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.)
