Devotion Thoughts - 08/05/2011

1 Samuel 2:22-36

God said: Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it (Pro 22:6) . When God says 'He that spares his rod hates his son: but he that loves him chastens him when necessary' (Proverbs 13:24), then we had better believe that God knows best. Those who think corporal punishment will warp the character of the child are correct only if the rod is applied unjustly and more than necessary. When I misbehaved at school I was caned, but never told my parents, for they would have punished me as well for wasting the teacher's time! They feared God, believed His Word, and gave me a hiding when I needed it. I am glad about that!
Eli was too soft on his sons. God intended to kill Hophni and Phineas (2:25) for which their father had to share the blame (v.29); not only because 'they knew not the Lord' (v.12), but because Eli did not stop their ungodly behaviour which, in effect, made them superior to God. Jesus warned against ungodly behaviour (Matthew 18:3-7). Satan lost out for trying to be superior to God.

1 Samuel 3:1-21

Although it might not be as audible a voice as Samuel heard, God's call to His servants to give up all and follow Him is always clear. It can come through scripture repeatedly brought to mind; a challenge in a sermon; or a direct word through a fellow-believer. However the call comes, it is confirmed in one way or another. Samuel heard his call via the audible voice of God. I did not hear an audible voice but, along with repeated scripture passages, there was an inner voice telling me that God wanted me to leave my secure, well-paid job and go into full-time service for Him. I have never regretted following that call.

1 Samuel 4:1-22

There is no doubt that Eli was a godly man (v.13), fearing as he did for the safety of the ark of God. But the ark was only a symbol of the presence of God. Believers know that they have the presence in their hearts; that God goes with them everywhere they go!

John 5:24-47

This seems to contradict 2 Corinthians 5:6,8. However, a closer examination of other verses relating to the return of Jesus indicates that when we die our spirit leaves our body and enters heaven, while our bodies are buried. When Christ returns He will have the spirits of the 'dead' saints with Him. Their spirits will then join their resurrected but now incorruptible bodies (1Co 15:52) and, together with the living believers whose bodies will also be made incorruptible, will go to heaven. As for the spirits of dead unbelievers who have been sojourning in hell, a place of torment (Revelation 20:13), they will also join their resurrected bodies, but will end up in the Lake of Fire (v.29; Revelation 20:14) after Judgment.

Psalm 106:1-12

Children who have parents they love and cherish are fortunate and blessed. How much more of a privilege is it to be children of a loving God, and to offer praise to Him as our heavenly Father; to know that we are part of His family and will dwell in His house, the house of the Lord, forever! It will be ours through believing in the Lord Jesus for salvation! What's more, God is so keen to have us in His family that He is willing and waiting to adopt us as His sons and daughters!

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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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