Friday, May 6, 2011

Devotion Thoughts - 22/04/2011


Joshua 24:1-33


'Thus said the Lord God' (v.2). Joshua is privileged to be a spokesman for the Lord! Once again he reminds the people of all that God has done to bring them that far,and that they have a choice: serve God, or idols (v.15). Joshua makes it clear that he and his family choose to serve the Lord. We can emulate Joshua by witnessing to the great things God has done for us!


Luke 21:1-28


Far too many Christians feel inadequate; lacking in spiritual gifts and natural talents. They don't have to be. I have previously referred to this parable but here''s something more to encourage you.


A searchlight shines many miles up into the sky, a range a little penlight can never hope to emulate. But each light performs according to the maker's intentions. Some Christians have 'searchlight' size gifts, reaching out to huge crowds; but God still needs 'penlights' to find lost individuals. He made each of us differently for different purposes; we must accept our differences.


Jesus warns us that, for many of His followers, the end times will bring trials and suffering. Remember: they herald His return, and hang in there and rejoice!


Psalm 89:38-52


The psalmist bemoans the suffering that God has allowed to happen to the 'anointed' of Israel. How could He 'set up the right hand of his adversaries' (strengthen them) against Israel? He pleads for the lovingkindnesses promised to David, but in the end (v.52) he still blesses the Lord.


I'm reminded of when Job, even while enduring extreme trials, acknowledged it as God's right to treat everyone as He pleased, and said that even if God should slay him yet he would still rejoice in God (Job 13:15). Paul must have learned the same lesson, for he wrote that he was content no matter what state God brought him to (Philippians 4:11). We, too, should honour God whether things are going well or badly.


Proverbs 13:20-23


In a nutshell: ultimately, sinners will lose out, whereas the righteous will be blessed. An analysis of the entire Bible reveals that this is a central theme. Jesus said, 'My word shall not pass away' (Matthew 24:35).


Unsaved so-called Christians are promoting 'Bible teachings' that do not agree with Biblical truths. They promote warped ideas such as: 'there is no sin or Judgment'. Who am I to believe? Certainly not Satan-inspired, fallible, sinful men with twisted concepts that are at variance with Bible truth (as well as with other non-Christians worldwide). They are not Spirit-led, so will not be consistent even in their errors). I choose to believe Jesus, whose word has proved trustworthy.




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