Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 34:1-7
Ps 34:1-7
1 I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. 2 My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. 3 Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together. 4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. 6 This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.
Luke 16:22-26
22 "The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 So he called to him, 'Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.' 25 "But Abraham replied, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.
What we accomplish as measured by the standards of this world does not matter to God. Our wealth, our education, our social status or the power we wield does not lift us up in the sight of God. After all, even if we ruled the world, it is only because God has made it possible for us. Our education may be from our hard work, but it is God who gives the intellect to accomplish it. Only God controls the weather and that determines our fortunes financially.
God hears those who trust in him and those who live according to his will. Even the poor beggar, who was at the bottom of every standard man has devised, and was disdained by all who had social standing, was on God’s accepted list.
This is why both Jesus and Paul tell us to store up treasures in heaven rather than here on earth. Jesus said that if we give even a cup of cold water in his name, it will not go unnoticed by the Father and our reward will not be lost. We are told to let our lights shine so people will see our good works and glory God in heaven.
Father God, what a joy it is to come to you in prayer and to know you will hear me and respond to my petition. I am so thankful for your love, your compassion and your grace shown to me in Jesus, your Son. Thank you for the abilities you have given me to be able to earn a living and to provide for my family. Help me not be selfish but always willing to share and to help those who are less fortunate. Give me a loving and compassionate heart like yours. I ask your blessings on those who are recovering from surgeries and sickness. I pray in the name of Jesus.
Robert
