Some Devotional Thoughts

I mentioned in a previous post that I am reading Melanie Shankle's new devotional Everyday Holy. I am throughly enjoying it.

At the end of this past week, two back to back devotionals sort of blended together and on the second day and I journaled a few thoughts about it. I am sharing my journaled thoughts.

The first day was about Joshua and the fear he felt when taking over the leadership position of the Israelites after Moses passed away. Lots of discussion about being strong and courageous and even an analogy with The Wizard of Oz illustrated the author's points.

God spoke of how He would never forsake them and how Joshua and the Israelites were to not turn left or right.

Joshua 1:7 "Only be strong and courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or the left, so that you may have success wherever you go.

Oh how often we are reminded in Scripture not to turn to the right or the left. I can't count how many times I have read that.

To me that has always meant that I need to follow after God; not getting off His path ---keeping my eyes on Him for guidance if you will.

The next day's devotion was entitled "The Highlights Reel." I think we all know where that is going... The version of social media photos that cuts out any of the behind the scenes and not so pretty moments.

It began with this verse from The Message version...

Galatians 5:26 "We will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better or another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original.

Now, I can never read The Message without comparing it to Scripture that is more of a direct translation. My version that I read is New American Standard.

Galatians 5:26 "Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another."

Now, I think The Message is a stretch from the actual translation, but I like it and here's why...

I think the author of The Message is trying to take it from another viewpoint. The viewpoint of the person putting themselves down far too often. They feel less than than when they are envious.

Anyway, the point of this devotion was that with the advent of social media we have to borrow a phrase from Emeril, "Kicked up a notch."

A notch or two or three.

I loved her illustration and will share it with you as I think we are all vulnerable to this at times.

"All the feelings of inferiority we sued to feel when everyone's Christmas newsletter arrived are now available to use everyday via our phones, tablets, and computers." ---Melanie Shankle

Do y'all remember those? Our family used to chuckle at this one family from our church who sent out a two page spread each Christmas. There was no way we would ever live up to their newsletter, so the best thing to do was just chuckle about it and realize The Palmers were just The Palmers.

My point in all of this and how I thought both were so related is.... I may have been still mulling one over when I read the other one, but here is my summation.

So much stuff we think we need because we see it daily on Instagram. I think we need to focus more on making sure we follow the pathway that God has us on. We need to quit looking left and right by thinking we must surely have the next thing we saw on social media or to do the things we see.

I am as guilty as anyone. I need to focus on my gifts and my calling.

You know I think He really does have more interesting things for us to do.

Lately, rather than rushing to purchase the thing I saw and liked whether it be clothing which I do not need, cross stitch patterns that I can't possibly get to for months, etc. I have begun to make a list and mull it over awhile. If I get to the point where I can really use it or need it I can look at my list for inspiration.

Growing in Him daily,
Sandy