Pastor Johnnie's Devotional Archives
November 2006
November 2, 2006
Psalm 90:15 “Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted
us, for as many years as we have seen trouble.”
Affliction is not normally an action desired or preferred by the Lord’s
people. Yes, the Bible is clear that those who have determined to truly
live godly in Christ Jesus will, at some point in their earthly journey,
suffer affliction and/or persecution of some sort (see II Timothy 3:12),
predetermined by the sovereign God alone. But we would normally consider
someone who “readily and willingly adapts to pain” administered
punitively (persecution) to be a ‘wierdo’ or a sadist or masochist
of some sort.
Not so for the godly. Trouble, hardship, and difficulty are all opportunities
permitted us that we might submit to the endless power and glorious purpose
of the living God who is preparing His children for heaven (Isaiah 61:3).
Thank you, faithful Father, for your loving attention to us and to
the real needs of our lives (i.e. worship, submission, humility, thankfulness,
praise, etc.). Thank you for your willingness to display your splendor
through us in the circumstances of our daily lives. Accept our gratitude
as we humbly – and willingly – continue to submit to you,
in Jesus’ name. Amen.
November 13, 2006
Psalm 94:2 “Rise up, O judge of the earth; pay back to the proud
what they deserve.”
I have fleeting memories of me and my two brothers, as kids, chasing each
other through the house, sometimes with just an angry expression on the
face, and other times screaming vehement threats of “I’ll
get you for that!” Had any of us dared to bring God into the fray,
I’m sure our desires for ‘pay back’ would have been
frightening to the onlooker!
With my natural bent toward retaliation and revenge, I’ve concluded
that I personally could not too often – if at all! - be trusted
to ‘cleanly’ or righteously pray “Lord, pay back to
the proud what they deserve!” However, knowing the little bit I
do about the righteous Judge of the earth, I do long for that day when
He will call the arrogant of the earth to account and ‘pay them
back’ exactly what they deserve. It is only right that He do so,
isn’t it?
Meanwhile, I will seek to walk humbly before Him, judging the pride of
my own heart and accepting any corresponding discipline He brings my way
which is designed to further prepare me to fully enjoy my eternal home.
Rise up, O Righteous Judge of the earth. Pay back to the proud what
they deserve! It is for your glory and honor alone we humbly pray this,
Amen.
November 20, 2006
Psalm 62:7 “My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty
rock, my refuge.”
“Put your best foot forward!” “It all depends on you!”
“Pull yourself up by your own bootstraps!” “She’s
a self-made woman!” There are many, many more similar statements
we’ve all heard which in one way or another intentionally point
to the supposed greatness of man and seldom clearly point to the living
God and His grace!
Whether it is a physical ailment (Who sinned, this man or his parents,
that he was born blind? John 9:1) or persecution, or some perceived failure
to be ‘perfect’, or failure to get the job we feel is right
for us, or to have the nice car or home we feel we’re worthy of
and which will earn us fresh and fuller esteem from others, we’re
all affected by the ‘problem’ of “What will other people
think?” and the corresponding craving to have honor poured out on
us.
What deep peace pervades the Christian who settles the issue of honor;
who ends the losing battle of competition with God; who lays down any
or all accolades at the foot of the cross and authentically says: my salvation
and my honor all depend upon God. If there is any praise, let it all go
to Calvary!
Father, forgive the pride and proneness of our hearts which feed on
self-glory and sought after adulation. Make us to be comfortable with
the idea of utter dependence upon you, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
November 27, 2006
Psalm 59:16,17 “I will sing of your strength, in the morning I
will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of
trouble. O my Strength, I sing praise to you; you, O God, are my fortress,
my loving God.”
Some of us aren’t morning people. The early morning hours are a
time for sleeping, certainly not for singing! But as Jesus increasingly
gains control of our hearts and lives, something fascinating happens within
us. His praise is continually on our lips (Psalm 34:1). It is difficult
to not accept the daily challenge of making the whole idea and practice
of praise something very glorious and splendid (Psalm 66:2) because praise
seems to be on our lips in every circumstance of life (Psalm 66:17).
Praise is one expression of our faith and confidence in the living God
(Psalm 106:12). And praiseworthy thoughts of His love and grace will eventually
motivate us to fearlessly and courageously venture beyond self-imposed
boundaries in order to share with others around us the pure delight of
His strength and love (Isaiah 42:12).
O loving God, it’s great that you love music! Teach us to sing
your praises! Amen.
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