Category Archives: Devos

Jul 02 2020
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Devos

“Scrooge McDuck” Always Reminds Me of “Greed”

Scrooge gif

Ever hear of “Scrooge McDuck, the cartoon character?” He always comes to mind when I think about “greed!”

Greed – a possession and riches-oriented life (with an insatiable desire for more) exhibits itself in so many different ways – some subtle, others obvious! For example; always insisting that I get “my fair share” can be a sign of “greed.” And always planning and scheming about how to get more and more and make room for more. Both of these indicators of “greed” were addressed in the passage I read this morning during my time of “coffee with the Lord.” (Luke 12:13-21)

What was Jesus’ warning about “greed”? He said, “Watch out! Be on your guard against ALL KINDS OF GREED! Life does NOT consist in an abundance of possessions!”

Jesus reminded us in this passage that possessions are temporary and fleeting! God told the rich man in the parable, “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you! Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?”

And the passage ends with Jesus reminding us… “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God!”

Oh, let me tell you… I want to hear and heed the message of this parable and passage! Lord may I avoid a greedy, “possessions-oriented life!” Instead, may I pursue ardently a life that is “rich toward God” – seeking those things that endure beyond this life – laying up “riches in heaven!” (Matthew 6:18-21)

Jul 01 2020
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Devos

Oh the beauty and power of God’s Word!

Most beautiful diatmondsDuring my time of “coffee with the Lord” this week I’m reading and reflecting on Psalm 119 – the longest chapter in the Bible and a celebration of God’s infallible, wonderful word!

Over the years I’ve told my students Psalm 119 is like a beautiful diamond! It displays and describes the incredible power and beauty of God’s Word – all of its various facets! Just like one of the world’s most beautiful diamonds (pictured), each way you turn it the various facets reflect and refract its glory!

I began my daily time with God’s word, the Bible, in high school at the urging and challenge of a public high school teacher who happened to be a Christian, Dean Shenaman. I was frustrated with the quality of my Christian life and he asked me, “How much time are you spending, LeRoy, in God’s word?” The positive results in my life of his challenge have been incredible! Ask former and present students… ask my family… ask my wife… ask former members of congregations I have served… ask anyone – I LOVE GOD’S WORD!!!

And as I read these words in Psalm 119 this morning I found myself heartily agreeing with the Psalmist, who said…

“I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches! I meditate on your precepts and consider your way. I delight in your decrees! I WILL NOT NEGLECT YOUR WORD! … Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law! … My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times! … Your statutes are my delight – they are my counselors.” (selected verses from Psalm 119: 14-24)

So I wrote this in the margin of my Bible today: “This is my prayer today Oh Lord… May I continue to love and long for Your word! May you daily speak counsel and comfort to my heart from its inspired message!”

Jun 29 2020
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Devos

Dealing with the ugly creatures in dark corners of your life

creatures in dark cornersI heard Sharon’s insistent, intense voice from the kitchen… “LeRoy come here!”  I hurried into where she was, and she explained that there was a very large ugly bug that she had seen scamper into the dark drawer where we keep our garbage can.  She wanted me to find that “critter” and kill it.  Problem was, I couldn’t see back behind the garbage container.  So I got my cellphone, turned on the flashlight feature, shone the light in the dark corner, found the creature and killed it.  The light made dealing with the intruding bug possible!

Read a passage that dealt with that kind of issue morally and spiritually this morning during my time of “coffee with the Lord”… Luke 11:33-36 (check it out)!

In it, Jesus declares the moral and spiritual input of your life matters!  It either brings “light” within or increasing “darkness!”

We need to watch what we allow to enter by way of our ‘eyes” (or for that matter any sensory gateway to your inner self)!  When you are intaking healthy, godly, righteous things (“light”) your whole body is being filled with “light.”  The critters of the dark flee!  But when your intake is unhealthy, morally bankrupt, negative and unrighteous (i.e. “darkness”), it darkens everything within you and creates a context for what is evil and harmful!  In the words of the passage then: “See to it that the ‘light’ within you is not ‘darkness’ (i.e. that what you have allowed to enter your life is darkening you within, rather than bringing light within).

In other words, don’t allow moral and spiritual critters to enter the dark corners of your life!  Drive them out and deal with them by bringing the “light” of God’s presence and His word to bear on what is deep within.  What is needed then, is for us to have more significant time with “light” than “darkness!”

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