Daily Devotional 12-15-2021
Psa 23:1-4 CSB A psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I have what I need. (2) He lets me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters. (3) He renews my life; he leads me along the right paths for his name’s sake. (4) Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me. The psalmist employed the figure of a shepherd to recall the blessings he enjoyed from the Lord. The metaphor was a natural one for David, the shepherd-king. It was also a common metaphor in the ancient Near East, as many kings compared themselves to shepherds in their leadership capacity. The prophecy of the coming Messiah incorporated the same, and Jesus identified Himself as that expected “Good Shepherd”. He is also called the “Great Shepherd” and “the Chief…
Daily Devotional 12-14-2021
Jer 1:17-19 CSB “Now, get ready. Stand up and tell them everything that I command you. Do not be intimidated by them or I will cause you to cower before them. (18) Today, I am the one who has made you a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the population. (19) They will fight against you but never prevail over you, since I am with you to rescue you.” This is the LORD’s declaration. After explaining the task, God charged Jeremiah to take up the challenge. Get yourself ready! is literally, “gird up your loins”. God gave him the needed strength to stand against the people of Judah. Through God’s enablement Jeremiah would be as strong as a fortified city, an iron pillar, and a bronze wall. God’s strength to withstand attack would be needed…
Daily Devotional 10-1-2021
2Co 9:8 And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work. Ultimately Christians can dispense only what they have received, whether material or spiritual. The good work is done through God’s enabling. Regardless of how desperate one’s circumstances, a person who wants to give can do so in dependence on God. Once again Paul sounded the note that man’s inability, by contrast, showcases God’s work. This verse is full of words indicating inclusiveness in God’s enabling: all grace… in all things at all times, having all that you need… in every good work.