What's in Your DVR?

Daily Reading: 2 Timothy 3

Scripture Focus: Avoid such people. For among them are those who creep into households... (2 Timothy 3.5b-6a)

Devotional Thought: I love the fall of the year when college football gets into high gear. My plans don't always work out, but I try to get everything done by Saturday afternoons so that I can get home, sit down, and take in a few games that I've DVRed. Until the recent craziness surrounding the national anthem, I got pretty excited to watch some NFL games, too.

But, I've noticed something. Sports programs are sometimes more than sports. Whether it's NFL players making a statement or ESPN play-callers becoming social commentators, many times there is a message accompanying the games. On top of that there are the commercials, trying to sell me things I don't want. Often these 'messages' surrounding football are totally contrary to my way of thinking and - even worse! - to the teachings of the Bible.

Many messages that come into our homes under the cloak of sports or entertainment or humor have a hidden agenda. According to what Paul wrote to Timothy, we should "avoid such people... who creep into households." We have to be very discerning about what we watch and about what we allow our children to watch. Many things appear 'godly' (pass as ultimate wisdom and truth) but do not have the power and authority of true godliness.

I recently read an article entitled "Inside America's Largest Religious Revival You Know Nothing About" by Heather Smith. I recommend it to all, especially those who are sports lovers. You can find it online. As you read it, remember I, too, am a sports fan. I just want us to keep things in perspective.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your Word. Help me to gauge all things by that Word so that I can discern what has the appearance of godliness versus what is truly godly. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: 49 Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope. 50 This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life. 51 The insolent utterly deride me, but I do not turn away from your law. 52 When I think of your rules from of old, I take comfort, O LORD. 53 Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked, who forsake your law. 54 Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my sojourning. 55 I remember your name in the night, O LORD, and keep your law. 56 This blessing has fallen to me, that I have kept your precepts. (Psalms 119:49-56)