Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Character (May 10)

Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked.

If the Lord delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.

Turn from evil and do good; then you will dwell in the land forever.  For the Lord loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones.  They will be protected forever, but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off; the righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever.

                                       From Psalm 37 NIV

The title of this Psalm is "Fading Grass."  It addresses ethics, character and the perception that individuals with no respect, fear, or place for God often prosper.  We read here that  prosperity of the wicked is short lived and offspring of the wicked will be cut off.

God desires a just and fair character.  We are told the way to prosperity, peace, life and joy is to honor God and remember what He has done for us.

What we read today is in agreement with other readings thus far: if we obey, honor, trust, and serve God; then God will direct, comfort, protect and support us.  On the other hand if we disobey, dishonor God and serve ourselves, or trust in others; then God will be distant and will leave us to our own depraved minds imagination.  Our imaginations do also include wickedness.

What we read today encourages us to stay on the path and to not veer to the right or to the left as we cross over from selfishness to service.

When and how do you consider the Lord in your being of service to others, to your employer, to your country?

How do God's attributes encourage you today?

Give thanks for God's faithfulness, justice, and truth.

In Christ,

David P

No comments:

Post a Comment