Daily Scripture Reading:
Philippians 4:8 – “Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Question: Would you invite Jesus to watch TV with you tonight? I mean the shows that you regularly watch. Would he like them? If not TV, how about your computer history? Would Jesus be inspired by your website visits?
Robert Munger wrote a little booklet some years ago called My Heart, Christ’s Home. In it, he likened Jesus coming into our hearts to Jesus moving into our house. Jesus went into all of the rooms of the house – the rec rom, the living room, the dining room, the library. The homeowner felt a little uncomfortable when Jesus came into the library. He hadn’t given much thought to his books or the television shows he watched. He wasn’t very sure he wanted Jesus to see all of the things that filled his mind.
Today we might feel uncomfortable by some of our more modern technologies – websites, streaming movies, YouTube videos or just regular old TV. Would we be happy for Jesus to join us in our entertainment?
Building moral margin helps us to keep a distance from the temptations that fill our minds. Inviting Jesus to be in control of that space gives us the strength to overcome those temptations.
Prayer: Gracious God, in this world of constant information and entertainment, guard my heart and my mind from temptation. Give me the strength to turn aside and be filled with Your Presence. In Christ’s name, I pray, Amen.
Reflection Question and/or Application for the Day:
Make a list of the “entertainment” has filled your mind for the past 24 hours. What books have you read? What TV shows have you watched? What websites have you visited? What music have you listened to?
Circle the entertainment that fits the criteria of true, honorable, just, pure, pleasing, and commendable.
Do you see entertainment in your list that may need to be gone from your mind?
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Devotion from Building Margin for a Balanced Life, devotional book, small group study and sermon series
©Tim Reaves and Trish Archer
All rights reserved
Photo by Jon Strother
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