Quiet Devotions is a daily devotion based on one of the readings from the Daily Lectionary (as it appears in the back of Evangelical Lutheran Worship, Augsburg Fortress, 2006). All biblical quotes are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) unless otherwise noted. May these devotions help bring you in closer relationship with the Triune God.

Friday, May 25, 2012

Year B, Pentecost Friday


Inspired by Psalm 33:12-22

“A king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength.  The war horse is a vain hope for victory, and by its great might it cannot save.”  Psalm 33:16-17

We have many resources at our disposal.  Some of us have great wealth, some of us have great physical strength, some of us have a keen intellect, and some of us have an ability to connect with people well.  Some of us have elements of all those things; some of us have other resources and abilities entirely.  But none of us can save ourselves, and all of our earthly resources will fail us when we need them most.

All that we have is from God, and he gave us what we have so that we can live according to his will in the world that he created.  All that we are is from God, and he made us who we are because he loves us, and we have an important role to play in his creation and in his kingdom.

Whatever challenges we may meet, whatever trials we may face, we are encouraged to use whatever gifts God has given us to stand firm in his word.  But remember that our deliverance is from God, not from ‘our’ resources, and his grace and mercy will not fail us when we need him.

Let us pray.  Omnipotent God, your steadfast love endures forever.  Turn our heart toward you, that we may recognize your grace in all that we have.  Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

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