Scripture

Woe to those who devise iniquity, and work out evil on their beds! At morning light they practice it, because it is in the power of their hand.
(Micah 2:1:)

Devotional

Sin is in the heart of man. It is developed in the mind, and accomplished in the flesh. What a horrid way to begin our day, by devising iniquity and working out plans of evil. Each morning, we have choices to make. We can begin each day lethargically; that is, by not thinking about our day at all. We can begin our day sinfully as our text describes; that is by preparing for wrong doing; or we can begin our day meditating on the things of God; that is, spending time in preparation for God’s will to be accomplished throughout the day. Now understand this, these things are in the power of your hand. You have the power to choose nothing, which is laziness. You have the power to choose iniquity and evil, which is sin. You have the power to choose the things of God, which are righteousness and success for the day.

Text For The Day

Micah 2:1: Woe to those who devise iniquity, and work out evil on their beds! At morning light they practice it, because it is in the power of their hand.

Thought For The Day

“One New Year's Day, in the Tournament of Roses parade, a beautiful float suddenly sputtered and quit. It was out of gas. The whole parade was held up until someone could get a can of gas. The amusing thing was this float represented the Standard Oil Company. With its vast oil resources, its truck was out of gas. Often, Christians neglect their spiritual maintenance, and though they are ‘clothed with power’ (Luke 24:49) find themselves out of gas.” Steve Blankenship in God Came Near by Max Lucado, Multnomah Press, 1987, p. 95.

Questions To Ponder

Are there events and situations of which you and I have absolutely no control? Is God ever out of control?
Does anyone have more control over you than you?
What is in the power of your hand?

Morning Study Guide

Defining: “Iniquity”: The absence of the guidance of the Holy Spirit, spiritual: carelessness, apathy, laziness, and the like.

Referencing: “He plans wickedness upon his bed; he sets himself on a path that is not good; he does not despise evil,” Psalm 36:4 (NAS)

Applying: Begin each awakening of the day with thanksgiving and prayer, God’s Word, and a plan. Plan your work and work your plan.