Reading: Psalm 85-87

QUESTIONS
  • Psalm 85: Many times I think we do not deserve to have God relent from His wrath. America seems so deserving of punishment for unfaithfulness to the Lord. But God is gracious. Perhaps He has been showing us mercy and grace all along! Take some time to pray for God’s people and for our country.
  • Psalm 86: Verse 5 says, “For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.” How has God shown you forgiveness? steadfast love? Thank Him today!
  • Psalm 87: God says that glorious things are spoken of certain cities in the Bible. Sam Shoemaker was quoted in Time Magazine in 1955, “I have a vision that Pittsburgh will one day be as famous for God as it is today for steel.” What would it take for Pittsburgh or even the North Hills to be gloriously spoken of by the Lord?
DEVOTION

Psalms 85 – 87 reminds me that the Lord is the one that restores me when I turn from the captivity of my sinfulness.  When I am caught in a cycle of putting other things before spending time with you oh God, You gently call me back to Yourself.  When I return to You, it is like the prodigal son returning to the Father.  You rejoice when You see me coming and run out to meet me.  You hold a party in my honor. 

Why do I stay away so long?  Why do I forget where it is that I am made to be? The only good that comes from my staying away from You is the hollow feeling that comes from it. That makes me realize where it is that I belong.  Where my home is.  It is with You!

Though I deserve death and separation, You look at the sacrifice that Your Son Jesus made on my behalf.  He gives me His righteousness and so You see me as Your child.  You are so full of grace that You accept me because of Jesus.

Dear Lord, Help me to live in Your Presence. Help me to daily rejoice in Your love for me.  Help me to overflow with my love for you so that it spills out to the world around me.  May Your love for me fuel my love for those I meet.  Help me to see them as You see them.  You have made us and You love us.  May I see Your image in all the world and in the people around me. May I be like there is a Spring of Living Water inside me that flows out to the world.  May I be an instrument for Your Glory.  Amen.

– Andy Kish