Early in the morning he (Job) would sacrifice a burnt offering for each of them (children), thinking, ‘Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts’. This was Job’s regular custom. Job 1:4-5 (NIV)
This week’s devotional is a revised version of one I posted a few years back and will be included in, What the Morning Brings, a compilation of 52 Mary’s Musings devotionals that I hope to make available to readers sometime this year!
Father of ten kids, it was Job’s regular custom to take them to be purified after they’d reveled in what was their regular custom -to hold feasts in their homes, eating and drinking together. Scripture doesn’t specify but I’m fairly certain they weren’t indulging in punch and cookies.
Job’s greatest concern in all of it? That they’d sinned against God in their hearts.
Hence, Job developed a regular custom, a holy habit. An admirable one. Something he did continually. And who can’t relate to having to develop new ways of doing life right now??
While Job amassed genuine concern for his kids, the deepest intent of his heart was to honor God.
What might be said of me?
~It’s Mary’s regular custom to attend Sunday worship. Uh, online.
~It’s Mary’s regular custom to keep hand sanitizer within reach.
~It’s Mary’s regular custom to study scripture, pray for her family and others.
~It’s Mary’s regular custom to prepare coffee the night before.
~It’s Mary’s regular custom to attend weekly Zoom meetings.
~It’s Mary’s regular custom to exercise and eat well.
~It’s Mary’s regular custom to wash the bedsheets every Friday.
~It’s Mary’s regular custom to complain.
~It’s Mary’s….
Wait. Back up. Complain?
Lord, do I?
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances. I Thessalonians 5:16-17 (NIV)
Careful evaluation of my regular customs, rituals and routines might reveal habits and attitudes that, when examined by the Light, need to be broken and changed. Unlike Job, some might not honor God.
Imagine if…
It was Mary’s regular custom to rejoice, pray and give thanks in all things. Because, “this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (I Thessalonians 5:18).
Do I have the courage to ask the Lord to develop in me habitual and honorable customs and realign my thinking to place praise and gratitude at the top?
What are your regular customs? Are there some that don’t honor God? How could they be replaced for others that do?
Mary
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✏️ Two of my 2019 inspirational articles that were published in Refresh, Online Bible Study Magazine, are featured in this 40 short Bible studies compilation, The Power to Make a Difference Available on Amazon.
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