Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 59:1-5
Ps 59:1-5
1 Deliver me from my enemies, O God; protect me from those who rise up against me. 2 Deliver me from evildoers and save me from bloodthirsty men. 3 See how they lie in wait for me! Fierce men conspire against me for no offense or sin of mine, O LORD. 4 I have done no wrong, yet they are ready to attack me. Arise to help me; look on my plight! 5 O LORD God Almighty, the God of Israel, rouse yourself to punish all the nations; show no mercy to wicked traitors.
1 Peter 2:9-10
9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
All who are in Christ are special to God. We are his people, chosen from and out of the world to belong to him and to live for him. In doing this we declare the praises of him to the dark world around us. Paul told Timothy to be an example to the unbeliever and the more we can show others Jesus living in us, the more we will honor him and glorify his name. There is nothing that will lead others to the Lord better than our godly example, but nothing will deter the spread of his grace more than one who claims to serve Christ but does not follow his will.
As we fight the spiritual battles against Satan and the dark world of sin, the more we need the help of God to win. As his people, he has promised to be with us in every skirmish, give us strength and endurance to win, if we trust him. He has provided the necessary armor and given us the weapon for victory.
One of the most difficult battles we face comes from within us. We doubt God and our ability to serve him faithfully. We get discouraged because we don’t see him at work or we don’t understand why things continue to happen to us when we are trying to do our best to live for him. We face disease, heartaches, financial problems, relationship trials and then death takes those we love. But God can and will give us strength to overcome as we continue to trust him in all things.
Lord God help me be faithful, even unto death. Keep me from doubting your will for my life and your ability to take care of me in this world. When I face trials (and like all others, I do face them), increase my faith, give me wisdom and strength to be all you want me to become. Take away my desire to do my own will and help me submit in absolute obedience to your will in all things. Lord, guide each of our government officials that they will do what is best for this country. Defeat every ungodly way and defend those who would follow your will. In Jesus name.
Robert
