Daily Devotional for July 5, 2010

Psalm 37:28
The LORD loves justice, and he won't ever desert his faithful people. He always protects them, but destroys the children of the wicked.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

For my birthday, my mom gave me some really pretty note cards that feature the work of a Christian artist, Jack E. Dawson. I make mention of the fact that Dawson is a Christian because he incorporates a lot of references to his faith in his paintings. One set of cards is called “Reviewing the Troops,” and it features an image of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. Superimposed on the wall are images of soldiers from various wars, a Vietnamese woman and baby, and George Washington atop a white horse in front of an American flag. It appears at first glance that Washington is “reviewing the troops.” Behind Washington are faint images of helicopters, and in the trees, the leaves create an image of Jesus, looking down on the entire scene.

The notes on the back of the cards say that in this picture, “it is the Lord who is truly ‘reviewing the troops.’ We are to be counted as good soldiers of Jesus Christ. He is reviewing our lives. The ultimate question is, ‘Do I recognize and trust Him?’” And that is the question for us. Are we faithful and courageous? Do we recognize God and trust Him? When He “reviews the troops” – meaning us – is He pleased? The artist notes that the real key to his painting is the image of Jesus… and the implication of His review of us. We must be sure that we are faithful and just… and living in a way that is honorable. Are our lives worthy of His approval – and His protection? Are there areas where we need to make changes… and if so, shouldn’t we get busy doing so?

For more on the work of Jack E. Dawson, visit http://www.bittersweetgallery.com/.

©2010 Debbie Robus

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