Your Daily Devotion

One Week At A Time

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0100

My small brain can not hold the memory of even a whole month, and whenever I turn a new page in my diary it's like a brand new week every time.

Genesis 17:1-27

Reference: v.21 "But my covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you by this time next year." (NIV Bible)

Explore: I am totally bound to my diary. It's not funky, electronic or super-techno. It is a standard paper diary with a week per page... but I am still bound by it. If I need to remember anything at all, I will write it in my diary and you can be 99% sure that it will be done. However, if it doesn't go in the diary it's like the idea become vapour that slips into the atmosphere and is never thought of again! As I mentioned, in my diary I have one week per page. At the beginning of each week I turn over the page and see what I have already scheduled in for that week. Most weeks I seem to surprise myself with something, "Oh, I'd forgotten about that appointment"... "Ah, I remember when I wrote that in." Clearly I only live life one week at a time. My small brain can not hold the memory of even a whole month, and whenever I turn a new page in my diary it's like a brand new week every time.

Application: While I only live life one week at a time, God does not have such a simple planning structure. When He spoke to Abraham about Sarah conceiving, He was looking a year ahead. But more than that, when God made the covenant with Abraham that he would be the father of a great nation, God was looking many years ahead. God is not limited like my small brain that can only fathom one week at a time. God holds all of time in His understanding. We know that we can trust in Him, who not only understands our yesterday, embraces us in the present but holds in His loving, powerful hands our future.

Prayer: Father God, You hold our lives in Your hands. May I honor You with the time that I have. Amen.

What plans do you have for the future? What plans does God have in store for you?

Linda Bailey is currently away. I hope you enjoyed reading one of her favourite REAP articles from 2009 so far.

Pleasing To The Eye

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In our instant world of 'faster, stronger, better' I think it's important to remember the elegant, stunning and the majestic.

Genesis 2:4-25

Reference: v.9a And the Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground - trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. (NIV Bible)

Explore: We are currently in the very early stages of building a house. In fact, the building has not even begun. We are still in the 'overwhelmed' stage where we have commited to this huge project but now have to make the thousands of little decisions to make it come together. The most stressful part for me is choosing the colours. I know what I like and what I don't like, but as far as bringing all those colours together to look good, it doesn't always work. I am much more on the side of 'practical and cheap' than I am on looking good. Therefore, to stop visitors from vomiting when they see inside our new house I am in the process of recruiting friends and family who have a good eye for aesthetics to help me out.
I love that when God was 'building' the world he looked to the practical and the beautiful. It was no slap-up job on the cheap. He put thought into things being useful as well as 'pleasing to the eye'.

Application: In our instant world of 'faster, stronger, better' I think it's important to remember the elegant, stunning and the majestic. It's all around us. God created it all for us. We just need to open our eyes to see it. It could be a magnificent tree, a tiny sparrow or hint of a rainbow. Whatever catches your eye, don't hurry on past. Stop, smell the roses and stay a moment longer to admire it's beauty. It is 'pleasing to the eye'.

Prayer: Lord, all of creation shouts your praise and declares the wonder of your hands. As a part of your creation, may we do the same today. Amen.

What part of creation has caught your eye lately?

Linda Bailey is currently away. I hope you enjoyed reading one of her favourite REAP articles from 2009 so far.

Celebration Time

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0100

We don't just have to wait until momentus occasions to celebrate.

Nehemiah 12:27-47

Reference: v.27 At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from where they lived and were brought to Jerusalem to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps and lyres. (NIV Bible)

Explore: To stop and celebrate is an important part of any process. I'm not just saying this because I love good food and great people spending time together! I do think that it's great to look back over past successes and celebrate them. The Israelites had come a long way since being exiles in Babylon. Here they are, their wall rebuilt, their faith reconfirmed and the new season of their people was well on it's way. To stop and take some time in dedication and celebration was an important step in ushering in the new stage of life.

Application: Sometimes we can be so driven in pushing forward that we forget to stop and celebrate what has been. As people get older they even become hesitant to celebrate birthdays and don't acknowledge the previous year of their life - although I think this may be a reluctance to embrace being one year older! But we don't just have to wait until momentus occasions to celebrate. Every time something significant happens we can take some time to celebrate. To be honest, every day holds a moment worth celebrating. Often before I go to sleep I will go through my day in my head and just thank God for moments that may have seemed insignificant to someone else but has brought a moment of celebration for me. Let's not leave celebration out of our lives. Let's be thankful for each and every day.

Prayer: Lord, you are a God of praise and thanksgiving and we want to give you all the praise you deserve. Thank you for giving us this day. May we celebrate the life you have given to us. Amen.

What is something you can celebrate in your life at the moment?

Linda Bailey is currently away. I hope you enjoyed reading one of her favourite REAP articles from 2009 so far.

Game Statistics

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Of course, with all sport shown on TV you don’t just have the privilege of watching the games but you also have to listen to the commentators!

Nehemiah 7:4-73

Reference: v.5b I found the genealogical record of those who had been the first to return. This is what I found written there… (NIV Bible)

Explore: The Australian Open has just finished. This is an international tennis tournament played in Melbourne. I was fortunate enough to go for a day of the competition and watch courtside but most of my viewing was done at home on the television. Of course, with all sport shown on TV you don’t just have the privilege of watching the games but you also have to listen to the commentators! I was amazed at how the commentators were able to draw up all these random statistics to compare the current game with previous matches. “This match has held more forehand winners than any other game in history”; “We haven’t seen this many volleys since the grand final match back in 1978”; “This player wins 73% of sets that go to a tie-breaker.” Sometimes the previous records held information that was interesting and helpful, but sometimes it just seemed a little excessive.
Here we read that Nehemiah found the genealogical records of those who had already returned to Jerusalem. While we look at this long passage and just see lists and lists of names, they actually held important information pertaining what role the new inhabitants could play.

Application: In one sense, the whole Bible is a previous record for us to draw upon. We can look back and see what God has done for His people and know that He loves and cares for us just the same. It’s also good for us to look back at more recent history and see what God has done in our own lives. It’s often only in retrospect that we see His movement and so it’s important for us to pause, every now and again, and see where God has had His hand in our own lives. We may not need to make a record of it, we may not even want to journal it, but it’s good to make a note of it in our own minds and acknowledge where God has been at play for us.

Prayer: Lord, the Bible is a great way for us to see that you do play an active role in people’s lives. Thank you for showing so much interest in us.&nb [...]

Bare Behind

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The whole idea of revealing too much of yourself can cause much concern.

2 Peter 3.10-18

Reference: v.10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. (NIV Bible)

Explore: My recurring dreams are never identical in location but they always hold the same theme. As a child, my dream's recurring theme would be turning up to primary school for the day only to discover I was not wearing any pants. The idea that other people would notice my bare behind would leave me feeling quite disturbed. The whole idea of revealing too much of yourself can cause much concern.
When the Lord returns we are told that everything 'will be laid bare'. This may make us feel rather vulnerable (like turning up at school pantless and being rather self-conscious that too much is revealed). But if we really got down to it, we already believe that God knows all things about us. However, we seem to push that idea aside and fill our lives with materialism, popularity and conditional love. This idea of everything on earth being laid bare when the Lord returns really represents what God already sees.

Application: God is not wowed by our pay rise or impressed by a new item of clothing. God sees our hearts... He already sees us laid bare. When we realise that God is not taken by our outward adornments we realise that to please Him is to live a holy life. In verse 14 it tells us to 'make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with Him.' We can not conceal ourselves from God. He knows all our thoughts and desires. Lay yourself bare to the Lord and live according to that which makes you 'at peace with Him'.

Prayer: Lord, you know our comings and our goings. May we put aside the earth things that we cover ourselves with and lay ourselves bare to You. Amen.

How does being 'bare' before God make you feel? What are some things that need changing in your life to bring you 'peace with Him'?

Linda Bailey is currently away. I hope you enjoyed reading one of her favourite REAP articles from 2009 so far.

Don't Leave Your Brain At The Door

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Even though listening to the preacher is my favourite part, I do not leave my brain at the door and just accept every single word that is spoken.

2 Peter 2.1-22

Reference: v.1a But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. (NIV Bible)

Explore: In year 8 of secondary school I had a horrible Mathematics teacher. It was bad enough that Mr. Princeton had breath that could melt stone and his beard often held leftovers from his staff-room lunch, but his style of teaching math was lazy and ineffective. Maths was one of my better subjects but under Mr. Princeton's tutelage I felt that my number's knowledge stagnated. While Mr.Princeton may have something to answer for my depleted maths knowledge, I doubt very much that he will be condemned to damnation for his questionable teaching skills! Whereas the teachers mentioned in this passage are causing far more destruction than a less-than-hygienic maths teacher.

Application: Prophets, pastors and teachers still play an important role in our faith lives and we must be discerning of whose advice and guidance we will follow. When I go to Christian conferences I enjoy singing with a large group of people around me, I like catching up with friends and meeting new people. But what I really love is listening to the preacher unravel a new perspective on God. Even though this is my favourite part, I do not leave my brain at the door and just accept every single word that is spoken. I'm constantly sieving their ideas through my own knowledge and experience of God and mulling over whether I could agree wholeheartedly or not. Too often we leave our faith in the hands of other people. This warning against false prophets is a good reminder to us to take personal ownership of our faith. Whilst it is great to learn and hear from others, we must be responsible for our own faith and be commited to discern for ourselves what is of God.

Prayer: Lord, there are so many ideas communicated in our world. I often get overwhelmed. Help me to hold on to your Truth. Amen.

What impact have past teachers and pastors had on your life?

Linda Bailey is currently away. I hope you enjoyed reading one of her favourite REAP articles from 2009 so far.

A Mouthful of Scripture

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Each verse in Proverbs is like a mouthful of my mother's roast.

Proverbs 18:1-24

Reference: v.15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out. (NIV Bible)

Explore: My husband always laughs at me when I eat a roast dinner prepared by my mother. She always includes so many wonderful flavours and all my favourite vegetables. Therefore, each mouthful is like a tasty work of art. I have to be discerning and craft together the right mixture of flavours on the one forkful so that my tastebuds have a party with every single bite! When it comes to my mother's roasts and my mouthful-combinations, every forkful of food is a winner.

Application: Each verse in Proverbs is like a mouthful of my mother's roast. Each individual verse holds so much wisdom and a Godly way of looking at things. It's actually quite challenging to read a whole chapter at a time as each one is filled with 20-30 morsels of importance. It's like trying to eat a whole plateful in one bite. This is a book that you don't read once and then move on. It seems like it will be a book that makes more sense as you live life and as you process each verse individually. While reading chapter 18 means that I am half way through the book of Proverbs I can see that it will take a life time to glean even a tenth of the wisdom presented within.

Prayer: Lord, Your word truly is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. May we engage with it as we live life so that we can discern how you would have us live. Amen.

What passage have you read a number of times and received something different from it depending on your life situation?

Testing The Heart

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0100

While we spend so much time looking acceptable on the outside we often forget to develop and grow our hearts.

Proverbs 17:1-28

Reference: v.3 The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart. (NIV Bible)

Explore: As I mentioned yesterday, I have recently watched the movie 7 Pounds. The character Ben searches out people who have integrity. That means that they're not just nice to their friends or patient when everything is going well but it means that they are good people, even when no one is watching.

Application: Integrity is a great indicator of what is going on in our hearts. If we are only good, honest and caring people at selective times then it means we are trying to gain something at those times and the thoughtfulness is not coming from a good heart. God's first priority for us is not how good our job is, how well-behaved our children are, or how great we look in the latest fashion. People look at the outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16.7) While we spend so much time looking acceptable on the outside we often forget to develop and grow our hearts. And that's where Proverbs is so important because the wisdom held in this book gives us advice on how to improve our hearts, not our outward appearances.

Prayer: Lord, our current culture tells us so many ways that we can present ourselves better and yet You look straight to our hearts. May we dedicate our time to make our heart more appealing to You rather than our outward appearances appealing to others. Amen.

How much time each day would you spend on improving your outward appearance? How much time each day would you spend on improving your heart?

7 Pounds

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Throughout the whole scene Ezra kept his calm, stayed polite and never shot back anger or aggression towards Ben.

Proverbs 16:1-33

Reference: v.32 Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city. (NIV Bible)

Explore: It was only the other day that I got the chance to see the movie 7 Pounds starring Will Smith. I had gone to see it at the cinemas but the screening was interrupted so we missed the first five minutes. We had no idea what was going on so ended up getting our money back. So I finally got around to hiring the DVD and was enraptured by this storyline from start to finish. One particular moment that stood out to me - don't worry, I wont spoil the plot if you haven't seen it yet - was when Ben, the person Will Smith was portraying, was testing the character of a guy called Ezra. It was over the phone and Ben started challenging not just Ezra's work position but his personal life too. Throughout the whole scene Ezra kept his calm, stayed polite and never shot back anger or aggression towards Ben.

Application: I watched that scene knowing that I would never be able to keep my cool like Ezra had. I'm generally fairly polite but to be pushed as far as Ezra was, I would have snapped at some point. And yet Ezra showed fine quality of character even under persecution. In Proverbs 16 it says that it is better for us to control our temper than for us to over power a whole city. It is important that we don't let people just walk all over us however so often we get feisty back at someone even though it will not bring us to a better place in the end. When I am in a heated discussion with someone I try to stop myself and ask, 'What will be accomplished by pursuing this argument?' If I am helping to shape a whole groups mentality then sometimes it is worth bringing a different perspective. However, if it is just to save my pride or 'win' an argument, then that's not worth losing my temper over. Patience is a virtue and it is one that is honorable to God. The challenge is using our patience when it is being tested.

Prayer: Lord, you are a God of reason and understanding. Help us to know when to fight and when to swallow our pride. Amen.

When have you lost your patience? Was it advantag [...]

Meal Of Love

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In the middle of the table was a large  pot of stew, which smelled delicious and made the holy man's mouth water.

Proverbs 15:1-33

Reference: v.17 Better a meal of vegetables where there is love, than a fattened calf with hatred. (NIV Bible)

Explore: "A holy man was having a conversation with the Lord one day and said, 'Lord, I would like to know what Heaven and Hell are like.'  The Lord led the holy man to two doors.    He opened one of the doors and the holy man looked in. In the middle of the room was a large round table. In the middle of the table was a large  pot of stew, which smelled delicious and made the holy man's mouth water.    The people sitting around the table were thin and sickly. They appeared to be famished. They were holding spoons with very long handles that were strapped to their arms and each found it possible to reach into the pot of stew and take a spoonful. But because the handle was longer than their arms, they could not get the spoons back into their mouths.   The holy man shuddered at the sight of their misery and suffering.   The Lord said, 'You have seen Hell.'    They went to the next room and opened the door. It was exactly the same as the first one. There was the large round table with the large pot of  stew which made the holy man's mouth water. The people were equipped with the same long-handled spoons, but here the people were well nourished and plump, laughing and talking. The holy man said, 'I don't understand.'  ' It is simple,' said the Lord. 'It requires but one skill. You see they have learned to feed each other, while the greedy think only of themselves.'"

Application: Where do we position ourselves? Are we part of a life that helps to build up others, feed them and nourish them, or are we only striving to fill our own bellies? It's clear to see which one God desires.

Prayer: Lord, you give each of us so much but you leave it up to us to decide whether we will share and support others. May we live according to You will. Amen.

What can you do today that extends your spoon to others?

Own Worst Enemy

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This is when we thwart our own success before we let anyone else even try!

Proverbs 14:1-35

Reference: v.1 The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down. (NIV Bible)

Explore: The first saying that came to mind when I read verse 1 of chapter 14 was 'she's her own worst enemy'. This is when we thwart our own success before we let anyone else even try! We had a family friend who was trying to find work. After writing many applications he would finally get to the interview stage only to freak out the day before, convince himself that he was not good enough for the job and so not turn up for the interview. He was rejected himself before he even gave the interviewers the chance to. He was his own worst enemy. I had a friend at uni who desperately wanted a boyfriend. Her desperate pleas lead to a number of her friends trying to set her up with their associates. But her friends gradually stopped trying after they heard she was either an absolute mess on the date or a total no-show. Her desire to have a boyfriend made her so anxious that she could never present herself well when the date came around. She was her own worst enemy.

Application: There are times when we too can be our own worst enemy, when we end up sabotaging our own progress. Sometimes we don't even need another person to help, we just self-annihilate. But the wise person who walks with God stops themselves from taking that path. When we see ourselves with God's eyes then we have more clarity about how we should live and what we should aim for. There will be many more opportunities ahead of us that give us the chance to be our own worst enemy, however we must aim to be diligent in the Lord and move forward in progress rather than destroy the person God has created us to be.

Prayer: Lord, you have made us all uniquely and yet you desire abundant life for all. Open our eyes when we start down the path of self-destruction and help us to see the abundant life that you offer us. Amen.

When have you sabotaged your own progress? How did you stop yourself from doing that again?

Friends and Companions

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Having friends and companions is very important to our well-being, however the type of companions we associate with will rub off on who we are.

Proverbs 13:1-25

Reference: v.20 He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. (NIV Bible)

Explore: I hesitate to put people in to stereotypes however I do find that people who are similar do tend to gravitate to each other. Those who enjoy sports spend time together discussing game plays and team selections, those who have children can often relate well to other parents, and those who have a specific hobby often find instant companionship when they find another with the same interest. It's not rocket-science, it's about having a connecting point to feel that someone else understands a part of you.
The people we associate with can have a big part to play in our lives. While we may be mainly talking about sport, children or hobbies we are actually picking up how our companion responds, loves, uses vocabulary, presents humour and many other subtleties. At the same time we are expressing all of these elements back to them.

Application: Having friends and companions is very important to our well-being, however the type of companions we associate with will rub off on who we are. We may not replicate them completely - we are our own person - however it's amazing how particular elements of their personality can impact our own character. If we want to learn more about sport we go to those who are or have been professional athletes. If we want to learn more about parenting we go to those who have children of their own. If we want to learn more about God we associate with those who have a close relationship with God. You can see what people are interested in by who they associate themselves with. The people you associate yourself with will definitely have an impact on who you are.

Prayer: Lord, it is great to be in community with others, learning with them and developing friendships. May we have a positive impact on others as well as finding people who encourage us to be better people. Amen.

If someone was to look at the people you associate with, what impression would they get about the type of person you are?

Building Up or Tearing Down

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Our words can either build people up or tear them down.

Proverbs 12:1-28

Reference: v.18 Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (NIV Bible)

Explore: Last month I was driving home from church and I saw one of our elderly congregation members walking along the footpath. Nancy struggled a great deal with memory loss and sometimes forgot her way home. She was heading in the correct direction but as her house was on my way anyway, I thought I would offer to give her a lift. She hardly hesitated when I asked her if she would like me to drive her home and once in the car she even remembered I was one of the ministers from church. I reminded her of my name and then told her I had actually been talking about her that very week. I had met with a gentleman who had been part of the conversations that led to the creation of Northern Community Church of Christ. He had mentioned Nancy by name as someone who had been willing to make a big change, even in her older age, for the sake of the church. She was so surprised that this gentleman had remembered her and admitted that she could not recall who he was. But she was happy to be told the story. As I pulled up beside her house she thanked me for giving her a lift. She said that she had left church that day feeling very unhappy and that she didn't feel that she had a place there. She realised that it was probably because of her memory that she forgot things and that she was probably silly to feel that way, but she even wondered whether she should keep coming. That's why she was so happy to receive a lift in the car from me and to hear that story. She felt important again and that she had a place. And as I waved her goodbye she thanked me again and said, 'See you next week.'

Application: We never truly know how someone is feeling when we meet them. We don't know if they have had a great day or a disasterous day. We don't know whether they are in a positive place or finding even the most simple things a challenge. But we can have an impact on them. Our impact can be positive or it can be negative. Most of us speak so often that we forget the power behind what we say. Our words can either build people up or tear them down. This doesn't mean that we always have to say n [...]

Bad Things Happen To Good People

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0100

There seems to be an injustice in the world. Did the writer of Proverbs get it wrong?

Proverbs 11:1-31

Reference: v.8 The righteous man is rescued from trouble, and it comes on the wicked instead. (NIV Bible)

Explore: 'Bad things happen to good people.' When you read through chapter 11 of Proverbs it almost seems like only good will come to the good and bad will be heaped on to those who do bad. However, you don't have to travel far to see that that is not always the case in our world. Walk through a hospital and you will see many good people lying in the beds of the wards. Go to the business district and you will see many sinful people wearing suits and holding high-powered profitable positions. There seems to be an injustice in the world. Did the writer of Proverbs get it wrong?

Application: I'm not telling you anything unusual when I say that suffering is a reality. Every person will, has or is suffering in some way. But the writer of Proverbs is not saying that the righteous will have a good and easy and painless life. I believe the writer of Proverbs is seeing the bigger picture. While it may seem that the wicked get all the spoils in our world, if we look at the bigger picture we know that those who follow God's path will lead to a life filled with hope, grace and unconditional love. That is the kind of reward that people should be seeking. Often we find it hard to see beyond what is directly in front of our eyes. So when pain or injustice comes our way we start to question what God is doing to us. However, when pain and injustice rear their ugly heads, that is when we need to rely on God, knowing that we have hope in our loving Saviour and He desires us to have abundant life. It may not always be in the ways we desire, but we must have faith that God has the bigger picture in His hands.

Prayer: Lord, so often we want to control what is going on so that we receive instant reward. And yet we know this is not always what is best for us. May we show our faithfulness by trusting You with the bigger picture. Amen.

Are you experiencing pain and injustice? What could be God's bigger picture for you?

Simple Commonsense

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Often we need to be reminded of the importance of following this simple commonsense.

Proverbs 10:1-32

Reference: v.4 Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. (NIV Bible)

Explore: If I told you that it is better to bring your washing in off the line before it rains, rather than waiting until it had started raining, you would think that I was a simpleton! It doesn't take a brain surgeon to work out that bringing your washing in before it gets wet again is the best thing to do. However, often if I am feeling lazy or I get pre-occupied doing something else, I wont bring my washing in at the opportune time only to discover half an hour later that it has started raining and my washing is no longer dry! If I had have followed the simple commonsense path then my day would be less frustrating.

Application: Proberbs is a book that is filled with a great deal of simple commonsense. It's not incredibly unusual wisdom that you have never thought of before. Often it gives simple instructions that will lead you to a better life. The reason it takes up one of the 66 books in the Bible is that often we need to be reminded of the importance of following this simple commonsense. Bringing my washing in off the line before it rains is not that crucial. However, the wisdom contained in Proverbs can be life-changing.

Prayer: Lord, You have give us so much wisdom within Your Word. May we hold it in our hearts so that our lives may be transformed. Amen.

What is some commonsense that you know but you find it difficult to follow?

Sounds The Same

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0100

It sounded like a baby crying and it was coming from just outside my bedroom window.

Proverbs 9:1-18

Reference: v.4 & 16 "Let all who are simple come in here!" she says to those who lack judgment. (NIV Bible)

Explore: One night I was suddenly woken by a noise. The sound almost threw me from my sleep, so much so that I thought maybe it had only been a dream. However, as I lay motionless, listening intently, I heard the noise again. It sounded like a baby crying and it was coming from just outside my bedroom window. 'No, that can't be right,' I thought. And so I searched my brain for anything else that would make that sound in the middle of the night. Nothing came to mind, so I lay very still to have the sound confirmed... yes, there is was again. Just on the other side of my window there must be a baby. I started to think of who would drop a baby outside my window during the night and just as I was about to jump out of bed I heard a different sound... "meow". It was the neighbour's cat. All along it had been the neighbours cat! I don't know whether the initial sound was a mating call or protecting it's territory, however it had sounded exactly like a baby crying! While the sounds had been the same, the reality was quite different to my original thought.

Application: Two people who initially sound the same are Wisdom and Folly. In Proverbs 9 we are introduced to them both and their introductory statement is exactly the same. Each one is inviting those who are of simple minds to come to them. They both sound the same however the reality is quite different. While one bring life the other leads to death. Although they may start of seeming similiar, their reality is poles apart.
We must be discerning when we follow a particular path. Is it Wisdom we are following or did it just sound like Wisdom in the beginning? It's scary to see how similar they can initially sound, however it shouldn't take long before we can see the difference in the pathways. It's not too late to turn around and gain the true wisdom. It will take sacrifices but it will be worth it.

Prayer: Lord, sometimes we feel so deeply intrenched in a particular pathway we have taken we can't seem to see a way out, even though we kno [...]

Employing Wisdom

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0100

If you were on the interviewing panel then you would cancel all other appointments, you've found the best applicant!

Proverbs 8:1-36

Reference: v.19 My (wisdom's) fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver. (NIV Bible)

Explore: I've got a number of friends looking for new jobs at the moment. It's often a really difficult time as there are so many unknowns for the near future. One of the worst things about applying for jobs is writing resumes and job applications. You want to present yourself in the best possible light, however you also need to be realistic in being able to live up to your potential employer's expectations. There are some people who write about themselves so glowingly that when they get to the interview they only disappoint the interviewing panel. However, those who don't express their skill and potential well enough wont even get to the interview stage. It's challenging to find the right line to take.

Application: In Proverbs 8 we get Wisdom's resume, and it's good! Wisdom leaves us without any doubt that we should be employing wisdom straight away. Wisdom is better than earthly possessions, was there at Creation, is behind all good and powerful decisions, and is found by all those who seek wisdom. If you were on the interviewing panel then you would cancel all other appointments, you've found the best applicant! And yet, so often we put wisdom aside and employ other thoughts and actions. Instead of putting on wisdom we put on pride, arrogance, lust, foolishness and hatred. We need to be reminded of why wisdom is the best one to employ. We may not receive earthly treasure or peer recommendation, but if we employ wisdom in our lives we will 'receive favour from the Lord.'

Prayer: Lord, so often the things of this world dazzle us and appeal to our desires. Help us to always look to wisdom rather than things that will rot and fade away. Amen.

What area of your life could do with employing more wisdom?

Discerning the Weeds

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0100

I have also learnt that just because a plant can grow a pretty little flower on it, it doesn't mean that it's not a weed!

Proverbs 7:1-27

Reference: v.18 "Come, let's drink deep of love till morning; let's enjoy ourselves with love! (NIV Bible)

Explore: My gardening skills are not great. This comes from lack of interest, lack of knowledge and lack of practice. The only time I will get out in the garden is when it's growing out of control and I have to cut it back before the greenery takes over the house! Due to my total lacking in this area I often find that instead of pulling out a weed I have actually pulled out a good plant (I guess that gives you an idea of how much I've let the weeds grow!). I have learnt that there are some plants that don't look incredibly healthy during a particular season, however if you prune them and water them correctly they will come good again. I have also learnt that just because a plant can grow a pretty little flower on it, it doesn't mean that it's not a weed! Sometimes the weeds can be deceiving and end up looking healthier than the good plants.

Application: Just as sometimes the weeds can look the healthiest plant, sometimes sin can take on a very appealing appearance too. If sin was not appealing and luring then it would be a lot easier for us to say no and walk away. But more often than not sin can present itself like a flower and it's hard for us to discern what is right and wrong. While the writer of Proverbs refers directly to adultery, I find that most sins can present themselves in a similar way. That's why it is so important that we don't approach faith the same way as I approach gardening: lacking interest, lacking knowledge and lacking practice. If we desire to follow God's ways then we need to discern between the good plants and the weeds. Sometimes it's obvious but sometimes it's not. We need to keep going back to God and asking for wisdom. Let's hope Proverbs can give us some guidance too.

Prayer: Lord, often we strive to follow you but we can get confused as to what is Your way. Give us wisdom, perseverance and determination to follow in Your steps. Amen.

When has sin come across as alluring rather than evil and bad?

Fastened Around Your Neck

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Placing the cross chain around my neck each morning has become quite a symbolic moment for me to begin my day.

Proverbs 6:1-35

Reference: v.21 Bind them upon your heart forever; fasten them around your neck. (NIV Bible)

Explore: When I was ordained as a Churches of Christ minister my parents gave me a gold cross hanging from a necklace. As we don't have any official religious uniform in Churches of Christ, they thought that I could wear the necklace when I was performing my official duties. While my parents initial thought was for me to wear the cross necklace just for special ceremonies, I have found myself wearing it nearly every day. Placing it around my neck each morning has become quite a symbolic moment for me to begin my day. As the cross sits at the nape of my neck I know that other people will see it, and so it is like I am putting my faith on public display each new day. Now, just because I wear a cross does not make me a good Christian. However the act of fastening the clasp around my neck is a daily reminder of who I am, who I have come from and who I strive to be.

Application: When the author is speaking of fastening something around a neck he is not talking about gold ornamentation. He is talking about the wisdom from parents. This too is something that we should wear each and every new day. Wisdom is not just something you get one day and then that's it for the rest of your life. Wisdom is a life-long journey that we need to constantly be taking initiative and acting upon each and every day. There are some days when it will seem like we have left our wisdom at home and we will act out of emotion or greed rather than considered thought. That does not mean that all is lost. We just need to continue to work at binding wisdom upon our hearts and wearing it anew each day.

Prayer: Lord, You gave Your whole life to bring us closer to You. Sometimes we forget to even give you five minutes in the day. Forgive us Lord. May we strive to know You more and more. Amen.

Do you have something to remind you each day of the importance of your faith?

Stand The Test of Time

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The verse I have chosen from Proverbs chapter 5 today is a little bit raunchy. But it should be the hope we have for every relationship.

Proverbs 5:1-23

Reference: v.19 A loving doe, a graceful deer - may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be captivated by her love. (NIV Bible)

Explore: I have the privilege of working in one congregation where the average age is 75 years old. There are some amazing people in this congregation and everyone has an interesting life story to tell. There are five couples who come to mind, who are all in their eighties and been married for over 50 years. In today's society that is outstanding. My husband and I haven't even been married for 10 years yet so it's hard to imagine being married and living with someone for over 50 years. When I speak to any of the ten people involved in these couples it is clear to see there is respect, understanding and love shared between them and their partner. Life has not always been easy for them but their relationship has stood the test of time.

Application: The verse I have chosen from Proverbs chapter 5 today is a little bit raunchy. But it should be the hope we have for every relationship: That spouses are satisfied and captivated by each other. In so many areas of our lives we are encouraged to upgrade to the next model which is bigger, better, faster, stronger. However, this is not the case with relationships. Our marriages should be more like fine wine, just gets better with age. That is the hope that I have for my relationship and I know that hope that God has for our relationship too.

Prayer: Lord, we thank You for the love that You pour out for each one of us. May we extend that love to others, particularly those in our families. Amen.

If you are in a relationship what captivates you about your partner? How are you going to communicate that to them this week?