365 Reflections

Psalm 144:1–2 (ESV)   Blessed be the Lord , my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle; 2 he is my steadfast love and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield and he in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me. I've always liked the opening words of this Psalm. David worships God for the fact that He has trained his hands to fight skillfully. Make no mistake, David did not "luckily" win out over his enemies (particularly Goliath). He wasn't a one hit wonder who struck it big at just the right moment. He was always victorious. More importantly, David knew where that victory came from. God had trained his hands and fingers.  I like this passage because it reminds me that our prayers to God are not supposed to simply be desperate pleas cast to heaven like a Hail Mary pass in the 4th quarter when we are down by 7. Sometimes that is the case, but most times God is in the training business.  Jesus TRAINED disciples: Mat...

How do we grow as Christians? Paul says it in Philippians speaking of his ability to handle all kinds of monetary situations: Philippians 4:11–13 (ESV) Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. He learned how to be content in any situation. The arena for growth in the Christian life is circumstances.  Whatever it is about your life that has you frustrated, angry, looking for answers, there's a good chance, it's God's design for growth in your life.  Notice that Paul doesn't gloss over what he went through.  He clearly states that he abounded at times and he was hungry at others.  He learned through it all how to be strong in the Lord.   That's the real Christian's vi...