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Daily Devotional - Entries tagged "Psalm"

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WedWednesdayAugAugust11th2010 Waiting in Faith
Posted Wednesday, August 11 2010 @ 5 AM byInTouch Ministries - Dr. Charles Stanley Tagged Audio and Written Combo InTouch Ministries Psalm 0 comments Add comment
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READ | Psalm 33:18-22

Our culture is not one that teaches patience. Just watch the frustration of drivers behind a car that doesn’t start moving the instant the traffic light turns green. Because of a two-second delay, tempers flare and horns honk. Living in a fast-paced culture programs us to expect everything instantly, and that includes answers to our prayers.

At times, I have been very impatient and frustrated with the Lord when He hasn’t operated according to my schedule. I’ve even tried to manipulate the circumstances so I could present Him with the solution and ask for His blessing. But delayed timing from my perspective is perfect timing from His viewpoint. An omniscient God who is the Creator and Ruler of time can never be late.

Waiting on the Lord requires faith. Just because we can’t see what He’s doing does not mean that He is inactive. Our heavenly Father works outside of our visible realm, arranging and orchestrating events to bring about His plan for our lives. His work is like a seed that is planted deep in a garden—we cannot see the underground process. But just as a plant eventually appears, we can likewise trust that in time, the Lord’s ordained outcome will become evident.

The solution to whatever problem you are facing is in God’s hands. By steadfastly clinging to the truth of His love for you, His knowledge of all things, and His power over every obstacle, you can confidently walk by faith and not by sight. In time, your eyes will see proof of His faithfulness.
TueTuesdayAugAugust10th2010 Wait for the Lord
Posted Tuesday, August 10 2010 @ 5 AM byInTouch Ministries - Dr. Charles Stanley Tagged Audio and Written Combo InTouch Ministries Psalm 0 comments Add comment
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READ | Psalm 130:5-8

Right timing is critical in a believer’s walk with the Lord. However, trusting His timing in important decisions, uncertain direction, or pressing needs is extremely difficult when everything within us cries, “Do something!” Because we want action, waiting for God seems so passive.

To wait for the Lord means to pause for further instruction while remaining in the present circumstance. It is a purposeful, expectant focus on God—a choice to be actively still and quiet in our hearts, listening for His voice and watching for His intervention. The wait is not for events to work out as we want, but rather for God’s will to be done.

The Lord’s voice often comes to us through His Word. Because this is His instruction book for our lives, quiet meditation on Scripture is essential. Sometimes when I read my Bible, a passage will jump out at me. The guidance I’m seeking is right there, almost as if it has my name written on it.

At other times, God will use changed circumstances to redirect us, or He will motivate another person to give guidance. However, always remember that any voice offering us direction must align with the Lord’s will as revealed in His Word; otherwise, it is not from Him.

The first step in waiting for the Lord is submission to His choice of how and when He will act. What are you hoping God will do? Are you seeking Him or the thing you want from Him? Because He alone knows what is best for you, let go and trust His choice.
FriFridayAugAugust6th2010 The Key to Life's Good Things
Posted Friday, August 06 2010 @ 5 AM byInTouch Ministries - Dr. Charles Stanley Tagged Audio and Written Combo InTouch Ministries Psalm 0 comments Add comment
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READ | Psalm 34:1-10

Most men and women desire “the good life,” which they picture as a measure of material success, a minimum of troubles, and a degree of happiness. To achieve this dream, some people live simply in a quiet setting, while others work long and hard to amass financial security. Yet, satisfaction and contentment remain elusive for many. That’s because the real key to the good life is to seek hard after our heavenly Father.

In pursuing the Lord, we are to have a relationship-oriented goal—that is, to grow in intimacy with Him. Increasing our knowledge and understanding of His character will deepen our connection to Him.

As we study God’s Word, His Holy Spirit will open our minds and hearts so that we can comprehend the Lord’s beauty and perfection. That will lead to our rejoicing over His kind, compassionate nature and the depth of His love for us (Eph. 3:17-19). Our minds will be in awe of His just and merciful character that enables Him to be both a righteous judge and our all-sufficient advocate (Job 16:19).

The better we know the Lord, the closer we will want to draw near. What’s more, studying His commands and implementing them in our life will also strengthen our relationship with the Creator.

The key to the abundant life is found in pursuing God. He wants us to know Him in increasing measure, give Him first place in our lives, and do what pleases Him. Then He will give us the good things of life—namely, everything that fits into His plan and purpose for us.
ThuThursdayAugAugust5th2010 The Good Life
Posted Thursday, August 05 2010 @ 5 AM byInTouch Ministries - Dr. Charles Stanley Tagged Audio and Written Combo InTouch Ministries Psalm 0 comments Add comment
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READ | Psalm 100:1-5

We all know of people who suffer from deteriorating health, financial reverses, and other troubles. How are we to process such situations in terms of what Scripture teaches about God’s goodness and the expression of His benevolence towards us?

First, God’s character is perfect, and everything He does is right (Deut. 32:4 niv). He is “compassionate and gracious, . . . and abounding in lovingkindness” (Ps. 103:8). By His very nature, God is good. Second, our heavenly Father expresses His goodness based on His purpose of conforming us to the image of Christ (Rom. 8:29). From the Lord’s perspective, everything that fits into His plan is beneficial for us.

The greatest demonstration of the Lord’s goodness is seen in His Son’s life and death. Jesus left His heavenly home, took on the form of man, suffered, and died in our place so we might be forgiven (Phil. 2:6-8). Because of what our Savior endured, we have been adopted into God’s family, and heaven is our eternal home.

At the time of Christ’s crucifixion, the disciples could not see anything beneficial in it. They knew only great sorrow. But we understand that God gave His own Son so that He might accomplish our salvation (Rom. 8:32).

Our definition of the good life would probably include material success, good health, and the absence of trouble—things that make us happy right now. But God has an eternal perspective, and He always works to fulfill His long-term plan for us. We can trust in His goodness, even in dark times.
FriFridayJulJuly30th2010 God's Pathway of Goodness
Posted Friday, July 30 2010 @ 5 AM byInTouch Ministries - Dr. Charles Stanley Tagged Audio and Written Combo InTouch Ministries Psalm 0 comments Add comment
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READ | Psalm 25:4-15

Although the Lord showers His goodness on all men, the ability to perceive and enjoy it is limited by a refusal to reverence Him as God. To experience the fullness of His kindness, we must honor Him by choosing His pathway of submission and obedience. The Lord will never withhold good from those who walk uprightly with Him.

In love and wisdom, the Father has specifically designed a pathway for each of His children. Because no two people are alike, each path will look different. What may be best for one person may not be good for another. Comparison of God’s ways in different lives will lead only to discouragement and misjudgment. We have neither the wisdom nor the eternal perspective to understand why the Lord leads some people down paths of pain and hardship, but we can know that He is always good.

Every step on God’s pathway represents a deliberate choice to follow Him. By looking around instead of fixing our eyes on Jesus, we may start thinking that we are missing out on some really good experiences or possessions. If we leave the Lord’s course to follow a path that looks better, we will forfeit His good blessings and discover, as Adam and Eve did, that any other way leads to loss.

Take time periodically to ask yourself, Am I on the path the Lord has chosen for me, or have I taken a detour to follow another direction that looks good? To build our own course and ignore the goodness and abundance of His pathway is foolishness. God alone knows the way we should take.
ThuThursdayJulJuly29th2010 Discerning God's Goodness
Posted Thursday, July 29 2010 @ 5 AM byInTouch Ministries - Dr. Charles Stanley Tagged Audio and Written Combo InTouch Ministries Psalm 0 comments Add comment
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READ | Psalm 31:19-24

I’ve often heard folks proclaim, “God is good!” when all is going well, but then doubt His benevolence when the blessings they envisioned don’t materialize. Because God alone is good, only He can accurately determine what is best for each person. His kindness is expressed in more ways than simply provision of wealth, health, and relationships. Some of His gifts are experiences we would never choose, but the Lord knows we need them in order to grow in faith, obedience, and perseverance. Consider the following expressions of God’s goodness toward us:

• Loving discipline. Since God’s love is unfailing, He corrects us when we refuse to follow Him and instead go our own way.  The process is painful, but the result is “the peaceful fruit of righteousness” (Heb. 12:11).

• Wise Limitations. Satan offers a world of opportunities and possessions that seem to promise happiness but ultimately draw us away from God. With great wisdom, the Lord lovingly withholds those things that prove detrimental to our spiritual life.

• Useful suffering. God knows which refining experiences we need in order to become fruitful and useful in His Kingdom.  What appears to us as a valley of weeping is God’s valley of preparation for godliness and service.

It can be tempting to interpret God’s character on the basis of our circumstances. If evidence compels us to doubt His goodness, we must remember that while His gifts come in a variety of wrappings, they are always beneficial. As Psalm 34:8 says, “O taste and see that the Lord is good.”
TueTuesdayJulJuly27th2010 The Forgiveness of Our Sins
Posted Tuesday, July 27 2010 @ 5 AM byInTouch Ministries - Dr. Charles Stanley Tagged Audio and Written Combo InTouch Ministries Psalm 0 comments Add comment
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READ | Psalm 103:1-5

Over the years I have heard Christians say, “I think I have committed the unpardonable sin.” Their body language showed the tremendous burden of guilt they carried. Perhaps this describes you or another believer close to you.

Based on the authority of Scripture, I can tell you without reservation that God loves you, and He’s forgiven everyone who has trusted Christ as Savior. The Bible says:

• Jesus’ blood paid our sin debt in full, and He obtained our full pardon (Matt. 26:28).
Every sin—without exception—is covered (Col. 2:13-14).

• Forgiveness is given to everyone who believes in Jesus (Acts 10:43) and remains available to all believers (1 John 1:9).

• Our pardon for sin is based on the riches of our Father’s grace, which always exceeds the offense (Eph. 1:7; Rom. 5:20).

• God doesn’t count past, present, or future transgressions against us (2 Cor. 5:19).

To reconcile us to Himself, God sent His Son to die in our place. He accepted Christ’s sacrifice as payment-in-full for our transgressions. Forgiveness is solely on the basis of our relationship with Jesus, not on our behavior. Because of our faith in Christ’s completed work on the cross, we can be assured that we have received and will continue to receive His divine mercy.

Scripture reassures us that there’s no sin beyond the scope of God’s pardon. This isn’t a license to sin (Rom. 6:1-2). Rather, it should produce in us a passion for holiness. If you are struggling to accept God’s forgiveness, read over these verses, and be thankful for such a great gift.
FriFridayJulJuly9th2010 God's Promise in Context
Posted Friday, July 09 2010 @ 5 AM byInTouch Ministries - Dr. Charles Stanley Tagged Audio and Written Combo InTouch Ministries Psalm 0 comments Add comment
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READ | Psalm 19:7-11

Yesterday we noted that believers must consider the whole counsel of God to understand His promises. For example, the Lord’s commitment to supply our needs
isn’t an isolated pledge without connection to other parts of Scripture.

Trust God to provide. James opens his letter with a strong warning that those who
doubt the Lord can expect nothing from Him (1:6-7). God’s trustworthiness is clear
in Scripture and in believers’ lives, but our wavering confidence undermines His work.

Wait upon His timing (1 Sam. 13:9-13). King Saul took over the prophet Samuel’s
duty and made a pre-battle sacrifice to God. Like so many people who manipulate circumstances and timing, Saul was dissatisfied with the results. He won the war but lost not only God’s favor but also his kingdom. No one gets what he really wants by supplying his own need.

Accept responsibility (Prov. 19:15, 20:4). God does not open a door to opportunity
while we’re lying on the couch. We have to be on the lookout. If we need a job, we should be out making applications. If we want to know the Father’s direction for a hard situation, we need to be seeking Him regularly through prayer and His Word. The Lord goes before us to soften hearts, but we must do our share.

God knows our needs, and He has committed Himself to meeting every one. But He does not make promises in a vacuum. We have a responsibility to trust Him, be patient, and do our part. Then we leave it to the Lord to move heaven and earth to give us what we require.
SatSaturdayJulJuly3rd2010 A Nation That Honors God
Posted Saturday, July 03 2010 @ 5 AM byInTouch Ministries - Dr. Charles Stanley Tagged Audio and Written Combo InTouch Ministries Psalm 0 comments Add comment
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READ | Psalm 72:1-20

Because government is instituted by God as His minister for good (Rom. 13:4), it functions best when leaders honor and obey Him. Throughout Israel’s history, God commended those kings who obeyed His laws and worshiped Him alone. The course of the entire nation was influenced by each king’s beliefs and behavior. Since this principle is still applicable today, righteous leaders have a tremendous potential to affect their nations for good. The Lord will guide and support those who fear Him and seek His wisdom and direction for their decisions.

As important as rulers are in determining a nation’s future, its citizens also play a vital role, especially in democracies where leaders arise from within the populace. An unrighteous constituency rarely elects a godly leader. Yet Christians who share their faith and raise children in God’s ways can have a tremendous impact on their nation’s values and, thereby, on its choice of rulers.

When both leaders and citizens value the Word of God, laws will be enacted which line up with biblical principles and commands. Every instruction in Scripture is given for our protection and benefit.  By aligning our laws with God’s, justice will triumph as the helpless are protected, the guilty are punished, and the innocent are vindicated.

When comparing this ideal to your reality, you might feel discouraged. But no matter what the condition of a nation, you can make a difference in your circle of influence by living righteously in an evil culture and reaching out to share the good news of Christ with a world that has lost its way.
WedWednesdayJunJune30th2010 It Is Good to Be Afflicted
Posted Wednesday, June 30 2010 @ 5 AM byInTouch Ministries - Dr. Charles Stanley Tagged Audio and Written Combo InTouch Ministries Psalm 0 comments Add comment
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READ | Psalm 119:71-76

David rejoiced in affliction because trials added to his knowledge of God. Lessons in the Lord’s constancy, grace, and provision were more valuable to him than a sack of money. Moreover, David’s heart and spirit were enriched as well.

Affliction acts as spiritual fertilizer on a believer’s faith. David’s radical pursuit of the Lord developed while he was running from a murderous king. The years between his victory over Goliath and his ascension to the throne were physically demanding and emotionally draining. Yet the challenges molded the future king into a wise leader, a cunning warrior, and a humble servant of God.

David’s psalms reveal that his struggles taught him dependence on God (Ps. 4), perseverance (Ps. 13), and many other valuable spiritual traits. The Lord also provided comfort even as He stretched the warrior-poet’s faith (Ps. 86:17). As God intended, David’s words offer solace to others who must walk through misery.

By means of affliction, God molds His children into comfort carriers (2 Cor. 1:4). The message we offer is the one we learned in our trials: God is enough. He is sufficient to meet needs when the pit is deep, the obstacle high, or the suffering prolonged. Moreover, our own life proves that hardship makes Christians stronger and wiser.

2 Corinthians 2:14 tells us that believers are a sweet aroma on the earth. Those whom God leads to triumph over affliction become the fragrance of His care to a hurting world. We carry cheer to the discouraged, relief to the hurting, and the message of Christ’s love to all.

FriFridayJunJune25th2010 Wants and Needs: The Difference
Posted Friday, June 25 2010 @ 5 AM byInTouch Ministries - Dr. Charles Stanley Tagged Audio and Written Combo InTouch Ministries Psalm 0 comments Add comment
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READ | Psalm 34:8-10

Sometimes people perceive a desire as a necessity. The heart can become so consumed with a craving that fulfilling it feels critical to well-being. Then, when God does not meet the “need,” anger and frustration result.

Believers wondering why they have been neglected should honestly answer one question: “Is my petition essential to accomplishing God’s purpose, or is it only for my enjoyment?” Beyond basics like food and shelter, necessities might include counseling for a troubled marriage or money for a mission trip. If we can’t complete the Lord’s plan without something, then it is a need, and He will answer when we pray for Him to fulfill that requirement (Phil. 4:19).

God is also pleased to satisfy desires that fit within the confines of His purpose and will (Ps. 37:4). The things we long for bring pleasure, entertainment, or a sense of joy. Many are good and worth pursuing, but they become troublesome when we deem them essential for our plans. God isn’t obligated to grant wishes or fulfill any plans but His own. However, He says that those who seek Him won’t lack any good thing (34:10). Pursuing the Lord above all else means making our desires subject to His will. And when we “delight in the Lord” (37:4), He’ll also shape our desires to be most beneficial.

The heavenly Father wants to be His children’s greatest delight—the One in whom fulfillment and satisfaction are found. When that is true in a believer’s life, then he or she does not require a lot of “stuff,” entertainment, or people in order to be happy. Joy is in the Lord.

ThuThursdayJunJune24th2010 Attributes of God
Posted Thursday, June 24 2010 @ 5 AM byInTouch Ministries - Dr. Charles Stanley Tagged Audio and Written Combo InTouch Ministries Psalm 0 comments Add comment
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READ | Psalm 90:1-2

As believers, we desire to know the One we worship. Human comprehension is limited, yet understanding all we can is very beneficial—it deepens our relationship with the Father and helps us to share our faith with others. With that in mind, let’s explore four attributes of almighty God.

  • He is a “person” (Ex. 20:1-6). We were created with the amazing ability to feel, reason, and make decisions. And God has the capacity for emotion as well—Genesis 1:26 says we were made in His image. And the Scriptures frequently make mention of His feelings, like anger and love.
  • The Lord is spirit (John 4:22-24). Because of this, He has no limitations; He isn’t confined to a body or place, so we can worship in His presence at church while others are experiencing Him elsewhere. What’s more, His Spirit indwells each believer, so we can enjoy His presence and guidance anytime, as long as we don’t allow sin to interfere (Ps. 66:18).
  • God is eternal (Is. 40:28). He always was, is now, and forever will be. Nothing existed before Him or will outlast Him.
  • Our Father is unchangeable (Mal. 3:6). His nature and attributes always remain constant. Yes, God experiences variety in emotions, but not in the essence of His character.

What a blessing that our holy Lord would reveal His character to us through the Bible. And how amazing that He makes it possible for us to have a relationship with Him through His Son Jesus. Praise Him for His attributes, and continue seeking to know Him better through His Word.

SatSaturdayJunJune12th2010 The Privilege of Knowing God
Posted Saturday, June 12 2010 @ 5 AM byInTouch Ministries - Dr. Charles Stanley Tagged Audio and Written Combo InTouch Ministries Psalm 0 comments Add comment
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READ | Psalm 19:1-6

There is no greater privilege than knowing God—and no greater tragedy than failing to develop a relationship with Him. Yet many people live their whole life apart from Jesus, and, therefore, when they die, they are separated from Him eternally.

While on earth, both the righteous and unrighteous enjoy benefits of divine blessing (Matt. 5:45), so those who choose to live without Christ probably have no clue how dreadful a godless eternity will be. Some people seem to ignore the Bible’s warnings about “outer darkness,” “weeping,” and “gnashing of teeth” (Matt. 8:12; 22:13; 25:30; Luke 13:28). Or is it possible they’ve simply never heard the good news of salvation?

Romans 1:18-20 answers that: Creation offers so much evidence of God that man is held accountable for unbelief. Consider nature’s design, beauty, and order—these things don’t just evolve.

What’s more, God reveals Himself in the human conscience (2:14-15). Even societies with no access to Scripture forbid ungodly behaviors like rape, murder, and theft.

In addition, we have God’s revelation of Himself through both His Word and the incarnation of Jesus (John 14:7-9). Christ, who was fully God, became fully man. And His life perfectly demonstrates the heavenly Father’s character and heart.

Can you recognize evidence of the Almighty in creation and in the “law” written on your conscience? Do you seek to know Him better through His Word and the example of Christ? The Lord desires a relationship with you and is calling. Answer with a seeking heart, and watch for God to “show up.”

WedWednesdayMayMay26th2010 Conquering Loneliness
Posted Wednesday, May 26 2010 @ 5 AM byInTouch Ministries - Dr. Charles Stanley Tagged Audio and Written Combo InTouch Ministries Psalm 0 comments Add comment
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READ | Psalm 25:15-22

 I know the pain of loneliness. I was the only child of a single mother who had to work long hours to support us. My adult life has been marked by periods of emotional isolation as well. However, God has never abandoned me to these feelings.

The Lord desires that all people feel connected to Him and to each other. And in fact, we can be quickly comforted when we respond wisely to loneliness.

The first step is to enter into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Believing He exists is not enough. The Lord created mankind for fellowship, which is why a relationship with Him gives people a sense of oneness. The love of Christ squeezes loneliness out of the lives of God’s children.

Second, we must admit that we’re lonely. Some Christians incorrectly think they shouldn’t be susceptible to normal human feelings. But nothing in the Bible says we won’t endure emotional isolation. Not only men like David and Paul, but even the Lord Himself knew the ache of feeling deserted (Ps. 25:16, 2 Tim. 4:16; Matt. 26:40; 27:46).

Finally, we ought to develop godly friends. These are the Christian brothers and sisters who will laugh, cry, and empathize with us. Above all, believers need friends who will continually point them to God and pray over them.

We can’t deny feelings of loneliness, nor can we run from them. A person who seeks ways to escape those feelings only broadens the gap between the Lord and himself. There is just one way to close the chasm and conquer loneliness—by drawing near to the Lord.
FriFridayMayMay21st2010 The Hidden Causes of Anxiety
Posted Friday, May 21 2010 @ 5 AM byInTouch Ministries - Dr. Charles Stanley Tagged Audio and Written Combo InTouch Ministries Psalm 0 comments Add comment
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READ | Psalm 94:19-22

Experiences affect how people think about themselves and what they choose to believe. Sometimes negative events create a hurtful thought pattern that can play in a person’s brain like a continuous tape loop. When that tape gets switched on, it triggers anxiety in the heart of the listener. Shutting it off permanently requires faith in the Lord.

Let me give you an example of what I mean. Suppose that little Tina’s efforts to do well were often rejected by her parents. She heard, “You can do better than that” or “Your sister did much better at your age.” Tina rarely received praise for a job well done. Now an adult, she refuses to apply for a job promotion, even though her boss is encouraging her to do so. Why? Because she fears being found inadequate. Tina may not be able to name her fear, but it certainly holds her back.

There are several other potential root causes of anxiety. An exhaustive list would not fit here, but the following are a few of the more common ones:
  • A belief that one can’t reach a set standard
  • Guilt over past sin
  • An erroneous idea of God as a punisher
  • Attitudes instilled during childhood
Even if one or more sounds familiar, don’t despair. These roots can be yanked out.

When feeling anxious, ask yourself what produced the uneasiness. Knowing which incidents nurture fear can point you to the underlying cause. Let God help you reject the unhealthy thought pattern and replace it with assurance that those who listen to Him live free from the dread of evil (Prov. 1:33).
MonMondayAprApril26th2010 A Special Purpose
Posted Monday, April 26 2010 @ 5 AM byInTouch Ministries - Dr. Charles Stanley Tagged Audio and Written Combo InTouch Ministries Psalm 0 comments Add comment
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READ | Psalm 150

The Lord has made us a special people in order that we may fulfill a special purpose.  Isaiah 43:21 says, “The people I formed for Myself will declare My praise.” An integral part of worshiping the Lord is proclaiming His greatness.

To praise our Father is to applaud Him for who He is and what He has done. This involves the release of our emotions, which frees us to express unrestrained adoration of the Lord. When someone loves another person, the most natural response is to speak highly about the cherished one. In the same way, those who love Christ find that praise comes easily to their lips.

Praising the Lord is good for us. In our self-centered society, people are primarily interested in getting their own needs met. Sadly, this same attitude has infiltrated some churches. But God doesn’t want us to come to church concerned only about ourselves. Praise lifts our eyes to Christ and fills our hearts with the contentment that eludes us when we focus exclusively on personal needs and problems.

Although praise and worship are usually associated with church services, they ought to characterize us wherever we are. Some of the most intimate and precious experiences of worship can happen during times spent alone with God.

If you find that your praise lacks vitality, tell the Lord you want to learn to extol Him with your whole heart. The focus of worship is the key. Remember how God has cared for you, and look for daily evidence of His hand on your life. Then tell Him how great He is.

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