Category Archives: Devos

Aug 29 2017
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Devos

In the Christian race… gotta watch your step!

trail runner fallingI’m a runner… been doing it for a lot of years… just LOVE trail running! But I’ve taken my share of spills and gotten up with skinned knees, scraped hands, bruised elbows and blood running down my leg (and just a little embarrassment) … fortunately I’ve never broken a bone. Believe me, I know the meaning of “watch your step!”
 
What caused my spills? A crack in the sidewalk, the root of a tree exposed on the trail, a distraction somewhere along the way, and just a week ago a loud motorcycle that caught my attention instead what was on the trail… Anyone that is a runner knows what I’m talking about.
 
I think Apostle Paul may have had some “spiritual spills” in mind when he urged fellow Christians, “Look carefully then how you walk!” (Ephesians 5:15) In other words in your journey, whether you’re “walking by faith” or “running the race with patience” – “Watch your step!”
 
I was remind of the importance of this during my Bible reading this morning during “Coffee with the Lord” when I read these words…
 
“Hear, my son, and accept my words… I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have led you in the paths of uprightness! When you walk, your step will not be hampered, and if you run, you will not stumble… Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil! Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on! … But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day. The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know over what they stumble… Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil!” (From Proverbs 4:10-27)
 
Oh, and if you stumble and fall? Get back up, dust yourself off (confessing your sin), and continue to “run the race with patience looking to Jesus!” (Hebrews 12:1-2)
Aug 26 2017
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Devos

“Ranked best life-pursuit…”

google-searchI like to purchase items of the highest quality if possible. Thankfully there are organizations out there that do quality market research and customer analysis regarding various products. So I will often use “Google” or perhaps another search engine on my computer and type in the words, “ranked best [and then key in the kind of product I’m seeking to purchase]. For example: “Ranked best microwave,” or “ranked best smartphone,” or “ranked best tablet computer,” etc. Then based upon market research I’m able to make an informed purchase based upon what has been found to be the “best” – what has been shown to be of the highest quality.
During “coffee with the Lord” this morning I found a report, based upon Divine market research, regarding what is “ranked best” to pursue in life! Here’s what the “Proverbs report” says about that issue…
“Blessed [enviably happy and fulfilled] is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold! She is more precious than jewels! Nothing you desire can compare with her! Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called blessed.” (Proverbs 3:13–18 ESV)
Where can you get this “wisdom” and “understanding” … Well, the outlet – the source where it is always available is “The fear [or reverence] of the Lord!” (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10; 15:33)
In fact, there is even a worship song that even addresses this…
“Lord, You are more precious than silver;
Lord, You are more costly than gold;
Lord, You are more beautiful than diamonds;
And nothing I desire compares with You!”
I don’t know about you, but based on Divine research and revelation, that’s where I want to put my money, my efforts, and my life-pursuit!
Aug 24 2017
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Devos

Wisdom and understanding: A grand lifelong quest… worth the pursuit!

It had been on my “bucket list” of things I wanted to do for awhile – climb Columbia Mountain with my brother, Wes. It would be quite a climb – a full day of challenging physical activity. The report, however, was the effort would be worth the climb – the view of the entire Flathead Valley would be absolutely awesome!

Wes and I tackled the climb (it was challenging!) and the hike was worth it (the view of the Flathead Valley was spectacular!).

During “coffee with the Lord” this morning I read of another “grand quest” – the search for “wisdom” and “understanding” – a lifelong pursuit, promising incredible blessing and benefit! Definitely worth the effort according to the report of the inspired writer-compiler of Proverbs (Solomon, the “wisest man that ever lived”).

Here’s the quest:

“My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures… (Proverbs 2:1-4 ESV)

The anticipated goal – the promised destination and outcome…

…Then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path; for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you! 12 delivering you from the way of evil, from men of perverted speech… So you will walk in the way of the good and keep to the paths of the righteous.” (Proverbs 2:5–12, 20 ESV)

I just have to tell you… “Wisdom” and “understanding” – the God-given kind – are on my “bucket list” – they are a life-long quest with promised results that are wonderful and fulfilling! I want those qualities in ever increasing measure in my life! I’ll pursue God-given “wisdom” and “understanding” until the day I die! I’m convinced each day will bring fresh, fulfilling vistas of truth, insight and fruitfulness! Why not join me in the quest!

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