Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 78:9-16
Ps 78:9-16
9 The men of Ephraim, though armed with bows, turned back on the day of battle; 10 they did not keep God's covenant and refused to live by his law. 11 They forgot what he had done, the wonders he had shown them. 12 He did miracles in the sight of their fathers in the land of Egypt, in the region of Zoan. 13 He divided the sea and led them through; he made the water stand firm like a wall. 14 He guided them with the cloud by day and with light from the fire all night. 15 He split the rocks in the desert and gave them water as abundant as the seas; 16 he brought streams out of a rocky crag and made water flow down like rivers.
Heb 10:35-39
35 So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. 36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. 37 For in just a very little while, "He who is coming will come and will not delay. 38 But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him." 39 But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.
It is easy for us today to look back at Israel and wonder how they could see the Red Sea parted, water come from a rock and follow the pillar of fire or clouds and then not trust God. He had shown his power and also his mercy but they could not apply it to their current lives or their future. So they failed to trust him.
But how much has God done in our lives today?! It may not be as obvious as it was for Israel, but if we open our eyes and we look back over our lives, we should be able to see the working of God in many ways. When I consider the blessings in my life, it is no more amazing than water flowing from a rock. When I consider his providence in guiding the events that have transpired over the years, his leading is as real as the pillar of fire and cloud. But do I trust him to lead me today?
God is just as real and just as active in our lives. He is still a God of mercy and of compassion; only wanting what is best for you and me. He is still in control of our lives and also the lives of those around us. He rules the nations; he alone can raise up or destroy governments and their leaders at will. He is our God and our Lord.
Heavenly Father, I am so thankful for your wonderful love for me. I know you have done so much for me and continue to take care of me every day. You have given me far more than I ever dreamed possible, in both opportunities and in material possessions. Help me to be willing to use all of these to your glory and never be selfish. Use me to lead others to you and to encourage those who are following you. I ask your blessings on those who are suffering from diseases, but especially for those who suffer because of their faith in Jesus. Fill my heart with you love so it overflows to all around me. I pray in the name of Jesus my Lord.
Robert
