Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 135:15-21
Ps 135:15-21
15 The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. 16 They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but they cannot see; 17 they have ears, but cannot hear, nor is there breath in their mouths. 18 Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them. 19 O house of Israel, praise the LORD; O house of Aaron, praise the LORD; 20 O house of Levi, praise the LORD; you who fear him, praise the LORD. 21 Praise be to the LORD from Zion, to him who dwells in Jerusalem. Praise the LORD.
1 Peter 4:13-16
14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.
The God who made us is the God who takes care of us. He is not ashamed of his children and will do more for us than we can ask or even imagine possible. What a blessing to be able to be a child of God! His promises are for his children who are willing to trust him and serve him. Paul said that God has done so much for us already that it would be inconsistent for him to not continue to do so.
This world offers so many distractions from serving God. There are so many things that attract us and lure us to put our trust in them. We need to work for a living and we are instructed to enjoy what God has given us. It is not wrong to have things or to find pleasure in using them. But when we put our trust in riches or the things of this world, we make them our gods. When our lives become a pursuit of pleasure, we let this become our god. Our priorities matter.
There is nothing that brings honor to or praises God more than simple trust and humble obedience. Not because we are trying to appease God for his wrath or earn anything by our works, but we are simply showing our love for him and our total dependence on him. Just like the child who wants to be like and please his parent, so we want to be like our Father and live to please him. Praise the Lord!
Heavenly Father I am thankful for all you have done for me. If only I had any real idea what all you have done for me! How can I truly grasp your love in sending Jesus to die for my sin? How can I even begin to know how many times you have picked me up or shielded me with your care? I know of many times you have used things in my life that seemed so bad, to work out for my good. Your providence has changed my life course on more than one occasion. I thank you and I praise you for your constant love, care and protection. I pray in Jesus name.
Robert
