The Victorious Life

Faithful people have reason to praise God. As written in Psalm 149, joy and enthusiasm characterize their praise. The Lord takes delight in His believers and provides victory (v. 4). The characteristic that is linked to a victorious life is humility because a humble person follows the will of God and God finds pleasure in those that carry out His purpose.

This Psalm is a military song of victory with God’s people fighting His battle. I found an interesting illustration about this Psalm in Family Times. Many times, the skill level between people is not all that different. The British Army officer named Duke of Wellington along with the coalition defeated the French army leader and Emperor named Napoleon Bonaparte. Why was one victorious at Waterloo when both had almost the exact backgrounds? They both had 4 brothers and three sisters, they both lost their father at a young age, they both studied at the same military school, they both became great military leaders. The difference maker is having God on your side. God is in control of the future and you want to be on His side.

God needs those that worship Him but also willing to stand up against injustice and evil. Little by little, we can gain victories over the things that cause crime, poverty, and bad health. The Israelites carried out God’s purpose in their day and we can carry out God’s purpose as we fight against the negatives in our world today. Each day with God can be amazing when we realize that He can bless us with more victories than all the grains of sand on earth.

For an inspirational start to each day, join the journey at: This Day with God Devotional.

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Celebrate the Risen Christ on Easter Tomorrow

As we celebrate the risen Christ on Easter tomorrow, remember the type of love Jesus showed. As my Pastor talked about in his message on Palm Sunday, May we all follow the example of Jesus who showed us what the world can be like when there is love of God, love of our neighbor, and we serve the needs of each other. Enjoy today’s video: You Are I Am by Mercyme – Fisher of Men.

Have a Happy Easter my friends!

For an inspirational start to each day, join the journey at: This Day with God Devotional.

Hope in the Lord

The psalmist has dedicated his life to praising the Lord as pointed out in Psalm 146. The psalmist points out that those who hope in the Lord are more trustworthy. Many societies put their hope in a government but history has told us that governments are not always trustworthy.

I heard recently that for the first time in the history of the United States, more people are receiving government assistance than are working. Our nation cannot expect to make it if this continues. People have to be willing to go the extra mile for each other and not depend on a government. We must realize that what works is our faith in God and in each other. Incentives have to be put in place to encourage the creation of more jobs and the desire to work.

When we have faith in God instead of government, we will not be let down because our hope is in the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them – the Lord, who remains faithful forever (v. 6). Our trust must be in God and in the work for His purposes. Then together, we can uphold the cause of the oppressed, give food to the hungry, and provide for health.

Our love of God and neighbor can best support the alien, sustain the fatherless, and the widow (v. 9). This day with God, let us pray for steadfastness and righteous because it is in our faith that there are true possibilities. Persistence like a stream of water eventually cuts into a rock and if we remain persistent at focusing on the possibilities, we can cut into and go through any obstacle in our way. Praise the Lord for the beauty of nature, for His power, and for our chance to meet with Him in prayer.

For an inspirational start to each day, join the journey at: This Day with God Devotional.

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Desire the Things of God

Desire the things of God;
Ask Him to lend a hand;
Desire to invest in others;
Make His Word known firsthand.
 
Draw Him close to them;
Desire to share the joy of free will;
Help them know He is near;
Share with them victory’s thrill.

May He grant your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans! – Psalm 20:4

For an inspirational start to each day, join the journey at: This Day with God Devotional.