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Thursday, October 31, 2013

Wisdom From The Psalms For 11/1/13


DATE:  10/31/13

Psalm 104:1, 2

Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honor and majesty. Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain.

As the car crested the hill, the entire family drew in its breath. The sky was painted with a hundred different colors and hues. Pinks, reds, oranges, blues, lavenders, and golds blended into a canvas of glory and light. God in His awesome beauty once again presented the proof of His existence. Only a blind fool would deny God in the face of such splendor.

Time and again God offers us signs of His power and wonder. If we will just keep our eyes open, the truth of God's existence will present itself over and over. God gives graciously to His children. Relax and enjoy the show that God puts on. It is nothing less than perfection.

Prayer: Do not let me turn blind eyes to the beauty of Your world, Lord. Throughout Your creation is Your signature. I cannot doubt Your existence in a world of such amazing splendor. Amen.

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Wisdom From The Psalms for 10/31/13


Psalm 103:17

But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children.

Some people can't understand how the raging, harsh God of the Old Testament can be the same God of love in the New Testament. Has God really changed? Of course not. God is the same in all times and in all places. What has changed is men and women's views of God. It is difficult to make sense of all that God does, and we all must do our best to understand Him. From the beginning of time until this day, God is the same.
 The righteousness He held forth for the children of Israel is the same righteousness He holds forth for us today. In a world where all else changes so quickly, we can find great security in knowing that our Lord never changes.

Prayer: Be the anchor in my life, O Lord, so that I might not be tossed around by all the winds of change in my world. Make my faith constant; remaining true to You. Amen.

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Wisdom From The Psalms For 10/30/13


Psalm 103:15

As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.
Deanna built a career on her looks. She had been the dream girl of Hollywood and had loved living the fast life. Now, her looks were fading and Deanna had nothing to fall back on. She had believed her charmed life would never end, but the hard reality was that she no longer could bank on her beauty.

We are given each day as a gift. Once a day is gone, it can never be recaptured. Too often we live our lives as if they are going to go on forever just as they are. Lives change, and we need to be ready to change with them. God helps us to accept where we are and to grow to new levels of maturity. Before this day passes and is gone, call upon the Lord to help you make the most of it. Then, when the new day dawns, be ready for the challenges it brings.

Prayer: Help me to live for what is important this day, so that I might truly be ready for all the days to come. Your gifts are so wonderful, Lord. Please don't allow me to take them for granted. Amen.

Monday, October 28, 2013

Wisdom From The Psalms For 10/29/13


Psalm 103:12

As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.

A woman asked God for forgiveness for a sin she had committed. He granted her pardon, but she had a tough time forgetting what she had done. She just couldn't let go of her guilt. In desperation she returned to God to ask His forgiveness once more. When she asked Him to remember what she had done, He said, "I can't remember what you're talking about. It never happened. Once sin is forgiven, it is dropped into the sea of forgetfulness, and it is no more. Go your way. No one condemns you; not even I."

It is not that God has a bad memory, but that His love is so complete and boundless that He will not retain the memory of something we ask to be forgiven for. He erases the sins from our slate, and we start fresh. As far as the east is from the west, that is how far God removes our sin from us.

Prayer: Though I don't deserve Your loving care and forgiveness, Lord, I continually thank You that You give it to me so freely. Help me to accept it graciously, and to know that You hold nothing against me once I ask Your pardon. Amen.

Friday, October 25, 2013

Wisdom From The Psalms for 10/28/13


Psalm 103:10

He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.

Karl sat outside the principal's office feeling the sweat begin to trickle down his back. Mr. Creed was notorious for dealing out harsh punishments. "Crusher" Creed was what the older kids called him. Karl had never been to him before, but he didn't like it, that was for sure. Minutes dragged by, feeling like hours, and Karl began to tremble. It was all he could do to keep from crying. When the door finally opened, Karl sobbed, "I'll never do it again." The principal comforted the boy and told him why what he had done was unacceptable. Karl left the office still shaken, but not so much that he couldn't dream up a juicy story of the tortures he's suffered at the hand of "Crusher" Creed.

God deals with His children with love and forgiveness. Often, we are much harder on ourselves than God will ever be. Many times we feel alone in our trials because we need to think of what is wrong with what we do. Our sins can be a great ground of learning, and though God waits willingly to forgive us, He wants us to benefit from our errors as much as we can. God will deal with us, not according to what we have done wrong, but according to our desire to make things right through repentance.

Prayer: My mind runs wild with worries and fears, Lord. I have done wrong, and I need Your forgiveness. Accept my apologies, God, and create in me a new heart. Amen.

Wisdom From The Psalms For 10/27/13


Psalm 103:8

The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.

Mara welcomed her sister and did everything in her power to make her feel at home. In return, Dani complained about everything and tried to take over. She bossed Mara around, arranged the house to her own liking, and imposed her opinion on the way Mara raised her two boys. Mara took it all in stride, with a smile on her face. No matter how grave the insult, Mara never wavered in her hospitality... The bonds of sisterhood overcame even the hardest of times, and love gave her the strength of character she needed.

God puts up with an awful lot from his creation. We turn ungrateful hands toward the Lord, always expecting more. We often insult him by the way we regard His world and all the wonderful things in it. Thankfully, He is slow to anger and plenteous in mercy, for we test Him constantly. We can learn from God's long-suffering patience with His children, and in turn we can share the same compassion and caring with those around us.

Prayer: Make me merciful and caring, Lord. Help me to improve my attitude toward others and You. Do not allow me to take for granted the great gifts You give. Amen.

Wisdom From The Psalms For 10/26/13


Psalm 103:2

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.

Clarence sat on his bed, pouting. His parents wouldn't let him go to the rock concert on a school night. He hated them sometimes for being so unfair. He hardly ever got what he wanted. He'd had to beg for his computer, and they had waited a whole year from the time he asked for his own VCR until they gave it to him. They made him come home from tennis camp a week early to go on a family vacation to Europe. Now the skis he bought last year had scratches on them, and his parents didn't act all that interested in replacing them. It just wasn't fair. Clarence wished he could have his own way at least some of the time.

Are we more thankful for what we have than we are bitter for what we have not? God has given us so much. Remember to praise Him for all He had done. Set aside the Clarence inside, and appreciate all that has been given. It is given in love.

Prayer: Forgive me when I don't appreciate a ll that I have. Too often I look at the things I don't have, rather than at the things I do have. Thank You, Lord, for all the blessings You shower upon me. Amen.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Wisdom From The Psalms For 10/25/13


Psalm 103:2

I said, O my God, take me not away in the midst of my days: thy years are throughout all generations.

Everyone said it was such a tragedy. Doug was a funny, bright young man, and he had so much to look forward to. He wasn't even through college yet. The accident had been senseless, and so had his death. Why would God allow such a thing to happen?

 We ask ourselves that question a lot. Why does God allow some things to happen? We always look at the question from our own, earthly, human perspective. We forget that death is a part of life and that it is a necessary passage in existence. To God, death is not a bad thing, but merely a part of the way things are. Death isn't a cruelty or a punishment. Our days on earth are a gift, and we should live them as fully as we can. If we die, we are in the Lord's hands, and everything will work out just fine. Faith is the key. We must learn to know that God has everything under control, and that He will turn all situations to good. Even death is a wonderful thing in the hands of God.

 Prayer: Lord, I do not understand the way things work sometimes, and I do not like to experience pain and suffering. Help me to see Your hand in all things. Grant me understanding. Amen.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Wisdom From The Psalms For 10/24/13


Psalm 102:4

My heart is smitten, and withered like grass; so that I forget to eat my bread.

Sarah couldn't eat. She couldn't sleep. She hadn't ever meant to hurt anyone, but now there was a little girl in the hospital because of an accident she was responsible for. The guilt that raged within her made it impossible to get on with normal, everyday life. No matter how much she wrestled with herself, there was no peace. She had prayed to God for forgiveness, but even that felt empty. Sarah could remember no time in her life when she had felt so horrible.

There will be times in our lives when we find ourselves unable to function normally because of our emotional upheaval. When we are sensitive to what is right and good, we instinctively rebel at wrong and evil. The Psalms are full of David's own struggles with times when he felt alone and wretched. Those times were necessary for David to grow and mature. He learned to accept guilt and go on, knowing that God's love for him endured and that His forgiveness was without bounds. God loves us just as much. He suffers when we suffer, and He stands with us, even in our darkest hours.

 Prayer: Lord, be with me when I am so low that I don't even feel like eating or sleeping. Grant me peace and comfort in Your love, and if that is slow in coming, help me to learn all I can from my despair. Amen.

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Wisdom From The Psalms For 10/23/13


Psalm 101:8

I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the Lord.

No one mourned when the old skinflint died. He had held the future of hundreds of people in his hand during the course of his life, and he had never missed an opportunity to hurt them whenever he could. He loved to wield his power mercilessly. His every thought had been of himself. Now, at the day of his death, it seemed like a black, noisome cloud had finally been lifted. New hope dawned in the lives of so many who had been oppressed for so long.

 The dawn of a new day will one day come for all of God's people. Evil will have no place in the Kingdom of God. It will be wiped away; dissipated like a storm cloud after it is spent. When we live in the storm, we find it hard to see the future, which will be brighter. Trust God. His light conquers the blackest clouds, and once conquered they will never come again.

 Prayer: The days are certainly dark, Lord. The clouds are closing in, and there are times when no light can be seen at all. Help me to remember that You are here, O God, and that the light which never fails will one day shine forth. Amen.

Monday, October 21, 2013

Wisdom From The Psalms For 10/22/13


Psalm 101:5

Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath a high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.

Bess was the blight of the bridge club. For some unknown reason, she had taken it upon herself to be judge and jury over the actions of her friends. Whenever the women got together for cards, they were treated to Bess's opinion of what everyone else was doing wrong. When anyone got tired of hearing what Bess had to say and tried to back away, she became Bess's next target of attack. People were afraid to be friends with her, and they were even more afraid to not be friends with her.

 No one likes to hear gossip and criticism all the time. Gossips are usually avoided, and thus they become outcast from the rest of the world. God will outcast the gossip. There is not room in His Kingdom for those who delight in the shortcomings of others. Christ within us should build up, not tear down. If we give our hearts over to Christ, then we will never say damaging things against our neighbors. Speak only with the tongue of Christ, and you will be a blessing to everyone you meet.

 Prayer: Remove from me a malicious and gossiping nature, Lord. Fill me with praise and joy and spiritual thoughts. Let my words bless others with kindness and love. Amen.

Saturday, October 19, 2013

Wisdom From The Psalms For 10/21/13


Psalm 101:2

I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.

Gwen couldn't help remembering how her grandmother used to tell her to, "Act like a perfect little lady." She had hated to have her grandmother constantly nagging at her to sit properly, speak properly, walk, chew, and sneeze properly. However, the lessons she had been taught had stayed with her, and they had helped her many times. She had gotten the job at the gallery because they had been impressed by her manner and poise. Perhaps she wasn't a "perfect little lady," but she made a good showing, nonetheless.

 Our behavior is important. People see us in many situations at many different times, and the way we act can be a powerful witness to the power of Christ in our lives. Christ calls us to a perfection that we cannot achieve on our own. Rely upon the Lord and He will give you the capacity to live an upright, holy, and pleasing life.
 
Prayer: Lord, You are the author of perfection. You have created me to be an example of Your image, a light of the world. Fill me with the brilliance of Your holy light, that I might shine forth in beauty and power. Amen.

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wisdom From The Psalms for 10/20/13


Psalm 100:3

Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Jeff loved spending his days out on horseback, checking the livestock around the ranch. The animals were undisturbed by Jeff's approach, and he often thought that they must look forward to his arrival. Many of the animals rushed out to meet him whenever he appeared. They sensed in him a friend and protector. Indeed, on those rare occasions when he found the animals threatened by wild creatures, Jeff had not hesitated to do what was necessary to protect the stock.

 Our Lord watches over us carefully and lovingly. He wants us to look forward to the times we spend with Him. He also wants us to be assured that He will take care of us and protect us. As a shepherd gives everything possible to protect his flock, so God gives everything He can to guard His followers. Trust in Him, and He will watch over you.

 Prayer: Lord, I need to know that You are watching me. You are the source of my confidence and security. Lead me to spend all of my time pursuing Your love and protection. Amen.

Friday, October 18, 2013

Wisdom From The Psalms for 10/19/13


Psalm 99:9

Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the Lord our God is holy.

Betty loved the old church. She had come to its sanctuary since she had been a young girl, and that was a long time gone, indeed. The place was special. Betty had always been filled with awe whenever she stood in the church. From the moment she entered the door, she felt God's presence. This church was a holy place. She felt closest to God when she felt the special magic of the old church. It was easy to worship God there.

 We need reminders to help us understand God's holiness. Truly, only He is worthy to be praised, and yet we so often act as if there's nothing special about God at all. There is no life in our prayers, we decided to skip church, or we ignore opportunities to share Christ with those around us. Our actions say, "No big deal." It is a big deal. God is the biggest deal of our lives. Everything we do should exalt the Lord and show others just how important He is to us. Anytime we can experience the holiness and majesty of the Lord, we should jump at the chance. Nothing pleases God more.

 Prayer: You are so important to me, Lord. Help me to prove, through the living of my life, how much You mean to me. Inspire me with Your holiness, and let me worship you always. Amen.

 

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Wisdom From The Psalms For 10/18/13


Psalm 98:7

Let the sea roar, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

Paul's nerves were shot. Everywhere he turned there were crowds of people. Cars sped by on all the streets, and the noise of the city was deafening. He was beginning to feel like there was nowhere to go to find peace and quiet. A little silence was all he was looking for. Nothing more.

If this world of noise and confusion, where can we find a place of peace and tranquility? If Christ is the Lord of our hearts, then we can turn inward. Christ is the giver of peace. He transforms our hearts into refuges, where the clamor of the outside world cannot enter in. Call upon the Lord, and He will surely grant you peace.
 
Prayer: Father, I am tired of the furious pace of the world. Sometimes I just want to run and hide. Allow me to run to You. Be the source of my peace, Lord. Amen.

 

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Wisdom From The Psalms For 10/17/13


Psalm 97:10

Ye that love the Lord, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.

Sarah sat by herself, wondering if it was really worth it to try to live a clean, Christian life. Everyone thought she was so old-fashioned and prudish. She wouldn't drink, hated dirty jokes, refused to gossip, and had no desire to engage in sex before marriage. She didn't like going to parties with her friends, but she hated to be alone all the time. Every once in a while, Sarah felt like just giving in and doing what all her peers were doing. Those feelings passed, though, and Sarah felt a special peace and comfort in refusing to give in.

 Being different is difficult. To say no to wrong-doing and evil can be excruciatingly hard. Yet, out Lord calls us to be different; to stand apart from the crowd. If we will continue to say no to evil, while saying yes to God, He will preserve and strengthen us. We are never truly alone if we will only love the Lord.

 Prayer: Father, I want to do what is right, but sometimes to wrong is very tempting and appealing. Please grant me strength to resist and hold onto what I know is right. Amen.

Wisdom From The Psalms for 10/16/13


Psalm 96:10

Say among the heathen that the Lord reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously.

The concrete mixers rolled in and out of the lot throughout the day. Each deposited its load into the foundation of the new office building, and then departed. Dozens of men worked to shape and structure the foundation. Finally, the huge concrete slab was in place. Tons of concrete provided the base for what would become a huge office complex. With a firm foundation in place, construction could begin.

 We need to have a firm foundation before we structure our lives. If we set our hearts and minds upon God, He will give us His strength; a strength which cannot be moved. God is the only real foundation. Anything else is a poor substitute.

 Prayer: Lord, be my anchor and support. When the day gets roughest, help me to remember that I am firmly established on Your Spirit and in Your love. Amen

Monday, October 14, 2013

Wisdom From The Psalms For 10/15/13


Psalm 96:6

Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.

Take time to be quiet and think about the good things God has done for you. Look at both the good times and the bad in proper perspective. We are loved by a God of all creation, the Master of all eternity. He has made us important by His love for us.

 Think of how wonderful this love is. We have no way to comprehend this kind of love and attention. It is well that we take time to contemplate all these things.

 All honor and glory belongs to the Lord, who loves us so much. By entering into His presence, we come to know just how very lucky we are.

 Prayer: Who am I, Lord, that You take notice of me? I cannot believe that You love me the way You do. Though I don't understand, I do accept Your gracious love, and I am thankful from the depths of my soul. Amen.

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Wisdom From The Psalms For 10/14/13


Psalm 95:8

Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness.

Edgar was being a brat. Whenever Edgar didn't get his way, he was a brat. As if a secret button had been pushed, the minute Edgar heard the word no, he began to whine, kick, scream, stomp, pout, throw things, and cry. After that, he would do nothing that was asked of him. He became stubborn and rebellious. At those times, everyone just backed off and left Edgar alone. Who wants to be too close to a brat?

Sometimes we're brats. We don't get things the way we want them, so we pout and harden our hearts toward God. God is patient with us, but sometimes He has to put some distance between us until we settle down. God doesn't want to deal with our bratiness any more than we want to deal with the bratiness of children. In time, we learn to deal with our disappointments, and like children, we finally learn that pouting gets us nowhere.

Prayer: Lord, help me to grow up, to be a mature Christian, one who has learned to accept disappointment and adversity. Strengthen my heart, and give me patience. Amen.

Wisdom From The Psalms For 10/13/13


Psalm 95:1

O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.

The children lined up on the steps to the altar. Their fresh-scrubbed faces shone in the morning light. Nervously, they swayed, twitched, and squirmed. The music began, and each child in turn joined in at a point of his or her own choosing. Some sang out boldly, others mouthed the words, while a few ignored the songs altogether and just waved and smiled at Mommy and Daddy.

 To call the presentation music was stretching the point, but to call it a joyful noise was right on target. This spirit of the children was joy and love, and the hearts of all present was captured quickly. The sound rose to the rafters, and beyond. The Lord heard that special choir, smiled, and said, "It is good!"

 Prayer: Let the words of my mouth produce a joyful noise, acceptable to the Lord and glorifying Him in all ways. Amen.

Friday, October 11, 2013

Wisdom From The Psalms For 10/12/13


Psalm 94:20

Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law?

What a minister does on his day off is his business Reverend Gray was fuming. Members of his church had seen him go into a casino and bar on his day off, and now the entire congregation was in an uproar. He liked to fraternize with some regulars at the casino; old friends from college days. There was nothing wrong with getting together with old friends, and if a couple of coins hit the slots, what was the harm? It was nobody's business but his own.

We need to be careful how we walk in our Christian lives. We are examples to others of how Christ wants His people to be. That is the big responsibility, and one that we must take very seriously. Our business becomes the business of other people when it could possibly affect their faith. Who we associate with matters very much to who we want to be. It is good to remember that not only God watches the faithful.

Prayer: If I am to be an example of what it means to follow Christ, then help me to be the best example I can be. Guide me by Your Spirit. Amen.

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Wisdom From The Psalms For 10/11/13


10/10/13 POSTINGS

Psalm 94:8, 9

Understand, ye brutish among the people: and ye fools, when will ye be wise? He that planteth the ear, shall be not bear? He that formed the eye, shall he not see?

There's no fooling God. There is no place we can go where He does not see our every move. Those people who think they have God fooled are only fooling themselves. God sees all things, He hears all things, and nothing escapes His attention. For those who live in sin, that is a very frightening thought. For those who walk in righteousness, there is no problem. Let the Lord watch. It is good to know that He is here.

 Prayer: Lord, be with me this day. Search my life, and help me to correct the wrong things that I do. Keep me walking in the light, and prevent me from straying into darkness. Amen.

Wednesday, October 09, 2013

Wisdom From The Psalms For 10/10/13


Psalm 94:3

Lord, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked triumph?

Ginelli hated to see the boys come. They tore up his store, threatened his customers, and called him dirty names. They'd never hurt anyone, yet. All he wanted was for the police to come, but they never bothered. It seemed the boys were just his cross to bear. No one would help him, so he just had to tolerate it.

 Why do the evil people in this world get away with so much? Because it's their world. God gave this world over to Satan long ago, and it has been downhill ever since. Our realm is that of heaven. We are Kingdom people now, and so we have to put up with all kinds of bad and terrible things while we wait. Luckily, we don't have to fight alone. The Lord is with us, giving us His strength and encouragement. Take heart, the Lord is on our side.

 Prayer: Be with me, Lord, as I stand alone in a world gone crazy. There are times when I can find no one who seems to care, no one willing to help. In those times, reach down to give me aid. Amen.

 

 

Tuesday, October 08, 2013

Wisdom From The Psalms For 10/9/13


Psalm 93:1

The Lord reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the Lord is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is established, that it cannot be moved.

The commander stood a head above the rest of the soldiers. He was dressed in finest battle attire, head aloft and proud, sword drawn. To see the man was to be filled with the confidence that everything would work out. He exuded the sense of triumph and victory. Everything about him claimed victory before the battle was even begun.

Our Lord is like that. He is the source of all power and might. His wisdom is matched by none. As we fight our daily battles, it is good for us to keep in mind that the Lord is on our side and He leads the charge. There is no retreat for God. He is with us every step of the way. Trust in Him, for He is the commander who cannot fail.

Prayer: In Your power, and strength, and courage, and wisdom, and patience, I take my refuge. You are the fortress that protects me, and in Your love, I have no fear of anything. I will always praise You. Amen.


Monday, October 07, 2013

Wisdom From The Psalms For 10/8/13


Psalm 92:3

Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound.

Dana's fingers lovingly flew across the strings. The guitar took on life beneath his fingertips. As his eyes closed and his head tilted back, the man and the guitar became one. The music that came forth was not from the fingers or the instrument, but from the heart. The music was the rhythm of creation. The beauty and majesty of God's love flowed through the air. When the music played, God's presence was not to be denied.

Psalms is full of musical imagery. Throughout time, music has been used to express the divine. God loves harmony and purity of tone. Together, we can become a melody of beauty and praise. We can become the rhythm of creation by affirming who God created us to be. Let the music of the Lord fill your heart, and get carried away in its beauty and power.

Prayer: If there is any discordance in my life, Lord, remove it from me. I want my life to be harmonious and beautiful, reflecting the divine music which You alone compose. Play me, Lord, that I might be Your song. Amen.

Saturday, October 05, 2013

Wisdom From The Psalms For 10/7/13

 Psalm 91:16
With long life will I satisfy him, and she him my salvation.
Chuck was in no big hurry to die. He was eighty-five, alive and kicking. He had no intention of cashing in his chips. He still had work to do. Every day, Chuck went down to the mission to pass out food and Bibles and sit with the men and women and tell them about Jesus. He wasn't pushy or anything, he just let them know he was there to talk. He'd been there almost every day for twenty-one years. The Lord willing, he would be there twenty-one more.
It's wonderful to see people so in love with life and with Christ that they make the two things one. A long life well lived is a powerful testimony to the goodness of God. Use your life to glorify God, and share the Good News of your salvation with everyone you meet.
Prayer: Make all my days productive ones, Lord. Show me what my ministry is. Open doors so that I might serve You in new ways. Look kindly on my efforts to glorify You, Lord. Amen.
 
 

Wisdom From The Psalms For 10/6/13


Psalm 91:11

For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

Louise had an angel. She felt the presence of her guardian angel wherever she was. She didn't even tell most people about her angel, because they looked at her like she was crazy. She wasn't. God had sent her an angel to keep her company and to remind her that she was loved. There was nothing crazy about that. Sometimes, in the still of the night, she thought she could hear angel songs, and they comforted her. She loved her angel, and she thanked God for it daily.

 Who's to say where God's angels are? Perhaps we each have an angel who watches us and guides us. God, in His love for us, has set the angels over us. They are His ambassadors of goodwill in this world. Though angels have been shoved aside to the category of myth by many, we know that there is another realm where everything doesn't always make sense to us. Rest secure. The angels are watching.

 Prayer: Help me to believe in the angels that You send, Lord. I need watching over. I need You to be with me. I thank You for guiding me in all my ways. Amen.

Friday, October 04, 2013

Wisdom From The Psalms For 10/5/13


Psalm 91:3

Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

Mr. Frederickson stormed into the dean's office with Carol in tow. He shoved her down into the seat, and said, "She's the one! I caught her this time. She's the one who keeps letting the animals go."

 "I'm sorry," Carol began, "but I can't stand to see the animals treated the way they are. They shouldn't be used for experiments. They have a right to live, and I just couldn't watch them suffer."

 The dean worked to settle Mr. Frederickson down and to explain why Carol couldn't do what she'd done, though deep down inside, he was on her side. It was nice to see a young person care so much about something other than herself. It was good that the animals had a champion.

 We have a champion in Jesus Christ. Held captive to sin, trapped with no way out, we could only wait to see what would happen. What happened was the saving love of Christ, which set us free from the trap, and continues to protect us every day.

 Prayer: Thank You for rescuing me from the snare of sin. On my own, I get so tangled in sin, but with You to guide me; I can avoid the traps and remain free for a life of joy and love. Amen.

Thursday, October 03, 2013

Wisdom From The Psalms For 10/4/13


Psalm 90:17

And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.

Cheryl loved her artwork. She could express so many things with canvas and paint that she couldn't express any other way. She showed the depths of her soul. All her work had a spiritual sense to it. It came from a deep and beautiful place inside her own soul. Cheryl felt that the image of God in her was best displayed through the works of her hands and heart.

Within each of us is a wellspring of beauty that comes from God above. How we express it varies from person to person, but it is there, nonetheless. Reach deep into your soul and share the wealth of beauty buried there. To do so is to share God.

Prayer: Enter into my life, O Lord, and make it something beautiful and special. Whatever talents I have are Yours. Bless them, that they might produce much, Father. Amen.

Wednesday, October 02, 2013

Wisdom From The Psalms For 10/3/13


Psalm 90:12

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

Shelley had a dream. In it she was told she had only one week to live. The dream haunted her throughout the day. Every time she did something, she asked herself, "Is this really important?" She found that there were so many things she did that wasted precious time. People became more important to her than things. She wanted to go for a walk, rather than sit in front of the television set. Time became more valuable, and it caused her to realign her priorities. Shelley found her life completely changed.

God wants us to value the time we have on earth. We take time for granted, acting as though our earthly life will go on forever. Time on earth is too short to waste. Number your days, and God will fill you with a special wisdom.

Prayer: Don't let me waste time, but let me use every moment to the fullest. Help me to appreciate my life, and teach me new ways to use my time. Thank You for al l my blessings. Amen.

Tuesday, October 01, 2013

Wisdom From The Psalms for 10/2/13


Psalm 89:33

Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail.

Amy tied everything she could to get the little boy to learn to tie his shoes. She had sat with him for hours. There was nothing she could do to make him understand. Finally, she lost all patience and walked off, mad. His shoe-tying education would have to come from someone else with a lot more patience and endurance!

We may give up on each other, but it is comforting to know that God never gives up on us. His offer of forgiveness is open to us today and every day to come. Even though we reject the offer or do things that are frustrating and displeasing to Him, He never gives up. He asks us daily to follow Him, until the day we finally do. Thank goodness His patience is without bounds.

Prayer: Though I push the patience of others to the limits, I am glad to know that I have not pushed Yours, Lord. Continue to forgive me, Lord. I am weak and foolish, and only Your great love keeps me going. Amen.