WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 1/2

Psalm 121:3

He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

Benedict was the best butler the Trumbells had ever had. Never had they been treated with such care and concern. Benedict really seemed to care that they were comfortable. They never had to ring twice for his services. He was always right there when they wanted him. He prided himself on doing his job well, and it showed.

As absurd as it seems, God is willing to wait on us, to make sure that we have all we need. The Lord of all life came to earth, and in His time, He stooped to wash His friends' feet; a job usually reserved for the lowliest of slaves. God came to earth to serve us so that we might learn how to serve others. We are to be ready to serve whenever the occasion arises. When we serve untiringly, we show the world the glory of God and make His Gospel a reality.

Prayer:

I fear that too often I am asleep at the switch, Lord. Make me ready to serve and to give. Teach me to think less of myself and more of others. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 1/1/13

Psalm 121:1

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

Bruce lay in the mud waiting for an enemy to pass by and put him out of his misery, or an ally who would give him aid. The jungle sounds pounded in his ears, and the glare of the sun blinded him. Evening fell, turned to night, and all Bruce could do was wait. With the morning light, Bruce squinted to see if he could make out any landmarks to give him an idea of where he was. As he scanned the horizon, his heart leapt with joy. A familiar flag waved gently in the breeze as a battalion approached. The waiting was almost over, and the fear was gone.

We wait in this life, not sure of what is coming next. The options don't look promising, but we can rejoice in the fact that our Lord is coming to set all things right. His banner is ever out before Him, and as we look unto the hills of the new age to come, we cannot help but notice that God is there waiting for us. Where does our help come from? It comes from the Lord God, who created, who sustains, and who will redeem.

Prayer:

Lord, make all things new. Usher in a new age; an age of love and caring, an age of compassion and equality. Thank You for granting me Your strength. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 12/31

Psalm 121:8

The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

Gene grabbed his poncho and headed for the door. Whenever there was a bad storm, the linemen got called out by the power company. Funny, but they were expected to work in the least safe conditions at a moment's notice, and nobody ever said please or thank you. Every time he headed out on a night like this one, Gene took time to say an extra prayer for protection.

The Lord watches over all His children. He is with us in safe times as well as the dangerous ones. He guards our steps from the day we are born until we are ushered into our heavenly home. Know that the Lord is with you. He will never leave you alone.

Prayer:

Guard me this day, Lord. Be with all the people who serve in dangerous positions, and keep them safe. Watch over us all. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 12/30

Psalm 121:5

The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.

Jeremy always took time out of his day to tend the little maple tree that grew on the east lot. Maintaining a cemetery was hard work, and there was always plenty to keep him busy, but Jeremy never forgot his tree. One of his co-workers asked him once why he doted over the tree so, and he said, "That little tree is the only shade in the east lot. When I'm out digging or mowing, I need to rest in some shade for awhile. My tree out there is the best place I know to go. We got a deal: I take care of it, it takes care of me."

When activities wear us down and we just can't go on, we need a port in the storm; a source of shade and comfort. The Lord is just that. He is the place we can rest and be renewed. Turn to the Lord when you are weary, and he will rejuvenate you and set you back on your feet.

Prayer:

Let me find my rest in You, Lord. When the day gets to be too much for me, welcome me into Your presence, where I can find some sanity and reason. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 12/29

Psalm 121:3

He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

Benedict was the best butler the Trumbells had ever had. Never had they been treated with such care and concern. Benedict really seemed to care that they were comfortable. They never had to ring twice for his services. He was always right there when they wanted him. He prided himself on doing his job well, and it showed.

As absurd as it seems, God is willing to wait on us, to make sure that we have all we need. The Lord of all life came to earth, and in His time, He stooped to washing His friends' feet; a job usually reserved for the lowliest of slaves. God came to earth to serve us so that we might learn how to serve others. We are to be ready to serve whenever the occasion arises. When we serve untiringly, we show the world the glory of God and make His Gospel a reality.

Prayer:

I fear that too often I am asleep at the switch, Lord. Make me ready to serve and to give. Teach me to think less of myself and more of others. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 12/28

Psalm 121:1

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

Bruce lay in the mud waiting for an enemy to pass by and put him out of his misery, or an ally who would give him aid. The jungle sounds pounded in his ears, and the glare of the sun blinded him. Evening fell, turned to night, and all Bruce could do was wait. With the morning light, Bruce squinted to see if he could make out any landmarks to give him an idea of where he was. As he scanned the horizon, his heart leapt with joy. A familiar flag waved gently in the breeze as a battalion approached. The waiting was almost over, and the fear was gone.

We wait in this life, not sure of what is coming next. The options don't look promising, but we can rejoice in the fact that our Lord is coming to set all things right. His banner is ever out before Him, and as we look unto the hills of the new age to come, we cannot help but notice that God is there waiting for us. Where does our help come from? It comes from the Lord God, who created, who sustains, and who will redeem.

Prayer:

Lord, make all things new. Usher in a new age; an age of love and caring, an age of compassion and equality. Thank You for granting me Your strength. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 12/27

Psalm 120:7

I am for peace: but when I speak, they are for war.

Chip was in the fight before he knew what happened. He held up a hand to defend himself, and a crowd gathered, urging on a confrontation. Chip really didn't want to fight, but when he tried to make peace, the other boy called him a chicken and started hitting him all the more. Faced with a fight either way, Chip fought the boy down, and then walked away winner of the fight, but feeling like a loser inside.

It is hard to be a peace-loving person these days. It seems like someone is always trying to get us stirred up. Sometimes we must take a total stand for peace no matter what may happen to us. In either case, we need the guidance and support of God in our lives. His wisdom is the only wisdom that will suffice. Our defense is in the Lord, and He will protect us in every situation.

Prayer:

My heart is filled with thoughts of peace, while the world is filled with rumors of war. Guide me through such hard tim es, Lord. Teach me when to fight and when to resist. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 12/26


Psalm 119:176

I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek they servant; for I do not forget they commandments.

The shepherd will go looking for a lost sheep, no matter where it might have wandered. Regardless of ravine, cavern, raging river, steep cliff, the shepherd will endeavor to save even the scrawniest, mangiest sheep. His devotion to his flock is total and absolute.

God's devotion to us is even greater. We can never be separated from the love and care of God. No matter how far we might stray from Him, He is continually on the lookout for us, and He will rescue us from whatever our peril might be. Rest sure and secure in the love of God. He will never give you up for lost.

Prayer:

Lord, I wander off sometimes, but I always want to be with You. Keep a watchful eye upon me, a foolish sheep. Herd me back to the fold, where I am always safe and warm. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALM SFOR 12/25

Psalm 119:136

Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not they law.

Reverend Hawkins sat at his desk and cried. He had been a good shepherd for his church, and he had given everything he knew to give, but the members of the church had so far to go. In all his years, he had not asked anything special of his congregation, but now he wanted to open their doors as a shelter to vagrants in the area. He was committed to the project to the very depths of his soul, but the church had voted it down by a strong majority. All he had ever tried to teach them was lost. It made him heartsick to think that the Gospel was just a story and not a way of life.

Christian growth comes slowly. Not all Christians operate at the same point at the same time. Very little that Jesus asks or commands in the New Testament are easy. It takes time to learn how to walk the steps of Christ. We may lament that others are not committed in the same ways that we are, but if they are trying their best to follow Jesus, then we need to rejoice at their progress and hope for continued growth in their lives and in our own.

Prayer:

I weep for those who have forgotten what it means to follow You, Lord, and I pray that You help me to continue to grow, and that You might use me to help others in their growth. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 12/24

Psalm 119:121

I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors.

It was never easy giving an F to a student. In fact, if there were any way around it, Jill would have taken it. Most of the time the student was willing to do anything to avoid the bad mark. Garrett was another case. She had offered to tutor him, she had given him extra-credit work to do, and she had taken all kinds of extra time with him. Through it all he had just blown her off, ignoring her attempts to help and mocking her to his friends. He had ripped up notes she had written to his parents, and he forged his parents' signature on his report cards. Jill had contacted Garrett's parents, but they were too busy to come in. Now, however, with an F in hand, the parents were coming, and they were looking to pick a fight.

Doing what is right is not all that easy. When we dedicate ourselves to justice, we must be ready to face the wrath of all those who don't see things the same way we do. God loves justice and righteousness, and we need to remember that He is ever on the side of what is right. He will be with us when we face persecution for righteousness' sake. Rely on Him.

Prayer:

Whenever I try to do right, it seems like someone finds fault with me. Help me to ignore the insults and remain true to what I feel You want me to do. Protect me, Lord. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 12/23

Psalm 119:105

Thy word is a lamp unto m y feet, and a light unto my path.

Nick and Davy thought it would be fun to explore deeper in the cave. When they saw their chance, they separated from the rest of their class and headed down a corridor that was roped off. They walked on through twisting and turning shafts until they were no longer sure how to get back. They stood in total darkness, feeling the cavern close in around them. Just as they verged on panic, Davy looked down and noticed a fine, dim glow. Phosphorescent stone was embedded in the cave floor, and it cast off a dull shine. By following the path of light, the boys made it back to the safety of the well-lit shafts.

Darkness can close in around us quickly in this world today. It seems to be getting darker all the time. However, we are recipients of the light that cannot be put out and will never fade away. The Word of God will guide us through even the darkest times, and He will be close by to comfort us in time of trouble. Rely upon the light of the Lord.

Prayer:

Light my way, dear God, and keep me from stumbling down the wrong path. Keep me from my own folly. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 12/22

Psalm 119:103

How sweet are thy words unto my taste! Yea sweeter than honey to my mouth!

The singer spun a tale of joy and triumph. The audience sat enthralled by the young woman's voice. She painted a picture more lovely than words. The senses came alive as she performed her art. The sights, sounds, colors, smells, and tastes burst forth through her song. She sang from the heart, and her story was shared by many. Emotions connected, and the entire crowd-singer and audience-moved together in a spiritual harmony. The experience was electrifying.

When we are in the presence of truth and beauty, it is undeniable. There is a cord struck within us all. That cord is the image of God in each of us. We connect with the universal rhythm that God set in time long, long ago. The result is a joy, a sensation, a feeling that defies explanation, but assures us of the reality of God. Open yourself to His truth.

Prayer:

There are times when I feel Your presence so strongly, Lord. I know now that You have orchestrated a masterpiece of which I am a small but important part. Thank You for including me. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 12/21

Psalm 119:100

I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.

The counsel of elders had been the ruling voice of the tribe for centuries. In every decision of the tribe, the elders were consulted. Then came a young man who knew a better way. He told of a rule that would guide each individual to right action. It was the rule of love: the golden rule, which said to do only those things that you would have them do to you.

 The wisdom of the young man was beyond dispute. All the elders had tried to teach was summed up in the simple law. By grasping the full meanings of the rule, any person could obtain the wisdom of the elders. Even more wisdom would come to any and all who would put the rule to practice. The way of the Lord is to love. Higher wisdom does not exist than to live life in love.

Prayer:

Guide me by the law of love, Father. Show me new ways to serve others and to do to them the things I would wish done to myself. Grant me the highest kind of wisdom m. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 12/20

Psalm 119:99

I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies is my meditation.

Jesus amazed the learned men in the temple when He was just twelve years old. He had never received professional schooling in the history and law of the Hebrew people, and yet He displayed an incredible insight into even the most complex meanings of Holy Scripture. His understanding far surpassed that of many of the elders present. Where did His incredible knowledge and wisdom come from? God, of course.

True knowledge is not found in books. God has granted us each a measure of common sense and logic. He is willing and able to instruct us in all His ways, if we will take time to contemplate His mysteries. We, too, can amaze the learned of our age by speaking forth the truth of God, which surpasses even the most complex knowledge. Like Christ, we can know more than we ought, through the guidance and counsel of God Himself.

Prayer:

Instruct my mind, heart, and soul in all of Your ways, O Lord. Teach me those things that are truly important, and enable me to spread what I learn to others. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 12/19

Psalm 119:78

Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in they precepts.

Paul did chores for his neighbor, Mrs. Bower, each Tuesday after school. He had done chores for her for three years, and no one had said much about it, but for some reason this year was different. All the kids at school had started making fun of him. He couldn't understand why other kids would laugh at him for trying to help someone else. It made him feel ashamed for no good reason. He'd almost gotten into a fight with one boy. Why couldn't people just leave him alone? It wasn't their business anyway.

There is always someone who will find fault with us, no matter what we do. Some people just aren't happy unless they criticize. In times when we feel the most persecution, God waits for us with open arms. He understands well what it is like to be mistreated for no good reason. He went to the cross in just that way. When times get rough, turn to the one who understands best. God will comfort you and give you the strength you need to persevere.

Prayer:

It is hard enough when people find fault with me for what I do wrong, let alone when I am trying to do what is right. Make their insults bounce off me like water off the duck's back. Strengthen me in Your will and way. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 12/18

Psalm 119:53

Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law.

No one had seen Edna for weeks. They had talked to her on the phone, and she insisted that she was all right, but she had dropped her social life altogether. A group of her friends dropped by to see her, and found her terribly distraught. Weeks before, Edna had been the victim of a purse snatcher, and ever since she was afraid to go out. Television and newspapers only fueled her fears. With the way the world was moving, Edna feared she would never leave her house again.

Our world is filled with horrors. Sometimes the answer seems to be to lock the doors and wait for all that is wrong to just go away. Unfortunately, that is no way to live. In such a horrifying time, we need to draw upon the courage of the Lord to meet the world head-on. God will instill in us the power to conquer our fears and enjoy this life as the gift it was meant to be. He will also lead us in ways that we can work together to change this world for the better.

Prayer:

I cannot believe the things I see and hear in the world today. Everything is so crazy. Be the source of sanity in this mixed-up world, Lord. Set my feet upon the solid rock of Your salvation. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 12/17

Psalm 119:51

The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet I have not declined from thy law.

Umpiring had its good points and its bad points. Being a part of the game of baseball had always been exciting to Harry, but sometimes it wasn't worth all the abuse. Harry always gave his best effort to be fair to everyone. Still, there was no pleasing some people. All he knew was that he was going to go by the rules, and if others didn't like it, that was their tough luck. At least Harry could sleep well at night knowing that he never compromised the game due to pressure. He might make an occasional bad call, but every call he made was done with integrity.

Sometimes standing for what is right is the hardest thing we can do. Others will mock us for doing things by the book, but that should only confirm that we are on the right track. God rejoices when we do what we know is right, and He will strengthen us so we can rise above the derision.

Prayer:

I find that I am too weak to stand up for what is right all the time. When I am weakest, Lord, fill me with your divine strength. Do not let me shrink from doing what I know is right. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 12/16:

Psalm 119:37

Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.

When the church caught fire, everyone turned out to offer assistance. Many members of the congregation were crushed by the loss of the building. To many, the church had been a showplace, and they wondered whether the church could ever recover. The pastor chastised those members, reminding them that a church is much more than the building that houses it. Whether services took place in an assembly hall or a church sanctuary made no difference. What was important was that people stuck together and worshipped as a church family.

We cannot allow ourselves to lose sight of what is really important in our churches and in our Christian lives. Certainly, our church buildings are important, but the work of the church will go on regardless of the condition of the buildings that house them. Let not your eyes be turned from the way of the Lord. Focus always on Him.

Prayer:

I can get sidetracked from the really important things, Lord. Help me to remain steadfast concerning Your work and Gospel. Set my priorities as You would have them. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 12/15:

Psalm 119:29

Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously.

It started with a few small fibs. Then a lie or two to take the heat off. Before long, Ralph had dug himself a hole he couldn't climb out of. Too many false stories had slipped from his mouth, and his friends were beginning to distrust him. He wasn't really a dishonest person, but a few lies had made him appear to be one.

Truth has no hidden traps in it. When we live in truth, we live above reproach. When we lie, even a little bit, we open ourselves to problems that are unnecessary. Walk in the ways of God, always holding to the truth, and when you will find that there is nothing to fear.

Prayer:

Lord, remove any lie or deceit from my mouth. Let truth and tact rule my words. If I find no truth within me to share, then let me keep silent. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 12/14:

Psalm 119:15

I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.

Carol had never thought of meditation as a part of her Christian life. Meditation was something the Eastern faiths believed in, or so she'd always thought. But the speaker at the church had begun talking about Christian meditation, and it made a lot of sense. So often her prayer time was hurried, and she often didn't even stop to listen, to see if God might be trying to get through to her. In the ensuing weeks, Carol began to meditate daily, and she felt a closeness to God that she'd never known before.

Meditation sets our whole mind and spirit in a proper mood for encountering God. We are made ready for hearing the Word of God in our hearts. It also makes it easier to spend time with God. Meditation opens doors to God that we might have missed before. Take time to quietly contemplate the glories of the Lord.

Prayer:

I need to be quiet and think of the many miracles that go on all around me. Come to me in my peace, O Lord, and share the blessings of the calm. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 12/13

Psalm 119:9

Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word.

It was a strange feeling to be back in control. The last few years were just a fog in Al's memory. He had spent them in a haze of dope and alcohol. Thank God that Janet came along. She saw the trouble he was in and offered him a friendly hand. She had invited him to her church, and there he found a circle of friends that he'd decided could never exist. Miraculously, withdrawal had been easier than he dreamed. The church people rallied around him and gave him all the support he needed. Now he was clean, and he owed it all to God.

God is the great purifier. He will remove all that is impure in our lives and fill us with good things. We no longer need earthly crutches, because we have found total healing in the Lord. All that is required is a willingness to change. The Lord will help us do the rest.

Prayer:

Make me a new person, Lord. I may not be hung up on drugs, but t there is plenty in my life that should not be there. Help to wash it all away, and replace it with Your blessed love. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 12/12

Psalm 119:2

Blessed are they that keep his testimonies and that seek him with the whole heart.

"I don't have time. I can slip in a prayer now and then, but I really can't commit to Bible study, or even church."

Terri was so busy that she didn't have time to spare for God. When times got tough, she couldn't understand why her faith didn't do her more good. Unfortunately, faith will not do more for a person than that person allows it to. We will benefit from our faith in proportion to how much we are willing to put in. God is waiting to spend time with us, to help us develop our faith. Seek Him with your whole heart, and He will richly bless you.

Prayer:

Teach me new ways to seek You, Lord. Grant me special dedication to study Your word, spend time with You in prayer, and grow in the community of faith and fellowship which is available to me. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FO 12/11

Psalm 118:24

This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Rainy days are loved by farmers. Snowy days are loved by children who can stay home from school. Storms are loved by mystery fanatics. Gray days are loved by romantics. Sunny days are loved by picnickers. Warm days are loved by beach goers. Cool days are loved by those who stroll. All days have their purposes under heaven. Enjoy the day that the Lord has made. He has many more to share.

Prayer:

Let me appreciate the gift of this day. Help me to use my time wisely, teach me to rejoice, and fill me with joy that never ends. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 12/10

Psalm 118:22

The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.

When Jesus walked upon the earth, it was not the common people, but those who should have known better, that rejected Him. The learned men of the day, who had studied long and hard, knew that Messiah was to come, but they were unwilling to accept the carpenter's son from Galilee as the Chosen One. They rejected Him and masterminded His death on a cross, but that was not enough to thwart the holy plans of God.

Christ was, is, and always shall be the one true Son of God. Those who reject Him build their faith with faulty materials. Only Christ is the true cornerstone of faith. Upon that stone alone can true faith be built.

Prayer:

Provide the foundation of my faith, O God, and help me to construct a fortress that will withstand all assaults. Protect me with Your love. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 12/9

Psalm 118:17

I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.

It had been touch and go for a while, but Frank came through the surgery amazingly well. After he recovered, he shared with his friends his conviction that God had been with him throughout his surgery. He felt a deep calling to share what God had done for him with others, and he traveled to different groups to share his witness.

We are given so many opportunities to share our faith with others. How sad it is that often we have to nearly lose that life before we are motivated to do so. We never value things properly until they are gone. It is foolish to wait until then. God calls us to declare his works as often as we can. Sing forth praises to the Lord. He has given us so much.

Prayer:

As long as I live, Lord, I want to point people in Your direction. Help me to witness to others and share the stories of all You have done in my life. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 12/8

Psalm 118:6

The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?

Scott was a natural. He moved like a fox, had a sharp eye and a sharp mind, and he believed that teamwork was the only way to win. He also stood just shy of seven-foot, four-inches tall. In all of basketball there was not a more mature, competent player. Under his expert captaincy, the team was unstoppable.

Everyone likes a sure thing. We all look for that person or thing that will give us an edge and make us unstoppable. God is that someone. Nothing can compare with the power of God. When He is on our side, we have absolutely nothing to fear. In this lifetime, many unfortunate things might occur, but through the grace of God, we will conquer them all.

Prayer:

Make me a conqueror, Lord. Please allow me to join Your team, to count You as my ally. Be with me all of my days. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 12/7

Psalm 119:15

I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.

Carol had never thought of meditation as a part of her Christian life. Meditation was something the Eastern faiths believed in, or so she'd always thought. But the speaker at the church had begun talking about Christian meditation, and it made a lot of sense. So often her prayer time was hurried, and she often didn't even stop to listen, to see if God might be trying to get through to her. In the ensuing weeks, Carol began to meditate daily, and she felt a closeness to God that she'd never known before.

Meditation sets our whole mind and spirit in a proper mood for encountering God. We are made ready for hearing the Word of God in our hearts. It also makes it easier to spend time with God. Meditation opens doors to God that we might have missed before. Take time to quietly contemplate the glories of the Lord.

Prayer:

I need to be quiet and think of the many miracles that go on all around me. Come to me in my peace, O Lord, and share the blessings of the calm. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 12/6

Psalm 117:2

For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the Lord endureth forever. Praise ye the Lord.

Some people think that God kicked Adam and Eve out of the garden as a punishment. I think not. There were two trees in the garden of special note. One was the tree of knowledge of good and evil, which the duo ate from, and the other was the tree of eternal life. What could have been more cruel than to allow Adam and Eve access to the tree of eternal life after they had chosen to experience evil? God wanted our eternal existence to be sin free, and so He removed the temptation from the midst of men and women. In His great mercy, He made certain that there was an escape from evil for those who wanted it. God's merciful kindness is truly great toward us. Praise Him always.

Prayer:

Thank You for making possible an eternity of peace and joy, free from sin and sorrow. Prepare my heart for my heavenly home. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 12/5

Psalm 116:14

I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all his people.

The teacher asked the class if anyone went to church. At first, no one raised his hand. Greg went every week, but he wasn't sure he wanted the rest of his class to know. There were some people who might laugh. Then someone raised his hand. Others followed, and soon Greg was surprised to see that over half his class attended church regularly. He raised his hand, a little ashamed that he hadn't had the nerve to raise it earlier.

We need to be proud of our faith. What God has done for us is a miracle, and we should want the whole world to know. Take every opportunity to let others know what you believe. Pay your vows to the Lord in front of other people, and be amazed at how much good it does.

Prayer:

Forgive me when I keep my faith to myself, Lord. You have given me so much, and I waste it when I refuse to share it with others. Teach me to proudly honor You. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALM FOR 12/4

Psalm 116:11

I said in my haste, All men are liars.

Craig trusted no one. He had counted on friends to help him a number of times before, but they all disappointed him. The lesson: Never put your trust in others; trust only in yourself. Now Craig looked to no one for help, and he offered no help to others.

Many people in our world feel that way. They have been burned in their relationships, so they pull in and break off relations altogether. What a shame. If we cut ourselves off from others, then we deprive ourselves of a lot of wonderful experiences. This is why God places such emphasis on forgiveness. If we will learn to forgive others when they wrong us, then we can remain open to the possibility of relationships in which we won't be disappointed. If we have no forgiveness, then we will miss out on the blessings of good relationships. Ask God for the ability to forgive, and He will bless your life.

Prayer:

Lord, I want to share my life with others. Prevent me from being too hasty in my judgment of others. Help me to be open to new relationships wherever they might occur. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 12/3

Psalm 116:3

The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat held upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.

Julie didn't want to think about dying, but ever since her third heart attack, she could think of little else. She was so afraid of dying, and she simply hated the hospital. Worrying was the worst thing she could do. She needed a positive frame of mind, but try as she might, her thoughts always turned to gloom and despair.

It is unfortunate that so many people are ignorant of the everlasting life that can follow this one. Through God's promise of glory in eternity, we no longer have anything to fear from death. Whatever befalls us in this lifetime; it is nothing in relation to the eternal home that awaits us. We need to focus on the life to come in times of trial and sorrow. In the face of death we can feel secure that everything will be just fine.

Prayer:

In times of fear, dread, and sorrow, shine Your light of love upon me, God. Help me to remember that I have life everlasting, and nothing that occurs now can keep me from it. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 12/2

Psalm 115:15

The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord's: but the earth hath he given to the children of men.

Joey tossed his candy paper on the playground. Patty ran over from where she was playing with her friends, and said, "You pick that up!"

"I don't have too. Who made you boss?"

"It's not nice to throw trash on the ground."

"It's okay. I learned in Sunday school that God gave the earth to us, and we can do anything we want to with it."

Indeed, God had given the world into our hands, but His deepest hope is that we will care for it and protect it. Like careless children, we allow the earth to be mistreated. Like a fragile toy, the earth will be damaged beyond repair. What we will do then, God only knows, but for now we must learn to treat God's creation as God Himself would. Otherwise, how will He ever trust us to share eternity with Him in heaven?

Prayer:

Do not let me be careless with Your creation, Lord. I love the beauty of this world, but I am not an always quick to protect it. Help me to value our planet more dearly. Amen.