Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 53: 1-6
Ps 53:1-6
1 The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is no one who does good. 2 God looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. 3 Everyone has turned away, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one. 4 Will the evildoers never learn--those who devour my people as men eat bread and who do not call on God? 5 There they were, overwhelmed with dread, where there was nothing to dread. God scattered the bones of those who attacked you; you put them to shame, for God despised them. 6 Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When God restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!
Matt 6:31-34
31 So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
God looks down from heaven to find those who seek him. To seek his kingdom and his righteousness is to seek God. He wants us to look to him for guidance, for direction and for a way of life. I grew up with public prayers often ending with “guard, guide and direct us.” Sure, we want him to guard us and protect us. But are we willing for him to guide and direct us?
When Paul said that he had died to himself and now Christ lived in him, he was saying that Jesus directed his thinking, his emotions, his actions and his speech. Not just when it suited him but all the time. This is what it means to love the Lord God with all our heart, soul and mind. We have his word but do we study it and really seek to obey it or just live for ourselves and practice our so-called religion?
The Marines are looking for the proud and the few to serve. Jesus is looking for the humble and as many as will serve him as Lord in his service. What a Savior!
Father help me give my heart to you completely, every new day that dawns. Use me in your will in whatever capacity you want me to serve. Help me always remember that my service is not about me but is about bringing honor to you and glory to your name. Lord, I have so many friends who are sick and suffering and I ask your healing on them but even more, your strength and your peace. It is so easy to get distracted by this world and the things of the world so I ask you to direct my steps and forgive me when I falter. I pray in the name of Jesus.
Robert
