Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 81:1-7
Ps 81:1-7
1 Sing for joy to God our strength; shout aloud to the God of Jacob! 2 Begin the music, strike the tambourine, play the melodious harp and lyre. 3 Sound the ram's horn at the New Moon, and when the moon is full, on the day of our Feast; 4 this is a decree for Israel, an ordinance of the God of Jacob. 5 He established it as a statute for Joseph when he went out against Egypt, where we heard a language we did not understand. 6 He says, "I removed the burden from their shoulders; their hands were set free from the basket. 7 In your distress you called and I rescued you, I answered you out of a thundercloud; I tested you at the waters of Meribah. Selah
James 1:22-25
23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it-he will be blessed in what he does.
It is easy to claim to be a child of God and to receive his blessings. But are we willing to accept the responsibilities that come with being children of the Royal Family? This changes the way we live and it determines all we do and say. We must guard our every action so we never bring reproach on our family name but rather we live in such a way as to honor our Father. This is our purpose in life.
When we consider all the blessings God has bestowed upon us, we are made to pause and give thanks indeed. Just the things we enjoy every day are beyond our ability to name or even recognize. The many times he has carried us through the storms of life and picked us up when we have fallen makes us want to sing praises to him. He has given us health, family, friends, and so many material things.
But above all this, he has made us his children. In his grace, he has shown his love for us and has forgiven our sins by the sacrifice of Jesus, his Son and our Savior. It is beyond our ability to grasp the extent of this magnificent gift. So we listen to him and we seek to obey him in all we do and say. Jesus is our Lord and Master.
Heavenly Father I am so thankful for all you have given me in my life. I thank you for my wonderful parents who loved me and taught me to love you and respect your word. Thank you for allowing me to be born in a nation that enjoys the many freedoms I have on every hand. Thank you for my physical health. I praise you for the many friends and fellow Christians who encourage me in so many ways. Bless our nation, guide our leaders and give us peace in our land. Help me use every opportunity you give to share your gospel. I pray in the name of Jesus.
Robert
