Devotion for Sunday, September 23, 2018

“If the Lord had not been my help, my soul would soon have dwelt in the abode of silence.  If I should say, “My foot has slipped,” Your lovingkindness, O Lord, will hold me up.”  (Psalm 94:17-18)

 

We were born with a wandering heart, going to the places of our imagination.  The Lord calls out to all and invites us to journey with Him in truth.  The Lord watches over your going out and your coming in.  He knows who you are and what you need.  Come to the place where your soul is fed by His goodness and mercy.  Know that the Lord will hold you up.

Lord, I need Your guidance, for this world is filled with traps and pitfalls.  Guide me, O Lord, in the way I should go that I would forever dwell in Your presence.  Help me through those places where I slip that I may look to You, the One who made all things.  You are my help in every time and the One who is able to save me from this world that is heading to destruction.

Savior of the world, You have come that all who hear Your voice would rise and walk with You.  Keep me from going down into the pit.  Help me that I may now and always walk according to Your grace and mercy.  Lead me, O Lord, in the way You know I need to go and then give me the strength to follow where You lead.  You are my help and strength.  Guide me by Your lovingkindness.  Amen.




Devotion for Wednesday, May 16, 2018

“But they deceived Him with their mouth and lied to Him with their tongue. For their heart was not steadfast toward Him, nor were they faithful in His covenant.” (Psalm 78:36-37)

It may seem for a time that those who say one thing and do another get away with what they are doing, but the Lord who knows the heart will hold all accountable. Do not seek to deceive, nor be deceived; as a man sows, so shall he reap. The Lord cannot be mocked. Learn faithfulness, come to the Lord and know the goodness He grants to those who fear Him.

Lord, take my words and make them true to You.  Guide me through the pitfalls of this world and help me to become the person You have created me to be. Lead me away from those who with smooth lips destroy and maim that I may forever be in Your presence and walk upright before You. Guide my lips to speak what is true and lead me to do that which is good in Your sight.

Lord Jesus, You willingly took the derision of those who, with smooth tongues, spoke all kinds of evil against You. Lead me by Your example to move through the nonsense espoused by those who hate You that I may live in Your example humbly as a willing servant. Guide my lips and thoughts that I may be truthful before You My Savior and do what is pleasing in the Father’s sight. Amen.




Devotion for Wednesday, March 21, 2018

“Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and washed my hands in innocence; for I have been stricken all day long and chastened every morning.”  (Psalm 73:13-14)

We often tire of the struggle to do good, fighting against the stream of the culture.  It hammers at us and weakens our resolve.  We need to be saved.  Salvation is not just some cosmic event that catapults us from here to there, but the daily struggle to keep from being pulled back down into the pit.  The Lord is our help and an ever-present support in time of need.  Turn to the Lord and live.

Lord, I need Your grace and I need the help of the Holy Spirit to guide me through the pitfalls of this world.  Every day I am tempted to give it up and give in to the world’s chastening.  Keep me in Your arms, for I am weak and cannot fight against the wicked.  Lead me to praise You in season and out of season knowing that in You alone is the hope of life and life eternal.

Lord Jesus, You have come to rescue the downtrodden and weary.  You have called for me to place the load on You.  I struggle and want to carry the load myself.  Help me place the load upon You and then look to You for guidance every step of the way.  You are the One who must lead, for I cannot overcome this world and do not need to, for You already have.  Help me, Lord Jesus.  Amen.