Pastor’s Bible Reading Schedule: Psalm 13-15; Acts 11
Devotional Thought:
Psalm 14:1 literally reads in the Hebrew, “The fool hath said, no God for me!” It is so tragic to see the humanism of our society and the growing independence away from the gospel and the word of God. When we read the documents, speeches, and foundational principles of our founding fathers, we are bombarded by their constant dependence upon the Almighty. They realized the task of birthing a new nation was beyond their ability and they needed the grace, wisdom, and strength that only God could provide. They were also completely convinced that only God could bless a nation and make it strong and prosperous. It saddens my heart to say our nation is more and more being run by fools. Our government officials, corporate heads, and athletes’ give very little thought to the fact that the only person who can bless their efforts is God. “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.” (vs. 1) In Psalm 10, we saw the arrogant attitude of the wicked, and in Psalm 12 we are taught about their deceptive words. Here in chapter 14 we are taught about their corrupt behavior. In verse two and three the conclusion is bleak, “The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.” The foolish man is not ignorant of the truths of God’s word, but he willfully ignores them. He doesn’t believe that he needs them. He operates as if God’s will is just an option to be considered, but that it is just not necessary. The foolish man is not ignorant of his selfishness, but he willfully pursues it. He willfully takes advantage of the weak and the poor. David brings out, under inspiration, a tremendous question, “What will the fool do the day they meet the One they willfully ignored?” Every person will stand before God and give an account. The fool will stand before God at the Great White Throne judgment and be sentenced to an eternity in the lake of fire where there is no stability, security, salvation, or snickering. The fool will acknowledge, one day, that there was indeed a God for him, but he rejected Him. What a responsibility for Christians to live in a way that reflects, not only the existence of God, but a dependence upon Him.
Personal
• Lord, please help me to be an example of complete dependence upon you. May those who see my life be convinced of my love for you and of my need for you.
• Lord, thank you for defending me against the fool. I am thankful that you are the refuge, fortress, and strength for the child of God. Please remind me that you are the only One who can bless my efforts and may I live so you are free to bless.