Pastor Johnnie's Devotional Archives
January 2003
January 6, 2003
Proverbs 6:5 says "Save yourself like a deer escaping from a hunter,
like a bird fleeing from a net."
This portion, verses 1-5, is a clarion call to discernment! Just two nights
ago, a friend shot a 10-point buck with bow and arrow. Many deer escape
from their pursuer; this one didn't. Did it know that it was being pursued?
Most likely. Did instinct tell it to flee? You bet. Did that animal instinct
also indicate that the hunter's intent was less than beneficial to it's
own well-being? I'm sure. Would it do just about anything to escape the
hunter? Absolutely. Did it make it? No. It ended up in the back of a nice
pickup truck, outside the entrance to the building where we worship, so
all interested men could gaze at the prize. Now, if you take this brief
paragraph, put yourself in the place of the deer, start at the end of
the paragraph and work backwards..... what might you do differently than
the deer? Would you walk with greater care? Watch where you're going?
Become more adept at 'human awareness' and more intensely fixed on their
ultimate purpose? Most sinful and/or harmful activity telegraphs some
signal (the Holy Spirit using the conscience, memorized scripture, increased
heartbeat, or whatever), letting us know to save ourselves, to flee, to
escape from the 'hunter' (see I Peter 5:8) who wants to see us end up
in the back of his proverbial pickup truck.
Father, teach us to use in the most spiritually beneficial way the
discernment you've already given us, so that we might save ourselves for
You and Your holy purposes for our lives, until Jesus comes! Amen.
January 8, 2003
Proverbs 8:1 says "Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding
raise her voice?"
On the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus [Wisdom] stood and called
out in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and
drink." (John 7:37) Those of us who drink from that gracious Well
of living water then have the great honor of being His "witnesses
in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth"
(Acts 1:8) We get to raise our voices as we spread His gospel, His Word,
His wisdom on the street (Proverbs 1:20,21), in public squares, through
open forums, in every possible way and in every possible situation. And,
best of all, we have the privilege of looking for those places where Christ
is not yet known and ambitiously taking and preaching the gospel there
(Romans 15:20). The reason is clear: we are not ashamed of the gospel
of Christ. After all, it is Christ's power which saved us and is able
to save everyone else who believes (Romans 1:16). May we continually be
raising our voices, calling out for other sinners to receive the Gift
of eternal life (Romans 10:9,10)!
Dear Father, heal our 'strep throat' and restore our voices to us. Our
thirst has been quenched; now let us call out to others who are as
dry-mouthed and thirsty as we once were. Amen.
January 10, 2003
Proverbs 10:6 says "Blessings crown the head of the righteous, but
violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked."
I have heard previously 'stingy' people say that when they became a child
of God, their wallet was 'saved' too. In like manner, the person whose
head was previously into all sorts of evil thinking, conniving, and sinful
activity due to the condition of their heart (Matthew 12:34), is now crowned
with the opposite. Mercy and grace have bathed and transformed their minds
(Romans 12:2). The resultant obedience brings blessing (Deut. 28:2). They
become known for their godly generosity, for which they are blessed (Prov.
11:26). They have a new sense of "justice for all" (Prov. 11:24,25)
for which, again, they are blessed. Faithfulness to the Lord and His ways
now permeate their desires as they plod on to please Him under His direction
and care (Prov. 28:20). We could go on and on. But, the point is that
it becomes supremely obvious when a person is born again, from the head
on down to the feet. Perhaps the hardest part of the body to be impacted
(long-term) by righteousness, however, is the littlest of members, the
tongue (James 3:6), which too often reveals the reality of the heart's
condition at that moment.
Father, may righteousness reign in our hearts, that blessings might
crown our heads, and sweetness flow from our tongues! Amen.
January 12, 2003
Proverbs 12:27 says "The lazy man does not roast his game, but the
diligent man prizes his possessions."
For the Indians among whom we lived for several years in Central America,
it would have been almost a 'crime' of unimaginable proportion to kill
edible game and then not eat it. Their lives depended on it. To eat and
remain strong and procreate were 'prized possessions', if I can say it
that way; it assured the continued existence of their family line and
of their tribe. In that culture 'laziness' in that respect is unthinkable.
Likewise, it is inconceivable (II Corinthians 5:14,15) that Christians
would not 'eat' the 'game' of the Word that God has given for our sustenance
and for the multiplication of the Church (II Corinthians 5:20,21). In
2003, the Church must throw off everything that hinders her faithful ingestion
and committed application of the Word. The consequences will be vibrant
evangelism and, as God intended, continued growth of His family line,
the Church. It is imperative that we view laziness in this area as totally
inexcusable (Proverbs 26:15) and dangerous to the Church.
Dear Father, Forgive our laziness. Let us view with enthusiasm and
treat as 'prized possessions' all you have given us in Christ, especially
the message of grace and the command (Matthew 28:19,20) to spread that
message to the unreached of this world (Romans 15:20). Amen.
January 14
Proverbs 14:21 says "He who despises his neighbor sins.........."
Our previous neighbor would have been easy to 'despise'; he expressed
his nastiness toward us our first full day of living here, and continued
doing so in one way or another over the next 8 years before moving out
(Proverbs 11:12). It was a definite challenge to 'win him over' (Proverbs
18:3); but by the time he moved, we were able to stand together and talk
in a friendly way. I hope we prepared him for some next neighbor who might
be a Christian and who might be able to present Christ to him in a fuller
way. Those who bought his home are Muslim. From the beginning we have
been excited about loving them. We went over to introduce ourselves to
them. I've snow-blown their driveway ("I'll not forget this!",
the father said), I've bought gas at their station, I've opened the door
of their station and called out, "Hi, neighbor!", we've conversed
at length with their daughter who was locked out of her house and who
came to us for 'help' ("We'll not forget this", again they said),
and, Ruth and I have prayed for them a lot. Guess what? At Christmas time,
they came over with a gift: a ceramic church building with a light bulb
in it! And, twice now, at the station, the son has come out to my car
asking me to come in for a cup of hot chocolate. I love it!!
Oh, Father, it's so much fun to love people for Christ's sake (Psalm
112:5-9). It's an exciting adventure to make concerted efforts to show
them Your love in practical ways. Help me to be a good, faithful ambassador
of Your's. And, may 2003 be a year of greater evangelism for us all! Amen.
January 16, 2003
Proverbs 16:19 says "Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed
than to share plunder with the proud."
It's just not 'in' to be lowly in spirit: meek, dependent on Another,
not pushy, self-confident, or self-exalting. To identify with 'losers'
(the oppressed) is not 'in', either. After all, in that kind of weakness,
who would believe our message? (Isaiah 53:1-3) Who identifies with that
kind of people anyway? (That's right; check it out! Psalm 34:18; Isaiah
57:15) With weakness, there's not a lot of plunder, either; not many merit
badges or certificates of honor, not much to talk or boast about. We need
to exert ourselves, be our own man, stand proud, be strong, not be pushed
around! That'll certainly get God's attention! (It sure will! Psalm 138:6)
Notice the boastful 'I's' of Exodus 15:9. And, don't miss the 'but' of
verse 10. Now read our verse for today over again....and pray.
Father of the oppressed and lowly in spirit (Matthew 5:3-10), do radical
surgery on our value system because in our heads, we seem to have it right;
but far too often our living (heart) seems to promote something else.
Be merciful to us, for Jesus' sake. Amen.
January 18, 2003
Proverbs 18:18 says "Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong
opponents apart."
Belief and confidence in the sovereignty of God is more than just simply
acknowledging that He exists (Hebrews 11:6). We must also believe that
"He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." In the Bible, one
way this seeking Him and utterly trusting in His sovereign rule and authority
over all things was expressed was by casting the lot to settle disputes.
Today, we simply say, "My lawyer will be in touch with your lawyer!",
and we waste incredible amounts of time, energy, and money to prove our
point. I'm fascinated with the accounts in the Bible which indicate that
disputes and other decisions were settled by casting lots, but its every
decision was "from the Lord" (See Proverbs 16:33). An inheritance
was determined by 'drawing straws', as it were (Joshua 14:2). Some towns
were apparently assigned (allotted) that way (I Chronicles 6:61-63). Priests'
schedules were determined the same way (I Chronicles 24:31). Even Matthias
was chosen by casting lots to replace Judas on the Apostles' team (Acts
1:26). So, how's your trust quotient today?
Sovereign Father, without faith it really is impossible to please
You (Hebrews 11:6). Thank You for instructing us in the issue of absolute
trust and confidence in You by revealing the 'lot process'. Both our love
for you and our trust in You is strengthened for today and all it holds.
Amen.
January 20, 2003
Proverbs 20:15 says "Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but
lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel."
Recently, I saw a large ad in the paper saying that anyone could 'win'
a $240,000 home for a raffle ticket costing $100. Over the years, I've
seen raffles advertised for a
Mercedes Benz car and several other 'desirable' items as well. Our verse
for today has me thinking. What if someone were raffling off three things:
10 oz. of gold; 20 rubies of various sizes; and "lips that speak
knowledge"? Which would sell the most tickets? I can almost 'see'
the smiles on peoples' faces; I can almost hear the raucous laughter.
"You gotta be kidding! This is a no-brainer!" And yet, "nothing
you desire can compare with a heart of understanding" from the Bible's
(God's) perspective (Prov. 3:15). For the serious child of God, anything
valued, sought after, or lived for more than that which is spiritual would
be like fool's gold or silver; how much better to 'win' (get) wisdom and
understanding! (Proverbs 16:16). To be able to help spiritually build
others up according to their needs, and to benefit those who listen when
we speak (Ephesians 4:29). Wow! Such a deal! Gold and silver? No way!
Give me grace and salt! (Colossians 4:6)
Father, train us to discern what is best (Philippians 1:10) so that
we might gain a heart of understanding (Proverbs 14:6). Amen.
January 22, 2003
Proverbs 22:3 says "A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but
the simple keep going and suffer for it."
All of us earthly parents remember times when we thought our children
would never learn a particular lesson. They would do the same thing over
and over (the simple keep going) knowing full well (seeing the danger)
that they would be disciplined (suffer) for it. We would wonder, "Will
they ever learn?!" Then, the day finally comes when we see them actually
'thinking it through' (being prudent) and making the right choice! (Wow!
Wonderful! Praise God! We felt like we died and went to heaven, it was
so great!) It must bring great sadness to the heart of God to speak over
and over again to His people about their careless ways and warn them about
judgment to come and they sort of act like they don't know Him (Jeremiah
4:22). Instead of becoming increasingly skilled in the art of hearing
the gentle rebuke of the Holy Spirit, obeying His prompting, and accepting
His yoke of love (Matthew 11:29), they hone their skills in doing evil.
The lesson: handling practical matters of life wisely (prudence) is another
of those gifts from the Lord which will come through diligent study of
the Word of God (II Timothy 3:15).
Faithful Father of instruction and gracious discipline, instill within
us today a greater desire to prudently face life's issues in a way that
honors You. Amen.
January 24, 2003
Proverbs 24:13,14 says "Eat honey, my son, for it is good; honey
from the comb is sweet to your taste. Know also that wisdom is sweet to
your soul; if you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope
will not be cut off."
Everyone has something that is not pleasurable to the palate, from gouda
cheese to goat's milk or blood pudding or the English Marmelite. And,
just as each culture is frequently distinguished by it's food, so the
children of God have our special, perfectly balanced diet designed and
personally prepared by our perfect Nutritionist. His meals of choice for
us are sweet to the soul (Psalm 119:103,111); they are unquestionably
healthy (Psalm 19:7-11). So healthy, in fact, that they ensure a stable
future which no one in their right mind would reject. Which is probably
why Solomon says "IF you find it....." (See also Proverbs 2:1-5
'if', 'if', 'if').
O Sovereign and Holy Nutritionist, I feel so healthy and strong when
I eat the right foods! Thank You for such a steady, healthy diet of that
which delights my soul, nourishes my weak heart, and strengthens my feeble
frame. Oh, the depth of the riches of Your wisdom! (Romans 11:33-36) I
love You! Amen.
January 26, 2003
Proverbs 26:16 says "The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven
men who answer discreetly."
Just today I heard of a new employee who had been told at least twice
to carefully guard promptness and to give immediate attention to the employer's
wishes in order to keep clients quickly moving. The next opportunity to
do so, the new employee did not move, but basically said, "In a minute;
I want to finish this first." I have a feeling someone is going to
be looking for a new job very soon. (Proverbs 26:12) By the way, sluggishness
in this verse is tied into a person's ability to give good verbal responses
as well as to be discreet (Proverbs 12:15). That's interesting, isn't
it? Here's a perspective
I see in this: If I am lazy or just plain slow at doing what I know I
ought to be doing; if I sort of arrogantly act like I don't need advice
or coaching; the time will come when I'll be in a situation where I should
open my mouth for Christ, and guess what? Not adept at discernment and
instant obedience, I probably will be as slow and sluggish at that as
I am at other things. And, I'll miss out on some neat experiences (Luke
21:15 Matthew 10:19b, 20)
Father, I think it's obvious: our slowness in our response to You,
or in our movement toward doing Your will reveals much more than we'd
like to admit. Be merciful to us. Please turn our hearts around in repentance
and renewal before we miss out on too much. Amen.
January 28, 2003
Proverbs 28:4 says "Those who forsake the law praise the wicked,
but those who keep the law resist them."
When I flagrantly disregard the precepts and statutes of the Lord without
remorse, I am essentially saying "Hey! That wasn't so bad! That actually
felt good; that was fun. And, say, look at all the neat people I'm identified
with: movie stars, famous musicians, rappers, gangsters, and, wow! even
quite a few church people!!" Sin distorts (Malachi 3:14,15) and turns
things everything around. Blessing the greedy and reviling the Lord in
one way or another (Psalm 10:2,3) reveals the arrogance of the sin nature
and tends to become the norm when we regularly ignore or abandon the Word
of God. Turning away from Him and attempting to rule our lives by our
own authority, is truly a 'horrible' and 'shocking' thing (Jeremiah 5:30,31).
Father in heaven, grant us a growing desire to obey the principles
of Your Word by applying them to our daily lives, making them the rule
for daily living. We don't want to be identified with or in any way praise
the wicked through constant, unchecked disobedience and disregard for
Your precepts. Rather, may Your righteousness in me grate against (resist)
the wicked and proudly proclaim the way of Your truth, light, and justice!
Amen.
January 30, 2003
In Proverbs 30:4, Agur asks some great questions: "Who has gone up
to heaven and come down? Who has gathered up the wind in the hollow of
his hands? Who has wrapped up the waters in his cloak? Who has established
all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and the name of his son?
Tell me if you know!"
Oh, that more wisdom seekers would ask the same questions today! You see,
Agur wasn't the first to ask those questions. So did Jacob when encountered
by God (Genesis 32:29). Manoah asked the angel the same question (Judges
13:17,18). Now, let's check out some answers. In John 3:13, Jesus Himself
said, "No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from
heaven - the Son of Man." As to the wind, the waters, and the boundaries
of the earth, David's answers in Psalm 104 raise goose-bumps on my arms
AND my heart! As to His name? "I AM" for starters! None other
than the eternally existent God! (Exodus 3:13-15). "The Lord, the
compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness,
maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and
sin..."
(Exodus 34:5-7) for a few others. "The Lord your God", a glorious
and awesome name. Deuteronomy 28:58. What else is there to say? Just this:
"Come, let us bow down in worship....." Psalm 95:6
Glorious and awesome Father, we worship You in spirit and in truth!
Amen.
|
