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Psalm 11:4

Published by S.M. Wibberley on December 10, 2015

“His countenance beholds the upright.”

[You, Lord, in your love and goodness, consistently look after us, we who now stand in the uprightness of Christ. You have qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the Kingdom of Light! You are aware of every event that comes to us, you filter out what is truly evil and harmful and you have equipped us to deal with whatever you allow through.  You are carrying us on to glory, honor and praise as we respond to your direction in faith. Your love is great, rich, pure and powerful.]

“Blessed is the man whose help is the God of Jacob”

[You work with us, as you worked with that rebellious rascal Jacob. You are patient, persistent, allowing consequences to bring understanding, intervening at the right time, and drawing us on to full surrender],

“[Blessed is the man] whose hope is the Lord his God”

[Jacob kept calling you, “the God of my father” rather than his own. It took a whole life time of suffering, fear and loss before Jacob on his death bed finally bowed before you and worshiped. May we not wait so long to surrender! ]

 

“[Blessed is the man whose hope is the] maker of heaven”

[You, Lord, made both the throne room where you dwell, and the starry hosts: trillions of stars (and you know the name of every one!) placed in billions of galaxies, spread across billions of light years of space]

“and earth, the sea and all that is in them”

[You spoke the earth into existence with its mountains and plains, rivers and streams; and the seas with all their great expanse, and the astounding myriad of plants and animals, from the single-celled, up through insects, cats and dogs, to elephants, walrus and whales–plus the unseen spiritual creatures around us.]

You, Lord God, are amazing: powerful, creative, wise, all-knowing, all-seeing, all-present, the Creator, Victor and King. From you alone comes real, sure, enduring hope: the great certainty of having salvation, significance, security, a life of meaning and purpose and then a sinless eternity with you.

We can know that all which comes to us in this life will be for your glory, our good and the outworking of your triumph over evil. To you be glory, honor and praise forever: may you be lifted up, esteemed and exalted in my life today, in my motives, thoughts, words and actions.]

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Psalm 11:5b-7

Published by S.M. Wibberley on December 8, 2015

Psalm 11:5b “But the wicked and the one who loves violence His [God’s] soul hates.”

[Here is one of those seeming paradoxes of the Bible: God loves all, yet hates the wicked. Three possible understandings among several: He hates what they do, but loves them as His creatures; He loves them, but when they refuse to come under His protection by surrendering to Christ, they fall under His hatred for sin; or here He is speaking of Satan and his minions. There are, of course, other possibilities.

The certainty is that in God’s character there is no contradiction: He hates sin and will punish it, yet found a way (extremely expensive) to redeem sinners within this context. You, Lord, are the God of completeness and perfection, without contradiction or wrong. You are the one we can trust totally as you love us totally.]

Psalm 11:6 “Upon the wicked He will rain coals; Fire and brimstone and a burning wind shall be the portion of their cup.”

[As part of your plan to eliminate evil, you, Lord God, will punish rebellious evil doers, those who love violence, those who hate what is good, those who refuse to believe you and accept Truth. This is what you did in Sodom and Gomorrah, what you did in Canaan to those who rejected you, and what you will do to all those who refuse your offer of goodness and grace. There can be no justice without punishment of evil.]

Psalm 11:7 “For the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness;”

[Praise you, Lord God, that in your there is no evil, no darkness, no sin, no wrong. You are righteous and love righteousness. You cannot be corrupted and corrupt no one. You cannot be tempted and you tempt no one. Instead, you call all to righteousness.

When we believe, the righteousness of Christ is imputed to us. Then we get to grow in righteousness as we walk in obedience to what we know to be true: loving your Word by reading, studying, memorizing and meditating on it; listening to and obeying the conviction of the Spirit, that most often comes through the Word; working through and by prayer, living the truth that without you we can do nothing; participating in fellowship, knowing that in your church we will learn to give and receive, help and be helped, enjoy and be irritated, repent and forgive.

Help us to be faithful in participating in your righteousness, Lord, living worthy of you, as sons and daughters of the Most High King, the Creator and Sustainer of all. May our central, deepest goal be to glorify, honor and please you.]

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The Great and Wide View of Life

Published by S.M. Wibberley on December 7, 2015

 “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.”

Psalm 143:8

While in a difficult situation recently, someone asked me how I could be so cheerful. The answer is a Scripture-based phrase that I often use to give myself perspective: “God is moving history to a conclusion and is taking us with Him!” Whatever the present event, it is part of God’s work to finish history and move us into eternity. He is in control; I can trust Him.

This perspective is found throughout Scripture. Colossians 3:2-4 expresses it well: “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Have the wider, God-focused perspective.

“For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” Leave behind the culturally-based, performance-oriented, comfort-focused value system and rest in the security we have in Christ

“When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” He will appear, and He will bring us with Him—focus on the long-term truth!

This understanding gives a wide and long view of what’s happening. This view can change our goal from being comfortable and safe, to joining God in what He’s doing.

If, from a human perspective, my whole life collapses around me (illness, accident, loss, poverty, persecution, injustice, war), I can look at it within the bigger picture of God’s glory, greatness and grace, knowing that He is doing something significant through it; therefore I can praise and trust Him in it. My favorite verse sums it up: “My soul finds rest in God alone” (Ps. 62:1).

This is a huge shift from “normal” human thinking. We cooperate with God in making this shift by internalizing Scripture, and then putting it into practice in every day little events. Disappointments, delays, little hurts, small losses all are opportunities to offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving (Ps. 50:23) and honor God.

In giving thanks, we affirm that God is good, God is in control, God is at work using this irritation to expose my sin, to transform me, to give me opportunity to be a light to those around me, to give Him glory before the unseen hosts. Truly, knowing Jesus is enough for joy, period! Let’s join Him today in living in this truth!

Prayer: “Lord Jesus, you are enough. Help me to walk with you through this day in your power, giving you glory in each decision, trusting you rather than myself. Praise be to you for what you will do in me today. Amen.”

Taken from the devotional book, EDIFIED!

 

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Sweet Repentance

Published by S.M. Wibberley on December 6, 2015
“But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me” (Ps. 131:2). Being weaned means accepting “NO!” in life. This has to do with being content with what I have, with what you have given, not lusting after more. This has to do with resting in you, rejoicing in you, resolving to focus on you.
 
Help me to let go of the tinsel and bangles of life, and instead to hold onto the great truths of your Word: your mighty, unwarranted Love, your Holy nature, your Gracious heart, your Gifts of forgiveness, freedom and joy. You grant us an upward walk with you, sufficient security and significance, plenty of patience, protection, provision and power for life.
 
I praise you, Lord, for your wonderful character, your marvelous creativity, your great love of what is right, your endless supply of goodness.
 
Help me to rise above the petty things I have allowed to ensnare my soul and instead let you rule, let you reign in my thoughts, emotions, will and life.
 
I praise you for the privilege of lifting my soul to you, of having the Light of your Presence shine down into my mind, will and emotions, exposing sin, bringing me to repentance, cleansing evil, giving love and direction.
 
I praise you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit for your gracious work in my tiny, twisted, self-centered life.
 
“O Israel, put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore” (Ps. 131:3). What a great command! I have been subtly and unknowingly putting my hope in my own efforts, in my performing well, looking good, feeling good, being good. Forgive me, Lord, for this.
 
My hope must be only in you, my Lord and God, in your guidance and protection, your provision and presence. You are trustable, for you are wise, loving, patient, persistent, holy, righteous, just, merciful and gracious, ever giving with great abundance all that we need.
 
Prayer: “You, Lord God, are worthy of my worship in every matter, in every happening, in every thought, word and action. I praise you, I thank you, I lift up your name. May my life be a sweet fragrance of trust and truth before you today. Amen.”
–from the devotional book EDIFIED!
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Insight

Published by S.M. Wibberley on December 5, 2015

“Personal ministry…involves exposing hurt, lost, and confused people to God’s glory, so that they give up their pursuit of their own glory and live for His”!!! (Paul David Tripp’s significant book Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands (Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishers, 2002, p. 184).

That is a massively profound statement leading to a potential worldview shift. All of our lives we have been taught by our culture that the goal of life is to be independent, fulfilled, successful and comfortable. And we’ve unconsciously absorbed this message.

In contrast, as we spend time in personal worship (giving God glory for who He is), our focus can shift away from our own little plans, problems, hurts and fears to the bigger picture of who God is and what He is doing, We can begin to see the major themes of the Scripture that Mr. Tripp points out: the Glory of God, the Greatness of God and the Grace of God.

Mr. Tripp goes on to say that personal ministry is “embedding people’s personal stories in the larger story of redemption, so they approach every situation and relationship with a ‘God’s story’ mentality.”

Joseph in the Old Testament is an example of this. In his later life he understood some of what God had been doing in allowing/sending all the suffering of his early years. He said to his brothers concerning their having sold him into slavery, “You meant it to me for evil, but God meant it for good, to the saving of many people” (Gen. 50:20).

In God’s plan He calls us to a partnership with Himself, giving us significant roles and responsibilities: He prepares, then waits for us to obey His direction. If we willingly choose to obey, our foot can still slip, we can still fall, we can suffer difficulty, but as we continue walking in obedience we are lifted up again and again by His love and power.

So what is God doing in our lives with the difficulties He brings to us? Are we, through worship, looking at God’s glory daily, and thereby getting glimpses of the great things He’s doing? Are we grasping that our disappointments, hurts and sufferings are all being used by Him in the big picture in significant ways we can’t understand, and therefore praising Him for these problems?

As an application of this, a doctor comments that getting “over an illness should not be the primary goal” for a Christian. “What glorifies [God] is what is best for all believers; therefore what glorifies Him will be the best for the sick believer. Getting well is not necessarily the best thing…The hope for the believer is victory, not relief. Relief is not inherently wrong, but it becomes wrong when it is the primary goal [an idol]. God promises victory in illnesses and trials, not deliverance from them.” (Dr. Robert Smith, The Christian Counselor’s Medical Desk Reference [Stanley, NC: Timeless Texts, 2004]). The real goal is God’s glory!

Prayer: “Lord, I confess that your glory has not been my goal. Forgive me for pursuing personal comfort as my goal and idol instead of your glory. Help me today to live with the desire to bring you glory and honor through my motives, thoughts, words and actions. Amen.”

 

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Psalm 11:3b-5

Published by S.M. Wibberley on December 4, 2015
Yesterday ended with a dissatisfying taste, an emptiness which I tried at first to banish with reading and popcorn. But then you, Lord, reminded me to praise you for it, as this emptiness was a reminder that my soul finds rest in you alone—and the right response is to offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving. Therefore I praise you now, Lord Jesus, for the wonder and stability of knowing you, being a child of the eternal living God. You give us all we need and I can praise you for both the pleasant and the painful. As it says in Psalm 11:3,
 
“If the foundations are destroyed, What can the righteous do?”
 
[As everything seems to fall apart, we can look away to you, Lord God, the only sure foundation in all of existence. We can praise you in all, rejoice in your character, rest in your love, live in your wisdom. The instability of the world only serves to highlight the surety of your character: Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever!]
 
Psalm 11:4-5 “The Lord is in His holy temple, The Lord’s throne is in heaven;”
 
[You are ever ruling, ever awake, ever alert. Nothing escapes your notice and you always act at exactly the right time. You rule wisely, wonderfully, willfully. You are moving events to the great conclusion of history, sweeping as many as are willing into your Kingdom, while giving those who aren’t willing multiple opportunities as well.]
 
“His eyes behold, His eyelids test the sons of men. The Lord tests the righteous,”
 
[You watch every person, you test each one, giving opportunities to believe to the not-yet-sons; and to your children, who have been granted the righteousness of Christ, you give tests that are possibilities to grow, give glory and display grace.
 
Ah, Lord, help us to remember that difficulties, disappointments, danger and discouragement are tests, each one an opportunity to take up your grace, rise up in praise and defeat the enemy on his own ground.
 
May we not fail in these tests but cooperate with you, for your glory! Help us today to live in the light of your love, trusting you in each test, fulfilling the purpose of our lives by offering the sacrifice of thanksgiving in all.]
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The Land of Grace

Published by S.M. Wibberley on December 3, 2015
 
Lord Jesus, my King and Master, my Savior and Shepherd, you have undeservedly set us, your adopted children, in such a wide and wonderful place, in a position of light and love, of grace and goodness, of beauty and brightness, of color and care.
 
This is a place of belonging where all depends on your gracious heart and your ever-flowing spring of love that waters all relationships, washing away the stains of self-effort and the shame of failure.
 
In your lovely forgiveness-filled eyes, on your pure grace-giving lips, in your powerful, health-bestowing hands is the message of acceptance, cleansing, delight and favor.
 
In your presence we, who deserve eternal separation from you, are dearly loved, deeply cared for, doted on and delighted in.
This is not because of anything we are, but because of all you are, Lord Jesus: the King of Grace, Lord of Love, Savior of sinners and Master of Restoration. In you all is made right, all harm is transformed, all evil will be righted in the end.
Your eyes are deep, fiery and forgiving; your heart is pure, loving and giving. Yours are the acts of righteousness where mercy triumphs over justice; yours are the thoughts of good for people of evil.
 
You are consistently at work, turning the kingdom of this world right side up, starting within us. You have rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and brought us into the Kingdom of Light, and now you are teaching us to see things as you do: to rejoice in persecution, to offer thanks in difficulty, to understand that in mercy you chasten all those you love.
With you there is hope, meaning, purpose, a future and a certainty of an eternity in joy. Praise you for the foretaste we can have now in your Word as we gaze upon your grace and beauty and are consistently transformed more and more into your image by the Spirit of power (2 Cor. 3:18).
 
You, Lord Jesus, are truly worthy of worship, glory and honor, both now and forever more. May we honor you all through this day with obedience to what we know to be true.IMG_20151006_155945
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Psalm 11:1-2

Published by S.M. Wibberley on December 2, 2015

Psalm 11:1 “In the Lord I put my trust;”

[Yes, Lord, I willfully choose to trust you, not myself, not people, not circumstances, not power nor politicians. You alone are the One to rest in, for you are All-powerful, All-knowing, All-seeing, All-loving. Therefore I choose to praise you in and for all things–for all the proof we need for trusting you, Lord, is found in your faithful, sinless, errorless character, displayed in the rich outpouring of your Love in the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Therefore I choose to trust you.]

“How can you say to my soul, ‘Flee as a bird to your mountain’?”

[No mountain will save me, no mountain will love me, no mountain is impregnable. Only You, Lord, are the actual, adequate refuge and strength needed; you alone are my High Tower, my Mighty Rock and my Stronghold. To you, Lord, I will flee when worry, fear, danger or loss threaten. To you I will offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving—praising you when it costs me, when I don’t feel like it–so I will honor you and open the way for your salvation to come to me. Your help is all I need.]

Psalm 11:2 “For look! The wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow on the string, that they may shoot secretly at the upright in heart.”

[If I fly to temporal help, I make myself vulnerable to attacks of the enemy. If I set my heart on a desired solution rather than God’s glory, I have made myself open to attack, to loss, to failure, pain and death.

However, if I set my heart on praising you, Lord, rather than on having my way, my desire, my plan, than you will shield my head in the day of battle. I may not get what I desire, but I will be able to exalt your name in praise, fulfilling the purpose you have for my life and live in the freedom of knowing you will do what is best.

What a privilege to live for you, my Great King, Ruler of the universe, Spinner of the Earth, Bringer of the dawn, Beginner and Ender of time. You are the One to be exalted, praised, honored and worshiped.

I bow before you in surrender, I rise up before you to obey you this day with all my heart. May the mediations of my heart and the words of my mouth be pleasing to you, my mighty Rock and my Redeemer. (Ps. 19:14)]

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A Prayer for December

Published by S.M. Wibberley on December 1, 2015

A new month, a new day, a new opportunity to live for you, Lord Jesus. Help me to take it and use it well.

As I sit here in a pool of lamp light in the pre-day twilight of December 1, it is good to know, Lord Jesus, that I also sit in the pool of your love shining down upon me, undeserved, unreserved, rich, deep, wholehearted and eternal. I praise you that nothing I did yesterday and nothing I will do today can shift your love in any direction; there can be no lessening or increasing of it, for this love is part of your unalterable, perfect, eternal character: sure, solid, stable and secure.

Truly it is unspeakably wonderful to belong to you, to be part of your family, to live in your Kingdom, to be your child. I praise you for your constant presence, your unswerving commitment and your immense power, all of which guarantee our future with you in the new heaven and new earth to come.

I choose now to rest in this love, to let the shadows of dissatisfaction and disappointment of the last days fall away in the light of your presence and power. I will take the advice of Psalm 91:1 and choose to dwell in the shelter of the Most High: in your wisdom, your Word, your goodness and grace.

I choose to pray on the armor each day, to confront the unwanted things in life with the sacrifice of thanksgiving, actively getting up the shield of faith. And I choose to keep on the helmet of salvation by drawing my significance and security from you.

Therefore I can rest in the shadow of the Almighty, proclaiming that you are my “Refuge and my Fortress, my God in whom I trust” (Ps. 91:2). I can rest in you, knowing that your power and wisdom, your goodness and grace will protect me from all true harm. Truly my soul finds rest in you, Lord God, alone.

Help me to follow through on these choices today, Lord Jesus, that I may bring honor to you, as well as light and love to those around me. May I be a consistent race-receiver, glory-giver and hope-bringer. Amen.

 

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Usefulness in the Hand of God

Published by S.M. Wibberley on November 30, 2015

Praise be to you, Lord God, for your wonderful wisdom working consistently in the lives of your children, bringing protection, guidance, goodness and difficulties. You know what is best, you know what is right, for you are the wise and powerful One, that entirely good One whose heart is set on bringing glory to yourself through doing what is righteous and merciful.

I praise you that in your mercy you bring positive pressure on us to see truth, to come to ourselves and surrender to you. You are the One we can trust, the One who is our refuge and strength, our joy and wisdom, our Shepherd and King.

Through challenges and adventures (suffering, tragedy and persecutions) you give us opportunity for faith-responses, for glory-giving, for grace-demonstrations, for volitional praise, for clenched teeth obedience. These provide chances to fulfill the purpose of our existence: to bring honor to you, to be reflectors of your glory, to exalt your name and your Word above all other things.

I praise you now for another day, another opportunity to live for you, to live by faith, to offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving and thereby honor you while opening the way so your salvation can flow further into my future and that of those around me. (Ps. 50:23)

May you be glorified today in my thoughts, actions and words, may those around me be influenced by your Spirit overflowing from me. May grace be the fragrance of my life. For your glory may I be a strong scent of life to those around me who are looking for truth. May many more be swept into your Kingdom. Amen.

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