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Psalm 37:35-37

Published by S.M. Wibberley on January 19, 2017
Psalm 37:35,36 “I have seen a wicked and ruthless man
flourishing like a green tree in its native soil, but he soon passed away and was no more; though I looked for him, he could not be found.”
 
[Think of Stalin, of Hitler, of Genghis Khan, and Napoleon. They all died and are no more. Their evil was dealt with, their powerful condemnation is now implemented.
 
You, Lord God, are just, working out the proper punishment, while using the evil of men to bring about your purposes in the lives of many. Continue to do so in these days, Lord, to work against the designs of the devil, to destroy the plans of death and darkness.]
 
Psalm 37:37 “Consider the blameless, observe the upright; there is a future for the man of peace.”
 
[Abraham, Elijah and Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekial and Paul–these all live on, having an endless future and joy with you. So do we, being safe in the arms of Jesus.
 
I praise you, Lord, for the certainty of our future with you, filled with life, light, love and lavish goodness. I praise you for your unending, undeserved, unreserved, unrestrained grace, flowing from your heart of holiness into our lives of light.
 
We stand in your presence, chosen, cherished, dearly loved, deeply cared for, doted on and delighted in. You, Lord God are a wonder–no, you are THE Wonder, the God who lives in multi-dimensions, full of multi-goodness, operating out of multi-wisdom.
 
In the light of these great Truths, help us to consistently listen to your Word and respond to your Spirit, to grow in humility, brokenness, obedience and praise.
 
May we daily take up your grace, receive your wisdom, add endurance to our obedience, and become ever more godly, extending brotherly kindness and love to all those around us. May you be honored, glorified and pleased with our walk today.
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Psalm 37:32-33

Published by S.M. Wibberley on January 17, 2017
Psalm 37:32 “The wicked lie in wait for the righteous,seeking their very lives;”
 
[This is an unavoidable fact of life here on earth: the wicked will attack the righteous, those who follow Jesus. They hate the righteous, they are motivated and guided by Satan who seeks to use them for his purposes.
 
We should not be at all surprised when such attacks come. To expect them is to have a biblical view of things, remembering Jesus’ words, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first” (John 15:18).]
Psalm 37:33 “but the LORD will not leave them in their power or let them be condemned when brought to trial.”
 
[You, Lord, are faithful, and are always with those you have made righteous, your children. You will guide us and carry us through each attack, as we rest in you.
 
You will rescue us, whether it be by some divine intervention, by giving justice, by giving grace to endure through or by taking us to yourself. Praise you for the certainty that you will guide, direct and protect us in all. This is what we experienced in being arrested and put on trial for our faith in 1988. In the end, you led the prosecuting attorney to defend us and define our freedom of religion widely and officially—all glory to you.]
 
I praise you, Lord, for the security, the rest, the peace, the joy that comes from knowing you, the great and sovereign King, Ruler of time and space and every single thing in them.
 
You are the truly good One, the wise One, the gracious One, the patient One. In you we can trust, in you we can rejoice when all goes sour, for your grace and goodness are enough, lifting us above the evil and hurt of life. Thank you, Lord God, for your care which will come in each succeeding moment.
 
To you be honor and glory in my life today, Lord Jesus, through my listening to your Word, submission to your Spirit, obedience to what I know to be true and praising you in and for all.
 
 
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Psalm 37:30-31

Published by S.M. Wibberley on January 16, 2017
 
Psalm 37:30 “The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks what is just.”
 
[Lord, this is certainly not the natural me. Help me to move ever more in this direction, spotting ungodly advice I give myself, rejecting the temptation to stand in the way of sinners, and certainly refusing to sit in the seat of the scornful.
 
Help me to be like Job who properly and positively rebuked those who gave him ungodly advice. Help me to know how to talk about the situation with a destructive man in my life in a way that will be edifying, speaking wisdom, uttering what is just. May you be glorified in it.]
 
Psalm 37:31 “The law of his God is in his heart;’
 
[Here is the key: your Word is hidden in the heart of a righteous man, flowing out constantly, influencing his thoughts, motives, words and actions. Praise be to you, Lord Jesus, for your great and wonderful work to bring such change in us through Scripture. Help me to cooperate with you in the process by consistently memorizing and meditating on your Word.
 
Thank you, Lord, for your gracious wisdom, your careful discretion, your good direction. Help me to walk in them, to be alert to the wisdom you offer each moment. Bring to mind the Scripture, the truth, the principles I need to heed.]
 
“his feet do not slip.”
 
[When we walk in your path, Lord, this will be true: our feet will not slip, our ankles will not turn, we will not fall, for you open the way, bring the changes, protect us from our natural, sinful pitfalls.
 
I praise you, Lord, for the great and sweet privilege of walking on your way, of belonging to you, of being given such wonderful gifts. I praise you much, Lord God, for the greatest gift of all: being your beloved son, dearly loved, deeply cared for, doted on and delighted in—the opposite of what I deserve.
 
This is the outpouring of what you are, Lord God: the great Lover, the great Forgiver, the great Transformer. Praise be to you for all you will do today out of your goodness, righteousness, wisdom and power. May I join you in wisdom and obedience so that your Name may be lifted up before all the unseen hosts.
 
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Psalm 37:27-29

Published by S.M. Wibberley on January 15, 2017
 
Psalm 37:27 “Turn from evil and do good;”
 
[Simple, clear command. This is part of fearing God, walking in His way, and part of bringing blessing to our children. Our primary motive should be our love for you, Heavenly Father, and our desire to give you glory, then our secondary motive is to bring what is good to our children: “their [the righteous’] children will be blessed” 37:26.]
 
“then you will dwell in the land forever.”
 
[Such obedience places us squarely in the center of your will, meaning we will dwell with you, live with you, in whatever good place you have chosen for us, ending up in the everlasting New Heaven and New Earth.
 
We can praise and glorify you at each juncture, knowing that you are in control, guiding, directing, protecting each moment, To live in such certainty is a wonder, Lord, we praise you for your faithful, powerful goodness–especially in the midst of difficulties, like the one I’m in now with my wife again fallen into the deep hole of despair and darkness, an attack of the enemy after the advances of this week. But I choose to offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving, knowing that you are good, powerful and with us. ]
 
Psalm 37:28 “For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones.”
 
[You, the Holy and Perfect One, love those whom you have justified—Ah, if only all people would come to you and have that forgivness, cleansing, transformation and joy!
 
In you, Lord, there is no end to our joy, to our getting to know you, to our growth and your glory. Praise you, Lord, for what you are doing, for how you are working, for what you will do.
 
Your commitment to your children is iron clad, rock solid and mountain strong, something we can rest in more and more as we get to know you. Praise be to you, Lord, for your strength of character, your utter dependability, your never changing, perfect and powerful love.]
 
“They will be protected forever,”
 
[There is no end to this protection, for you, Lord Jesus, live forever to intercede for those you have purchased with your blood. You live forever, so our protection will go on forever-]
 
“but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off;”
 
[sadly, those who refuse to submit to your Kingship, your Word, your Truth, your provided salvation and love, will be cut off from life forever–they and their children who follow them. How sad this makes your heart, yet you rejoice for each one who believes and follows you.
 
Psalm 37:29 “the righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever.”
 
[A repetition, a bookend to this thought of your great and gracious giving of what is good to your children. Yes, we will inherit your land and we will live in it with you forever: no end, no death, no depression, no loss, no evil, no sadness, sickness or sin.
 
You, Lord God, are the One to be followed, obeyed, worshiped and exalted. You are worthy, you are wonderful, you are the One and Only True God. I bow before you this morning, I give you glory, exaltation and praise. May you be honored in my life today as I give you praise in and for all. Amen.]
 
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Provision!

Published by S.M. Wibberley on January 14, 2017
Praise you, Lord, that you never lose your way, never lose your focus, never lose in the end, but always bring a just and positive conclusion. I praise you for your power to do so, as you live outside of time, as you are everywhere at once, as you exist forever.
 
After watching the film of the Gospel of John, I thank you for reminding us of the difficulties you suffered in living as a human being and revealing yourself as God. It also reminds us of how stubborn and negative we are as humans, protective of our position and status, willing to reject eternal truth in order to keep some temporary comfort.
 
I praise you that you did not shrink back from any challenge, that you did not move too fast, and that you did not give up. I praise you that you pressed on to the conclusion of your task here on earth, dying in agony in the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual realms so we, your enemies, might be set free from the clutches of sin. Praise be to you for your noble, gracious, loving acts of redemption and restoration. To you we must give glory and honor and praise in all.
 
Thank you, too, for all the protection you provide now, for all the provision you give, for all the positives you pour out every day, every minute, in every situation. I think of how many, many times we’ve gone places by car and returned safely because you are the God of power and protection. We do not take that for granted, for all it requires is for me or another driver to lose concentration for a second or two and there’s an accident.
 
Praise be to you, Lord for all that you do, orchestrating a myriad of actions and events to protect us daily. You are a wonderful God, a marvelous Shepherd, and majestic King. I give you glory and honor now for what you will do before the day unfolds.
 
Lord, in praising you ahead of time, I want to align my desires with yours, to give up my small ambitions for your great and good ones. I want to wholeheartedly let go of my desires and to wholeheartedly embrace yours, knowing that they are far better, far higher, far richer than any I want.
 
Praise you for your work in me to bring my will into line with yours, knowing that what you will work out will be part of the great plan you have for bringing sin and suffering to an end.
 
So I submit to your wisdom, to your power, to your decisions. Knowing that you are good, wise, loving and kind, I can trust you to bring into our lives what is edifying, transforming and good. Therefore, I bow before you afresh, gladly surrendering to you, giving you my will and taking yours in its place. May you be honored in my life today.
 
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Answers!

Published by S.M. Wibberley on January 13, 2017
Thank you so much for all who posted replies to my request for prayer for yesterday’s session. We appreciate your encouraging words and support.
 
The Lord answered your prayers wonderfully and more widely than I had expected in the midst of some intense spiritual warfare.
 
1. On Wednesday we had an appointment with one of Barbara’s two counselors. We tried to do it by skype, but there were technical problems (spiritual warfare), so the counselor drove right down to our house when she could have just postponed it. During the session she gave us a very simple and powerful model for changing ones’ thought patterns concerning a core belief. And Barbara accepted that, an important step.
 
2. Then yesterday we went to Barbara’s other counselor, in spite of the fact that Barbara was having a very bad day and strongly did not want to go (spiritual warfare). The session did not go the way I’d hoped, with the counselor delving into what I thought were irrelevant points, seemingly wasting time. But in the last few minutes, the Lord exposed the foundational cause of Barbara’s depression and guided the counselor in describing it in a powerful way that Barbara could grasp.
 
3. And then the most important answer: Barbara accepted that painful and distressing truth, one she had buried for many years and didn’t want to face—this is a huge step forward which potentially opens the way for real progress.
 
4. Then shortly after returning from the counseling session, Barbara’s visiting mental health nurse came. Barbara shared the discovery of the foundational cause (big step forward for her to be open and share something so painful), and the nurse very strongly affirmed that truth and encouraged Barbara in wholeheartedly embracing it.
 
Now we have to move forward together, applying what the Lord has provided in information and the model for changing her thought patterns, disempowering the source of her depression. As we discussed this, the Lord brought out how the “irrelevant” things her counselor was dealing with yesterday turned out to be important tools in helping Barbara work things through.
 
Praise God for His faithfulness in answering your prayers powerfully, specifically and graciously. To Him be the credit and glory for this. He has placed us on a path to freedom.
 
We are on the path, but, of course, are not out of the swamp yet, so need your continued prayers for daily progress. Pray with us for Barbara’s continued cooperation, for the Lord to bring healing and growth, with new thought patterns developing out of consistent rejection of lies and negatives, replacing them with truth and positives.
Thank you so much for your prayers. Warmly, Steve
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Psalm 37:23-26

Published by S.M. Wibberley on January 13, 2017
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 with your staff immediately 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 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 that we truly have no lack, even though by the world’s standards we may.]
 
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%.
 
I saw that recently in the sermon by a young teacher; his message had depth, understanding, specific application and a concrete challenge for us to take away. He was a third generation believer, standing on the shoulders of his parents and grandparents, given a definite head start in life, understanding things I only grasped much later.
 
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. Amen.]
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Prayer Request

Published by S.M. Wibberley on January 11, 2017
We continue on in Barbara’s journey through the tunnel of darkness, through the swamp of depression, where every day we experience the Lord’s grace and help.
 
So often I have to pray the prayer of Psalm 86, “Bow down and hear me, Lord, for I am poor and needy, I am weak, give wisdom and help us.” And He gives direction. The other night when Barbara was quite agitated, after I prayed, the Lord gave the idea to read the Narnia stories together and that calmed her down. Now she’s reading them on her own and this helps her.
 
Thursday we have an important and potential filled session with one of her counselors. Please pray with us for a breakthrough for Barbara; may she be willing to go to a painful place in her past and deal with what appears to be the source of her depression. Thank you.
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First Love Renewed

Published by S.M. Wibberley on January 10, 2017

From the book EDIFIED!

“…I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.” Revelation 2:4

Barbara says it’s easy to tell when I am “in cahoots” with God, because then I am in tune with her. What she is referring to is the condition of my first love for Christ. I can perform all the spiritual disciplines correctly (quiet time, prayer, attendance, giving, being nice) but Barbara can tell when the connection with God is missing, when I have no passion for Him.

As you may remember, when Jesus spoke to the Ephesians in the opening chapters of Revelation, He had a lot of positives to say about them, but ended with rebuking them for losing their first love. They had all the mechanics right, but their hearts had grown cold.

His command to them was, “Remember therefore from where you have fallen. Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place” (Rev. 2:5).

So it is with us: we get busy, we give our heart and passion to something else, like our work/ministry/hobby/sport. As a result, our relationship with God grows cold, so slowly that we don’t notice it. But our spouse often does because our marriage relationship reflects the warmth or coolness of our walk with God.

What can we do to nurture, strengthen and deepen our first love for Christ? Here’s what I’ve found effective in rekindling that love.
First, repent: acknowledge that our relationship is not what it should be.

Second, remember: take the time to think about the early days of our walk with Him, the delicious sense of freedom from condemnation, the giddy wonder of having a new start, the soothing warmth of being fully accepted by God.

Third, reveal: practice lifting our souls to God, regularly telling Him honestly what we are thinking (mind), wanting (will) and feeling (emotions), then evaluate these by the Word, surrendering each to Him.

Fourth, rejoice: spend time daily in personal worship, extolling Him for who He is without thinking about how that benefits us. This kind of worship is standing in the light of God, seeing more and more of Him, having sin exposed, being transformed (2 Cor. 3:18), reveling in His love and grace. As I do this, usually by writing my worship thoughts in my journal, there is continual renewing of my first love, there is a growing passion for Christ—and Barbara can see the difference!

Here’s an example of personal worship, using Psalm 84, meditating on the name “Lord Almighty” or “Lord of Hosts”.
“Praise be to you, Lord God Almighty, Commander of the hosts of Heaven. To you we give glory and honor and praise, for you, Lord God, King Jesus, Gracious Father, Holy Spirit, are the most High, the most Wise, the most Powerful, the most Good and the most Holy of all.

You are without beginning or end. You are the junction point of seeming opposites: justice and mercy, truth and grace, holiness and redemption. Only you could be so, only you are worthy of honor and praise. It is right to bow down in worship before you. It is right to surrender all to you. It is right to rise up in obedience. Praise be to you, Lord God Almighty.”

I encourage us all to make a fresh beginning for our first love for Christ, and intentionally nurture it. With time, those around us will be amazed at the difference!

Prayer: “Lord, I confess my failure to intentionally nurture my first love for you. Forgive me and help me to do this every day in worship, in your Word, in praise and in obedience to what I know to be right. Amen.”

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Psalm 37:21,22

Published by S.M. Wibberley on January 9, 2017

Psalm 37:21 “The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously;”
 
[Here is a clear contrast between those who follow God’s character and those who don’t. The wicked raise money and possessions to the level of an idol, holding onto to them even when it comes to stealing.
 
The righteous, however, are willing to part with the money God has entrusted to them, distributing it to those in need. And, as we know, giving away money makes us happier; for your principles are always the best, Lord. Help us to follow your wisdom, walking in the fear of the Lord, caring deeply what He thinks.]
 
Psalm 37:22 “those the LORD blesses will inherit the land, but those he curses will be cut off. “
 
[And here is the outcome of obeying or disobeying God: receiving more 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 or there in heaven.
 
To be cursed is what we were at birth: alienated from God, living in darkness, a resident of the dominion of the devil, cut off from grace, without hope, meaning or purpose. There was nothing in our future but being permanently separated from God by going into a Christless eternity.
 
But, praise you, Lord, that you made the way out from under that curse, providing forgiveness, redemption and reconciliation for each person who has ever lived. So, with the 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, you are so good, O God.]
 
Praise you for what you will do today, Heavenly Father, for how you will provide, guide, protect and carry us through the difficult, dark time we are in at the moment. Give me your wisdom, your guidance, your care today. I thank you for what you will do, knowing that from your hand comes only what is good. May my life bring you glory today.
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