Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 140:7-13
Ps 140:7-13
7 O Sovereign LORD, my strong deliverer, who shields my head in the day of battle--8 do not grant the wicked their desires, O LORD; do not let their plans succeed, or they will become proud. Selah 9 Let the heads of those who surround me be covered with the trouble their lips have caused. 10 Let burning coals fall upon them; may they be thrown into the fire, into miry pits, never to rise. 11 Let slanderers not be established in the land; may disaster hunt down men of violence. 12 I know that the LORD secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy. 13 Surely the righteous will praise your name and the upright will live before you.
Rom 13:1-3
1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you.
We live in a time when far too many feel they are not subject to the laws of the land, whether national or on a local level. As the children of God we are told to obey for the sake of God. That means our obedience does not depend on our political persuasion or our personal preference but we submit to our leaders out of respect for God who allows them to serve. The only exception in scripture to this principle is when the laws of mankind violate the clear laws of God.
We are to show respect for those in authority. This respect is for the position they hold and does not constitute endorsement. We are to pray for our leaders that we may live quiet and peaceful lives.
In our country we enjoy many freedoms that allow us free course in spreading the gospel. This gives us opportunities to speak the truth of God but we must do so in love. While we must hate sin, we must show the love of God in all we do and say and how we act toward others.
Heavenly Father thank you for loving me. Fill me with your love and help me show that love others. Thank you for the freedoms I enjoy and help me use them to spread your word. Thank you for allowing me to be born to parents who loved you, and in a time and place that gives me these freedoms. You have given your blessings to our nation and I ask you to continue them. Give our leaders and the news media your wisdom to lead in a way that will bring peace to the people of our country. Help me forgive as you forgive me. I pray in Jesus name.
Robert
