Psalm 28:6-7 (The Message)
A David Psalm
6-7Blessed be God -
he heard me praying.
He proved he's on my side;
I've thrown my lot in with him.
Now I'm jumping for joy,
and shouting and singing my thanks to him.
Yesterday, my wife and I were discussing a friend who was involved in a terrible accident. In the moment, I was struck but what a gift every day is. What a gift we have in every moment that we have with our loved ones. Even though, in these moments we understand the magnitude of these gifts it is all too common that after some time we tend to take these gifts for granted. The daily, instead of becoming a gift, becomes routine.
There is a way to turn the tide on this attitude of the routine, the accepted, and the mundane. The first step is daily reminders of the gifts we are given. This is in daily time with God, whether in prayer or meditation, or something similar. Something, and some time, that should help us make that connection with our higher power. The second step is in gratitude. Taking no moment or experience for granted. Making use of every minute. Share emotions and thoughts to let people know you care. And, it should go without saying, thank God. Do it loudly. Thank him Joyfully...Shouting...Singing - just like it says in Psalm 28 above. Taking these steps will start to turn the tide on your attitude and in your life's path. At least, that's what I've found.
Dear Lord, this is the day that you have made, I will rejoice and be glad in it. Thank you for this day. Please help me use it to be an instrument of your peace - that I would bring light where there is darkness. All to often, I take these gifts, of yours, for granted. I become distracted from what is truly important and don't use these gifts fully. Today, I will make a more conscious effort to recognize the great opportunities that this day presents and show my gratitude by making the most of this day. I will also show my gratitude with a joyful and positive attitude - showing that God has answered my prayers. For I am sober and free of my addictions and that is reason enough to be joyful. Of course, God, I pray that you be with those who struggle with addiction - guide them to a place where they may see that recovery, in your word, is possible. I pray that you may answer their prayers the same you answered mine. It is all these things I pray, in the name of your son and our savior, Jesus Christ, AMEN.
Thanks for letting me share.
Saturday, October 8, 2016
Thursday, September 1, 2016
Psalm 27:4 (MSG) I'm asking God for one thing, only one thing
Psalm 27:4 (The Message)
A David Psalm
4I’m asking God for one thing,
only one thing:
To live with him in his house
my whole life long.
I’ll contemplate his beauty;
I’ll study at his feet.
It just so happens that I attended a memorial service yesterday for a friend and in that service they read from Psalm 27. The fact that it was Psalm 27, of all bible verses, and even of all the psalms, was a reminder from God that I needed to get back to studying at his feet.
There is nothing like the passing of a friend (especially one who seems to be too young and too vibrant to be called back to God) to frame the fragility of life and how valuable every minute we have on earth is. To remind us how important it is to make sure the ones we love know how important they are to us. Or to understand how important it is that every day be used for doing God's work in our lives.
So, it is in this frame of mind that at the end of my life I hope that I can look back and say that I have lived, with him, in his house, my whole life long. For I know that true peace has come while studying the Psalms, at his feet, removed from the buzz and noise of the world. For as Psalm 27 tells us when God is at my side I have nothing to fear. That is the nature of the peace studying at his feet.
Dear Lord, I ask one thing, only one thing, to live with you in your house my whole life. That I may, in spite of the noise and busy-ness that this world presents, that I may continue to find refuge in your peace. In finding this peace that I can share it with others, and be instrument of your peace. That I may emulate Jesus, and many others, who have brought calm in the face of terror and evil. That I would bring faith in the face of doubt. That I would seek not so much to be understood, as to understand. At this time be with all of us who mourn for the recent loss of a brother or sister. Help us, and comfort us, in the understanding of the peace that you have given those who you have called back. As I often do, be with the addicts who still suffer, help them understand the transformative power you hold. That despite the limited time we have everything is possible, even recovery of the worst addiction. All of these things I pray in Jesus' name - Amen.
Thanks for letting me share.
A David Psalm
4I’m asking God for one thing,
only one thing:
To live with him in his house
my whole life long.
I’ll contemplate his beauty;
I’ll study at his feet.
It just so happens that I attended a memorial service yesterday for a friend and in that service they read from Psalm 27. The fact that it was Psalm 27, of all bible verses, and even of all the psalms, was a reminder from God that I needed to get back to studying at his feet.
There is nothing like the passing of a friend (especially one who seems to be too young and too vibrant to be called back to God) to frame the fragility of life and how valuable every minute we have on earth is. To remind us how important it is to make sure the ones we love know how important they are to us. Or to understand how important it is that every day be used for doing God's work in our lives.
So, it is in this frame of mind that at the end of my life I hope that I can look back and say that I have lived, with him, in his house, my whole life long. For I know that true peace has come while studying the Psalms, at his feet, removed from the buzz and noise of the world. For as Psalm 27 tells us when God is at my side I have nothing to fear. That is the nature of the peace studying at his feet.
Dear Lord, I ask one thing, only one thing, to live with you in your house my whole life. That I may, in spite of the noise and busy-ness that this world presents, that I may continue to find refuge in your peace. In finding this peace that I can share it with others, and be instrument of your peace. That I may emulate Jesus, and many others, who have brought calm in the face of terror and evil. That I would bring faith in the face of doubt. That I would seek not so much to be understood, as to understand. At this time be with all of us who mourn for the recent loss of a brother or sister. Help us, and comfort us, in the understanding of the peace that you have given those who you have called back. As I often do, be with the addicts who still suffer, help them understand the transformative power you hold. That despite the limited time we have everything is possible, even recovery of the worst addiction. All of these things I pray in Jesus' name - Amen.
Thanks for letting me share.
Tuesday, August 2, 2016
Psalm 26:2 (MSG): Examine Me God, From Head To Foot
Psalm 26:2 (The Message)
A David Psalm
2Examine me, GOD, From Head to Foot,
order your battery of tests.
Make sure I'm fit
inside and out
How cool would it be if we could get a "spiritual" - I'm thinking along the lines of an annual physical a family doctor would give. Instead of checking your body, would check your heart, your soul. Instead of checking say blood pressure, maybe there would be a check for generosity or sacrifice. Instead of a check for cholesterol...maybe, a check for sinful thoughts? Too crazy? Hopefully, the prescription would me more prayer instead of more pills.
At least there'd finally be a way to measure how we're doing in Gods eyes. We could get feedback to see where we're doing well or maybe where we need to make appropriate changes. In the same way we make changes to diet after our annual physical shows high blood sugar or high cholesterol. Maybe the feedback from God would be, "You've been too self-centered..," or "...you need more time in church..." or "...I expect you to be more generous with your gifts." Or maybe...we know in our hearts and conscience what God would tell us if he were to "examine" us from head to foot. But maybe it would be more critical if it came in the form an "spiritual" - we would take the change we need to make more seriously, and with higher priority.
Dear God, examine me from head to foot. Today, I ask that You help me to see myself through Your eyes, from Your perspective. Run a battery of tests on my soul and guide me to live the life You have planned for me. That I may praise You - and give credit where I see Your hand in my life. That I may follow, truly follow, in Your son Jesus' path. That I may willingly sacrifice and be the light where there is darkness. That I may show others there are ways out of addiction. That although life me be complicated and, at times, overwhelming, that there are other tools to cope, other than drugs, alcohol, or sex. That I may show that there is help if, and when, you are willing to ask. All these things I ask in Your name, amen.
Thanks for letting me share.
A David Psalm
2Examine me, GOD, From Head to Foot,
order your battery of tests.
Make sure I'm fit
inside and out
How cool would it be if we could get a "spiritual" - I'm thinking along the lines of an annual physical a family doctor would give. Instead of checking your body, would check your heart, your soul. Instead of checking say blood pressure, maybe there would be a check for generosity or sacrifice. Instead of a check for cholesterol...maybe, a check for sinful thoughts? Too crazy? Hopefully, the prescription would me more prayer instead of more pills.
At least there'd finally be a way to measure how we're doing in Gods eyes. We could get feedback to see where we're doing well or maybe where we need to make appropriate changes. In the same way we make changes to diet after our annual physical shows high blood sugar or high cholesterol. Maybe the feedback from God would be, "You've been too self-centered..," or "...you need more time in church..." or "...I expect you to be more generous with your gifts." Or maybe...we know in our hearts and conscience what God would tell us if he were to "examine" us from head to foot. But maybe it would be more critical if it came in the form an "spiritual" - we would take the change we need to make more seriously, and with higher priority.
Dear God, examine me from head to foot. Today, I ask that You help me to see myself through Your eyes, from Your perspective. Run a battery of tests on my soul and guide me to live the life You have planned for me. That I may praise You - and give credit where I see Your hand in my life. That I may follow, truly follow, in Your son Jesus' path. That I may willingly sacrifice and be the light where there is darkness. That I may show others there are ways out of addiction. That although life me be complicated and, at times, overwhelming, that there are other tools to cope, other than drugs, alcohol, or sex. That I may show that there is help if, and when, you are willing to ask. All these things I ask in Your name, amen.
Thanks for letting me share.
Saturday, July 9, 2016
Psalm 25:4 (MSG): School me in your ways
Psalm 25
A David Psalm
4Show me how you work, GOD;
School me in your ways.
Psalm 25 has been an amazing prayer for me to meditate on. When I first started drafting this entry there was a lot going on. I was struggling at work, I felt overwhelmed, and I didn't know what to do. In fact at one point I said, unconsciously, "I'm dying here." Despite my best effort many thing went...well, wrong....against me. Over the time, just in a few short weeks, since I started meditating on this little line it has been amazing the teachers that God has put into my life to teach me of His ways. It amazing, once I opened myself to His teachings, to see that my life is transforming once, again.
Part of the lesson has been how God responds to our prayer. As corny as this sounds, I think Morgan Freeman said it best in Evan Almighty:
"If someone prays for patience do you think God gives them patience? Or does He give them the opportunity to be patient? If someone prayed for courage does God give them courage? Or does He give him opportunities to be courageous?" In the same way, when we pray to be schooled and taught in His ways he give us challenging situations in which to learn from. Whether that's a challenging co-worker, or an addiction, or a conflict with somebody we love dearly.
Let's pray. Dear God - show us how you work. The world, which You have laid out for us is often complicated and overwhelming. The plan that You have for us in that world is often less clear. So, we plead, school us in Your ways and Your plans. Give us just a glimmer of clarity and shed some light on Your ways. Open our hearts and our minds to those people in our lives who You call to guide us and teach us. Especially those of us who are struggling with addiction. Give us a sign of Your love and that you are with us. Teach us how to overcome the evil of addiction that has too much power over our lives and thoughts. In our battle over addiction, give us patience (to accept the things we cannot change), courage (to change the things we can) and wisdom (to know the difference). Finally, give us opportunities that we may teach others in Your ways. That we may be a guide in this confusing and overwhelming world that we live. All of these things I pray in Your sons name, Jesus Christ - AMEN.
Thanks for letting me share.
A David Psalm
4Show me how you work, GOD;
School me in your ways.
Psalm 25 has been an amazing prayer for me to meditate on. When I first started drafting this entry there was a lot going on. I was struggling at work, I felt overwhelmed, and I didn't know what to do. In fact at one point I said, unconsciously, "I'm dying here." Despite my best effort many thing went...well, wrong....against me. Over the time, just in a few short weeks, since I started meditating on this little line it has been amazing the teachers that God has put into my life to teach me of His ways. It amazing, once I opened myself to His teachings, to see that my life is transforming once, again.
Part of the lesson has been how God responds to our prayer. As corny as this sounds, I think Morgan Freeman said it best in Evan Almighty:
"If someone prays for patience do you think God gives them patience? Or does He give them the opportunity to be patient? If someone prayed for courage does God give them courage? Or does He give him opportunities to be courageous?" In the same way, when we pray to be schooled and taught in His ways he give us challenging situations in which to learn from. Whether that's a challenging co-worker, or an addiction, or a conflict with somebody we love dearly.
Let's pray. Dear God - show us how you work. The world, which You have laid out for us is often complicated and overwhelming. The plan that You have for us in that world is often less clear. So, we plead, school us in Your ways and Your plans. Give us just a glimmer of clarity and shed some light on Your ways. Open our hearts and our minds to those people in our lives who You call to guide us and teach us. Especially those of us who are struggling with addiction. Give us a sign of Your love and that you are with us. Teach us how to overcome the evil of addiction that has too much power over our lives and thoughts. In our battle over addiction, give us patience (to accept the things we cannot change), courage (to change the things we can) and wisdom (to know the difference). Finally, give us opportunities that we may teach others in Your ways. That we may be a guide in this confusing and overwhelming world that we live. All of these things I pray in Your sons name, Jesus Christ - AMEN.
Thanks for letting me share.
Monday, June 13, 2016
Psalm 24:1-2(MSG) God claims world and all who live on it
Psalm 24
A David Psalm
1-2God claims Earth and everything in it,
God claims World and all who live on it.
He built it on Ocean foundations,
laid it out on River girders.
The first two verses of Psalm 24 remind me that this is the day that the Lord has made. This day, this world, this earth - god has made and given to us. We have a choice, every day, whether we take it for granted or to actually fulfill something greater. Today, I am going to make a conscious decision to let God use me, where I am, to spread his message of hope and peace. As I learned in the 3rd step prayer (see below), I desire to fulfill his claim on my life and world.
Before I go into prayer today I would like to discuss the martial arts concept of Kata, which I was reminded of last week. One aspect of Kata practice is that it is done in a repetitive manner so that the movements and techniques are internalized with the goal that they be executed and adapted under different circumstances, without hesitation or thought. This the way a martial arts master's moves appear simple and smooth. As addicts, I believe we can apply the repetitive practice concepts of Kata to prayers, repeating them daily, until we can use them to master any situation we face. Many of you may recognize the third step prayer verses in my prayer today - and part of my Kata.
God I offer myself to Thee -
To build with me
and do with me what as Thou wilt.
Relieve me of the bondage of self,
that I may better do thy will.
Take away my difficulties,
that victory over them may bear witness
to those I would help of Thy Power,
Thy Love, and Thy Way of life.
May I do Thy will always...
Take my hands and let them move at the impulse of Thy Love,
Take my feet and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee,
Take my lips and let them be filled with messages from Thee,
Take my intellect and use every power as Thou choose,
Take my will, and make it Thine; It shall no longer be mine...
All these things I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.
Thanks for letting me share.
A David Psalm
1-2God claims Earth and everything in it,
God claims World and all who live on it.
He built it on Ocean foundations,
laid it out on River girders.
The first two verses of Psalm 24 remind me that this is the day that the Lord has made. This day, this world, this earth - god has made and given to us. We have a choice, every day, whether we take it for granted or to actually fulfill something greater. Today, I am going to make a conscious decision to let God use me, where I am, to spread his message of hope and peace. As I learned in the 3rd step prayer (see below), I desire to fulfill his claim on my life and world.
Before I go into prayer today I would like to discuss the martial arts concept of Kata, which I was reminded of last week. One aspect of Kata practice is that it is done in a repetitive manner so that the movements and techniques are internalized with the goal that they be executed and adapted under different circumstances, without hesitation or thought. This the way a martial arts master's moves appear simple and smooth. As addicts, I believe we can apply the repetitive practice concepts of Kata to prayers, repeating them daily, until we can use them to master any situation we face. Many of you may recognize the third step prayer verses in my prayer today - and part of my Kata.
God I offer myself to Thee -
To build with me
and do with me what as Thou wilt.
Relieve me of the bondage of self,
that I may better do thy will.
Take away my difficulties,
that victory over them may bear witness
to those I would help of Thy Power,
Thy Love, and Thy Way of life.
May I do Thy will always...
Take my hands and let them move at the impulse of Thy Love,
Take my feet and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee,
Take my lips and let them be filled with messages from Thee,
Take my intellect and use every power as Thou choose,
Take my will, and make it Thine; It shall no longer be mine...
All these things I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.
Thanks for letting me share.
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
Psalm 23 (KJV): The LORD is my shepherd...He restoreth my soul
Psalm 23
A David Psalm
1The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3He restoreth my soul:
he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;
thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:
thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life:
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Today I am taking a break from The Message. With the kind of gaps that I have in my blog it's not like I need any kind of break from psalms. Nevertheless, Psalm 23, probably the most popular psalm there is only sounds right in its most original form. Other translations don't seem to do it justice. And so I meditate on this version of Psalm 23 in the midst of temptation surrounding me.
It is with huge gratitude that I have God's word at this time. I am unable to sleep. I am travelling by myself. Usually for me this is a prime situation when I fall into the traps of my sexual addiction and scan all aspects of the internet for porn and sex. To think this is my proverbial valley of darkness now, compared to what it once was, or what it could have been, is pretty amazing. His shepherd's crook is a comfort to me, especially of the possibilities my life now has. Surely I have gifts of God's giving and my cup runneth over. I pray that I can continue to dwell in His house forever.
It is often at this time that I pray for the addicts that still suffer. Today, however, I'd like to recognize that addicts aren't the only victims of addiction and pray for all of the victims of addiction. Especially the parents, friends, children, and loved ones who are abused by the addict, sometimes physically as well as mentally. I'd like to pray for their wisdom, love, strength and courage in the face of an addict in their life. God, I was recently told me that addiction is infinitely patient, waiting for the right instances to strike. You've taught us that love, however, is the more patient. And so I pray for this kind love for the victims - that can help them separate the disease of addiction from the person they love. That they have the courage to stand-up to the addiction while loving the person. I pray that God, you can give them the wisdom to know the difference. For this is even a hard distinction for, we, addicts to make. So I pray these things for all addicts to have as well, the love of oneself, and the courage and endurance to fight the addiction within us. This is important, because regardless of the success we've had in the past it is a struggle that will always be one we face. And I pray that we addicts remember that we are not our addiction - and that we remember that You, God, have a bigger and better plan than what our addiction would have of us. All of these things I pray in Jesus' name - AMEN.
Thanks for letting me share.
A David Psalm
1The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3He restoreth my soul:
he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;
thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:
thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life:
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Today I am taking a break from The Message. With the kind of gaps that I have in my blog it's not like I need any kind of break from psalms. Nevertheless, Psalm 23, probably the most popular psalm there is only sounds right in its most original form. Other translations don't seem to do it justice. And so I meditate on this version of Psalm 23 in the midst of temptation surrounding me.
It is with huge gratitude that I have God's word at this time. I am unable to sleep. I am travelling by myself. Usually for me this is a prime situation when I fall into the traps of my sexual addiction and scan all aspects of the internet for porn and sex. To think this is my proverbial valley of darkness now, compared to what it once was, or what it could have been, is pretty amazing. His shepherd's crook is a comfort to me, especially of the possibilities my life now has. Surely I have gifts of God's giving and my cup runneth over. I pray that I can continue to dwell in His house forever.
It is often at this time that I pray for the addicts that still suffer. Today, however, I'd like to recognize that addicts aren't the only victims of addiction and pray for all of the victims of addiction. Especially the parents, friends, children, and loved ones who are abused by the addict, sometimes physically as well as mentally. I'd like to pray for their wisdom, love, strength and courage in the face of an addict in their life. God, I was recently told me that addiction is infinitely patient, waiting for the right instances to strike. You've taught us that love, however, is the more patient. And so I pray for this kind love for the victims - that can help them separate the disease of addiction from the person they love. That they have the courage to stand-up to the addiction while loving the person. I pray that God, you can give them the wisdom to know the difference. For this is even a hard distinction for, we, addicts to make. So I pray these things for all addicts to have as well, the love of oneself, and the courage and endurance to fight the addiction within us. This is important, because regardless of the success we've had in the past it is a struggle that will always be one we face. And I pray that we addicts remember that we are not our addiction - and that we remember that You, God, have a bigger and better plan than what our addiction would have of us. All of these things I pray in Jesus' name - AMEN.
Thanks for letting me share.
Sunday, February 21, 2016
Psalm 22:6-8 (MSG) Here I am...something to step on
Psalm 22:6-8 (The Message)
A David Psalm
6-8And here I am, a nothing—an earthworm,
something to step on, to squash.
Everyone pokes fun at me;
they make faces at me, they shake their heads:
“Let’s see how God handles this one;
since God likes him so much, let him help him!”
Let's face it we all have bad days. Days where things go wrong. I had one of those yesterday. It feels like the worst day in at least a year. Possibly more than 5. Sometimes it happens because of things we can control - like when we forget something important. Other times we have no control over it at all, like when somebody we love dies. The times when we have control it seem worse, we feel so stupid, so little, like an earthworm. It makes you want to shrink up into a hole and hide-away. Or worse, it makes you want to bury it in addiction to cover it up.
As David writes here, "Let's see how God handles this one." Do we let God handle this one? Do we really have the faith that these bad days are part of his plan. That these bad days are making us stronger? That these bad days are preparing us for something bigger? These days obviously test our faith. We need to take a deep breath and turn it over to God and let him handle them. Especially on those days where we have made a mess of things. I find it's easy to turn things over that were out of my control...however, messes I created or could have prevented are much harder. I tend to dwell on them and beat myself up, well beyond anything that makes sense. I dwell on the situation beyond the the point of making things right, again. So, today I will trust in his plan and will not bury the situation in my addiction.
Dear God, give me perspective I need to understand we are living under your plan. Thank you for your people, who surround me and give me this perspective. Continue to have them surround me that I may have this perspective to be free of my addictions. Give me strength and faith on days where I struggle. Strength and perseverance to get through the trial, without falling back on my addiction, and faith that I will know that you are preparing me for something bigger. For I know that you do not call those who are prepared, rather that you prepare those who are called. And these trials are preparing me for to be in service to you and your people. For that I am ready to be prepared. Lastly, I want to pray for the addicts that still suffer. Give them this same perspective, strength and faith, which I pray for, that they may come to you and live free from their addiction before they are overcome by their addiction. All this I pray in your name. Amen.
A David Psalm
6-8And here I am, a nothing—an earthworm,
something to step on, to squash.
Everyone pokes fun at me;
they make faces at me, they shake their heads:
“Let’s see how God handles this one;
since God likes him so much, let him help him!”
Let's face it we all have bad days. Days where things go wrong. I had one of those yesterday. It feels like the worst day in at least a year. Possibly more than 5. Sometimes it happens because of things we can control - like when we forget something important. Other times we have no control over it at all, like when somebody we love dies. The times when we have control it seem worse, we feel so stupid, so little, like an earthworm. It makes you want to shrink up into a hole and hide-away. Or worse, it makes you want to bury it in addiction to cover it up.
As David writes here, "Let's see how God handles this one." Do we let God handle this one? Do we really have the faith that these bad days are part of his plan. That these bad days are making us stronger? That these bad days are preparing us for something bigger? These days obviously test our faith. We need to take a deep breath and turn it over to God and let him handle them. Especially on those days where we have made a mess of things. I find it's easy to turn things over that were out of my control...however, messes I created or could have prevented are much harder. I tend to dwell on them and beat myself up, well beyond anything that makes sense. I dwell on the situation beyond the the point of making things right, again. So, today I will trust in his plan and will not bury the situation in my addiction.
Dear God, give me perspective I need to understand we are living under your plan. Thank you for your people, who surround me and give me this perspective. Continue to have them surround me that I may have this perspective to be free of my addictions. Give me strength and faith on days where I struggle. Strength and perseverance to get through the trial, without falling back on my addiction, and faith that I will know that you are preparing me for something bigger. For I know that you do not call those who are prepared, rather that you prepare those who are called. And these trials are preparing me for to be in service to you and your people. For that I am ready to be prepared. Lastly, I want to pray for the addicts that still suffer. Give them this same perspective, strength and faith, which I pray for, that they may come to you and live free from their addiction before they are overcome by their addiction. All this I pray in your name. Amen.
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