Pastor Johnnie's Devotional Archives
September 2005

September 26, 2005

Psalm 86:3 says: "Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I call to you all day long."

During this season of relentless winds and seemingly unending rains in certain areas of this great nation, there are literally millions of Americans who are calling out for the Lord God to exercise His mercy upon them. Like several years ago, when we were blind sided by senseless and unprecedented acts of terrorism and people talked openly about God and His purposes and made obvious public acknowledgments of His presence, so today we are strangely drawn to focus on Him and the possibility that He has more to 'say' through nature than heretofore thought or than many care to admit (Matthew 8:27).

Nonetheless, it is indeed 'mercy' for which millions are crying out today. Not, mind you, mercy for their sinfulness or their rejection of the Living God and His Son; for that would, of necessity, represent an alteration of their mind set about their ultimate spiritual condition before a holy God: "I'm a sinner! I am desperate in my pleas that You not give me what I deserve!" Rather, it is certainly possible and understandably probable that pleas for mercy are more for personal comfort.

That is why we Christians must see that we have had placed before us incredible doors of opportunity through which to walk, leaving our own comfort in order to live out our faith and to make all kinds of expressions of love and generosity to the needy on behalf of the Lord Who will joyfully use our actions to pour out His mercy and grace, bringing many more lost souls to saving faith in Jesus Christ.

Forgive my proneness to utter selfishness, Father. May I and my fellow Christians everywhere have eyes to 'see' the many 'favorable circumstances' You constantly put before us to clearly and humbly declare and demonstrate Your love to mankind around us. It is truly for Jesus' sake I pray. Amen.

September 28, 2005

Psalm 138:2 has so much to say to us today: "I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word."

In my younger years, we used to sing a song entitled "There's Just Something About That Name". Today's passage is a reminder of just why that song always sent a 'chill' through my spirit and always seemed to bring tears to my eyes whenever I sang it. I recall many times when I felt like the only valid thing to do as I worshipped was to fall down before Him in unfettered praise, which I have ended up doing untold times throughout my lifetime. Jesus. There's just something about that name. Master. Savior. Like the fragrance after a rain. Let all heaven and earth proclaim: Jesus! Kings and their kingdoms may all pass away; but, there's something about that name! Does that sweet and precious name still capture your heart today?

I just read of a woman who, when she fled her Katrina ravaged home, took five Bibles and another small item in a plastic bag. To the chagrin (annoyance) of any earthbound, possession-focused interviewer, she confidently revealed her priority in life. If God has exalted His name and His Word above all things, it behooves us to double check our list of 'important' items and quickly make whatever adjustments need to be made! It pleased the Lord, for the sake of His own righteousness, to make His Word great and glorious (Isaiah 42:21). And, He Himself said that heaven and earth may pass away, but His words will never pass away (Matthew 24:35). The passage before us clearly reveals that these two valued 'items' (His name and His Word) should elicit humility, submission, and praise from every child of God. Know why? Because, when carefully reflected on, they so powerfully and unmistakably disclose His love and His faithfulness to us, His dependent children. Are you bowed before Him in humble adoration today?

Father, teach our proud hearts to bow low before You in authentic, unimpeded praise for Your name and Your Word. Amen.

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