Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 69:13-18
Ps 69:13-18
13 But I pray to you, O LORD, in the time of your favor; in your great love, O God, answer me with your sure salvation. 14 Rescue me from the mire, do not let me sink; deliver me from those who hate me, from the deep waters. 15 Do not let the floodwaters engulf me or the depths swallow me up or the pit close its mouth over me. 16 Answer me, O LORD, out of the goodness of your love; in your great mercy turn to me. 17 Do not hide your face from your servant; answer me quickly, for I am in trouble. 18 Come near and rescue me; redeem me because of my foes.
1 Peter 4:14-16
14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.
Jesus said the greatest command in the Law was to love the Lord God with all our heart, soul and mind. The second greatest command was to love our neighbor as ourselves. Everything in the Law hinges on these two commands. He later said that his disciples would be identified by the love they have for each other. Paul says that as God’s beloved holy people we should therefore put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience and forgiveness. He then says above all these, we are to put on love which binds them all together.
We are going to have problems in life. Our bodies often become diseased or just wear out as we age. It may be a spouse that dies or one who leaves us, or some other family relationship problem. Many face financial problems beyond their control. In addition to physical problems we often face trials that are brought on by how others treat us. As we seek to follow the will of God, there may be times we face ridicule or persecution. For many in the world, this may be torture or even death. Whatever we face, we must turn to God and put our trust in him to protect us and sustain us now and eventually take us home with him.
Heavenly Father, thank you for loving me and showing me how to love others, even those who are not loveable. I know you loved me when I was not showing any love toward you. You have forgiven me through the sacrifice of Jesus, even though I did not and do not deserve to be forgiven. Give me faith to forgive those that do me wrong, even when I feel they don’t deserve it. Give your healing to those who are sick and taking treatments where you see best. Give your strength and peace to those who will not be healed. I pray in the name of Jesus.
Robert
