Daily Devotionals

Matthew 7:13–14

Do you know where you are going?

You remember Thomas Henry Huxley. Devoted disciple of Charles Darwin. Famousbiologist, teacher, and author. Defender of the theory of evolution. Bold, convincing self-avowed humanist. Travelling lecturer.

Ephesians 4:29

Abraham Lincoln’s coffin was pried open on more than one occasion.

Once in 1887, 22 years after his assassination. Why? It was not to determine if he had died of a bullet fired from John Wilkes Booth’s derringer. Then why? Because a rumour was sweeping the country that his coffin was empty. A select group of witnesses observed that the rumour was totally false, then watched as the casket was resealed with lead.

Genesis 12:1–2

When God calls a servant, there is little room for negotiation. The most striking example of this is when God spoke to Abram, lifting him from obscurity and setting him on a course that would change human history.

The LORD had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father's family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous (Genesis 12:1–2).

Proverbs 18:24

Are you attractive? I’m not referring to external beauty nor facial features. I’m asking ifyouare personally attractive—magnetic, winsome, charming, friendly. Reflect carefully on this interesting proverb:

A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly (Proverbs 18:24 KJV).

Do you see the point of the proverb? To have friends we must be friendly. Friendliness is a matter of being someone ... more than it is doing something. The best overview of the wonder of how God designed you is found in Psalm 139.

2 Peter 3:3–4

Nine-year-old Danny burst out of Sunday school, eyes darting in every direction trying to locate his mom or dad. After a quick search, he grabbed his daddy by the leg and yelled, “Man, that story of Moses and all those people crossing the Red Sea was great!”His father looked down, smiled, and asked the boy to tell him about it.

Psalm 27:4–6

When fear has us in its icy grip, we quickly turn toward self-preservation. We hope to avoid loss, escape pain, or cheat death. Not David! His composition, preserved for us as Psalm 27, gives priority to eternal matters. Verses 4–6 revolve around the idea of David’s desire to maintain constant, intimate fellowship with his Lord.

One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek:

That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,

To behold the beauty of the LORD

Psalm 27:1–3

As David faced his fears and expressed them to God in Psalm 27, he began with worship, celebrating the power and faithfulness of his God.

Declaration of praise

The key to the entire song is verse 1. It consists of two similar sentences, each ending with a rhetorical question.

Psalm 27:1–14

Psalm 26:9–12

As David concludes his song about the grinding pain of unjust treatment and his chosen responses, he then commits to patience.

Resolved: I will patiently stand and wait for relief (vv.9–12)

Do not take my soul away along with sinners,

Nor my life with men of bloodshed, In whose hands is a wicked scheme,

And whose right hand is full of bribes.

But as for me, I shall walk in my integrity;

Redeem me, and be gracious to me.

Psalm 26:8

David's prayer for protection while enduring mistreatment didn't merely ask God for help; the king's song included a commitment on his part.

1. Resolved: I will be faithful in public worship (v.8)

O LORD, I love the habitation of Your house

And the place where Your glory dwells.