Victory in Christ

As Christians we are not promised a life without suffering, but we are promised to be rewarded for being His disciples.  “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18)  The writer of Psalm 77 also reminds us that the greatness of God and His blessings toward us outweigh any of that suffering of this life.  “And I said, “This is my anguish; But I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High.”  I will remember the works of the Lord; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old.  I will also meditate on all Your work, And talk of Your deeds.  Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary; Who is so great a God as our God?  You are the God who does wonders; You have declared Your strength among the peoples.  You have with Your arm redeemed Your people, The sons of Jacob and Joseph.” (Psalms 77:10-15)  In his letter to the people of Colosse, Paul gives us the best advice on how to keep from letting this world drag us down.  “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Colossians 3:2)

Today’s reading: 2 Chronicles 1; Psalm 72

After Solomon had been made king, God appeared to him in a dream and said “Ask what I shall give you.” (3:5)  Solomon did not ask for selfish things like riches or a long life.  “Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” (1 Kings 3:9)  Solomon’s request pleased God so much that He gave Solomon what he had asked for and more.  “behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you.  I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days.” (1 Kings 3:12-13)  Solomon’s selfless attitude at this point in his life is an example to us of how to please our Heavenly Father in requests to Him.

Today’s reading: 1 Kings 3-4

In the longest chapter of the Bible, the Psalmist asks a question and then promptly gives us the best answer.  “How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.” (Psalms 119:9)  His advice works for not just young men, but everyone who follows it.  Later he makes another famous statement about God’s word.  “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalms 119:105)  Isaiah tells us that we do not have to worry about that guiding word ever being changed or destroyed.  “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” (Isaiah 40:8)

Today’s reading: Psalm 119

No matter how bad things might have gotten for David thru his life, whether self inflicted or not, he always came back to his source of strength and saving power.  “The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; he is their stronghold in the time of trouble.” (Psalms 37:39)  No matter what may happen in our lives, the Lord is there for us also.  We just have to bring our burdens to Him.  “Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.” (Psalms 55:22)

Today’s reading: 1 Kings 1-2; Psalms 37, 71, 94

There are many beatitudes found in the book of Psalms.  “Praise the LORD! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in his commandments!” (Psalms 112:1)  God’s commandments are something we should be happy to follow.  In the first Psalm we read that in addition to delighting in God’s word, we should also meditate on it.  “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.” (Psalms 1:1)  The more we focus our minds on His word the better we will understand and appreciate it.  John tells us that these are signs that we love our Heavenly Father.  “By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.” (1 John 5:2)

Today’s reading: Psalms 111-118

Being totally dependent on someone else is normally not a good thing, unless that someone is our Heavenly Father.  “Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.” (Psalms 127:1)  Jesus also spoke of how we should depend on Him.  “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)  When you need help, the Psalmist points you in the right direction.  “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.” (Psalms 121:1-3)

Today’s reading: 1 Chronicles 26-29; Psalm 127

In Psalm 139 David acknowledged God’s ability to know all of our thoughts.  “O LORD, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar.” (Psalm 139:1-2)  It is easy to let our minds wander off on things we shouldn’t, but Paul gives us some pointers on focusing our thoughts.  “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8)  “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:2-3)

Today’s reading: Psalms 131, 138-139, 143-145

In 1 Chronicles chapter 29 we read a prayer from David not long before he died.  The humbleness in his heart is evident as he speaks to our Heavenly Father.  “Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all.” (1 Chronicles 29:11)  David knew and acknowledged that every good thing he had ever received was a gift from God.  “Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.” (1 Chronicles 29:12-13)  David questioned how we could give anything of value to God when all that we own was a gift from Him to start with.  “But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you.” (1 Chronicles 29:14)  It is no secret that God has and will continue to provide everything we need in this life.  “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,” (2 Peter 1:3)

Today’s reading: 1 Chronicles 23-25

The Psalmist begged God to save him from his enemies.  “Help me, O LORD my God! Save me according to your steadfast love! Let them know that this is your hand; you, O LORD, have done it!” (Psalms 109:26-27)  In another Psalm he reminded us that with God on our side there was no need to fear.  “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalms 27:1)  Jesus also told us not to fear men.  “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28)  Paul, who had been through many trials himself, had an opinion on this too.  “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)

Today’s reading: Psalms 108-110

God’s Word records several mistakes that David made in his life.  Also recorded is evidence of his penitent heart.  “And David said to God, ‘I have sinned greatly in that I have done this thing. But now, please take away the iniquity of your servant, for I have acted very foolishly.’” (1 Chronicles 21:8)  He did not want everyone else to have to suffer because of his own sin.  “And David said to God, ‘Was it not I who gave command to number the people? It is I who have sinned and done great evil. But these sheep, what have they done? Please let your hand, O LORD my God, be against me and against my father’s house. But do not let the plague be on your people.’” (1 Chronicles 21:17)  God has made a promise to all of His children if we also will admit our sins before Him.  “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

Today’s reading: 2 Samuel 24; 1 Chronicles 21-22; Psalm 30