On the Go - March 8, 2010

A person is not fully committed until he trashes other options.

Live it
Every time I travel I40 from Memphis to Nashville, I look for the 100 mile marker on the side of the road a few miles on the other side of Jackson, Tennessee. It was there many years ago I made an important decision. You see, it was the birth of my first child, that I felt smoking a pipe was proper. After all, isn't that what fathers do? I was probably influenced by television shows like "My Three Sons," and "Father Knows Best," but it just seemed like the right thing to do. Then, I started teaching a boy's Sunday School class. Not that I don't have the freedom to smoke, but inspired by 1 Corinthians 8:9, I felt I needed to get rid of anything that was a wrong example to my students.

So there I was, driving down the highway at night, wondering how to respond to my conviction when I saw that mileage sign. I felt I would never have a better opportunity, so I pulled over, gathered everything related to smoking, got out of the car and threw it all as far as I could. People must have wondered what I was doing, but I hoped making a significant decision at a significant place might remind me in the future of a significant commitment. The next Sunday, I sealed my decision by telling my boys and asking them to keep me accountable. But the story was far from over. There was another boys' class sitting in with us that Sunday. After my testimony, I walked out the door behind the other teacher and noticed a pipe pouch on his belt. I was embarrassed, thinking my words might have diminished him in front of his boys. But, I could hardly apologize for telling what God was doing in me. However, I learned something about convictions that day. That is, don't start one expecting others to share it or think what God is doing in you, he is doing in everyone else.

Pray it
There is no decision more important than the one I made long ago to give my heart to you. But the ones I make today will reveal if the first one was real. Once again, I ask that nothing come between me and You, expecting You to remind me, if there is. After all, isn't that what friends do?

Resources
True spiritual vision is granted to those who believe and receive Jesus Christ. (2001)
A strong abiding faith helps some make it through the dark season of despair. (2002)
There is no more egregious sin as the sin to fail to confess sin. (2004)
Our solution (rather than God's solution), is often worse than the problem. (2005)
Can anyone approach God without first confessing sin? (2006)
The world mocks the message especially designed for them. (2007)
A man of integrity will do what he should even when he doesn't feel like it. (2008)
Do you tell others more than you know?(2009)

How to Pray for...
My husband or wife.

My children.

Their school.

Their teachers.

My children's friends.

My friends.

My work.

My city.

Governmental leaders.

My country.

My President.

My church.

My pastor.

My church leadership.

Sister churches.

Persecuted churches.

Missionaries.

The sick.

The lost.

Those in despair.

Those in the hospital.

Those grieving.

Widows.

Orphans.

Myself.

Prayertower Devotionals are the original creation of James R. Green:
Just Thinkin'... (2000-2003)
Read the Bible Thru in 365 Days (2004)
Pray Thru the Word in 365 Days (2005)
One-minute Devotionals (2006 to present).

Scripture provided by God's Word Translation (c)1995 - God's Word to the Nations. All Rights Reserved.