Pastor Jesse's Blog
 
Every week, Pastor Jesse will be posting a new blog, so come back weekly and see what he has to say!
 
Trust and Obey
Monday, June 9, 2008
 
Although I am still very young, 35, the older I get, the more I read scripture, the more knowledge I receive about it, the more I study it, the more I understand it, the more I meditate on it, I realize the simpler the solution to this life really is. The fact is that I love the Bible. I have been to seminary, been to many conferences, wrote many papers, read many books, read through the Bible quite a few times, preached through much of the New Testament and a few books of the Old. I do believe there are many themes to scripture but I have come to the realization that success in this life really comes down to one belief and one action. Trust God and obey (Ps. 37:3). That’s it. As I read through Psalms this year that is really what almost every Psalm is singing about. Here are some of the verses I have read from the last few mornings.

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” 20:7
“For the king trusts in the LORD; through the unfailing love of the Most High he will not be shaken.” 21:7
“Your goodness is so great! You have stored up great blessings for those who honor you. You have done so much for those who come to you for protection, blessing them before the watching world.” 31:19
“The best-equipped army cannot save a king, nor is great strength enough to save a warrior. Don't count on your warhorse to give you victory — for all its strength, it cannot save you. But the LORD watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love.” 33:16-18 (Essentially, only God can save)
“Trust in the LORD and do good.” 37:3 (This is the key to life)
“I will boast only in the LORD; let all who are discouraged take heart.” 34:2 (Boast means confidence. Essentially he is saying he will only put his confidence in the Lord)
“Why am I discouraged? Why so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again my Savior and God.” 42:5; 11; 43:5
“Only by your power can we push back our enemies; only in your name can we trample our foes. I do not trust my bow; I do not count on my sword to save me. It is you who gives us victory over our enemies.” 44:5-7
49:16-20 essentially says that wicked people may be rich and may seem that they are living the good life. But they will take nothing with them to the grave and although this life may seem long, they will face what they sowed in this life for eternity. The point is as it says in Ps. 37:1, “Don't worry about the wicked. Don't envy those who do wrong.” God will work it out for he is just and right.
“Be still, and know that I am God.” 46:10

My friends, this is what it is all about. Do you really trust God? Here is how it works for me. I ask myself, “Do I believe that God is sovereign, meaning completely in control.” The answer is yes. Then I ask, “Do I believe that God is good, meaning do I believe that God will allow or do what is best in all circumstances for the kingdom of God and for me.” The answer again is yes. So what is the problem? It is hard for all of us because although I totally believe that God is sovereign and good I also know that the best way that he produces what he wants in us is often through difficulty. Now, that I don’t like. So what am I to do? In all circumstances I am to trust that God is in complete control and working in my life what is best for me and the Kingdom of God and obey his commands through the difficulty. That, although simplistic, can be one of the most difficult things to do in life. But, I promise it is the most fulfilling life to live here on earth and with out a doubt the most rewarding for eternity.
 
posted by jesse at 2:13 PM
 
Stand Firm
Monday, June 2, 2008
 
In my devotional time today I came across one of my favorite Psalms ever. I will ask you the same question that I ask myself. Do you really want to stand firm for the Lord? If the answer is yes, David shares with us in Psalm 15 what it will take.


Those who lead blameless lives
and do what is right,
speaking the truth from sincere hearts.
Those who refuse to gossip
or harm their neighbors
or speak evil of their friends.
Those who despise persistent sinners,
and honor the faithful followers of the LORD
and keep their promises even when it hurts.
Those who do not charge interest on the money they lend,
and who refuse to accept bribes to testify against the innocent.
Such people will stand firm forever. Psalm 15:2-5

I would encourage you if you truly want to stand firm for God in this ungodly culture to take seriously this charge. Prayerfully ask God to help you achieve these characteristics in your life. You can’t do it by yourself. For the next five days just take one Godly attribute and try to work on it that day.

Day 1: Do what is right in situations that you are tempted to do otherwise.
Day 2: Speak truth from your heart
Day 3: Refuse to gossip
Day 4: Keep your promises even if it hurts. One translation says, “keep your promises even if it ruins you.”
Day 5: Be generous

Don’t forget to ask the Lord for help.
 
posted by jesse at 2:51 PM
 
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