Daily Devotional from Pastor Mary 8-30-19

Psalm 112 New Living Translation (NLT)

As believing parents and grandparents we have the privilege and responsibility to set our children up for spiritual success; to help them establish a right relationship with Almighty God. As our children and others watch our lives, they should be learning what it means to fear the Lord; to respect him as Creator and to worship him by obeying his commands of love. Jesus said, “If you love me, obey my commandments”…“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength…and love your neighbor as yourself” (John 14:15; Luke 10:27).

In our reading from the psalter today, we are reminded again about the blessing of God that spills over into the lives of believers who practice the love of God and trust in his care. As we do so, evil loses its grip on us and we are generous in the work of God, as well as helping with the needs of others. Practice truth by living according to the Lord’s commands and the goodness of God will overtake you. Those around you will hunger for what you have with God, so give them the opportunity to meet Jesus, too.

Psalm 112
1
Praise the Lord!
How joyful are those who fear the Lord
and delight in obeying his commands.
2
Their children will be successful everywhere;
an entire generation of godly people will be blessed.
3
They themselves will be wealthy,
and their good deeds will last forever.
4
Light shines in the darkness for the godly.
They are generous, compassionate, and righteous.
5
Good comes to those who lend money generously
and conduct their business fairly.
6
Such people will not be overcome by evil.
Those who are righteous will be long remembered.
7
They do not fear bad news;
they confidently trust the Lord to care for them.
8
They are confident and fearless
and can face their foes triumphantly.
9
They share freely and give generously to those in need.
Their good deeds will be remembered forever.
They will have influence and honor.
10
The wicked will see this and be infuriated.
They will grind their teeth in anger;
they will slink away, their hopes thwarted.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the blessings that pursue me each day. Holy Spirit, continue to help me live in the truth of your love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.