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.
Luke 2:4-7
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
We live in a small town in north Alabama, about two hundred miles from the capital city, Montgomery. When the governor comes to Athens, it is a big deal and there is usually an official welcome with pomp and ceremony. There is a motel here that has been here since I was in my teens. For many years the owner would keep one special suite open just in case the governor came to town.
If the owner of Bethlehem Inn had known (or even thought there might be the possibility) that the Son of God, the Messiah, the King of Kings was coming to town, he would have made sure there was at least one vacant room. Instead, he turned Joseph away, so he and Mary stayed in a barn with the cattle.
David had room in his heart for the Lord and for his word. He made sure that it was always available and ready for him to come in. Do we have room for the Savior to come into our hearts and lives or are we so busy that there is no vacancy? Make room for Jesus. Take time to listen to him. Give him lodging.
O Lord God, please forgive me when I get so busy that I crowd out your word and spend all of my time on things of this life. Even all of the things that seem to be good things can be too consuming and need to be limited. Help me take the time to get alone with you, to talk with you and to listen to you. Help me just meditate on your word, just sit, think, open my heart to your Spirit and let it sink in. You know that I love sports but help me keep them from becoming my life. Fill me with your love so it overflows on others. In the blessed name of Jesus, I pray.
Robert
