Nov 8 Daily Rhythms

Morning
Psa. 37:23  -26 

The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand. I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread. He is ever lending generously, and his children become a blessing.

It is difficult to live. It is especially difficult to live well. To live an open hearted, inviting, whole life is a rarity. But when we fall we are not cast headlong. We are upheld by the Lord. Pray that today you will live well. And that you will feel him upholding you. (Pray that I will too).

Afternoon
Psa. 37:27-33   

Turn away from evil and do good; so shall you dwell forever. For the LORD loves justice; he will not forsake his saints. They are preserved forever, but the children of the wicked shall be cut off. The righteous shall inherit the land and dwell upon it forever. The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice. The law of his God is in his heart; his steps do not slip. The wicked watches for the righteous and seeks to put him to death. The LORD will not abandon him to his power or let him be condemned when he is brought to trial.

In a sanitized culture we clean up evil. We hide it. The apogee of wickedness and evil are the deepest tendency of your heart and mine to turn away from its maker. The Heart of the lord is for those who seek to turn toward him by Christ’s power and grace. Turn now, today toward him. Recognizing your need, allow him to have more and more of your self.

Evening
Psa. 37:34 -40  

Wait for the LORD and keep his way, and he will exalt you to inherit the land; you will look on when the wicked are cut off. I have seen a wicked, ruthless man, spreading himself like a green laurel tree. But he passed away, and behold, he was no more; though I sought him, he could not be found. Mark the blameless and behold the upright, for there is a future for the man of peace. But transgressors shall be altogether destroyed; the future of the wicked shall be cut off. The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; he is their stronghold in the time of trouble. The LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.

The Salvation of the righteous is FROM THE LORD. We must stop thinking the righteous are saved because they are righteous. They are saved because God saves them. As you lie down tonight to rest, consider this: If you are in Christ, God alone has chosen to rescue you. You have been placed in a secure place. You are loved, and welcome. You are made righteous. You are powerless. But the lover of your soul has all authority in heaven and on earth.