DAILY DEVOTION, February 10, 2022

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord (Psalm 150:5).

At the dawn of creation, God breathed into Adam and Eve the breath of life. They were created in the image of God, as are we.  As a result, we have intelligence, emotions, and will. God also possesses these attributes. We remain alive as long as we can breathe. Death occurs when breathing ends.

The Psalmist reminds us to use our breath for a good purpose. Therefore, we are to praise the Lord as long as we have breath. If you are breathing, the verse is addressed to you! Among other things, that means that we voice our praise to God daily. But there is more. When we engage in helping the poor, witnessing to Jesus, supporting Christian causes, we are praising God.  We can use our breath to sing songs of praise, speak words of encouragement, and in many ways use our breath to promote the cause of Christ.

You are a living soul, alive and breathing because of the grace of God. Therefore, don’t waste your breath on cursing, complaining, criticizing, gossiping, lying, deceiving, and the like. Instead, use your breath to praise the Lord.

Thank You, Father, for the gift of life. Help me use the life you have given in ways that honor and praise You. May my every breath bring praise to Your holy name. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen. 

DAILY DEVOTION, February 8, 2022

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!  (Matthew 23:37).

Jesus is facing the cross. He has just pronounced several “woes” upon the scribes and Pharisees for their refusal to believe in Him. In our verse, He laments over the people of Jerusalem. He desired to gather His people together and grant them forgiveness. He uses an interesting figure of speech comparing Himself to a mother hen who gathers her chicks under her wings. That which He desires for Jerusalem He also wants for us. He wants to gather us under His care and protection. He wants to shower His love upon us.

Many who heard Jesus rejected Him. The scribes, Pharisees, and temple leaders wanted nothing to do with Him. He desired to bless them, but they were unwilling. So it seems that our response to Jesus is important. Are we willing to trust Him? Are we willing to follow Him and serve Him? His desire is to do good to us, finally granting us the gift of everlasting life. Are we willing?

Father, may my heart ever be open to receive Jesus. I do trust Him. I do want to serve Him. I know I am weak, and I pray for Your help that I may be a true and willing disciple of the Master. In His name, I pray, Amen.  

He gathers the lambs in his arms         and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.

DAILY DEVOTION, February 7, 2022

But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd (Matthew 9:36).

Are you weary? Life can be difficult, and we often feel beaten down by life’s problems. I am so glad that Jesus looks upon us with compassion when we feel defeated. He doesn’t look at us with disdain. He doesn’t say to us, “Shape up! Get a grip!” He has compassion for us when we are struggling.

When I was giving I.Q tests, many people could not accurately define “compassion.” Many would say, “It is feeling sorry for someone who is hurting.” Even my electronic dictionary defines compassion as “pity.” That is only ½ of the answer. Compassion also acts to bring help to the one hurting.

Jesus looks upon the world’s multitudes and feels compassion. Our problems are created because we lack a shepherd to guide us. Isaiah said, “we are like sheep who have gone astray.” Our Lord does not simply look upon us with pity. He is the good shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep. He went beyond pity and acted to secure our forgiveness when He went to the cross. He suffered there, the just  (Jesus) for the unjust (us). Then, as the good shepherd, He guides His people. The Holy Spirit directs those who trust in Jesus.

I am thankful Jesus does not look upon my life and say, “Poor Richard, he has really made a mess of things. I feel so sorry for Him.” He acted out of compassion to grant me forgiveness and a new kind of life. I am so thankful to know that “The Lord is my shepherd.”

Blessed Lord, how grateful I am for Your compassion. Thank you for moving beyond pity to actions that have brought me a new life. May Your name be praised forever. Amen. 

But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded (2 Chronicles 15:7). 

DAILY DEVOTION, February 5, 2022

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited (Romans 12:16).

Paul speaks plainly in this text. There are all kinds of people in the world. Some are important, well-known people.  We like to say, “I know so-and-so.” Like the pastor who bragged, “We have three physicians in our church.” I guess that is supposed to make us believe it is a superior church since such important people attend. I have boasted that I personally met Dr. R.C. Sproul and have a book signed by him. (He is a well-known theologian). I guess that makes me a better pastor. Or does it?

Paul cautions us against pride. We are to live in harmony with all, not avoiding those of “low position.” There are people in our lives who are poor, unimportant, ordinary folks. We may tend to pay little attention to such people. We prefer to drop names, like the news commentator who constantly reminds us that he is a personal friend of the President. I once waved to President Reagan as he drove down Eldorado Street in Decatur, IL. Does that make us friends?

As Christians, we are to live in harmony with all, even those of “low position.” After all, Jesus has a name that is above every name, yet He condescended to die for us. We are certainly of a “low position” compared to Jesus. Let’s follow His example and not avoid those we regard as “inferior.” Jesus loves them, and so should we.

Father in heaven, out of Your love and mercy, you reached out to me in the person of Your Son and redeemed me, an unworthy sinner. Help me to live in harmony with all, even those I may regard as unimportant, of “low position.” In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.