Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 37:18-22
Ps 37:18-22
18 The days of the blameless are known to the LORD, and their inheritance will endure forever. 19 In times of disaster they will not wither; in days of famine they will enjoy plenty. 20 But the wicked will perish: The LORD's enemies will be like the beauty of the fields, they will vanish--vanish like smoke. 21 The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously; 22 those the LORD blesses will inherit the land, but those he curses will be cut off.
Matt 5:9-10
9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
As we read the prophets in the Old Testament, we should be impressed with the truth that God loves everyone. However, his love does not overlook a lack of faith or rebellion to his will. While the Jewish people where his special nation, with his law and priesthood, he wanted (and expected) all nations to follow his will. He demanded righteousness from all. He promised to defend any who submitted to him and his will but also promised to punish all who refused to serve him.
When we understand that God is God and deserves to be worshipped, to be held in honor and to be obeyed, we begin to see things from his perspective. All that we have in life is from his hand. We like to think that we accomplish things on our own in life and that we are independent. My ability to think, to work, to do all that I do is a gift from God. The opportunities to use what he has given is a further gift from his mercy. To be born into a loving family, in a time where we enjoy all kinds of technology and in a land with freedoms is by his grace.
If it is in him that we live and move and have our very being, how could we not realize that we are to honor him as God – the only true God – and follow his will for our lives. What makes this so great is that his will is always for our good. He wants what is best for us in every situation. We may not understand why or how, but in his infinite wisdom and his great, endless and boundless love, he is working all things for our eternal good; if we love him and serve him as God.
Heavenly Father, help me be impressed more every day with your majesty. Open my eyes to see your handiwork in all of “nature” that surrounds me. As I see your greatness, your power and your wisdom, help me never overlook your mercy, your compassion and your love. Give me a pure heart and constant motivation to live for you and to become like you. I want to love others as you love me. Help me leave judgment of others up to you since you know hearts and I don’t. Fill my heart with love of truth and righteousness. In the name of Jesus I pray.
Robert
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