"Yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will joy in the God of my salvation. For the Lord God is my strength. He makes my feet like deer's feet and makes me walk upon my high places."
Habakkuk 3:18-19
Monday, June 2, 2025
In our church men's group meeting last Thursday night we were discussing how we sometimes struggle with expressing our frustrations in ways that do not honor God. One of our Elders, JBob Dalton said Psalm 19:14 was a verse that had helped him a lot. He didn't quote the verse, just the reference so I had to look it up to see what it said. Psalm 19:14 is part of a powerful prayer of David:
"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer."
In the previous verse, David prayed, asking God to keep him from "presumptuous sins," that is sins of pride and arrogance. Those are sins that don't often seem like to sin to us. Pride or arrogance are easy to see in other people, but hard to see in ourselves. But presumptuous sins are usually revealed by our words though. As Jesus says in Luke 6:45, "...for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks."
So in v.14 David isn't just asking for outward "religion," he's praying for a transformed heart that produces pleasing words. He recognizes God as his "rock"—his solid foundation in a chaotic world. And David calls Him his "redeemer"—the One who buys him back, who sets him free, who makes him new.
It's a beautiful picture, isn't it? When we truly grasp that God is our strength and our rescuer, it changes everything. Our words become an overflow of a heart deeply rooted in Him. Our thoughts become more aligned with His truth and grace.
The word that came to mind when I read v.14 was "ALIGNMENT" and I understood the verse as David saying, "Let my words and my thoughts, align with what pleases You, God." I'm working on memorizing the verse this week, and let that be my prayer - that my words and thoughts will line up with God's will and what pleases Him.
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Five things that have inspired and encouraged me this week:
1. BIBLE VERSE I'M MEDITATING ON
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. Revelation 12:11 NKJV
This verse speaks to our ability to defeat Satan by the power of God's provision (the blood of the Lamb) and through our testimony of God's grace and faithfulness, and by not loving our lives in this world. Jesus said in John 12:25 "Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity."
Revelation 12:11 highlights the overcoming power of faith, the gospel message, and the sacrifice of Jesus.
I've used this app for a few years now for Bible verse memorization. This free app allows you to memorize Scripture from any Bible translation easily, and provides lots of helps with games, strategies, reminders and more. I love it.
I'm still reading McKeown's better known book, Essentialism, but I came across this book in audio on the Libby App. In Effortless he builds on the foundation he laid in Essentialism. His central idea is that we can accomplish just as much in life with balance and efficiency as we can by working ourselves to death. He highlights a lot of the issues we have with "burning the candle at both ends" and how we are more productive when we are rested and focused.
"Getting ahead doesn’t have to be as hard as we make it. No matter what challenges or obstacles we face, there is a better way: instead of pushing ourselves harder, we can find an easier path. Effortless offers actionable advice for making the most essential activities the easiest ones, so you can achieve the results you want, without burning out."
I'm about halfway through and it has a lot of practical helps to simplify life.
4. QUOTE I'M PONDERING
"There is a peace passing understanding of which the politicians cannot deprive us." John Newton
Newton is most noted for being the author of the great hymn, Amazing Grace" but he also played a significant role in the British abolitionist movement by transitioning from a slave trader to a vocal critic and advocate against slavery, contributing to the eventual abolition of the slave trade. Newton became a close friend and advisor to William Wilberforce, the leading parliamentary figure in the abolitionist movement. Though it took them many years and many political battles, their collaboration was crucial to the success of the abolitionist cause.
Newton faced a great deal of public scrutiny and criticism launched by political opponents, but he had a deep faith in God which brought him tremendous peace when the political fiery darts were being fired.
His quote is a great reminder for followers of Jesus in our political climate today.
5. DAD JOKE I'M DIGGING
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It seems weird to say "Happy" Memorial Day, since Memorial Day is a day we remember and honor those who have lost their lives in the service of our country. It seems weird to be "happy" about the loss of lives of our soldiers.
But, while we are remembering and honoring the fallen, we are also celebrating the freedoms we have in this country because of their sacrifice. Their deaths were not in vain because we are free. To honor them and their sacrifice, we must continue to live in the freedom they gave us.
Thinking about this brings to mind what Paul wrote in Galatians:
"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1 NIV
Christ's death on the cross set us free from sin and death. He set us free from the burden of religious laws and rituals. We honor His sacrifice today by living in His grace and love, and not being slaves to sin or "religious ritual."
So honor our fallen soldiers by enjoying your freedom today. And honor Christ's sacrifice by living in the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need. Hebrews 4:16 CSB
The "therefore" reminds us to go back and read the verses before this one, which explains what Christ has done for us. And because of all He has done, we not only have access to the Father in prayer, but we can confidently come boldly into His presence to get help in our time of need. I love that the writer of Hebrews describes God's presence as "the throne of grace," not the throne of judgment or condemnation, but grace; the place we find mercy and grace in our time of need. Don't be timid in prayer - God wants us to come boldly into His presence.
As John Newton, the writer of "Amazing Grace" once wrote:
“Thou art coming to a King, large petitions with thee bring, for His grace and power are such none can ever ask too much.” Amen!
2. Song That Stirs Me UP
Gospel artist CeCe Winans' "That's My King" moves my soul! The upbeat rhythm and powerful lyrics brings out something in my heart that I can only describe as TRUE Worship. Winans says of the song, "It's a song to remind us who we serve. We serve a God who has all power, He knows the end from the beginning. He's your Shepherd, He's your provider, He's a father to the fatherless, He's a mother to the motherless. And when you're reminded of who He is in your life, you can't help but give Him praise." AMEN!
3. Quote That Has Got Me Thinking
"The person who learns the most in any classroom is the teacher. If you really want to learn a topic, then 'teach' it. Write a book. Teach a class. Build a product. Start a company. The act of making something will force you to learn more deeply than reading ever will." James Clear
Clear, the author of "Atomic Habits" is spot on with this quote. You always learn more from teaching than anything else. And this is a great truth for following Jesus and making disciples. When you take a step of faith to disciple someone else, it forces you to be more intentional about being a disciple yourself. You learn more about following Jesus by teaching other people to follow Jesus.
McKeown writes, teaches, and speaks around the world on the importance of living and leading as an Essentialist. His book is more than a time-management technique. It is a systematic discipline for discerning what is absolutely essential, then eliminating everything that is not, so we can make the highest possible contribution toward the things that really matter.
I'm only a couple of chapters into the book, but he asks some important, but tough self-reflection questions to make you think abut what is really important to you and what you are living your life for. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of it.
5. Dad Joke I'm Digging
A church had a picnic and invited the entire community to come. The Pastor placed a basket full of apples on one end of a table with a sign saying, "Take only one apple please - Remember that God is watching."
On the other end of the table was a plate of cookies where one of the children had placed a sign saying, "Take all the cookies you want -- God is watching the apples."
Bonus - Memorial Day
Monday is Memorial Day, a day set aside to remember those who have given their lives for the freedoms of our nation. The roots of Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, emerged from a desire for healing after the Civil War. With hundreds of thousands of lives lost, communities across both the North and South began to decorate the graves of their fallen soldiers. These "decoration days" often involved worship services and the placement of flowers on graves of loved ones.
For many of us today, it is a time to reflect on the reality of selfless sacrifice of those who have given their all for their country. As we observe Memorial Day, we not only honor the sacrifices made by our service members, but we also acknowledge the spiritual courage and conviction that often guided them. It is a day to reflect on the preciousness of freedom, the cost of its preservation, and to renew our commitment to the values for which so many have given their lives. In remembering them, we are called to live lives worthy of their sacrifice.
This year is significant in that it is the 50th Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. I came across this moving Memorial Day tribute:
I pray you have a great Memorial Day Weekend, and God bless America!
When Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house. The windows in its upstairs room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before. Daniel 6:10 CSB
The last few words say it all - "just as he had done before." Some translations say, "as was his practice" or habit. Daniel made it a life-practice to pray everyday. Stiel said,
"We choose how we live every day. Our life today is the result of the decisions we have made every day."
That is a powerful truth. Who we are and how we live now is the result of the decisions we made in the past. And who we will be in the future is the result of the decisions we are making today.
It brings to mind another quote I read a while back, "If you want your life to be better tomorrow, make better decisions today."
Daniel lived a disciplined life that glorified God. He made that decision every day, and God honored him, and we're still learning from him 2500 years later. Thanks for the great message Stiel.
Praying that you make today count! Have a blessed week.
Here are the things that have had my attention this week. Thanks for reading!
1. Verse I've been memorizing
"Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer." Romans 12:12 CSB
This verse is actually the verse I picked to not only memorize, but to seek to truly live out this year. I am a natural pessimist and a recovering "chronic worrier." It isn't hard for me to get focused on problems and then escalate to discouragement. I prayerfully chose this verse to help me be intentional about being disciplined to rejoice. It also reminds me to be patient and to be persistent in prayer (another area that I am working to improve in this year).
This is a ministry book written by pastor Karl Vaters. He's the author of five books on church leadership. Karl also hosts a bi-weekly podcast, The Church Lobby: Conversations on Faith & Ministry, featuring interviews about topics that concern pastors, especially those who minister in a small church context. He has served in small-church ministry for over 40 years, so he speaks and writes from decades of hands-on pastoral experience.
Having read about half of this book, I already wish it had been available 30 years ago. Vaters powerfully combines his personal narrative of struggle and revelation of his place in kingdom work with essential, practical ministry principles aimed at uplifting those in smaller church congregations. I'm excited to read the rest!
3. Quote I have been pondering
“Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone.”
I came across this quote by Pablo Picasso in Matthew Dicks' book "Someday Is Today." The quote encapsulates the urgency of pursuing dreams and taking action now. I'm also a recovering procrastinator and quotes like this remind me of the importance of "doing now" what needs or should be done according to my values and desires.
4. Podcast I have been listening to
I've been listening to The Art of Manliness hosted by Brett McKay off and on for a few years. According to the site, "The Art of Manliness Podcast is a podcast that aims to help men become better men." I've found a lot of good stuff on the podcast over the years.
A recent, helpful episode I listened is Podcast #955: The Power of NEAT — Move a Little to Lose a Lot; McKay interviews Dr. James Levine, a professor, a co-director of the Mayo Clinic’s Obesity Solutions Initiative, and the inventor of the Treadmill Desk (yes, it's a real thing). They discuss how regular, simple movement during the day can help lose and keep off extra pounds. Since I am participating in the Healthy Eating and Activity Lab study at the University of Tennessee, the topic appealed to me. The episode is pretty entertaining and very informative.
5. Song I am listening to
I can't get enough of Josiah Queen'sMy Promise Land... seriously, K-Love plays it at least once an hour. But it is a great song, and it is at least partially based on Moses' words to the Lord in Exodus 33. After the Israelites had sinned against God, He threatens to send them to the "Promise Land" without His presence. Moses then intercedes for the Israelites, “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here." (33:15). Moses and the people understood that the land God had promised to them would mean nothing without the Lord's presence there. God is our Promise Land!
Bonus: Dad Joke I Am Digging
Thanks again for reading. Have and awesome weekend!
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17 CSB
James says that "every good and perfect gift" comes from God. I've discovered that a lot of times God's gifts don't initially seem all that good or perfect.
Three years ago I was experiencing severe A-Fib and was diagnosed with HOCM (look it up, too hard to spell it out 😊), and I was facing open-heart surgery. None of that seemed very good or perfect. But that surgery turned out to be life-changing for me. I've lost over 40 lbs, my heart function is better than it has been in many years and I have more energy now than any time I've had as an adult. What seemed scary to me, turned out to be a good thing for me. I didn't see it at the time, but all of it has been a gift from God.
We say it a lot at church, but "God is (really) good ... All the time. "
I pray you enjoy His good and perfect presence (and presents) in your life this week.
Here are five things from the week that I hope inspires you!
1. Bible Verse I am contemplating:
And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained. 10 So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen. 2 Timothy 2:9-10 NLT
I'm studying 2 Timothy with my DGroup and we studied this verse a couple of weeks ago, but has stuck with me. Paul was in prison for preaching the gospel, and then he said, "the word of God cannot be chained." That is the power of God's word! Even if God's messenger is contained, the message cannot be contained. It reminds me of the passage my friend JBob always reminds me of: "so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11 ESV) The word does the work!
2. Quote that inspires me:
“Your life today is a result of your thinking yesterday. Your life tomorrow will be determined by what you think today.” John C. Maxwell
John Maxwell is a prolific author and America's "leadership guru." I am audio reading his book, How Successful People Think. This is one of many quotes that has caught my attention. How you think matters, because your life will go in the direction of your thoughts.
3. Bonus quotes
I finished reading Kevin DeYoung's Crazy Busy and it was a helpful read. In his chapter on Sabbath and rest (chapter 8, "Rhythm and Blues"), DeYoung offers this insight:
"By all accounts, we are sleeping less than ever before. The average American gets two and a half fewer hours of sleep per night than a century ago... Though we often brag about how little sleep we get, studies show sleep deprivation is a trigger for problems like diabetes and obesity."
Later in the chapter, DeYoung quotes theologian D.A. Carson:
"Sometimes the godliest thing you can do in the universe is to get a good night's sleep - not pray all night, but sleep. I'm certainly not denying that there may be a place for praying all night; I'm merely insisting that in the normal course of things, spiritual discipline obligates you to get the sleep your body needs."
These passages really spoke to me about the importance of having balance in life. I am a "doer" so sleep isn't something a value. But as I get older I have realized how important getting enough sleep/rest is to my overall health - not just physical health, but spiritual, mental and emotional health as well. I'm thankful for the above words that remind me to take care of myself and get some sleep.
4. Text message I've earned from
A few weeks ago I received a text from a friend and church member. This person was hurt by a sermon I had preached. They understood the point of the sermon about serving others, but felt that it turned into something else, and they explained the things that had bothered them. And even before I had finished reading the text, I knew they were absolutely right. In fact, as I was preaching the sermon, I knew I was off-base and preaching more in the flesh than in the Spirit. My words were laden with guilt and borderline abusive.
I apologized to my friend, and thanked them for their feedback, assuring them that this kind of feedback was invaluable to a preacher/pastor. As I have been thinking and processing our text conversation, here are three things that I have come to realize:
a. Even after 33 years of preaching, I sometimes still operate in the flesh rather than the Spirit. This person's text was humbling because they were right, and it was a good reminder to make sure my heart is right and I am preaching in His Spirit, not my own.
b. I realized what a true friend I have. In 33 years of preaching I have had a number of people leave the church, only to find out through the grapevine that they left because of something I said in a sermon. But they never said anything to me... they just left. I am thankful that my friend loved me enough to contact me and let me know how I had hurt them. It takes a lot of maturity and courage to do something like that. I am blessed to have a friend who loves me enough to be honest with me.
c. Finally, I've learned that God is still sovereign and can use even my failures for His glory. After I had preached the sermon, another friend and church member told me that the message was exactly what they needed. Even in my weakness, He is strong and even though the messenger failed, God's word did not.
I am truly thankful for my friend and their text, it has helped me immensely.
A little word of encouragement to start the day/week.
I'm reading in a Youversion Bible plan for my daily reading and this morning I came across this verse:
Rehoboam did what was evil, because he did not determine in his heart to seek the Lord. Rehoboam was the son of King Solomon who became king when his father died.2 Chronicles 12:14 CSB
Not long after he became king Rehoboam made a foolish decision that split the kingdom and it was downhill from there. Though he reigned for 17 years, they were years of turmoil and failure. And in summary, the writer gives this reason - he did evil because he didn't determine in his heart to seek the Lord. It doesn't say he did evil because he had a rough childhood, or because he wasn't taught any better, or even that he was a bad person. He did evil because he didn't seek the Lord.
To me, it is a great reminder to examine myself and make sure I have my priorities right. I am a "doer" and I'm prone to focus on tasks that need to get done. But I've learned (the hard way) that my first "task" every day is to seek the Lord and make sure my heart is right with Him. Life is different when I have my priorities right.
Hope this encourages you. Love you guys. Praying you have a great week.
Five things from the week that I pray inspires or encourages you!
1. Bible I Am Exploring
I came across clip of a pastor preaching, and in his sermon he said he was going to read from the "Y'all" version of the Bible. My initial thoughts were, this is probably an attempt at southern humor, but surprisingly the pastor read the text in all seriousness and the text communicated his point. I had to investigate and discovered the Y'All Bible Version website (yallversion.com); it's a real thing! According to the introduction, "The goal of Y’all Version (YALL) is to reclaim the Bible as an ancient text written not just for you, the individual, but for y’all, the community of faith in the one true God, whose name is YHWH." It started out as website, but has developed into a unique translation of the Bible that notes where the "you" singular and the "you" plural are used, as well as a few other features such as using "YHWH" as the name for God in the Old Testament. I purchased a paper copy and though I'm just beginning to explore it, I'm enjoying the read.
2. Song I Am Listening To
"a lil Church (nobody’s too lost)" by Toby Mac. Mac is an award winning singer, song-writer and producer who seems to become more reflective with age. The song speaks to me through the chorus,
"I could use a little church right now
Love to have a little family around
I've been feelin' so overwhelmed
I could use a little church right now"
He goes on in the third verse to talk about what the Church is - not a building with pews and parking lots, but rather the Church is people who are the hands and feet of Jesus. The song is catchy and the lyrics are encouraging, and I am loving it!
3. Verse I Am Meditating on
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11 NLT
This is another 'oldie-but-goodie" verse. I memorized it years ago and God still uses it to encourage me, especially when things get tough. The context is interesting; Jeremiah lives in Jerusalem during the first part of the Babylonian Exile, but this verse is part of a letter that he writes to Jews who had been removed from Jerusalem and exiled to Babylon. They were anticipating that the exile wouldn't last long they would be home soon. But Jeremiah writes to tell them that would not be the case - they were going to be there for the next 70 years. Probably not the news they wanted to here, but in the midst of it Jeremiah tells them that God wasn't finished with them yet, and His plan was to give them a future and a hope. It is a good reminder of the old adage that "Life is hard, but God is good."
4. Book I'm Reading
Crazy Busy by Kevin DeYoung. The book is about developing and maintaining some margins and balance in your life so that in all of the "busyness" of life, you don't lose your mind, health, family or anything else that is important to. DeYoung is a pastor, author, blogger, conference speaker, father and more. He states up front that he is not writing this book as someone who has it all figured out. Rather, he is writing this to help him figure it out.
I'm only a couple of chapters in, but the line that has stuck with is, "When our lives are frantic and frenzied, we are more prone to anxiety, resentment, impatience, and irritability." (p.26) Busyness isn't just a "problem" it can be dangerous to your soul and your relationships.
5. Dad Joke I'm Digging
Why don't crabs volunteer?
Because they're "shellfish." (selfish) 😂😂😂
(Almost) every Monday I text a couple of groups of men. I call it "encouragement" because I figure that is what most of them (and I) need on a Monday morning. Many of these guys pour themselves out for their families, and their jobs during the week and their church on the weekends, and I want to try to pour a little back into them.
I am also trying to be more disciplined in writing and blogging; so to kill-two-birds-with-one-stone so to speak, here is the Monday Morning Encouragement for this week:
Good Monday morning men. A little encouragement from the Lord's word this morning.
Yesterday we studied John 21:15-19, where Jesus forgave Peter and restored his faith. At the end of v.19 it says, John 21:19 NLT ... Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.” These were the same words Jesus used when He first called Peter to be His disciple. Those two words (follow Me) reveal Jesus' love and grace. They are an invitation to a relationship, or in this case a continuing relationship. Jesus wanted Peter to continue in a relationship with Him, and stay close to Him.
Sometimes when I sin and fail, I think the Lord is so disappointed in me that He wouldn't want to even be around me, much less want me to identify with Him. Nothing could be further from the truth. The problem with my thinking is that I focus more on myself and my failure than I do on Jesus and His grace. He reminds me that His grace is greater than any and all sin I have committed. Though there may be consequences for my sin and failure, one thing that never happens is that Jesus gives up on me and distances Himself from me. On the contrary, He comes to me, like He did Peter, and restores me and says, "Keep following Me."
Jesus wants us to stay close to Him even when we have failed. What an amazing Savior!
Love you guys. Praying you have a blessed week!
If you'd like to be added to a text group (guys only 😉) you can comment on this post (only I will see it) and I will reach out to you to get your number (or just text me if you already have my number).
And sometime today, out loud and on purpose, praise the Lord! (DD)
Here is an update on things I've been reading, listening to and pondering this week:
1. VERSE I AM REMEBERING
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 CSB
This week I began participating with the Healthy Eating and Activity Lab (HEAL) at the University of Tennessee, for a study on daily eating patterns for health. The 12-month study will hopefully help me make better food choices for a healthier lifestyle. The verse above reminds me that even what I eat should be done for the glory of God.
2. APP I AM USING
"Libby" is the free library reading app that allows you to digitally check out books for two-week periods, just like you would check out a book from the local library. All you need is a local library card and a compatible device. You can check out both audio and digital books (Kindle). I've been using Libby for a while, mostly with audiobooks that I listen to while I am driving or walking. Check out the APP HERE
3. BOOK I AM LISTENING TO (on Libby)
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. This book was written in 1939 by Carnegie, a Missouri born writer and teacher who became one of the leading motivational speakers in the world. Though the wordage and illustrations are dated, the book is a classic on relationships. The title is a little misleading because it sounds manipulative, but the material is a great primer on how to build solid and lasting relationships and friendships, not just in business but in all areas of life.
4. BOOK I AM READING
One at a Time: The Unexpected Way God Wants to Use You to Change the Worldby Kyle Idleman. I am doing a slow read of this book with a friend (one chapter every two weeks). Idleman is the pastor of Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, one of the largest churches in America. Using episodes from the New Testament that show how God valued individuals, Idleman shows us the Jesus way of changing the world--by loving people one at a time.
5. QUOTE I AM PONDERING
In One at a Time, Idleman points to the story from Acts 8 where God tells Philip to leave a great work that is happening in Samaria, and travel the road from Jerusalem to Gaza (yes, same Gaza as today). On that road he encounters one man, a wealthy Ethiopian eunuch who is reading from Isaiah. Philip gets up in the man's chariot and shares the "good news about Jesus" (v.35). Idleman writes:
"What we have to share with people is good news about Jesus. Philip didn't share his morals or his values or his political views. He pointed to Jesus and got personal enough to invite the Ethiopian man to take the next step closer to God."
It is a great reminder of the message we have to share with the world - the GOOD NEWS about Jesus!
Thanks for reading. Leave a comment or question if you'd like to dialogue about anything!
One of my goals is to be more productive with my blog. I have things I want to share, but I struggle with the discipline to write. My plan is to do better, and to post more regularly on my blog.
I recently started receiving a weekly email from Tim Ferris, author and entrepreneur (check out his blog here). The email is called "5-Bullet Friday" where he shares short points of interest with his readers. To help get me started I am blatantly borrowing his idea and plan to make at least a weekly blog on Fridays of things from my life that I find interesting, and I hope you will too. So here goes ...
1. BIBLE READING PROGRESS
I am using the YouVersion Bible App for my daily Bible reading and following a reading plan from The Bible Project (check out the plan here). This week's readings have been in 2 Kings 1-19. The nations of Israel and Judah are pretty much on a downward spiral and judgement from the nations of Assyria and Babylon is coming. The reading is like watching a train wreck about to happen - you know something bad is coming, but you just can't look away.
2. BIBLE VERSE I AM MEMORIZING/MEDITATING ON
"Cast your burden on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken." Psalm 55:22
Confession - I am guilty of "Yo-Yo" praying about my "burdens." That is, I throw them at the Lord in prayer, but there is an invisible string attached that brings them right back to me, so I don't really turn loose of control. Through this verse God is reminding me that it really doesn't work that way if I want Him to sustain me. The word "cast" in this verse literally means to "throw down" and turn loose of something. I'm learning to cut the string on the Yo-Yo, so to speak.
3. BOOK I'M READING
"Respectable Sins: Confronting the Sins we Tolerate" by Jerry Bridges. (NavPress, 2007). I'm about a third of the way into the book and Bridges has laid out a pretty compelling argument that Christians are hard on blatant sins (and sinners) like adultery, murder, false witness, etc., but tend to be soft on "respectable" sins like pride, unthankfulness, selfishness, anger, sins of the tongue, etc. It's a hard read because it hits so close to home.
4. QUOTE I AM PONDERING
From the above book - Bridges emphasizes the need for Christians to rely on the Holy Spirit not only to deal with sin, but to live a life that honors God:
"Regardless of how much we grow, however, we never get beyond our constant need of the enabling power of the Holy Spirit. Our spiritual life may be compared to the motor of an electric appliance. The motor does the actual work, but it is constantly dependent upon the external power source of the electricity to enable it to work. Therefore we should cultivate and attitude of continual dependance on the Holy Spirit." (pgs. 48-49)
5. DAD JOKE I'M DIGGING
Shared by my friend (and Deacon) Dennis:
A pastor interrupts his sermon to ask three men on the front row: "What would you want your friends and loved ones to say as they are looking down at you in your coffin?"
Tom: "That I was a good husband and father."
Bill: "That I lived a good life of kindness to others."
Dan: "Hey look, he's moving!"
A merry heart does good like a medicine ..." 😊
If you have any thoughts or ideas for future "Five on Friday" blogs, let me know.
