Devotions

Devotion – Grounded

“Confess your trespasses to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” James 5:16

 “Max is grounded for a few days from doing anything fun. He’s been acting like a little punk.

 So, don’t let him sweet talk you into feeling sorry for him!”

I listened quietly while my son finished his dissertation and then hung up. Cute, little, loveable three-year old Max, in the dog house—again. This time, things looked pretty bleak.

When it came time for the parental ban to be lifted, I had the chance to pick up the youngest rebel and spend some one-on-one time with Maxwell.

 Driving home, Max kept up a running dialog of trees, garbage and vehicles that were out of place. He gave a report to Grandpa when he entered the kitchen.

“Are you ready to be a good helper today and listen to Grammy and not be a punk?”  smiled Grandpa. Max quickly looked up and nodded; “Uh huh. It’s not fun being grounded.” 

“Do you remember when I had to stand in the corner because Grammy didn’t like what I did one day when you were here?”  Grandpa came over to where Max stood. “Do you remember what I did to get out of the corner?”

The three-year old looked solemn for a long moment. “Yup. You had to apologize to my brother and ask for his forgiveness.” 

“And did he forgive me?” Grandpa continued. 

“Yes,” said Max, “and then we all got to play together and have a snack.”

“That’s right,” responded Grandpa. “God loves us. He wants us to love each other and treat each other right. When we sin, whether it is big or small, we need to confess and ask for forgiveness. God will make things right for all of us when we follow His will.”

“So, Grandpa, what are we going to do about that punk tree that is hanging over the fence in the wrong yard?”

Grandpa smoothed a smile from his face with one hand and gently patted Max on the head with the other. “Great question Max. How do you think God will help us figure that out?”

Ps. 40:8 tells us; “I delight to do your will, O my God; yes, your law is within my heart.”  Help us to always respond to your Word with honest repentance and delight, Father.