Grace 809

Come with me to the hill of Calvary. Watch as the soldiers press a knee against a forearm and a spike against a hand, as the soldier lifts the hammer to strike it. Think about the hand that received the nail. The fist doesn’t clench, the moment isn’t aborted.

A mallet drove a nail into the hand, not just of a carpenter, but into the hand of God. Fingers that formed Adam out of clay and furrowed truth into tablets felt the pain of crucifixion. The same hand that stilled the seas stilled your guilt. And as the hands of Jesus opened for the nail, the doors of heaven opened for you.

Read more He Chose the Nails: What God Did to Win Your Heart

For more inspirational messages please visit Max Lucado.

Our reading today is Psalms 57-59, and I’m calling the episode “On the Run.”

The title of this psalm is To the Chief Musician. Set to “Do Not Destroy.” A Michtam of David when he fled from Saul into the cave.

Regarding “Do not Destroy”, Bible commentator Derek Kidner said: “This may well be a tune-indication: cf. Isaiah 65:8, where the phrase is identified as a popular saying (perhaps a snatch of vintage song), and borrowed to become a reassuring word from God. Yet notice also David’s instructions about Saul, ‘Destroy him not’ (1 Samuel 26:9).” So “Do Not Destroy” might be merely a notation giving the tune of the psalm, or a plea to God to protect David, or a statement of David’s intention to not destroy Saul.

This psalm is another michtam, or golden psalm, indicating that this was a special, highly regarded psalm. But the word “michtam” literally means “an engraving, or sculpture,” so it could be that David actually engraved this psalm on the walls of the cave. 

The cave was probably the one mentioned in 1 Samuel 22:1, when David was fleeing Saul.

The title of this psalm is “To the Chief Musician. Set to “Do Not Destroy.” A Michtam of David.”

The title of this psalm is “To the Chief Musician. Set to “Do Not Destroy.” A Michtam of David when Saul sent men, and they watched the house in order to kill him.”

We read of this time in 1 Samuel 19:11-12 when Saul’s intention to kill David was revealed, and David had to run for his life.

When I read Psalm 58, I can’t help but think of politicians, and how they haven’t changed since David’s time. 

David is most likely writing about the rulers or judges who were under King Saul and had passed judgement on him as a fugitive. But I’m pretty sure a politician is a politician, no matter what year it is. Unfortunately, humans are rarely able to wield power and influence without succumbing to the temptations dangled in front of them. There’s a reason term limits are good. In my opinion, EVERY public office should have term limits, elected and non-elected. 

Humans are just so frail, in terms of the integrity needed to deal with power. 

I am so glad that our true citizenship is a heavenly one. Sure, I am proud to be an American, as you should be proud to be a citizen of whatever country you are in. However, I am very much looking forward to the day when we no longer have to deal with earthly rulers, aren’t you? 

Jason and Tori Benham describe the debilitating impact anxiety can have on our health, emotions, and faith. They define anxiety as “projected powerlessness” and believe it’s a form of spiritual warfare. The Benhams offer a 3-part strategy of “recognize” the source of anxiety, “renounce” the lies you’re tempted to believe, and “replace” the lies with God’s truth.

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Jason Benham reminds us how Jesus helped His disciples when they felt anxious

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What is the fruit of sin? Step into the briar patch of humanity and feel a few thistles. Shame. Fear. Disgrace. Discouragement. Anxiety. Haven’t our hearts been caught in these brambles?

The heart of Jesus, however, had not. Jesus never knew the fruits of sin—until he became sin for us. And when he did, all the emotions of sin tumbled in on him. Can’t you hear the emotion in his prayer at the Cross? “My God, my God, why have you rejected me?” (Matthew 27:46). These are not the words of a saint. This is the cry of a sinner. He stood silent as a million guilty verdicts echoed in the tribunal of heaven.

Do you want to know the most amazing thing about the One who gave up the crown of heaven for a crown of thorns? He did it for you. Just for you.

Read more He Chose the Nails: What God Did to Win Your Heart

For more inspirational messages please visit Max Lucado.

Jim Daly and John Fuller introduce this Adventures in Odyssey® radio drama about a former school bully, Dion, who returns to the town of Odyssey after a long absence. Dion seems to have a complete change of heart. Two friends, Buddy and Zoe, try to discover why Dion is so different. Adventures in Odyssey has a new animated film project, Journey into the Impossible, coming soon.

Exciting things are happening with Adventures in Odyssey, and you can be a part of it all! Your gift will help finish and launch the new Adventures in Odyssey animated film called Journey into the Impossible! Any support you give will be a big help in this seemingly impossible mission … and will be DOUBLED through our $1 million matching opportunity!

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Have you ever wondered why God gives us so much? We could exist on far less. God could have left the world flat and gray—we wouldn’t have known the difference—but he didn’t. Why give the flower a fragrance? Why give food its taste? Jesus asked, “If you hardhearted, sinful men know how to give good gifts to your children, won’t your Father in heaven even more certainly give good gifts to those who ask him for them?” (Matthew 7:11).

Every gift reveals God’s love, but no gift reveals his love more than the gifts of the cross. They came, not wrapped in paper, but in passion.  Not covered with ribbons, but sprinkled with blood. The gifts of the cross!  Have you taken time to open these gifts? If you do, perhaps you will hear him whisper, “I did it just for you.”

Read more He Chose the Nails: What God Did to Win Your Heart

For more inspirational messages please visit Max Lucado.

Asheritah Ciuciu addresses how spiritual disciplines can help us know God deeper.

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We all face pain and hardships in life, but the good news is with Jesus, our joy can be restored. Asheritah Ciuciu shares her personal journey to finding joy after walking through tragic circumstances. She invites you to rediscover joy in your life as you lean into how God delights in you.

Receive the book Delighting in Jesus and a free audio download of the broadcast "Learning to Delight in the Presence of Jesus" for your donation of any amount! Plus, receive member-exclusive benefits when you make a recurring gift today. Your monthly support helps families thrive.

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Life comes with surprises.  On our list of fears, the fear of what’s next demands a prominent position.

In John 14:27, on the eve of his death, Jesus promised his followers, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart.  And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give.  So don’t be troubled or afraid.”

Heaven’s message is clear. When everything else changes, God’s presence never does.  As Jesus sends you into new seasons, you journey in the company of the Holy Spirit. So make friends with whatever’s next.  Embrace it. Change is not only a part of life; change is a necessary part of God’s strategy. To use us to change the world, God makes reassignments.

Read more Fearless: Imagine Your Life Without Fear

For more inspirational messages please visit Max Lucado.