Daily Devotional
Do You Love or Lecture?
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8
February 17, 2024
Ponder This
Many of you would say, “Pastor, my heart is breaking because my son, my daughter, may not be a fool, but my son, my daughter, is a smart aleck. What do you do with a child like that?” Well, first of all, remember that scolding and lecturing a scorner does very little good. If you think you can sit down your know-it-all child and preach to him, you’ve got another thought coming. You’re not going to be able to drill it into his head. Scolding is going to do little good. As a matter of fact, it’ll probably increase his ability to sin. You need to talk less and pray more. And love that scorner more, then wait for the open door. Not the rebuke, but the open door.
When you’ve got a rebellious teenager, you surround that child with your love. Let her know where you stand on these issues, but don’t constantly be against her. Do not constantly be rebuking her, but be loving, praying, and waiting. Asking, “Oh, God, help me to speak a word in due season.” And as you pray, God will work according to His will and ways.
- When have you been tempted to lecture instead of love?
- When has an act of love by another impacted you?
Practice This
Pray for someone you know to grow in love for the Lord.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
