Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 75:1-5
Ps 75:1-5
We give thanks to you, O God, we give thanks, for your Name is near; men tell of your wonderful deeds. You say, "I choose the appointed time; it is I who judge uprightly. When the earth and all its people quake, it is I who hold its pillars firm. Selah To the arrogant I say, 'Boast no more,' and to the wicked, 'Do not lift up your horns. Do not lift your horns against heaven; do not speak with outstretched neck.'"
James 3:13-16
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
When we know that someone is greater than we are, we learn from them. When we know that someone is wiser than we are, we listen to them. When someone has more experience than we have, we follow their directions. God is all of these, and he is without measure greater, stronger, wiser, and he is the creator who put all we know into existence. Why would anyone not want to listen to him?
In addition to all of this, the motivation of the Lord is always pure. He loves us and he only wants what is best for us. We may not see this because difficult times will make us stronger. Making mistakes in choices helps us keep from going down the wrong life path as we learn from them. And finally, life is not about this world but is about being with Jesus and the Father in eternity, in a place of peace and bliss.
The second motivation of God is also the requirement he places on us and that is that we honor him and trust him as God. We are to do good deeds, and the Father in heaven is glorified. We live like Jesus, and he receives the praise. We are to respect God and keep his will for us because we will all stand before his judgment seat when this life is over. We honor him and we get ready to live with him.
O Lord God, giver of life and creator of all things, it is with joy that I come to you and praise you. Thank you for loving me and forgiving me in Jesus Christ. Too often I look back and see mistakes I have made in things I have done and choices I have made. I need your strength to grow stronger each day and to have greater self-control in every area of my life, whether it be work, play, health, spiritual or just some insignificant event. I truly want to be like Jesus. Use me to help someone who is struggling or hurting so they will trust you more. Give your comfort and your peace to those who have lost loved ones. I pray in the name of Jesus.
Robert
