Isaiah 28:26 His God instructs him
and teaches him the right way.

The fact of the matter is, God guides and teaches all who are ready to listen and learn. A lot of people don’t seem to understand or believe that. It is very significant that the example Isaiah gives in this passage, both before and after this verse, is what most people would call “practical” knowledge. Many people have no expectation of God giving them practical guidance in anything. In fact, religion in general is seen as very impractical, which is why many men in particular have little interest in it. Nothing could be further from the truth, but to be honest, quite a few things that people have added onto pure religion are extremely impractical. When we understand that God cares about our every day lives and wants them to go smoothly and well, then starting each day by spending time with Him, seeking to listen to Him, immediately becomes one of our highest priorities. So many people see morning devotions as impractical in a busy world, when actually they are the best way to know how to get everything done!

My own devotional habit is firmly established, but as a pastor I have had varying success in getting the believers to follow my example. Of course, my example isn’t perfect. I am all too prone to launch out doing something without asking God about it first. I am to exercise the mind and call on the experience God has given me, but I am to rely on God first and foremost, being willing to do things I’ve never done before, or do things in ways I’ve never done them before. Frankly, that gets harder as I get older. As I was confessing at prayer meeting last night, there are things I want and need to learn to do on a computer that to my natural self seem like too much trouble. I’ve got to submit that to God and buckle down in His classroom, making good use of whatever assistant teachers He provides, but not giving up even if such people aren’t evident. Even more importantly, I need to let Him show me how to guide the believers in trusting Him and actively seeking His guidance. That’s a good part of what discipleship is all about. Since I know He wants us to be good disciples, I should have assurance in asking Him for guidance.

Father, thank You that You do guide and teach us in every area of life. Help me keep growing in recognizing and accepting Your instruction. I do ask for initiative and wisdom in tackling music sequencing, video editing, and more detailed photo editing on the computer, as well as the various skills involved in maintaining the website, so that I may be a good steward of the tools You place in my hands. Even more than that, I ask that You grow me as a pastor, mentor and coach to the believers, so that they too may grow to be the victorious, effective disciples you intend them to be, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!