direction

Monday, August 19, 2013 (7:54 a.m.)

Las Vegas, NV

Fabulous Father God,

I don't know which direction to take here with You this morning. Do I thank You for all the fun we've had these past few days? Or do I ask You about pursuing the things I don't understand? One thing is for sure, I am coming to You for direction!

Mm, come to You for direction. Oh, that I would do that on a regular basis! Looking to 2Timothy 3:14-17, The Life Recovery Bible refers to Your Word as “the wonderful resource” and “the ultimate guide to help us realize what is wrong in our life.” Seems like excellent direction to me!

Continuing in the same paragraph, The Bible is described as, “the only accurate measuring stick available”. It also “reveals God's program for healthy living and shows us how to relate properly and unselfishly to God and other people.”

This comment also shares that “God's Word offers more than just good advice. It promises God's powerful help to all who turn to Him with a humble heart.”

Father, going up just one verse in the section mentioned above I am reminded that Jesus promised us, “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows” (John 16:33). Ah, but He didn't leave us with that truth alone. No, He added, “but cheer up, for I have overcome the world.”

Blessed Father, it is so very easy (natural) for me to feel frustrated and beaten down by circumstances. Thank You that Your Word repeatedly directs us to “cheer up” and “take heart”.

The examples set for us in the history of Your Word show people who suffered and had faith in You in the midst of their suffering. Paul, for one, continued to show his love for You along with his patience (2Timothy 3:10). He promised Timothy that “those who decide to please Christ Jesus by living godly lives will suffer at the hands of those who hate Him. In fact, evil men and false teachers will become worse and worse, deceiving many, they themselves having been deceived by satan” (vs. 12,13).

This is where I normally throw in the towel. Give up. Mope. Brood. Despair. But Your very next verse gives me such good direction! “But you must keep on believing the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know that you can trust those of us who taught you” (14). And this from a man, alone in prison, shortly before his death!

Paul went on encouraging Timothy in his faith in You. “The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us do what is right. It is God's way of making us well prepared at every point, fully equipped to do good to everyone” (vs.16-17).

Oh! And now back to the end of the comment. “God has given us a wonderful resource in His Word. Our recovery will benefit when we take the time to understands what it says.”

And now, referring all the way to the first paragraph with which I began... “pursuing the things I don't understand”. Your Word holds answers. Guidelines. Direction. Empower me to use it well this day.

I love You Father. Thank You for this time of being away from home and responsibilities. I ask for Your safe travel mercies as we return. As well as Your continual direction on choices that I make. Let them be glorifying to Your most holy name. I love You. I thank You. Amen.

(611 words ~ 9:28 a.m.)