Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 140:1-6
Ps 140:1-6
Rescue me, O LORD, from evil men; protect me from men of violence, 2 who devise evil plans in their hearts and stir up war every day. 3 They make their tongues as sharp as a serpent's; the poison of vipers is on their lips. Selah 4 Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; protect me from men of violence who plan to trip my feet. 5 Proud men have hidden a snare for me; they have spread out the cords of their net and have set traps for me along my path. Selah 6 O LORD, I say to you, "You are my God." Hear, O LORD, my cry for mercy.
2 Tim 3:10-12
10 You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, 11 persecutions, sufferings-what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them.
Most who read this are living in the USA and enjoy many freedoms and have become accustomed to an easy life. We set the thermostat and stay warm in the winter or cool in the summer. We turn on the faucet and get clean water to drink or to bathe ourselves. We get upset if the internet is slower than usual or even worse if it goes out for a few minutes. We have food to eat and cars to drive.
One reader tells me of her friend in China who enjoys reading the devotionals but she can only send what she thinks would really help him. If he gets too many emails from America or with a religious title, he may be arrested or assaulted by the government officials. There are some in Africa and other countries who can get internet connections only a few hours a week while others have no electricity or only have it sporadically. Some of these have to watch closely when they come together to worship because if found, they may be beaten or killed.
Most of us are truly blessed in so many ways. Yet, as with Israel of old, when we are at ease and enjoying the blessing of God, it is so easy for us to become proud or complacent and forget that all of this is from the Lord. God is so good to us and we must never take his blessings for granted. We are to give thanks in all things and we are to put our trust in him, not anything here on this earth.
Heavenly Father forgive me when I take your blessings for granted. Increase my faith and my trust in you. Fill me with your Spirit and make his fruit abound in my life so others will see Jesus living in me and your name will be glorified. I ask your protection, your care for so many of your children who do not enjoy the freedoms I have today. Be with and protect those who do not know where their next meal will come from or if they will even eat today. Give strength to those who face persecution for serving you and keep them faithful. I pray in Jesus name.
Robert
