Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 135:15-21
Ps 135:15-21
15 The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. 16 They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but they cannot see; 17 they have ears, but cannot hear, nor is there breath in their mouths. 18 Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them. 19 O house of Israel, praise the LORD; O house of Aaron, praise the LORD; 20 O house of Levi, praise the LORD; you who fear him, praise the LORD. 21 Praise be to the LORD from Zion, to him who dwells in Jerusalem. Praise the LORD.
2 Peter 1:3-4
3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
Many years ago, I wrote in the margin of my Bible that no man will ever become greater than the god he serves. Jesus said that no person will be greater than his master. The description given of depravity in the first chapter of Romans is based on the fact that people rejected God and made themselves gods of the things of this world. When we make our own gods we give them human attributes; both strengths and weaknesses but each based on ourselves.
As we serve these self-made gods, we drift downward spiritually instead of growing toward the only God who is the basis of morality, goodness and love. It is much like floating on a raft in the river – we always go downstream. Instead of becoming morally pure we drift into debauchery. We allow pleasure and greed to control our lives instead of sacrifice and service. In the place of love we become hateful, selfish and violent. These lead us to ruin and destruction.
Our God is a God of peace. God is love. He is filled with mercy and abundant compassion that has been shown by his grace. In humility and service we are exalted in the sight of God. Jesus is our example as he gave up all of the glories of heaven to become one of us and then die in our place for our sin so that we can be made righteous in him. Praise the LORD for his goodness toward us.
O Lord God, I am so thankful for you wonderful love. Thank you for providing a way for me to be your child. Thank you for the peace of mind you give in Jesus your Son. Give me greater faith to turn all my cares over to you. Help me to be willing to forgive – really forgive – all those who have wronged me or sought to harm me in the past. Help me reach out to the lost and share the gospel with them. Use me to help others with what I have. I pray in the name of Jesus.
Robert
