Devotional - July 16, 2025

Scripture: Psalm 25: 8 Good and upright is the LORD, therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.

For some reason, we relate righteousness with being rigid.  We equate it with someone who is stern, judgmental and accusing others of their sins.  Actually, that kind of behavior is opposite of what God holds as righteous.  Jesus made it clear, He came into the world, not to condemn, but to save (John 3:17).  He spent all of His time teaching, modelling, and providing for people.  He did this so they could experience the righteousness of God first hand and turn to God for salvation.  The same is true for you and I.  It's God's uprightness that provides the grace and mercy we need to be the people of God and to learn and grow in the ways of God.  When you get down to it, when you go deep into your soul where only you and God reside, we like Paul can easily admit we are saved by grace (Eph 2: 8-9).  That is how God operates, but what about you?  Do you feel being gracious or merciful is upright?  You probably don't.  Most people equate it with being a doormat.  If being a doormat is the way you show grace and mercy, then I have news for you, that's not how you show grace and mercy.  You can forgo getting revenge on others, but still uphold your rights as a person.  You can teach and correct people without judging them.  How you ask?  Because in your heart, you love them.  You see them in their waywardness, often acting like fools, and it's sad.  Evil blinds people to it's effects.  Not just others, but also us too.  Let us always be joyous that God does not judge us according to our sin (Ps 103:10), but instead continues to instruct us, rejoicing in our progress (Luke 1:7).

Pray with me..., Holy God we rejoice that You are our God.  The Living God who instructs us and loves us.  Who abides with us each day, even when others don't.  Hear us as we pray for those we love, family and friends.  We ask Your blessing upon them.  We ask Your blessing on our church, help us to be the people You call us to be in Jesus' name, Amen.

God's peace,

Pastor Brian