Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 103:7-14
Ps 103:7-14
He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel: The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.
2 Peter 3:3-4, 8-9
First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation."… But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
Explain the love of God. Define his mercy. Unfold the extent of his grace. We as mortals cannot fathom these things in their reality. Paul said he was praying for the Ephesians to experience the love of God in their hearts and to know how long, how wide, and how deep it is, even though we can never fully understand it or fully know it. John says that the love is God is perfected within us as we live for him, walking in his light, seeking to obey him, and loving others around us.
It is this unexplainable love, this tender mercy, and this marvelous grace that prompts God to be willing to forgive us in Jesus Christ. Based on our faith in Jesus as the risen Son, we have our sins forgiven, and God’s forgiveness is not like that which we often offer to others. When he forgives, that sin no longer exists in his mind. It is removed “as far as the east is from the west” never to be remembered again. God has promised us an eternal home, a new heaven and a new earth, a place where righteousness dwells. This is what God wants for each of us.
O Lord God, make me a servant, one who recognizes that you are my Master and my Lord, so that I will follow your will for me in every way. I know that I do not deserve to be forgiven or to be your child, so I give you all the glory for whatever good I may accomplish in my life. Thank you for your marvelous grace and your indescribable love shown to me. Help me each new day to re-devote my love and my commitment to you. Give healing to those who are sick and give peace to those who are troubled, anxious, and grieving. I pray in the name of Jesus.
Robert
