Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 148:1-6
Ps 148:1-6
1 Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD from the heavens, praise him in the heights above. 2 Praise him, all his angels, praise him, all his heavenly hosts. 3 Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars. 4 Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. 5 Let them praise the name of the LORD, for he commanded and they were created. 6 He set them in place for ever and ever; he gave a decree that will never pass away.
Eph 2:8-10
8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Just as amazing as the physical creation of the universe is the spiritual creation of God’s children in Christ Jesus. He has saved us by his grace and not by our own doing or merit. But he has created us to do good works, not of our own choosing but works that he has ordained for us to do. God makes the rules and we are to follow them. He has given authority for what he deems to be good works and we dare not go beyond his approval and do our own will.
Paul says we are to shine as stars in a black sky. Jesus said we are to let our lights shine so men will see our good works and glorify the Father. If we do our good works to be seen by others, Jesus said that is all the reward we will get. But if we do our good works to glorify God, we are laying up treasures in heaven.
Just as the physical creation demands praises to the Lord, so our spiritual creation in Christ demands that we praise him. We owe him our very being – both physical and spiritual. It is because of what Jesus has done for us that we are the children of God and can be in fellowship with him. It is natural for us to be overwhelmed with joy and appreciation to our Lord and thus to praise him in both word and in song. Whatever we face, we have Jesus by our side and we can always glory and rejoice in him. “Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice.”
Thank you heavenly Father for your great love. It is with awe that I come before you as the creator of the universe and all that is in it. Your power, your wisdom and your majesty are beyond my ability to fully comprehend. What is even more amazing to me is that in your greatness, you still know me and love me. I ask that your Spirit fill me with your love so that it overflows to all around me. Help me be filled with your joy and peace. Use me to lead others to you and to encourage those who are struggling to be faithful to you. Help me in my teaching that I will always speak the truth. I pray in the name of Jesus my Redeemer.
Robert
