For bi-partisanship to characterize dealings in Washington as the new Congress begins session
So all the men of Israel got together and united as one man against the city.
�Judges 20:11
Holy God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit! How wonderfully You dwell and work together. You model for us the beauty of oneness as You operate in complete and perfect unity. You love to see this oneness and accord modeled by Your creation in their interaction with each other.
Lord, our national leaders are in positions where pride, arrogance and compromise are easy temptations. We ask You to foster a humble spirit in their hearts and minds, helping them to seek unity across the aisles of Congress. Enable them to put aside personal agendas in favor of what will best benefit the American people and the country�s interests. Do this, Lord, we pray in the name of Jesus, amen.
There is really nothing positive to quote from this psalm. It's probably the most depressing chapter in all of the Psalms. The tone of it is pretty much exemplified by the last two verses, which say, O daughter of Babylon, doomed to be destroyed, blessed shall he be who repays you with what you have done to us!
Blessed shall he be who takes your little ones and dashes them against the rock! Verses 8-9
There is great pain and anquish in the heart of the writer of this psalm. And he seeks revenge from the Lord.
It's review day once again, so I'll look back on the last 6 devotions to see what God has been doing.
DAY 295--PERMEATED WITH ONENESS--Ephesians 4:1-6
Paul tells us that we are all called to walk down the same road and encourages unity. He encourages us to stay on this road together. He also admonishes the individual believer to get out there and run on the road that God has called him to. God is one in the Trinity, and we should also abide in unity in him.
DAY 296--DRINKING THE SPIRIT OF GOD--Ephesians 5:15-20
This turned out to be the last devotional for 2008, and the Scripture passage was perfect.
So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times!
Don't live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants.
Don't drink too much wine. That cheapens your life. Drink the Spirit of God, huge draughts of him. Sing hymns instead of drinking songs! Sing songs from your heart to Christ. Sing praises over everything, any excuse for a song to God the Father in the name of our Master, Jesus Christ.
I plan to do a lot of "drinking" of the Holy Spirit during this year.
DAY 297--RELATIONSHIPS FOR LIVING WELL--Ephesians 6:1-9
This passage was all about how we should act and respond as children, parents, servants and masters. We are all accountable to one Master. Paul tells us to do our work joyfully, with a smile on our faces. This can be incredibly challenging, but it is certainly within reach.
DAY 298--THE POSTURE OF GRATEFULNESS--Philippians 1:3-6
Paul breaks out in thanksgiving in his salutation to the Philippians. He tells them how much joy he gets every time he thinks about them. That must have made them feel good. But the larger point is that we should always have something to be grateful for. The author said, "...it's hard to pray heartfelt, God-honoring prayers with an ungrateful and complaining spirit. We should always be grateful for something in prayer." This is also something I need to work on this year.
DAY 299 SETTING ASIDE ADVANTAGES--Philippians 2:2-11
Taking the example given of how Jesus Christ emptied himself and gave up tremendous advantages to come to earth and die to save us, we ought all to set ourselves aside more often to help others out.
DAY 300--NOTHING LESS THAN TOTAL COMMITMENT--Philippians 3:15-21
Paul gives us a vision of total commitment to Christ. He even encourages that, if we are struggling with this issue, God will take care of it and give us a clearer vision. He warns of those who are not following the same path and would entice us to come down the wrong path with them. We must resist them. He gives a promise of the kind of blessings that await those who remain committed.
1. Feet firmly planted on love (my phrase for the year)
2. Be more grateful
3. Set myself aside to help out others
I have a serious challenge ahead of me.
Grace and peace, friends.