“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1, NLT)
When we’ve lost our way, it helps to return to the beginning; the starting point; the original idea.
In explaining the origin of all that we are and all that we see, the writer of Genesis puts God at the starting point.
We may regret days of our past — and the decisions made there — but today is a new day!
As you begin it, remember: With God, all things are possible. – Luther
“King Balak flew into a rage against Balaam. He angrily clapped his hands and shouted, ‘I called you to curse my enemies! Instead, you have blessed them three times. Now get out of here! Go back home! I promised to reward you richly, but the LORD has kept you from your reward.’” (Numbers 24:10-11, NLT)
There are times when obedience to God provokes the anger of powerful people. Such is the case in today’s scripture reading. King Balak “hired” Balaam for a job that Balaam could not perform and remain obedient to God.
Are we convinced that the gifts of our heavenly Father are superior to any rewards offered by others? Do we value the approval of our God above the accolades of kings of this world?
It is a rare man or woman who cannot be bossed; and cannot be bought by the “kings” of this world. Are you one of them? – Luther
(Note: The scripture above is a small portion of an account that, if read in full, will provide a more complete picture of the situation involving Balak and Balaam. To read the whole story, begin with Numbers 22 and read through the end of Chapter 24.)
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10, NIV)
We frequently refer to David, who wrote Psalm 51, as “a man after God’s own heart”; but David was a world-class sinner: Lying, adultery, and murder were a few of his notorious misdeeds.
Yes, David was focused like a laser beam on pleasing God — when he wasn’t distracted. But when David found himself in the wrong, he always repented of his sin and ran the path of righteousness as one runs to make up for lost time.
By way of illustration (not by imitation), it is said that we can sin like David — if we are willing to repent like David. David’s prayer of repentance was a plea for a clean heart; a pure heart; a heart that is unalloyed in its devotion to God.
David also prayed for a steadfast spirit. Proverbs tells us: “Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.” (Proverbs 16:32) A steadfast spirit will keep us free of many of the heartaches of life.
Today, as we remember the fact that from dust we came and to dust we shall return; redeem every day for good — and give God the glory! – Luther
Daily Encouragement 