The Delightful Walk
Sunday, August 31
Psalm 112:1-4
The psalmist said, “I delight to do thy will, O God: yea, thy law is within my heart” (Psalm 40:8, KJV).
Those who are totally dedicated to the Lord and his purposes will find great strength and pleasure in him. We find a sense of worth, of value in the common, ordinary days when there is no special inspiration. It is by faith that our daily walk is possible, for we are assured that he holds us with his righteous right hand.
God’s promises to his children are steadfast and sure as we make our way through each day. His righteousness in us may well be the spark of light that brings those who are lonely and sad to him, for he is ever ready to save those he is seeking.
Let us start each morning delighting in him and discover how starting the day this way can make all the difference.
Lord, guide my steps today in such a way that others may be drawn to you. Amen.
The Established Heart
Monday, September 1
Psalm 112:5-10
Our journey is defined by a pathway—a continuous path that leads evermore to the entrance to Beulah land, or John Bunyan’s “Celestial City.”
What a welcoming event it is to cross over our Jordan from the old order to a totally new life with the Son of God who directs our steps. Our hearts hurt for those who have not seen it or have not yielded to its grand opportunities. This pathway is one of assurance, far beyond this temporal life. It requires our determination to remain steadfast, step by step.
Here are the rewards for that faithfulness: “You will show me the path of life; In your presence is fullness of joy; At your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11, NKJV).
Jesus, I am reminded that your love is my constant companion. How precious to walk in the light of your promises. Amen.
A Proper Seating
Tuesday, September 2
Luke 14:1,7-11
“For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (v. 11, NKJV).
We live in a world obsessed with “success.” Our human definition of success is far removed from heaven’s viewpoint. As humans, we get caught up in our own notion of success and consider it the height of achievement. It often means pushing others out of the way—a type of self-aggrandizement.
However, spiritual “success” is found in bowing the head and dying to worldly position, honor, and influence, preferring to serve the Master in the pathway of righteousness and holy living. This brings the favor of God into view and creates an atmosphere of peace and contentment. The spiritual one says, “Let the world have its position and false sense of accomplishment—it falls far short of what is satisfying and eternal.”
Lord, help me to find my satisfaction in you no matter what the world does. Amen.
Proper Remuneration
Wednesday, September 3
Luke 14:12-14
Jesus spoke of those who have their reward—a reward immediately given as a result of making known their good deeds. However, rewards are being held in heaven for those who have secretly and without fanfare done good deeds, without expecting the applause of the public at large.
I am reminded of the young man at the youth camp who at the end of the week was given a medal stating he was the “most humble” camper. The moment he placed it on his lapel its meaning was stripped away! Jesus took the humble way and as we follow in his steps, it is our way as well.
He looks for those who will humbly serve, and he will reward them on his time.
Help me, Jesus, to find my place in you today and to serve with your humble spirit. Amen.
Excuses, Excuses!
Thursday, September 4
Luke 14:15
One of the tricks of the enemy is to tempt us to make excuses and shy away from any inconveniences that may come our way. The Lord puts opportunities in our pathway—opportunities to display his love to others. Our excuses will disappoint him.
We are here as redeemed souls to be his hands, his feet, and his lips to carry on his work. When he left, he sent the Comforter to help us in that endeavor.
Are we fulfilling our duties in obedient submission as he seeks to realize his desires through us? He watches closely to see our responses. When we are faithful, he is free to ask more from us. Let us determine to honor his invitation for the furtherance of the kingdom.
Lord, I depend on you every day to help me to be faithful. Amen.
The Proper Position
Friday, September 5
Hebrews 13:1-8
The Hebrews writer spells out clearly our place in the journey as we move closer to heaven’s welcome. Love takes top priority as it covers a multitude of sins and speaks of the highest attainment one might reach. Your smile, your handshake or hug may mean more than you realize as the love of Jesus is manifested.
We are reminded that, indeed, we may be entertaining angels, unawares. Each opportunity presented is a chance to let our light shine.
Let us ask God today for an opportunity to be a witness to those who may be suffering and looking for relief. We may never know in this life just how much our testimony counts.
Father, let me be a servant today to express your love. Amen.
The Sacrifice Of Praise
Saturday, September 6
Hebrews 13:15-16
We are told that God inhabits the praises of his people (cf. Psalm 22:3).
Do we start our day with praise on our lips for God’s mercies, which we count on each morning? This is just where we begin as the sun rises and the new day is before us.
The last three psalms in the psalter (148–150) are replete with notes of praise and thanksgiving. God loves to hear the notes of praise for his continued goodness to his chosen ones. He bears with us through our struggles.
He still looks for those times of fellowship—those times in the garden when he was pleased to greet that first couple. Sadly we know that like them, we fall short. Yet he loves us with an everlasting love and he urges us ever onward in him. Let us praise him today.
Lord, make me today a channel through which your love might flow. Amen.
