Daily Devotions

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Current Study: Living Life to the Fullest         

Today’s Topic: The Test

Today’s Scripture:   Psalm 34:4  I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.

                                Psalm 86:1-4   Hear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.  Guard my life, for I am devoted to you. You are my God; save your servant who trusts in you. Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I call to you all day long. Bring joy to your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

The phone rang at 4:10 this morning. I thought I was dreaming. Wishful thinking, I guess. By the time I got to it I was worried that the answering machine would kick in, so I didn’t check the caller ID. I said hello and was met by the sound of my son’s voice. In addition to being the youth pastor at our church, he’s also a baker at Great Harvest Bread Store, so he was already at work. Pretty cool, huh? Baking bread and sharing the Bread of Life all at the same time. Anyway, I ramble. He asked me if I could go over to his house because there was a family emergency and I was needed to watch the kids. Brittany’s sister was in the beginning stages of labor and needed to be transported to Minneapolis for the delivery of her baby that is going to adoptive parents. So I threw on some clothes and arrived at his house before 4:30. What a joy it is to be able to serve others, especially when there are benefits. I got to see both my grandsons when the woke up. Their smiles and hugs are more precious than any amount of sleep, although I have more patience for when they’re not smiling when I have slept well.

It may seem like a simple thing I did this morning, until you understand the day I have scheduled. I will not be home tonight until after 8:00 PM. Only once did that thought enter my mind as I was driving to Josh’s house. It only lasted for a split second, as the Holy Spirit ministered to my heart. I didn’t even consciously think about it – He just did His work. I actually found myself with an abundance of joy that I was able to serve my kids. It was not a burden, but a blessing. That’s the way it is when we have made our commitment to doing all things in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ – the Holy Spirit will make us thankful. He is at work even when we don’t recognize it. I found that I was doing all things in the name of the Lord, with thanksgiving in my heart.

I found it interesting that my New Year’s resolution would be tested so quickly after concluding my writing about it. But that’s how our God works – He wants us to make personal and long-lasting applications of His truth to our lives. So in case you don’t take the time to read the comments on my blog where these devotionals are posted, let me share a story that comes from one of our readers that illustrates this point. Marian Green writes –

Pastor John
When you started this short series on the Name of Jesus, I just had to praise Him. You see, I just learned that I had to have another MRI, this time on my neck. As you may remember, I am exxxtremely!!!!! claustrophobic. I had 4 days to get really worked up about it. Except, this time after reading about the Name of Jesus and what it stood for I decided that it was time “to put up or shut up”. Did I Really believe that Jesus was with me all the time? Would He really stand by me? Would He really help me get through this? Did I really trust His word and His Name and all it stood for? So I put myself to the test! I got my Bible out and reminded myself in Psalm 34 and Psalm 86 that He was with me in all kinds of things. I read that He really did care about such things as MRIs. Then I got my journal out and wrote down my prayer. I remembered that He does not give the spirit of fear but the Spirit of Peace, Comfort and Security. I renounced the fear and confessed it as sin. I told the Father that I was counting on Him to once and for all win this battle and all the little squirmishes of claustrophobia and claimed it in the Power and all Truth that is Jesus and His Name. I tell you PJ, I’ve never in my life had such 4 days of peace, calm and contentment as I did from last Thursday through Sunday morning when I walked in for the MRI. I sat down on the table and closed my eyes like I was going to take a nap! 20 minutes later I came out feeling refreshed and relaxed. You know the best thing? Two days later I’m still enjoying the same peace and quiet joy of answered prayer. My faith has grown by leaps and bounds, because finally after 45+ years, my head knowledge has finally gotten into my heart. Praise God and the NAME of Jesus!

WOW! So many times we hear the truth, but it never penetrates the heart. So much of what we know never makes a difference. I challenge you today to look for the ways God is providing you opportunities to personally apply the truths you have learned so that they become alive in you and change you. Every situation of your life today is an opportunity to do something in the name of Jesus.

Pastor John