Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 87:-7
Ps 87:1-7
1 He has set his foundation on the holy mountain; 2 the LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. 3 Glorious things are said of you, O city of God: Selah 4 "I will record Rahab and Babylon among those who acknowledge me--Philistia too, and Tyre, along with Cush--and will say, 'This one was born in Zion.'" 5 Indeed, of Zion it will be said, "This one and that one were born in her, and the Most High himself will establish her." 6 The LORD will write in the register of the peoples: "This one was born in Zion." Selah 7 As they make music they will sing, "All my fountains are in you."
Col 1:13-18
13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Most who read this are proud to be Americans. We have relatives who fought for our freedom and served to make this nation great. Our citizenship is important to us because it gives us privileges that do not belong to those who do not have it. It is not wrong to value this and use it appropriately. Paul was a Roman citizen and he used it to protect himself from harm or even an unfair death.
But as the children of God we must never lose sight of the greater citizenship we hold; we are citizens of the kingdom of God. God’s people are his kingdom and have been referred to as this through the ages. Israel was his earthly kingdom and they had many kings who reigned over them. But we are part of spiritual Israel, his kingdom that is ruled over by his Son, Jesus Christ. This citizenship is far more valuable than any we hold on earth. It also carries with it more responsibilities than does an earthly kingdom. Every part of our lives are controlled by Jesus as we seek to imitate him in our thoughts and in our every action.
Heavenly Father it is with thanksgiving that I realize my citizenship in the kingdom of Jesus my Lord. But not only am I a citizen, I am also your child and in your family. What a blessing to be a part of the Royal Family whose home is in heaven and not on this earth. Keep me mindful of the responsibilities this puts on me to honor you and glorify the name of Jesus. Help me do all I can to share your gospel and spread your kingdom, the church of Jesus Christ. I also ask your blessings on the USA as a nation and on our leaders. I pray in the name of Jesus.
Robert
