Pastor Johnnie's Devotional Archives
October 2003
October 2, 2003
Proverbs 2:8 encourages us with the words that the Lord not only gives
wisdom and holds victory in store for the upright, but that he also guards
the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.
If you habitually walked along California beaches, you might eventually
'expect' to see someone of some renown sharing the same beach trail. The
Bible portrays Christ (wisdom personified) as out there in the trenches
with us, walking in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice
(Proverbs 8:20), concerned for us, watching over us, giving wise input
all along the way of life. I can't imagine simply running past Him without
some sort of comment or acknowledgment, can you? Unless, of course, I
were not continually meditating on Him or had not cultivated the habit
of recognizing Him in all the paths of my life. I mean, if it were a movie
star, we'd stop, spin around, and say, "Whoa! That's what's his name
from that hit TV show!" I'm so glad I'm not alone on the path of
life; that the Lord is there watching over me (Psalm 1:6), guiding me
(Psalm 23:3) for His sake, watching over my coming and my going (Psalm
121:5-8).
Thank You, eternal God, our refuge, that You continually "ride
on the heavens" and "on the clouds" on Your way to help
us (Deuteronomy 33:26-29). Open the eyes of our hearts, Lord, that we
might watch for you and get accustomed to seeing You more often on the
pathways of our lives! Amen.
October 4, 2003
Proverbs 4:27 reminds us that in our journey on the path of righteousness,
we should always be careful to not swerve to the right or the left; keep
your foot from evil.
There have always been distractions - and always will be! - for the child
of God whose determination is to DO (walk in obedience to the revealed
will of God) versus simply hearing about what God says or just listening
to what obedience to that will has done for others (James 1:22). The temptation
is always there to be drawn away from Christ, His Word, or the way of
rightness; or even to add to or detract from the Word of God (Deuteronomy
5:32; 12:32). It's interesting that, from God's point of view, some of
what we might call the most 'minor' of diversions are tantamount to following
other gods and serving them (Deuteronomy 28:14). We must remain staunchly
committed to the Word and the ways of God, which sometimes takes great
courage and spiritual fortitude. To do so is to ultimately be 'successful'
(Joshua 1:7) from God's point of view. The word used implies that we will
act circumspectly and therefore act intelligently.
Holy Father, may our love for You be sincere (without hypocrisy),
hating what is evil and clinging to that which is good (Romans 12:9).
Grant us singleness of heart and mind lest we be easily distracted and
our feet turn ever so slightly to that which is evil. For Jesus' sake
we pray. Amen.
October 8, 2003
Proverbs 8:11 reminds us that wisdom is more precious than rubies, and
nothing you desire can compare with her.
Think about the things (not people) that matter for you; things in which
you really take delight. Things like a fine car, a beautiful home, a great
job with unbelievable 'perks', a cool set of golf clubs, a rare coin collection,
and an impressive portfolio of stocks and bonds, just to name a few. You
will recall that it was Solomon whose own personal decision to choose
wisdom over wealth (I Kings 3) prompted God to give him both. The Lord
was sending a message down through the ages that to know Him and to be
wise in His ways should be a driving desire for every person who knows
anything at all about Him (Psalm 19:10). While wealth brings profit and
can yield great personal (and sometimes residual) benefits (Proverbs 3:14),
the desire for wisdom, on the other hand, moves God to enhance the life
of His people in the most unique way. Why? Because He is pleased with
how they have prioritized their life (Proverbs 4:7). Because He sees that
they are truly serious about being the person He wants them to be. Along
with other important - but temporal - things they've settled in their
mind here on earth, they have also come to one big eternal conclusion:
"what good would it be to gain all the wealth of the world but lose
my soul?" (Matthew 16:26).
Father in heaven, teach us to put in proper order the things we value
so highly, the spiritual always first. This we humbly pray for Jesus'
sake. Amen.
October 10, 2003
Proverbs 10:16 says: The wages of the righteous bring them life, but the
income of the wicked brings them punishment.
Serious Christians (the righteous) often give of themselves and of their
material wealth in great abundance; that's why some local churches and
evangelical ministries are so well taken care of. But sacrificing, and
living on much less because you're giving more to the Lord and His work
is one thing. Waiting to see results from that giving so that you can
feel you've given to a worthy, effective cause, is a different story.
You may not know that until one day you in heaven with Him. So, to keep
us encouraged, the Lord says, "Tell the righteous it will be well
with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds" (Isaiah
3:10). By faith, we accept that word of encouragement and support. And
our faith in His promise is seen by the fact that we continue to give
ourselves and our finances fully to the work of the Lord, because we know
that our expenditures of labor and finances for Him are not in vain (I
Corinthians 15:58). The earthly 'wages'? Those who have served well gain
an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
(I Timothy 3:13)
Precious Father in Heaven, Who keeps all the important records, we
know You are not unjust; You will never forget the work and the love Your
people have shown You and others (Hebrews 6:10). With that knowledge,
we are at peace in giving generously and sacrificially to You. Amen.
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