365 Reflections

Psalm 17 provides a pattern for prayer whenever you are facing an hostile enemy. The Psalmist calls out to God and puts his hope purely in God's just ways, saying in verse 2 "let your eyes behold the right!" How confident are we when praying about a difficult relational issue that God will vindicate us? This Psalmist makes certain to check himself first and opens himself to God's own examination. Verses 3-5 are the Psalmist self-examining statements. He truly feels he is in the right and even seeks God's agreement. How we need to make sure we do the same! Sometimes a relationship is difficult because we are the ones in the wrong. Before you pray for God to change your enemies, make sure God doesn't have to first change you. The Psalmist then praise the faithful love of His God. Psalm 17:6–7 (ESV)  I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my words. 7 Wondrously show your steadfast love, O Savior of those who seek re...

What do you put in your finest dish or platter? For whom do you bring out the fine china? The answer will tell you what you value and who you value. The 5th chapter of Recelation takes us to the Throne room of heaven to see Jesus and the 24 elders around the Throne of God. In the midst of these 24 elders and the power and prestige of God himself, this is what it says: Revelation 5:8-10 (ESV)  And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” Did you see what was in the Golden bowls before the thorn of God? The prayers of His peop...