Dear Daily Message Readers,
READ: Psalm 115
Psalm 115:2 (NIV) "Why do the nations say, 'Where is their God?'"
Let me ask you something: Have you ever been in the presence of greatness? Perhaps you shook the hand of a political figure. Maybe you got close to a famous athlete for an autograph outside of the playing field (I know I have!). Or perhaps you may have had an unexpected chance to sit and talk with a prominent figure about current issues while waiting for a plane.
Regardless of the situation, to be near such popularity and prestige can almost astound you. You have seen them on TV or read about them in the newspaper, but now you are in their presence, even if it is only for a little! It might even make you feel better or tingly.
In reality, though, these encounters shouldnt make you feel any better or warm inside. No offense to the most powerful political candidate, no hard feelings to the world's top athletes, and no smearing to the world's most prestigious actors, but they are all simply people just like us. Granted, they may have done something great in recent history, but at the center of it all they are just like you and me. You see, in God's eyes they are sinners who need the grace of the only Jesus Christ (Romans 3:23). And only He is worthy to be called great, mighty, and everlasting.
This is exactly the message the psalmist writing in Psalm 115 wanted to get across. Instead of worshipping, idolizing, or focusing on great people and material possessions, we must look to heaven, where God Himself lives (115:3). While others may bow down and worship what they have constructed with their own hands or the most popular people, our allegiance should reside no other place than in God's promises for our lives (115:4-7).
Moreover, if we take the Bible as our guide, we worship the one true God who is the holy, eternal, almighty, infinitely wise, who abhors sin and yet forgives on the basis of the sacrifice of His Son on Calvary. This one true and living God is the God who can assure us of life forever in heaven.
Isaiah wrote, "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom" (40:28). Let's make it our prayer to make God the number one focus of our life and adoration. Faith Lesson: Psalm 119:93 I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life.
In Christ,
Darin Smith
READ: Psalm 115
Psalm 115:2 (NIV) "Why do the nations say, 'Where is their God?'"
Let me ask you something: Have you ever been in the presence of greatness? Perhaps you shook the hand of a political figure. Maybe you got close to a famous athlete for an autograph outside of the playing field (I know I have!). Or perhaps you may have had an unexpected chance to sit and talk with a prominent figure about current issues while waiting for a plane.
Regardless of the situation, to be near such popularity and prestige can almost astound you. You have seen them on TV or read about them in the newspaper, but now you are in their presence, even if it is only for a little! It might even make you feel better or tingly.
In reality, though, these encounters shouldnt make you feel any better or warm inside. No offense to the most powerful political candidate, no hard feelings to the world's top athletes, and no smearing to the world's most prestigious actors, but they are all simply people just like us. Granted, they may have done something great in recent history, but at the center of it all they are just like you and me. You see, in God's eyes they are sinners who need the grace of the only Jesus Christ (Romans 3:23). And only He is worthy to be called great, mighty, and everlasting.
This is exactly the message the psalmist writing in Psalm 115 wanted to get across. Instead of worshipping, idolizing, or focusing on great people and material possessions, we must look to heaven, where God Himself lives (115:3). While others may bow down and worship what they have constructed with their own hands or the most popular people, our allegiance should reside no other place than in God's promises for our lives (115:4-7).
Moreover, if we take the Bible as our guide, we worship the one true God who is the holy, eternal, almighty, infinitely wise, who abhors sin and yet forgives on the basis of the sacrifice of His Son on Calvary. This one true and living God is the God who can assure us of life forever in heaven.
Isaiah wrote, "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom" (40:28). Let's make it our prayer to make God the number one focus of our life and adoration. Faith Lesson: Psalm 119:93 I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life.
In Christ,
Darin Smith
