Friday, May 10, 2013

May 10, 2013 … “I’m Entitled!”

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2013 - Day 130

 Passage of the Day: Philippians 2: 8 [In the context of verses 5-11 [NLT]  
5 Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had. 6Though He was God, He did not demand and cling to His rights as God. 7 He made himself nothing; He took the humble position of a slave and appeared in human form. 8 And in human form He obediently humbled Himself even further by dying a criminal’s death on a cross. 9 Because of this, God raised Him up to the heights of heaven and gave Him a name that is above every other name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is LORD, to the glory of God the Father. 
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 Reference Study for today’s passage: Philippians, Chapter 2 [NLT] … Go to this link

 My Journal for Today: My devotional, by Os Hillman this AM, quotes the social scientist, George Barna, who, from a rather extensive poll, in his words, cites … "We are not a society that simply enjoys its time off. Our leisure appetites drive us. It is increasingly common to hear people turning down job offers because the hours or other responsibilities would interfere with their hobbies, fitness regimens and other free time activities. Even our spending habits show that playing has become a major priority. The average household spends more money on entertainment than it does clothing, health care, furniture or gasoline. Recreational activities have jumped more than 10 percent in the amount of time given to them.” [George Barna, Frog In The Kettle (Ventura, California: Regal Books, 1990), 82.]

And don’t think I’d be exaggerating to say that we’ve become a nation of entitlements, a people who expect our leisure life to reign supreme. And who do we look to as our heroes; and what consumes our time commitments; … our sports stars, internet pOrn, reality TV, and “Hollywood?” Am I wrong? You know I’m right on target, don’t you?

And so, where does God fit into all of this? Can I work Him in for a few minutes sometime during my day? Does my prayer time win out over my p0rn time? Can I squeeze God into my “NEED” to keep up with the NBA or NHL playoffs? Is it any wonder that our LORD is grieved by our time, talent, and treasure choices these days?

I think I’ll just leave it there for us to grapple with these questions; and see where – if anywhere – they lead us.

My Prayer for Today … Oh, LORD, I truly desire to give You what YOU deserve. Yes, I really desire to follow You as YOU desire. So, please pour out Your grace so that my life will give You the place You deserve. … Amen

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