Don't be distracted

Our Daily Bread
I like to think that I am a dedicated Christian.  I go to church, sing in the choir, give money, volunteer, attend Bible study, etc.  Aren't those activities the right ones for a dedicated Christian?  It is easy to justify ourselves AND judge those around us.

I forgot about the passage where Jesus talked to Peter about his question "What about him?".  Most humans have this "equity " or "fairness" component built in.  Jesus addresses it in several parables.  He also told Peter "What is that to you?  You follow me".  The next time we look at another Christian and ask God "What about him?" or "What about her?", remember the words of Jesus: "What is that to you?  You follow me.".  Yes, Lord, we follow thee.

Lord, thank you for the privilege of following you.  Please help focus on following you instead of looking around at others in a judgmental way!

Psalm Sunday
Psalm 76 is a wonderfully worded praise psalm about the greatness of God.  Yes, the language is outdated for today's culture.  It does express the greatness of God in an ancient way that still tells us his greatness today!


Psalm 76

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of Asaph. A song.

1 God is renowned in Judah;
    in Israel his name is great.
2 His tent is in Salem,
    his dwelling place in Zion.
3 There he broke the flashing arrows,
    the shields and the swords, the weapons of war.
4 You are radiant with light,
    more majestic than mountains rich with game.
5 The valiant lie plundered,
    they sleep their last sleep;
not one of the warriors
    can lift his hands.
6 At your rebuke, God of Jacob,
    both horse and chariot lie still.
7 It is you alone who are to be feared.
    Who can stand before you when you are angry?
8 From heaven you pronounced judgment,
    and the land feared and was quiet—
9 when you, God, rose up to judge,
    to save all the afflicted of the land.
10 Surely your wrath against mankind brings you praise,
    and the survivors of your wrath are restrained.
11 Make vows to the Lord your God and fulfill them;
    let all the neighboring lands
    bring gifts to the One to be feared.
12 He breaks the spirit of rulers;
    he is feared by the kings of the earth.


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Trusting God’s faithfulness dispels our fearfulness. - Our Daily Bread web site