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Day 35: Romans 14/Psalm 89
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Tuesday March 30, 2004
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I will
always sing about the Lord’s love; I will tell of His loyalty from
now on. I will say, Your love continues forever; Your loyalty goes on
and on like the sky.
Psalm 89:1-2 (New Century Version)
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Love Beyond
Belief
Of all the people in the Bible, David stands out as a man who knew how
to fall in love with God and how to stay in love. If you have been
reading through Psalms with us, you have read verse after verse from a
heart that was passionately in love with the God of the universe. How
did he get there and how did he keep that fervency through the many
obstacles in His life?
David looked for
God, everyday, in everything. He recognized Him in creation, he looked
for His hand in his day to day experiences, and he expected God to be
with him in difficult times. Psalm 89:8 proclaims, "Lord God
All-Powerful, who is like you? You are powerful and completely
trustworthy!"
In a world where
people worshipped many gods and idols, David unashamedly spoke out
about his love for the one true God. He wrote songs declaring the
faithfulness of the Lord and consistently told others about the
greatness of his God. David reflected daily on the wonders of the God
who had captured His heart. This constant attention and recognition kept
David’s heart fervent and his passion renewed.
David took the time
to meditate on the amazing, unconditional love that God had for him. He
learned that this love could not to be measured by earthly standards
nor earned by heroic deeds. We like to say that love is blind, and it
does not notice imperfections. God knew all of David’s “issues” and
looked beyond them to see David’s heart--a heart that longed to have an
intimate relationship with him.
David tells us that
it is not earthly achievements, but God’s love that brings value,
beauty and purpose to life. How would our lives change if we could
realize how much God loves us and is for us?
Today’s
Prayer:
Lord, I long to know the fullness of your love. Reveal yourself to
me that I might know you. Break down the barriers that keep me from
believing that your every thought is for me. Help me to see that I give
you pleasure, not just by my works but especially by my attention and
affection. Teach me how to celebrate every day the love you have so
freely given.
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Memory Verse of the Week:
"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are
in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit
of life set me free from the law of sin and death. "
Romans 8:1-2 (New International Version)
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For a complete
listing of all the previous devotionals in this "50 Day
Experience," click here.
To read the chapter or psalm of the day online, click on one of the
following links:
o
Romans
14
o
Psalm
89
Sharon Karns, karns@cincyvineyard.com,
Associate Pastor over the Evangelism Ministries at VCC
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