Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 126:1-6
Ps 126:1-6
1 When the LORD brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed. 2 Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them." 3 The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. 4 Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negev. 5 Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. 6 He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.
Luke 7:40-48
40 Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to tell you." "Tell me, teacher," he said. 41 "two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?" 43 Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled." "You have judged correctly," Jesus said. 44 Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. 47 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven-for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little." 48 Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven."
Do we see ourselves as forgiven sinners or do we think deep down that we are actually pretty good and deserve to be saved? It is so easy for us to look around and see people whose lives are filled with sin and then look at ourselves and think that we don’t do all those things so we must be really righteous.
Whether we are forgiven “much” or forgiven “little” does not matter because any sin separates us from God and the only way back into his fellowship is forgiveness through the blood of Jesus on our behalf. It is only by the grace of God that we are his children and live with the hope of eternal life.
Heavenly Father, I thank you for your forgiveness. I know that ultimately it is my own sin that caused Jesus to die on the cross for me. Keep me keenly aware that I have not earned your favor but only by your grace am I your child. As a slave who has been given freedom, you have delivered me from the slavery of sin and I want to be grateful enough to show it in my life. Help me to be holy as you are holy. Be with so many who are displaced and hurting because of the hurricanes and the wildfires. Help me know your will and do it. I pray in the name of Jesus.
Robert
