He who keeps instruction is in the way of life, But he who refuses correction goes astray (Proverbs 10:17), NKJV).

How do you react when someone corrects you, pointing out that your opinion or behavior is wrong? Most of us respond by saying, “Thank you very much. I needed that.” NOT! Most of us do not like correction, especially when it happens in front of others. I must admit that I do not respond well to correction. I guess it depends on how it is presented. Correction from a person with a “know it all” attitude does not sit well. Correction delivered with kindness and concern is more palatable.

Solomon, a very wise man, advises us to consider correction carefully. If someone corrects us and we need correcting, it is a blessing. If we are stubborn and refuse to listen to anyone who suggests that we are wrong, that attitude may cause us to stray away from God. Yes, sometimes corrections are inappropriate while others may be proper. When someone brings correction to us, we need to consider what we are being told prayerfully. God may be using another person to help us get our life more in order.

Oh, and if you are inclined to correct others, please do it with kindness and love. Corrections that come to us from a voice laced with anger and hostility are usually met with resistance.

Father, we all need correction at times. Please help us to listen carefully to what others say to us. When we need correction, may our hearts be open to it. If the suggestions of others about what we should say or do are out of line, help us to know the difference. In Jesus name, Amen. 

DAILY DEVOTION, April 5, 2021

For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls (1 Peter 2:25).

Peter compares our life before salvation as being like sheep who have gone astray. A student was presented with the following problem. Suppose there are 40 sheep in a sheep pen and 15 escape through a hole in the fence. How many sheep are left? The student replies, “None.” The teacher says, “Son, you don’t know math very well.” The student replies, “But I do know sheep.”

The student understood that sheep are escape artists with a strong tendency to follow the crowd. They are also defenseless against predators. I guess you can say that sheep are much like people. Jesus frequently referred to His followers as sheep. However, we have ceased to be wandering sheep. We have turned to Jesus, the Good Shepherd, and now we listen to Him. “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. And I give them eternal life…”  (John 10:27-28). We no longer follow the crowd or our instincts. We follow Jesus. That is what redeemed sheep do. And those who follow Him receive a gift – – – eternal life.

Yes, there are predators in the world seeking to snatch up wandering sheep.  He is called “the prince of this world,” and he has lots of demonic helpers. We have to decide. Will we follow the Good Shepherd, or will we allow the prince of this world to gain the upper hand?

Dear Lord and Father of mankind, thank You for sending the Good Shepherd into the world to redeem us.  I want to be a wise sheep who always listens to the voice of the Good Shepherd. In His name, I pray, Amen. 

DAILY DEVOTION, April 2, 2021

For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come (1 Tim. 4:8).

I have spent the last ten years going to cardiac rehabilitation 2 or 3 times a week to exercise. My doctors believe it will help strengthen my heart. Paul says that such exercise does profit us (a little), but another activity is far more important. Our English translation uses the word “godliness,” (eusebeia in Greek). It is a word that denotes devotion to God characterized by a life conformed to God’s will. Living a godly life benefits us in two ways.

First, godly living impacts our present earthly life. God blesses us when we conform to His will. Disobeying God will never bring blessings. Godliness is proof that our faith is real. We do love and trust Jesus, and as a result, we desire to live a godly life.  

It also impacts the life to come in eternity. We do not live godly lives to earn our salvation. Eternal life is a gift given to all who trust in Jesus. Godly living does, however,  earn rewards in heaven. We don’t know precisely what these rewards consist of, but the more faithfully we serve Jesus, the greater our rewards.

The bottom line is simply this: godliness is profitable. No matter how much physical exercise we do, we will one day die. Godly living will profit us both in this life and in the life to come.

Father, I must confess that my godly living is imperfect. Help me to realize that the practice of faithfulness is profitable both now and in eternity.  May my life conform more and more to Your will, in Jesus name, amen. 

Daily Devotion, March 31, 2021

“My times are in Your hand” (Psalm 31a).

I want to reflect on just the first part of this Psalm. Our lives are in the hand of God. While God gives us the freedom to obey Him or disobey, we cannot remove ourselves from His sovereign control. God has His hand on you. If you trust and obey, you will receive His blessings. If you disobey, you will receive chastisement meant to lead you to repentance and faith.  Those who finally refuse to submit to God’s authority will get their wish. They will live here and in eternity apart from God. Whether we receive blessings are cursings, heaven or hell, we are in the hand of God.

Those who are wise will submit to God.  They will embrace Jesus as their Lord and Savior. They will thank God that the Son of God was willing to take on our humanity and endure the cross to redeem us. They will seek to live as His loyal disciples. Those who are foolish will turn away from God, even denying His reality. In either case, we are in the hand of God. Make the wise choice.

Father in heaven, I find comfort in knowing that my times are in Your hand. Please keep me in true faith unto everlasting life. Thank You for sending Your Son to redeem me. In His name, I pray, Amen.