Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Proverbs 29:22-27
Prov 29:22-27
22 A man of wrath stirs up strife, and one given to anger causes much transgression. 23 One’s pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor. 24 The partner of a thief hates his own life; he hears the curse but discloses nothing. 25 The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe. 26 Many seek the face of a ruler, but it is from the Lord that a man gets justice. 27 An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, but one whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked.
2 Cor 5:6-10
So, we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So, whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.
Accountability. Responsibility. Being punished or rewarded in response for our actions. These are realities that many people deny exist – at least for them. We may have been able to get away with things in this life and believe that they will never be exposed. God sees. God knows. There is a time coming when we will be held accountable, even for things hidden in our hearts. Just as surely as death will come to us all, there will be a judgment after death.
The wonderful news is that for those who are in Christ, there is no condemnation, even from the law of sin and death. This law that says the wages of sin is death is as sure as universal death applies to all. But for those who are in Christ, those who have had their sins washed away by his blood, the consequences of this law have been removed. Our sins deserve death and since God is a just God, the sentence has been carried out in the death of Jesus on our behalf.
When the Apostle Paul taught this, some accused him of saying that we could just live anyway we wanted and then by grace we would be saved. He said: “of course not!”. Since we have died to sin, we owe it to God to live for him. In fact, he said that instead of being slaves to sin, we are now slaves to righteousness.
O Lord God, what a blessing to belong to you in Jesus Christ. I know that every desire you have for me in my life is for my good and to prepare me to be with you and with Jesus in eternity. So, help me carry out your desires for me to the very best of my ability. Keep me from making excuses or procrastinating. I ask you to be with and protect those who are hurting and struggling from loss of property and loss of loved ones caused by storms. I pray in the name of Jesus.
Robert
