Devotion:
For an audio version of this devotion, click here.
Read Psalm 103:1-14.
I was at a conference of pastors around thirty years ago when one of our leaders began a session by reciting at least five verses (and maybe all the way to verse twelve) from memory. While I had read (and heard read) this Psalm many times before, his recitation of it that day had a lasting impact on me. I have always loved Psalm 23 and always will, but these fourteen verses have equally become my favorites among all of the Psalms.
They beautifully describe the justifying grace of God; especially verses 8-12. We can certainly all shout “Thank God!” to verse ten: “...he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.” I invite you to reflect in two ways on this whole passage today, especially that verse. First, reflect on your own life and offer thanks to God for this undeserved gift. Second, think about how you can be more intentional in offering this grace to other people, so that you do not “treat them as their sins deserve or repay them according to their iniquities.”
May it be that you and I become more grace-full people, letting God “fill us up” with it and continually sharing it with every person we can.
Personal Worship Option:
There is a section in our United Methodist Hymnal that focuses on “Prevenient, Justifying and Sanctifying Grace.” It is 200 pages long. Julia Johnston wrote the words to one of those songs in 1911. Here is the chorus that fits with the words of the Psalmist today.
“Grace, grace, God’s grace; grace that will pardon and cleanse within. Grace, grace, God’s grace; grace that is greater than all our sin!” Thank God!
No comments:
Post a Comment