I have this great little devotional called Face to Face. The author, Kenneth Boa, rewrote Scripture passages in the first person, divided into daily readings that are meant for five- minute increments. Not that the Word doesn’t deserve more than five minutes, but five is better than none. Smart man.
I remember when my younger sister (by five years) told me she committed to have her devotions five minutes a day, I sniffed a bit from my older sister high tower, and commented, “ONLY five minutes, Lori?” She replied, ever so sweetly, “Yes. That way I know I’ll have them.” Hmm. . .out of the mouths of babes.
“I was not redeemed from an aimless way of life, O Christ, with perishable things, such as gold or silver, but with Your precious blood as of a lamb without blemish or defect.” (I Peter 1:18,19)
Peter’s point is the cost of our redemption; but, I was struck with the first phrase:
“. . .redeemed from an aimless way of life.”
The Message states: “It cost God plenty to get you out of that dead-end, empty-headed life you grew up in.”
The NIV puts it: “ . . . you were redeemed from the empty way of life passed down from your forefathers. . .”
Love that--who wants to be empty-headed? Who wants an empty way of life?
We don’t have to live any day aimlessly. We do, I do – but I don’t have to, and I don’t want to. I can be resolute in my commitment to abide in Christ. That’s why I was redeemed.
Dear Father,
May I not live aimlessly any day – You give me purpose and great joy. And, I praise You for it and for Your Son. Amen.
PS
Five minutes a day with Face to Face (Vol. I or II) may make a good New Year’s Resolution for you-- a very worthy under $10.00 investment that will help you to not live aimlessly in 2009. I’ve given this little gem for birthday gifts – in fact, Laurie Baldwin got it two years in a row (I forgot I already gave it to her . . . old age, you know. . .sigh.)
1 comment:
Hey, Sue....my birthday is on Monday, the 5th. I'll be 55 - SENIOR DISCOUNT AT IHOP!!!
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