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Psalm 4:7

Published by S.M. Wibberley on September 12, 2015

Psalm 4:7 “You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound.”

[Having wealth, security and provision bring joy to the natural heart. However you, Lord, desire to give our hearts much more joy than anything in this world can bring. This is clear in our undeserved and rich relationship with you, in your unbelievably great provision which is personal, pleasant, powerful and profound. “These things I have told you so that my joy might remain in you and your joy might be full” (John 15:11). Truly, to know you is enough for joy!

To be your child and to walk with you opens our eyes to see more and more of the unseen, enables us to praise you in the midst of failure, rejection, hurt and pain–for your greatness, goodness and glory continue to be poured out upon us during such difficulties. In fact, the flow may increase during these times as we exercise the privilege of praise when we don’t want to, offering the sacrifice of our lips, the sacrifice of thanksgiving.

Oh that we would learn this, that we would practice this all the time, that we may rise through the levels of growth to greater and greater intimacy with you, to more and more understanding of your Love, to a deeper and deeper grasp of your greatness, to a wider and higher vision of who you are.

There is no end to our ever-expanding wonder at your beautiful Character, your loving Heart and your mighty Strength, for you, Lord God are infinite in every aspect and are constantly at work in our lives, giving us God sightings daily. I praise you for your care, protection and provision for us every minute. You only, O Triune Lord God, are worthy of our worship.]

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Psalm 4:6

Published by S.M. Wibberley on September 11, 2015

Psalm 4:6 “Many are asking, ‘Who can show us any good?’ ”

[This is because many are willfully blind to the constant flow of life-giving goodness you pour out on us, Lord: your unending provision, your wonderful protection, the great attention from your heart to the details of our lives. People often choose not to see your light: “The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him” (John 1:9,10). The people of the world prefer darkness because their deeds are evil: the light of Christ makes unbelievers uncomfortable.

You knew, Lord Jesus, that you would have this massive rejection when you came to live in the world as a man; you knew that from a human standpoint your time on earth would appear to be a failure; but you came anyway because you know what is best, and do it irrelevant of what people think. You keep on giving light (conviction, insight, wisdom, guidance and direction) and providing good (sun and moon, clouds and rain, seasons and years, crops and animals) even though people take it for granted, or complain about it.

There is so much goodness we cannot count it! From your keeping the stars in place to holding together every atom in the universe, you are doing what is spiritually beneficial for all human beings on every level, in every situation. You are marvelous, you are majestic, you are forever good–powerfully, patiently, persistently, paternally so, and we praise you for it.]
“Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD.”

[And so you do every day, every minute without ceasing, with love and grace and goodness. We praise you for the privilege of having you as our Heavenly Father. Help us to live in the light of your face, to rejoice in the light of your presence, noting all that you provide every day, giving you honor for your generous, gracious and good heart.]

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Another Chance to Trust God

Published by S.M. Wibberley on September 9, 2015

The days continue to be gloriously golden with warm sunshine, cooling breezes and the intoxicating smell of ripening wild grapes in the air. Each day is another jewel, a gift from your hand, Lord, to enjoy, to revel in the beauty you share with us and to move through with you in love and grace. I praise you for your presence, for your power in protection and provision, for your goodness and grace in forgiving fully and loving us lavishly.

I praise you for your intimate involvement in every aspect of our lives, for the wonderful and astonishing attention you give to every detail as you lay out each day, prepare us for what will come and coach us through each step. I thank you for all that you did and allowed yesterday, including my stabbing myself deeply in my left thumb with my drill when it slipped off a screw. It was painful, bloody and startling, but allowed by you. I am now hampered in what I can do, and that is good, as you will use this for guiding me in how to spend the time you give me.

You, Lord, are gracious and wise, good and wonderful, great and worthy of all worship. May you be glorified in my life today. Help me to check in with you frequently, to seek your wisdom and direction in each decision so that you may be honored, praised and glorified before the unseen hosts and any people who may be around to see it.

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Psalm 4:5

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

Psalm 4:5 “Offer right sacrifices and trust in the LORD.”

[In the midst of all things, including those that make me angry (actually reveal my own selfish agenda), I must make the right sacrifices that please you, O LORD.  It is so easy to do what comes by nature, to sacrifice things that do not please you, to punish myself, to try to earn your acceptance by my own goodness (as if I had any!), by my own wisdom and strength.  But to obey you is far better in offering right sacrifices it is both far harder and far higher.

What are the sacrifices you desire? One is this: “He who offers the sacrifice of thanksgiving honors me…” (Psa. 50:23). “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name.” (Heb 13:15).

This is what God calls for, the response that honors Him with trust, faith and heavenly wisdom: to praise in the midst of distress, to thank in the midst of pain, to delight in the midst of disappointment–this is a right sacrifice, for it is done fully by faith, not by sight—and by offering this, all is transformed: suffering, disappointment, hurt, persecution, injustice, loss and difficulty all become platforms for giving you glory, Lord.

As the Word says, “Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who diligently search for him” (Heb. 11:6). So offering the sacrifice of thanksgiving is a wonderful way to please God.

No wonder Paul could say in 2 Cor 12:9,10, “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” Paul knew that praise brings power from God (that “he who offers the sacrifice of thanksgiving…opens the way that I may show him the salvation of the Lord” Ps 50:23b).

Paul knew this because God told him directly: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”  Paul believed this so deeply that when he had difficulties, he rejoiced, he got excited, he embraced them as positive:  “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties.”

Paul’s understanding of God’s character, of His way of working, of eternal Truth, of the “right-side-upness” of God’s Kingdom compared to the “upside downness” of this earth that he could say, “For when I am weak, then I am strong.” That is a sacrifice that God wants.

Lord, may I live that today, seeing the unseen so clearly that the power and truth of your Word may flow out of my life in responses of thanksgiving in whatever comes, in a sacrifice that will bring delight to you!]

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Psalm 4:4

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

Psa 4:4 “In your anger do not sin;” [Quoted by Paul in Eph 4:26 “ ‘in your anger do not sin.’ Do no let the sun go down while you are still angry.”]

We will certainly all be angry at times, but the question is, what do we do with our anger? Will it control us or will Truth rule with the Spirit’s power? I need to look at myself and evaluate where I am in this. Am I prepared to cooperate with the Spirit? Have I filled myself with Truth, memorizing and meditating on Scripture so I can let Truth have free reign? Am I able to look at each situation from God’s point of view, to have His big picture rather than just focus on my own unhappiness?

His point of view is, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance” (James 1:2, 3). Am I living for my own comfort or for God’s glory?   Each moment of anger can be lived out of all the previous years’ input, obedience and experience of God working things out. Have I been calling upon the Lord and seeing Him answer, or just limping along on my own? Have I been delighting in His Word, putting it into practice or have I just been living on a human level in feeble human strength, perspective and selfishness?]

“when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.”

[When I lie awake at night, emotions riled, angry, blaming others, I must willfully, carefully, realistically look at my own heart and then I will be silenced when I see the sin and selfishness there. I am no better than the others who have offended me. Clearly I am no good to God in myself, yet you, Lord, constantly love me, draw me back to yourself, rebuke, correct, forgive and restore. So I must do with others, seeking to help them rather than attacking them, even in my thoughts. I must lay in your hands the right to blame, accuse, get revenge or fight. Revenge is yours; my job is to bless, to pray for, to do good—wow, what a contrast! I praise you for your grace and goodness, for the privilege of being called to live on your level, to open the floodgates of transforming resources into the lives of those around me, especially on those who are against me, who fight me, who hurt me.

It is so important to take the time to be quiet before you, to listen to you, to get your perspective. Help me to remember that you are the measure, I am the follower; yours is the right to decide, it is mine to obey. If I abide in you, I can be the means of grace, goodness and blessing in the lives of others. May I be so today!

Selah Help me to think on these things.

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The Source of Safety

Published by S.M. Wibberley on September 6, 2015

Sunday, the day dawns cool and clear with heavy mists over the pond and fields. Praise be to you, Lord, that you watched over me in the night, that you never sleep, never lose concentration, never miss a happening, thought or plan that anyone has. Thank you that you have already been through this day before us, have seen all that will come and have filtered out what is harmful. “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me” (Ps 23:4a) You have planned to bring what is useful, good and filled with potential for my honoring you.

I thank you that you are my Rock, the only unshakable, unshifting, unchanging element in life, in the world, in the universe; I can rely on you always. You are my Salvation, the One who is there to protect, provide and guide. You are my High Tower: I can run to you for perspective, safety, encouragement and wisdom. As I abide in you, I will never be shaken. My hope comes from you, my honor comes from you, my security and significance come from you (Ps. 62).

Therefore you are my stability, my source of all I need; you are the Filler of my soul, the Redeemer of my life, The transformer of my heart. “Whom have I in heaven but you and earth has nothing I desire besides you” (Ps 73:25).  Use me today to bring honor to your name. Help me to be alert to the leading of your Spirit, to join you in what you are doing. I praise you now for how you will guide.

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The One We Worship part two

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

You are the All-present One who fills every part of the universe as well as all corners of this world at the same time. You see all that is going on and are at work to do what is best and good in defeating the plans of Satan while bringing victory and freedom for your children.

You are the Faithful One who has provided all we need. You have revealed your character to us through your creation, in your Word, by your actions and in our lives. You have given us great promises which you fulfill at the right time. You are unchanging, perfect and powerful, the Source of all stability.

You are the One who loves us richly, unceasingly, powerfully and completely. Your love is entirely independent of your creation and creatures. You do not love us because we are good; you love us because you are love itself. No matter what we do, your love keeps on flowing and working in our lives. You do not force us to believe in you, but you woo us, call us, encourage us. And when we do believe in you, even though we grieve you every day with our disobedience and unbelief, you continue to love us to the end.

You are the Personal, Relational One. You desire an intimate, continual relationship with us. You have made it possible for us to become your children and, as the Good and Gracious God, are with us every day. You teach, guide, advise, protect, lead and give. You call us to partner with you in reaching the world and making disciples. Your relationship with us is warm, caring, firm and strong. It is unceasing, endless, powerful and loving. You are the perfect Father, the faultless God who loves to spend time with us.

I worship you, O living, Triune God, for you are worthy of worship, of surrender, of obedience and praise. Help me to walk today in the light of your presence, giving you the honor you deserve through whole-hearted submission and offering the sacrifice of thanksgiving in each happening.

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The God We Worship, 1

Published by S.M. Wibberley on September 3, 2015
In Larry Crabb’s book “The Papa Prayer,” he challenges his readers to think about who it is we are worshiping. Here is the first half of my response.
 
Praise be to you, Lord God, for who you are.
 
You are the Triune Creator–Elohim–whose power is seen in creation and whose faithfulness is seen in providing salvation.
 
You are the Holy One–Yahweh–who hates sin and will punish it, and at the same time loves sinners, has provided a way of forgiveness and calls all your enemies to come into your Kingdom. In your holiness you are to be feared, for you will deal with sin, confront our failures and correct us. In the light of your awesome, over-whelming presence, to fear you means to care deeply about what you think and to fear the consequences of disobeying you.
 
You are the balanced One, both righteous and gracious, who chastens and cherishes us. You bring pressures into our lives so that we can see our sin and repent; so that we can mature; so that we can honor you in each difficulty by doing the dance of faith on the stage of grace, letting those around us see your provision and power.
 
You are the passionate One, who loves us fiercely, who delights in us, who desires to spend time with us, who cherishes us and sings over us.
 
You are the partnering One, calling us to work with you, even though you could do it all much better yourself. You invite us into your plans, giving us significant roles and the power to fulfill them. And then you reward us for joining you in your work and following your guidance.
 
I worship you, O living, Triune God, for you are worthy of worship, of surrender, of obedience and praise. Help me to walk today in the light of your presence, giving you the honor you deserve through whole-hearted submission and offering the sacrifice of thanksgiving in each happening.
 
 
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How Jesus Loves US

Published by S.M. Wibberley on September 1, 2015
Thinking on John 15:9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you.”
 
What an astounding statement! Scripture tells us that the Father is Agape love, which flows without reference to the state of the object. So the Father loves Jesus primarily because the essence of the Father’s nature is to love with an ever-flowing love that is rich, deep, wholehearted, unreserved, powerful, intimate and pure.
 
In addition, God the Father loves the Son because Jesus is the perfect, obedient, willing One who is beautiful in holiness, lovely in grace, pleasing in perfection and delightful in all He does.
 
The Father loves the Son eternally, forever and ever, without reservation, without hesitation, with full hope, total trust, complete delight and continual rejoicing. He loves the Son perfectly, pristinely, positively, powerfully and persistently. His love can never be thwarted, lessened, diverted or ended.
 
And this is the way that Jesus loves us: an amazing, astounding, magnificent, gracious truth. In ourselves we are certainly not like Jesus, giving no substantive reason for Him to love us: naturally we are selfish, sinful, rebellious, and, well, repulsive. This old nature still dwells in us (if you think otherwise, take a look at your attitudes, words and actions over the last day!).
 
Yet, Jesus loves us as the Father loves Him. This is partly true because it is the nature of Jesus to love unconditionally with Agape love, without reference to our performance or essence. In addition, since we are in Christ, He has imputed to us His righteousness, His beauty, His purity, His obedience as we stand before Him redeemed, forgiven, cleansed, transformed and purified.
 
This all means that, with His whole being, Jesus loves us with a love that is rich, deep, wholehearted, unreserved, powerful, intimate and pure. In addition, in Him we are beautiful in holiness, lovely in grace, pleasing in perfection and delightful in His sight. He loves us eternally, forever and ever, without reservation, without hesitation, with great hope, total delight and continual rejoicing. He loves us perfectly, pristinely, positively, powerfully and persistently. His love for us can never be thwarted, lessened, diverted or ended.
 
That is more than we could ever hope for or imagine, yet it is true, a truth we should delight in, bask in, revel in, rejoice in and live in each moment, rejecting what we and the world tell us about ourselves. It is Jesus’ command that we, “… remain in my love.” His love never stops, it is always there, but we can choose to step out of its flow or we can abide in it, “If you keep my commandments you will remain in my love” “My command is this: love each other as I have loved you.” (John 15:10,12). Let’s choose to remain!
What a God we have! To Him be glory and honor forever!
 
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Psalm 4:3

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

Psalm 4:3 “Know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself;”

[This is a most wonderful, mysterious statement. You have set your children apart for yourself, and did it long before you made us godly in Christ—you knew what was to come, that we would respond to your call, that we would believe and be brought into your family–and you prepared all for it. “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son” (Rom. 8:29a).

I praise you that you desired to have a relationship with us, that you delight in our being in your family, that you made us godly and continue to move us in that direction.

You are such a good God! You draw your enemies in to be your children. You are so kind and gracious, even when we grieve you with unbelief and disobedience. You are loving when anyone else would be impatient, insulted and angry. Praise you that you consistently move us towards being more godly; you chasten us, discipline us, rebuke us, shape us and guide us. You are forgiving, forbearing, forever faithful.  We belong to you, we are yours alone and rejoice in this fact.

“the LORD will hear when I call to him.”

Because I belong to you, you hear and watch over me, care for me, protect me. You are the mighty LORD, the great I AM, the King of Glory and yet you are attentive to even the least of your children, giving tender, compassionate, consistent attention. How wonderful! How unbelievable! How marvelous! I praise you, O Lord, for your great grace, your lavish love, your persistent patience, your powerful provision. To you be glory for all that you are doing in our lives. To you be glory for who you are!

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