Devotional for July 26

Better than fine Gold

7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. Psalm 19:7-11 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Love is a many splendid thing. Love is the ultimate motivator. The love of parents, the love of children, the love of family, the love of friends, and the love of God are the common needs of every heart. Such loves constrain us, define us, and sustain us. Without any of these essential loves we are forced to substitute lesser things. Set an idol on the throne of the heart and the whole life will suffer desolation from the abomination. No amount of money, sex, drugs, or any other flavor of rock and roll will make up for a lack of love for and from God and other people. The will to love others is like a power switch that completes the circuit. The boundaries of the narrow way are easily identified by the love.  Choose to make God your first love and it will flow out through you to others. (Matthew 22:36-40; Jeremiah 17:10; Matthew 6:19-24; Colossians 3:2-7; Hebrews 13:5; 1 John 2:16; Ecclesiastes 5:10; Luke 12:15; 1 Timothy 6:6-10; 2 Timothy 3:1-7; Matthew 24:15; Luke 12:16-21; Psalm 100:4, 92:1-2, 18:1-3; 2 Timothy 1:7; 1 Peter 4:7-10; 1 Corinthians 13:13; 1 John 5:20-21)