Pastor Johnnie's Devotional Archives
November 2004
November 1, 2004
Psalm 1:1 is a good scripture to read and reflect on before election day
2004. Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.
Just this morning I mentioned to my accountability group that, with all
the lies and ugly propaganda that's floating around out there - on both
sides! - what would we Christians do if the Holy Spirit did not possess
us for His wonderful and holy purposes, such as voting biblically in a
national election? How would we vote if we did not have the clear charge
of the Bible to not have anything to do with or to not try to 'keep pace
with' (walk in the counsel of) the wicked, whether Democrat or Republican?
Apart from the Holy Spirit, we would not be able to hear the voice of
God, as it were, or to understand the Scriptures which, in essence, challenge
us to formally object (vote against) those who hold in derision that which
should be considered sacred and worth standing up for.
May the Lord's people turn out in great numbers to vote
from that perspective. May the Lord God be merciful to this great nation
as fewer and fewer, comparatively speaking, seek to truly please Him by
living, walking, talking, and voting righteously!
All knowing Father, may vast numbers of Your people and other responsible
citizens vote for justice and righteousness as we mark our ballots. It
is truly for Jesus' sake and for the sake of this great nation we pray.
Amen.
November 19, 2004
Psalm 19:14 is a wonderful example of the sovereign God's power and authority:
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in
your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
To the casual Christian, these words are the gracious affirmation that
the Sovereign God is Lord and Master, Rock and Strength, Lover and Redeemer.
To those who go a bit deeper into the heart of God, they ratify some wonderful
truths which have challenged, comforted, and carried God's little lambs
for so many centuries: God hears all. He hears the words which flow from
our hearts, whether we be happy, sad, thankful, angry, or attentive of
His presence. God knows all. The thoughts which float around our mind
and take root in our thinking/acting out process are like a loudspeaker
system announcing to the Holy One what's really going on in our heart.
God sees all. There is nothing that is hidden from the Sovereign Lord;
which is why David prayed in verse 12: forgive my 'hidden' faults.
These basic truths of the Christian faith are a clear call to walk in
holiness before God. May that be so for each of us today!
O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise (Psalm
51:15). May the truth that You hear all, know all, and see all so possess
us today that we will truly be pleasing in Your sight. Amen.
November 22, 2004
Psalm 122:1 prompts a lot of critical thinking in this 21st Century: I
rejoiced with those who said to me, "Let us go to the house of the
Lord."
Say WHAAT? Really rejoice? I mean, be very glad? Actually, I'm not sure
you're in touch with reality, my friend. Thanks for thinking of me, but
as I think about it, I don't have the time to go with you today. Sure,
I'm in dire straits in my life. Yes, the marriage is falling apart. Well,
yeah, I don't like it that our indebtedness is so great; but how could
we pass by having the same toys as our neighbors have and are always talking
about? And, it just so happens that the time to enjoy these very expensive
toys and have some breathing room for relaxation and enjoyment comes at
the time you want to go to the house of the Lord for your enjoyment. Ad
infinitum... ad nauseum.
Lord, how lovely it is to be with You and Your people (Psalm 84:1-2)!
Lord, I'd rather spend a day in Your presence and with Your people than
a thousand elsewhere (Psalm 84:10)! WHY? Because I long for You. Because
I've seen You in the sanctuary; I've beheld Your power; I've observed
Your glory (Psalm 63:1-3). I want more of You; more of the fellowship
of Your people. I just want and need more!
Father in heaven, in the last days many people will come and say,
"Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of
the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in His
paths" (Isaiah 2:3). May we be among them, even today! Amen.
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