The Daily Fountain Daily Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 20 June 2019 – Practical Christianity

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TOPIC: Practical Christianity

READ: Psalms 16:1-11 King James Version (KJV)

1. Preserve me, O God, for in You I put my trust.
2. O my soul, you have said to the Lord , “You are my Lord, My goodness is nothing apart from You.”
3. As for the saints who are on the earth, “They are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.”
4. Their sorrows shall be multiplied who hasten after another god; Their drink offerings of blood I will not offer, Nor take up their names on my lips.
5. O Lord , You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You maintain my lot.
6. The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; Yes, I have a good inheritance.
7. I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel; My heart also instructs me in the night seasons.
8. I have set the Lord always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.
9. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will rest in hope.
10. For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.
11. You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

THE MESSAGE:

The text begins with, Preserve me, O God; for in you I put my trust. This psalm of David may have been written in time of trouble as the first verse suggests. It may, on the other hand, be a joyful expression of a man who is confident in casting all his cares upon the Lord because He cares.

Trust in God is the highest honour you can do Him and safest refuge you can take. David is careful to acknowledge that his very best all of his goodness – is from God. David also delighted himself in the company of God’s people (verse 3). In verses 4 – 6, he contrasts the folly of idolatry with the blessing of honouring the Lord.

In following God, one may experience temporary hardships (with good endings), but following after other gods brings multiplication of sorrows all through. So for David, it is God or nothing. What about you?

David shows example of what it takes to be a practical Christian: he loves and trusts God, hates idolatry, is comfortable in the company of believers (even if they are of other denominations). Are you like David? If so thank God, If not learn from Him.

PRAYER: Pray that the Spirit of God in you helps you to live a practical Christian life – loving God, His work and the brethren.