David had a sense of God’s calling on his life. He wanted to live into that calling fully. He delighted to be what God wanted him to be. Do you believe God has a purpose for you? Do you pray for God’s will to be fulfilled in you? Or are you still asking for your own way?
A messianic prophecy. After the tree of Israel is but a stump, then the Messiah would come. This prophecy was fulfilled in Christ. He is the Branch that bears fruit. We are grafted into this tree by adoption. Believing into His Name we are God’s children.
Are you burdened by a load of care? Do you stoop under its load and feel unable to go on? Why not give them to the One who is able? Stop trying to tough it out and suck it up. Give your cares, worries, and troubles to God. He can carry them and you. Learn to lean.
God still calls. Who will hear it? Who will be like Isaiah and answer “Send me!” Not many, I think. Too many have ears for this world’s security and call. Only a few will hear and answer the Lord. What are you doing with your life?
There is a tendency for humanity to devolve (Not evolve. We’re not getting better.) when the Lord is no longer their God. Unanchored and adrift, their moral compasses reverse poles. North becomes South and vice versa. They celebrate their deviancy and call it freedom. Really, it’s slavery.
Are you having trouble praying because of wandering thoughts? Try praying empty before praying full. Pray out every troublesome thought to God. Name every fear and worry to Him. Pray until your mind is quiet. Then pray to be filled with God’s thinking. Be filled with the Spirit.
Uncontrolled anger is like a forest fire. It consumes all who come near it. Why do we get angry? Usually because we do not get our way or our ego is offended. Are you angry today?
Paul challenges the Corinthian church to let their giving be proof of their love. No one should have to encourage our giving to the one we love. Loving and giving are linked. God so loved that He gave. Our giving, or lack thereof, indicates our love of God.
A goad pokes one along the right path. A nail holds them firmly secure. Do you know and follow the words of the Shepherd? Have you submitted to His prodding? Are you held secure by His Word?
This is not merely expressing regret at wrong, but feeling God’s sorrow at our offense. This spiritual sorrow leads to a commitment to change, wanting no longer to offend God. This leads to our utter dependence on God to save us from our sinfulness, crying “Jesus, have mercy on me a sinner!”