July 26

“The heavens declare the glory of God;…” Psalms 19:1

How can man excuse himself before the Almighty God, when the very heavens which surround him wherever he is, so loudly declare the glory of the Creator God? Many may attempt to justify themselves and say they have never heard the word of God, yet the heavens themselves could be termed a message from Yahwah to mankind, telling of His love and provision for all. Man in his own wisdom has characterised God as being ‘outside’ of the reality of life, distant and a stranger to all we call tangible and ‘real’. In fact the reality and tangibility of all things around us, were made possible and provided by this very God! Again in its own wisdom, humanity has imagined all sorts of scenarios, theories and conjectures, in futile attempts to explain how all ‘this’ got here, without the Creator God. Often in such endeavours what has resulted is merely an alternate religion, disguised as science, which expects its adherent to believe stories that are besieged by impossible odds, and demanding a faith in man’s limited knowledge far greater than is required to believe in God and His infinite knowledge in the first place! The design in the heavens, the universe around us, the stars, planets, continue to provide man with information about the Great Designer! Sadly by far and large, man insists on ignoring the clarity of these messages, intent on his own explanations and ideas. No concept, however outlandish and unlikely is dismissed by these corrupt and sinful minds, just as long as it does not involve the idea of a Supreme Creator! Meanwhile hanging as a great neon sign, far above all this self-glorification and busyness of mankind, and reminding us of all of what Yahwah has done, the heavens continue to smile and loudly declare the glory of God! They perpetually tell man the story that God is real, He is the Boss and Possessor of all creation, He is the One to whom we will all one day give account, and that He is still ready for now, to give salvation to whosoever will believe in Him and accept Him! 

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion

July 16

“Shall vain words have an end?...” Job 16:3

Job responds to his miserable comforters and challenges their arguments. ‘Vain words’ here literally means words of wind! We might say, ‘just a lot of hot air’, words which hold no true value, or help in any way, which are idle and pass by us like the wind. Exchanging casual conversation in friendship and fun, is enjoyable can be beneficial, and not to be ignored, but there are serious times, times of need, grief or pain, when offhanded, unthoghtful or inappropriate words, can do much harm to individuals and relationships. We have all had someone who has attempted to bestow upon us such inept expressions, and perhaps at some stage we too have been guilty of the same incompetence. What Job was asking is essentially a question we should all answer. It seems as long as humanity exists, frail and faulty in its outlook and perception, there are going to be vain, empty words spoken and thrown about like dead leaves in the wind. Words, when lacking in godly or edifying purpose, may not only be just irrelevant and confusing, but may also cut and damage the heart and soul. The bible often describes the beauty and preciousness of words spoken in wisdom, in context and in the right time. Those words are worth having, they give life; they assist us on the journey, provide true comfort and support in trials and afflictions. We are encouraged to carefully ‘weigh up’ our words, and avoid idle talk, knowing that we will give account for every word we speak. It is hard to say what exactly motivates us to speak empty words. Job asked that question too. What provoked his ‘friends’ to be so vocal and so opinionated about their own views and feelings, at a time when all he wanted was possibly just some silent companionship? We can learn from this event, and apply the biblical exhortation, that there is a time to speak (and when we do, it should be salient and wise) and a time to be silent. When in pain and sorrow, a friend is least likely to appreciate our observations, reminders or philosophies about what they did to land themselves in such straits! There may be a time for that conversation, but not when they are afflicted. Genuine love is sensitive about the other person and their predicament, and is able to weep with those who weep. Perhaps we fall into the trap of saying something, anything, however ‘vain’, simply because we do not wish to appear like we have nothing to say. The truth is that in some circumstances, it is not so much the sound of our voice, but the presence of our heart, that is required. There are also occasions when we may feel that our talking is necessary communication, but In fact unless what is said is relevant, wise and of assistance, it may actually hinder any true exchange and destroy dialogue. Let us be wise and pertinent in all we say, careful and godly in the advice we offer, and mindful that speaking fewer words which say a great deal, is always better than a lot of talk which is empty, inappropriate or inconsiderate.

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion

July 2

“But where shall wisdom be found?...” Job 28:12

Job reasons that whilst there is a place for everything on earth and value given to the natural treasure found in it, such as silver and gold, yet wisdom and understanding are not to be found as natural resources in mankind. Our modern world would probably decry Job’s claim, and belittle his query as mere opinion, pointing perhaps to the great increase of knowledge and greater understanding we have of our natural world today. Yet Job’s statements, inspired by God, hold true! The wisdom and understanding he is speaking of is not that of the natural man for natural things, but that which is spiritual. True wisdom is the fear of God and understanding is to depart from evil! This is what natural man lacks. He has little cognizance of the higher things of God, for they are revealed and become real only when he yields to God’s higher power. This wisdom and understanding are from above, spiritual and represent the greatest wealth and value that any man could possibly own. Job says that the finest of gold and the greatest of riches, cannot buy such wisdom, nor provide spiritual understanding. It is without price in worth, and yet God gives it freely to all who would receive it. In fact we are encouraged to ask of God such wisdom and be reassured that we will be given it, liberally and without reserve! Sadly, most of humanity places so little importance on these treasures, and ignores them to such degree, that on the ‘commodities market’ of life, they are considered of little or no consequence. For those however who have stopped long enough to view, receive and grow in these precious heavenly commodities, they are the most valuable assets and possessions that could be held. For the believer the choice is made when Jesus is accepted as Lord and Saviour! Thereafter all things of this world should grow dim in the light of His glory and grace! The fear of God, which is the beginning and source of wisdom, remains a great spiritual pearl, far more valuable to any man, than any of the trinkets the world has to offer!

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion

June 20

“But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:” Titus 2:1

Titus had been called to minister the word of God. Paul instructed him to be responsible for the message he gave forth. True today as it was then, there are many who profess a call of God to minister to others, yet do great damage to the cause of Christ because they do not heed the directions given in God’s word. We cannot be made responsible for what others may say or omit in their speaking of scriptural things, but we are responsible for our own communication. Words are not cheap nor are they ‘just words’ when we are delivering the message from God. They are important and should reflect the holiness, power and love of God. Much more care is taken in some cases, in preparing a speech for a formal occasion, such as a wedding or social gathering, than the time and effort placed in praying over and setting out some sermons! Conversely, some use the pulpit and the means of preaching, mainly as a tool to pander their own philosophies and push their personal viewpoints or agendas. Paul instructs that ministerial communication, which includes not merely our words, but our actions also, should ‘become’, that is be appropriate, in-line with and reflecting of, sound doctrine! Clearly the purpose of our preaching and teaching is not to portray ours or ourselves, but what the Lord has already revealed and determined to be right and correct doctrine in His Holy Word. The task for the minister is to highlight these established truths and proclaim them so they can be understood and accepted by all. Our prayers should always include intercession for those in ministry, to be true and humble channels, through whom the word of God can flow, in anointed power and wisdom for the benefit, instruction, encouragement and edification, of all that hear them.   

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion

June 18

“…and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding…” Colossians 2:2

The apostle’s prayer was that saints may come to a place of unity, strength and fulfilment in God. It seems the problem existed then as it does now, that most of us become content with but a little of God, enough to get by and just sufficient to feel justified in bearing the title of ‘Christian’. It is God’s desire we see here reflected through Paul’s epistle, that we grow to have and appreciate the full spectrum of the riches which are found in Christ Jesus! Quality of spiritual wealth is not determined merely on quantity in a preferred aspect or practice, but also on appropriating and reflecting the full scope and variety of all that is available in Christ. Unlike what is often true with man outside of Christ, where we find highly skilled professional individuals who may be the best in their particular field of expertise, yet sadly lack in the necessary parental or marital skills to be equally successful there, the Christian is to strive towards excellence in every aspect of the Christian walk. There is no such thing as a ‘specialist Christian’, one who may specialise in say giving financially, but knows nothing of faithfulness in prayer, dedication in service or desire for holiness. A man may well be called to a specific area of ministry such as pastoring, but this does not exonerate him from fulfilling all the other necessary aspects of the Christian walk, in fact such a call, makes him even more responsible to fulfil them and to such a degree that he may be an example to others! This spiritual richness comes with a full assurance, a firm conviction and strong persuasion, based on the understanding of the biblical teaching. God’s Word, is the depository of God’s revealed will and wisdom, and understanding what He has shared with us is like tapping in the largest oilfields or striking the richest lode of gold. It is the only way we can truly become spiritually rich! No one who seriously appreciates the value of such treasures, is content with just a little of it, but rather desires to mine and extract all he can from this source.  Accompanied by prayer and a humble spirit, knowing and understanding God’s Word, is partaking of heaven’s boundless treasury and feeding at God’s sumptuous table! It is the Lord’s greatest joy to give to those who long for richness beyond the temporal and material things of this world, the best and greatest divine resources and treasures. It should be our greatest joy to thankfully receive all He has for us, appreciate it above all else in life, and use it for His glory and the furtherance of His kingdom!

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion

June 14

 “…Abide not in the hold…” 1 Samuel 22:5

There is a time for everything. David had been escaping Saul and hiding among foreign people. This supplied relative protection for a while, but the advice came from God through the prophet not to abide ‘in the hold’, meaning in hiding, any longer. It was time for David and his band, to be among his own people, where he might be known, recognised and eventually accepted as national leader. God has a plan, and when a man is willing to follow God’s direction and advice, he usually finds out that the Lord’s plan, however different, inconvenient or unusual it may be, is always the best course of action. David could have reasoned it was unwise or inexpedient, to expose himself at this time, when his life was in serious danger; when he was considered a fugitive, and when his associations amounted mostly to those who were in debt, discontented and distressed! Yet God’s direction was clear and David was accustomed to obeying and following God. He trusted God’s reasons and plans. He was confident that God would not direct him into action, without due protection and purpose. Among the people of Judah, David would be able to show his love, interest and protection for his brethren, a fact which would later prove significant in his days as king. Also in the open and in his own country, he would not be seen by his fellow citizens, as the deserter and conspirator he had been made out to be, and Saul would be less likely to pursue David and threaten his life here among his own people. There had been an appropriate time for escape and obscurity, but now God was directing otherwise. We may not always understand all the details of God’s will and direction from the onset, but if we remain sensitive to the guidance of His Holy Spirit, we are sure in due course to understand more of God’s will and purpose. By following Him in faith and obedience, and walking a holy and yielded life, we are best positioned to receive the blessings and rewards He has in store for us.

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion

June 12

“By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.” Proverbs 3:20

God’s knowledge and wisdom is perfect and complete, and far outdistances anything we as humans can even begin to imagine. The divisions of the oceans in relation to the land masses, their respective depths, the wonders of the morning dew as it forms gently on the earth and a myriad of other marvels, which we often do not even notice or are aware of, all speak of the incomparable wisdom and knowledge of Yahwah. As new discoveries are made in the fields of science, medicine, physics, astronomy, or other disciplines, we are astounded at how little we really know and understand, and how much yet remains outside our grasp! For instance researchers are just beginning to discover how vast the resources of water that are under the earth! It is now estimated there may be more water under the earth, than we have in the oceans on its surface. How is this possible? How did such vast amounts of water get there? How does it stay there? What is its purpose and why is it so? Such considerations are stunning! Yet all that exists, how it works, its purpose and function are all known to God, the Creator of all things. With all our discoveries, knowledge and innovations, we are yet a bit like children playing in the backyard, and realizing but minute aspects of the universe that surrounds us. Wise men have tapped into the knowledge of the Almighty and searched carefully the things He has revealed, leading to many great, wonderful discoveries and significant advancements, which have helped mankind in many ways. The wisest among them, have reflected long enough to reason that such knowledge is too wonderful without a Creator and have stopped to acknowledge and praise Him and His great works! Far too many others however, attempt to explain away the evidence of Divine wisdom and the signature of the Almighty, by naturalistic means, many of which in fact require greater faith to accept, than to believe in the Creator God in the first place! It seems for them overall more convenient to ignore and set aside the concept of a Supreme Deity, lest by admitting His presence, and Divine ownership of all, they should then have to admit their accountability to Him! Nevertheless the knowledge and presence of God remains, and all of man’s cleverness and self-importance will be erased and eradicated on the day when he stands before this same Benevolent Ruler, Who will then be his Righteous Judge! How will unsaved humans of every standing, culture and learning, wish then that they had made Him their Saviour, and accepted His knowledge and wisdom, ahead of their own! For some it is already too late; for others it will be too late by then - but it is not too late now, to concede to the Lord Almighty, accept His power and majesty, and willingly place ourselves under His blessing and protection, by making Him Lord and Saviour of our souls! 

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion

June 1

“…that I may cast lots for you here before the LORD our God” Joshua 18:6

We need to know God’s will and direction for our lives. This is particularly true when as leaders in church, or our families, we also carry the responsibility of guide others. Such was the case with Joshua. It had been placed in his hands to lead Israel into the conquest of Canaan land. They had all fought the enemy together, side by side, under the direction of God and gained the victory. Now he was to assign to each of the tribes, the lot or area of land pertaining to them. It was Joshua’s responsibility to find God’s will for the allotment of the land. He needed to enquire of God and find His direction! With quiet confidence he reassured them he would cast lots before God and come up with answers for them. God had allowed and even commanded in various situations, the ‘casting of lots’, to help His people make decisions and know some detail within what He had shown His will to be. It was not a method of fortune telling, or predicting the future, neither was it the sole way of deciding, but it was used particularly when repetitive decisions had to be made. It was a God-permitted way of finding out some detail of what He had already revealed as His will. In this instance He had already revealed that it was His will for Israel to inhabit the land. Lots were cast to determine the details of where each tribe would be settled in the land. We are not exactly sure what the ‘lots’ were. They could have been special gem stones or sticks of various lengths, in any case some method by which random results would occur, and could not be manipulated by man, thus could be taken as being God-directed. In our day and dispensation, we have the complete Word of God and the infilling of the Holy Spirit, by which we are clearly directed and instructed. Casting lots is no longer a necessary practice, though nowhere in the scriptures was it forbidden or commanded to cease. We observe that after the outpouring of the Holy Ghost, the practice was no longer mentioned in scripture. One could argue however, that even today there could be times when the rendering of an impartial decision, in a detail of a matter which is already known to be God’s will, could be best achieved by casting lots – it would certainly help lessen the politics which are so often and unpleasantly found in Christian groups, and keep a lot of people humble! In any case, the emphasis of the practice of casting lots, was to receive direction. God is willing to direct His people and provided we approach Him prayerfully, with a pure heart, empty of selfishness and desirous for His will to be fulfilled and His name to be glorified, He will show the way and direct the path! This is one of the many joys and privileges of the Christian, he does not have to be without direction, lost and fumbling, but can proceed in all areas and aspects of life, with quiet and sure confidence of God’s will, and clear knowledge of what to do.

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion

May 20

“…whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul.” Proverbs 20:2

Royalty was in scripture what ultimate civil authority may be to us today. The decision of a king was final and his authority in the sphere of ruling his people, virtually unlimited. In this sense he is compared to a lion as the ‘king’ of the jungle, and his anger as something which no man under his power, would want to raise. Perhaps not in the same context of royalty, but we have a concept here, which is very much applicable to us, in living lives marked by wisdom and uprightness. Firstly then it is clearly unwise to provoke the antagonism of those who are in ‘authority’ over us. We live in a time when to be purposely rebellious to all that is authority is in fashion. This is not necessarily due to some legitimate issue or wrong to protest and speak up against, but simply because overall, authority of any kind is viewed by many as restrictive and undesirable. This mentality, which would claim that an absence of authority is an idyllic condition, fails to recognise that without prescribed power in place, the imagined ‘liberty’ of doing one’s own thing without restraint, would quickly cease or be hampered and even violated, by someone else’s self-asserted liberty, so that no real peace or personal safety could ever be achieved! Authority and more specifically godly authority, is therefore necessary to the well-being, growth, protection and overall living quality of every individual. Man’s attempts at governance, even when at their best are flawed, but it is the best we, as flawed and sinful humanity can achieve. Even so, it is a wise and proper manner and attitude of life, when we live under a ‘reasonable’ government, which overall takes care of its citizens, not to purposely or without legitimacy, provoke its ‘anger’. There is a Government however, over which the Perfect and Holy God reigns as King absolute, and under which all humans, whether they recognise it or not, are responsible and accountable. This Governance is not flawed, fickle or corrupted. It does not allow for human manipulation, preference or election. This King is the King of Kings, and reigns supreme. His law and precepts are perfect and cannot be altered, amended or tampered with in any manner. When we as humans attempt to do so, we cause the ire of the King; when we openly violate His laws and in bare-faced rebellion disregard His precepts and choose rather our own ways, we provoke His anger! The advice of our text is that we do this to our own detriment, and to the demise of our own soul! We literally err or ‘sin’, and thus cause death to our souls that is, an eternal dying – this is an awful indictment! Wise humans choose to stay of the ‘right’ side of God, the side of His mercy, love and provision, by obedience and observance of His law and counsel. God is the Eternal and Almighty King, there is no God like Him in love, mercy and longsuffering, if we choose to be His faithful subjects. Conversely there is no comparable enemy, and no surer way to condemn our souls, should we choose to refuse His authority, provoke His anger, and continue to antagonise Him! 

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion

Apr 10

“…go, humble thyself, and make sure thy friend” Proverbs 6:3

The book of proverbs is replete with wise and spiritually healthy advice for the believer. The concept of being ‘surety’ in the Bible is equivalent to our being ‘guarantor’ for someone else’s debt. This practice is not recommended, and in fact is called ‘unwise’ in scripture. The reasons are obvious. When a person becomes ‘guarantor’ for someone else, he also becomes immediately liable, should that other individual fail to pay their debt. The sentiment in taking on such responsibility, is the belief that the person being ‘covered’ is trustworthy, and will make good his debt. While the intention may be solid and the belief in a friend admirable, we cannot in reality ‘guarantee’ another person’s future circumstances and actions. This means of course that, should the conditions upon which our initial trust was based change, then we would probably find ourselves locked into someone else’s debt, and responsible to pay it. We might still choose to consider this course of action for another person, particularly a family member, depending on the circumstances, but in general, it is not a ‘wise’ thing to do. We are always well advised in scripture ‘not to owe’, that is, not to enter into debt unless absolutely necessary, and then to make sure we pay back all that is owed as quickly as possible. In days of old, if a debt was not repaid by the debtor or his ‘surety’, the debtors, their assets and their families, could all become the ‘property’ of the creditor. This many times meant that entire families would enter into servitude, until the debt was paid off! While this may not appear as great a concern or severe a practice today, in our modern western society, the advice offered in the text still stands. Truly the debtor is subject and dependent on the creditor. Our present world conditions, where entire countries owe astronomical amounts of money in national debt, illustrate how quickly even an entire nation can become controlled by and subservient to, the money lenders. In a situation where either an individual is in personal debt, or in debt via having being ‘surety’ for someone else, the correct attitude to take is one of humility, appealing to the creditor’s goodness to consider leniency. Instances are recorded, where more time was allowed to pay back the debt, or where the debt even all together forgiven. Arrogance, empty excuses, or ‘passing the buck’ of responsibility, are not attitudes appropriate to one who is indebted and cannot repay! Wisdom then teaches to avoid debt, and when that is unavoidable, to exit debt quickly by remitting diligently and efficiently. Keeping the right spirit and humility of heart, is a necessary condition for those who believe, not merely towards anyone to whom a material debt may be owed, but most of all towards the Lord, to Whom we owe the greatest debt of all

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion

Feb 29

“…the secret…cannot... the soothsayers, shew unto the king;” Daniel 2:27

This was a tough call by any measure. The king was demanding, on threat of death, that he be told by his ‘seers’, his own dream, which he claimed to have forgotten, along with its interpretation! Mere mortals, in spite of training, skills and experience would find this a hard task to comply with. Such was the position of the ‘tellers of truth’ in the king’s employ, and all of them having failed to meet the challenge, were soon to be put to death! There are situations where we all feel totally inadequate and out of our depth. The ‘odds’ are stacked against us, we sense the reality of the ‘impossible’ task before us and feel like we might as well be required to fly to the moon by flapping our arms! We might not be in danger of our lives, but then again there may be a lot at stake and dependent on our ability to meet the test facing us. The equation is impossibility, but that is without factoring in the power and wisdom of God - for what things are impossible with men are possible with God! Daniel knew and believed this truth, having experienced and carrying a personal relationship with Yahwah, the Almighty, Omniscient, Eternal God! His confidence as he approaches the challenge is nothing short of amazing, because it rests not on himself and his own ability, but in the Lord. Daniel admits openly that he has no more capacity than any other man, but that he believes the God of Heaven Who knows and can reveal all things! In God’s anointed wisdom, he then proceeds to fulfil the demands of the king. He tells the king the dream he had ‘forgotten’ and its interpretation. Astounding and unlikely things are possible, when a man believes and relies on the power of the Lord! Human boundaries and limits are removed, and temporarily, he is given ability and wisdom beyond his natural resources. God is glorified by the humble servant who gives the Lord the opportunity to work through him, and show Himself strong and mighty. May we like Daniel, not wilt at the difficulties and ‘impossibilities’ which may test us in life, but use them as a platform from which the power and glory of God may be proclaimed!

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion

Feb 21

“A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame…” Proverbs 17:2

The wise and the fool are often contrasted in the book of Proverbs. In the normal course of human government, a master’s son would naturally have rule over a servant. Wisdom however, can make a huge difference to the status, position and responsibility of any individual. In the presence of titled foolishness, servant wisdom may well be preferred and given place. In our verse, it may be because the son’s father recognises the son’s looseness and foolishness that he places him under the authority of the wise servant in question; or perhaps simply through sagacity and diligent application, the servant progressively wins the favour and authority of the father over his foolish son. Either way we learn by comparison, the powerful value of wisdom, its application and benefit in every area and dealing of life, versus the poverty and shame which foolishness and irresponsibility, inevitably will bring. God is intent in teaching His people to be wise people with a godly, heavenly, kind of wisdom. This is not an astuteness to be used against others, for personal glorification or gain, but rather an endowment, by which to glorify God and be of service to our fellow-man. God blesses those who navigate the seas of life, steering with the helm of godly discernment, and powered by the sails of obedience, filled with the winds of divine principles! It matters not what our initial status in life may be, if we prove ourselves wise and faithful, God has greater plans and purposes ahead for us! Yahwah is no respecter of persons! His blessings and opportunities for life, His endowments - both present and eternal, are open and available to all, without reference to family heritage, entitlement or position. Indeed we are all servants of the Almighty God, and as such none above another. The difference in the position He grants us then, may well come down, to just how much in love and regard for God, we each individually submit to His ways, learn His wisdom, and become profitable servants for His Majesty’s glory!

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion

Feb 7

“…and a time to every purpose under the heaven” Ecclesiastes 3:1

God in His benevolence has set a time for every purpose under heaven. ‘Every purpose’, must be understood to indicate all the good things which God intended to be ‘correct’ purposes, in the life and existence of the human race on earth, not the sinful determinations and aberrations of fallen mankind. This can be seen firstly, by the fact that He has stipulated and governed the way seasons and natural processes take place on earth. This is God’s blessing to man, in that we can by these pre-set parameters, better plan our crops, make decisions, prepare and clothe ourselves, shelter appropriately and much more. An added blessing is recognising that God is the Author of these over-arching purposes, and that in His love He has given them place and time and made them available to us. The second way we could look at this portion of the holy text, is to note that in His benevolence, God has made time available to every person. Everyone is given time, and what purposes we use it for, is all important! Naturally the Lord instructs and directs in His Word what the best usage of this time is. The ultimate purpose, for which it was granted to each human, is to worship Him in all our actions and deeds of life. He does however, allow us to determine how we will use or spend much of the time we are granted in our lives. Apart from portions invested in many legitimate human purposes of just living life and survival, (some of which are listed in the passage), sadly much of humanity spends and wastes this precious commodity in committing sin and in actions which are not only offensive to God and detrimental to their own souls, but that also were not meant to be a part of the ‘purposes under heaven’ for which God has given us the blessing of time. It is every bit as irresponsible, as using money which should pay the bills, for other things such as entertainment, vices, frivolous habits or unnecessary wants. Naturally this type of behaviour, when insisted on, will end up in financial ruin and loss. Similarly, time has been given to each of us to invest wisely and to fulfil every one of God’s determined purposes. When we choose to do otherwise with it and waste the time of our lives on that which affronts God, we cannot expect but to be found culpable for its misuse! 

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion

Feb 5

“…but every fool will be meddling.” Proverbs 20:3

Some people seem to find pleasure in strife. They do not seem satisfied unless they are involved in some contention, crisis or problem even when to begin with, it has nothing to do with them! Meddling is getting involved unnecessarily into things that do not concern us. It takes wisdom to know and differentiate between what things we are capable of and responsible to help and assist in, and what is simply none of our business. The scriptures often refer to ‘the fool’, as being the person who doesn’t see the obvious, doesn’t recognise boundaries and has no respect for wisdom. For instance, it is a fool, according to scripture that believes there is no God, speaks his entire mind, and in this verse, meddles in matters unnecessarily. This proverb indicates the good sense and honour of a man who makes efforts to cease from contention, and contrasts it with the foolishness of the person who insists on involving themselves with strife wherever they find it and worse, making a point of creating their own, almost every time they have a conversation. The notion that one has to speak their mind about everything, even when they are not asked, and particularly when it is not their place to direct or correct, is hardly evidence strength or wisdom! The Bible calls it foolishness! Yet many consider it their life calling to ‘straighten out’ whoever it is they are speaking with. Maybe if we were wiser and stopped ‘meddling’, we would find agreement more frequently and be more like the ‘peacemakers’ which Jesus blessed. God desires for us to live peaceably and as much as we can, to maintain harmony with those around us. Naturally this doesn’t mean we should compromise our values and stand in God, but ‘getting along’ and avoiding being overcritical, or making comments that engender discord, is most definitely a Christian virtue!

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion

Jan 31

“…but a man of understanding will draw it out.” Proverbs 20:5

Like the depths of sea that cannot be reached without proper equipment and training, the deep waters of a person’s heart, emotions, experiences and individuality will also require some special preparation. If we are to help, reach out to or grasp what another person is about, we may need more than mere superficial responses and pat answers. God is a powerful source of wisdom and understanding. He makes it clear in His Word that He is willing to freely and liberally give of His wisdom, to all who genuinely seek Him and ask it of Him. In working with others, if we are to be beneficial and edifying, we need the wisdom and understanding of God. By prayer and study of God’s Word and the application of scriptural principles to our own lives, we construct, as it were ‘brick by brick’, a strong and useful edifice of knowledge and experience. This can become a structure that we can lean on, a reservoir we can draw from, when it comes to lending a hand to someone in need of comfort or direction. Godly wisdom begins in the fear of the Lord, and is an asset much required in a world that has gone astray from the morals and commands of God. Most people grow up with hang-ups and issues which affect the quality of what they do and the relationships they attempt to build. In Christ, we are able to help and support one another with more than just dismissive comments or light hearted evasion. We can pray with our brother or sister, listen with genuine interest, ask God for wisdom and then in the understanding He supplies, bear one another’s burden and share the goodness of the Lord. What a privilege to belong to the family of God and share in the growth He supplies for each of us!  

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion

Jan 15

 “Wine…whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” Proverbs 20:1

Strong drink when indulged, can easily take control of even the wisest and most capable of individuals. It will destroy the minds and reputations of worthwhile people and ultimately help bring eternal condemnation to those who yield to it. It is indeed a mocker as the scriptures title it, and is often at the centre of some of the worst human failings, poorest choices, most horrendous accidents and highly heinous crimes. People with usually bright and responsive minds, can be turned to dull, irresponsible brutes, and become capable of violent actions and promiscuous behaviour, they would not normally consider even remotely appropriate. How foolish to be deceived by a substance known for its trickery, which promises a pleasure it doesn’t deliver! Yet its scorn continues to be given place and worse has strengthened its hold, in a humanity so given over to its power and abandoned to its control. The deception of indulgence in strong drink is twofold – firstly in the fact that the drinker is deceived in believing he will remain in control, when in fact his mind is being altered, his will bent, and at last, like a fool, he can no longer reason wisely or be considered responsible. Secondly its deception extends to the wider scope of society, which largely adopts, excuses and allows for this controlling substance to be consumed far too liberally. Drinking is viewed as ‘normal’ and even necessary in many circles. Thus, in spite of the knowledge that it grossly alters human behaviour, drink is often encouraged, and the deception perpetuated, even while the lives of individuals and families, are being destroyed by the habits which result from this indulgence. The repercussions on society and the cost of dealing with the effects and results of alcoholism are astonishing. In our so called ‘civilized’ culture, it is surprising that we would even remotely countenance this lavish abuse, yet the practice increases and is celebrated, with growing number of outlets and multiplies ways in which strong drink can be easily obtained. Christians do well to avoid any such indulgence and better still stay clear from the practice of drinking alcohol all together, particularly when they consider they were delivered from it in the past, and ponder the importance of their witness for Christ, in the present. We are directed by God’s word not to be brought ‘under the power’ of anything - alcohol certainly qualifies as a controller! Wisdom in God includes making the right choices in response to God’s teaching, and knowing how to lean on the Spirit of God sufficiently that the flesh is not given place or control. Foolishness on the other hand, is ignoring what the Lord says and doing what pleases the flesh. Being unwise is never a virtue, but becomes even worse when the ‘fool’ is one who professes to know and serve God! 

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion