Callie and I visited the bookstore the other day as
she wanted to pick up some new reading material. She had a particular book in
mind and we had looked up reviews but didn't find anything that seemed
questionable. So, she made the purchase and later in the evening started her
book. After a little bit, she came downstairs with the book to tell me that she
got to the second chapter and felt, from the language, that she shouldn't be
reading it. She offered to pay me back and apologized. Sweet girl! But I told
her to put it back in the bag and we would see if we could return it for
another book. We talked about it and she explained that she just didn't feel
right reading it. Though the book was funny, she knew that wasn't something she
should be putting into her mind. Wow! Praise the Lord!
I was so proud of Callie for recognizing that what she
was reading wouldn't be pleasing to the Lord and putting it aside. It's hard
for us adults to do that sometimes. I pray that each of my kids follow the
prompting of the Holy Spirit when it comes to things they watch or read because
in this day and time, the bad stuff is so easy to come by. There will be
obstacles at every turn and it will get harder to do the right thing. It was a
lesson for me as well to always pray before reading or watching something and
to have the courage to walk away when the Spirit leads.
Today, I praise God for discernment through his Holy
Spirit and for his Word that gives clear guidance and direction on anything we
put into our minds. God's Word says this:
"Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right,
and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and
worthy of praise."
Philippians 4:8 (NLT)
I pray that Callie (and all my kids) will continue to
listen for that still small voice that will lead her in the way she should go.
God desires first place in our lives and it is there where peace abounds. We
need to stay in scripture to know what is true and spend time with God through
prayer as he directs our paths.
"Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed
by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will
of God – what is good and well-pleasing and perfect."
Romans 12:2 (NET)
Lord, give us the courage to do the right thing as the Holy
Spirit prompts our hearts even though it may not always be the popular choice.
Renew our minds afresh to your will and fix our eyes on that which is pleasing
to you!
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