Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 103:13-18
Ps 103:13-18
13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; 14 for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. 15 As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field; 16 the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. 17 But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children--18 with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.
2 Tim 4:6-8
6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
Life is short at best and it is uncertain for us all. So often we have friends whose lives are taken at a young age and we are reminded that our time here on earth is but a vapor – it appears for a little while and then it is gone.
The apostle Paul spent the first of his life studying to be a Rabbi. Not just any Rabbi but studying under Gamaliel in Jerusalem. He was excelling above his peers in the Jewish community and the Pharisees in particular. He was a leader among those who were persecuting those who followed Jesus, the one they called the Christ. To him this was blasphemy so he spent his energies bringing them to “justice” by putting them in prison, forcing them to deny their faith and even killing some of them. Yet, he later said he did this in all good conscience.
After he became a Christian himself, he said he was the worst of sinners but that God had forgiven him in Christ to show his mercy and his grace. If God could (and would) forgive Paul, he can and will forgive anyone! So as a father has compassion on this children, God loves us and provides for our salvation in Christ. He then leads us and empowers us to live for him as we prepare to receive the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge will award to those serve him.
Father in heaven, holy and reverend is your name in all the earth and in heaven above. You are almighty and there is none who can disclose to you that which is new or unknown. You have formed me and given me life and breath. I am but a small speck on this earth you have created and even less than this in the realm of time from eternity past. Yet, you love me and have shown me compassion in Jesus by forgiving my sins. Help me grow closer to you today and every day. Thank you for others who serve you and encourage me. In the name of Jesus.
Robert
