Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 14:1-7
Ps 14:1-7
1 The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good. 2 The LORD looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. 3 All have turned aside, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one. 4 Will evildoers never learn--those who devour my people as men eat bread and who do not call on the LORD? 5 There they are, overwhelmed with dread, for God is present in the company of the righteous. 6 You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor, but the LORD is their refuge. 7 Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When the LORD restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!
Rom. 3:21-24
21 But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
The first part of this Psalm is quoted by Paul in Romans chapter three and then as he reaches his conclusion, we read the words above. The point he makes is that we all have sinned and we all fail to live up to the glory of God. How much sin does it take in our lives to fall short of God’s glory? Any sin and we have failed, no matter how “big” or how “little” we consider that sin to be. God is holy, God is righteous, God is love, God never lies and God is and always does what is right both in action and judgment. Any failure we see in God is a misperception on our part and not a flaw in action or character on his part or in his nature.
Our goal in life is to be like him. Peter says that we become partakers of his divine nature. Paul explains that we have the fruit of his Spirit in our lives as we allow him to work in us and mold us into his glorious image. But at our very best, we still fall short of God and his glory. Even Paul explained that at times he did that which he knew was wrong or failed to do that which he knew was right.
Lord God, one of the most comforting things you have written in your word is when you have explained how sinful we can be and then you inject “but God” because you are always present to help us and give us just what we need. You have provided our salvation in Jesus Christ and in doing so you take away the fear of death. Thank you Lord! Help me never deny you in my actions or in my words but give me faith to stand for you, no matter what I face in life. Give strength to those who are struggling to be faithful to you. I pray in the name of Jesus.
Robert
