SuperChamp

I said, “You are gods, and all of you are children of the Most High – Psalm 82:6

As children of God, we are gods. Does that shock you? A god is simply an entity or a person who makes decisions (a decision maker or a judge). As His children, we are meant to rule and reign in the area of our gifting (note that we are not meant to rule and reign over people). This implies that we are meant to rule and reign for the benefit of mankind. When we choose to reign in the area of our gifting is when we rise to a place of prominence and influence in people’s lives. By so doing, we indirectly make decisions concerning the well-being and welfare of others as they benefit from our expertise regardless of whether it is as a teacher, doctor, spiritual leader, stay at home mom, or otherwise. You are a god (decision-maker). Do not to waste the gifts that God has given you but to stir it up so that you can rule and reign in life.

I become a decision-maker when I choose to exercise the gift God has given me for the benefit of others

The haters of the Lord would pretend submission to Him, but their fate would endure forever – Psalm 81:15

There are those who pretend to be submitted to the Lord but who are only truly submitted to their own desires. In the time of Jesus, these were the Pharisees! They pretend to be submitted to God, but they were submitted to power and control in reality. Today, these are those who don’t miss a day of church, have scripture all around the house, and have worship music playing in the background, but when you speak with them, their heart, nature, and character do not reflect anything close to that of Jesus. They do not forgive and do not love their neighbor. These are who the Psalmist calls the haters of the Lord. These are the ones who give God a bad name and turn people away from God.  These are those who would slander and kill in the name of Jesus for their own selfish ambitions. May we not be like the Pharisees. May God help us to be truly submitted to him so that our fate is not one of fearful expectation.

God wants me to be truly submitted instead of putting up an act of submission

The boar out of the woods uproots it, and the wild beast of the field devours it – Psalm 80:13

Should you take the bible literally? The right answer is that it depends on the context of what you are reading. In today’s verse, which speaks of boar and the wild beast, the context is about a nation that comes against Israel, who in the chapter is described as a vine. Hence, to read the passage literally is to completely misunderstand it. Be careful when someone tells you that they take the word of God literally without providing context. Such assertion does not foster understanding. And without understanding, people act foolishly and quote the bible with much religious passion and fervor without wisdom. It is good to have passion for the word of God, but the bible also admonishes us that in all our getting, we should get understanding. The bible also tells us that wisdom is the principal thing. So, don’t just read the bible, make sure you understand it.

I will read the word of God in its context to further my understanding

O Lord God of hosts, how long will You be angry against the prayer of Your people? – Psalm 80:4

The bible tells us to seek God in a time when He may be found. While God is patient and desires for us to repent and turn back to him, there comes a time when His patience gives way to judgement. In those times, we can pray for God to remove the consequences of our actions, but He may not listen. Consequences are hard but necessary. Without consequences, God would not be just. And if God is not just, then He cannot be trusted. Also, many times, without consequences, we don’t change but continue to do the same harmful things. Indeed, consequence is God’s way to get us to repent and turn before we destroy ourselves. In times of chastening, it is good to pray for mercy and the strength to endure; it is good to rend our hearts and return to the God of our salvation. In those times, we must remember that though there may be pain at night when we choose to walk in darkness, joy always comes in the morning when the light of God shines upon us anew.

Godly suffering produces repentance, which then causes me to be successful in life

Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Your name; and deliver us, and provide atonement for our sins, for Your name’s sake! – Psalm 79:9

What should you do when you are reaping the consequence of your own actions. Like the Psalmist, you should first ask God to deliver you from your predicament, not because you deserve to be delivered but because He is a loving and merciful God. Second, you should ask God to make amends for your sins and the things that you have done to others. And third, you should ask God to forgive you and cleanse you from your unrighteousness so that you do not repeat the mistakes. As simple as this sounds, it is easier said than done! Have you found yourself trying to justify what you did and why you did it? Rather than try to justify your wrongdoing, you stand a better chance at redemption when you just confess that you messed up. Don’t prolong your suffering by holding unto your reasons. If you did it, just admit it, let God forgive it, then forget about it.

I choose to run to God for forgiveness instead of justifying my foolishness

He also chose David His servant, and took him from the sheepfolds – Psalm 78:70

David was busy tending his father’s sheep when God drew him out of obscurity and anointed him as king, thrusting him into the limelight. I don’t know where you are today while you are reading this devotional, but the truth is this: God can take you from the farthest, loneliest place on earth and thrust you into the limelight. All He is looking for is a person who has the heart of David. This passage tells us that David was His servant. This means that David lived to serve the God and to do His will. Are you someone who is bold and courageous to do the will of God to please Him. If so, you are a natural candidate to be shifted away from obscurity and to be thrust into whatever spotlight God desires. He did so with David, He did so with Moses, He did so with Caleb, and also with ordinary fishermen. Why do you think He cannot do the same with you? God sees you right where you are even if no one else sees you or acknowledges you. You are never invisible to Him.

God see me right where I am and wants to use me mightily

Yes, again and again they tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel -Psalm 78:41

Did you know that it is possible to limit God through our unbelief and lack of trust? The currency that releases the outflow of the grace (power and unmerited favor of God) in our life is faith. Without faith, there is no grace, and without grace, there is no glory. What would you do if you truly believed and trusted God? What opportunities would you take? What enterprise would you start? What risks would you take? When we don’t see God’s goodness in our lives, many times it has nothing to do with God being silent but has everything to do with us allowing our fears to silent His voice. Sometimes it is because we allow our insecurities to rule over us. That is why, it is important to be courageous – that is to move forward despite our fears – just like Joshua had to be when he became the leader of Israel. Don’t let your unbelief, fears, and insecurities limit the power of God over your life. Choose to trust His words and walk in it, and you will experience new areas of God’s grace in your life.

I choose to be bold and courageous rather than limit the power of God in my life

You led Your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron – Psalm 77:20

History tells us that at times people do not know what to do and they need someone to lead them. In these times, The Good Shepherd partners with people who answer His call – like Moses and Aaron – to lead people from a broken place to a place of bounty. God does this with us. He chooses people to guide us in life. These people end up being instrumental in our life. Sometimes it is a teacher, a parent, or an uncle who guides us. Sometimes He arranges a powerful random encounter with a stranger. This is God working through people to lead us to a bountiful place. Can you think of someone who has been instrumental in your life? Now, what God did for you; He wants to do through you. God desires to partner with you to be a source of joy to a sheep that is looking for the right shepherd. Who is God calling you to shepherd today?

I will be God’s hands and feet to someone in need

I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times – Psalm 77:5

Are you looking to study science, philosophy, engineering? Are you wanting to know more about relationships, finance, and leadership? In your studying, don’t forget the importance of studying history. History gives us context and also helps us to see and understand patterns. When we understand patterns, we can anticipate what is about to happen next and position ourselves accordingly. The author of the book of proverbs says that a prudent man foresees evil and hides himself (Proverbs 27:12). You don’t always need new revelation from God to know what is going to happen because history predicts the future often. The same author said that there is nothing new under the sun. When you understand that what has happened is what will happen (Ecclesiastes 1:9), then the future becomes less uncertain, and you can better plan and prepare for the future.

It is easier to predict what will happen when I understand what has happened

He shall cut off the spirit of princes; He is awesome to the kings of the earth – Psalm 76:12

Though we are royalty (kings) as children of God, there are spiritual forces of wickedness that try to rule over us. The bible calls these forces thrones, dominions, princes and principalities that try to usurp our authority and seek to exercise control over our attitudes, ways of thinking, and actions. Thankfully, God is awesome towards us in that He cuts off the wicked and wrongful spirit of these unholy influences from our lives. When we say we serve an awesome God, it is not just because of what He has done for us, it is not just because of what He does for, it is also because of what He does in us. He defeats the enemies of our soul, changes us from the inside out. changes our name, builds our confidence, and gives our lives a complete makeover. He turns our mourning into joy, gives us beauty for ashes, and gives us a new beginning. What an awesome God we serve!

The Lord works in me so I can experience more of His awesomeness