Today's Readings: New Testament -
Luke 11:14-28 / Acts 25:1-12
Old Testament -
Psalms 40 / Leviticus 8-10
Click on Text Links to Read Online
Focus Verses: Psalm 40:11-13
11 Do not withhold your mercy from me, O LORD; may your love and your truth always protect me. 12 For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me. 13 Be pleased, O LORD, to save me; O LORD, come quickly to help me.
Insight:
David offered a wide range of expression in this Psalm. He was confident in God's power to protect and provide, but he cried out in need. His appeal to God had a dire sense of urgency, but he waited patiently for God to hear and act. Though he was surrounded by numerous troubles, he counted God's many blessings toward him. While he anticipated God's deliverance in the days ahead, he recounted God's saving acts in the past.
Response & Action:
There are many things that challenge and overwhelm me today, but I will put my confidence in God. As I look to tomorrow, I will remember the things God has done for me in the past. As I call out to God for help and provision, I will praise God for the many ways he has already rescued and provided. I will not allow the troubles of today to blind me to God's faithfulness, which has been proven time and time again. I will not allow the problems I face to drown out God's promises to save me.
O God, many are the wonders you have done. If I were to speak and tell of them, they would be to many to declare. Save me from the problems I face. Pull me out of the mud and give me a solid place to stand. Strengthen me as I wait upon you. Even through the storms and stress of life, my hope is in you. I praise you for your faithfulness and commit myself to your care. Whether by life or death, may Christ be exalted in me. Through Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Spiritual Formation Verses: Romans 8:35, 37-39
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? - - - 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Resources:
Praying the Psalms of Jesus
by James Sire
