Devo July 31 Psalm 20

1 May the LORD answer you when you are in distress;
may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
2 May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from
Zion.
3 May he remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings.
4 May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans
succeed.
5 May we shout for joy over your victory and lift up our banners in the
name of our God. May the LORD grant all your requests.
6 Now this I know: The LORD gives victory to his anointed. He answers
him from his heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of his right
hand.
7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of
the LORD our God.
8 They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.
9 LORD, give victory to the king! Answer us when we call!

Meditation
1. David’s trust in God rather than chariots (v7) is expressed in his
conviction that blessing comes from God. We who share David’s
belief will express our best wishes for others in prayers like his.
2. Think of one person that may need this prayer. Pray this psalm for
that person. You may rephrase it to suit his/her situation. You may
also write it down and send a note to let him/her know you are praying
for him/her.

What do I really trust in?  I trust in God's providence and protection!

Devo July 24 Psalm 14

Chapter 14
1 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”
They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.
2 The LORD looks down from heaven on all mankind
to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.
3 All have turned away, all have become corrupt;
there is no one who does good, not even one.
4 Do all these evildoers know nothing?
They devour my people as though eating bread; they never call on
the LORD.
5 But there they are, overwhelmed with dread,
for God is present in the company of the righteous.
6 You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor, but the LORD is their
refuge.
7 Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!
When the LORD restores his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel
be glad!

Meditation
1. The Hebrew word for “fool” describes a person whose heart is
closed to God and whose life is characterized by gross immorality.
It reminds us of Paul’s teaching that anyone who does not acknowledge
God will become corrupt and does “vile” deeds (Rom 1).
2. When the fools say “No” to God, they are actually telling God that
they know better and are more powerful than God. Thus, they are
cutting themselves off from the abundant life and blessings God
intends to give them.
3. The most stupid thing a person can do is to keep God outside of his
life. Think those in your family and friends who are avoiding or
denying God. Pray for them that God will enlighten them to know
and experience God’s love for them. Ask that God will make you a
living testimony to this truth.