Month: June 2020

Brother, good Tuesday morning to you. I pray Our Lord Jesus’ peace over you today.

Read Psalm 37.

As you read this psalm of David, note the clear delineation between those that pursue the LORD’s ways and His righteousness; and those that are called “wicked” and “evildoers” and “enemies of the LORD”.  Throughout this psalm, the blessings of God for those that walk uprightly are clearly contrasted with the sure destruction and calamity that awaits those that are wicked.

Every day brings more news of the work of the wicked in this world – and, if it were possible, the level of wickedness seems to be increasing!  As Believers, how do we respond?  There are several responses prescribed by our Good God through His word, and one of the responses is clearly contained in today’s passage:  “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret— it only causes harm. For evildoers shall be cut off; But those who wait on the LORD, They shall inherit the earth.” (vv 7- 9).
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As you read today’s scripture, be encouraged. The LORD is in control, and He has an eternal inheritance for those who love Him and His righteousness.  And according to this psalm, while we are waiting on Him, He alone is our strength and our peace and our salvation. He sees the wicked and their works, and He will bring them to their end.

“But the salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; He is their strength in the time of trouble. And the LORD shall help them and deliver them; He shall deliver them from the wicked, And save them, Because they trust in Him.”  Amen!

Good morning, friend!  As we begin this new week that our Good God has given us, let us commit to giving all glory to Him!

Read Romans 12.

In light of the troubles afflicting our country right now, rather than commenting on this important instructional passage, I’d like to pass along the following Tweet sent out by Tony Dungy over the weekend. Coach Dungy is a committed Christian, and in 2007 he became the first African American to lead his team to a Super Bowl title as head coach of the Indianapolis Colts.  Here is Coach Dungy’s pressing call:

“America is in a very sad place today. We have seen a man die senselessly, at the hands of the very people who are supposed to be protecting our citizens. We have seen people protest this death by destroying property and dreams of people in their own community, the very people they are protesting for. We have many people pointing fingers of blame, painting the opposite side with a broad brush. We have anger and bitterness winning out over logic and reason. We have distruct and prejudice winning out over love and respect.

What happened to George Floyd was inexcusable and it should never happen. Justice needs to be served, but in seeking justice we can’t fall into the trap of prejudging every police officer we see. What started out as peaceful protests have devolved into arson and looting and that should never happen, either. Yes there should be protest. But we do not have license to perform criminal acts because we’re angry.

Today we are a divided country. We’re divided racially, politically, and socio-economically. And Satan is laughing at us because that is exactly what he wants. Dysfunction, mistrust, and hatred help this kingdom flourish.

Well, what is the answer then? I believe it has to start with those of us who claim to be Christians. We have to come to the forefront and demonstrate the qualities of the One we claim to follow, Jesus Christ. We can’t be silent. As Dr. King said many years ago, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere!” But we can’t go forward with judgmental, bitter, spirits. We need to be proactive, but do it in the spirit of trying to help make things better. And it can’t be just the African American churches. It has to be ALL churches taking a stand and saying “We are going to be on the forefront of meaningful dialogue and meaningful change.” We have to be willing to speak the truth in love but we have to recognize that we are not fighting against other people. We are fighting against Satan and his kingdom of spiritual darkness.

In the words of the Apostle Paul, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Roman 12:21 NIV”.

Amen!