Scripture Read: Psalms 1; 19
Title: Praising God for His Word and Creation H.E.A.R. Entry (H) Highlight verse: "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky proclaim his handiwork." Psalm 19:1 (E) Explain: Both of the Psalms from today's reading focus on two things... God's Law (His Word) and God's handiwork(Creation). The Psalmist praises God for both of these and explains that his worship comes from the joys that both bring to him. In Psalm 1 he writes about how a person who is healthy and growing in the LORD is one who is continually studying, obeying and living according to the law of the LORD. In Psalm 19 the writer declares the wonder of God's creation and how it reveals God's glory and displays His creativity. He also writes about the law of God by calling it perfect, sure, right, pure, and true. The Psalmist was drawn into the presence of God by taking in the Word of the LORD and by observing creation around him. (A) Application: I remember when I lived in the country many years ago and one evening I went outside of our old townhouse and looked up at the heavens above my head. My jaw dropped as I gazed into the sky and saw the seemingly infinite array of stars that spanned for as far as the naked eye could see. As I stared at the sky I was reminded of how small I am in comparison to the colossal universe that we live in. I’m sure what I experienced was probably similar to the thoughts and insights of the Psalmist as he observed the starry sky at night and probaly pondered God, the universe (the heavens) and the meaning of life. The writer acknowledges God’s fame and reputation being visible for all to see throughout creation. The glory and splendor of the invisible God can be seen throughout creation. God has revealed himself to us through creation. When we look around us we don’t see creation as God but we see God and his attributes in creation. The planets, the stars, the limitless universe give a partial view of the splendor of God. Yet "sophisticated" people shrug off the evidence as if (He) didn’t exist. God is exalted above all and to know his glory is to know him as he really is at the core of his being. Take some time this week and watch the sunset or in the evening look up to the heavens and consider the greatness of God. Thank and praise Him because He has entrusted you with his wonderful creation and He has crowned you with glory and honor. (R) Respond: How small and insignificant I feel in the vast universe and on this small sphere we call earth. God doesn’t see me as small and insignificant though. He sees me as His beautiful child that He has entrusted everything to. Not because I am worthy, but because He is worthy and good.
0 Comments
Scripture Read: 2 Samuel 24; Psalm 24
Title: The Consequence of David's Sin H.E.A.R. Entry (H) Highlight verse: "Behold I have sinned, and I have done wickedly. But these sheep, what have they done? Please let your hand be against me and against my father's house." 2 Samuel 24:17 (E) Explain: During the time of peace for Israel, King David commanded his commander of the army to go and number the Israel and Judah. This was something that made the LORD angry because it was a prideful thing that David was doing. He wanted to know the number of his people, however this were not his people, they were God's people. In 2 Samuel we see God incited David to take the censu, but in 1 Chronicles 21 we read that Satan incited David. This seems to be a contradiction, but it is an unneccessary one since the outcome is the same. David's motive in numbering the people was sinful because it was a prideful act. David's heart was heavy as he realized his sin. He responded in repentance and God forgave him. But as as with all sin there are consequences and unfortunately the consequences of his sin not only affected him, but the whole nation of Israel. A great pestilence came as a result and killed 70,000 people. (A) Application: God is a forgiving God, and I am so thankful for that. I sin on a daily basis and God extends his hand of mercy upon me when I repent and seek forgiveness. However, with sin I know there are consequences. Often we take for granted God's forgiveness and mercy. We sin and expect God to forgive (and He does) but we complain and question God's loving-kindness when we face the consequences of our sin. I think we forget about this. We focus on God's grace and mercy but often overlook his discipline and correction. We would all be better off if we realized that our individual sins not only affect us individually, but sin affects others around us. Davd's sin affected the whole nation of Israel and our individual sins affect others around us, usually those we love most. God is a loving and merciful God, but He is also a God who corrects and disciplines. May we be mindful of this the next time we are faced with the temptation of sin. (R) Respond: LORD, help me to be mindful of the consequences of sin in my life. They not only affect me, but they affect those around me. |
Jeff has been in full-time ministry for thirty years. He currently serves as Executive Director at Anchor House Ministry at SeaPort Manatee in Palmetto, FL and he is a part-time Campus Pastor at West Bradenton Southside in Bradenton, Florida.
Jeff Has authored A Lent Devotional (A Spiritual Journey to Lent) an Advent Devotional (The Advent of Jesus) and a devotional on the book of James (James: Where Faith and Life Meet). All three are available on Amazon. He is married to Carrie and they have four children, Micaiah, Gabe, Simon, and Berea. Preview or purchase Jeff's Books
Archives
March 2024
Categories |