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Pastor Johnnie's Devotional Archives
November 2003
November 3, 2003
Proverbs 3:13 says, "Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man
who gains understanding."
The word used for 'find' here implies that it is something sought after.
Of course, the idea carries through with the latter statement of the verse
as well, regarding understanding. Over the long haul, lazy, self-indulgent
Christians cannot be 'wise' in the truest sense of the word, if I understand
this and other similar scriptures correctly. The wisdom which our gracious
Father gives doesn't come by a gradual, unconscious process of assimilation.
It comes when His children intentionally take the time to apply their
ears and hearts to His Word. When the Queen of Sheba heard about the fame
of Solomon "and his relation to the name of the Lord", she went
to test him with hard questions (I Kings 10:1). Because of his honest
relationship with the Lord, and, though there were still weaknesses in
his daily walk (I Kings 3:3), the whole world sought audience with Solomon
to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart (10:24). Solomon had made
the life-changing decision to cultivate a wise, discerning heart instead
of seeking after great riches (I Kings 3:7-9), and the Lord wonderfully
honored that request.
Father in heaven, prompt our earth-bound hearts to seek after Your
wisdom. Raise our sights to focus and seek after things above, not the
things of this earth (Colossians 3:2). It is truly for Jesus' sake we
pray. Amen.
November 6, 2003
Proverbs 6:20-24 says: My son, keep your father's commands and do not
forsake your mother's teaching. Bind them upon your heart forever; fasten
them around your neck. When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep,
they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you. For
these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections
of discipline are the way to life, keeping you from the immoral woman,
from the smooth tongue of the wayward wife.
This passage speaks of an empowerment for life and godliness which carries
beautiful significance for the family. In verse 20, Solomon gently nudges
children to obedience and loyalty to the words of mature, God-honoring
parents. In verse 21, he emphasizes the longevity of godly advice and
counsel as well as the benefit of useful devices designed to remind one
of that guidance. Verse 22 addresses the extent to which valuable counsel
can impact a life: guidance, vigilance, and mentoring. Finally, verses
23 and 24 beg the question, "Why is obedience and submission to good
counsel so important?" The answer: enlightenment, insight, discipline,
purity, and discernment. Now, that's empowerment!
Father, prompt us to submit to Your counsel that we might be equipped
with everything good for doing Your will (Hebrews 13:20-21). Amen.
November 9, 2003
Proverbs 9:1 says: Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn out its seven
pillars.
The word for 'built' here refers to setting up house and actually obtaining
children. Aren't you encouraged by the fact that God is not making things
up - adlibbing - as He goes along? I mean, in the sense of knowing exactly
what He's doing and precisely where He's going with it all, in wisdom
He has already 'built' His house. And, we are part of that glorious construction!
And, His plans provide for many new rooms and much expansion as you and
I invade the darkness of this world with the light of the glorious gospel
of grace, for we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's
building (I Corinthians 3:9). Upon Christ Jesus, Himself the cornerstone,
the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple
in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling
in which God lives by His Spirit. (Ephesians 2:21-22).
Father in heaven, how humbled and yet at the same time how delighted
we are to be Your people, Your household, part of the gloriously wise
house You have built and are yet building. May our love for You be reflected
in wise, godly living. Amen.
November 11, 2003
Proverbs 11:2 reminds us that when pride comes, then comes disgrace, but
with humility comes wisdom.
By the grace of God, the USA has one of the mightiest military forces
in the world. As this is being written, some 400,000 of them are in Iraq
attempting, in the name of and for the sake of freedom, to accomplish
many goals. We must pray that our military personnel - especially the
officers who are planning and commanding - will understand in their hearts
the phrase In God We Trust lest there be arrogance, insolence, or presumptuousness
in the course of their activities. It is spiritually unhealthy to gloat
when your enemy falls (Proverbs 24:12-13), because pride goes before destruction,
a haughty spirit before a fall (Proverbs 16:18). God mocks proud mockers
but gives grace to the humble (Proverbs 3:34). So, whether it is regarding
our military or ourselves, we must all learn to fear the Lord. Why? Because
everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself
will be exalted (Luke 18:14). And because fear of the Lord teaches a person
wisdom, and humility comes before honor (Proverbs 15:33).
Sovereign Lord, with some of Your people most likely on both sides
of the battle lines, prompt each one to walk in humility before You, that
Your holy and sovereign purposes might be accomplished in each life and
in the many wars around the world. Amen.
November 13, 2003
Proverbs 13:1 says, A wise son heeds his father's instruction, but a mocker
does not listen to rebuke.
Child-rearing in the 21st century will not be an easy task. It never has
been in any generation, for that matter. The sin nature was described
early on by God Himself in Genesis 6:5: The Lord saw how great man's wickedness
on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of
his heart was only evil all the time. As far back as I can remember, the
descriptive adjectives have been the words which have caught my attention
whenever reading this passage. Today's scripture reminds us, however,
that the Genesis 6 passage in no way eliminates the 'hope' for potential
radical change. Two key elements to that kind of God-honoring change are
obedience and response to correction (see Jeremiah 7:28). This is where
consistent (much harder than you ever imagine!), courageous (you will
be challenged beyond belief!) parental instruction (can't give it without
learning/applying it yourself) and guidance (you must have learned to
be guided by Him yourself!) come in. Children faithfully brought up in
that godly environment will bring ultimate joy to a parent's heart, by
God's grace.
Wonderful Author of child-rearing guidelines, work in our stubborn
hearts that which is pleasing to You, that we might pass it on to our
children. For Jesus' sake we pray. Amen.
November 17, 2003
Proverbs 17:1 says, Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house
full of feasting with strife.
The word 'feasting' here refers to sacrifices. The idea is that, in this
home, there are serious people who may actually be offering proper sacrifices
to the Lord in an attempt to remain 'close' to Him. They may be reading
the Scriptures. They may be praying several times a day. They may be attending
temple or worship services. They may be "doing all the right things",
so to speak. But, there is strife (See Proverbs 13:10 for a possible reason
why). Controversies, quarrels, and interpersonal disputes are so frequent
and increasingly tense that it makes one wonder, "Why sacrifice at
all? What value is there to it all if I can't be at peace with myself
and with those closest to me? I'd much rather eat day old, dry bread crusts
and have a little peace than 'do everything right' and live in constant
strife." Others, according to Solomon, would rather live in a small
corner of the attic or out in a dry desert (Proverbs 21:9,19) than to
live in such strife. This is a poignant reminder for each of us to have
as a personal priority (I Thessalonians 4:11) leading a quiet and peaceful
life so that we won't be dependent on anybody around us. Before our Master,
each of us stands (is faithful, consistent) or falls. We must remember:
the Lord is able to make us stand (Romans 14:4).
Father of true serenity and reconciliation, to be at peace with You
and with those around us is possible. Keep us from the dry crusts of capitulation,
surrender, lack of effort, or lack of faith in our earthly relationships.
Help us to please You in every way. Amen.
November 21, 2003
Proverbs 21:7 reminds us that the violence of the wicked will drag them
away, for they refuse to do what is right.
A frustrated parent says to their rebellious teenager: What goes around
comes around! And they finish the 'prophetic' statement with a threatening,
Some day.....just... you....wait! Or maybe you've heard this before: They
dragged her out of the room kicking and screaming. It's interesting how,
in the divine economy, trouble comes back to haunt you (Psalm 7:16). Beginning
thieves and novice deceivers think they're enhancing their lives through
their elementary acts of basic violence, simple wickedness, or petty thievery.
Even mature adults around them may say, C'mon. They're just kids. EVERYbody
does this kind of stuff! They don't realize that a penchant for wrong,
coupled with a refusal to do what is right will - one day! - cost them
dearly (Proverbs 1:19). We must teach our children - and learn it our
selves! - to not be spiritually naive. We must teach (!), teach (!), teach(!)
justice and righteousness (Micah 3:9-12). We must submit ourselves to
the Holy Spirit. We must be trained to say 'NO!' to ungodliness and worldly
passions, and to say 'YES!' to righteousness (Titus 2:11.12).
Father of justice and righteousness, train us to live self-controlled,
upright and godly lives in this present age. In the name of Your Son,
Jesus Christ, our precious Savior we pray. Amen.
November 23, 2003
Proverbs 23:12 says, Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to
words of knowledge.
This scripture is an intimidating challenge to the modern Christian. It
ultimately addresses the issue of spiritual laziness which is so evident
today. Instead of answering life's problems with biblical principles,
so many Christians are following the model of the world: popular opinion,
speculation, or supposition. On the other hand, the ultimate goal of striving
to be a man or woman of the Word of God is understanding (Proverbs 2:6);
it's to be able to cultivate and maintain discretion (Proverbs 5:2); it's
to bring unbelievable delight and sweetness to your soul (Proverbs 22:17);
it's to make you wise (Proverbs 23:19). So, by God's grace, let us make
the hard choice to battle self-deceit (James 1:22) by devoting ourselves
to frequent study of the Word of God and to faithful, steady obedience
to its principles. We'll be so glad we did!
Most excellent and patient Teacher, soften, open, and instruct our
hearts which are so often preoccupied and distracted by the unimportant.
Humbly we beseech You, in Jesus' name. Amen.
November 25, 2003
Proverbs 25:1 says, These are more proverbs of Solomon, copied by the
men of Hezekiah king of Judah....
Solomon, I'm sure, had quite an exciting childhood. Imagine being reared
by David, listening to stories of his escapades, and of the many battles
he fought and won for the glory of God and His people! So, later on, I'm
guessing that when Solomon asked the Lord for wisdom rather than wealth,
he surely had a little inkling of what God could do in, for, and through
him as well (though I would never remove the element of surprise when
God is at work): God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a
breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. Solomon's
wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the men of the East, and greater
than all the wisdom of Egypt. He was wiser than any other man..... and
his fame spread to all the surrounding nations. He spoke 3,000 proverbs
and his songs numbered 1,005. He described plant life... He also taught
about animals and birds, reptiles and fish. Men of all nations came to
listen to Solomon's wisdom, sent by all the kings of the world, who had
heard of his wisdom. (I Kings 4:29-34) No wonder it's called the living
and enduring word of God (I Peter 1:23). And imagine: He's always seeking
willing vessels - like Solomon, you, and me - through whom He can spread
that glorious Word!
Eternal Father, Your word is everlasting. It stands firm in the heavens
(Psalm 119:89). As did Solomon, may we too seek Your wisdom and understanding
more than all other things which we might highly treasure. For Jesus'
sake. Amen.
November 28, 2003
Proverbs 28:2 reminds us that when a country is rebellious, it has many
rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order. The
New Living Bible says it this way: When there is moral rot within a nation,
its government topples easily. But with wise and knowledgeable leaders,
there is stability.
Rebellion refers to national sin, including nationwide resistance to God
and moral integrity; this is no 'small' problem. In other words, when
a country is rebellious through and through, you will find that just about
everyone does that which is right in his own eyes (Judges 21:25). In this
context, human life will have decreasing value; helping senior citizens
to live longer will become an increasing nuisance; a practical belief
and trust in a sovereign God will be looked on as 'dangerous'; a pluralistic
'whatever feels good to you' mindset will methodically replace Jesus Christ
as 'the only way' for salvation and heaven.... just to name a few issues.
So, if you ever get a man or however many people in public office whose
standard of living is based on the living God and His principles; if you
ever get a few people who express faith in the Lord and whose actions
therefore reflect godly integrity and righteousness, PRAY unceasingly
for them. In times of spiritual darkness, they (AND we, through prayer
and righteous living) will be the Lord's unique agents to maintain stability
and moral order (Isaiah 58:12). Believe it or not!
Father of holiness, the righteous are frighteningly outnumbered! But,
praise God!, greater is He Who is in us than he that is in the world!
Forgive our indifference and spiritual apathy. Fill us with hope, and
prompt us to faithfully PRAY for all Christians everywhere, especially
those in public office. For Jesus' sake. Amen.
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