What, No Computer

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Clearly, when you have an online blog, the computer element to your work is fairly crucial!

Luke 18:31-43

Reference: v.39 Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" (NIV Bible)

Explore: The day I wrote this devotion I did not have access to a computer. I tried to use three different computers but I either couldn't turn them on or didn't have the right password. It was so frustrating! I couldn't check my emails, I couldn't access my work files and I couldn't update my devotions. Clearly, when you have an online blog, the computer element to your work is fairly crucial! And so all I could do was grab a piece of paper and pen and write this devotion by hand. While it seemed so archaic at the time I do actually have the ability to write on paper. I don't use that skill much anymore but it certainly came in handy on this day that I was computer-less.

Application: The beggar we read about in Luke 18 was blind. He could not see anything. He couldn't see the ground he was sitting on, he couldn't see the crowds coming towards him, and he certainly couldn't see Jesus amongst the group of people. But rather than focussing on what he did not have he decided to use what he did have... his voice. Once he heard that Jesus was coming his way he began to shout, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" Even when people around him told him to be quiet, he still used his ability to speak to get Jesus' attention. Often, when we don't have everything we want or need, we are inclined to focus on that which we don't have, rather than on the things we do have. For half an hour I had focussed on not having a computer until I finally realised that in fact I was totally blessed as I had the ability to write. The beggar was without sight but that did not stop him from connecting with his saviour. Let's not spend our time focussing on what we do not have but may we see ourselves as blessed for all we do have.

Prayer: Lord, so often we just want more. Help us to see the value in the things we have. Thank you for the many blessings that You give to us everyday. Amen.

Today, count your blessings.

More favourable after death

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0100

David still spoke fondly of Saul after he died, even though he let him down during his life.

2 Samuel 1.17-27

Reference: v. 23 “Saul and Jonathan – in life they were loved and gracious, and in death they were not parted. They were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.”

Explore: The Chasers are comedians who specialise in political satire. They are often thought to step over the line for laughter’s sake. Recently they got in a bit of strife for singing a song about people who had died and listing the misdemeanours of their life. Their point was that that once someone dies we only say nice things about them even though they may have lead a fairly deplorable life. Here, it seems that we find David writes a lament for Saul and Jonathan who had both died in a battle against the Philistines. He writes about both of them fondly. However, while Jonathan was a loyal best friend, Saul was very open about wanting to kill David on a number of occasions.

Application: So often in our own lives it seems so easy to notice the irritating and detestable attributes of people that we are quite slow to appreciate the strengths that each person possesses. In the recordings of David’s life, he continued to think positively about Saul. Why? Because he was God’s anointed king. If we believe that God is the creator of all things then he has created every single person. We all have God’s fingerprints on our lives. Yet often when we look at other people we don’t see them as God’s special creation, but we see the negative and the things that rub us up the wrong way. Today, we should try to see all other people with David’s perspective: we are all chosen by God. Let’s not wait until people pass away to see their positive side.

Prayer: Lord, I know that I can be very critical of people who are different to me. I’m sorry for being so damning of your children when I am no better than the next person. I’ll try to look for your touch in each person today. Amen.

Blog Entries tagged 'positive thinking'

What, No Computer

More favourable after death