Hello friends! Celeste and I are at brother Eric’s so they can go to church camp this weekend and we get to visit with my parents. Next week is a trip to a breeder in eastern Iowa to pick up brother Mark’s service dog. Mid month I’ll be home and back to regular postings. God bless you all!
Our scripture this morning is Joshua 1:8 (ESV).
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
Too many people seem to think the Bible tells us “Do what I say or you’re in trouble!” Yes, there are commandments in Scripture that teach us to do and not do certain things, but these are intended for our protection and good. I’ve heard the example of a toddler and the hot oven. Are parents restricting them when they say “Don’t touch that?” Are they good parents if they sit back and watch and say “they’ll learn!” God is the ultimate parent and He is always concerned for our welfare. What kind of parent would not try to intervene if they know what their child is doing will harm them? That is a large part of the gift of scripture – God giving us guidance so we don’t have to learn the hard way. We often try to do things our own way and the results are often poor to tragic. Jesus tells us that even as sinful humans we know how to give good gifts to our children (Matthew 7:9-11); how much more can we expect good gifts from our Father in heaven? Scripture and the lessons it provides is one of those good gifts.
Gracious God, we are grateful for Your love and care, and the blessing of Your guidance in our lives. Help us to be obedient and to share Your word with all Your children. Amen.
