Driving Notes

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

Proverbs 1:33 (NIV) leads us to a biblical application of a ‘home security system…’

“but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.'”

 A growing number of people fail to seek God’s wisdom in living. It is no secret that we live in a “me first” culture.

Often we seek ourselves, against all warnings and conventional wisdom. Thoughts of our future, our safety, our selfish desires…while not giving any thought to the impact on people of around us.

Living this way is spiritually irresponsible and a dangerous way to live. If we try to live apart from God’s wisdom, we will struggle with fear, disillusionment, doubt, worry and frustration. Our lives fall apart when we do not consult the wisdom of God.

The smartest way to build a safe home and lifestyle is to involve our savior every step of the way.

Romans 5:3-4 (NIV)

³ Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; ⁴ perseverance, character; and character, hope.

A leader’s character is demonstrated in how they handle unpleasant and stressful situations. We’ve talked before how God will use trials to mature and develop us.

No one likes trials, that’s obvious. But when we learn to see our trials as situations to grow, we begin to walk down the path God has placed ahead of us.

It is important to remember that He will walk with you through these trials too. Even as you struggle and grow, God will give you the strength to continue.

His loving grace washes over us like sunlight on a cloudless day.

Also, here is the information we shared about the Kokosing State Scenic River Cleanup on Saturday:

Thanks for listening!
– Joe and Todd

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

I John 1:7

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

There’s a clean record that only God can give…

The forgiveness of sin is one of God’s greatest gifts to those who are in Christ. The slate has been wiped clean, and he has promised to never remember or mention our sins again.

Because of God’s total, unconditional, overwhelming and abundant love, he chooses to not only forgive our sins but also to remove them from his presence forever. The beauty of God’s forgiveness opens the door for each of us to have the relationship with him that he wants…and we need.

His love overshadows everything that we have committed. Remember, too that God’s mercy does not give us the freedom to sin, expecting more forgiveness; rather, it gives us the freedom to move past the mistakes we have made and into a deeper richer relationship with him and with our loved ones.

Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

As a Christian leader, God is calling you to walk in the spirit and your relationship with those you love and cherish. The transparent life that God wishes you to lead brings out the fruit of the spirit.

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control are all given to you by the Holy Spirit.

When the life you lead is God-centered and your relationship with Christ is a priority, the rewards you receive are the fruits of the spirit.

Only God can change your heart and give you that certain peace that passes all understanding and reflects the person God wants you to be. Remember those fruits are not simply one mark of a spirit-filled life…they are the essence of a spirit-filled life.

Thanks for listening!
– Joe and Todd

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