in your protection, in your love, in your preparation. Help me not to run out before you, but to wait for your timing. Help me to walk in a way that is delightful to you, that will bring you glory before the angels, demons and people around me.
 
Psalm 37:25 “I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.”
[You Lord, provide what is necessary through all our days. You are our rich, wise, gracious Shepherd, powerful enough to provide all that is needed–and way beyond, as you often do. We can trust you, we can rest in you, both during want and during plenty. Help us, Father, to keep that wonderful, biblical view of life, grasping that we truly have no lack, even though by our own desires and the world’s standards we may seem to.]
 
Psalm 37:26 “They are always generous and lend freely;”
 
[With the view of a Father who provides all, we can and should be generous, freely sharing what we have been given. We need to grow more in this. Help us to know how much to give and where. Praise you that you will lead us so.]
 
“their children will be blessed.”
 
[As we give, our children will receive more grace and goodness from you, also learning to give, learning that you provide what is needed and that we can trust you 100%.
 
Praise you, Lord for the blessing you give to our children as we trust and obey you. Guide today, Lord in how we should act and live, to bring you more and more glory, and give more and more blessing to our children. Amen.]
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Psalm 37:21-22

Published by S.M. Wibberley on May 4, 2018
 
Psalm 37:21 “The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously;”
 
[Here is a clear contrast between those who submit to God’s character and those who don’t. The wicked put money and possessions on the level of an idol, clutching them fervently, even when it leads to stealing.
 
The righteous, however, are willing to share the money God entrusts to them, distributing it to those in need. And, as we know, giving away money makes us happier, breaking the hold it has on us. Your principles, Lord, are always the best. Help us to follow your wisdom, walking in the fear of the Lord, caring deeply what you think.]
 
Psalm 37:22 “those the LORD blesses will inherit the land, but those he curses will be cut off. “
 
[Here is the outcome of our response to God’s offer: receiving riches or being rejected. The choice is clear. I, for one, want to be blessed by God.
 
This begins with belief in His Word and His provision of forgiveness, being born again; and it continues with walking in His Way, growing in our knowledge of God and His commands, listening to the Spirit, obeying what we know to be true, doing what is best. Then blessings roll more and more, and we will inherit the land–whatever land that may be, whether here on earth (like our family farm pictured below) or there in heaven.
 
To be cursed is what we were at birth: alienated from God, living without light, a resident of the dominion of darkness, under the devil’s power, cut off from grace, without hope, meaning or purpose. There was nothing in our future but being permanently separated from God, heading into a Christless eternity.
 
But, praise you, Lord, that you made the way out from under that curse, taking it upon yourself and thereby providing the possibility of forgiveness, redemption and reconciliation for every person who has ever lived. So, with the enabling work of the Holy Spirit, we can each make our decision to remain under the curse or move out into your righteousness. You are so gracious, O King Jesus, you are so good, O God.]
 
Praise you for what you, in your goodness and wisdom, will do today, Heavenly Father, for how you will carry us through the difficult, dark time we are in at the moment with Barbara’s depression. Give me your wisdom, your guidance, today in how to care for her. I thank you for what you will do, knowing that all that comes from your hand is good. May my life bring you glory today.
 
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National Day of Prayer, Suggested outline for this day:

Published by S.M. Wibberley on May 3, 2018
 
Begin with Worship, as did Daniel, David, and early believers.
 
Daniel 9:4 “Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments….
 
Psalm 50:1,2 The Mighty One, God, the LORD, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to where it sets. From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth.
 
Acts 4:23-25 On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them.
 
Now worship our Great God.
 
Worship leads to confession, as we stand in the light of God’s holiness.
 
Psalm 50:3-4 Our God comes and will not be silent; a fire devours before him, and around him a tempest rages. He summons the heavens above, and the earth, that he may judge his people
 
1 Peter 4:17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
 
Daniel 9:5-6,8 …we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws. We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes and our ancestors, and to all the people of the land….We and our kings, our princes and our ancestors are covered with shame, LORD, because we have sinned against you.
 
Now confess your own sins (such as selfishness, pride, laziness, lying, lust, gossip, scorn and belittling others), and the sins of our nation, (the murder of millions of innocents, exalting what is an abomination, worshiping idols of comfort, possessions and sports, hating and attacking each other, failing to care for the weak and needy).
 
Forgiving
 
Ephesians 6:10-12 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against…the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
 
Forgive and love unbelievers who act like your enemies:
Luke 6:27-28 Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
 
Forgive other believers: Colossians 3:13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
 
Intercession
 
I Timothy 2:1-3 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior,
 
Pray for our leaders nationally, state-wise and locally.
Pray for believers to live holy, light-bringing lives.
Pray for revival among believers and awakening among unbelievers. And see what God does, thawing out frozen hearts and minds, bringing change and renewal.
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Psalm 37:18-20

Published by S.M. Wibberley on May 2, 2018
Psalm 37:18 “The days of the blameless are known to the LORD,”
 
[My times are in your hands, Lord; you determine the number of my days and the happenings in them; you, who live outside time, know completely how long I will live and all that will happen during my lifetime.
 
You, Lord, watch over your children–who are blameless only because their sins are forgiven in Christ. Praise you for you mighty and wise protection. Today I read in an article that those who believe in God and practice their faith, live longer than nonbelievers (average of 7 years more) and are generally more healthy. Interesting confirmation of your Word.]
 
“and their inheritance will endure forever.”
 
[You have made us your heirs, Lord, heirs of the riches of your Kingdom, all of which are eternal. “In his great mercy [the Father] has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you…(1 Pet. 1:3,4).
 
The first treasure in our inheritance is our relationship with you, the wonder of knowing you in spite of our depraved and sinful nature. I thank you with all my heart, that you are the Great Lover of all your creatures ,whether they are obedient or evil.
 
I praise you for your other gifts to us: eternal life, the indwelling Spirit, the written Word, the wisdom, grace and guidance, the protection, provision and power that are ours in you. And in the life to come, untold riches will be poured upon your children so that we might bring more glory to you.]
 
Psalm 37:19 “In times of disaster they will not wither; in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.”
 
[Your hand of protection is always over us, your sustaining grace is always enough. We need not dry up under the withering heat of disaster, nor worry in famine, for you will provide what we need and will save us by miraculous provision, or by grace, or by death.
 
In you we can trust, Lord, in you we can rest. I praise you that you know how much to provide to carry us through our trials and you always give us more than is needed. It is up to us to take it up and use it so that we can be “like a tree planted by the streams of water, which will bear its fruit in its season, its leaf will never wither and whatever he does will prosper” (Psa. 1:3). This is your promise that we can experience as we take up, learn and live your Word–meditating on it day and night.]
 
Psalm 37:20 “But the wicked will perish: the LORD’s enemies will be like the beauty of the fields, they will vanish—vanish like smoke.”
 
[You will send what is needed to destroy the wicked while giving shelter to your people. As we see the madness of Ir.an, the hatred of Isl@m, the bitterness, oppression and violence of groups like Ha.mas and IS.IS, we praise you that you will deal with them after you have used them to prepare many hearts for the gospel. I praise you, Lord God, for your wonderful and powerful plan which you will bring to pass at the right times.
 
You, Lord God, my heavenly Father, my Lord Jesus, my indwelling Holy Spirit, are worthy of all my love, all my devotion, all my obedience, all my praise. Help me to give these to you throughout this day, trusting in you, resting in you, living your Word’s way as you empower and give wisdom. May you be honored in my thoughts, words and actions today. Amen.
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Psalm 37:16-17

Published by S.M. Wibberley on May 1, 2018
 
Psalm 37:16 “Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked;”
 
[Better $15,000 a year than $200 million–if the difference is choosing between righteousness and wickedness. This is thinking from an eternal viewpoint–a judgment based on the unseen reality. To decide for this truth requires faith: rejecting what we can touch to receive what we know, resting on the Word of God. Praise you, Lord, that you have revealed this perspective in your Word. Help us to always decide for it.]
 
Psalm 37:17 “for the power of the wicked will be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous.”
 
[The power of the wicked was broken at the Cross, and you continue to break it every day. You, Lord Jesus, won in the midst of what seemed certain loss. You defeated sin and Satan, death and despair. You upheld righteousness, and made it available to all those received your by faith.
 
And now you give us the privilege of living out, every day, the reality of your upholding the righteous. This involves walking in your Spirit, drinking in of your Word, and deciding consistently to follow you rather than the world, the flesh or the devil. Praise be to you for the Light, the Freedom, the Love, the Hope, the Power, the Future you have given us from your gracious heart.
 
It is wonderful that we can praise you now for whatever you will bring into our lives–for what you give is always good, no matter how painful and difficult it may be.
 
Here at the beginning of a new day, I ask that you guide us, Lord, that we may accomplish all that you desire. Help us to keep our eyes on you, to rest in your greatness, to trust in your wisdom, to rely on your power. I praise you now for the answers you will give, for the protection you will offer, for the progress you will grant us.
 
We can trust you, because we know that you are good, always; that you are wise, always; that you are holy, always; that you are infinitely powerful, always; and that you always win in the end.
 
I praise you for how you will demonstrate your grace in all today. Help me to live in faith, offering the sacrifice of thanksgiving in all, so that I may continually bring honor to you.]
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Wow!

Published by S.M. Wibberley on April 30, 2018
I praise you, Lord Jesus, for your powerful and active work in our lives. I surrender to you my desire to be getting more done than is possible, and thank you for what I must lay aside and wait upon. I praise you for how you are watching over us in great and good ways.
 
I praise you for your powerful patience, for your careful watching over all, wooing and winning many for your Kingdom, while allowing the headstrong and unbelieving to reject your offer, allowing them to inflict shame, pain, suffering and sadness on your heart. Praise be to you that you give every person many chances to believe, that your Spirit works with each one, giving them enough light to pursue–and will give them more if they receive it.
 
I praise you for your compassion released upon your creation through your giving justice its due on the cross. I praise you for your love setting fire to our hearts when we begin to grasp our own depravity and your great, costly forgiveness. I praise you for your graciousness in granting us all we need to live a godly life for you.
 
Praise you for being you, the Powerful Creator, the Faithful Savior, the Wise Shepherd, the Righteous Judge, the Lover of sinners, the Redeemer of all, the Beginner and Ender of Time and the Lord of eternity. To you belongs glory, honor, power and praise.
 
I bow before you this morning, confessing my total unworthiness to be your son, while rejoicing in your qualifying me to be a partaker in the inheritance of the saints. I rise up to obey you in all I know to be true, submitting to your authority. May this lift your name on high today, bring you much glory, proclaiming your greatness to all around.
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Heavenly Follow-through

Published by S.M. Wibberley on April 29, 2018
Praise be to you, Lord God, the Triune One, for you keep your word forever. As Solomon proclaimed in 2 Chronicles 6:14,15,
 
“O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven or on earth—you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way. You have kept your promise to your servant David my father; with your mouth you have promised and with your hand you have fulfilled it—as it is today.”
 
As Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist said in Luke 1:68-79:
 
“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,
because he has come and has redeemed his people.
He has raised up a horn of salvation for us
in the house of his servant David
(as he said through his holy prophets of long ago),
salvation from our enemies
and from the hand of all who hate us—
to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant,
the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to rescue us from the hand of our enemies,
and to enable us to serve him without fear
in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.
 
you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him,
to give his people the knowledge of salvation
through the forgiveness of their sins,
because of the tender mercy of our God,
by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven
to shine on those living in darkness
and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the path of peace.”
 
And as Simeon said when he saw baby Jesus in the temple: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised… my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” (Luke 2:29-32)
 
This. Heavenly Father, is the fulfillment of your word given in the beginning: “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel” (Gen 3:15).
 
Yes, you Lord God, fulfill your promises, you bring to pass what you desire, your timing is always perfect, and therefore you are the one to be trusted and glorified. You have saved us all, both Jew and Gentile, from our enemies and those who hate us—that is, Satan and his hordes.
 
I praise you that we can now walk in the light of your presence, in the warmth of your love, in the illumination of your Word, in the fullness of your Spirit. I praise and extol You, I lift up your Name and exalt your Word. May I continually walk in the shining light of all this truth so that you be glorified in my life today.
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Psalm 37:12-15

Published by S.M. Wibberley on April 28, 2018

Psalm 37:12 “The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them;”

[There will always be hatred for those who follow Jesus. The wicked will seek to eliminate anything that stands in their way–as we are, a thorn in their side–so we should expect opposition, hatred and attack.]

Psalm 37:13 “but the Lord laughs at the wicked,”

[“But” is a wonderful word here, bringing hope of justice, protection and deliverance. God is not intimidated by the anger and plots of the wicked: “There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD” (Prov. 21:30). He is completely in control and will easily limit their actions to what He will use for good.]

“for he knows their day is coming.”

[God will competently bring judgment against all those who oppose Him. He stands outside of time, seeing the future as well as the past, so He knows what He will do to thwart the plans of the wicked, judging them rightly at the right time. We can rest in this certainty of God’s plan and purpose.]

Psalm 37:14 & 15 “The wicked draw the sword and bend the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright. But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken.”

[God, in His greatness and power, will turn the plots of the wicked back on themselves. In the end, they will not be successful in their schemes, but will be brought to justice in His time and in His way. He will shatter them, like the great tree in this picture below, destroyed by a powerful storm.

I think of Hitler’s reign, lasting only 12 years instead of a lifetime. And he was used by God to plow the hearts of many people, making them open to the seed of the Word, with many coming to Christ. Plus God used him to give many believing allied soldiers a vision for the needs of the world, resulting in tens of thousands going out as missionaries after the war. The wicked did terrible things; God used them for good.

Praise be to you, O God, my Father, my King, my Shepherd, my Brother, my Lord, the One we can fully trust, for you are powerfully and consistently in control. You are good, you are wise and you are infinitely strong, able to bring what you desire to pass and to block the way of all you proclaim to be wrong.

Praise you for the protection, as well as the problems and trials you bring to us, so we may be shaped and sharpened into better instruments in your hands.

May you be glorified in my life today, Lord, having more honor before men and angels. Fill me with your Spirit, may He overflow onto those around me, keeping us all washed with the cleansing, transforming water of your Word.

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