Driving Notes

PRAISE THURSDAY 9/5/19

Today we continue our devotions from the book “Time with God for Fathers by Jack Countryman.”

Psalm 139: 7-10

Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
⁸ If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
⁹ If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
¹⁰ even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.

Psalm 139 provides you with all the insurance you need. In this profound passage, God has promised that no matter what we’re facing or going through, He will be there.

When we cannot understand ourselves or comprehend our feelings, God invites us to take our internal struggles to him and ask for his insight. God understands what we don’t and he knows what to do when we don’t.

Let each day be filled with the power of His presence, allowing him to guide us into a deeper relationship with Him. He is our everything. Our father is watching, so instead of fearing that, take advantage of it.

I Timothy 6:6-7

⁶ But godliness with contentment is great gain. ⁷ For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.

Contentment is a gift that only God can give.

So many times our desire for material possessions overshadows our relationship with God. We can become content if we are willing to see God as our sole provider and focus on the necessities of life.

God will often supply our WANTS out of his goodness and Grace, but he has promised to supply all of our NEEDS. Learn to express your gratitude for what you have and never be concerned about what you are missing.

Your greatest source of contentment will be found when you follow the instructions in Psalm 37:4 to “delight yourself also in the Lord and He shall give you the desires of your heart.”

Stop for a moment and take inventory of all God has blessed you with…and give thanks for all of those blessings!

Thanks for listening!
– Joe and Todd

Today we continue our devotions from the book “Time with God for Fathers by Jack Countryman.” Today we look at our view of possessions and talents.

Luke 12:15

¹⁵ Speaking to the people, he (Jesus) went on, “Take care! Protect yourself against the least bit of greed. Life is not defined by what you have, even when you have a lot.” (The Message)

(This then leads into the parable of the rich fool)

So many times in life, we can get sidetracked with our grown-up toys and material possessions.

True satisfaction in life flows out of fulfilling the purpose for which we are created. That purpose is to enjoy an intimate relationship with God. Acquiring material things as a substitute for a real relationship with God? That only makes the heart feel hollow and empty.

The example that we portray for our kids about the importance of relationship with God compared to gaining material wealth, will set the stage for their priorities as they go into the world.

Exodus 31:1-5

31 ^1-5 God spoke to Moses: “See what I’ve done; I’ve personally chosen Bezalel son of Uri, son of Hur of the tribe of Judah. I’ve filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him skill and know-how and expertise in every kind of craft to create designs and work in gold, silver, and bronze; to cut and set gemstones; to carve wood—he’s an all-around craftsman.

As a father, we have been given a powerful influence over those in our family.

God, in His divine mercy and infinite wisdom, has also given us certain gifts and talents. How we use them will determine the effect that we have on those we love and cherish.

A godly leader is not easily swayed, but rather is filled with conviction, faith and prayer. We will gain a sense of our godly responsibility when we choose to stand up for what is right.

The Bible encourages us to turn to God when we need wisdom and strength. Let our intimacy with God guide us in building on the talents we have been given.

Thanks for listening!
– Joe and Todd