Tag Archives: August

Daily Devotional: August 21 – Not Perfect

I have seen the consummation of all perfection, but Your commandment is exceedingly broad – Psalm 119:96

The law of God is perfect (Psalm 19:7) but it is impossible to fulfil because it is exceedingly broad. The broadness isn’t just about the number of laws but about their application. As an example, the law that says not to commit adultery is not solely about the physical act but also about the condition of the heart. Essentially, while the psalmist acknowledges that the law is perfect, he also laments that he is unable to keep it given that he is an imperfect person. Thankfully for us, the consummation of all perfection was fulfilled by Christ, who paid the price for us so that we are no longer judged according to the law. Because of Christ, we have been set free and are no longer under the condemnation of the law. Praise God! The next time we feel that we are not meeting the standard set by the law, we should consider that it is exactly what the law was designed to do. It was designed to show us that we are incapable of perfection so as to draw us closer to the Perfect One.

God is not looking for me to be perfect but to look to His Perfect One












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Daily Devotional: August 20 – No Other Word

Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven – Psalm 119:89

Although the word of God is settled in heaven, it is not always settled on earth because the word of God is not always settled in us. The result of the word of God not being settled in the hearts of people is that the will of God is not always followed, and His desires are not always followed. This culminates in the earth not being an awesome place to exist for many people around the world, though God created this world to be an awesome place to live. Consider that the fall of mankind occurred because God’s word was not settled in the heart of the Adam and Eve. He had told them not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of God and evil, but that instruction was not settled in their heart, so they doubted and ate anyway. Today, we continue to fall short of the riches of the grace of God because His words are not settled in our hearts. It is time for us who call ourselves believers to truly believe! Because His word is settled in heaven, His word should settle every argument we have on earth!

If God has said it to me, then I believe it, and that settles it.












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Daily Devotional: August 19 – Questionning God

How many are the days of Your servant? When will You execute judgment on those who persecute me? – Psalm 119:84

We are in a loving relationship with God and not in a fearful dictatorship. Therefore, it is perfectly alright to ask questions of God. Without questions, we do not get answers. Without questioning, there is no understanding. Jesus said to the disciples that if they ask, they will receive (Matthew 7:7). Throughout the bible, we see people asking questions of God and God responding to them. There are stories of people getting God to show mercy or delay His judgement (i.e. Abraham, Moses, Hezekiah) through their requests. Jesus said to his disciples: whatever you ‘ask’ when you pray (see Mark 11:24). Therefore, Jesus expects that we should ask and question as part of our prayer. Do not let anyone convince you that surrendering to the sovereignty of God means you shouldn’t ask questions. Yes, He is sovereign, but He is also your beloved. Your questioning is a sign of your desire to be closer to Him and to understand Him more. Rather than mind your questions, He welcomes them.

God welcomes my questions












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Daily Devotional: August 18 – Spiritual Seasons

My eyes fail from searching Your word, saying, “When will You comfort me?” – Psalm 119:82

I love how honest the psalmist is with God! The reality that is our relationship with God will not always dreamy. It is not always a glorious and magical experience with fluffy bunnies and fanciful unicorns. As with any relationship, we will experience a plethora of emotions. I am glad that the bible does not just give a picture of a relationship with God that is perfect all the time. No, our relationship with God can and will be messy at times. This is how we know our relationship is real and based on trust that goes beyond our feelings but on an unwavering dedication based on His unconditional love. God is God so we should revere Him, but He is also our Father, and so we should be honest with Him. He wants us to be like the psalmist who was honest regarding his thoughts, feelings, and experience with Him. He is not so insecure that He cannot handle our honesty. He wants us to be honest with Him while staying humble to hear Him out and believe His words.

I do not have to hide my true feelings from God












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Daily Devotional: August 17 – Respond To Anger

I know, O Lord, that Your judgments are right, and that in faithfulness You have afflicted me – Psalm 119:75

When things are going wrong in our lives, we can either get angry and fight  God, or we can take a step back and get right with God. We may become angry with God when we believe we are doing exactly what we should be doing but are not seeing the results. It is in those instances when we believe we are doing what He wants that we blame God, if we are unable to blame others. The Psalmist encourages us to take a different path. We should consider whether we are operating according to principles or according to the truth that God has shared with us. We should check the condition of our hearts and not just focus on what we are doing, for God focuses on our heart condition (1 Samuel 16:7). We should remember that God desires obedience (to listen intently to Him) rather than sacrifice to earn his love. Put another way, we should let the anger we feel lead us towards introspection. When we look within, we find answers, but when we look outside, we only find justifiable excuses that do not move us forward in life.

I will use my anger as a catalyst for spiritual growth












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Daily Devotional: August 16 – A Thousand Decisions

The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of coins of gold and silver – Psalm 119:72

We make thousands of decisions daily – some seemingly inconsequential while others have immediate consequences. How do we know we are making the right decisions? Sometimes a decision to take one street versus another, or to take one highway versus another, can be the difference between life and death. Wouldn’t it be nice if someone who sees the past, present and future could make the right decisions on our behalf? Thankfully, we have the Holy Spirit who can help us. Everything that comes out of His mouth becomes law – it is final and unshakeable – so we can trust in it and act on it. The quality of our lives ultimately depends on the quality of the decisions we make. There is not better decision maker than God…so why not follow His decisions. While a thousand coins of gold and silver can quickly disappear, what comes from the mouth of God stands the test of time. It is time to make the quality decision of relying on the word of God.

I will test all decisions with God












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Daily Devotional: August 15 – Fall Forward

It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes – Psalm 119:71

The psalmist reveals his spiritual maturity when he says that it is good that he has been afflicted. He understood that sometimes, the pain we experience in life is a message. God wants us to learn through scripture instead of learning through our life experiences – we know this because the bible tells us that all scripture is profitable for correction and instruction (1 Tim 3:16). Learning from His word costs us nothing but learning from learning from experiences can be painful. We get ourselves into a lot of trouble by choosing to be ignorant of the word of God and by choosing to be prideful. The Psalmist reveals here that sometimes; afflictions are signposts that we have strayed from the statutes of God. When we see things going pear-shaped, rather than looking around to point the finger of blame, we should ask ourselves if we have strayed from godly principles in some way. In that way, the afflictions we go through are not wasted but help us in the long run.

I will not suffer in vain but will allow my suffering to lead to repentance












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Daily Devotional: August 14 – The Greater Good

You are good, and do good; teach me Your statutes – Psalm 119:68

We cannot expect a lion to behave as an Octopus or a snake to behave as a dog even if they promise it – it is simply not in their nature. Similarly, it is unnatural for God to do anything but good because He is good – it is who He is. We may not always understand how those things God does is good given our short-term view, limited perspective, and inadequate understanding, but we should settle it in our heart that whatever He is doing is ultimately for the greater good. An example to illustrate this is in the medical field: If a finger must be cut off to halt the spread of gangrene, it is for the greater good of saving the hand. Yes, nobody likes that the finger is forever lost, but it is better that the finger is lost than for the person to lose their life! Similarly, we must take into consideration the greater good when we make decisions. We cannot be so swayed by the emotion of a single moment or incident that we allow it to cause us to make a decision that is against the will of God in the long-term. Friend, do not allow a temporary situation to cause you to make a permanent decision that is against the will of God. Consider the greater good.

I will consider the long-term impact of my decision before I do anything












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Daily Devotional: August 13 – Painful Ignorance

Before I was afflicted, I went astray, but now I keep Your word – Psalm 119:67

If we go astray from the word of God, we will get afflicted in the world of man! By this, we see that ignorance of the word of God not bliss, for if we do not know the word of God, we cannot do it. When it comes to the word of God, ignorance leads to affliction. There are too many good people who are afflicted not because they are not ‘nice’ people, but because they simply do not know or understand God’s ways. They are afflicted because they have chosen not to meditate on the word of God. They try so hard, trying things in their own strength, but it all comes to nothing! We can save ourselves from a lot of headaches and heartaches simply by spending time in His word. His words are a sure anchor and guide for our soul. Failure to do so leaves us open to making major mistakes and suffering. Let the word of God be the foundation on which you build you life. Now, if you know the word of God, keep it, for there are many blessings in keeping His word.

I will no longer let ignorance be the source of wreckage in my life












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Daily Devotional: August 12 – Good Companion

am a companion of all who fear You, and of those who keep Your precepts – Psalm 119:63

We have heard that bad company corrupts good habits. We have heard that our network determines our net worth. So, let me ask you – with whom are you hanging around? Who are your companions? If you hang around fools, you will behave foolishly. If you walk with the wise, you will likely behave wisely. The person you will hang around with the most is your spouse. Therefore, it is important that you choose a partner who truly respects God and obeys His commandments. A person who truly fears God has a bright future and will be successful (see Psalm 112). On the other hand, a person who simply pretends to fear God will not be successful. Choose to be a person who fears God and delights in what He says to you. Your success in life has little to do with how many times you pray, go to church, speak in tongues, or play worship music around your house. It is only those who love the Lord and therefore keep His commandments that prosper. Therefore, let those who keep His commandments be your companions.

I will have to choose my partners wisely if I want it to be well with me and my family












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