Category Archives: Devos

Oct 24 2017
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Devos

What makes parents (and their “Heavenly Parent”) proud of their children…

I’m a parent and I can tell you what brings joy and deep satisfaction to my heart – It’s when my children exhibit the values we’ve taught them, demonstrate responsible behavior, and live by the godly principles that are stressed in Scripture. I’m forever grateful that I had parents that taught me those things and stressed them in our home as we were growing up. If you had godly parents you were indeed fortunate. If you didn’t, I pray that you’ve had spiritual mentors that functioned like godly parents in your life!

So what is it that will make godly parents proud and generate joy and satisfaction in their hearts? I read about it this morning during my Bible reading in Proverbs…

“My son [or daughter], if your heart is wise, my heart too will be glad. My inmost being will exult when your lips speak what is right. Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in the fear [reverence] of the LORD all the day. Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off! Hear, my son [or daughter], and be wise, and direct your heart in the right way… Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding! The parents of the righteous will greatly rejoice; those who have a wise son [or daughter] will be glad in them. Let your father and mother be glad; let her who bore you rejoice. My son [or daughter], give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways!” (From Proverbs 23:15–26 ESV)

I’ve got to tell you, as a Christian, God-fearing parent, that’s the kind of thing that will “make my buttons pop” with legitimate pride, the behaviors that will produce great satisfaction, and the lifestyle that will generate joy in my heart!

But somehow, in all of this, I also hear the echo of our Heavenly Father’s heart! It describes, more than anything else, what will make Him happy! And I don’t know about you, but I want His approval first and foremost! I want to bring joy to His heart more than anything else!

Oct 23 2017
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Devos

Encourage one another and build each other up – That’s what fellow Christians should do!

Encourage one another...
I just finished having my devotional time… I call it “coffee with the Lord.” It usually includes a time of worship and prayer, Bible reading and reflection, and journaling. It’s always upbuilding and gives me the emotional and spiritual energy I need for the day. My “coffee with the Lord” posts usually come directly from this devotional time.
Today however, my post comes from the encouraging word a dear friend, Sylvia Lee, posted on Facebook from the Bible (and posted without comment, I might add!). Here it is…
“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul” (Psalm 143:8 NIV).
In the “body of Christ,” among fellow Christians, one of the most important things we do is “edify” – encourage or build up – one another! Apostle Paul put it this way, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV). Sylvia’s “word from the Lord” did that for me today! Sharon and I needed to hear it. Thank you Sylvia for being used by the Lord in sharing it!
That’s the way the Christian community, the “body of Christ,” the Church works! “God has put the body together…so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it!”
Oct 23 2017
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Devos

Preparation to run the “faith race”

Putting on running shoesAs a distance runner I know what pre-race preparation is like to run a marathon (26.2 miles)… I’ve run several of them, and on top of the long runs I do daily over at least a 6 week period to harden my legs to the road, there are the pre-race preparations just before the marathon… The evening before I will often do what is called “carbo-loading” – a hearty high carbohydrate meal (usually some kind of pasta) to provide body fuel for the run. Then it’s off to bed early to get a good, full, night’s sleep. I usually get up quite early on race day, a good cup of coffee, no breakfast (at most a piece of toast) all the while thinking about the race. Dress is meticulous… I put on no more that I absolutely must – a comfortable running jersey, support underwear, light running shorts… I’m even careful about my socks and how I put them on. 26.2 miles is a long journey “pounding pavement” on two legs! Then after arriving at the race site you get your identification number, pin it on, begin stretching, and perhaps getting that last big of hydration. All the while you’re preparing your mind for what you may face during the race – you just don’t know the challenges you may face on the course… I’ve had broken pieces of glass pierce the sole of my running shoes, I’ve stumbled and fallen over uneven pavement, I remember “killer, gut-wrenching hills,” I’ve had to run through water barriers, I’ve had to resist the temptation to be pulled along by an elite runner and exceed my finishing pace, I’ve had to run through the pain and discomfort of a “stitch” (runners will know what I’m talking about)… I could go on… But finishing and finishing victoriously on a personal level is the goal… In a marathon I run against myself, more than against other runners…

All of that came to mind this morning as I read in the Bible about another “marathon” – the “faith race!”

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses (read Hebrews 11 for what that’s about), let us also lay aside every weight, and the sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance (or patience) the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Hey, the “faith race” is long… It’s a marathon (not a sprint)… It’s filled with obstacles, temptation, and challenges. Because of others who’ve gone before and my heavenly coach and trainer, Jesus, I know I can finish – I’ve trained for it! But I must run patiently… the race is “life-long!” I’m grateful for those along the way that cheer me on and fellow runners who encourage and help me. In this “faith race,” with God’s help, I’m determined to finish with a “personal best!” I want to hear Him say to me at the finish line… “Well done!

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