Pastor Johnnie's Devotional Archives
February 2007

February 12, 2007

Psalm 65:4 "Blessed are those you choose and bring near to live in your courts! We are filled with the good things of your house, of your holy temple."

Last week, right in the middle of a cardiac procedure in which the cardiologist placed two stents in an artery near my heart, I was chatting with him and at the same time watching his 'finesse' on a TV screen. At one point I referred to how the Bible says that we are "fearfully and wonderfully made", to which he gave a kind "uh-huh". The point I made was that if there were any doubt that we are indeed fearfully and wonderfully made, an experience like the one I was going through should have great bearing on a change of mind or heart for any human being.

I am deeply impressed this morning with the knowledge that God has chosen me - and you! - to live in His courts. We're not talking about an occasional 'visit' which gives an impression of 'religiosity' to passersby. A 'visit' to His courts may mean a 'quickie check-in' right before a medical procedure that could "go bad", just to make sure one is "caught up" or "in the Lord" just in case something "goes wrong". And, too often, when things turn out OK, it's back to "business as usual", content that the occasional tourist-like 'visit' with God will suffice until another emergency situation arises requiring an Invisible Means of Support (i.e. Almighty God). We're talking about taking up residence right in His presence....and remaining there in continual and utter dependence upon Him and His grace!

He chose us and, through Jesus, brought us near that we might pitch our tent in His presence. Then and there - only - can we honestly and deeply experience the good things of His glorious house, His holy temple. Truly, in His presence is fullness of joy! (Psalm 21:6)

Sweet and precious Father, our hearts are filled with praise to you because of who You are, and because our lives truly are so filled with the overflow of good things from Your hand. We love you! Amen.

February 27, 2007

Psalm 66:12 says: You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water; but you brought us to a place of abundance.

Whether it is for discipline or for testing, or for other holy purposes, difficult times which are designed, permitted and carefully overseen by our gracious Father, are merely conduits or means through which He is bringing us to a place of greater abundance. This is one reason why in II Samuel 24, David would dare to say, "Let us fall into the hands of the Lord, for His mercy is great; but do not let me fall into the hands of men."

He is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. Psalm 86:15
His shepherding of us and the meeting of our needs is all encompassing. Psalm 23:1
He abounds in love to all who call to Him. Psalm 86:5
His Word renews us. Psalm 119:156
His love is never-ending! Psalm 136

So, Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. (Isaiah 55:7)

Open our eyes, dear Father, that we may see the abundance of Your mercy, Your love, and Your grace today! Amen.

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