Reflecting God’s Devotions for Holy Living – Friday, 3 January 2014 “Settling for Too Little” Scripture Psalm 119

Reflecting God’s Devotions for Holy Living – Friday, 3 January 2014 “Settling for Too Little” Scripture Psalm 119: ⁴⁹ Remember your word to your servant,
    in which you have made me hope.
⁵⁰ This is my comfort in my distress,
    that your promise gives me life.
⁵¹ The arrogant utterly deride me,
    but I do not turn away from your law.
⁵² When I think of your ordinances from of old,
    I take comfort, O Lord.
⁵³ Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked,
    those who forsake your law.
⁵⁴ Your statutes have been my songs
    wherever I make my home.
⁵⁵ I remember your name in the night, O Lord,
    and keep your law.
⁵⁶ This blessing has fallen to me,
    for I have kept your precepts.

⁵⁷ The Lord is my portion;
    I promise to keep your words.
⁵⁸ I implore your favor with all my heart;
    be gracious to me according to your promise.
⁵⁹ When I think of your ways,
    I turn my feet to your decrees;
⁶⁰ I hurry and do not delay
    to keep your commandments.
⁶¹ Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me,
    I do not forget your law.
⁶² At midnight I rise to praise you,
    because of your righteous ordinances.
⁶³ I am a companion of all who fear you,
    of those who keep your precepts.
⁶⁴ The earth, O Lord, is full of your steadfast love;
    teach me your statutes.

“Settling for Too Little” by Janine Metcalf

It took close to a decade for me to be promoted to an anchor/reporter position for KNBC TV in Los Angeles. I’ll never forget wrapping up a newscast and walking down the hall to the vacant Tonight Show set. She sat in Johnny Carson’s chair. “At last, I had arrived!” Still, for all the money and accolades, something wasn’t right. She was temporally rich but eternally poor!

A few years later, only after she “considered [her] ways” and submitted to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, did her life assume true meaning. With David, I turned my steps away from selfish gain and began to pursue God’s Kingdom.

This shift toward God makes all the difference. First, we gain an ability to see. Moses could lead Israel out of Egypt because he “was looking ahead to his reward” and “he saw him who is invisible”(Hebrew 11:26). Secondly, we gain a faith to believe. Like the father who came to Christ seeking healing for his demon-possessed son, we need to proclaim, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24).

Stop and consider how God’s grace has sustained us in every ordeal. And He promises immeasurably more if we will stay in step with His Spirit and statutes.

Hymn for Today:

“I Surrender All” by W. Van DeVenter

1. All to Jesus I surrender,

All to Him I freely give;

I will ever love and trust Him,

In His presence daily live.

Refrain:

I surrender all, I surrender all;

All to Thee, my blessed Savior,

I surrender all.

2. All to Jesus I surrender,

Make my, Savior, wholly Thine;

Let me feel Thy Holy Spirit,

Truly know that Thou art mine.

Refrain:

I surrender all, I surrender all;

All to Thee, my blessed Savior,

I surrender all.

3. All to Jesus I surrender,

Lord, I give myself to Thee;

Fill me with Thy love and power,

Let Thy blessing fall on me.

Refrain:

I surrender all, I surrender all;

All to Thee, my blessed Savior,

I surrender all.

Thought for Today:

“We are like ignorant children who go on making mud pies in a slum because we can’t imagine God’s offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased. We settle for so little.”(C. S. Lewis).

Prayer Needs:

Developing Christian leaders in Ireland.

-------

WordAction Publishing Company

2923 Troost Avenue

Kansas City, MO 64109

-------