Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 37:1-7
Ps 37:1-7
1 Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; 2 for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. 3 Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. 4 Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: 6 He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. 7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
John 10:9-10
9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
The writer of Hebrews tells us that because we have a better covenant, we have better promises. Under the old Law there was the promise that God would bless Israel, his physical nation of people, when they obeyed him. The Law of Moses was given to lead the people to serve God and to become more like him. They were to learn love for him and for each other. They were to embrace the mercy and compassion of God in their dealings with those around them.
As time went by they picked out certain ceremonial laws to follow and neglected the things that were from the heart. By the time Jesus came to the earth, many of the Jews were following the traditions that had been handed down but failed in the change of heart that God had in mind for them. Thus, John came preaching that they should repent and show their repentance by their actions.
When we come to Jesus and commit our lives to him, he will save us. It is only in Jesus that salvation can be found. This salvation frees us from sin by his blood that was given on the cross but it also demands that we change our lives to live for him and follow his will. As we continue to trust him, he frees us from all of our anxieties and gives us peace. His grace creates in us a desire to do good works which he has prepared for us and it teaches us to deny all ungodliness.
Lord God, giver of life and creator of all that exists, I give you all glory as I see your majesty all around me. Thank you for the many promises you have given me in your word as I seek to serve you and live as your child. Thank you for Jesus and the sacrifice he gave so I can be saved from sin and from death. Make me more aware of your presence in my life each day as you lead me in your paths. Mold my heart to be like you so I will be filled with your love, your mercy, your compassion and your forgiveness. I pray in the name of Jesus my Savior and my Lord.
Robert
