Month: May 2015

Christian Growth, Devotionals

CHURCHY

Pam Ford Davis

Church people are prone to use churchy words.SEPTEMBER 2014 002

It’s understandable; most families communicate with words and stories that outsiders would not easily discern. I find it best to define a churchy term: backslidden.

This is descriptive of a person who surrenders their life to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior; yet, slides back into bondage to sinful behavior.

The backslider does not lose their eternal salvation; sadly, they lose fellowship with the Lord and tarnish their witness.

Through tough love and discipline, God seeks restoration of relationship. If the backslider repents of his or her sins, the Lord forgives them and draws them back into the fold.

The backslider steps back!

“I have sought Your favor with all my heart; be gracious to me according to Your promise. I thought about my ways and turned my steps back to Your decrees. I hurried, not hesitating to keep Your commands (Psalm 119:58-60 HCS).”

Christian Growth, Devotionals

WELL-LIGHTED PATH

Pam Ford Davis

SEPTEMBER 2014 002

I am far from confident when traversing  terrain that I am not accustomed to. The situation is worse if I am walking or driving in the dark.

At age sixty-six, I no longer drive at night. If an emergency arises, I will make an exception but with trepidation.

I prefer a well-lighted path that I have traveled repeatedly.

When traveling long distances by bus or plane, I do my best to acclimate myself to nighttime darkness. During frequent trips to restrooms, I use the assistance of dim floor tracking lights. In life’s journey, I depend on the LORD, the source of light and revelation.

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path (Psalms 119:105 KJV).”

Christian Growth, Devotionals

A SHOUT!

Pam Ford Davis

SEPTEMBER 2014 002

Is it possible to be both noisy and reverent?

We serve the sovereign Jehovah God. He is worthy of worship and praise!

At times, I sense a holy hush within His sanctuary. Yet, worshipers often offer jubilant songs and shouts of heartfelt praise…

“Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph! For the LORD Most High is awesome; He is a great King over all the earth. He will subdue the peoples under us, and the nations under our feet. He will choose our inheritance for us, the excellence of Jacob whom He loves. Selah

God has gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet. Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises! For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with understanding.

God reigns over the nations; God sits on His holy throne. The princes of the people have gathered together, the people of the God of Abraham. For the shields of the earth belong to God; He is greatly exalted (Psalms 47:1-9 NKJ).”

Christian Growth, Devotionals, Relationships

REFRESHER COURSE

Pam Ford Davis

For many, continuing education continues, continues and SEPTEMBER 2014 002continues…

If an employee expects to keep a paid position and earn promotions, they can expect refresher courses. On-line courses are so much better than driving great distances to colleges. When a career person adds time spent in a classroom to time traveling to and from, they have invested many hours. The internet route is advantageous.

Apostle Paul wrote of a refreshing, coursing through his heart.

“If then, you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me. But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account. I, Paul, am writing with my own hand. I will repay—not to mention to you that you owe me even your own self besides. Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in the Lord (Philemon 17-20 NKJ).”