Devotion back log

May 7, 2011
Relevance and Resonance
I love the Scriptures because they are relevant (Heb 4:12 “living and active”). Before I knew anything any thing about inerrancy or infallibility, I resonated with the Scriptures insight into my life. The psalmist captures this idea in Psalm 19:8, “The commandments of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living.” In addition to the miraculous nature of the Word (unity, prophecy etc.), it is extremely practical. The Scriptures warn us about common pitfalls of life and following their guidance yields great reward (Psa 19:13). If you don’t have a daily discipline of reading, studying, hearing, memorizing and meditating on the Bible, you are missing one of God’s most precious gifts.

May 8, 2011
Songs of real life
Psalm 30:5 captures the theme of the psalms, “For His anger lasts only a moment, but His favor lasts a lifetime. Weeping may last through the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning.” The psalms are songs of real life; sometimes up and sometimes down. The power is in expressing yourself to God with an open and honest heart. They give us insight into what it means to have a “personal relationship” with God. Engage with the Lord, in good times and bad. He loves to hear your praises and He can handle you sorrow as well. He will guide you in the path of life and watch over you. (Psa 32:8)

May 9, 2011
Don't blame the leader
It struck me this morning how many references to the Lord leading and guiding there are in the Psalms. (Psa 23:3, 25:4, 8-13) The problem is not a lack of guidance. The problem is a failure to follow. He has shown you O man what is good…(Mic 6:8). The question is, do you trust Him? Are you willing to make the temporal sacrifices to inherit eternal gain? What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul? (Luk 9:25)