The title for my lesson today is “Take Care of Yourself.” I chose this because this is one of the important things that a good counselor will tell those who come to them. 

The Scripture for today is Exodus 20:8-10. 

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work.”

You might look at this verse and ask what this verse has to do with taking care of yourself. The answer is simple. In Mark 2:27 Jesus explained, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” 

God gave us the seventh day of rest because he knew we needed it. It was not because God wanted to make another rule for us to break or a day to keep us from fishing or working. Keeping the Sabbath was God’s way of saying “Take care of yourself.”

I read a couple of quotes that are spot on about this subject.

1. “Self-care is giving the world the best of you, instead of what’s left of you.” – Katie Reed

2”. “Taking care of yourself doesn’t mean me first, it means me too.” – L.R. Knost

By taking care of yourself you be able to help your loved ones, family, friends, and the stranger you may meet. Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” – Matthew 25:40. Take care of yourself because you can’t serve others if you have nothing left to give.

The next time you talk to someone, as you leave, say one parting line: “Take care of yourself.” They probably won’t understand the depth of the comment, but you will.

Lonnie Davis

Our text for today is James 1:2-3.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”

We all go through struggles and failures that bring pain. When you face that pain, James said, “Count it all joy.” Be happy about it, because that pain will produce good things. Of course that is only if we grow from it and are williing to grow from it. 

When my youngest daughter was about four, she did something she should not have done and I disciplined her. She cried and I left her room. Soon it hit me that I should make sure she knows why she was punished. I went back to her room and ask her, “Honey do you know why I punished you?” She sobbed, “Yeah.” I asked why? She answered, “Because you are mad at me.” At that moment I was glad that I had that talk with her.

Pain always has a lesson in it. Learn the lesson from the pain. When we learn the lesson, then we will grow. If we do something thing brings pain and we don’t learn from it, then the pain is wasted and we are hopeless stuck in our ways.

I remember the story of the salesman who went to a farm and talked to an old farmer who was sitting on his front porch. As they began to talk, the old dog laying on the porch let out a moan. The dog got quiet and the man continued with his pitch. Soon the dog moaned again. 

The salesman asked the farmer, “Why is your dog moaning?” The farmer answered, “Aww, he is laying on a nail.” Puzzled the man asked, “Then why doesn’t he move?” The farmer answered, “It don’t hurt that bad.”

If our discomfort or pain doesn’t move us, then we are doomed to repeat the failures. Growth involves discomfort. Even if the discomfort is downright pain.

Lonnie Davis

Today’s Scripture is Proverbs 11:14

“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” 

Have you ever been to counseling? Have you been several times? The truth is that from time to time we could all grow from it.

Because of doing decades of counseling, both as a minister and in community settings, I have needed to know what to tell those who come for counseling. This week I asked myself what six things almost all counselors need to tell those who come. I answered that question from personal experience and with a little research. Here are those six things everyone needs to know: These are not in any special order, but just a list.

1. Change is a process. It doesn’t happen all at once. We have to work to know what to change and how to accept it.

2. You are not alone. Whatever you are going through, others have also faced. We can learn from others who have walked the same path and won the victory.

3. Asking is okay. The world doesn’t need more people who are too stubborn to ask others.

4. Boundaries are necessary. A child needs to know boundaries that are set by their parents and by society. Every, every human being needs boundaries in their life.

5. Growth involves discomfort. If you stay in your “comfort zone,” then you will never grow. Or if you do grow it will be very, very slow. 

6. You can’t control everything. Learn to know the things which you cannot change and accept that fact and grow from there. Nobody always gets their own way, every time. Life does not work that way.

The sooner you and I accept those truths, (and others not listed here) the sooner we can work on being joyful. 

Lonnie Davis

Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. It’s an important step towards healing and growth.  

We sat in a golf cart. I asked him to play golf because his marriage was crumbling. I knew he would never ask for or even accept counseling. I figured if I could get him on the golf course for 4 hours, he would be trapped and he would have to listen. My plan half worked. His response to my suggestion about getting help from a wise counselor was, “No. I will never go to a counselor. Not ever!” With many other words I exhorted him to work on the problem with someone wise. 

Why would I exhort such? The wisest man who ever lived told us: 

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

There are times when we all need a little help, to talk with someone who has walked our path. If anyone will never ask for help, then it might be because of one of three reasons:  

1. Maybe they believe they have all wisdom. Job’s friends who bedeviled him with ignorant but loving hearts, were told by Job, “Doubtless you are the only people who matter, and wisdom will die with you!” – Job 12:2.  

2. Another reason some reject help is because they already have their mind made up. There is no help for the self-willed.   

3. Maybe some just don’t know anybody who can help. Ask around. There is someone.  

We have all had a teacher who says, “There are no stupid questions.” Actually, I like Leonardo da Vinci’s statement better: “He who asks a question is a fool for a minute; he who does not remains a fool forever.”  

In other words, when in need reach out for help.  

Lonnie Davis

Today, I have something different for you. I am sharing with you what we will focus on for the week. We have already done two of these lessons.

Suppose you were going to go to a counselor, what would they tell you? This week we will look at six things everyone will eventually hear from their counselor.

I start by reading Galatians 6:9.

“Let’s not get tired of doing what is good, for at the right time we will reap a harvest—if we do not give up.”

One fellow paraphrased this verse as “Keep on keeping on.” I love that principle, but there are times we don’t know what the right path is. At such times we need to talk to someone who can help us. Sometimes our counselor is our grandmother, or aunt, or teacher, or whoever has shown themselves to be wise in our eyes. 

As one who spent decades counseling as a minister and then, after getting a degree in counseling, working with members of the church and the community, I know some of the things people need to hear.

This week, we will consider six truths everyone needs to know.

We’ve already looked at two of them.

1. Pebbles on the Path – The Process of Change.

And 

2. You Are Not Alone – Others have walked the same path.

Here are the next four:

3. It’s Okay to Ask for Help, You are not Superman or Wonder Woman.

4. The Necessity of Boundaries – Know when to say No! (Or Yes)

5. Growth Involves Discomfort – Be willing to go out on a limb; that is where the fruit is!

6. You Can’t Control Everything – Knowing what you CAN control is half the solution.

Tomorrow, we will continue our series with “It’s Okay to Ask for Help—You are Not Superman.”

I believe you will find each of these to be thoughts worth thinking about.

Lonnie Davis

Jesus told his apostles, 

“An hour is coming and has already come when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and you will leave Me all alone. Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.” – John 16:32

Even Jesus addressed being alone. In this verse we see that not being around people does not necessarily make you lonely, at least not as long as we feel the presence of God. But often you and I, left alone do experience loneliness. In fact, recent studies have found a range of 20–50% of people who express feelings of loneliness at times.

Why? Among the reasons listed in the research were:

1. Digital Communication
2. Changing Social Structures
3. COVID-19

True, but misleading. People have felt lonely for as long as mankind has existed. Even Cain worried about this when, after he killed his brother, he told God, “I will be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.” (Genesis 4:14). In short, Cain felt he would be alone.

What can we do about loneliness?

First, we need to learn the difference between alone time and being lonely. You can be lonely in a crowd. Or, you can be by yourself and not feel lonely. Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness, communed with only God, and yet certainly did not feel lonely. He came from this experience and built a community of thousands of followers.

Here are some great steps to fighting loneliness:

1. Realize you don’t have to be lonely. If up to 50% of people fret about feeling lonely, then surely you recognize they long for community and someone like you.

2. Put yourself out there. Reach out to other people. There is a book on personal evangelism called, “Just Walk Across the Room.” In other words, make the effort to talk to and connect to others. Put yourself in charge of this effort.

3. Be interested in other people and let them know it.

Obviously, there are other things one can do, but these are great starter steps. 

Let’s close with the words of a poet:

Sometimes I get lonely, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook  
Always connecting but not connected  

Sometimes I get lonely, Looking to the future  
Forgetting to be in the present  

Sometimes I get lonely, Thinking someday, one day  
Never thinking right here, right now  

Sometimes I get lonely, Phone’s on, WiFi’s up  
Waiting for it to buzz  

Sometimes I get lonely  
Just waiting…Always waiting…  

…Anon 

So, stop waiting. Remember Proverbs 18:24 (NKJV)

“A man who has friends must himself be friendly.” Or herself be friendly.

Lonnie Davis

Our text for today is 2 Corinthians 5:17.” 

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

Do you see the need for change in this verse? When people starts following God, their lives are changes. “The old has gone, the new is here.” 

But how does change happen. The answer is that it happens little by little. Change is a process. It is the journey and not the destination. Each step is just a pebble on the path. Each pebble is just a pebble, but with enough pebbles you will eventually have a path.

This is true in all change. It is true when a person changes a career, for becoming a parent, for becoming a good parent. For becoming a husband or wife, for becoming a good husband or a good wife. It is true for learning to eat healthy food. 

We all have to change, but how does it come. I heard one man describe financial bankruptcy this way. It said it does not happen all at once. It happens little by little and then all at once. Change in your life happens in the same way. 

When one first makes a decision to follow Christ, he or she is not instantly changed. We take baby steps to grow into the one we want to be. Change, whether for good or bad, is a process. A wise person will accept that fact.

What is it you want to be? A kind person? A wise person? A fun person? A good wife? A good husband? A writer? A good writer? A good golfer? A good cook?

All of this takes time. This is the reason that it takes 13 years of study and work to become a physician and surgeon. Work toward things and change will happen little by little and then all at once, pebble by pebble and then a path.

Making and accepting change calls on us all to lean on Philippians 4:13: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

Lonnie Davis

Our text for today is Matthew 6:34

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own.”

My kids grew up observing one habit of mine. Whenever we would hear an ambulance coming down the street, I would say, “Kids, you think you are having a hard day? No, but somebody else is.”

Have you ever thought about an ambulance? An ambulance tears around town with its siren blaring. It is always going to a crisis or leaving a crisis. It is built for emergencies.

Too many people live life the same way. They run their lives with a siren going. Every day is desperate, and every moment is a crisis or preparation for one. They manage their time by putting out the latest fire.

Such a frantic existence leaves no room for smelling roses or enjoying sunsets. Even worse, it leaves no time for sharing friendships and building love.

What if some of the things you are racing around to do did not get done? Suppose you substitute a quiet walk around the block or time off to call on a friend or time out to read a book?

Or even better, can you find the time to read the Good Book? Suppose you wrote an encouraging note to someone who really needed it? Would your world fall apart? Perhaps it would help put your life back into perspective. Remember, God will work all things out if you will just lean on him. 

As 2 Corinthians 5:7 says, “Indeed, our lives are guided by faith, not by sight.” In other words, walk the walk of faith.

Lonnie Davis

Our Bible verse for today is Proverbs 16:3

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”

This verse implies the importance of planning our future. We must decide what we want to achieve, then entrust those plans to God’s guidance. Without a clear vision for tomorrow, how can we truly commit it to His will?

Sir Walter Scott, a famous novelist of the 16th century, exemplifies the power of planning. He penned countless novels, a testament to his diligent work ethic. His diary, however, holds a final lesson. The last entry reads, “Tomorrow we shall…” followed by an empty space. Sadly, there was no tomorrow for Scott. He died with unfulfilled plans, plans that remained unwritten and uncommitted.

Many of us have dreams and goals we strive for, plans we meticulously map out, and steps we take towards achieving them. Yet, we sometimes fall short of our aspirations simply because we lack a plan. As the poet stated, “If we fail to plan, we plan to fail.” This underscores the importance of action and prioritizing tasks that require our attention today.

God declared to Jeremiah, “I know the plans I have for you.” Do you know the plans you have for yourself? God knows his plan, but do you? Take time to reflect, pray deeply, and write down your aspirations. Commit these plans to God’s wisdom and watch as He helps you on your journey.

When you do this you will be able to say with David, “This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad.”

Lonnie Davis

Our Scripture for today is Genesis 18:19. In this verse, God is considering whether he ought to tell Abraham what his plans are. God decides yes, because, as the verse says:

“I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just…” 

He said yes for three reasons related to Abraham.

1. God chose Abraham.

2. Abraham will direct his children and all in his house to keep the way of the Lord.

3. He will teach them by setting the right example before them.

There is no goal for a father that is more important or worthy than for a man to spend his life by leading his own family in the way of God. The verse doesn’t say lead by teaching, but rather by “doing what is right.” 

Years ago I knew an old, retired preacher named Bill. Bill told me one of the stories of his ministry. He said that his congregation was trying to sell church bonds years earlier to build their church building. The task fell to Bill to lead the effort. Though Bill did not know him, he decided to go to the richest man in town and ask him to buy some bonds. He cold-called the rich man and talked to him. He made his pitch and the rich man’s response was to tell him about his daughter. He said that his daughter left home and was living a hard life on the street. He then made an offer. He told Bill that if he could help his daughter, he would buy every bond Bill had. Sadly, Bill had to sell his bonds elsewhere.

That rich man knew that unless your own family is okay, then nothing else matters. It is that way for every father. I am sure it is for every mom too, but our text talks about a father’s spiritual goal.

Lonnie Davis

Our Scripture for today is Psalms 118:24.

“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

That verse doesn’t say, “If things go well today, I will rejoice and be glad.” Any day that God has made for you is a day of rejoicing. That is what the verse says.

I admit, that this is sometimes hard. Some days are a challenge and you only smile when you look back. Sometimes not even then.

I read the story of a preacher who got up on Sunday to preach. His alarm didn’t go off so he was late. He threw clothes on, and grabbed his coffee. Oh no! The coffee didn’t make. He ran to his car and saw that he had a flat. Now he was really going to be late. Speeding to church, he ran a stop sign. The cop pulled him over and he snapped at the cop. The policeman smiled and said, “I know how you feel sir. I used to have days like this before I became a Christian.” Ouch!

I’ve had days like that and I am sure you have too. 

When my first child was born, I had one of those days. When my wife and I brought the baby home. Liz was still struggling from the birth and everything was up to me. As we pulled up to our house, Liz said, “Carry Janet into the house.” I had never picked up a baby in my life. I certainly could not start now. I said, “Let me go get the neighbor next door and she will carry her in. Liz said, “No, you can do it.” Resigned to the first time I would carry a baby, I ran into the house and got a pillow. I came back to the car, put the pillow on my arms and had Liz put the baby on the pillow. I then carried the baby on the pillow into the house.

For the rest of the day, every time the baby cried, it was up to me to care for her. At least I knew what to do. Every time Baby Janet cried, I gave her a bottle. Every time!

By ten that night I had a sick baby that I did not know how to help. I did the only thing I knew to do, I called my mother. She lived 600 miles away, but she drove all night.

That was my hard day then, that looks different looking back. I know you have had days like that too. For all of those days, both mine and yours, we all need to say, “This the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad.”

No matter what this day or even tomorrow brings, there is joy in it. Someday we will find the joy. The greater our faith, the sooner we will find it.

Lonnie Davis

Our Scripture for today is Psalms 118:24.

“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

That verse doesn’t say, “If things go well today, I will rejoice and be glad.” Any day that God has made for you is a day of rejoicing. That is what the verse says.

I admit, that this is sometimes hard. Some days are a challenge and you only smile when you look back. Sometime not even then.

When my first child was born, I had one of those days. When my wife and I brought the baby home, Liz was still struggling from the birth and everything was up to me. As we pulled up to our house, Liz said, “Carry Janet into the house.” I had never picked up a baby in my life. I certainly could not start now. I said, “Let me go get the neighbor next door and she will carry her in. Liz said, “No, you can do it.” Resigned to the first time I would carry a baby, I ran into the house and got a pillow. I came back to the car, put the pillow on my arms and had Liz put the baby on the pillow. I then carried the baby on the pillow into the house.

For the rest of the day, every time the baby cried, it was up to me to care for her. At least I knew what to do. Every time Baby Janet cried, I gave her a bottle. Every time!

By ten that night, I had a sick baby that I did not know how to help. I did the only thing I knew to do: I called my mother. She lived 600 miles away, but she drove all night.

That was a hard day and I did not think, “This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad.” It took decades before I could. 

No matter what this day or even tomorrow brings, there is joy in it. Someday we will find the joy. The greater our faith, the sooner we will find it.

Lonnie Davis

To listen to kids, they must believe that moms and dads get together and figure out ways to keep their kids from having fun. After all, every kid at some time or another has uttered those words to their parents: “You never want me to have any fun.”

Of course, that is just a young mind that does not understand. Sadly, however, people sometimes feel the same way toward God. They must think that God figured out all the fun things and then decided to make them sins.

Such thoughts are the thoughts of a baby Christian. Any mature Christian would cast such thinking from their mind. God made us, and he made us for joy! As Paul told the Philippians, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (4:4)

Let’s turn our attention to another verse, 1 John 5:3. It reads, “This is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome.”

Look at that again: “His commands are not burdensome.” You may have thought so at the time, but when you look back through the wisdom of time, you will understand two things:

1. Why He gave us the commands he did.

2. Why he gave us limits.

Let me illustrate this with a personal story. When I was 6 years old, I saw a movie about the frontiersman Jim Bowie. What a man! He could get out of any dangerous situation with his knife. He could throw it and stop the danger. I went home and wanted to be like him. I didn’t have a throwing knife. The closest thing I could find was my mother’s kitchen knife. I figured I could practice throwing that knife at a tree and get good at it like Jim Bowie.  I went to my mother and asked her if I could borrow the kitchen knife to practice throwing it. I don’t need to tell you her answer. 

I thought her rejection of my plan was mean. If I had known the word, I would have called it burdensome.

Only when I got older and more mature did I understand that she made her decision with an eye toward my best interest.

Someday, you will understand why God gave us the commands that he did. They are not burdensome but for our best interest.

Lonnie Davis

Today’s thoughts should encourage us to get it done right now. As the old saying goes, “Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That’s why we call it the present.” Use it now!

Our Scripture verse for today is Acts 24:25.

In this text, Paul was on trial before a Roman governor named Felix. Felix heard what Paul said, knew what he needed to do, and uttered the sad words, 

“Go away for now, when I have a convenient time I will call for you.”

So far as we know, he never called for him. He never found that convent time.

I have looked at clocks for years and have seen everything from 1 to 12 o’clock, both  AM and PM. None of my clocks have ever been marked “convent time.” I’ll bet your clock doesn’t have that time either.

Whatever the case, I have found many things I needed to do that I have put off until that more convenient time. Not finding it, they were left undone.

I guess with some things that is okay.

If you don’t find the time to watch television.
If you don’t find time to read the latest best-selling book.
If you don’t find the time to update your phone.
If you don’t find the time to check FaceBook.

Well, you can do it tomorrow. However, there are some things that cannot be put off until a more convenient time.

Do it today!
Call your friend
Listen to your spouse
Play with your kids
Read your Bible
Pray

These are things that cannot be put off till a more convenient time. 

Don’t wait for that more convenient time.

Lonnie Davis

Sometimes I Act Like A Child

Our text for today is Matthew 18:3

“Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Of course this text doesn’t mean we should throw a fit when we don’t get our way, or run to mommy when we have a tummy ache. Jesus is really talking about things like having a good heart and learning to forgive and trust.

I read a story that reminded me of this verse.

One little four-year-old boy loved his dog, but sometimes unwittingly tormented him. He didn’t mean to, but he loved to hug his dog. Usually the dog would put up with the hugging, but when the dog had enough, he would turn around and nip at the little boy to make him let go.

One day, the dad walked up to his son while he had the dog in a big hug. As the dad got closer he could see that the little boy had his eyes closed and was praying, “Dear God, please don’t let him bite me.”

As the dad walked by his son, he told him, “God would be more apt to answer your prayer, if you would let go of the dog.”

Unfortunately, we are like that little boy too often. We do things that we know we ought not to do and then pray that God will shield us from the consequences of our behavior.

We pray for a happy marriage and then neglect one another. We pray for a closer walk with God but do not read His Word. We pray for peace in our lives, and drive in aggressive, rude ways or snip at people.

Each of us could make our own custom list. We should examine the things we pray for and then decide what we can do to help make the prayers come true. 

Keep on praying, but do your part too.

Lonnie Davis

Our Scripture for today is Proverbs 15:2.

The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.

The discipline of practicing this passage will make you wise in the eyes of your peers. 

When you start getting along in years, you will find that others remember your stories differently than you do.  I recently shared the story of my disagreement with my friend and his answer to me was “Do you feel better now.”  

When he and I talked about it 55 years later, we both remembered it. He said I can’t believe I was wise enough to respond that way.”  He then said, I answered like that because I didn’t know what else to say.”  

He thought about how unusual it was for him to respond with such wisdom. What I found amazing was that he said this because he had nothing else to say. You see, too many times I have said something even even when I really didn’t really have something good to say. Ugh! I tried to clarify this statement, but I am sure you know what I mean.

There is great wisdom to be found in Proverbs 15:1

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

May God give us the wisdom to give a soft answer.

Lonnie Davis

I begin by saying that this story has a happy ending. First, let me share a great Bible verse on friends.

Proverbs 18:24

“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

The other day I said some grouchy things to my best friend of nearly 60 years. He shot back at me and then I said, “I gotta go,” and we hung up.

It took me one minute to grieve it and then I texted him, “You are still my best friend.”

He immediately answered me, “It will take more than anything you can say to destroy my friendship with you so please overlook anything I might say that is out of line.”

I knew then that we would be okay. He is that friend “who sticks closer than a brother.”

Some people in your life are friends, and some are acquaintances. You can tell the difference because a friend can go through hard spots with you, or even because of you.

I remember a time some 40 years earlier when I told him some hard things. He listened as I criticized him and told him what he had to do. He listened and then said, “Davis, do you feel better now?”

That is a friend! There are three reasons I knew our friendship would survive this too.

1. He’s my best friend, and he sticks closer than a brother.

2. He’s a Christian, and that is what Christians must do.

3. He and I are too old to make new lifetime friends. 60 years is a long time!

If you have such a friend, reach out to him or her today. Don’t put it off. Be that friend who stick closer than a brother (or sister).

Lonnie Davis

“What will a man give in exchange for his soul?”
                            — Jesus Christ (Matthew 16:20)

We live in a world where Satan asks that question and then offers whatever we answer. 

I once read the interesting story of 20-year-old Adam Burtle who tried to answer that question. In February of 2001 he put his soul up for auction on eBay, a relatively new concept of online sales. He advertised his soul as “Hardly used” and then added:

“I make no warranties as to the condition of the soul. As of now it is in near mint condition, with only minor scratches.”

The price started at a nickel and in the final hour of bidding rose to $400. The auction was removed by eBay before bidding closed so we will never know how much it might have brought. Mr. Burtle is not the first to want to sell a soul.

– Ahab was willing to sell his soul for a piece of land that he could use as a vegetable garden. (1 Kings 21).
– Cain sold his soul for a fit of anger. (Genesis 4).
– Judas sold his for 30 coins. (Matthew 26:15).
– Demas sold his for worldly pleasures. (2 Timothy 4:10)

The question in Matthew 16 is not about eBay auctions. It is not even about Ahab or Cain or Judas. It is about what you and I value as more important than our souls.

Undoubtedly, Mr. Burke meant his offer as a joke. In real life Satan offers to buy your soul and it is not a joke. Peter warned, “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8).

Make sure he does not close the deal on your soul.

Lonnie Davis

The Scripture for today is 1 Corinthians 10:13.

Before I read it, let me share a thought about it. I remember memorizing this verse when I was a teenager. It meant a lot to me then and has never failed to encourage me. As one verse of scripture goes, this one is fairly long. Don’t let that stop you from learning and treasuring it. It contains a promise that will get you past many dark places in your life. 

Here is the verse:

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

Let me paraphrase it for you.

“When you are tempted (and you will be) always remember,  other people have faced the same struggles and done well. You can too. Your faithful God has promised that there is a way to get past the temptation without sinning. Look for it.”

Every time the devil has tried to tempt me, I can look to the promise of this verse. It has never failed me. Unfortunately, sometimes I have failed it. Moses murdered an Egyptian, King David committed adultery, Peter denied he knew Jesus – three times! God did not fail them, they just didn’t lean on Him. 

Satan has two rules that we believe too often: (1) I am the exception to the rules. (2) I will get more pleasure from doing things my way rather than doing things God’s way.

Here’s the problem: Those are fake rules.  No, they are lies.

Today’s scripture gives us the real true rule: There is always an escape from sin, so you don’t have to give in. God is not only pulling for you, he is actively providing a way out.

I know 1 Corinthians 10:13 is a long verse, but store it up in your heart. Someday, maybe today, you will need the encouragement.

Lonnie Davis

This week I got to thinking about the phrases from the Bible that people frequently say, even when they don’t know it is from the Bible. I made a list of 70 such phrases. Here are a few of the common phrases that non-Bible readers say that come straight from the Bible.

#1. “The Blind Leading the Blind.” 

This, of course, means that people turn to a leader who is incapable of leading. In Matthew 15:14, Jesus aid, “And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.”

#2. I’m “At Wit’s End”. 

Something people say this when they are confused and don’t know what to do. It is found in Psalms 107:27, “They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wit’s end.”

#3. Living off “The Fat of the Land.” A phrase that means living on the best.

This phrase comes from Genesis 45:18. The Pharaoh speaks to Joseph and tells him to bring is family to Egypt. He said, “Take your father and your households, and come unto me: and I will give you the good of the land of Egypt, and ye shall eat the fat of the land.”

Some other phrases are: “By the Skin of Your Teeth,” (Job 19:20), “The Root of the Matter,” (Job 19:28), and “Do unto others and you would have them do unto you.”(Matthew 7:12).

BUT, do you know which Bible verse is quoted most frequently by people who don’t know God? It is Matthew 7:1, “Judge not, that you be not judged.” Of course, they misunderstand the verse.

Before we leave today’s devotional thought, let me share one more verse. Mark 12:30-31

“You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.”

That does sound like something we should say and remember. After all, Jesus said it was the most important commandment.

Lonnie Davis