April 2025

Just Like Dirty Children

April 2, 2025

KEY FROM GOD’S WORD:

Psalm 78:72
So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands.

 

THOUGHTS ON GOD’S WORD:

 

    It is a beautiful day out, the birds are singing, the sun is shining, and what a great time to take the children to the park. When arriving you tell them all the rules like, do not talk to strangers, do not run off where I cannot see you, try not to get too dirty, etc. After a moment, you find yourself sort of lost in the freshness of spring and the beauty of it all. When it dawns on you, where are the children? You get up and look around, but you cannot see them. You walk around a bit and, oh thank heavens, there they are. To whom are they talking? As you get closer, you can see that they are all filthy dirty, and carrying on a conversation with a kindly older gentleman. When you excuse yourself and walk away with the children, you realize, they have broken every single rule you gave them on that day.

 

    What should you do? I know, just leave them there to starve and never teach them another thing. They have disobeyed and so you no longer want them around ever. Right? Of course not. Why, because you had a part in bringing them into this world and you love them. Even when they have not obeyed exactly what you asked, you still love them. Therefore, you take them home, clean them up, make them dinner, and try to explain one more time why it is important to obey the things you have told them. There may be a punishment; however, your real goal in life is to try to guide them skillfully away from dangers and into a life of peace and safety.

 

    You have just read a story that explains the heart of God toward us. We do not always obey, even though we know we should. We do not always stay clean, although we know He has asked us to. We cannot get out of His sight, but we can get out of His will. Still, if you are His child, He loves you. He will guide and help you and do it with His integrity and skillfulness.

  

CARRYING THAT THOUGHT THROUGH THE DAY:

 

    In Hebrews 13:5, it is said of God; “…I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”  What a great promise to his wayward children. He says to you and me today, come home. Let’s get cleaned up. I love you.

 

Does the overwhelming love of God comfort your heart today?

 

IF YOU ARE JOURNALING:

Ask yourself, what are MY THOUGHTS concerning this Passage, and today’s Devotion?

 

Do I find within this reading a CHALLENGE for my life?

 

What are one or two things I WILL DO today or this week to accept that CHALLENGE?

 

  

GOD TALKING TO ME:  April 2, 2025

THROUGH THE BIBLE ACCELERATED READING
^{(OT-1, NT & PS-2, Prov-Monthly)}
Deuteronomy 17-19 – Psalm 78:56-72
Proverbs 2 – Acts 13

 

THROUGH THE BIBLE OLD & NEW TESTAMENT DAILY
Joshua 1-3 – Luke 6:1-19