Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 80:8-14a
Ps 80:8-14a
8 You brought a vine out of Egypt; you drove out the nations and planted it. 9 You cleared the ground for it, and it took root and filled the land. 10 The mountains were covered with its shade, the mighty cedars with its branches. 11 It sent out its boughs to the Sea, its shoots as far as the River. 12 Why have you broken down its walls so that all who pass by pick its grapes? 13 Boars from the forest ravage it and the creatures of the field feed on it. 14 Return to us, O God Almighty! Look down from heaven and see!
1 Cor 10:11-13
11 These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. 12 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! 13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
I recently heard a man talking about how much he regretted not studying the Old Testament in his earlier years. This is not uncommon. We are not under the Law of Moses any longer but under the law of Christ. But this does not mean there is no value in studying the earlier writings. We forget that the early disciples only had these writings but they turned the world upside down with the gospel as they proved from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Son of God.
There is much to be learned from the O.T. History repeats itself and so we have many warnings given to us but also, we see many blessings. One of the lessons we learn is that God will hear the prayers and bless those who trust him. But when we fail to follow his will for us, he will turn away and punish.
Israel often thought they could receive his blessings but live as they pleased. It did not work for them and it will not work for us today. They ignored the warnings when they heard them and even killed the prophets who delivered them. They were then taken into captivity until they turned back to him. God wants what is best and will abundantly provide for us, but only when we put our faith in him.
O Lord God, giver of life and all good things, I come to you today with humility but with joy and thanksgiving for all that you do for me every day. It is easy to see the material things you have given me but help me recognize the indescribable value of the spiritual blessings in Jesus Christ. Thank you for forgiving my sins. Help me always walk in your light with my whole heart. Thank you for the many brothers and sisters you have given me in Christ. Use me to encourage each one as I have the opportunity. Help me know your peace. I pray in the name of Jesus.
Robert
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