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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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Psalm 18:30

Published by S.M. Wibberley on November 19, 2018
Psalm 18:30 “As for God, his way is perfect;”
 
[You, O Lord God, make no mistakes. You always do what is right, with excellence and without error. We can trust you to lead us aright, to teach us your wonderful way, to show us what is perfect, true, noble, lovely and praise-worthy so we may follow you there. Thank you that you promise to, “lead us in paths of righteousness for your name’s sake” (Ps. 23:3). Help us to actively, wholeheartedly follow.
 
With your Word, you turn the negative values of the world right-side-up because we live in the upside-down-world where selfishness and rebellion are natural, where fear, despair and hopelessness abound.
 
You teach us instead to live by dying, to get by giving, to grieve by praising, to offer thanks when we’d rather complain, to trust you before there is an outcome. There are so many opportunities to live by faith as we reject the values of the world and instead walk in the light of your powerful Way.
 
Praise be to you for teaching us that being weak is a wonder, that we should delight in our deficiencies and difficulties. In such weakness, your power is made perfect and Christ’s might comes upon us (2 Cor. 12:9,10). You teach us that to embrace our neediness and suffering is freeing, empowering and transforming for us and greatly glorifying for you.
 
Praise you that you give us vision and understanding of your perfect ways. “Teach me your way, O LORD; I will walk in your truth: unite my heart to fear your name” (Psa. 86:11).
 
Help us to walk in your truth consistently, denying ourselves, taking up our cross daily and following you, for therein lies the purpose of our lives, the meaning of existence and the hope of glory with you.]
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More Adventures from 1980

Published by S.M. Wibberley on November 18, 2018
 
In order to stay In our new country long term, I needed a job. My best bet was teaching English, so I went to one of the many private tutoring schools in the city and was hired. However, before I could begin work, I had to have a work visa and to get that, I had to go to an embassy outside of the country and have it stamped in my passport.
 
Our team leader, John, wanted to buy a car from Germany, so he and I decided to fly there, get a car for him, a visa for me and then drive back together.
 
However, in order to leave the country, I had to put my car into customs, because it was written into my passport. This proved to be a difficult, convoluted process, requiring the collection of signatures from a variety of offices in different places in the city.
 
Much later I realized that each step in the process was designed to thwart a particular form of evasion of the law. The locals are masters at finding ways around the intricate and omnipresent bureaucracy in their country, and each evasion that was uncovered produced a new step in the process.
 
At the same time, I found this work with customs was very educational, with opportunities for language learning, gaining cultural insights, and recognizing appointments with “angels.” Often some local in an office would take me under his wing and usher me through that part of the process. Each incident was another God sighting.
 
Barbara and the boys moved in with John’s wife while we were gone. Everything went well for us, and our trip back from Germany was faster than our first one, even though it was snowy and cold.
 
While I was driving through the night in Yugoslavia, a large elk bounded up the bank beside the road and stopped, his great head and antlers hanging over the road. It happened so fast that I didn’t have time to swerve, but just before I hit him, the elk turned his head away and we slipped by. One of the many God sightings on this trip.
 
After our return, I went through the process of getting my car out of customs. Finally at the last step, the woman behind the counter held up my passport, just out of my reach and said, “Ok, I did my part, now you have to give me a present!” Here was another new experience for me in this culture, my first encounter with bribes. I pulled out a 500 lira note (about $10).
 
“That’s not enough,” she said, drawing back my passport. I tried a 1000 lira note. She hesitated, then accepted it. I walked away relieved that it hadn’t cost me more. Some things would take more getting used to than others. It became my practice to not pay bribes if at all possible, but in this situation, there was no way around it, since the woman had my passport.
 
As time went on and we slogged on through language studyby day, teaching English at night and the difficulties of everyday life, I was personally amazed and encouraged to see how much joy God gave me in being where He wanted me. Leaving behind the physical work of the tire shop, the mental stimulation, the success of business, and the beauty of home had not had the deleterious effect I’d expected. Obedience brings joy and God was setting me free from my natural inclinations.
 
In making these adjustments, however, tensions did surface between us. One morning Barbara and I had a strong discussion. At one point I pounded my fist on the table and said, “Who’s the boss here anyway?!!!” Josh immediately replied, “The landlord!” We burst out laughing. His comment brought us to our senses and we were able to resolve the issue in harmony.
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Psalm 18:29

Published by S.M. Wibberley on November 17, 2018
Written on July 4th, Independence day. Here is a declaration of dependence, a plan for joining God rather than asking Him to join me.
 
Psalm 18:29 “With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall.”
 
[This is a powerful picture of David’s dependence on you, Lord, seeing his own weakness in the light of your wondrous might. Humanly speaking he could, on his own, easily move toward an enemy and climb a wall, but he knew from experience that doing so in your power is vastly different than doing it on his own.
 
He moved forward in your power by praying in preparation for the battle, seeking your wisdom, asking your help. Here an instance where this is specifically shown in the Old Testament.
 
In 1Samuel 30:8. David and his men returned to their town, Ziklag, to find that the Amalekites had come and captured all their families and goods. Instead of rushing off to rescue them, David first went to God in prayer, he “inquired of the LORD, ‘Shall I pursue this raiding party? Will I overtake them?’ ‘Pursue them,’ he answered. ‘You will certainly overtake them and succeed in the rescue.’ And David with his few men did that, defeating a much larger force and getting everyone back.
 
In all the stories of the Old Testament, there is no record of David ever being wounded in battle. He knew your protection, Lord, your power, your provision in the hand-to-hand combat of dozens if not hundreds of battles he participated in.
 
He declared, “Sovereign LORD, my strong deliverer, you shield my head in the day of battle” (Psa. 140:7). Therefore, it was in your active power that he trusted. He saw clearly that even in the common doings of his day, he needed your help and he prayed for it.]
 
Lord, help me to be that dependent on you like David, realizing I need your power in even the mundane things of life. Help me to be consistent in praying through my day, in asking for your guidance, protection and power in all that I do.
 
May prayer be the foundation of all, as I remember your words in John 15:5, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
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