Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 83:9-18
Ps 83:9-18
9 Do to them as you did to Midian, as you did to Sisera and Jabin at the river Kishon, 10 who perished at Endor and became like refuse on the ground. 11 Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb, all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna, 12 who said, "Let us take possession of the pasturelands of God." 13 Make them like tumbleweed, O my God, like chaff before the wind. 14 As fire consumes the forest or a flame sets the mountains ablaze, 15 so pursue them with your tempest and terrify them with your storm. 16 Cover their faces with shame so that men will seek your name, O LORD. 17 May they ever be ashamed and dismayed; may they perish in disgrace. 18 Let them know that you, whose name is the LORD--that you alone are the Most High over all the earth.
Eph 3:20-21
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
There is nothing that glorifies God more than a life that is changed when a person becomes his child and nothing honors Jesus more than when one accepts him as their Lord and serves him. Our faith is best demonstrated when we obey the Lord and follow his will, especially when we do not like it or do not want to do it. Love is most genuine when we give of ourselves to help someone else. True love even wants to help those whom we do not know and those who are not “like us” or do not fit in our circles. This is the faith and love that is acceptable to our God.
But what needs changing in my life? Do I really trust God or do I just say the words and then think I have to do it all myself? When I am greedy with what God has given me (my money, my possessions, my time, my abilities, etc.), this is not the love of God showing in me. When I gossip or repeat stories about others that does not help them and their reputations (even if true), this is not obedience and it is not love. When I am overly inquisitive about the affairs of others when it is none of my business, am I obeying the command to “mind your own business” as given by Paul? Maybe I need to resolve to be absolutely honest or just to be kind.
Heavenly Father, I know you can change me from within as you renew my heart and my spirit in Jesus Christ. Help me open my heart and my life to your Spirit to work in me and mold me more into your likeness. Fill my heart with compassion and make every word from my lips be kind and helpful. Give your blessing to your people who are suffering in Africa, in China, in the middle east, in central America or wherever they are. Empower those who are preaching your word in difficult places as they seek to reach the lost. I humbly pray in the name of Jesus.
Robert
