Oh Deer!

Daily Reading: Matthew 12

A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. (Matthew 12.35, NIV)

Devotional Thought:  Mom and Dad were driving home one night when they hit a deer. Dad, an avid hunter and quick thinker, brought the deer home in the back of our van in order to process it.  Once they got home, Mom took my sisters inside, but I wasn't about to miss out on this adventure, so I sat in our van while Dad called his dad for help.  It was quiet in there with that deer.  Then there was a sound...  Then movement.  In fear, I turned around to the back of our van to see a doe standing up.  She went crazy trying to get out.  Fortunately, my dad was able to subdue her before any real damage was done.

This story reminds me of today's scripture so vividly. This deer, which appeared so harmless, upon waking up, became a wrecking machine to the back of my parent's van. In the same token, don't we treat so much junk of this world the same way?  We think that "this show is harmless" or "it's okay to listen to this music" because we think they don't impact us. Or we let fear, anger, greed, malice, or complacency become the norm for us. Then, these things - which we didn't really see as harmful - wake up and wreak havoc on us spiritually.

What are you putting into your life?  Spend time with God in prayer. Hide scriptures in your heart.  And don't assume that what's sleeping in the back of your heart will stay asleep!  Instead, let Jesus conquer it and take it out before it wrecks your life!

Kenny McQuitty

Prayer: "Search me, O God, and know my heart. Try me and know my thoughts. And see if there be any grievous way in me and lead me in the way everlasting." Amen. (Psalm 139.23-24)

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 89.46-52

46 How long, O Lord? Will you hide yourself forever? How long will your wrath burn like fire? 47 Remember how short my time is! For what vanity you have created all the children of man! 48 What man can live and never see death? Who can deliver his soul from the power of Sheol? Selah. 49 Lord, where is your steadfast love of old, which by your faithfulness you swore to David? 50 Remember, O Lord, how your servants are mocked, and how I bear in my heart the insults of all the many nations, 51 with which your enemies mock, O Lord, with which they mock the footsteps of your anointed. 52 Blessed be the Lord forever! Amen and Amen.