WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 5/6/13

Psalm 19:1

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.

Steve slammed on the brakes and pulled to the side of the road in anger and frustration. Grabbing the map and a flashlight from the glove compartment, he burst up out of the car. He knew he was lost, but he didn't have the slightest idea how to get himself found again. He leaned on the roof of the car, tracing out his location on the map. After a few moments, he snapped off the light, closed his eyes, and laid his head against the metal of the car. When he opened his eyes, he was startled by the number and beauty of the stars in the Arizona sky. Like a child, he gazed at the heavens with his mouth hanging open. Never before could he remember such a beautiful sight.. A peace came over him that totally removed the rage of a few minutes before. Forgetting the time or the situation, Steve climbed up on the hood of his car, leaving back to soak in the splendor of God's creation.

This day, we need to stop for a moment to open new eyes to the wonder of God's world. If we will only try to see it through His eyes rather than our own, we will find new beauty that we never noticed before. His is a world of wonder and miracle. See it.

Prayer: Lord, open my eyes, that I might see all that this world is meant to be. Do not let the pressures of the day create a cloud that prevents me from seeing Your beauty. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 5/5/13

Psalm 18:36

Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip.

Brent thought he was going to freeze to death. He had set out to Jill's house during the early throes of the blizzard. It was four miles to her house, but the drifting snow was making progress almost impossible. He was halfway, so it didn't matter whether he went forward or back; the trip was going to be rough. He could have kicked himself for not leaving the house prepared. Now he was paying for it.

As he passed the Johnson house, Ed Johnson leaned out and called to him. As Brent looked up, Ed held out a pair of snowshoes, waving them with a big grin on his face. Brent broke into a smile and struggled over to the Johnsons'. When he was young, Brent thought people in Minnesota were eccentric for keeping snowshoes around. Suddenly, it didn't seem so funny anymore.

There are some situations that arise in our lives that are as difficult to get through as a deep snowdrift or shifting sand. We struggle, and the more we do, the worse off we become. God reaches out to us in those e times, gladly lending a hand. He will enlarge our steps, so that we might get over the toughest problems. Believe it.

Prayer: Dear Lord, equip me with the means to meet life's problems. Often I flounder around, sinking deeper and deeper into tough situation. Liberate me, and set me back on my feet, I pray. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 5/4/13

Psalm 18:34

He teached my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by my arms.

Angela was the youngest of six children. Her memories and childhood conjured images of constant fighting and competition. She had learned very early how to fight. Her young years had been a painful lesson in the survival of the fittest.

It was only after she left home that she found out that living didn't mean fighting. She met and married a strong Christian man whose strength came not from any physical source, but from a deep and abiding faith in the Lord. He taught her patience and compassion and peace. Her world was turned upside down as she realized that true strength came not from fighting, but from refusing to fight. God granted her a power greater than any she'd known. By her peace of mind and spirit, Angela broke free from the bondage of her past and faced the future with the assurance that nothing could ever defeat her again.

Prayer: Lord, remove from me my spirit of competition ion in trying to be better than other people. Whenever my will says to fight back in anger, let my spirit prevail with a desire to forgive. Make me strong in Your love. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 5/3/13

Psalm 18:33

He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places.

Her grace and beauty was breathtaking. The doe paused for a moment, then she sprang forth in a poetic dance of joy. Effortlessly, she scaled the rocky incline, never missing her footing, until she stood out against the autumn sky. Her gentle eyes scanned the horizon, she sniffed delicately, shook her head once, and then was off.

God has equipped His creation with many wonderful and amazing qualities. The doe who can climb steep mountains with nary a misstep, the jaguar that can outrun any prey and turn sharply at its fastest pace, the eagle who can span vast distances in a matter of hours; all these creatures are strong because they use their God-given talents as they were intended to.

There is a lesson to learn from such creatures. We, too, have been given many wonderful gifts and talents. When we affirm the talents we have been given, then God will surely bless us, and we will be a sign to others of His goodness. God has given us hinds' feet, wings to fly, power, grace, an d a multitude of other gifts. Embrace them and know that the Lord is good.

Prayer: Teach me to use the gifts I have been given. Aid me as I test my wings and struggle to get my footing. Be patient with me, Lord, and touch me with Your touch of peace and grace. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 5/2/13

Psalm 18:28

For thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.

Jeffey dutifully tended the lamp that hung by the altar. The flame had not failed in over thirty years. Throughout that time, Jeffey had daily filled the lamp with oil. People throughout the church marveled at this dedication and persistence.

One day Jeffey took sick and had to go to the hospital. Friends stopped in to see Jeffey, and as each one left, he lifted his head and said, "Don't forget the light, okay?"

One women, puzzled by the urgency of Jeffey's reminder, asked him why the little lamp meant so much to him. His eyes grew misty, and he said, "That light means the world to me. When I was young, tow lights came into my life: my wife and Jesus. My wife died, but then so did Jesus. The lamp reminds me that so long as it shines, both of them are still alive. I guess it wouldn't matter if the lamp went out, but it's important to me."

God sends light into our lives in many ways. The greatest light of all is live, and we know love through His greatest gift, Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Shine forth through the dark reaches of my life, Light of the World, Fill me with Your blessed warmth and glow. Shine through me for others to see. Let me be Your live in this world. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 5/1/13

Psalm 18:20

The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath be recompensed me.

The children knew what to expect from their teacher. She rewarded those who gave their best efforts. It didn't matter so much that they were right all the time. What was important was that they tried to do the best they could. The dullest student was rewarded as often as the brightest, as long as he put forth effort. Year after year, the teacher turned out good students.

Putting forth a great deal of effort is much easier when we can feel we've accomplished something. There is a basic instinct within each of us that likes praise and reward. We need to feel that we are noticed when we do what is good and right. The Lord sees all that we do, and His pleasure is ever with us. His abundant blessings come to all who truly love Him and pursue Him with all their heart, mind, and soul.

Prayer: I will try to do my very best, God. I want to be the person You intend me to be. Assist me as I struggle to find You image within myself and shine forth that image for the whole world to see. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 4/30/13

Psalm 18:17

He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me.

Young David was foolish to think he could succeed where the army or Israel had failed. The Philistines were mighty, they were mean, and they were excellent fighters. They had been unstoppable as they marched throughout the lands of the Middle East. What chance had one small boy against the leader of the mightiest fighting machine in history?

Alone, David would not have stood a chance, but David was not alone. As young as David was, he still had the wisdom to call upon God for help in his time of greatest need. Faith is the most powerful force in the universe, and it knows no age. The faith of a child is every bit as mighty as the faith of an older man or woman.

As we face problems that seem much too great for us to handle alone, we need to understand that the same problem is as nothing in the face of God. God is on our side, and He will surely help us whenever we call upon Him. David would not have faced his Goliath without God on his side. Should we ever face our own Goliath s without Him?

Prayer: Lord, send Your might to see me through the storms of life. When trials seem to gigantic to handle, be the source of my strength. Deliver me and comfort me, O Lord. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 4/29/13

Psalm 18:3

I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so sha ll I be saved from mine enemies.

When Charlie was a boy, he used to dream of being like his favorite comic book hero. With super powers, Charlie knew he'd be unstoppable. No one could pick on him, no one could tell him what to do, and everybody would love him. As he grew older, Charlie grew sad to realize that no superhero life lay in his future. Superheroes were just myths.

Then, one day, Charlie found a new kind of hero. A friend of his gave him a New Testament and asked him to read it. Charlie was swept into a world where sin and evil came to an end, where good really did win, and where love was the strongest power of all. And the best thing was, everyone who believed could be a hero, too.

We need to choose our heroes carefully. Only one hero is worthy of our praise and allegiance, and that is Jesus Christ. Jesus will save us from our enemies, and He will set all things right. Follow Him, and He will grant you a power beyond belief.

Prayer: Dear God, I follow so many false heroes, thinking they might have something I need. Help me to remember that all I could ever need or want, You have already given me though the life of Your blessed Son. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 4/28/13

Psalm 18:2

The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

Jennifer could hardly wait for her shift to be over. The nurses' station was a mad rush, and there was simply no time to even catch her breath. Some nights she wondered why she had ever gone into nursing. The pace was so crazy, and the work was exhausting, both mentally as well as physically. For a moment, Jennifer closed her eyes and said a quick prayer to the Lord, thanking Him for His great mercy and asking for just enough strength to make it through.

The Lord listens to our prayers, and He responds by giving us the strength we need to meet every situation. He truly is our strength of our fortress. Trust in the Lord, and He will grant you His peace.

Prayer: Dear Lord, there are times when I just don't think I can make it. Please grant me Your power to endure and succeed. Help me to remember that r eal strength comes from You. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 4/27/13

Psalm 17:5

Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.

Burt had worked in high-rise construction all his life. Every day he would walk the girders high above the ground with apparent ease. In his lifetime he had seen a number of men plunge from the girders due to a mere moment of carelessness. As for himself, he knew he had been lucky. Each morning he began work only after saying a short prayer, asking the Lord to watch his movements through the day, keeping him safe from any mishap.

Though most of us never do anything as dangerous or risky as high-rise construction, we do stand in danger of falling to temptation. A fall like that is as devastating to the soul as a plunge from a high girder would be to our physical being. No matter how careful we try to be, we need someone to catch us when we stumble. God is that someone. He waits with open arms to catch His children when they fall. Rest easy in the knowledge that God guides your steps. He will protect those who put their trust in Him.

Prayer: I need Your guiding love, Almighty God. Without it, I am sure to fall. Thank You for being with me picking me up when I fall. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 4/26/13

Psalm 17:3

Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; though hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.

Being a teacher for thirty years teaches you an awful lot. Ann had seen just about every trick in the book. The minute her back was turned, children would try all kinds of things. Often she would leave the room for a few minutes, just to see who her problem children were going to be. She would return suddenly and catch them in all stages of misbehavior. There were the exceptions, of course. Some children sat quietly whether she was in the room or not. Those children were rate treasures, but they often helped her keep her sanity.

All of us behave differently when we think we're being watched. Usually, we are on our best behavior when we know that someone else is around. The funny thing is, somebody is always with us: God. Is God pleased when He sees the way we act when we're alone? It is a wise person who tries to live righteously all the time, both when others are with him or her as well as when he or she is alone. God will help us be the people we are meant to be, if we will only ask. No one is more deserving of our best behavior than God.

Prayer: Lord, help me to give You my best, not my worst. Keep me ever mindful of Your presence, and be proud of who I am becoming. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 4/25/13

Psalm 16:8

I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

The little boy rode his bicycle like a demon. He would pedal as fast as he could and fly down the street. He still had training wheels on his bicycle, though they did little to balance it. He had long since gained his balance, but he refused to let his parents remove them. Some of his friends made fun of him, but he felt safe and secure, so long as the training wheels were firmly in place.

All of us have times in our lives when we need something or someone to help us. Sometimes these things become crutches to us, but other times they give us the confidence and support we desperately need. God is the only support we truly need, and we can rest assured that He will always be close by. With God before us, we can stand up against anything. He is not a crutch. He's the source of all strength and power.

Prayer: Lord, be my strength. When I need help to get through the day, be with me and help me to know that You are there. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 4/24/13

Psalm 16:4

Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips.

Ralph had grown up desiring to be wealthy one day. He had worked hard, devoting himself to the pursuit of his precious money. Now he could honestly call himself rich, but he wasn't sure it was all he had dreamed it would be. He spent so much of his time protecting what he had accumulated. He lay awake at night worrying about investments, deals, taxes; anything and everything that might ruin his status. His every waking moment was tied up in the acquisition of more and more wealth. On rare occasions, Ralph found himself wishing for just a little peace of mind and a chance to forget about money for awhile.

The pursuit of God is one of the few life choices we can make that has no strings attached. We give very little, and receive so much. Money, fame, power, prestige all sound nice, but they require more effort than they are worth. Worse, they pay temporary benefits that fade away, leaving us empty, lost, and alone. Give your life to God, and walk in the ways that He chooses, and you will find that He will bless you continually.

Prayer: Turn me from the things that cannot offer me lasting satisfaction. Turn me instead, Lord, to the things that are eternal and holy. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 4/23/13

Psalm 15:5

He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.

The young man was quite proud of himself. He ran a lawn-care service specifically targeted to older people who could not do the work for themselves. But, because he had them in a tough position, he charged them more than he ordinarily could have. Since they couldn't do the work themselves, and they often didn't know anyone else to contact, they had to pay his price. Publicly, he gained the reputation of being a champion of the elderly. Privately, he gloated over his shrewd maneuvering.

The Bible tells us that when we receive our rewards on earth, we have nothing to look forward to from God in the future. Our duty is to love and defend others, not take advantage of them. When we put other people's interests ahead of our own, then we can count on God's favor in the days to come.

Prayer: You have created everyone equally. Lord, and no one is more precious in Your sight than anyone else. Help me to see the value in all people, and do everything in my power to serve them and love them. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 4/22/13

Psalm 15:3

He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.

Ruth attended every church function held, and she never refused to pitch in when there was work to do. She gave liberally of money, time, and talent. There was nothing she would not do for her church. Even so, she found that others did not welcome here or invite her to join in their special functions. One day she complained to the people she was with that, "Too many people think too highly of themselves, and they're jealous of me because I do so much." She began to list by name those whom she meant. Finally, one of her associates stopped her and said, "The reason you're not more welcome is because you always talk about others. You spend a lot of time doing good, then you undo it by gossiping. We get tired of hearing you criticize everyone who doesn't do things like you want them to."

We are all called to be Christian in thought, deed, and word. If the love of God truly dwells in our hearts, then we should show it by the way we treat and talk about others. What we say matters a great deal, and God will judge us on our words and feelings, as well as on our actions.

Prayer: Lord, help me to love with Your divine love. Keep me from judging others, but never let me forget that to grow, I must continually judge myself. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 4/21/13

Psalm 14:4

Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge? Who eat up my people as they eat bread, and call not upon the Lord.

Cory rode along the street on his bicycle, lighting huge firecrackers and tossing them onto the doorsteps of houses along the way. He would listen for the mighty explosions and then laugh as frightened home owners came to the door to see what had happened. His terrorizing spree came to an end as one firecracker with too short a fuse blew up in Cory's hand, severely injuring him.

Do the people who abuse and oppress others really think there is no penalty to pay for what they do? It seems that way. Workers of iniquity who pride themselves on their brilliance and accomplishment are in fact some of the most ignorant people alive. Those who do not know the Lord, do not know much of anything. True knowledge and wisdom comes through love and respect of the one who died to make our salvation possible: Jesus Christ.

Prayer: O Lord, steer me away from those who, through ignorance of You, cause pain and destruction. Help me, instead, to build up and defend all that is right and good. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 4/20/13

Psalm 14:2

The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.

"It won't do you any good. All that talk about God is just a crutch. Do your best, live for the day, then lay down and die."

Tim listened to his friend rave on and on, but he never did challenge him. In some ways, he agreed with his friend. Sometimes Jesus was a crutch, but after all, lame people need a crutch. Tim felt like he'd been limping through his entire life before he found Christ. He also believed that God wanted him to do his best and live for the day, but he knew there was more to it than that. Even if all his friends told him that God was a lie, he wouldn't believe it. God was real, and no one could convince him otherwise.

Arguments against the existence of God can sound good, but they amount to nothing more than opinion in the face of fact. We walk by faith, not by sight. God is looking for faith-walkers. If we will follow what we know to be true with our hearts, instead of what we can be convinced of in our minds, then God will lead us and sustain us in all that we do.

Prayer: Be with me, Lord. All around me are people who attack my faith. Dwell in my heart, and let me feel the reality of Your presence within. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 4/19/13

Psalm 14:1

The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.

The Reverend Dave Scott stood trembling at the doorway to the sanctuary. During the night, vandals had broken into the church. They hadn't taken anything, but they had destroyed just about everything. Windows were shattered, pews splintered, Bible ripped apart. Reverend Scott felt a terrible sickness in the pit of his stomach. Who could do such things? Was nothing sacred anymore?

We need to ask ourselves these questions, because we face such situations all the time. Terrible things are done all around us, and often they happen without regard or respect for things we hold sacred. Foolish people hold our God in contempt, and we can only find consolation in the fact that the Lord sees all, and His justice will one day be done. For us, we must hold onto His goodness and His strength so we can endure such inconceivable crimes. Our Lord is greater than the "things" foolish people destroy. His will be done!

Prayer: O Lord, while the evil days keep coming, grant me strength enough to endure until the end. Remind me that I worship you, and nothing any man or woman can do will ever destroy that. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 4/18/13

Psalm 13:3

Consider and hear me, O Lord my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death.

Bill was beginning to doubt his faith. He had been confirmed into a church almost twenty years ago, he had once read the Bible regularly, and he still prayed occasionally, always at meals. Still, he felt like he was just stumbling through life like a sleepwalker. Nothing seemed to matter, and Bill felt that his life laced purpose. There had to be something more, but Bill was wondering what it was.

If the Lord is not a real and vital part of our lives, then we are only half living. God renews us and puts purpose into our being. We are spiritual batteries which constantly need to be recharged. We cannot be recharged apart from the power source: Jesus Christ. The Bible, the church, fellowship with other believers, prayer; these and many other activities draw us close to God and therefore energize our spiritual lives. Draw close to God and feel the power. It's waiting right now, and it is given freely.

Prayer: Energize my life with the power of Your Holy Spirit, Lord. Grant that I might live life fully, not halfway. Open my eyes to the glorious life I have been given. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 4/17/13

Psalm 13:1

How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?

There is no worse feeling than feeling a distance from God. When we cry out in prayer, we need to feel His presence with us. When that feeling is absent, hopelessness and despair set in. We need to know, however, that the Lord has not really gone far from us, but we have pushed Him from ourselves. The Lord is always as close as a prayer, and we need but open our hearts to Him, and His presence will be felt once again. The Lord never hides His face from us, though often He will wait; stepping back like the loving Father that He is, to see whether or not we can struggle through a problem on our own. God wants to see us grow, and He often has to let us struggle a bit in order to allow that growth to occur. Even in those times of trial, however, the Lord is never far away, and He will not allow us to be tried beyond our endurance.

Prayer: Help me to know that You are with me i n every situation at every moment of the day. I need Your comforting presence in my life, O Lord. Without it, I cannot go on. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 4/16/13

Psalm 12:5

For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the Lord.

Something is terribly wrong in our world. Some of God's children are ill-fed, homeless, diseased, and abused. Many people do not know the comforts of a home, nor the security of a free state. Who will care for these lowly children of God?

The Bible says that the Lord will rise up in behalf of these people, but it also says that He will do so through His servants and followers. That means that God will provide for His poorer children through the grace of His richer ones. We are called to give from our blessed abundance, that others less fortunate might live. This is not an option for Christians, but a basic mandate upon which our faith is built. We are the hands, the feet, the eyes, and the voice of the Lord. Let us serve Him well.

Prayer: Use me as You will, O Lord. Make me an instrument of Thy glory and will. Send the power of Your Spirit into the world through me. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 4/15/13

Psalm 12:3

The Lord shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things.

A friend of mine tells of a man he worked with who believed that he knew everything there was to know about God. If people expressed their beliefs, the man would criticize and analyze them, telling them what he felt was wrong with their way of thinking. He bragged of all the things he had read, of the people he had met, and the numbers he had let to Christ. His religion was worn as a badge to impress others. However, when things got hard the man, he found that he was ill-equipped to deal with the pressures.

Our faith in Christ is not to be a source of bragging and pride; but a source of comfort and service. Being Christian doesn't make us better than other people, just better off. We are blessed by the gift of God's love, and we should receive it with humility and grace.

Prayer: Creator God, You have made me in Your image, and I sometimes forget how thankful I should be. All that I am, and all that I can be, is a gift from You, and nothing that I have done on my own. Forgive my foolish pride. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 4/14/13

Psalm 12:1

Help, Lord; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.

Sarah thought that going to a Christian college would be an answer to her prayers. She really looked forward to a community of believers where she could feel at home. She especially wanted to find out what it would be like to date Christian guys who wouldn't try to take advantage of her. Boy, had she been wrong. The guys she went out with at the college were no different from the boys in high school. And a lot of the girls partied all the time. Sarah wondered if there was something wrong with her. Maybe being a Christian wasn't what she thought at all.

Many people face a dilemma like Sarah's. Too many people think that being a Christian means believing but not doing. They act as if being a Christian makes their old behaviors somehow right. Nothing is further from the truth! Being a Christian means living a godly life and rejecting many things that the world says are okay. How sad that the people who do live good lives are the ones who feel like freaks. As the days go on, few godly people exist. Thankfully, God is with those who choose the path of righteousness, and He will be with us always.

Prayer: I live with a foot in two worlds, Lord. Reach out and pull me into the Kingdom, that I might step from this world into Yours. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 4/13/13

Psalm 11:4

The Lord is in his holy temple, the Lord's throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.

Whenever they went to the ocean, Dave remembered Tim and how he had drowned by swimming out too far. Not only did he go too far, but he swam in an area without a lifeguard. Since that time, Dave always looked for the lifeguard, and he refused to swim if the lifeguard wasn't present. Once Dave had thought that lifeguards were on the beach to keep people from having too much fun. Now he thought differently.

What comfort there is to know that we are being watched over. This life provides some pretty treacherous waters, and we need to know that there is a divine lifeguard, ready to pull us up at a moment's notice. The Lord watches over us, not to stifle or oppress us, but to insure us a full, happy, and healthy life. We can tread life's waters knowing that there is nothing to fear, for the Lord is watching.

Prayer: when I get in over my head, Lord, be there to life me up. I need You to watch over me and care for me. I put all my faith in You. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 4/12/13

Psalm 11:1

In the Lord put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain?

Yani meant well, but sometimes Gail got so mad at her. Gail was a strong Christian, but Yani felt that Christianity was false, and so she kept trying to persuade Gail to try an Eastern faith. Gail had no trouble with Yani believing as she did, but she wanted them to be abl3e to simple share the truth of their separate beliefs in order to grow and learn more. Yani wanted nothing to do with Christian teaching, and she vehemently fought to convince Gail of her erroneous faith. Gail saw no reason to flee from Christianity when in her heart she knew it was right.

We are overexposed to choices. Every day someone will try to tell us that we need one more thing in order to make our lives complete. Ads tells us that we should be dissatisfied with what we have, that we need something different. The truth is, when we find what works, or what is right, or what we like, no one should be able to tell us that we're wrong. Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life, and no one and nothing can ever take His place. We are already Kingdom people. There's no reason to try anything else.

Prayer: When I feel surrounded by doubts and I question my faith, Father, reach out to me, that I might know I have nothing to fear. Teach me Your truth each day. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 4/11/13

Psalm 10:17

Lord, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear.

The jury had argued the merits of the case for hours. Nelson had remained silent through the entire debate, but now he leaned forward and began to speak. Immediately everyone silenced themselves and turned to listen to what Nelson had to say. Because he had said little previously, his words had a strange impact, and his argument persuaded the jury members.

When someone talks all the time, the tendency is to tune that person out. NO one wants to be around someone who chatters incessantly. What a joy it is to find someone who employs an economy of words. The person who speaks infrequently tends to be heard the most.

When we learn to speak to God of the more important desires of our hearts, we can be assured that He is hearing us and will answer our prayers. When we merely chatter on to God about every little annoyance or inconvenience, we may find that He is slower to answer, in hopes that we will learn to take care of problems that are within our own power to solve. Use wisdom in your dealing with God, and you will find your relationship enriched.

Prayer: Teach me humility and wisdom, O Lord, that I might speak wisely of the things that are most important. Help me to know what I am able to deal with and what I am not. Guide me as I grow. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 4/10/13

Psalm 10:4

The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.

A successful corporate leader once said, "It's not that I don't believe in God, it's just that I don't have time for Him. If I did all the things that God wanted me to do, I'd never have time left for business." What a telling statement! Being a Christian means so much more than just believing in the existence of Christ. Many people believe in Christ, but they consciously remove Him from their hearts and minds. They don't have time for Him. What a tragedy! Too many people see life in Christ as slavery rather than freedom. They feel oppressed by the only true liberator that exists.

To understand Christ, we must spend time with Him. If we reject Him without even getting to know Him, we rob ourselves of any chance at redemption and salvation. As Christian people, we need to keep God close by us. We need to read His Word, dwell upon Him in our hearts, and speak of Him wherever and whenever possible. Keep the Lord close by you, and will never feel alone.

Prayer: Be with me, O my Lord. Plant Yourself firmly in my thoughts, and never let me turn from You. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 4/9/13

Psalm 9:19, 20

Arise, O Lord; let not man prevail: let the heathen be judged in thy sight. Put them in fear, O Lord: that the nations may know themselves to be but men.

It is frightening to listen to the decrees made by some of our world leaders. They hold the lives of so many people in their hands, and all too often they seem bent on destruction, not only of themselves, but of as many people as they can take with them. Were it true that they really had the ultimate power, there would be no reason for hope.

We know better, however. The only true power in this world is the power of God, and our fate will not be decided by men and women, but by God. WE are created for eternity, and so we do not need to fear the decisions made by corrupt human beings in this age. Our trust is in the Lord of all creation, and in Him there is never reason to fear or doubt.

Prayer:

 Father God, sustainer of life and giver of sanity in an insane world, hear the prayers of Your people and give us peace and confidence of a bright new age to come. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 4/8/13

Psalm 9:10

And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.

The crowd in the office seemed to have no morals whatsoever. Beth could hardly believe some of the things she heard the other employees talking about. They used foul language, spent weekends in drunken fogs, and had no compunction about their loose sexual behavior. Sometimes Beth felt so alone. It was hard to spend so much time out of the day with people she disagreed with so strongly. Her thoughts always turned to her close friends, and she was glad to have others who felt as she did to turn to. Her friends were all Christian, and it really did make a difference. She didn't feel like an outsider when she was with Christian friends. Having such good friends made it easier to deal with the people at work. She wondered what she would do if she didn't have friends who felt as she did.

So many people have no idea what it means to have the Spirit of Christ in their hearts. They believe that their lives are fine just as they are. How sad that they do not know enough to put their trust in God. It is our job, as the voice and hands of God, to let people know of the truth of Christ, so they, too, might come to put their trust in Him.

Prayer: Make me an agent of Your will and word. Help me to teach others by the example of my life what it means to be Christian. I will put my trust in You. Help me to share that trust with others. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 4/7/13

Psalm 9:9

The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.

Ellen lived in a tiny shack on the edge of a small backwater town. She no modern conveniences; no car, no electricity, no fancy clothing. She just lived a simple life, giving of herself to others, sharing what little she did have with anyone who needed it. Often people tried to help Ellen, but she just smiled and said she didn't want for anything. When asked why she lived as she did, Ellen said, "God has made sure that I've had enough to get by on. I don't need any more than that. He and I have a nice deal. When He needs me, He lets me know and shows me what I can do, and when I need Him, all I have to do is call. I've faced hard times, but the Lord has always given me strength and given me a place to run to."

The Lord is our refuge and our strength. It takes a great deal of wisdom to realize that. Our lives are much more than possessions and positions. Our lives are gifts from God; given to us and to others for His glory. We need not ask what more God can do for us, but what we might do for God. He will surely let us know.

Prayer:

Father, I sometimes need to escape: from the world, from myself, from the things that tie me down. Be my liberation and my sanctuary. Strengthen me for Your service. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 4/6/13

Psalm 9:1

I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.

Audrey loved the little children, and they dearly loved her. She would walk with them through the gardens and fields, showing them all the wonders of nature. She would sit with them for hours and tell them stories. She would read to them from her Bible, then explain what she had read. She would remind the children of all the good things God could do. For the main part of her life, Audrey taught little children the reality of God.

To be truly in love with God is a consuming passion. We can't wait to tell the world of the wonderful truth we know. The spirit of God enters in, and our lives are never the same again. Praise the Lord with your whole heart, and show forth all His wonderful works.

Prayer:

Each new day brings new wonders to my attention. Thank You, O Lord, for creating such a beautiful world with so many miracles to behold. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 4/5/13

Psalm 8:5

Thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.

There are not many days that go by where I feel very holy. As much as I might like to be a reflection of Jesus Christ, I am afraid that my image is a very dim one at best. For each success I have at walking in the footsteps of Christ, I have a dozen failures where I have strayed from the path. And through it all, God still loves me totally. In my imperfection, God still reveres me and thinks I am good. It boggles the mind to realize that human beings are God's pride and joy. Despite the grief and frustration we must be, God believes in us and helps us to be the best people that we can be. He loves His children and rejoices in their victories. Our Lord created us just lower than the angels; the most perfect of His creations.

Despair not. No matter how inadequate we might feel, we are considered beautiful by our Creator, and in the end it is His opinion, not ours, that makes all the difference in the world.

Prayer:

Grant me spiritual wings that I might soar as an angel on this earth, O Lord. Help me to live up to the intention You had at my creation. Let me wear my crown wisely and proudly, to Your glory. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 4/4/13

Psalm 8:3, 4

When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

A devout man refused to enter into a church because he said that he was not worthy to read on holy ground. Whenever he saw a cross, he burst into tears and turned his eyes away. He humbled himself whenever he could, and he lamented that he would never be good enough to hope for salvation.

One day, a traveling minister entered the hometown of the man. He saw the devout man sitting on the stones outside the church building, and so he stopped to talk. When he found out the man'' thoughts, he told him, "God is not looking for worthy men, but willing children. He doesn't want to be surrounded by people trying to impress Him with how much they can love Him. He merely wants people who will receive the great love He has to give. You are wise in saying you will never be worthy, but do not be foolish in not realizing that you are loved. Come, and receive the gift of the Lord. He set the earth and skies in motion, the birds in the air, the fish in the sea, the creatures on the earth; and He did it all for you, my friend."

Prayer:

Though I do not deserve your great love, Father God, I thank you that you give it so freely. Embrace me as a child, cradle me in your strong and tender arms, and help me remember that I am yours. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 4/3/13

Psalm 7:8

The Lord shall judge the people: judge me, O Lord; according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me.

If we are honest with ourselves, we have to admit that it's a very scary thought that God might actually judge us according to our measure of righteousness and integrity. Under the careful scrutiny of the Lord, all our blemishes surface and we are exposed for what we really are: sinners in a need of a good cleaning! Praise God that the cleaning is available to us through the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ.

 By the forgiveness of sin offered through the cross and resurrection of Christ, we are made clean and pure and able to pass the scrutinous (sic) eye of God. Christ's righteousness becomes the righteousness of all who believe in Him and turn their hearts over to Him. Jesus paid the penalty that would have come to us. WE now have no fear of condemnation from the Lord. All we have is the promise of love and forgiveness to those who repent of their sins and follow in the ways of the Lord.]

Prayer:

Make me like You, O Lord. In the ways I am lacking, remake me in the image of Christ. Create in me a new and clean heart, and bless the paths I am to walk. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 4/2/13

Psalm 7:1

O Lord my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me.

Greg couldn't believe his ears. His teacher had just asked the class if anyone belonged to a church youth group. Greg attended one faithfully, but he was too embarrassed to let any of his school friends know about it. Most of the kids in the youth group were considered to be freaks by the "in crowd" at the high school. Only a couple of the other kids were raising their hands. For a moment Greg hesitated, the he slowly raised his hand. To his surprise, no one laughed, and a couple of his school friends even showed interest in his church involvement. Greg began to wonder what he had really been afraid of.

There are an awful lot of people in this world who will not understand our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. They will ridicule us, persecute us, and turn us aside. That does not justify us hiding our faith. We are to shine as a light in this world. If we are proud of our faith, we will find that God will give us special strength to stand up in the face of ridicule. As Scripture says, if we will be proud of the Father, He will be proud of us. If we are ashamed of Him, however, then Christ will also be ashamed of us.

Prayer:

Lord, You are the brightest light shining in my life. Help me to reflect Your light in all that I do and say. Save me from persecutors, and enable me to be everything You would have me to be. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 4/1/13

Psalm 6:2

Have mercy upon me, O Lord; for I am weak; O Lord, heal me; for my bones are vexed.

The closer we get to God, the more glaring are our faults. The brighter the light of perfection that we subject ourselves to, the more flaws are revealed. The better we understand the awesome magnificence of God, the more we expose our own imperfection. As the great men and women of the Bible came to realize, the stronger we become in the faith, the more wretched we sometimes fee.

This, however, is no cause for despair. Our Lord wants nothing more than for us to come to depend on Him. We can only truly become dependent as we acknowledge our inadequacies. As the Apostle Paul found out, true strength comes from admitting our weakness, and total healing comes by realizing that without God we are sickly and terminally diseased by sin. Cry out for the mercy of God and He will strengthen you; ask for His healing and you will be made whole.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, I try to be perfect and f find that I am hopelessly deficient. Nothing I can do will bring me the perfection You intend for me. Fill me with Your Spirit and do for me all that I cannot do for myself. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 3/31/13

Psalm 6:1

O Lord, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.

Child experts have discovered that one of the most traumatic experiences children face is to have their parents scold or punish them in front of their friends. The humiliation that accompanies the punishment can leave deep emotional scars. The actual punishment pales in comparison with the embarrassment the child suffers. Most children would rather face any penalty other than public chastisement.

Just as loving parents guard and protect their children's dignity, so our Lord protects the dignity of His children. To believe that God would punish us in such a way as to rob us of our self-esteem is ridiculous. God would never do such a thing. God does not deal with us in hot anger, for He loves us too much. He watches us closely, guiding us gently, and regarding us as valuable creations. We need never believe that God has punished us in order to humiliate us. His own Son was humbled by men and women, but the Lord of all life lifted Him up, and He will lift us up, also.

Prayer:

Though I face trials and problems, I know that You are not to blame, Lord. You give so much, and You help me in times when I most need You. Have patience with me, God, and help me to grow. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 3/30/13

Psalm 5:8

Lead me, O Lord, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face.

Barry hated to be left out of the good times his friends had, but he hated it even worse when they went out drinking and cruising. He didn't like to drink, and his friends always mocked him because of it. Thank goodness for Jean. She had come along and given him an excuse not to go out. She really disapproved of drinking and driving, so Barry could do for Jean what he had never been able to do for himself: say no!

God gives us the reason to say no. In those areas of our life where we are too weak to say no to our friends, we can learn to say no because we know that God wants us to. So many people would lead us from path of God, many of them unintentionally. Ask the Lord for guidance. In the face of our strongest temptations, God will give us the strength and the reason to resist.

Prayer:

O God, I find myself in some terrible situations that I don't want to be in. Help me to free myself from those things I know displease You. Guide me, strengthen me, liberate me, I pray. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 3/29/13

Psalm 5:3

My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.

The sun had just begun to climb into the sky, and the dew shone brightly on the field below. Though not ordinarily a morning person, Ann always loved those special times when she rose in time to see the sunrise. On mornings like this, who could doubt that there is a God? Ann's heart filled with a joy beyond words, and nothing could remove that joy during the day. Taking a Bible, she went to a clearing to sit and to read and to pray.

God gives us special times in order that we might find joy and that we might find Him. He has created a glorious world, and He has freely given it to us. The early quiet of the day is a beautiful time to encounter the Lord. Give Him your early hours, and He will give you all the blessings you can hold.

Prayer:

I raise my voice to You in the morning, Lord. Help me to appreciate Your new day, and use it to the fullest. Open my eyes to the splendor of all Your creation. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 3/28/13

Psalm 4:4

Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still.

Jennifer lay in her bed, listening to the approaching thunder. Storms scared her, yet something deep inside thrilled at their coming. She closed her eyes and imagined the thunder as the voice of God spreading across the face of the earth. There was a strange comfort in the thought that God would thunder forth in such a way. Jennifer began to pray to God, confident that He would hear her and be with her. In the wee small hours of the night. Jennifer drifted off, asleep in the loving arms of God until morning.

In the face of the storms of life, we need the confidence that our Lord will be with us and that He will grant us peace. The peace of the Lord is the strongest force on earth, and those who find their peace in the Lord need never fear. Look deep inside and dwell with the Spirit of God in your heart. There you will find the calm that no storm can disturb.

Prayer:

O Lord, grant me Thy perfect peace, and lift me above the storms of my life. I trust in Your great love. Be with me, I pray. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 3/27/13

Psalm 3:6

I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.

All of the customers had been so hateful and belligerent. Nancy thought that if one more unpleasant person assaulted her, she would scream. To make matters worse, the store owners were being unreasonable and hard to get along with. She didn't know how much more she could take. She rested here chin on her chest and heaved a heavy sight. Then, the cross she wore around her neck caught her eye, and she felt strangely calm. The frustrations of the day melted away as the peace of Christ settled upon her heart.

In the daily battles we find ourselves engaged in, it is vital that we remember we have an ally who is greater than anyone who might oppose us or wish to make us unhappy. Jesus Christ became victor over everything this world could throw at Him; even death itself. It we will give Him control of our hearts, He will be true to us and grant us victory in the struggles we face.

Prayer:

Father, You have made me a conqueror through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help me to live as a victor and not as one defeated. Lift me up to be a sign to the world that in Christ we need never be afraid. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 3/26/13

Psalm 2:12

Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

What a beautiful image is presented when we think of being able to kiss the Son of God. As family members embrace and kiss when they meet, so we are able to look forward to a day when we will be welcomed as family of Jesus Christ. He awaits us in love and care, and we have no need to fear anything, for we will one day be united. In fact, we are already united through the Holy Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit is God's kiss, blown to us on earth, and we can receive it with joy. We will never know greater love than the love God has for us. He sent His only Son to be our Savior and Lord. He gave us all that He had to give, out of a divine love for us. Rejoice in the love of God and let it carry you throughout each day of the year.

Prayer:

Welcome, dear Lord, into the depths of my heart. Dwell there in love, and never leave me. I am whole only when You are with me. Thank You for loving me so very much. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 3/25/13

Psalm 2:11

Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

The fire licked up the outside walls and cascaded up into the night. All around the building, fire fighters scampered, trundling huge hoses into position to battle the blaze. Jerry stood with sweat pouring down his face and the spray from the hose soaking his body. He loved his work and felt he really served well. He knew the dangers that were involved, but he fought fires anyway. His job was one of the greatest joys of his life.

Not all things that inspire fear should be avoided. A wise person knows his limits and knows what situations he can handle and what ones he cannot. A little fear is healthy. It gives us respect and appreciation. It causes us to not get careless. Fear of the Lord should not drive us from Him, but should help us to understand Him and deal with Him reverently and respectfully. When we encounter our Lord with both joy and trembling, we know Him in a special and meaningful way.

Prayer:

Lord, help me to never forget Your awesome power, as well as Your awesome love. Allow me to feel a healthy fear, but never let that fear separate me from You. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 3/24/13

Psalm 2:10

Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.

Where is the voice of God in our world today? In times past, God's people were listened to, and the influence of the faithful was amazing. Why isn't that so true today?

I heard a man say not too long ago that, "We're too bright for that religious stuff now. We've grown up, and are learning to deal with problems sensibly." What could be further from the truth? Without the counsel of the Lord, everything is ignorance. In trying to deal with our problems apart from God, we are creating more problems than we can handle. The answer is not in running from the Lord, but in running to Him.

In our own lives, we need to learn to let the Lord rule. Giving God control of our lives is not a sign of weakness, but it is the greatest show of strength we will ever make. Under the guidance of God, we become conquerors in a world that tries hard to break us down.

Prayer:

O Lord, be close to me, building me up and keeping me ever in Your loving care. Do not let me be swayed from the path You have set me on. Others may fail me, but You never will. Hallelujah! Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 3/23/13

Psalm 2:2

The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed.

Just reading a newspaper or watching a newscast can be a terrifying experience these days. The horrors of our modern world are mind-boggling. We search for some shred of sanity, and we find almost none. World leaders appear to be bent on destruction, and our voices simply aren't heard. It has ever been thus. In the time of King David, in the time of our Lord, Jesus Christ, in many times since, the rulers of the world have given little heed to the teachings of God or the concerns of His people.

 For this reason, we, as children of God, need to hold fast to our faith and spread God'[s Word wherever and whenever we can. The only true stabilizing force we have in this life is the Word of God. God's Word will be our shield and our strength in the most troubled of times. Turn to it daily, and you will be renewed.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, calm my soul, place Your peace within my heart, and be a source of sanity in my life. When things look most dismal, shine Your light upon me. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 3/21/13

Psalm 1:6

For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Jeff got so discouraged sometimes. He worked so hard while his roommates messed around, but they always seemed to do every bit as well as he did. Whenever he let up even a little bit, his grades fell. It just didn't seem fair.

It's hard to look around and see so many undeserving people receive such wonderful rewards. We like to feel that justice is going to be done, but we hardly ever see it. Luckily, our trust is in the Lord and His promises. Those who receive all their blessings now have nothing more to come, while those who patiently wait upon God and His justice will find themselves face-to-face with an eternity of joy and peace. Nothing escapes the watchful eye of God. He sees the way of the righteous, and He will surely reward them.

Prayer:

Lord, help me to wait patiently for Your will to be done, and do not let me envy the blessings of others. Keep my yes fixed upon Your great love. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 3/21/13

Psalm 1:1

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

A time for starting over. A new beginning. A wonderful time to take stock of life and look for ways to improve and grow. Too often, careless resolutions are made that are never kept, and so one year blends into the next with little change. The fact is, all of us have areas in our lives that could stand some improvement. As this new year begins, let us look at our lives with honesty and candor. Let us approach change with a positive spirit, and work toward finding ways to become the people that god wants us to be. Most importantly, ask the Lord to guide and strengthen, for it is through His power that we are able to conquer our failings and turn them into strengths. God is able to see us both as we are and as we can be, and we need that sight in order to truly change. He will steer us away from the ungodly. He will liberate us from the way of sin. He will lead us from scorn to joy. The Lord will do all this and more because of His great and abiding love for His children. Rejoice i n the love of God. he has given us a new year, and desires to give us a new life.

Prayer:

O Lord, cleanse my soul of all wrong. Help me grow in the light of Your love. Lift me above what I have been, and set me onto a new path of righteousness and grace. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 3/20/13

Psalm 150:6

Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.

God looked down upon His creation and saw that it was good. In time, God's creation looked back and saw that God was good. Together they formed a unity of love and devotion. Through their covenant, all creation was brought into harmony. The Lord loves His children, and many of His children love Him back. Praise the lord with all of your being. With each breath you take, remember that the Lord is God. Nothing you do is done apart from Him.

 Wherever you go, God is there. He will never leave those who love Him. He gives us new years and new challenges, and he helps us to grow and learn. As we approach the New Year, we can enter it confident that God goes forth with us. Praise the Lord, one and all. The Lord has been very good to His children.

Prayer:

I thank You for the year just past-the challenges and the joys-and I look forward to the future, asking Your blessing upon it. Be with me, Lord, and with all my loved ones. Keep me in Your care, Shine Your light upon my path, and make me acceptable in Your sight. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 3/19/13

Psalm 150:3

Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.

The choir prepared to sing. They had come from all over the state to be a part of this event. Hundreds of people were joining their voices together in praise of God. They hoped that other people would take notice. God was worthy of their time, talents, and devotion. Many in the choir felt they had little else to give, other than their voices. They sang beautifully. They poured out their hearts. Hundreds of people heard them, and the Spirit of God was shared by them all.

Prayer:

Music is a language that speaks to us all. Let me make a joyful noise unto You, Lord. My heart sings Your praises forever and ever. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 3/18/13

Psalm 150:1

Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.

Before there were churches, before there were preachers, before Christ came to this earth, God had created His sanctuaries. On the mountaintops, God was worshipped. In the valleys, God was worshipped. In the forests, by lakesides, in caves; wherever God's handiwork was found, there He was worshipped.

We can praise God anywhere. Church isn't a place, it is an entity made up of living parts. Wherever we gather in the name of God, there is His sanctuary. Lift your voices to the Lord. Praise Him wherever you may be. He is with you where you are.

Prayer:

I will praise and worship You with all my heart and mind and soul. Hear my words, Lord, and be pleased by the love I have for You. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 3/17/13

Psalm 149:5

Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds.

Carol dreaded going into the nursing home. She had been in others in the past, and she had never felt very good about them. There was something very sad and depressing about them. As she entered the front door, she was surprised that she wasn't met with moans and groans, but with the sound of singing. She followed the sound to a large community room. There, dozens of men and women sat together around a piano, singing songs from their younger days. None of the people looked unhappy. Quite the contrary, they looked joyful and content. Carol moved quietly into the group and began to sing along. Perhaps at last she had found a place where she could be comfortable.

The older segment of our population is a wonderful resource that we have. Too often they are shoved out of the way and not allowed to enjoy their golden years. God loves His oldest children. When they join together, they have a blessed opportunity to continue to grow and enjoy life.

Prayer:

Number me among the saints of the body of Christ, O Lord. When I feel like groaning about the way things are, fill my heart with song, instead. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 3/16/13

Psalm 149:3

Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.

A man once said, "I couldn't enjoy myself in heaven. There's too much singing and dancing there for my taste. They started up a long time ago, and it doesn't look like they're anywhere near ready to stop. Ever since Jesus was born, they've had one big, long celebration."

Indeed, since the birth of Jesus Christ, there had been great reason to dance. Death lost all its power, and eternity was opened to all who would choose it. There is reason to dance and sing. Christ came among us, and He is with us to this day. He has given us eternal life and has offered us everything we need to live happy and full lives on earth. Rejoice! Christ has come this day. And He will never leave us alone.

Prayer:

Come into my heart, dear Lord. I have waited for Your coming, and I am ready to share my life with You. Be close by me, Lord, and fill me with song and dance and joy. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 3/15/13

Psalm 149:1

Praise ye the Lord. Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints.

Pete took his dinner from the oven and sat down at the table to eat. He hadn't decided whether or not to go to church. For some reason the spirit just didn't seem to be moving him. Maybe he was getting too old for Christmas. As he bowed his head to pray over his meal, he heard the voices of distant carolers singing familiar old Christmas songs. His head flooded with joyous memories of the days of Christmases past. The spirit so absent moments before surged through him. With a lightness of heart, Pete dug into his meal, eating quickly to insure that he wouldn't be late for the Christmas Eve service.

Prayer:

Fill my heart with songs of praise and joy. Send the light of the world into my life, and shine forth through me so that others might see how wonderful You are. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 3/14/13

Psalm 148:11, 13

Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth. . .Let them praise the name of the Lord: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven.

The wise men never took their eyes from the star. They had spent the better part of their adult lives watching for this very star to usher in the new Messiah. A new age was come upon the earth, and they devoted everything they had to meet it when it started. They had traveled for months, hoping for little more than a glimpse of the new babe who would set the world straight. Three of the most powerful men of the world committed themselves to worshipping the baby Jesus. Nothing was more important in all the world.

Is that true for us? Is Jesus the most important thing in all the world? Christ comes to us anew each Christmas, and we must ask ourselves what He means to us. For some, He will make us willing to give up everything to follow Him. For others, He will make us willing to begin the journey of the faith. Regardless of where we are in our faith, He will come to meet us there, and He will come with love and understanding.

Prayer:

Come to me, O Lord. Search my heart to find where I am in my walk of faith. Walk with me, Lord. Help me to make Christ the most important person in my life. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 3/13/13

Psalm 148:5

Let them praise the name of the Lord: for he commanded, and they were created.

The shepherds sat in their fields, watching over their flocks. The evening was mild, and the night sky was clear. The stars shone brilliantly, especially the one toward Bethlehem. The sheep were calm and silent.

Little did the band of shepherds know that a visit was being planned for them. So great was their devotion, belief, and faithfulness, that they were to be among the first to know of the Messiah's birth. The shepherds had a special tie with their God. They lived each day of their lives close to His creation. The depended upon Him to provide for their needs. They continually praised the name of the Lord, for He took good care of them.

Those who live in close communion with God have a better understanding of His will and His ways. If we will devote ourselves to God, He will reveal Himself to us in so many ways. Rejoice in God's creation. Embrace it, and know God.

Prayer:

I wait in anxious anticipation of the coming of Your Son once more. Reveal Him to me in new ways, Lord. Let Him be born in my heart anew. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 3/12/13

Psalm 148:3

Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light.

All the children were so disappointed. The snows had been so heavy that the power lines had been knocked out. No Christmas lights twinkled. No record players spun out carols. With the trees unlit, something seemed to be missing.

Then, a wonderful thing happened. The clouds parted, and a huge, glowing moon peeked through. The ice and snow below sparkled with brilliant light. The landscape came alive, and in the breeze, the icicles twinkled in the branches. Children came forth from every house to see the most spectacular display of lights ever imagined. God had supplied what the power company could not. In all their lives, the children could not hope to find trees and lights more beautiful than the ones God gave them this Christmas.

Prayer:

Everything we create, Lord, is a poor imitation of the beauty You have created in nature. Let our lives be lit up with your glorious stars, suns, and moons. Le t each of these lights be reminders of Your light. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 3/11/13

Psalm 148:2

Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts.

Becky was an angel in the school play. She and a group of her friends got to tell the whole world about the birth of baby Jesus. Becky realized what an important part she had. If it weren't for her, the shepherds wouldn't know about Jesus, and the kings wouldn't find their way. No one would watch over Jesus, if it weren't for the angels. Yes, Becky knew that Mary and Joseph were important, but she thought that just maybe the angels were the most important characters in the entire story.

The angels in heaven above are still rejoicing over the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. Two thousand years has not diminished their enthusiasm. Likewise, all the angels in heaven above rejoice when there is a soul saved. Let all the earth and all of heaven praise the Lord, for He alone is worthy to be praised.

Prayer:

Let my voice join the heavenly host in worshipping and praising Thee, O Lord. Thank You for Your unending love. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 3/10/13

Psalm 147: 16, 17

He giveth snow like wool: he scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes. He casteth forth his ice like morsels: who can stand before his cold?

Toby wasn't afraid of anything, but that made him foolish rather than brave. He had heard the weather forecast and had laughed it off. After all, he was a good driver, and nothing would happen to him as long as he was careful. But the roads were treacherous, and the snow was blinding. He wasn't sure exactly where he was, and the gas gauge was near empty. Toby cursed himself for always thinking he could handle every situation. It was beginning to dawn on him that maybe there were things bigger than he was.

God is too powerful to take lightly. He has created in nature awesome forces, which are much too big for any one person to handle. Winter is a keen reminder of the power of nature. The cold temperatures, the ice and snow, and the darkness; they all add to the tremendous power. The wise woman or man will acknowledge his limitations, conceding to nature its supremacy and admitting to God that he, indeed, reigns above all else.

Prayer:

Wisdom is the one thing I lack most often, Lord. Teach me to be honest with myself. Let me do the things I can, but help me to understand what things I cannot do. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 3/9/13

Psalm 147:6

The Lord lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down to the ground.

The message came to the small town: "I will arrive to select one of you to dine with me. Put on your best behavior. You will be judged accordingly." The townspeople knew that Jesus was a special man, and so they dressed in their finest clothes. The merchant stood at the front of the line, followed by the carpenter, the tent maker, and the miller. A poor girl came along and tried to get in line. The merchant shoved her aside and called her a name. The carpenter threatened to hit her, and the tent maker pushed her into the dirt. The miller raised a boot to kick her, but stopped. The four men realized that they were being watched. They looked up to see Jesus watching their behavior. Christ stepped forward and took the girl by the hand. He said, "Come. Dine with me."

To the others, He said, "Depart from me. You know me not, and so I neither know you."

This story was written about 1700 years ago. Though it is not from the Bible, it reflects well the sentiment of God toward the poo r and abused. He will raise up the afflicted, but the abuser will He cast aside. Look kindly upon the poor, viewing them with Christ's own eyes. Then will He be real in you.

Prayer:

In my desire to impress You, Lord, let me not neglect my duty to my neighbor. Stretch forth my hands as You would Your own. Help me to help others. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 3/8/13

Psalm 147:5

Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding in infinite.

The snow was falling in chunks, now. The blizzard had begun six hours ago, and the world had ground to a holt; at least, the world in northwest New York State. It was astonishing to watch the snow accumulate, not into mounds, but into mountains. Somewhere, Stuart had learned in his childhood that no two snowflakes were ever the same. Incredible! The Lord never ceased to create. Billions of snowflakes fell to earth, and not one matched any other. How could people doubt that some creative force was behind the universe?

When we stop to admire the many miracles in nature, we are met with the indisputable evidence of a mastermind who brought everything into being. The power of the Lord is beyond our comprehension, and His wisdom and understanding are beyond our knowing. We should be thankful that the Lord has given us so much beauty. We are blessed by the Lord's continuing creativity.

Prayer:

Dear Father, You have shared so many good things with me. Let me fully appreciate them all. Show me the wonders of this world, and let me receive them with the wonder and amazement of a child. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 3/7/13

Psalm 147:3

He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.

Mae sat by the window of her apartment, watching the children playing in the snow below. She wished she could have fun like that once more. Even the companionship and feeling of belonging would be nice. At present, all she had was her cat, Morgan, and he wasn't much for conversation.

Mae was shaken from her reverie by a knock at the door. As she opened it, she was met by the greetings of her neighbors from one floor below. Bearing gifts of food and drink, they asked if they might come in to share the evening with her. Glowing with warmth long forgotten, Mae invited them in to celebrate a new, blossoming friendship.

We have been given the power to bring joy to the lives of others. In this season of God's gift of joy to us, we ought to think of ways that we might spread happiness to those who have little to be happy about. God heals the broken hearts of His children, often through His servants: you and me. Reach out in love to heal the wounds of loneliness and despair.

Prayer:

Make me an agent of Your love and care, Father. Send me forth with a message of mercy and joy. Use me to heal the emotional wounds of my neighbors. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 3/6/13

Psalm 146:9

The Lord preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down.

Teri had never been on her own before. She had married fresh out of high school, and her husband had taken care of her for twenty years. When he died, she was suddenly faced with making it on her own for the first time in her life. The whole idea frightened her. More than anything else, she was afraid of being alone. She thought she could make it, if only she had someone to turn to for help and consolation.

God is our consolation and help. When we are alone against the world, we most need His strength. He offers us all the help we need, if we will but ask. He loves to help His children, and He will not turn us away.

Prayer:

Lord, grant me rest in Your loving arms. I can handle anything, just as long as I know that You are with me. Preserve me in times of weakness and frustration. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 3/5/13

Psalm 146:3

Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.

Jack called at meeting in the chairman's absence. During the meeting, he outlined a new proposal for restructuring a part of the firm. It was voted on and approved, ignoring the rules that stated that no action could be taken in the chairman's absence. When the chairman returned, he reconvened the meeting, overturned the decision, and reminded the entire council of their bylaws. Jack was reprimanded for usurping authority that was not his, and things got back to normal.

It is always wise to seek answers from the true authority. Decisions made by people unqualified to make them often end in disaster. When we put our trust in the wrong places, we may end up being hurt. The only safe place to put our trust is in God. He will guide us in our decisions, He will give us sound direction, and He will always be honest and truthful with us.

Prayer:

I look to many sources for guidance, Lord, but no one can offer me the help You can. Help me place my total trust in You. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 3/4/13

Psalm 145:18

The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.

Florence had fallen twice, and she was deathly afraid of falling again. The last time she had laid in her apartment for hours before anyone discovered her. The problem was solved when her daughter brought her a beeper that was directly patched into the local hospital. Should Florence fall again, all she had to do was push the button on the beeper, and the ambulance would come immediately. The fear of being left without help was resolved, and Florence could get on with a normal life again.

We need a lifeline like Florence's. For all spiritual needs, we have one in the person of Jesus Christ. Christ is always as close as a prayer. In our times of need, we can call out to Him and He will be there with us immediately. Christ gives us the assurance we need to live full lives, for we need have no fear of life when He is present with us.

Prayer:

In times of joy, in times of sorrow, in times of need, I thank You, Lord, for being there when I call upon You. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMSPsalm 149:4

For the Lord taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.

Jesus looked around at the people of Nazareth. There were people of all kinds there. He knew that He had been sent to them all, but He also knew that there were some who would reject Him. He knew there would also be those who would accept Him readily: His people. His people were the poor and oppressed. They were the slaves and the widows and the orphans. They were the outcasts: prostitutes and tax collectors and lepers. In a world where so much value was placed on beauty, His people were the dregs. But he had something to offer them that would make them beautiful. Through His grace, His people would be elevated to the level of angels, and even higher. In God's wisdom, the last-His people-would be first, and the first would be last. Jesus set out, looking to find His people.

Are we His people? Do we accept Him, and fashion our life to His will, or do we reject Him, continuing to live by our own rules? Christ will beautify the meek with salvation. It is in our meekness that we r ealize our need for God. Let God beautify you, and you will find His pleasure.

Prayer:

Make me meek, Lord. Break my spirit of willfulness and recreate me with Your beauty. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 3/2/13:

Psalm 145:3

Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.

Four children were engaged in the timeless "My Dad" argument.

Tim said, "My dad works for the largest computer company in the world, and he travels everywhere."

Kip replied, "Well, my father owns a shipping business with hundreds of boats, and even airplanes. I get to ride on boats and planes whenever I want."

Darryl chipped in, "My father works for the government, and he even gets to talk to the president sometimes. We have security men at our house all the time."

Stanley stood quietly for a moment, because his father had died not long before. Finally, he said, "My dad is in Heaven, and gets to see God every day."

The other boys tried to think of something to say that could top that, but nothing came to mind.

Nothing can top the Lord our God! He is above all else. Nothing compares to Him. Therefore, nothing else in this world is more worthy of our worship and devotion. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised. His glory endures forever.

Prayer:

Hear the words of praise, O Lord. Search my heart to see the love I have for You. Bless me with Your Grace, O God. Amen.