Daily Devotion-January 7, 2023

Daily Devotion-January 7, 2023

Psalm 1

How blessed is the man who does not walk in the advice of the wicked, who does not stand on the path with sinners, and who does not sit in a meeting with mockers. But his delight is in the teaching of the Lord, and on his teaching, he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted beside streams of water, which yields its fruit in season, and its leaves do not wither. Everything he does prospers. Not so the wicked! No, they are like the chaff which the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. Yes, the Lord approves of the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for blessing those who follow you while the world may seem alluring with all that it throws at us as “fun” or “a good time.” However, as David said, the world’s ways are like worthless chaff, and there is no lasting joy or true peace in them. When we consider the world’s good time, it brings us guilt from what we did, accompanied by pain from lies, suffering from losing those close to us, and let’s not forget the troubles, shame, and regret; this is what the world has to offer.

Lord, we thank you for the blessing you for all but delivered to those who believe and trust in you. You judge us according to Jesus’ perfection and righteousness. He suffered the cross for our sins; you rendered our verdict upon him. By faith, we know his forgiveness has removed all our sins, guilt, and shame. It is in your teachings given to us that we delight in; because we have the peace of being restored to you. Let us stand beside the water of your Word, taking in their truth. Fill us with all that we need to sustain our souls so that we will be with you in heaven on our last day and not perish like the wicked.

We also pray that you will give us the courage to share heaven’s peace and joy with someone on their path to destruction. Use us, Lord, to share the good news of Jesus’ forgiveness with someone burdened with their sins so they, too, will know and believe in the forgiveness Jesus won for them on the cross, and they will receive that full pardon for all their sins. Amen.

Written through Pastor Roger Emmons

Plant yourself in the love and forgiveness of God, and let Him approve your ways. True peace and joy only come by being restored to God, which comes by faith alone in salvation from Jesus.