| Good morning everyone, Our theme for this month: “Hearing from God” Our Bible verse for today: “You have commanded that your precepts be diligently kept.” Psalm 119:4 (CSB) Our thought for today: “God speaks through precepts (principles)” In Psalm 119:4 we are reminded that God commands us to know His precepts and to live by them. According to the dictionary a precept is “a general rule intended to regulate behavior or thought.” For instance, in our society we have a legal precept that a person is innocent until proven guilty. That is a general rule that’s intended to regulate the behavior of the criminal justice system so they cannot treat a person as being guilty until the guilt has been proven in a court of law. That legal precept is also intended to regulate the thought of our citizens regarding someone who has been accused of committing a crime. We’re not supposed to assume the person is guilty until they have been proven to be so. So, this precept is a general rule that is supposed to apply broadly across a wide spectrum of situations and circumstances. In the Bible God has given us numerous precepts, or what we call “Biblical principles” which we are to apply broadly across a wide spectrum of life. These are general principles which are to govern our thinking and our conduct, and it is another way in which God speaks to us through His written Word. Colossians 3:23 is one example, “Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people.” So, if you are at work and you’re wondering if it’s okay with God for you to give a half-effort rather than your best, now you have your answer. God expects us to do our best at whatever the task is. Colossians 4:6 is another one, “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer each person.” So, while you should speak truth to people (salt), God expects you to do so in a gracious manner (calm and measured and respectful.) God’s precepts are also usually taught multiple times in the Bible, not just once. For instance, Proverbs 3:27 and Galatians 6:10 both teach the same basic precept: “When it is in your power, don’t withhold good from the one to whom it belongs.” and “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us work for the good of all, especially for those who belong to the household of faith.” So, if someone needs help, and if you can help, then you should. God speaks to us through the precepts, or principles, articulated in the Bible. Taken together, they give us a guide for living. But again, as has already been noted in previous devotionals, if we want to hear God speak to us in this way, we have to take the time to search the scripture for these answers. This is an important but very neglected point. Most Christians do not regularly do this. Therefore, we will think a little more about it tomorrow. God bless, Pastor Jim (If you like what you’re reading in these daily devotionals, and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00 – in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville) |
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