Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 119:73-80
Ps 119:73-80 Yodh
Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands. May those who fear you rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope in your word. I know, O LORD, that your laws are righteous, and in faithfulness you have afflicted me. May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant. Let your compassion come to me that I may live, for your law is my delight. May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause; but I will meditate on your precepts. May those who fear you turn to me, those who understand your statutes. May my heart be blameless toward your decrees, that I may not be put to shame.
Matt 5:9-12
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Paul said that those who serve the Lord Jesus will suffer persecution. It may not be to the extent that many in the New Testament days had to face or like the ones who followed in the next generation after them but we all face it when we live for Christ. It may be just some slight remarks or that we are shunned by some when we do not participate with them in things of the world. But it comes.
But facing persecution does not make us more righteous, nor are we supposed to act in such a way that brings it upon us, just for the sake of being persecuted. I once knew of a preacher who could never stay at one place for more than a year (if that long) and he always said it was proof that he was standing for the truth and was being persecuted. While one or two of these may have been this, one has to wonder when the number grows to ten or fifteen.
If we cannot get along with other Christians, we need to reread that part about being peacemakers. We are to be at peace with everyone, as much as it depends on us. The wisdom from above is first peaceable.
O Lord God, give me the assurance that I am at peace with you because of your forgiveness in Jesus Christ. Based on this peace, give me your inner peace in my heart. As I am armed with your peace, help me be peaceable and humble because I know that life is not just about me, my desires, or my well-being. Help me do your will without concern for who gets the credit on earth but you get all the glory for what is right. Increase my faith so I can help others. In Jesus name.
Robert
