a mere breath

Posted on February 9, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

LAND44 (3)Psalm 39

Suffering gives the psalmist perspective on life.  Unlike Job, who insisted on his innocence, and was proven right, the psalmist admits that his suffering is discipline, rebuke for sin.  It also reminds him of the brevity of his life.  Here is no deluded philosopher, convinced of the immortality of his soul.  These are the words of a man who is wholly dependent upon his creator for life.  Instead of ignoring his mortality, he prays that he might embrace it. He asks the LORD to let him know how fleeting he is (4).  Knowing his limits will help him to stay faithful to the LORD.

LORD, our lives are mere breaths. Teach us to use them wisely.

Posted in conditional immortality, David, dependence upon God, faithfulness | Tagged | 1 Comment

relying on His greatness

Posted on February 9, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

LAND43 (3)2 Chronicles 13

Abijah and his army was greatly outnumbered.  It was like a replay of his ancestor against Goliath.  His enemies were the armies of Jeroboam.  His tactics were to let the enemy know that the LORD was with Abijah’s army at the head, because he had promised the kingdom to David. Also Abijah reminded the Israelites that they had sent away the Levites, replacing them with an illegitimate priesthood.  Finally, when his army was surrounded by the superior force of the Israelites, they all cried out to the LORD as their battle cry.  Half a million enemy soldiers died that day, not because Abijah was a great king, but because Judah served a great God.

LORD, we choose to rely on your greatness to bring us success today.

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down time

Posted on February 8, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

LAND41 (3)Psalm 38

These are the words of a man who is in physical and mental anguish because of his sins, who feels all alone in the world.  His only hope is the one he has offended most.  Yet, he pleads for the LORD’s forgiveness and restoration.  He waits for the LORD, confident that the LORD will answer.  He only pleads that it be soon, so that his enemies do not use his down time to ridicule his faith in the LORD.

LORD, come quickly and rescue us.  Do not let us be put to shame, because we hope in you.

Posted in confession, David, deliverance, dependence upon God, hope | Tagged | 1 Comment

new normal

Posted on February 8, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

LAND40 (3)2 Chronicles 12

After abandoning the LORD, Rehoboam was humbled by a foreign invasion, but not completely destroyed.  The LORD wanted him to know the difference between serving him and serving other gods.  The difference was that Rehoboam and his people enjoyed a measure of peace and a measure of war.  They had their feet in both worlds, and considered it normal. 

LORD, may we never settle for a new normal.  We seek your kingdom and your righteousness alone.

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no more

Posted on February 7, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

LAND39 (3)Psalm 37

David encourages his listeners to realize that even though they will face adversaries, they should not worry, because all God’s enemies will eventually be destroyed.  Soon they will be “no more” (10,36).  Evil has no future in God’s universe.  This is not a guarantee that we will never suffer in this life.  It just gives us perspective that allows us to face this suffering without despair.

LORD, give us eyes to see your justice, so that we do not worry about the things we face.

Posted in courage, David, dependence upon God | Tagged | 1 Comment

this thing is from me

Posted on February 7, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

LAND38 (3)2 Chronicles 11

God told Rehoboam not to engage in battle against his relatives because “this thing is from me.”  The rebellion, the division, all of it was the working out of God’s ultimate plan.  Often or tendency is to react to what is going on around us, and God wants us to concentrate of living lives of integrity amidst the turmoil.  He has control over the circumstances that we think need to be changed.  He is more concerned that we change.

LORD, give us the courage to trust you, even when things do not change the way we want.

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steadfast love

Posted on February 6, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

LAND37 (3)Psalm 36

The threats the psalmists calls to our attention are very real, because there are people who are deeply invested in transgression.  They do not fear God, and are constantly plotting trouble for others.  But God’s steadfast faithfulness and righteousness is just as real and just as constant.  We may blow left and right with each strong wind, but God stays faithful to himself.  He can be relied upon to rescue us.

LORD, thank you for the reality of your steadfast love.

Posted in dependence upon God, enemies, faithfulness, love | Tagged | 1 Comment

an imperfect union

Posted on February 6, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

LAND36 (3)2 Chronicles 10

God’s judgment upon the house of David prophesied by Ahijah began in this way: the LORD allowed Rehoboam to refuse to listen to his people.  That was all that was needed for the union to unravel.  It was that imperfect of a union.

We must understand the need for communication in leadership.  We must never allow pride to cause us to tune down the feedback so necessary for our churches and businesses. 

LORD, keep us tuned in to those we serve.  

Posted in Jeroboam, leadership, pride, Rehoboam | Tagged | 1 Comment

betrayed

Posted on February 5, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

LAND35 (3)Psalm 35

David feels betrayed.  The very friends that he remembers praying and fasting for are now attacking him, and relishing in his troubles.  He can only appeal to the righteous judge of all the earth.  There are some things that are so unfair that only God can make them right again.  When we feel betrayed by those we depended on, only God can sort it all out.

LORD, we hand our life situation over to you.  We trust you to prevail.

Posted in conflict, David, dependence upon God | Tagged | 1 Comment

evaluation results

Posted on February 5, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

LAND34 (3)2 Chronicles 9

The queen of Sheba examined all the aspects of Solomon’s rule and life and concluded that God loved Israel, so set him up as their king.  Her evaluation of Solomon’s leadership was a reflection not on his power or wealth as much as it was his being a symbol of the LORD’s blessing. 

We should learn to lead in such a way that people look at us and our relationships and see the Holy Spirit inside us.  That is the kind of leaders that the world needs.

LORD, make us leaders who reflect your grace.

Posted in grace, leadership, Solomon | Tagged | Leave a comment