Distant and Unfamiliar Territory

Daily Reading: Proverbs 14

Scripture Focus: There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. (Proverbs 14.12)

Devotional Thought:  In recent weeks I have been serving as interim pastor at Memorial Church of the Nazarene in Orangeburg, South Carolina.  That church is 87 miles from my home on Johns Island.  It is a "distant and unfamiliar territory."  I have been very dependent upon my GPS - especially as I come home after the evening service.  When it is dark, everything looks different.  It can be confusing.

A few weeks ago, I decided I didn't need my GPS.  It was raining and hard to see.  I didn't get lost, but I did go the wrong direction for a while!  As I was driving around a bit bewildered, seeking to get back on the right route ... Bang!  I hit the median curb.  Hard.  So hard that it destroyed my tire.  I didn't know the curb was there.  I didn't know the danger ahead.  I didn't even know that I had strayed out of my lane.  I thought I was ok.  I "limped" to a nearby parking lot and changed the tire.

We are in a "distant and unfamiliar territory."  This world is not our home.  We were made for sunshine and light, not rain and darkness.  On our own, it's easy to lose our way and think we are ok.  The good news is that we have GPS to help us navigate.  God gives the Word; his people are our travelling companions, and his Spirit is our guide..

As I said above, when it is dark, everything looks different.  Let's make sure that we use our GPS so we don't go the wrong way.  Curbs are not fun to hit!

Prayer: Father, I am confident that "he who began a good work in me will be faithful to complete it."  Help me to use my GPS along the way so that I can avoid the curbs and the destruction they cause.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 9.1-6

1 I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.

2 I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.

3 When my enemies turn back, they stumble and perish before your presence.

4 For you have maintained my just cause; you have sat on the throne, giving righteous judgment.

5 You have rebuked the nations; you have made the wicked perish; you have blotted out their name forever and ever.

6 The enemy came to an end in everlasting ruins; their cities you rooted out; the very memory of them has perished.