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They’re Out To Get You

So, Take It To God

PREVIEW: The truth is, people are out to get you. That’s not paranoia, it’s just a fact of life. If you are breathing, you probably have a few enemies. I came to grips with that reality many years ago. There are some people who just don’t like me — I know, it’s hard to believe — for no particular reason. And somewhere along the way, you, too, would do well to accept that. So, what should you do about these mean people? Pray! In truth, prayer, however, works wonders. It puts your enemy squarely in the hands of the only one who can do anything about them — God. Prayer enables you to drain the poison that is building up in your own life so if doesn’t debilitate you. Prayer allows you to pour out your complaint to God — and a funny thing usually happens when you’re doing that: As you are asking God to change the people who are causing you grief, God usually changes you. And best of all, prayer unleashes God’s power to bring about his plan for your situation — and that always has a far better outcome than your plan would have. Yes, people are after you. That’s life! Take it to God. That’s wisdom!

They're Out To Get You - Ray Noah

A Journey of Worship // Psalm 35:1-5 (MSG)

Harass these hecklers, God, punch these bullies in the nose. Grab a weapon, anything at hand; stand up for me! Get ready to throw the spear, aim the javelin, at the people who are out to get me. Reassure me; let me hear you say, “I’ll save you.”

I used to say, half-jokingly, to a ministry partner, “Man, you’re paranoid.” And his typical reply was, “That’s only because people are out to get me.”

The truth is, people are out to get you. That’s not paranoia, it’s just a fact of life. If you are breathing, you probably have a few enemies. I came to grips with that reality many years ago. There are some people who just don’t like me — I know, it’s hard to believe — for no particular reason. And somewhere along the way, you, too, would do well to accept that.

But it still stinks when you experience their dislike. And sometimes their dislike of you rises to proportions that create very real difficulty and serious disruption in your life. David was experiencing that, and he wrote about it in this psalm. We don’t know exactly from whom it was coming or why they had unleashed their nastiness on him in the form of anger, gossip, conniving, and backstabbing. And even though he had tried to be cordial and helpful to them, they were bent on ruining his life.

So David unleashed on them — in the form of a prayer. And that is really the secret to dealing with the nasty people in your life. You will rarely win by going after them in kind. Anger, manipulation, gossip, face-to-face verbal showdowns, or force of will never have the effect of persuading them to lay down their weapons or suddenly see the error of their way and acknowledge that, after all, you truly are God’s gift to humanity.

But prayer, however, works wonders. It puts your enemy squarely in the hands of the only one who can do anything about them — God. Prayer enables you to drain the poison that is building up in your own life so it doesn’t debilitate you. Prayer allows you to pour out your complaint to God — and a funny thing usually happens when you’re doing that: As you are asking God to change the people who are causing you grief, God usually changes you. And best of all, prayer unleashes God’s power to bring about his plan for your situation — and that always has a far better outcome than your plan would have.

Yes, people are after you. That’s life! Take it to God. That’s wisdom!

My Offering of Worship: If you are dealing with someone who doesn’t like you, who is gossiping about you, spreading rumors and lies, or trying to sabotage your work or destroy your reputation, then pray this prayer of David from Psalm 35: “Contend, Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me. Take up shield and armor; arise and come to my aid. Brandish spear and javelin against those who pursue me. Say to me, ‘I am your salvation.’ If that doesn’t seem to do any good, then go back to the psalm and pray the who thing.

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Two-Faced People

Watch Out For Hypocrites—And Don’t Become One

PREVIEW: Be wary of two-faced people. The Bible calls them hypocrites. And though we pretty much excuse their behavior and accept their ways in our culture, there is One who doesn’t! God’s righteous gaze cuts right through the syrupy surface of their lives with utter moral clarity and labels the wickedness of their hypocritical hearts, calling them what they truly are: Workers of iniquity. So be careful of them, and most of all, don’t be one of them!

Two-Faced People - Ray Noah

A Journey of Worship // Psalm 28:3

Do not drag me away with the wicked—with those who do evil—those who speak friendly words to their neighbors while planning evil in their hearts.

There is a whole category of people whose behavior, by and large we excuse. However, God doesn’t. He doesn’t find them acceptable; they and the unseen attitude of their hearts he finds deplorable. They are the kind of people who will say one thing to your face, then say another thing behind your back. And even worse to God than what they say about you is what they think about you in their hearts.

The psalmist says these kinds of people speak peace when they are in front of you, but even before you turn away from them, their minds are flooded with ill will toward you. The Message renders this verse in an unforgettable way:

Don’t shove me into the same jail cell with those crooks, with those who are full-time employees of evil. They talk a good line of “peace,” then moonlight for the Devil.

We might say they are two-faced. The Bible calls them hypocrites. And though we pretty much excuse their behavior and accept their ways in our culture, there is One who doesn’t! God’s righteous gaze cuts right through the syrupy surface of their lives with utter moral clarity and labels the wickedness of their hypocritical hearts, calling them what they truly are: Workers of iniquity.

Now I realize that at this point in your reading, you might be thinking this is anything but an encouraging little devotional thought for the day. And truthfully, it is not. Rather, this is an exhortation. And the exhortation I have for you is twofold:

One, it is most likely that you will rub shoulders today with the kind of people David describes in this psalm. Be careful of them. Discern their hypocritical hearts, and don’t be tainted by their iniquitous ways. If you allow them into your inner circle, they will ensnare you. So be careful.

And two, don’t be one of them. It is so easy to fall into this kind of two-faced living. Ask God to keep you from hypocrisy. Don’t fall into the trap of saying one thing but thinking another in your heart. Ask God for integrity of word and thought.

That’s what David prayed: Keep me from them, and keep me from being one of them. I hope you will join me and pray that, too!

My Offering of Worship: Did this devotional prick your conscience at all? If it did, if you have spoken one way to another then said something quite the opposite behind their back, or thought the opposite in your heart, then admit your sin to God, ask for his forgiveness, then seek his daily empowerment to live in complete integrity.

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We All Need A Safe House

It’s Where God’s Presence Is Magnified

PREVIEW: What is it about the house of the Lord that is so healing? Obviously, God’s presence is magnified in the place of worship and in the collective praise of his people. Likewise, the house of God is full of faithful friends — people who will encourage you, pray for you, help you in tangible ways, and if nothing else, put an arm around you and walk empathetically through your “valley of the shadow of death.” That’s why the Scripture tells us that especially when the going gets tough, we should get going to church. Hebrews 10:25 exhorts us, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” For sure, you were fashioned for fellowship — so don’t miss out on it, not this week or any other week going forward.

“Why should you go to worship gatherings at your church? Because God’s presence is magnified in the place of worship and in the collective praise of his people.” —Ray Noah

A Journey of Worship // Psalm 27:4

One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.

I have often heard preachers say that they would rather be in church than in the best hospital in the world. Not much of a choice, I suppose, but there is truth in that statement. The house of the Lord is truly the best place in the world to be — in good times and bad. It is truly our safe house.

It is there in the house of God that we find shelter in the time of storm. David understood that. That is why when calamity was all around him, he asked God for just one thing: To dwell in the Lord’s house, for there, “in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.” (Psalm 27:5)

What is it about the house of the Lord that is so healing? Obviously, God’s presence is magnified in the place of worship and in the collective praise of his people. Likewise, the house of God is full of faithful friends — people who will encourage you, pray for you, help you in tangible ways, and if nothing else, put an arm around you and walk empathetically through your “valley of the shadow of death.”

That’s why the Scripture tells us that especially when the going gets tough, we should get going to church. Hebrews 10:25 exhorts us, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

I’ve noticed that some people don’t do that. When things go bad, they go south. They pull away from the one place they ought to lean into — the church. Let me encourage you: Don’t be one of those types. Whether in good times or in bad — especially in bad times — lean into God and get vitally connected to God’s people.

Build your life around the church. Make his house your house. I’m telling you, from my experience in life, that is the safest place on earth. Oh, and if you don’t believe me, just ask David! He would remind you that his personal experience will be yours, too:

It made me glad when they said, ‘Let’s go to the house of the Lord!’

My Offering of Worship: It is true, going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than going to a garage makes you a car. Yet gathering with the body of Christ to worship God, affirm the truth of his word, fellowship with his people, and encourage others and be encouraged by others is what Christians were designed to do. For sure, you were fashioned for fellowship — not this week, or every week going forward.

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Hurts Donut

All These Years Later, It Still Hurts

PREVIEW: To be human means to be born in criticism season with a big ol’ bull’s-eye on your back. And the higher in leadership you climb, the greater your visibility, the more you accomplish, the uglier and more painful the criticism becomes. And even worse, it is usually unjustified and indefensible, and too often it’s anonymous. It’s just part of the territory—and it really hurts, don’t it? To be anything and do anything means to invite criticism; it is just one of the harsh and unpleasant realities of life. So, expect folks to criticize you, but like David, so live your life in innocence and integrity that nobody will give your critic much credence — especially not God.

"To be anything and do anything means to invite criticism; it is just one of the harsh and unpleasant realities of life." —Ray Noah

A Journey of Worship // Psalm 26:1-3

Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have led a blameless life; I have trusted in the LORD without wavering. Test me, O LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth.

Have you ever been savagely and unfairly criticized? Sure you have! Hurts, don’t it?

Do you remember that old schoolyard prank??A kid walks up to you and asks, “Hey, ya want a Hurts Donut?”?Thinking you’re about to get a glazed cruller, you say, “Yeah, man, thanks.”? Then he hauls off and slugs you in the arm and says, “Hurts, Donut?” Kind of lame, I know, but still, it hurts, don’t it?

That kind of stuff doesn’t stop just because you become an adult. In fact, it’s a little more devious because now you’re not even asked whether you want that “hurts donut.”

To be human means to be born in criticism season with a big ol’ bull’s-eye on your back. And the higher in leadership you climb, the greater your visibility, the more you accomplish, the uglier and more painful the criticism becomes. And even worse, it is usually unjustified and indefensible, and all too often it’s anonymous. It’s just part of the territory—and it really hurts, don’t it?

Apparently, David was experiencing a “Hurts Donut” when he wrote this psalm.?He was facing some tough criticism, which was bothering him a great deal. And there wasn’t a whole lot he could do about it except take it to God — which is always the best thing to do, by the way — and there lift his innocence and integrity before the only Critic who really counts.

You will notice in this psalm that David doesn’t claim perfection — which is a good thing since he was far from it. If he were that deluded about the true condition of his life, inviting Divine scrutiny (“test me…try me…examine me…” v.2) would have been the worst thing to do at that moment. David was not under the illusion that he was perfect, but he could offer an innocent heart before the Lord; he could point to the integrity of his way and call upon God to vindicate him before his human critics.

To be anything and do anything means to invite criticism; it is just one of the harsh and unpleasant realities of life. So, expect folks to criticize you, but like David, so live your life in innocence and integrity that nobody will give your critic much credence — especially not God.

And the next time the critic is getting the best of you, remember that you answer to the One who knows your heart, and if you can lift a life of innocence and integrity before him, feel free to call out to him for his vindication.

Divine vindication is always the sweetest revenge you can dish out to your critic!

My Offering of Worship: Are you living under the painful barrage of criticism at the moment? I know, it stinks. But why not take it to God? Pour out your complaint to him — he cares, he will use it for your good, and he will forgive you if it is valid or defend you if it is unfair and uncalled for.

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The Sins of My Youth

Unconditional, Unlimited, Undeserved Forgiveness

PREVIEW: David knew better than anyone the benefit of God’s gracious forgiveness. Perhaps no other person in history had his dirtiest, darkest laundry aired in public more than David did. Adulterer, conspirer, manipulator, cold-hearted you-know-what, murderer—that’s what David was! Yet David found in God something that you and I depend on for our very existence, something the non-believing world cannot grasp: Unconditional, unlimited, undeserving forgiveness.

“Here’s what you and I depend on for our daily existence, something the non-believing world cannot grasp:?Unconditional, unlimited, undeserving forgiveness.” —Ray Noah

A Journey of Worship // Psalm 25:7

Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O LORD.

Aren’t you glad that God doesn’t remember the sins of your youth, the indiscretions of yesteryear, your violation of his law—both the letter and the spirit—just yesterday? For that matter, aren’t you glad God doesn’t count the silent sins of heart and mind that only you know of? I sure am. And so was David.

David knew better than anyone the benefit of God’s gracious forgiveness. Perhaps no other person in history had his dirtiest, darkest laundry aired in public more than David did. Adulterer, conspirer, manipulator, cold-hearted you-know-what, murderer—that’s what David was! Yet David found in God something that you and I depend on for our very existence, something the non-believing world cannot grasp: Unconditional, unlimited, undeserving forgiveness.

Of all the Divine benefits David enjoyed in his life, forgiveness was right there at the top of the list. In that eloquent poetic listing of the blessings of belonging, Psalm 103, forgiveness was the very first one he mentioned:

Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits-
who forgives all your sins… (Psalm 103:1-3)

David went on to describe the scope of God’s forgiveness in verses 9-14:

He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.

How does God forgive? According to those verses, in grace and mercy, God forgives all of our sins. He doesn’t give us what we deserve — punishment — and he gives us what we don’t deserve — forgiveness. How does he forgive us?

Completely — as far as the East is from the West, he removes the stain and guilt of our sin. The last time I looked, that was a long way away!

Compassionately — not grudgingly, but out of a father’s heart, overflowing with love for a wayward child.

Perhaps that’s why David could write so many beautiful songs about the goodness of God. He, more than anyone, understood the benefits and blessings of being forgiven.

Perhaps it would do you some good to stop and consider for a moment the benefits and blessings of the gracious, undeserving, unlimited forgiveness that God has extended to you. Maybe, like David, as you realize how much you have been covered by his grace and mercy, you too, will exclaim, “Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.” (Psalm 32:1)

My Offering of Worship: Find time today to get alone with God and thank him for his gracious, undeserving, unlimited forgiveness.

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An Issue of Godship

The Critical Question: Who Will Rule

PREVIEW: The problem is, from the beginning of mankind’s history, the human race has tried to reverse the immutable laws that the unchanging God has eternally established. We have done our dead-level best to create God in our image. We have usurped his rightful place. We live as if we were God. That is what ails the world, isn’t it? It’s an issue of godship — who is going to rule. Every sin, every war, every crime, every calamity, and every sad story of a broken home can be traced back to the wrong choice in the decision of godship. We have consistently put ourselves on the throne in place of the One who rightfully owns it all. But truly wise people have settled the issue of godship once and for all — and hopefully, that includes you!

“The issue of godship — who is going to rule — is what ails the world: every sin, every war, every crime, every calamity, every broken home, everything that has ever gone wrong.” —Ray Noah

A Journey of Worship // Psalm 24:1

The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.

God owns it all—the entire earth and all it contains, which means you and me. So that reality has huge implications for us, and for every other human being who has ever lived, lives now, and will live in the future. What are those implications? Consider this:

  1. God has the right of rulership over everything, including our lives.
  2. God determines the ways this world must operate, both physical laws as well as the moral code, and even the way we are obliged to live our lives.
  3. We cannot approach Go on our terms; we must bend to his terms.
  4. God doesn’t yield to us; we are to yield to him.

Why? He created it all, therefore, he owns it all. The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it—and that includes every man, woman, boy, and girl!

The problem is, from the beginning of mankind’s history, the human race has tried to reverse the immutable laws that the unchanging God has eternally established. We have done our dead-level best to create God in our image. We have usurped his rightful place. We live as if we were God.

That is what ails the world, isn’t it? It’s an issue of godship — who is going to rule. Every sin, every war, every crime, every calamity, and every sad story of a broken home can be traced back to the wrong choice in the decision of godship. We have consistently put ourselves on the throne in place of the One who rightfully owns it all.

And of course, what is true of humankind in general is true of our lives individually, including your life and mine. Our biggest issue, bar none, is godship: who will sit as Master and Commander of our moment-by-moment lives?

Truly wise people have settled that issue once and for all. They understand that God owns it all, and they are simply managing what he has given them in a way that will bring honor to the Owner. When we get that right in the big and small, seen and unseen moments of life, everything else will fall into place.

The most important question that you will be asked today — the most important question you will need to resolve in life — is this: Who is ruling your life — you or God?

I am not talking about that to which you verbally assent or what you believe in your heart. I am speaking about what is evident in the way you think, plan, talk, react to circumstances, respond to people, spend your money, use your time, and whatever else you do in each of the 86,400 seconds that tick off the clock in each of the days the Creator has graciously provided for you.

The greatest thing you can do with your life is to respond to your Creator’s desire to take his rightful place as your God. And what unspeakable and glorious joy for those who do!

My Offering of Worship: By the evidence in the way you think, plan, talk, react to circumstances, respond to people, spend your money, use your time, and whatever else you do in each of the 86,400 seconds that tick off the clock in each of the days the Creator has graciously provided for you, who rules your life? After you honestly answer that question, it might be a good time to re-surrender your life to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

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He’s All I Need

The Lord Is My Shepherd, and That’s All I Want

PREVIEW: The Twenty-Third Psalm is, universally, the most well-known and loved psalm out of all 150 of these amazing compositions. It has encouraged, guided, and comforted believers for hundreds of years before Christ and after Christ, even to the present day. What an amazing, simple yet profound, divinely inspire song this is. When you truly, deeply grasp the beauty, kindness, and care of God, the Great Shepherd, you will realize that he is not only all you need, but he also becomes all you want.

“When you not only know the Shepherd’s Psalm, but the Shepherd, himself, you will not only have all you need, you will find that he is all you’ve ever really wanted.” —Ray Noah

A Journey of Worship // Psalm 23:1

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

The Twenty-Third Psalm is universally, the most well-known and loved psalm out of all 150 of these amazing compositions. It has encouraged, guided, and comforted believers for hundreds of years before Christ and after Christ, even to the present day. What an amazing, simple yet profound, divinely inspired song this is.

I’m not sure any commentator on this psalm can do it justice; to add anything more inspirational to what is already there. In the devotional to follow, I will simply offer this reading of the Shepherd’s Psalm using the King James translation that I came across years ago. I am not sure where it came from, but I suspect you will be blessed by it as I was.

The Lord is my Shepherd—That’s Relationship!

I shall not want—That’s Supply!

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures—That’s Rest!

He leadeth me beside the still waters—That’s Refreshment!

He restoreth my soul—That’s Healing!

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness—That’s Guidance!

For His name sake—That’s Purpose!

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death—That’s Testing!

I will fear no evil—That’s Protection!

For Thou art with me—That’s Faithfulness!

Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me—That’s Discipline!

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies—That’s Hope!

Thou anointest my head with oil—That’s Consecration!

My cup runneth over—That’s Abundance!

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life—That’s Blessing!

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord—That’s Security!

Forever—That’s Eternity!

And that about covers it all. The Lord is my shepherd, and that’s all I want!

My Offering of Worship: Each day this week, read Psalm 23 when you awaken in the morning and when you go to be at night. And remember, the Lord is your shepherd.