Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 1:1-6
Ps 1:1-6
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore, the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
Heb 10:24-25
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Some of the greatest blessings we enjoy in life can also be some of the greatest curses. Some of the things that help make our lives better can destroy them. But this is not new. Fire warms us in the winter, but it can kill us or take away all of our possessions. Technology advancements such as computers, along with the internet have been wonderful but have also brought many evils.
One of the wonderful things that came out of the COVID era was the proliferation of on-line worship services, devotionals, Bible classes and religious blogs. This has allowed so many to have access to studies and worship that would not otherwise be available to them. People who are shut-in and cannot attend services are now able to participate with their local church and feel a part of the worship.
At the same time, this has opened the door to many people thinking they can just abandon the assembling and then at their convenience they can “listen to the sermon” and feel they have fulfilled their “duty” of meeting with the church. As a preacher, it may surprise some to hear this, but the sermon is probably the least important part of our meeting together. The being together with others who love the Lord is the strongest part of the encouragement. Sharing the Lord’s supper with others in the presence of Jesus does not yield the same blessing for us as taking it all alone. Joining in with our voices in song cannot be duplicated at home.
O Lord God, all wise and almighty, I need your help every day to be what you want me to be. Fill me with your Spirit so that your love will overflow in my life and so I will be an encourager to others who are seeking to serve you. Use me to help those who are struggling and to say things that will give grace to others. Be with those who face persecution for their faith and give them peace in greater faith. Increase my faith daily. I pray in the wonderful name of Jesus.
Robert
