Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 118:15-21
Ps 118:15-21
15 Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: "The LORD's right hand has done mighty things! 16 The LORD's right hand is lifted high; the LORD's right hand has done mighty things!" 17 I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the LORD has done. 18 The LORD has chastened me severely, but he has not given me over to death. 19 Open for me the gates of righteousness; I will enter and give thanks to the LORD. 20 This is the gate of the LORD through which the righteous may enter. 21 I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation.
Rom 8:16-18
16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs-heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. 18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
King David and the Apostle Paul lived in two entirely different times in the plan of God for his people. David fought his physical battles for the kingdom of God. Paul spoke of his battles but said they were spiritual in nature and not physical. In both cases, the arch enemy was the devil and those people he was using on the earth to fight against God and his plan. Also in both cases the victory came only for those who would trust God for their strength to overcome.
In the personal lives of these two men there was one common idea. They lived for God and for his will. David was said to be a man after the very heart of God. Paul said he no longer lived but Christ lived in him and through him he could do all things. They both lived in confidence and without fear of what they faced.
When we set our minds on Christ and the things above, we put to death our flesh and live for God and the victory will be ours. No matter what we face, we have a friend and helper in Jesus our brother, our Savior and our Lord. We trust him to lead us and to direct us in our daily lives. Our hope is not in this life but our goal is that final victory; to be with him in his glory in eternity.
Lord God, I just come to you with a heart filled with thanksgiving. You bless me in so many ways that I cannot begin to count them or even know all you do. My physical blessings abound and I praise you for these. You have given me so many people in my life that love me and whom I love and for these I give you thanks. Help me see and use the opportunities you give me to do good for others; to share with them, to encourage them and to lead them in your path. Forgive me when I fail and lift me when I fall. I pray in the name of Jesus.
Robert
