Pastor Johnnie's Devotional Archives
April 2002
April 4, 2002
Proverbs 4:1 says, "Listen, my sons, to a father's
instruction; pay attention and gain understanding."
Today, we assume that Christian fathers are teaching and instructing their
children in the way of the Lord. Bad assumption. It is almost unbelievable
the number of Christian homes where dads (or parents) have no organized,
consistent means of instructing their children. They assume that Sunday
School is enough. They assume that a summer camp is sufficient. They assume
that a Veggie Tale tape will do the trick. Meanwhile they are so busy
themselves, that if a child gets 5 minutes per day of unhindered time
with him (them), it's like a miracle. Shame on us Christian dads (parents)!
Read Joshua 2:10 and weep.
Father, we assume so much! Let us men (parents) humble ourselves at
the cross, realizing that we have only one real opportunity with our children
- usually 18 years - to teach, instruct, and model Christ for them. Forgive
us where we have failed and enable us to pick up today where we left off
being faithful, teaching fathers (parents). Amen.
April 9, 2002
Proverbs 9:6 reminds us that wisdom teaches, actually
urges us in our proneness to foolishness to "leave your foolish ways
behind, and begin to live; learn how to be wise."
Do you see 'repentance' in that? You've recognized and deeply regret the
uselessness of some things you do/say/act out/think, etc. and decide that
a heart change is needed...... Do you see 'death' in it? You determine
to put it off, to leave it all behind..... and experience 'resurrection'
by beginning to live a new life; a life that pleases God and brings honor
(instead of shame )to His name. Then, the process of sanctification (growth
in Christ) begins as you LEARN how to 'do' and 'be' all that He intended
you to do/be.
Father in heaven, we admit our natural proneness to a lifestyle that
does not reflect you or promote kingdom living. Forgive us. Today, accept
our renewed commitment to learn how to please you. In Jesus' name. Amen.
April 13, 2002
Proverbs 13:3 says, "He who guards his lips guards
his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin."
Can't tell you how many times I've gotten into trouble by something I
said, either to another individual (verging on 'gossip'), to my wife,
to my children, or to a parishioner or neighbor, or whomever. Strange,
isn't it, how the heart devises rashness and then tries to hide it through
syrupy words (14:12) or malicious deceit (26:22-26). Perhaps the 'ruin'
which many of us experience and about which we wonder 'Why?' is more easily
explained than we have ever realized....if we'd just take the time to
look .... and think.... and ask Him about it.
Father, the tongue is a fire (James 3:5,6). The lips merely form the
shape of the 'flames' which proceed from the heart, and move the tongue.
Please grant me lips which speak wisely (James 3:13-17) and lovingly to
those around me. Let me be quick to listen, slow to speak (James 1:19).
May my words serve to further the sweet and gentle work of the Spirit
of God, both in my heart and in the hearts of those with whom I speak.
Amen.
April 20, 2002
Proverbs 20:1 says, "Wine produces mockers; liquor
leads to brawls. Whoever is led astray by drink cannot be wise."
(NLT)
For many of us, it is not a problem of wine or liquor, but perhaps something
else that leads us astray and promotes lack of wisdom in our demeanor.
Something more 'subtle', less obvious in terms of overt behavior. I don't
need to identify it (them) verbally; the Spirit of God does that frequently
within our own hearts and consciences. We just need to realize what 'thieves'
those activities/thoughts/actions/desires are and consistently submit
to the Lord Jesus for the victory which He promises. Know why? Because
"the thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose
(Jesus speaking) is to give life in all its fullness." (John 10:10)
Dear Father, open the eyes of our heart that we might see what leads
us astray. Work in us to desire what best pleases you and what is best
for us. For Jesus' sake we pray. AMEN.
April 28, 2002
Proverbs 28:1 says, "The wicked man flees though
no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion."
A guilty conscience is an amazing thing to observe. (see Lev. 26:36) To
conceal sin (Pr. 28:13) is not only unhealthy, spiritually speaking; it
also affects a person emotionally and mentally, to say nothing of his/her
prayer life (Psalm 66:18). How much better to be brutally honest with
the Lord in confession (He already knows, anyway!), receive His mercy
and grace....and enjoy unhindered prayer fellowship with Him.
Precious Father, in Your presence is fullness of joy. Everything about
you prompts us to remain in your presence, to cling to you, and to get
rid of all that keeps us from daily enjoying that holy experience. Sin
causes us to run away and hide from your sweet presence and from your
unbounding mercy. Let us so love you, so long for you that we are not
only bold in our love, but also bold in confession of our sin, deeply
humbled by Your mercy and grace. Through Jesus our merciful High Priest,
Amen.
|
