I’m sharing an abbreviated version of the devotional I shared at our Saturday Prayer meeting. These thoughts were in my morning devotional from YouVersion Bible in One Year 2018. The devotionals are shared by Nicky and Pippa Gumbel. The MSE comments are mine.
Eight Things That Really Matter to God:
1. Psalm 44:1-12 Trust Him
What do you place your trust in?
(MSE:) Or “Who”? We need to recognize that what we accomplish is through God’s hands, not our own.
2. Luke 13:31 14:14 Courage
Do you find that you sometimes take decisions based on fear?
(MSE:) If we Trust that God has all in His capable hands then we can have courage to face troubles that may come.
3. Compassion
Is your heart moved by the people you come across?
(MSE:) We need to try to have a heart like Jesus when it comes to dealing with people, near and far.
4. Humility
Do you worry about your status compared to others?
(MSE:) Jesus wants us to come to Him like little children, not arrogant, self-dependent people.
5. Poverty
Are you tempted to spend time with people of influence and wealth who will be able to pay you back?
(MSE:) Tempted may not be the right word for me but it is more likely that we spend time with friends of similar status. It is important to seek out and include those who can’t afford to pay us back.
6. Deuteronomy 15:1-16:20 Generosity
Do you ever find yourself being a little mean or penny-pinching?
(MSE:) One of my gifts is giving so I don’t tend to penny-pinch when I can help others sincerely in need. I firmly believe we are blessed to be a blessing to others.
7. Remembrance
Do you easily forget what God has done for you?
(MSE) When you remember what God has done for you everyday you reinforce Trust, Courage, Compassion, Humility and Generosity. 😊
8. Justice
Do you care about justice?
(MSE:) I believe doing what is right in God’s eyes is how we strive toward righteousness. Thank God that He administers justice with mercy.
I think this song fits today for me.
A Verse for Today (My Favorite Verse!)Micah 6:8 (ESV)
8 He has told you, O man, what is good;
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?
Lord, I pray: Help me to value these things that You value.
