Making resources available to help you in your spiritual walk.

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Wisdom From the Psalms for 12/2/13

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 no let me be careless with Your creation, Lord. I love the beauty of this world, but I am not always quick to protect it. Help me to value our planet more dearly. Amen.

Wisdom From The Psalms for 12/1/13

Psalm 115:1

Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto they name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake.

Max had worked at the mission for over forty years. There had been weeks on end when he hadn't even gotten to go home. He lived to serve the poor and homeless in his area. When he finally decided to retire, the entire city pitched in to pay him tribute. Throughout the proceedings Max seemed uncomfortable, and finally he stood to speak.

 "I don't want to seem ungrateful, but all this really isn't necessary, and besides, I don't really deserve it. God is the one who needs to be honored. I have just been fortunate enough that He has used me all these years. I really haven't done anything special. I just did what God wanted me to."

 It is difficult to set aside our own ego in order to serve God freely. When all is said and done, however, all that we are able to do is made possible by God's grace. Our triumphs are God's triumphs. Like Max, we should feel privileged that God has chosen to work with and through us.


 Prayer: Use me, Lord. With the gifts and talents You bestowed upon me, enable me to spread Your Good News to everyone I meet. Amen.

Wisdom From The Psalms for 11/30/13

Psalm 113:7

He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill.

A woman sat begging alongside a dirt road. Dozens of people passed her by without even affording her a glance. No one even cared to see that she wasn't begging for herself, but for the child she held tightly in her arms. At last, a young boy passed by and saw the woman. He journeyed home, gathered some food and a blanket, and then he returned to the woman and her child.

 Selfless acts of kindness are the true signs of a Spirit-filled life. We can call ourselves Christians, but our actions must verify the claim. Mary and Joseph begged for help once in Bethlehem. How would we have responded if they had come to us to beg? How we treat people who are in need is Christ's criterion for judging how much we love Him. In all ways, we should strive to serve the poor and needy.


 Prayer: Remind me that I merely serve Christ when I serve others. Let me serve gladly, without expectation of reward. Teach me to give to others as You give to me. Amen.

Wisdom From The Psalms for 11/29/13

Psalm 113:5

Who is like unto the Lord our God, who dwelleth on high.

The entire campus was caught up in the Supreme Light movement. Two men claimed to be privy to special insights, and they had developed an amazing following in a very short time. Kevin couldn't believe so many of his friends had bought into it so completely. As far as he could see, neither one of the men had that much to give. All they preached was instant gratification and total forgiveness for all sin, whether repented or not. For Kevin's money, Jesus Christ would suffice.

 Long after these two jokers were gone, Christ would still be around. New ideologies pop up all the time, but none offer as much as Christ offers. There was absolutely nothing to be gained by settling for less than Jesus. Nothing to gain, but everything to lose.


 Prayer: Lord, I hear of new answers to life's problems all the time, and some are quite tempting. Help me to remember that I have all the answer I need in You. Amen.

Wisdom From The Psalms for 11/28/13

Psalm 113:2

Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and for evermore.

Jimmy had heard it all before, but this time there was something different. Though he couldn't quite put his finger on it, suddenly the idea of relationship with Jesus Christ made perfect sense. Before, he had missed the logic, somehow. The image of being born again was so appropriate. A part of Jimmy felt like it had never lived. From this day forward, his life was going to be different. He wasn't sure how it would change, he simply knew nothing would ever really be the same again.

 At various times in our lives, the reality of Christ will come crashing through the ordinariness of our days. From those times we face life anew; changed at the very core of our being. We move forward in a new, deeper, strengthened relationship with the Lord.


Prayer: From this day forward, Lord, help me to praise You in new ways. Lead me to a deeper relationship with You through Christ Jesus. Shed Your light upon me, that I might know You better. Amen.

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Wisdom From The Psalms For 11/27/13

Psalm 112:5

A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.

Pops always had people coming to him for help. Whenever there was a real need, you could count on Pops to be there, ready to pitch in. Pops had worked construction for about thirty years, and there were few fix-up type jobs that anyone could do better than he could. He loved to help people in need, and he loved to feel needed.

Our God is much the same way. He loves to assist us when we need help, and He loves to be needed. No one possesses more knowledge or experience than God does, so He is the perfect source to turn to when we need help. His willingness to give knows no bounds, so there is never a time when He will be unavailable. Turn to God in time of need. He will always help those who love Him.


Prayer: Let me follow the giving example of Christ. Make me ready to serve; sharing time, talents, and gifts wherever and whenever possible. Amen.

Monday, November 25, 2013

Wisdom From The Psalms for 11/26/13


Psalm 112:4

Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.

Jerry and Ed were different as night and day, though they were the best of friends. Jerry loved fun and games, and it was difficult for him to be serious about anything for very long. Ed was studious and hardworking, and nothing swayed him from his course, once his mind was made up. The two boys decided they were going to enter a ten-mile run sponsored by their school. Ed practiced every day, exercising and running, and eating foods that would get him in shape. Jerry exercised occasionally, ran a few times, and paid little attention to his diet. When the race came and went, Ed was leading the pack and Jerry couldn't even finish.

 Leading an upright life prepares us for the race that God has waiting for us. Our spiritual fitness puts us in shape to run that race of life. Without a healthy spirit, we cannot hope to finish. Life without God beats us down and defeats us. Life in the Spirit lifts us above any obstacle and empowers us to meet every challenge.

 Prayer: Like Paul the Apostle, I want to run the good race and fight the good fight. Make me fit to be a member of Your team, Lord. Inspire me to prepare my spirit to meet all the challenges which might come my way. Amen.

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Wisdom From The Psalms For 11/25/13


Psalm 111:10
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth forever.
Brian had been told time after time to stay away from the neighbor's dog. Still, he didn't look too ferocious, and Brian wanted to pet him. While no one looked, Brian crept over to the fence and stuck his hand through to pet the dog. Cries of terror and pain brought the adults running, and Brian learned a lesson he would never forget.
 God gives us His laws and commandments for our own good. He is not controlling or domineering. He simply knows what is best for His children, and He tries to instruct them in the ways that will make them happiest. IF we decide to violate God's will, then we have to pay the consequences. Once we suffer the costs, we learn what is involved, and a deep wisdom begins to set in. Our lessons may often be difficult and painful, but in all ways, they will help us to be better than we have been before.
 Prayer: Forgive me when I go my own way, O God. I do not mean to be disobedient, but there are times when I just need to experience things for myself. Be patient while I learn my lessons, and protect me from lasting harm, I pray. Amen.
 

Wisdom From The Psalms For 11/24/13


Psalm 111:1

Praise ye the Lord. I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.

In one church, we had things called "Say-sos." These were times for members of the church to stand up in front of the rest of the congregation to share their personal faith testimonies. The power of the stories of people's lives is immense. We are walking through this life together. Others share our experiences and pains and joys, but most of the time we are totally unaware of them. Proclaim your faith and the power of Jesus Christ in your life.
Share your story.
 Praise the Lord with your whole heart in the assembly of the upright. You will find new unity through the grace of Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Father, give me the courage to share my faith and proclaim Your transforming power in my life. Bring to me others who have been touched by Your great love. Help me praise You every day. Amen.

Friday, November 22, 2013

Wisdom From The Psalms for 11/23/13


Psalm 110:3

Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth.

Sylvia often lamented over the face that she became a Christian so late in life. Her teenage years had been such a lonely time. College had not been much better. If only she had felt the need for God in her life then. She would have had so many opportunities to spend time with other people. Now her youth was gone and she had only regrets of what might have been.

 When we feel we have all the time in the world, there is no urgency to make decisions right now. Yet, if we put off our decision for Christ, we hurt no one but ourselves. We should be willing to follow Christ today, not sometime in the future. We miss so much when we are not in fellowship with other believers. Praise the Lord that He has seen fit to offer us the blessed community of the church.

 Prayer: Help me to make the most of each day, Father. When I feel the urge to put off my commitment to You, fill me with the urgency and the joy of being in fellowship with You immediately. Amen.

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Wisdom From The Psalms For 11/22/13


Psalm 110:1

The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.

Ben was a diligent worker in his firm. He put forth his best effort in all he did, but unfortunately he lacked the assertive personality so many of his co-workers possessed. Promotions came and went, always passing Ben by, falling to the men and women whose personalities caused them to be noticed. After thirty years of service, Ben struck out on his own, forming a new company. Within months the new company rose to the top of the field, and many of Ben's former co-workers came to work for him.

It is easy to begrudge others their fortune when they are no more deserving to them than we are. Yet, God calls us to rejoice in the triumphs of others, and to await His justice rather than seeking our own. Often we must wait a long time, but the justice of the Lord will prevail, and those who once kept us down will be made a footstool for our feet. Have faith in the Lord, and He will set all things right.

Prayer: Fill me with Your patience, Lord. When I see others receive rewards, help me to rejoice in their benefit rather than be bitter that I did not receive it. Amen

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Wisdom From The Psalms For 11/21/13


Psalm 109:29

Let mine adversaries be clothed with shame, and let them cover themselves with their own confusion, as with a mantle.

The executive was beginning to sweat. He thought he'd covered his tracks fairly well, but now the tangled web he had woven was collapsing around him as his double dealings were uncovered. The questions came at him fast and furious, and he had little time to make sure he wasn't contradicting himself. By the time the hearing ended, all his dealings were in ruin, and he had no one to blame but himself.

Let the conniving and deceitful people be warned: The time will come when you will be called to account before God. He is watching each of us, to see how we handle our lives. Those of us who entangle ourselves in less than honest practices will one day have to pay. The Lord wants us to deal with our earthly affairs with the purity and honesty we use in our relationship with Him. Anything less is not good enough. If we will deal with others as if they are our Lord Jesus Christ, then we will never suffer through the confusion of the deceitful.

Prayer: The only way to avoid the traps of subterfuge is to avoid evil dealings altogether. Make me to walk in the way of righteousness, always acting toward others as I try to act toward You. Amen.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Wisdom From The Psalms for 11/20/13


Psalm 109:23

I am gone like the shadow when it declineth; I am tossed up and down as the locust.

Doug was bullied by all the other children. Some days he would dream of being bigger than everyone else; then he would show them. In the morning he would walk to school, watching his shadow loom out large before him. Oh, if only he were as big as his shadow. Then the other children would run! But each day by noontime, Doug's shadow had dwindled in size and he had to turn his dreams to other solutions.

Often we try to put our hopes on solutions that just aren't real. We kid ourselves into thinking that maybe our problems will take care of themselves and will require little effort on our part. Earthly, easy solutions fade away like shadows in the daylight. We shouldn't look to shadows for answers, but to the light. God is the source of all our solutions. Unlike the shadows, nothing causes God to fade into nothingness. His solutions are forever.

Prayer: Shine the light of Your truth into my life, and help me to see that there is no solution too large for Your love to handle. Reassure me in times of doubt, O Lord, Amen.

Monday, November 18, 2013

Wisdom From The Psalms For 11/19/13


Psalm 109:17

As he loved cursing, so let it co me unto him: as he delighted not in blessing, so let it be far from him.

The young tennis star was known both for his fiery play and his fiery language. Whereas he excelled in the mastery of the game, he had not yet matured in the art of sportsmanlike conduct. His wrath was vented each time he disagreed with the umpire's call. He cursed, stomped, screamed, and kicked. Never was he known to back down and admit his own fault. In time, he lost even his own following of fans, because they tired of his childish outbursts.

People who live by selfish emotions find themselves empty and alone most of the time. Their bitterness causes them to curse their life, their friends, their God. Finally, they find it nearly impossible to utter any kind words at all. Those people will not find blessing in their own lives, because they refuse to bring it to others' lives. It is a fact that the blessing we share is the blessing that comes back to us. Likewise, the curse we impart comes back on us, to make us unhappy and guilty.

Prayer:
Though things don't always go the way I would like, Lord, help me to accept all that happens with grace and peace. Amen.

Saturday, November 16, 2013

WIsdom From The Psalms For 11/18/13


Psalm 109:5

And they have rewarded me evil for good, and hatred for my love.

The old man loved to sit in the park. He had come to the same bench each day for over fifteen years. In that time he had spent many hours talking with children, teaching them games, and telling them stories. In simpler times, they had adored the old man. Now it seemed they treated him with contempt and made fun of him. They no longer flocked to sit at his feet, and he was lonely for bygone times. Each time a young boy or girl hurled an insult, he closed his eyes and asked God to forgive them. No matter how they chose to treat him, he would always love the children.

There are many kind and loving people in our world who are treated terribly. They offer nothing but goodness, and they receive evil in return. Our elderly population has much to offer us, and we need to reach out to receive the treasures they hold. To ignore them is the worst kind of cruelty. To a group who has worked long and hard to provide what is good and lasting, we need to extend the hand of fellowship and love . God rejoices when we repay good for good and love with love.

Prayer: If I have hurt anyone this day, Lord, help me to make amends and to do better in the future. Let me repay no one evil for good, or evil for evil, either. Let my response always be one of love. Amen.

Wisdom From The Psalms For 11/17/13


Psalm 108:13

Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.

Dan could think of nothing he would want to do less than speak in front of an audience. And yet, here he was preparing to speak to a conference of young men and women on the importance of Christ in his life. If not for the transforming power of Christ in his life, Dan knew he would never be able to get up in front of that crowd to speak. Through Christ, all things really were possible. Miracles could still happen, and Dan could break his bonds of shyness to spread the Gospel word.

 God allows us to do valiantly. Things we never thought possible become almost commonplace. God will enable us to do things we never even dreamed of. Rely upon the Lord, and He will help you conquer the enemies of your heart and mind that threaten to make you less than He wants you to be.

 Prayer: I can be my own worst enemy, Lord. Help me to overcome the things in my life that make me less than I can be. Use me in whatever way You can. Amen.

 

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Wisdom From The Psalms for 11/15/13


Psalm 107:40

He poureth contempt upon princes, and causeth them to wander in the wilderness, where there is no way.
"I don't need any help. I can do everything just fine on my own!"
Randy shouldered his pack and headed off down the path. Jerry and Tom shook their heads and followed along. Before long, Randy was out of sight, and his two friends gave up trying to follow. As evening set in, they made cam and waited for their friend to return. While they sat by a warm and inviting fire, Randy stumbled through dense forest, lost, alone, and afraid.

 We were created for one another. There is no sense in trying to deny it. Those who attempt to stand on their own two feet find that they tire before long, and they wish they had someone to lean on. God created us equal, so that we can adequately fill one another's needs. He hopes we will share our lives with one another and with Him. People who feel they are above needing others will be shown the error of their ways in due time. It is better to admit our need and wander this wilderness with companions who make the journey a lot more enjoyable.

 Prayer: Father, I thank You that I never have to walk alone. You are by my side, and I have opportunities to share my life journey with so many others. Bless my path, O Lord. Amen.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Wisdom From The Psalms for 11/14/13


Psalm 107:26
They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths : their soul is melted because of trouble.

The waves were rolling and crashing, and the luxury liner was pitching with each and every one. It would ride high upon the crest of one wave, then plummet to the trough of the next. The passengers were despairing of life itself. Even the most stout-hearted grew uneasy in the roiling sea.
Our lives are like tempest-tossed boat rides sometimes. We climb to breathtaking heights and fall to desperate lows, and there are times when we feel as though we just can't go on. The Lord understands these feelings. He was exalted on Sunday and nailed to a cross just five days later. He has experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, and He, too, felt Himself melt in the face of distress. It is well to remember that the Lord is with us, and He can truly be of help to us because He has walked our path before us. When the storms of life toss us the hardest, that is when we can count on the Lord to be closest.

Prayer: In both good times and bad, Lord, be close by me to help me keep my head about me. Do not let me be swept up in temporary situations, losing sight of Your hand on my life, but let me always feel Your guiding presence. Amen.

 

 

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Wisdom From The Psalms For 11/13/13


Psalm 107:26

They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths : their soul is melted because of trouble.

The waves were rolling and crashing, and the luxury liner was pitching with each and every one. It would ride high upon the crest of one wave, then plummet to the trough of the next. The passengers were despairing of life itself. Even the most stout-hearted grew uneasy in the roiling sea.

Our lives are like tempest-tossed boat rides sometimes. We climb to breathtaking heights and fall to desperate lows, and there are times when we feel as though we just can't go on. The Lord understands these feelings. He was exalted on Sunday and nailed to a cross just five days later. He has experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, and He, too, felt Himself melt in the face of distress. It is well to remember that the Lord is with us, and He can truly be of help to us because He has walked our path before us. When the storms of life toss us the hardest, that is when we can count on the Lord to be closest.

Prayer: In both good times and bad, Lord, be close by me to help me keep my head about me. Do not let me be swept up in temporary situations, losing sight of Your hand on my life, but let me always feel Your guiding presence. Amen.

Monday, November 11, 2013

Wisdom From The Psalms For 11/12/13


Psalm 107:21

Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

Jay was one of the most unpopular men in the office. He never had a good word to say to anyone. He was critical, snide, self-centered, and jealous. People simply got tired of hearing all the negative comments coming from his mouth. Just once they wanted to hear something good come from his lips.

Negative people get on our nerves quickly. They get on God's nerves, too. He calls us to praise Him and life our voices in positive ways. If only more people would praise the Lord for His goodness, what a wonderful place our world would become. We need to occupy our thoughts with what is good, and turn away from what is bad. Praise God throughout the day, and see what wonderful feelings you find along the way.

Prayer: Erase from my vocabulary all negative words and from my mind all negative thoughts, Lord. Create in me a fountain of positive feeling and goodwill. Share Your grace through my witness. Amen

Saturday, November 09, 2013

Wisdom From The Psalms for 11/11/13


Psalm 107:21

Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

Jay was one of the most unpopular men in the office. He never had a good word to say to anyone. He was critical, snide, self-centered, and jealous. People simply got tired of hearing all the negative comments coming from his mouth. Just once they wanted to hear something good come from his lips.

Negative people get on our nerves quickly. They get on God's nerves, too. He calls us to praise Him and life our voices in positive ways. If only more people would praise the Lord for His goodness, what a wonderful place our world would become. We need to occupy our thoughts with what is good, and turn away from what is bad. Praise God throughout the day, and see what wonderful feelings you find along the way.

Prayer: Erase from my vocabulary all negative words and from my mind all negative thoughts, Lord. Create in me a fountain of positive feeling and goodwill. Share Your grace through my witness. Amen

 

 

Wisdom From The Psalms For 11/10/13


Psalm 107: 14

He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and break their bands in sunder.

Mabel made sure that children in her neighborhood got a better start than she had. Each day she would invite children into her home, and she would help them with their reading. She would labor long and hard with some, but she was determined that they would never have to face a life lived in darkness and ignorance. Illiteracy was a terrible kind of slavery that no one should suffer under. Mabel's special ministry of love helped children in her area break free from the bonds of ignorance and led them into a bright and exciting light.

 God has given us minds to use and wonderful technologies. There is no excuse for living in fear and darkness in our world today. He has liberated us from ignorance and has granted us knowledge and wisdom beyond measure. Take hold of the great gift of the mind, and thank God daily for it.

 Prayer: Shed Your light upon my heart and mind, father that I might know all that I can about You, Your creation, and Your will. Be the source of my understanding and my liberation. Amen.

Friday, November 08, 2013

Wisdom From The Psalms For 11/9/13


Psalm 107:2, 3

Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from among the heathen, to give thanks unto thy holy name, and to triumph in thy praise.

Mary knew she was in trouble when the bus entered unfamiliar territory. When it finally pulled up to the last stop, she wasn't sure what to do. The driver hardly spoke English, and Mary began to panic. She rushed to the phone through a crowd of vagrants and drunks. In tears, she called her sister, pleading for her to come rescue her from her trial. When her sister's car pulled up outside the terminal, tears of joy and relief flowed freely down Mary's face.

 Often we need to have a terrible trial in order to remember what it means to be truly thankful. Our praise is from the heart when we have been in danger or discomfort. Bad situations help us to appreciate how good our lives can be. Even in trial, God reaches through to help us to a deeper understanding of ourselves. Praise the Lord for all the good things He has given, and know that He will rescue you from all perils.

 Prayer: In times of darkness, help me not to dwell on what is wrong, but turn my mind to all I have to be thankful for. Amen.

Thursday, November 07, 2013

Wisdom From The Psalms For 11/8/13


 Psalm 106:43

Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked him with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity.

The agent folded his arms and shook his head. The offer was totally unacceptable. He wanted his ball player to receive top dollar. The team owners conferred and made another offer substantially higher than their previous one. Still the agent held out. To his dismay, the owners threw up their hands in disgust and closed the talks. The ball player would not play; the owners would look elsewhere.

Greed causes so many problems. We only want a little bit more, but each time we take a little, we leave less for others. God gives great things to His people, but when they continually look for ways to get more, then He is not so free to give. There are too many people who will appreciate what the Lord has to give. God will bring low those who try to take more than their share. His love is freely given, but it is given to be shared, not taken advantage of.

Prayer: Do I provoke you, Lord, through my many sins, both large and small? Help me to do what is pleasing in Your sight, and to use the gifts You have given me to spread Your Good News. Amen.

Wednesday, November 06, 2013

Wisdom From The Psalms For 11/7/13


Psalm 106:7

Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; they remembered not the multitude of thy mercies; but provoked him at the sea, even at the Red sea.

"I want it!" Becky screamed.

Her father turned to where the little girl stood red-faced and defiant. He looked at her and said, "I don't want to hear another word. I bought you a toy last week, and I told you not to ask for anything else. You've had ice cream and I took you to see the pets, now you straighten up. Do you understand?"

Whether Becky understood or not may still be in question, but her behavior is all too familiar. Some of us want what we want when we want it, and we really don't care whether we're being ungrateful or not. God has showered us with blessings, and sometimes we stand defiantly demanding more. God is willing to give us many good things, but not when we refuse to value what we've got. Christian maturity requires that we learn to be satisfied with what we have. It is pleasing to God when His children say "Thank You," instead of "More."

Prayer: I forget how gracious and giving You have been, O Lord. Forgive my lack of gratitude and appreciation. I have no reason to desire more. I have more than I truly need already. Help me to use my abundance for the sake of others. Amen.

 

Tuesday, November 05, 2013

Wisdom From The Psalms for 11/6/13


 Psalm 105: 5

Remember his marvelous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth.

The old pastor was only a few months out of the church, and it seemed like everyone took glee in recalling his faults and shortcomings. The problems of the church were all attributed in some form to the inadequacies of the pastor just past. It was the rare individual who stopped to recall all the wonderful qualities the former pastor had possessed. In his time he had served with love and affection, and the glories of his love far exceeded any shortcomings he displayed.

Do we spend much time glorying in all that the Lord has done for us, or do we lament over what has yet to occur? So often we can find ourselves blaming God when things don't go right. The Hebrew people did it. The kings did it. Even early Christians did it. We should be careful to learn from their mistakes and fill our hearts and mouths with the praise that God surely deserves.

Prayer:

Remove from my mouth any curse, Lord. Fill me with praise and thanksgiving for all that I have and all that I am. Amen.

Monday, November 04, 2013

Wisdom From The Psalms for 11/5/13


Psalm 104:32

He looketh on the earth, and it trembleth: he toucheth the hills, and they smoke.

The volcano rumbled, then fell silent. Clouds of smoke billowed from its crown, and the people in the towns surrounding it made hasty plans to leave. Experts were assuring people that there was no immediate danger, but when the old mountain began to grumble, the people tended to listen to it rather than the experts. Wisdom being the better part of valor, the neighboring residents departed until the danger was clearly through.

 In nature there is mighty destructive power. This world of God's contains forces beyond our wildest dreams. It is wise to respect the forces of nature, and it is wise to respect the forces of our Lord. No one can challenge the Lord as to truth and justice. God wields the true power, and He does so with perfect love and compassion. God has made His desires known to His children. To ignore the rumble is foolishness.

 Prayer: Lord, make me an obedient child and a willing follower. Break my willful nature, and help me to see the wisdom of Your ways. Amen.

Saturday, November 02, 2013

Wisdom From The Psalms For 11/4/13


 

Psalm 104:32
He looketh on the earth, and it trembleth: he toucheth the hills, and they smoke.
The volcano rumbled, then fell silent. Clouds of smoke billowed from its crown, and the people in the towns surrounding it made hasty plans to leave. Experts were assuring people that there was no immediate danger, but when the old mountain began to grumble, the people tended to listen to it rather than the experts. Wisdom being the better part of valor, the neighboring residents departed until the danger was clearly through.
 In nature there is mighty destructive power. This world of God's contains forces beyond our wildest dreams. It is wise to respect the forces of nature, and it is wise to respect the forces of our Lord. No one can challenge the Lord as to truth and justice. God wields the true power, and He does so with perfect love and compassion. God has made His desires known to His children. To ignore the rumble is foolishness.
 Prayer: Lord, make me an obedient child and a willing follower. Break my willful nature, and help me to see the wisdom of Your ways. Amen.


Wisdom From The Psalms For 11/3/13


Psalm 104:24

Lord, how manifold are thy works! In wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.

Timmy did not want to go on the science field trip. Science was so boring. They were going to climb around on rocks and look for fossils of animals dead a half a million years. Big deal! Nothing could interest Timmy less.

 Then, an amazing thing happened. Timmy was one of the first to find fossilized remains. He held the rock in his hands and traced the fragile trilobite fossil with his finger. He was enthralled by the sight, and a new love was born in Tim's heart. Timmy saw the earth as a treasure house of wonders too magnificent to understand.

 We ought to take time to study this wonderful world of ours. There is so much to behold. God has done so many wonderful things, and He has given them over to us to enjoy. Search out the riches of God's world, and you will never be poor.

 Prayer: Have I lost the capacity to believe in miracles, O Lord? Show me the wonders of Your creation. Let me take nothing for granted. Indeed, Lord, make all things new in my eyes. Amen.

Friday, November 01, 2013

Wisdom From The Psalms For 11/2/13


Psalm 104:13

He watereth the hills from his chambers: the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works.

Emily sat patiently explaining the way of the world to Jeffrey. "The sun shines when God is happy, and it rains when He is sad. Rain is God's tears."

 "Why would God cry? Isn't He happy all the time?"

"Heavens, no. Would you be happy if you and I were your children?"

Children have a way of cutting through a lot of confusion to the heart of the matter. Though God doesn't cry because of us, He often cries with us when we suffer. Many people perceive God to be so detached and above us all that He never relates to what we go through. Nothing could be further from the truth. The reason that God sent His only Son to be our Savior was so that He could reach out to us in our struggles and say, "I struggle with you." Perhaps the rain is not actually God's own tears, but let it be a reminder to us that God does indeed cry for His children in their times of need.

 Prayer: Lord, thank You for sending Jesus into the world to relate to me on terms that I understand. I need to know that Your love for me is emotional and passionate. Teach me to love others as You love me. Amen.