Hope in the Lord

Hope In The Lord

By George Stahnke December 23, 20182

Psalm 42:6 (ESV) Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation

While many celebrate the joy of the season, there are others who struggle with regret, and deep pain. I have a dear friend who will face this Christmas for the first time without his beloved wife who recently died! I know of another woman whose son committed suicide last month, and a precious brother in the Lord who is separated from his wife and children.

For those I have mentioned and so many others, it is a time of mixed emotion. Still they are grateful for the gift of Jesus and all that his sacrifice brings to us. Their hope is in God and the truths in His Word.

I response to this verse C.H. Spurgeon wrote: "If every evil be let loose from Pandora's box, yet is there hope at the bottom. This is the grace that swims, though the waves roar and be troubled. God is unchangeable, and therefore his grace is the ground for unshaken hope. If everything be dark, yet the day will come, and meanwhile hope carries stars in her eyes; her lamps are not dependent on oil from without, her light is fed by secret visitations of God, which sustain the spirit.”

To all my dear friends, have a blessed Christmas celebration as we all remember and cling to the Lord Jesus Christ who is our Prince of Peace and Savior!

An undivided heart

PBJ Sunday, December 9, 2018

Psalm 86:11 (AMPC) Teach me Your way, O Lord, that I may walk and live in Your truth; direct and unite my heart [solely, reverently] to fear and honor Your name. 

The human heart is easily swayed by the cares of this life, fear of the unknown, and easily gravitating to that which is comfortable and familiar. The heart is also influenced by demonic spirits, bringing temptation to our mind, pushing us toward compromise and a divided heart!

Commenting on this verse Adam Clarke wrote, "Join all the purposes, resolutions, and affections of my heart together, to fear and to glorify thy name. This is a most important prayer. A divided heart is a great curse; scattered affections are a miserable plague. When the heart is not at unity with itself, the work of religion cannot go on. Indecision of mind and division of affections mar any work. The heart must be one, that the work may be one. If this be wanting, all is wrong. This is a prayer which becomes the mouth of every Christian."

If we are to live our lives well, to honor Christ, to be an example to our family, friends and coworkers, then we must with all sincerity adopt this prayer of David. This must be our daily devotion our constant goal.

 Dear Lord, you know my human frailty, my spirit is willing my flesh is weak! Help me to walk humbly before you. Give me courage to resist the negative influences of this world and the demonic temptations of the enemy of my soul. Give me an undivided heart that I may follow you all the days of my life, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.

Generational Curse?

By George M Stahnke 06/25/2018

This morning in my PBJ devotional time I read the following verse. . .

You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me. Exodus 20:5 (ESV)

I was reminded of the many people that have talked to me over the years, wondering, fearful that they were under some kind of “generational curse.”  If you are that persuasion I want to submit the following except for your consideration.  

“This does not mean God punishes people directly for the sins of their ancestors. The important words are of those who hate Me. If the descendants love God, they will not have the iniquity of the fathers visited on them.

i. “‘This necessarily implies – IF the children walk in the steps of their fathers; for no man can be condemned by Divine justice for a crime of which he was never guilty.” (Clarke)

ii. “Children who repeat the sins of their father evidence it in personally hating god; hence they too are punished like their fathers.” (Kaiser)

vs. 6 But showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.  It’s possible for everyone to receive God’s mercy; if they will only turn to Him in love and obedience.”   --David Guzik, www.blueletterbible.org

Take heart my beloved brother/sister. If you are in a life-giving relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, the curses of previous generations are broken over you! You now have the opportunity to establish a new legacy, where you and future generations can prosper spiritually.