We hope this week's devotional will encourage you in your spiritual walk. You are welcome to share this and include it in your church newsletters if you wish; we just ask that you please give credit to NTC and the author. Thank you!
Psalm 111
1 Praise the Lord!
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart,
in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
2 Great are the works of the Lord,
studied by all who delight in them.
3 Full of honor and majesty is his work,
and his righteousness endures forever.
4 He has gained renown by his wonderful deeds;
the Lord is gracious and merciful.
5 He provides food for those who fear him;
he is ever mindful of his covenant.
6 He has shown his people the power of his works,
in giving them the heritage of the nations.
7 The works of his hands are faithful and just;
all his precepts are trustworthy.
8 They are established forever and ever,
to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
9 He sent redemption to his people;
he has commanded his covenant forever.
Holy and awesome is his name.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever.
Devotional Thought:
How often do we give praise to God? How often do we acknowledge God’s greatness? When was the last time we remembered God’s grace and mercy towards us and gave God thanks for these things?
As Christians, we are called to a life of praise—not just on Sundays but every day. Our praise for God is grounded in our trust in God, which is grounded in our relationship with God. There will be times when it is easy to give God praise, where the praises well up within and naturally pour out of us. Other times it will be hard, and all we may have to offer are cries of lament. Yet, like the psalmists, we are invited to be real with God, both in our lament and in our praise. God doesn’t need our fancy or empty words; God simply desires genuineness and out of this we will find love, acceptance, worth, and our truest identity as children of God.
Prayer:
Gracious God, we desire to praise you with our whole lives. Fill us with your Spirit and open our eyes to see your wonders; open our mouths to pour forth thanks; open our hands to give generously to those in need around us; and may you be praised through all these things. You are indeed worthy of our praises. Amen.
Rev. Dr. Rob A. Fringer
NTC Principal