Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 18:20-24
Ps 18:20-24
20 The LORD has dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me. 21 For I have kept the ways of the LORD; I have not done evil by turning from my God. 22 All his laws are before me; I have not turned away from his decrees. 23 I have been blameless before him and have kept myself from sin. 24 The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his sight.
2 Cor 1:12-13
12 Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God. We have done so not according to worldly wisdom but according to God's grace.
Our goal is perfection. But as Paul said, even though I want to be perfect, when I look at my life I don’t see perfection. I find myself doing things I know I should not or not doing that which I know should be done. It’s not that I am such a terrible person or do things that most would classify as “terrible” or “big” sins. But when I read these passages and see men of faith tell of how they had done so well or when I read of the absolute holiness of God and see the perfect life of Jesus, I know I have fallen short of God’s glory in so many ways.
The wonderful news is that God has forgiven us in Jesus Christ and continues to do so as we seek to do his will and live for him. In addition to this, (hopefully) we are all growing up into him into a more spiritually mature person each day. We must not give up or faint in our pursuit of perfection as we gradually take on the divine nature in our mortal bodies. As we examine ourselves we should be able to see the fruit of the Spirit becoming more evident in us in more ways.
One day we will leave these mortal bodies behind and be transformed into his likeness. On that day we will have reached perfection and will sin no more. What a glorious day that will be when we see our Savior in all his glory and we are able to sing with the heavenly hosts praises to his wonderful name.
Heavenly Father, while I am here on earth in this body of clay, help me not get discouraged or ever give up on serving you. As I face trials and temptations and even when I give in and do wrong, renew my spirit so my heart will be set on you and doing your will. As I look to Jesus as my Savior and as my Lord, help me seek perfection in every part of my life. Give me wisdom to say what needs to be said, when it needs to be said but also wisdom to keep my mouth shut when best. Use me and what you have given me to help others, physically, emotionally and when possible, spiritually also. I humbly pray in the name of Jesus.
Robert
