- I said, “You are gods, sons of the Most High, all of you; nevertheless, like men you shall die, and fall like any prince.” Psalm 82:6-7 – These “gods” spoken about are not some gathering of idols or demons, nor is the Lord admitting there are other true gods beside Him. The “gods” spoken of are referring to human judges that were appointed to govern people and bring forth justice in matters where that was needed. As you read through the psalm its clear the Lord was not pleased with the work these earthly judges were doing. He appointed them and He gave them authority, but they were not using that position and power for the purposes of God. Justice for the fatherless was not being given and the needy were left in the hands of the wicked. The Lord, as the ultimate Judge then pronounced His judgment over the “gods” that weren’t being faithful to their role. This psalm shows us two things. First, when we see injustice taking place and unjust judges on the seat of power, that it isn’t a sign to us that God is lacking in power. Second, that such unjust judges will themselves see justice served for their wayward actions. Our God is the ultimate Judge over all authorities and powers in this world. These powers may exercise their authority in sinful ways, or allow others to remain in harm by not exercising their authority. Remember in such seasons the God who is over all. He will stand up for those being forgotten by our worldly authorities and will handle unfaithful authorities in His time with His power. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 3496
- Oh, that my people would listen to me, that Israel would walk in my ways! Psalm 81:13 – This week is our church’s Vacation Bible School and my role is to lead the games for all the groups of kids. This is likely, especially for the little boys, going to be one of their favorite times for they get to run around and have fun. Yet while all this fun is available to them, do you know what often keeps them from stepping into it? Not listening. Maybe it’s that they won’t settle down as I tell them the instructions or that they won’t follow the rules in the game. Either way it makes me have to prolong the time before they can go play, or shut down the game early, and no kid wants that. In our psalm the Lord is promising His people some really good things. Their enemies subdued, fed with the finest of wheat, and sweet honey would satisfy them. No Israelite would look at such a list of blessing and reject that offer, yet their refusal to listen to God kept such blessings away. We see our psalmist, writing as if God Himself was speaking, saying he just wished his people would listen to him. If they just refused to listen to all the other voices and turned to listen to God wholly all such blessings would be theirs. God’s heart then is God’s heart now, that His people would listen to Him and walk in His ways. God has blessings waiting to be given, but first must come ears from us that hear Him speak and hearts that follow His directions. Will you today give the Lord what He is looking for? A disciple that listens. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 3495
- There shall be no strange god among you; you shall not bow down to a foreign god. I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it. Psalms 81:9-10 – God is reminding His people that He alone is more than enough to supply all their needs. They don’t need to be searching elsewhere to find their fill, God can easily supply that if they only would listen and walk in His ways. This is a message straight to His people today as well. We never have to be searching elsewhere in life for a meeting of our needs. We can open wide our need to God and no matter how deep or wide our need is God can fill it. All that is asked of us is to listen to His Word and walk in His ways. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1144
- Hear, O my people, while I admonish you! O Israel, if you would but listen to me! There shall be no strange god among you; you shall not bow down to a foreign god. I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it. “But my people did not listen to my voice; Israel would not submit to me. So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts, to follow their own counsels. Psalm 81:8-12 – Today is the last day of our High School Camp. This passage hits home with our conversation after worship together last night as a group. We spoke on how deeply important it is to be intentional with our pursuit of God after camp. Here we have scheduled time with God multiple times a day. At home, we’re in charge of making that time. God is speaking to you, God is reminding you of how He has been your God all along. He is commanding us to set aside anything else that may be taking the “god role” in our story. He finally is inviting us close to be filled by Him. Today, pray for these students to remain open to God’s filling back at home. Pray this for yourself as well. God is searching for time with you, will you give Him that today? I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2041
Daily DEVO 