Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 41:1-6
Ps 41:1-6
1 Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the LORD delivers him in times of trouble. 2 The LORD will protect him and preserve his life; he will bless him in the land and not surrender him to the desire of his foes. 3 The LORD will sustain him on his sickbed and restore him from his bed of illness. 4 I said, "O LORD, have mercy on me; heal me, for I have sinned against you." 5 My enemies say of me in malice, "When will he die and his name perish?" 6 Whenever one comes to see me, he speaks falsely, while his heart gathers slander; then he goes out and spreads it abroad.
Matt 5:9-12
9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
There has probably never been a time when these thoughts were needed more than they are in our society today. We look around us and everyone is wanting to get even or get back at someone for some supposed wrong that has been done to them. People are being incited to violence toward others, lines are being drawn and bitterness and hatred are rampant. This is clearly the result of the wisdom that comes from Satan that produces disorder and every evil practice.
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.” (Ja.3:17-18)
As the children of God, we are to be at peace with all men as much as it depends on us. So as we pray for our enemies and we extend mercy toward others, we become more and more like our Savior and our God. These principles begin in our hearts and are to be applied in our homes, our work places, our schools and in our communities. The Lord will show mercy to the merciful.
Lord God, my heavenly Father, I thank you for all you give me and all you have put into my life. Even the troubles and trials have been good to help me learn to be patient and to be faithful. Fill my heart with your love so I will be merciful to those that I do not believe deserve it, even those who would persecute me. I ask you to give me strength to be faithful to you, no matter what I face in my life. Use me to be an encouragement to those who are weak, those who are hurting and those who are struggling to serve you. I pray in the name of Jesus my Lord.
Robert
