"The God Pause Daily Devotional" from The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Tuesday, 31 January 2017 with Scripture Psalm 112:1-9(10)

"The God Pause Daily Devotional" from The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Tuesday, 31 January 2017 with Scripture Psalm 112:1-9(10)
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Psalm 112:1

 Halleluyah!

How happy is anyone who fears Adonai,

who greatly delights in his mitzvot.

2 His descendants will be powerful on earth,

a blessed generation of upright people.

3 Wealth and riches are in his house,

and his righteousness stands forever.

4 To the upright he shines like a light in the dark,

merciful, compassionate and righteous.

5 Things go well with the person who is merciful and lends,

who conducts his affairs with fairness;

6 for he will never be moved.

The righteous will be remembered forever.

7 He will not be frightened by bad news;

he remains steady, trusting in Adonai.

8 His heart is set firm, he will not be afraid,

till finally he looks in triumph at his enemies.

9 He distributes freely, he gives to the poor;

his righteousness stands forever.

His power will be increased honorably.

10 The wicked will be angry when they see this;

they will gnash their teeth and waste away,

the desires of the wicked will come to nothing.

[Complete Jewish Bible]
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I love books and movies about good versus evil. Especially when good wins out and evil is sent packing. That's probably why I like Psalm 112 so much. The psalmist is inviting us into the reality of lived faith that focuses on giving oneself for the sake of the other. Not only does this calling provide hope and relief for the poor and oppressed but it also takes care of evil, and sends it packing.

Do you realize the power that you have when you live out the calling God has given you? The psalm today reminds us of that power--power to change lives and power to change the world. When you live a life that tends to the needs of the broken, hurting, alienated and afflicted, God is served and God is found. And, even better, such living strips evil of its power and leaves it with nothing. Nothing at all and it melts away.

God of refuge and strength, agitate us to service for the other and a life that embodies your presence among us. Give us energy when we are weary and remind us that you go with us in the work you call us to do. Amen.

Justin A Grimm, '05

Director for Evangelical Mission and Assistant to the Bishop for Next Generation Ministries, Saint Paul Area Synod 

Psalm 112:1 Praise the Lord! Happy are those who fear the Lord, who greatly delight in his commandments.

2 Their descendants will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.

3 Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever.

4 They rise in the darkness as a light for the upright; they are gracious, merciful, and righteous.

5 It is well with those who deal generously and lend, who conduct their affairs with justice.

6 For the righteous will never be moved; they will be remembered forever.

7 They are not afraid of evil tidings; their hearts are firm, secure in the Lord.

8 Their hearts are steady, they will not be afraid; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.

9 They have distributed freely, they have given to the poor; their righteousness endures forever; their horn is exalted in honor.

10 The wicked see it and are angry; they gnash their teeth and melt away; the desire of the wicked comes to nothing.

[New Revised Standard Version]
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