SCRIPTURE
Psalm 52 (NRSV)
Like an olive tree in God's house
Why do you boast, O mighty one,
of mischief done against the godly?
All day long you are plotting destruction.
Your tongue is like a sharp razor,
you worker of treachery.
You love evil more than good,
and lying more than speaking the truth.
Selah
You love all words that devour,
O deceitful tongue.
But God will break you down forever;
he will snatch and tear you from your tent;
he will uproot you from the land of the living.
Selah
The righteous will see, and fear,
and will laugh at the evildoer, saying,
"See the one who would not take
refuge in God,
but trusted in abundant riches,
and sought refuge in wealth!"
But I am like a green olive tree
in the house of God.
I trust in the steadfast love of God
forever and ever.
I will thank you forever,
because of what you have done.
In the presence of the faithful
I will proclaim your name, for it is good.
DEVOTION
I love today’s scripture reading because it is such a vivid reminder of the Christian’s call to live a counter-cultural life!
It’s so easy to get sucked into the values and norms of human culture. Human culture affirms the supremacy of the “I.” We’re told to “look out for number one.” We’re encouraged not to worry about the little people we step on as we climb the ladder of success. And finally, we are enjoined to remember that, “leaders have no friends.”
Yuck! This “me, me, me” mentality affirmed by human culture means that “anything goes!” The Psalmist describes this reality when he asks the ungodly why they choose to make mischief, plot destruction, speak sharp words, engage in treachery, love evil and use the tongue to lie, destroy, and deceive.
Oh my! Doesn’t this sound like terrible bad news?
But, never fear my friends! God calls Christians to be counter-cultural in our relationships with God and neighbor. We are called to live into a “Kingdom Come Culture” that celebrates living a life consumed by the power of God’s Love.
This Love causes us to love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength and to love our neighbors as ourselves. As we put all of our hope in Jesus, rather than in power, strength, and wealth, our very lives become an exaltation of God Almighty! As we live and work in community with others, our love heals, joy radiates, and peace soothes.
Haven’t you ever noticed that there is just something about a Christian full of the Holy Spirit? Believers and non-believers alike look forward to spending time in that person’s presence.
As we trust in God’s love thanking God for all of our blessings, we are compelled to share the GOOD NEWS that God loves all of us so much that God gave Jesus to die on the cross to save us from our sin and gift us with eternal life!
This is the most counter-cultural message of all! In a “me, me, me” world, isn’t it wonderful that God loves us so much that God gave…
WOW! In Jesus, God gave us so very much! God gave us love. God gave us salvation. God gave us forgiveness of sin. God gave us a reconciled relationship. God gave us unmerited mercy. God gave us amazing grace and ultimately, God gave us eternal life.
In a world where everyone seems to be taking, I’m so glad that our God gave…
GOD IS GOOD (ALL THE TIME!)
Now, ain’ta that GOOD NEWS?!
Will you follow the example of God today and give of yourself in love and service to your neighbors, co-workers, and friends?
Holy One, thank you for loving me so much that You gave Jesus to die on the cross for me! I believe with all of my heart that Jesus died on the cross and was resurrected on the third day. Please forgive me of my sin and fill me with the Holy Spirit. I want to have Your Spirit alive and within me so that I can share Your love, joy, and peace with everyone I meet. I have been made new by this GOOD NEWS and I am committed to sharing it with others! Please help me to do just that. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
SPECIAL NOTE
If you just prayed this prayer for the first time, today, you are saved! I would be so honored if you would let me know about your decision by clicking “Yes” in the poll located at the top/right of today’s devotional! I am so happy for you! Happy Spiritual Re-Birth-Day!
Next steps: In response to what God did for you just now, let me suggest that you consider telling another Christian so that they can celebrate with you! Ask them to help you find a Bible that is easy for you to understand so that you can learn more about your new-found faith! Ask them to help you find a good Bible believing church where you can be baptized and make loving friends who will walk with you on your new journey! You are already saved; now let God mature you by faith! Congratulations!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
If you would like to put all of your hope in Jesus today, please visit my blog entitled, “Putting All Your Hope In Jesus” located at
http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/2009/04/putting-all-your-hope-in-jesus.html
If you have additional questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, "Come to Jesus"
http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/2009/03/come-to-jesus.html
Pastor Yolanda is now publishing another blog entitled, “A Spoken WORD” in celebration of Holy Hip Hop, Gospel/Christian Rap and Spoken Word. Please check it out @ http://aspokenword.blogspot.com/
You are invited to follow Pastor Yolanda on Twitter www.twitter.com/PastorYolanda
Good News has now added a Prayer Ministry. http://www.kindlejoy.com/groups/goodnews
You are invited to leave comments or questions regarding today’s devotional. These comments are public.
EACH ONE--REACH ONE! To share GOOD NEWS with a friend please click the "Share With Friends" button to the right!
Thanks for reading and please come again. Pastor Yolanda extends a very special welcome to all of our friends reading outside of the United States of America! We are honored that you are sharing with us today.
From Pastor Yolanda's blog http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com
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