Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 145:14-21
Ps 145:14-21
14 The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. 15 The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. 16 You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. 17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made. 18 The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. 19 He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. 20 The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy. 21 My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever.
John 14:23-24
23 Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24 He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.
What most people in the world do not realize is that obeying the commands of Jesus brings the best possible life – now and in eternity. When we put others ahead of self, we avoid all the problems of envy that brings strife and adds worry to our lives. When we are honest, we never worry about being caught in what we have said. By serving others we find fulfilment of purpose that all seek to find.
So why doesn’t everyone see this and practice it? Because Satan has deceived us into thinking that we are to put ourselves first and look out for our own good and not that of others. He convinces us that all the world is out to get us and will take advantage of us if we show them love or concern. He wants us to forget (or at least doubt) that God is looking out for our good and will protect us.
This doesn’t mean that following Christ will remove all of our problems. It means that he will be with us as we face our trials. He will give his strength to us when we face hard times. He will never allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able to bear, but with every temptation will provide a way of escape. His grace is always sufficient for whatever we face in this life and then to give us life eternal.
Heavenly Father I am thankful for all you have done for me in more ways than I can possibly know. Thank you for all of the physical blessings in my life, for my family, my friends and fellow Christians. Thank you for the “stuff” that you have given me – keep me from letting them control me, my time and my priorities. Use me to serve you by serving others and to use what you have given to your glory. I thank you for the opportunity of being in Christ and for the spiritual blessings in him. Help me share the gospel with others. Give your peace and your healing to those who are hurting as you see best. I pray in the name of Jesus.
Robert
