Devotionals

Psalm 62

Most noises in church don't bug me. I've heard 'em all. People snoring. Babies crying. Rain falling. Crickets chirping. Sound systems popping. Toilets flushing. Offering and communion plates dropping. Sirens screaming and cars speeding outside. Kids yelling and phones ringing inside. Hymnals hitting a bunch of piano keys. Organists standing up on a foot full of bass notes. Coughing. Sneezing. Blowing. Laughing. Crying. Shouting. Whispering. Gasping. Yawning. Clapping.

Deuteronomy 8

While jogging early this morning, I found myself humming the tune Bob Hope immortalized during several wars. I can still remember his tailor-made lyrics, fitted to each occasion. He sang them to lonely soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines from steamy jungles to frozen reservoirs...from the decks of aircraft carriers to makeshift platforms on windswept sand dunes. As guys and gals in uniform laughed and cried, screamed and sipped Coke, they always anticipated Hope's finale as he took the mike and crooned, "And thanks for the memories...."

Can't seem to get where you want to go fast enough?
Leave it to God.

Worried about your kids?
Leave it to God.

Living in a place you'd rather not be?
Leave it to God.

Looks like you won't graduate with honours?
Leave it to God.

No matter how hard you try, your life's partner simply is not responding?
Leave it to God.

Found a lump and you see the doctor tomorrow?
Leave it to God.

You've said the right words to that friend who is lost, and you've been all you know to be; still, zip?
Leave it to God.

Luke 10

Philip Melanchthon and Martin Luther were once deciding on the day's agenda. The former was disciplined, intellectually gifted, serious, and goal-driven; the latter was equally intelligent but much more emotional, risky, even playful.

Melanchthon said, "Martin, this day we will discuss the governance of the universe."

To which Luther responded, "Philip, this day you and I will go fishing and leave governance of the universe to God."

What wise counsel!

1 Peter 2:20-24

Once a spider built a beautiful web in an old house. He kept it clean and shiny so that flies would visit it. The minute he got a "customer" he would clean up after him so the other flies would not get suspicious.

Then one day this fairly intelligent fly came buzzing by the clean spiderweb. Old man spider called out, "Come in and sit." But the fairly intelligent fly said, "No sir, I don't see other flies in your house, and I am not going in alone!"

1 Timothy 3-4

All of us played follow-the-leader as kids. But even then, when the guide in front was too daring or foolish, we would step aside. There were definite limits on how far we would follow.

Sadly, this is not always true in the spiritual realm, where leaders unworthy of the name sometimes command blind devotion. (Remember Jonestown and Waco and those fallen televangelists?)

Ecclesiastes 12

Instant replays have become old hat. Whether it's an impressive backhand or a slam dunk or a touchdown pass, we never have to worry about missing it the first time around. It'll be back again and again, and probably again. In slow motion at least once. Every coordinated movement, every graceful or powerful motion returns to be analyzed by fan and announcer alike.

John 8:1-11

Why should we be willing to drop everything and follow Jesus Christ? And what happens when we do? I can think of at least six reasons.

    1. Jesus chooses not to minister to others all alone 

He could, but he deliberately chooses not to. He could have rowed that boat Himself. He could have dropped those nets over the side Himself. He certainly could have pulled up the nets choked with fish. Instead, He had the disciples do it. And He specifically stated, "From now on you will be catching men." 

    2. Jesus uses the familiar to do the incredible

Unfortunately, we have grown accustomed to shrugging off lapses in moral character, manifested in secretive and deceptive lifestyles. We are frequently told that trying to find people who value honesty and model responsibility, who promote fairness, accountability, loyalty, respect for others, and who hold to strong, upright convictions is not at all realistic.

"Such people don't exist...we need to stop requiring personal purity," we are told. Or, as one air-headed soul said during the last presidential campaign, "We're voting for president, not pope."