God of Justice and Order, one thing all people need to remember is that the wicked and selfish will get the justice they deserve. It sometimes seems as though You ignore the deeds of evil and haughty people, but in my heart I know that Your judgement will befall them because You are patiently waiting for sinners to repent … but Your judgement will come. What I decide today will determine my future. I cannot trust in the prosperity and promises made to me by the world instead of You. If I do, You will find a way to destroy my prosperity and the earthly things I hold dear. Whenever I trust my job, the economy, a political party, or military might for my security, I put You in the back seat. Money is a device used by the enemy to draw me into sins of pride and selfishness. It is strange that the use of money – a gift from You – to acquire things I need can be used as a tool to separate me from You.
It is a shame that I spend time trying to please myself and ignore time with You. I must never forget that the blessings You shower on me are also meant to benefit others and further the work of Your Kingdom and not fulfill my fleshly desires. When I abuse the gifts You give, I miss out on the real reason that You gave them to me. Often pride is the character flaw which pushes me in the direction of sin. When I treat Your gifts selfishly, I am being short-sighted and will reap the consequences of acting the way I did. I thank You for giving me a helper (the Holy Spirit) who works with me to see the evil that lurks in the darkness waiting to snare me. I must not spend much time thinking about how Your gifts will benefit me so I lose sight of the One who is sending them. You are awesome, know all things and are morally perfect. Acknowledging these things guide me into submission and honoring You with my service.
If I follow the ways of the world and become conformed to its philosophies and ways, I know I will have to face Your judgement. When I allow myself to drift away from You, my life becomes barren and unfulfilled. When I stay close to You, You become my sanctuary and place of refuge. What I need is an undivided heart and a spirit that is akin to You. I live among a rebellious people who have eyes to see who You are and ears to hear the words of life that You speak, but they do not see and do not want to hear. Open my eyes, Lord, so I see Your truth as it applies to me and open my ears so I can understand Your ways. There is no one like You who cares for me to whom I owe my love and devotion. Your strength undergirds Your goodness and Your unconditional love ingratiates You to all who follow You. This is why I want to walk in Your way. And it’s in Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN!!
Colossians 3:9-10 Do not lie to each other, since You have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self which is being renewed in the knowledge in the image of your Creator.