Wednesday, October 31

Psalm 66:16-20

Come and hear, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me. I cried out to him with my mouth; his praise was on my tongue. If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; but God has surely listened and has heard my prayer. Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!

Devotional:

Proverbs 1:7 reveals to us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. With knowledge from God, one is able to comprehend His goodness, love, and kindness. The psalmist here is proclaiming (to the ones who have knowledge of God) the nature of his relationship with God. He explains God’s acceptance of his praise and worship. He says how he understands God’s standards (when it comes to sin). Knowing he is sinful, he is grateful. The psalmist notes God’s love and mercy towards him and the grace accorded him through the acceptance of his worship.

In life, we will fail (for we are sinners), but we shouldn’t cherish sin or allow it to be a stumbling block in the way of our worship. Instead, we should turn (again and again) to God, striving to present ourselves to God with a pure heart. He will hear us, receive us, forgive us, and purify us (1 John 1:9)… for He loves us.

 

O’Neal Nyanje

Today’s challenge: examine your life, confess any areas of sin, be cleansed/purified, and enjoy the gift of relationship with God today by praying with someone you have never prayed with before.