Daily Reading: 2 Chronicles 8
Then Solomon offered up burnt offerings to the Lord on the altar of the Lord that he had built before the vestibule, as the duty of each day required (2 Chronicles 8.12-13a)
Devotional Thought: My daughter, Emily, recently sent us a picture of our grandson Wade. In that moment I was glad that he was in South Carolina and I was in Ohio. Why? Let's just say, he needed some attention. Pampers can only hold so much! God gives babies to the young because they have the energy to deal with that kind of thing! Being a parent comes along with expectations, duties. Changing messy diapers is just one of them. My daughters and sons-in-law are doing their best to fulfill these duties - so I can be a grandparent and spoil them!
Solomon knew that being a follower of God came along with expectations. He fulfilled "the duty of each day" as he offered the burnt offerings to the Lord.
We have duties, too. They come in several categories:
Things we do just because they are ours to do. I do my own homework, clean my own house, and take out my own trash. I even brush my own teeth! Why? Because my neighbor certainly won't (or shouldn't) do these for me! Spiritually, I pray my own prayers, read the Bible for myself, and show the love of Christ personally.
Things that are cast upon us by situation. These are the things I mentioned above. If we don't do those things, we hurt those counting on us. Or if it's by "situation" then we could jeopardize our jobs and lose our friends!
Things placed on us by God. Some of those are very specific and personal as when God calls us to a certain ministry in our church. Others can be general: it's a job that needs done, and someone needs to do it.
Are you fulfilling your duties as a Christian?
Prayer: Lord, help me not to shy away from the word duty or to shirk my responsibilities to you, to myself, to others, and to the church. When you return, O Lord, I want to hear those words, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of the Lord!" Amen.
Psalm of the Day: Psalm 62:5-12
5 For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.
6 He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
7 On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God.
8 Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah
9 Those of low estate are but a breath; those of high estate are a delusion; in the balances they go up; they are together lighter than a breath.
10 Put no trust in extortion; set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, set not your heart on them.
11 Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God,
12 and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love. For you will render to a man according to his work.
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