Pastor Johnnie's Devotional Archives
December 2003
December 1, 2003
In Proverbs 1, we read about wisdom being outright rejected, ignored,
hated, spurned, not accepted (when given the chance to accept and apply
it), and not chosen (when offered the option of it or foolishness). Without
rushing to judgment, this appears like a clear cut case of rebellion against
that which is right, and a deliberate choice to reject God and His ways.
Then verses 32 and 33 remind us of the end result: they will eat the fruit
of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes. For the waywardness
of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy
them...
By way of example, in case we're not getting the picture: for years people
can ignore the written and spoken warnings on cigarette packages, and
when they suffer the fruit of their ways (i.e. get cancer), they can sue
the cigarette companies for millions. Anybody in their right mind can
deduce what's really happening here; but our enlightened society still
falls for it. Is it possible that people treat sin in the same way, ignoring
God and righteousness? Is it possible that they will stand before Him
one day and actually blame HIM for the choices they made? Sure, they'll
try. But hear me now and believe me later: on that day, every mouth will
be silenced and the whole world will be held accountable to God (Romans
3:19). Determine now, by God's grace, to make right choices!
Father, grant us the desire to make right choices (Philippians 2:13).
Amen.
December 3, 2003
Proverbs 3:6 says: in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make
your paths straight.
In an educated, capable, and self-energizing society, it is difficult
for mankind to admit: O Lord, I know that a man's life is not his own;
it is not for man to direct his own steps (Jeremiah 10:23). But, one of
the best things we can do for ourselves is to so trust in Him that we
must finally conclude that He is the only One Who is capable of teaching
us what is best for us; that He, therefore, is the only One Who should
be directing us in the way we should go (Isaiah 48:17). Of course, that
requires a humble admission on our part that we lack the necessary wisdom
to know how to govern our own lives (James 1:5); but, praise God, He faithfully
guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way (Psalm 25:9);
the Lord determines his steps (Proverbs 16:9). So, as you live your life
today; as you walk through the experiences you will encounter, humbly
plan on one thing for sure: whether you turn to the right or to the left,
your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, 'This is the way; walk
in it' (Isaiah 30:21). Acknowledge His right to so 'intrude'. It make
no difference how crooked and messed up you think things are; He'll make
your paths straight!
Father of the straight way, humble our self-trusting hearts. Teach
us to acknowledge and then submit to Your sovereign right to direct our
lives. For Jesus' sake we pray. Amen.
December 5, 2003
What a challenge Proverbs 5:1,2 is: My son, pay attention to my wisdom,
listen well to my words of insight, that you may maintain discretion and
your lips may preserve knowledge.
A spiritual maintenance program requires the discipline to listen or pay
attention right from the start of the Christian life (Proverbs 4:1). In
home accountability sessions and in counseling rooms we are seeing people
who are in deep trouble basically because of a maintenance failure or
just plain spiritual carelessness. Most of them would never ignore their
golf clubs or treat their car engine so recklessly; but when it comes
to their spiritual lives, something breaks down. Spiritual growth and
maturity do not come by osmosis. Discretion is the ability to act and
judge wisely on one's own. In order for that to happen, we must listen,
accept (Pr. 2:1), turn our spiritual ears toward, and call out for wisdom.
So, he who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches!
(Revelation 2:7)
Overseer of all spiritual maintenance, be merciful to us. Deliver
us from spiritual laziness and indifference. Work in us what is pleasing
to You. Equip us with everything good for doing Your will, and make us
uncomfortable whenever we slip into a careless maintenance mode. It is
truly for Jesus' sake we pray, Amen.
December 9, 2003
Proverbs 9:13 says, The woman Folly is loud, she is undisciplined and
without knowledge.
Since I first read this and other similar scriptures many years ago, I
do a double-take whenever I hear a man or woman who is loud or silly over
a sustained period of time, or who would be characterized as loud, defiant,
quarrelsome, ill-tempered, or who shows very little discretion (Proverbs
7:11;21:9;11:22;14:1)). Because of the Bible's description of them - sort
of the antithesis of sweetness, gentleness, and grace - I have found that
I am increasingly 'uncomfortable' in the presence of such people. Over
the past few years, I've taken note of several female comedians who have
decided to duke it out with the men in that profession. As the men have
become 'dirtier' and more 'suggestive' in their material, so have the
women. No body part, no subject is 'sacred' any longer. We live in an
Anything goes! era. Actually, either men or women who feel they have to
go to the garbage can for material would be described by the Bible as
foolish, silly, naive, and easily seduced. Anything for a laugh!, they
say. To the contrary, wisdom produces qualities that are attractive to
the one who chooses wisdom over foolishness. By God's grace, may we make
the right choices today!
Wise Father, foolishness has never built a lasting legacy (Proverbs
14:1). So lead us today in paths of righteousness, wisdom, and grace.
We pray this for Jesus' sake and for the sake of Your church. Amen.
December 13, 2003
Proverbs 13:15 reminds us that Good understanding wins favor, but the
way of the unfaithful is hard.
Why is it so difficult to convince people that the Lord's ways are best;
that when you walk with the Him, He is with you to rescue you if rescue
is what you need to fulfill His sovereign plan for you; that He will give
you wisdom and favor in the presence of others (Acts 7:9,10) if that is
what will most glorify Him; that He is able to make you successful in
the right things of life (I Samuel 18:5, 14-16) in order to accomplish
His holy purposes and to please Him (Proverbs 3:4)? Just as Jesus, in
His youth, grew in wisdom and stature (Luke 2:52), so you and I can grow
in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ ( II
Peter 3:18). An end result? Winning the attention and favor of people
with whom we can now share the gospel of Grace. Those of us complaining
that the circumstances of life are too hard and perhaps 'unfair', should
give careful thought to the possibility that we are being 'unfaithful'
in some way, as the latter part of today's verse reveals.
Father of favor, reveal any unfaithfulness in our hearts and lives.
Strengthen us to live in an understanding way: being spiritually discreet,
prudent, and sensible. It is truly for Jesus' sake we pray. Amen.
December 15, 2003
What a challenge and great encouragement Proverbs 15:4a is: The tongue
that brings healing is a tree of life....
How well I remember standing under various trees throughout my lifetime
and taking timely advantage of what they offer: apple - orange - avocado
- mango - lemon - grapefruit - peach - cherry - papaya - tangerine - banana
(I know; it's a plant, not a tree) - and many, many other fruit-bearing
trees. When a hungry or thirsty person has eaten from their tree, the
various fruit have been what we loosely call "lifesavers". Like
the fruit bearing tree serves the hungry or thirsty soul, so also is the
tongue of the person who can listen to the frustration of a friend and
offer encouragement rather than generate further bitterness through careless
advice; who can bring comfort to the forlorn heart; who can biblically
and lovingly challenge a friend who is about to 'go over the edge' emotionally;
and more. To have a tongue that cures, heals, and delivers is increasingly
a rare thing in this pluralistic, let-it-all-hang-out, me-focused age
in which we live. Let us dare to stand out among the minority who truly
seek the Lord for a tongue that is spiritually alive, fresh, and strong.
Father, the tongue is an evil fire, we well know (James 3:5-9). It
can serve You and people around us - and give life! - or it can be self-serving
and detrimental. Discipline and train us to be available and healing trees
of life to those around us. For Jesus' sake we pray. Amen.
December 17, 2003
Proverbs 17:16 says, Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since
he has no desire to get wisdom?
What a powerful thought this is: the money God gives you should be used
in every sense to become wiser. Let's think about that for a minute. So,
if I buy a home, it should not be just for the sake of having a place
of luxury; it should a home I can afford and which will increase in value
over time so that our investment can increase. But that home should never
mean that I don't have enough money to give back to the Lord (tithes and
offerings), because wisdom dictates that He come first; He should receive
what is rightfully His right off the top. He and His church should NEVER
be put in the position of receiving less than the best or just the leftover
crumbs of my earnings. If I don't have enough to joyfully give back to
him each paycheck, then something's wrong. I'm foolishly living above
my means; I'm not being wise enough to consistently and obediently give
back to Him. If only more of the Lord's people could learn this wonderful
lesson! How unfortunate that masses of the Lord's people have come to
believe that their comfort and their image is more important than the
Lord's church. How different from being "poor in spirit".
Father, we confess that - overall - we are probably more concerned
that we live up to the standard of the Joneses than we live up to Your
standard of living and giving. This makes us foolish, not wise. For the
sake of Your church, be merciful to us; lead us to repentance and to a
new commitment to faithful generosity! Amen.
December 19, 2003
Proverbs 19:20 is good counsel: Listen to advice and accept instruction,
and in the end you will be wise.
I'm impressed and concerned with the increasing number of those who live
only 'in the moment'; they seem to be giving no thought for tomorrow,
or for the future. That's a big mistake. The Lord wants mankind to take
into account their future. He has gone to great lengths to prompt us to
give serious thought to that end. For example, how many young people (or
adults for that matter!), when given advice or instruction, are actually
and intentionally trained to think: "Whoa! I'm really glad for this
discerning input into my life; I'm headed toward a life of wisdom! That's
cool!"? Counsel or advice offered by a loving parent, friend, or
authority figure, is much like the manna God offered His people (Deuteronomy
8:16): it was intended to not only feed them but to humble and test them
so that in the end it might go well with them. The rich man had it all,
so to speak. But whatever counsel or instruction was available to him
during his lifetime, he obviously didn't take advantage of; and he ended
up in hell (Luke 16:19-23).
Father, teach us to number our days - to make the most of our time
here on earth - that we might gain a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12). We
understand that the future of the wicked will be cut off....but there
is a future for the person of peace and righteousness (Psalm 37:37). Help
us to listen carefully to Your voice. Amen.
December 21, 2003
Proverbs 21:31 says: The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but
victory rests with the Lord.
The 'horse' from this scripture can actually take on many forms. What
are some other things people trust in instead of the Lord? Eloquence;
education; skill; smarts; wealth; charisma; position; just to name a few.
Compared to trusting in the limitless power, wisdom, and authority of
the One in whom dwells all the fullness of the Godhead (Colossians 1:19),
to take confidence in anything else is to stoop very low; to go 'down'
to Egypt (Isaiah 31:1), the 'world', as it were. Most of us can attest
to the fact that there are many 'woes' attached to that downward trip!
The Lord's pleasure is not in the strength of the horse. His delight is
not in the strong legs or physique or abilities of a man on whom we might
tend to lean. The Lord delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope
in His unfailing love (Psalm 147:10,11). That's where the Christian's
real victory is; anything else is a vain hope for deliverance (Psalm 33:17).
Some trust in chariots and some in horses. But victory for us is secure
because we trust in the name, the power, the wisdom, and grace of the
Lord our God (Psalm 20:7).
O come, let us adore Him!
Father of glory, wean us from trust in our selves in any way. Open
our eyes that we might see that the victories we really need always rest
with You. Amen.
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