Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 5:8-12
Ps 5:8-12
8 Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies--make straight your way before me. 9 Not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with destruction. Their throat is an open grave; with their tongue they speak deceit. 10 Declare them guilty, O God! Let their intrigues be their downfall. Banish them for their many sins, for they have rebelled against you. 11 But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. 12 For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.
Matt 5:3-5
3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Most young children live in a very simple world. There are few major decisions to be made or real problems to solve. They are shielded and protected in ways that are beyond their ability to understand. But as we mature, we find life becoming more and more difficult and complex. We face all kinds of challenges and often don’t which way to go. Then added to this, is the pain of making wrong decisions or just circumstances that are opposed to us. Life can really be hard.
Jesus faced this same dilemma without making any wrong decisions. The culture of his day for a laborer was not easy. Most likely they had what they needed from day to day but never an abundance. He probably learned the trade of his earthly father, Joseph the carpenter. As he grew, his life became complex too.
The secret of a good life is not riches or power or being royalty. The secret of the good life is knowing God as our Father and Jesus as our Savior and as a special friend. Jesus tells us that the more we give, the more we will be blessed and enjoy life. This is not just giving money or things to the poor, although this is a part of it. We must first give ourselves to God. The more we allow his will to become our own, the more we realize we are not living for this world but for eternity.
Lord and God of all the earth, creator of all things and giver of life, it is a most humbling thought to realize you actually know who I am and still love me. Thank you for your compassion, your mercy and your great love that has prompted your grace in giving Jesus to take my place and to die for my sin. Increase my faith and open my eyes so I can see you in your glory and majesty more clearly. Help me see every opportunity to give myself and use what you have given me to bring glory to your name. Guide me always in your will. I pray in Jesus name.
Robert
