WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 6/19/13

Psalm 34:14

Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.

Phil was the big practical joker. He would do anything for a laugh, usually at the expense of someone else. Often his jokes lacked good taste, and more than a few caused hurt feelings and pain. None of that fazed Phil. He pushed and teased until many people wanted to have nothing more to do with him. When people reacted in anger to his stupid tricks, he dismissed them as having no sense of humor.

Everyone likes to have fun, but fun should never hurt anyone. Fun at other people's expense is selfish and cruel. God wants us to reach out to one another in love, spreading happiness and joy through the good things we do, not the evil. If we will dedicate our lives to the happiness of others, then our fun will be fun that everyone can enjoy.

Prayer: Too easily I laugh at things that might hurt someone else. There is no joy in other people's pain. Help me to be an ambassador of love and goodwill, making people happy in deep and lasting ways. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 6/18/13

Psalm 34:13

Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.

Before she could stop herself, the words were out of her mouth. She hadn't meant to say anything, but all her friends were talking, so she put in her thoughts. Trouble was, when she began speaking, the girl they were bad-mouthing walked into the room. Actually, she liked the girl, but now any chance they had of being friends was ruined. All because she had been thoughtless and cruel.

James says that our tongues are mighty rudders, guiding the body where it will go. We should be very careful of the words that come out of our mouths. We can do the greatest good, and the most terrible evil, by the use of our mouths. Christians should let the truth and grace of Christ govern their language. Otherwise, terrible problems can occur. Let our words reflect our commitment to Christ, and God will bless us and defend us.

Prayer: Watch me, Lord, that I don't use my gifts for evil. Help me to use my mouth only for praise and encouragement, and keep me from saying things which could hurt someone or lessen their faith. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 6/17/13

Psalm 34:10

The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.

Remember the prodigal son? He thought he was ready to set out on his own, and it almost led to his ruin. He squandered all his wealth and found he really couldn't make it by himself. He had to humble himself and return home, where his father awaited him with open arms.

We need to learn that being mature and independent does not mean breaking our ties with other people. God did not create us to live apart from others. He gave us each other in order to make our lives more enjoyable. We never need lack for anything, because we are to take care of one another. The Lord provides for us through the love of sons and daughters. Growing up doesn't mean learning to do everything by yourself, but realizing how wonderful it is to need other people.

Prayer: I think I am strong and self-sufficient when I am not. I sometimes act as if I don't need anyone else, but deep inside, I know that I do. Put me in community with others who love You, Lord. Make me stronger through the relationships I develop. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 6/16/13

Psalm 33:6

By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.

With a simple breath, inhale and exhale, the Lord brought magnificence into creation. The stars planets that revolve through space came forth on the breath of the Lord. The host, heavenly and earthly, sprang from His mouth. Our world and every last thing in it came into being by His Word. How can the splendor and mystery of our God ever be denied? Our Lord is above all things, and there is nothing that is beyond His control. His breath is within us; the breath of all life. Rejoice.

Prayer: Creator, Your imagination has yielded wonders beyond our comprehension. We stand in awe before Your mighty power. Thank You for finding a place in all of this for me. Your love shines forth throughout all of Your creation. Praise be unto You. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 6/15/13

Psalm 33:3

Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.

I looked at my watch through bleary eyes, to see that it was just after five in the morning. Downstairs a horrendous noise shook the whole house. I stumbled along to find out what was happening. In the family room, the two small children of friends of mine stood, one with a drum, one with a harmonica; a hymnal spread out in front of them. They were, to their way of thinking, playing a selection of inspirational greats. I couldn't help but smile. At first, the children thought I might be mad at them, but their worry faded as I entered the room and began to sing along with their cacophony. Noisy it was, but is was definitely joyful. I'm sure it was the best the Lord heard all day!

Prayer: I make sure that I take time out of this day to lift my voice to You in praise and worship. Fill my heart with songs to Your glory. Remind me of all I should be thankful for. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 6/14/13

Psalm 32:9

Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.

Miriam did exactly as she pleased, whether it was wise or not. Her stubborn streak was a mile wide, and no one could dissuade her, once her mind was made up. On many occasions she had been hurt simply because she refused to use good sense. Each lesson she encountered she chose to ignore, so very little growing ever took place. In time Miriam grew bitter and angry because her unhappiness grew.

Let's face it: We need guidance. Our willfulness gets us into trouble when we refuse to unite it with common sense. Our Lord is the author of good sense and levelheadedness. It only makes sense that we should turn our lives over to Him. He is faithful to guide and direct us. He teaches and nurtures us, enabling us to be the best that we can be.

Prayer: Break my willful pride, O Lord, and let me recognize my limitations. Needing guidance is not weakness. Help me to see the strength which can only come from depending on You. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 6/13/13

Psalm 31:18

Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.

Lisa couldn't quite believe everything the preacher was saying. He went on and on about how members of other Christian denominations were misguided and on the road to destruction. That didn't make sense. How could the pastor know that he was right and everyone else was wrong? He said that God had told him, but surely God talked to others, too. It was awfully confusing.

One day, everyone who speaks in order to hurt others will have to pay for what they say. So many things are said and done in the name of Christianity that are in no way Christian. Our law is the law of love and forgiveness, not judgment and narrow-mindedness. Ask the Lord to open your heart to those you disagree with and wonderful things will begin to happen.

Prayer: I know so little and I say so much, Father. Help me to reach out to people that I don't understand or agree with. Make me an instrument of unity and fellowship. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 6/12/13

Psalm 31:9

Have mercy upon me, O Lord, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul and my belly.

Beverly felt guilty that she had not been to church for so long. Somehow things had gotten so hectic, and church had just kind of slipped away. Her husband worked six days a week, and she worked Saturday nights, so Sunday became the only day they really had together. The more she thought about missing church, the more guilt she felt, and the more guilt she felt, the harder it was to go back. She was thrilled and surprised when the pastor came past and told her how much they had been missed. When she tried to offer an excuse, he told her that he wasn't there to scold, just to show concern.

We too often let guilt determine what our actions will be, rather than living as forgiven people. The Lord is more than willing to shower His children with mercy and grace. All we need do is ask with a penitent heart. The Lord will forgive us all that we ask.

Prayer: Thank You for Your gracious forgiving love, Lord. I am nothing without Your loving kindness. Hear me when I call out to You, Father, and be with me. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 6/11/13

Psalm 31:6

I have hated them that regard lying vanities: but I trust in the Lord.

Elijah looked at the worshipers of Baal with despair. How could they follow such a loathsome god? Where was their integrity? He could not understand how anyone could turn from the love of the one true God to worship something so evil. The priests of Baal paraded around in fancy robes, and they thrilled their followers with petty magician's tricks. They had lost sight of religion through pageantry and vanity. Elijah would show them the error of their ways, or at least God would. When God and Elijah were finished, no one could doubt who the real God was.

Elijah's story from First Kings is the perfect example of what happens to people who lose sight of God and turn instead to worldly things. Vanity kills faith and undermines humility. Look to the Lord in all things, and you will never have to worry.

Prayer: Lord, I am sometimes tempted by the flashy things I see. I forget truth, and I chase after fantasy. Break through my blindness with Your divine light, Almighty God. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 6/10/13

Psalm 31:3

For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.

The rabbit tensed every muscle. The fox had caught its scent, and was stealthily moving in for the kill. Timing was everything. The brambles were just yards away, but the fox was fast. As the fox pounced, the rabbit broke into a hopping sprint and wriggled into the brambles. Fox teeth closed on air, mere inches behind.

The rabbit knows where it should go in times of trouble. It is well aware of where its fortress is. Are we as wise as the rabbit? Our fortress is the Lord. In times of desperate need, we should immediately turn to Him. There is no better place to rest and be safe.

Prayer: Never let me stray too far from Your loving protection, Almighty God. I need You more than I even realize. Open Your arms to me, Lord. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 6/9/13

Psalm 30:9

What profit is there in my blood, when I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise thee? Shall it declare thy truth?

Most people want to be well remembered when they die. We want to leave a legacy of some kind. What will our legacy be? Will it be money, or a building, or a statue? Will it be something that will last a short while, then be done? Why can't we leave something truly important?

The greatest legacy we can leave is a life well lived. As Christians, we need to be an example of how wonderful Christ can be. We can honestly usher in the Kingdom of God on earth if we will devote ourselves to leading Kingdom lives. There is profit in the blood of a Christian. Christ's own blood was shed that we might all inherit eternal life. If God was willing to shed His own blood for us, should we be willing to do any less? God's legacy to us is life eternal. What will our legacy to others be?

Prayer: May each day I live be considered a gift, Father. Guide me, so that at I can live each gift to the fullest. Let others see You through me, I pray. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 6/8/13

Psalm 30:5

For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

Adam wailed throughout the entire ride. From the moment the roller coaster started out, he began to whimper. As it approached its first hill, the whimper had become a roar. The ride was torture for him, but as soon as it ended, he was back to normal.

Most things in life are similar to Adam's roller coaster ride. No matter how bad they are, they come to an end and things get back to normal. God never tests us beyond our level of endurance. He is faithful to see us through hardship and to bless us richly when our trial is through. The night times of our life may seem dismal and black, but there is always a glorious morning on the rise.

Prayer: When times seem exceptionally difficult, Lord, help me to remember that they will pass away. No trial last forever, Lord, and the promise of good things to come is mine. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 6/7/13

Psalm 29:4

The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty.

Stacy loved going to the beach. At night she would lie awake, listening to the surf pounding on the rocks. Closing her eyes, she would pretend the sound was God's own voice thundering through the night. Such thoughts helped her feel His presence, close and comforting. A voice with such power and might allowed no room for fear. The owner of a voice like that could do anything. Indeed, Stacy knew that nothing could defeat her God; the God who thundered and roared with the greatest of power and majesty!

Prayer: Lord, You are greater than anything else in creation. In nature You display Your power and might. I stand in awe of all that You are, even though I understand very little. Thank You for Your love and protection. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 6/6/13

Psalm 29:1

Give unto the Lord, O ye mighty, give unto the Lord glory and strength.

Scott never forgot where his strength and courage came from. He had battled fires for most of his adult life, and he knew how lucky he had been to never be seriously hurt. He had been in plenty of tough situations, but everything had always worked out. Many of his friends had not been as lucky as he was. He had watched a lot of men he worked with get injured, even die. There were no two ways about it: He had a lot to be thankful for, and he took every opportunity to say a prayer of thanksgiving.

God gives each of us strengths and talents. There is no reason for us to boast or brag. All that we are, all that we can do, is a gift from God. Give Him thanks and praise for all you have. The Lord is good to His children.

Prayer: I can only marvel at the loving kindness You have shown me, O Lord. I thank You for blessing me day by day. Accept my offering of praise and glory. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 6/5/13

Psalm 28:7

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song I will praise him.

Karen wanted the semester to end so badly. She was tired and mentally exhausted. Nothing had seemed to go right. She supposed her grades would be fine, but grades meant very little when you felt so bad about all your classes. Better to be done with it and put it all behind. When the end did finally roll around, Karen felt as if the weight of the world had been lifted from her shoulders. Maybe things weren't so bad, after all.

If we put our faith in God, He will see us through the tough time, and we will emerge from our experiences renewed and wiser. He truly is our shield and strength. Rejoice in His great love for us, and lift your voice in praise.

Prayer: Lord, I can get through anything if I know that You are with me. Be close by my side, teaching me the way I should walk. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 6/4/13

Psalm 28:3

Draw me not away with the wicked and with the workers of iniquity, which speak peace to their neighbours, but mischief is in their hearts.

A small village depended on its large neighbor to protect and defend it. The small village had no means to defend itself on its own. For years the large village defended the smaller one, but one day, when the small village needed support, the larger village refused, saying they no longer cared what happened. Actually, the larger village wanted to acquire the land of the smaller one, so they had hired a band of soldiers to attack the little village.

This parable is not a piece of simple fiction, but a startling and sad reality in our world today. Deceit is the order of the day. What will ever bring all the sadness and oppression to an end? The Lord, God, that's who. The Lord despises evil, and one day all evil will be erased. As Kingdom people, we can rejoice in the promise of peace and harmony which God is sure to supply.

Prayer: Lord, search out the depths of my heart, and remove any deceit that You might find within me. Purge my heart of all wickedness. Count me among the number of the faithful, not the mischievous. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 6/3/13

Psalm 27:14

Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.

When I was a few years younger, I began to believe that I would never find another person to share my life with. I had lived as a single more years than I cared to, and I used to pray daily for God to send the right person to me. I said that same prayer for almost seven years. Just at the point where I began to think maybe God wasn't listening, the most wonderful woman I've ever met showed up out of the blue. The Lord worked through the perfect relationship for me, in His own time. Though I battled a continual lack of patience, the will of the Lord prevailed, and I couldn't be happier.

As difficult as it is, waiting on the Lord always pays off in the long run. God knows the perfect solution to all life's situations. All we need do is ask His divine guidance and help, and He will make all things good. Wait on the Lord!

Prayer: Hear my prayers, O Lord, and fill me with a patience that will see me through even the longest dry spells. I know that You will do what is best for me. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 6/2/13

Psalm 27:10

When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.

Zachary sat on the front steps, his chin propped up on his hands. His dad was busy with work around the house, and his mom was doing work she had brought home from the office. Neither one of them had any time for him anymore. There was always something else that was more important. Zachary found himself spending a lot of time on his front steps.

Our world can be a lonely place when everyone is too busy to give time to one another. People get lost in the shuffle. Sometimes it happens to us. We need the Lord in our lives so we never have to worry about being alone. The Spirit of God dwells within each one of us, and for that reason, God is never far from us. When the pace of life threatens to bury you, remember the Lord and reach out to Him. He will not leave you lonely.

Prayer: Lord, I am reaching out to You. When I feel most alone, be close by me. Help me to always be aware of Your presence. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 6/1/13

Psalm 27:3

Though a host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this I will be confident.

Each new day brings with it the threat of war somewhere in the world. Many countries have seldom known peace. Even in America, there are people who live in fear for the future as we escalate the creation of new nuclear instruments of destruction. If this world is our only source of faith, then we are in serious trouble.

Thankfully, our destiny is not tied to this world, but to the eternal domain of our God. We need fear nothing, since we have the assurance of an eternal home of peace and sanity. There is great comfort in knowing that the Lord is still in control. This world may come to an untimely end, but the heavens shall endure forever. Praise God!

Prayer: Maker of all good things, be the source of sanity in a world gone mad. In the face of nuclear terror, be our support and strength. Keep us safely in Your care, both this day and evermore. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 5/31/13

Psalm 32:3

When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long.

Agnes drank way too much. If anyone ever mentioned it, she got very defensive and came up with all kinds of arguments to prove that she didn't. She had argued so many times, so many ways, that even she had begun to believe her own tales. The trouble was, the mirror didn't lie. Every time she took a look in the mirror, an older, ill-looking woman stared back. Perhaps the woman in the mirror did have a problem, but not Agnes.

We can only deny our sins so long before they catch up with us. The Lord wants us to confess our sins, to repent of them, and to fill our lives with other things that will not do us harm. He created life to be lived to its fullest, not be to destroyed. God gives life, not us. We have no right to devalue God's great beauty. Confess sin, and God will renew your life.

Prayer: Why do I do such stupid things, Lord? I have so much, I guess I take it for granted. Let me be honest with myself and with You. Grant me Your forgiveness, and make me clean. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 5/30/13

Psalm 27:1

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

The group of demonstrators refused to move along, as the police instructed them. They were committed to their cause, and no amount of threat or coercion was going to sway them. They were standing up for what they believed in. Though many went off to prison, none complained, for they knew they had done what was pleasing to God. By His grace, they had no cause to fear.

God doesn't want worthy people nearly as much as He wants committed people. Those individuals who stand up and say, "Here am I, Lord! Take me," are the ones who please Him most. To those who give their all to the Lord, He will give comfort and peace. They will have no cause to fear anything.

Prayer: Make me a reflection of Your divine light, O God. By Your light all fear is erased and all darkness dispelled. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 5/29/13

Psalm 26:5

I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked.

Jeremy knew he wasn't cool. Everyone at school told him so. He wanted to be cool, but he wasn't willing to do the things people told him he had to do in order to be cool. He didn't want to smoke, or do drugs, or drink, or hurt other people. If that was cool, forget it. It just wasn't worth it inside. If people didn't want to accept him as he was, then maybe they weren't worth his time, anyway.

Sometimes it's very difficult to say no to evildoers. It can be very lonely; because so many people love to do what they know is wrong. It is a very rare individual who will say no even when it means being rejected. Still, God calls us to live right and good lives. IN order to do that, we need to steer clear of evildoers. Call upon the Lord to give you strength and conviction. He will answer your call.

Prayer: All around me I see people doing things that are not pleasing to You. I want to live a good life, Father; one that is pleasing to You. Rescue me from those who would drag me down, and fill me with Your Spirit. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 5/28/13

Psalm 25:17

The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses.

Maggie was beside herself with anxiety. The last thing her boss had said to her was that she had to be in the office early the next morning. Her boss and the owner of the company wanted to "have a talk with her about her performance." What did that mean? Was it good or bad? Surely they would have told her, if it was good. Maggie just knew she was going to be fired.

Isn't it amazing what we can let our minds do to us? We blow things out of proportion, and it causes such great suffering and distress. When we thrust ourselves into panic and fear, it is good to know that we can turn to the Lord, and He will be faithful to comfort us. Open yourself to His peace, and you will find new serenity.

Prayer: I let my mind get carried away sometimes, Lord. Please don't let me get too carried away. I need Your wisdom as an anchor when I set myself adrift in worry and fear. Be my salvation, Father. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 5/27/18

Psalm 25:15

Mine eyes are ever toward the Lord; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.

Jerry was terrified of heights. He had been all his life. Unfortunately, his new job required that he climb ladders and travel across catwalks high above the ground. With great courage and resolve, Jerry worked on overcoming his fear. Whenever he had to climb or walk the catwalks, he would focus his attention on the end of the line and pretend that Jesus was waiting there with outstretched arms. His fear left him completely, and he was able to scale great heights without concern.

It we will set our sights on the Lord, He will make sure our steps. No snare, trap, or pitfall can stop us when our eyes are on the Lord. He will guard us each step of the way.

Prayer: I am uncertain, Lord, and often I am afraid. Dispel my fears, and instill me with Your holy confidence. I place my trust in You, that I might walk a good walk of faith and never stumble. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 5/26/13

Psalm 25:7

Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O Lord.

Perry had paid the penalty a thousand times. The guilt that he carried with him gnawed away constantly. When he was teenager, he had foolishly tossed a firecracker at a friend of his, to scare him. The explosive had gone off in his friend's face, blinding him. Perry played the scene over and over in his mind, even though many years had passed. His friend had forgiven him, and he had even asked forgiveness from God. His pastor told him that the sin was forgiven, but Perry just couldn't forgive himself.

Who are we to hold onto past sins when our Lord has forgiven and forgotten them? As long as we're human, we will have pasts filled with sins abundant. To dwell on them is to make ourselves less than God wants us to be. Ask forgiveness from the Lord, receive it, and move forward in the glory of God's grace. Your sins are forgiven, indeed!

Prayer: Teach me to let go of the things I have done wrong in the past, Lord. Cleanse me and prepare me for the wonderful life that is to come. May I learn from my mistakes and grow from them, without allowing them to control my life, O Lord. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 5/25/13

Psalm 25:2

O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.

Gail called herself a good Christian. She read her Bible, prayed daily, attended church every Sunday, and pitched in whenever her church needed her. God seemed to be a very real part of Gail's life, and yet, whenever her faith was put to the test, she seemed to give up. Her answer for everything was, "Well, God couldn't be bothered with me, I suppose." The truth was, Gail was afraid to put her full faith in God, for fear He might let her down. Her feelings of unworthiness blocked her from putting her trust totally in God.

Trust takes time. We need to practice putting our trust in the Lord, but when we do, we find a new confidence that He will be faithful to us. The more we trust, the more we are convinced that our trust is well placed. The key to trust is to try. Try putting your faith in the Lord, and watch wonderful things happen.

Prayer: Assist me as I try to let go of my doubt and fear and put my trust in You. I sometimes become my own worst enemy, Father. Save me from myself. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 5/24/13

Psalm 24:1

The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

Two families disputed for years who held claim upon a stretch of fertile land. Harsh words and insults were exchanged regularly, and on occasion, tempers flared to the point of physical violence. Neither family would budge in their conviction that they were the rightful owners. No compromise could be reached, and so the seeds of bitterness took root and flourished between the two clans.

Long after the two families are but faint memories, the land will still be there. How foolish it is to devote so much of our lives to the acquisition of things, when all things truly belong to the Lord. We are but caretakers of what the Lord has made, and it has been given us for everyone's pleasure. Wise use of our resources and preservation of all creation is the responsibility of all humankind. We have been given many precious gifts, but they are only ours for a while. In time, all things return to the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, make me a wise steward of Your creation. Let my actions hurt not one living thing. Help me to build up, rather than destroy. Inspire me to share, to give, and to love. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 5/23/13


Psalm 23:5

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anoint my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Some people never find satisfaction in the things they do have, but spend their entire lives wishing for things they don't have. They are never happy with where their lives are going, they feel empty in their relationships, and therefore they find it impossible to give thanks for the many blessings they have been given.

As Christians, we are people of praise. Every prayer we offer unto God should acknowledge the many wonderful things that He has done for us. Only a blind person can deny the beauty and splendor of this world. God gives good things to His children, and we should be thankful for all that we have.

Prayer: Lord, I cannot believe how much I have been given. Help open my eyes to the many blessings that have been bestowed upon me. Make me thankful, Lord. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 5/22/13

Psalm 23:4

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

To look at Bess and to listen to her talk, you would never have thought she was dying of cancer. She always had the same smile on her face and a kind word for everyone who came to see her. The other patients spent a lot of time with her, because her spirit seemed to be contagious. She ministered to her roommates by remaining cheerful and positive. Even the thought of death couldn't take Bess's dynamic humor from her.

The love of God can help us to endure many things. Circumstances that ordinarily knock us flat are as nothing when face-to-face with the power of God. Cry out to God in times of affliction, and He will comfort you and lift you above the fear of evil things. Truly, our help is in the Lord.

Prayer: There is nothing in this life, Lord that I cannot face as long as You are with me. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 5/22/13

Psalm 23:1

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

On their own, sheep will starve. They do not have enough sense to move on to greener pastures when their own is stripped of foliage. They will wander off into traps, standing helplessly while predators stalk them. Of all God's creatures, few are more helpless that sheep.

It is interesting that God calls us His sheep. WE so often think that we have complete control over our lives, and yet we really are helpless. We need to admit our weaknesses. When we admit weakness, that is our strength, because then we understand our need for God. God will protect us, provide for us, guide us from place to place, and never leave us alone. He truly is the Good Shepherd; the best shepherd we could ever hope to find. We need a shepherd. Thank goodness we have the finest.

Prayer: Lord, I have difficulty admitting that I cannot do everything on my own. Help me to see that leaning on Your strength is not weakness at all, but power beyond measure. By Your wisdom I am saved. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 5/21/13

Psalm 22:26

The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the Lord that seek him: your hear shall live forever.

Stella never asked for very much. She was a quiet woman, and everyone who knew her adored her. She came to all the church functions and sat down by herself, never wanting to impose on anyone. In no time at all, her table was filled with people who wanted to be with her. Her kindness and gentleness attracted people to her. Stella never wanted for company and attention, because her meek spirit shone forth like a beautiful light.

Prayer: O Lord, please break my spirit of pride and aggressiveness. Let me reflect the peace and tranquility of heart that Your love inspires. In a world of torrent and turmoil, let me stay calm. Fill me with gentleness and meekness. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 5/20/13

Psalm 22:21

Save me from the lion's mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns.

Josh huddled close to the tree trunk. It had been hours since he had gotten separated from the rest of his troupe. Darkness had come, and then the wind kicked up and a storm approached. In the distance Josh could hear animals fighting. He prayed that they wouldn't pick up his scent and come looking for him. As he hugged his pack closer to his chest, he felt a familiar friend, the Bible his father had given to him. He carried it with him wherever he went. Right now it didn't matter that it was too dark to read it. Josh knew it was there, and that made him feel a bit more secure.

The Word of God can be a powerful source of comfort for us. In time of danger and dread, the Lord will come close to us, to comfort and protect us. Rest in the Lord, and He will save you.

Prayer: Lord, be with me this day. Help me to see Your presence everywhere I go. I need to feel You near me. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 5/19/13

Psalm 22:14

I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.

I had a friend who thought some boys were trying to mug him. In his efforts to run away, he fell down a flight of stairs and landed in a pile of garbage. He suffered many broken bones and scrapes, and required a large number of stitches. As he lay in pain and refuse, he heard the boys draw close. He prayed to God for help. He heard the boys getting steadily closer, and as his prayers increased, the boys moved out of the alley and across to the top of the steps. IN the light that shined there, the man saw that the boys were scouts. IN a wave of relief and embarrassment, my friend sank back into the garbage and passed out.

It is good to know that even in our own foolishness we can turn to the Lord for help. Often we are our own worst enemies, but that doesn't matter to the Lord. In our brokenness, God reaches out to us and love us.

Prayer: Lord, I often am guilty of doing foolish things. I hurt myself in so many needless ways. Protect me from myself, and in my times of greatest suffering and pain, be the source of my comfort. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 5/18/13

Psalm 22:11

Be not far from me; for trouble is near; for there is none to help.

Sam stuck close to his older brother Ed. Some bullies had been bothering him, and so he felt wisdom the better part of valor; he dogged Ed's every step. Ed didn't mind. He kind of liked it. He liked knowing that his little brother trusted him and looked up to him. If it was protection Sam wanted, then protection he would have.

The Lord is never far from us. Once we put our trust in Him, He is true to protect and defend us. He loves us to put our faith and respect in Him. Though life may get stormy and rough, the Lord is there to calm the waters and get us through safely.

Prayer: Dear Lord, be with me as I face the challenges of each new day. Protect me from those things that can harm me. Stay close to me, for I know of no great strength than Yours. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 5/17/13

Psalm 22:2

O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent.

Prayer is a tricky thing, It was never meant as a "gimme' list by which we can get things from God. It is not a gripe time to vent frustrations and woes. It is not a time to show off our piety. Rather, it is a time to draw close to God in order to be open to His will and guidance. So often we feel that God is not listening because we don't get what we ask for. We want results immediately, and we decide beforehand what we will accept as an answer and what we will not. Who says that we get to make the rules?

The Lord hears us, and His is true to answer us, but He always measures His responses according to His divine wisdom. He knows what is best for us, even when it doesn't agree with what we want. It is natural and human to doubt the Lord sometimes. He understands that. Just don't give up. The Lord breaks through our desert spots, to comfort us when we cry.

Prayer: Lift me, Lord, into Your loving arms. Grace me with the sweet memory of Your care, that I might never doubt You in times of trial. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 5/16/13

Psalm 22:1

My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?

I lay awake, crying in the night. I though of all the things happening in my life, and I was frightened by the feeling of aloneness I was experiencing. Never had my life looked so bleak. Suicide wasn't an answer, because I was too afraid to die. I thought God was with me, but my prayers simply faded in the darkness, with no one to hear them. God had abandoned me, and I didn't know what I'd done to deserve it. I rolled over in my bed and noticed a shaft of moonlight shining through my window, coming to rest on a picture of my grandfather. Grandpa would have know what to do. He would have told me to quit feeling sorry for myself and take control of my own circumstances. He never let anything rule over him...except God.

Suddenly, the light of the Lord broke through my depression. In an instant I realized that God had been with me all along; I had just chosen to look the other way. His divine love broke through on the wings of a moonbeam, and His answer moved through my heart with the memory of my grandpa. Never does the Lord forsake His own. The only distance that is ever between us is the distance that we put there.

Prayer: Gift of my life, continue to shower me with Your love. Let me feel Your gentle weight upon my heart, and keep me ever mindful of Your presence in my life. Amen.

WISDOM FROMTHE PSALMS FOR 5/15/13

Psalm 21:13

Be thou exalted, Lord, in thine own strength: so will we sing and praise thy power.

Reverend Davis looked down at his hands and shook his head. He was so tired, and he just didn't feel he had anything left in him that people ought to hear. He couldn't understand it. He'd always tried to do the lord's work and lead people to Jesus. He had preached the Gospel every chance he got. He had even achieved a certain level of fame. No one could deny what a powerful soldier for Christ he had been. Reverend Davis just couldn't make sense out of the fact that God wasn't helping him now, when he needed it most. At least God owed him that.

Too often we fall into the trap of believing that we do God's work for Him. That's not true. The most we can do is open ourselves to let the Lord do His own work through us. When we try to do it for Him, we can only expect to grow weary. However, when God works through us, we will find a new energy and vitality that we have never experienced before. The Lord is exalted through His own strength, not ours. Open yourself to Him now, and let the true power begin to flow.

Prayer: Make me an instrument of Your peace, love, and hope, O Lord. Allow me to serve You, not by my own rules, but Yours. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 5/14/13

Psalm 28:7

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song I will praise him.

Karen wanted the semester to end so badly. She was tired and mentally exhausted. Nothing had seemed to go right. She supposed her grades would be fine, but grades meant very little when you felt so bad about all your classes. Better to be done with it and put it all behind. When the end did finally roll around, Karen felt as if the weight of the world had been lifted from her shoulders. Maybe things weren't so bad, after all.

If we put our faith in God, He will see us through the tough time, and we will emerge from our experiences renewed and wiser. He truly is our shield and strength. Rejoice in His great love for us, and lift your voice in praise.

Prayer: Lord, I can get through anything if I know that You are with me. Be close by my side, teaching me the way I should walk. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 5/13/13

Psalm 27:14

Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.

When I was a few years younger, I began to believe that I would never find another person to share my life with. I had lived as a single more years than I cared to, and I used to pray daily for God to send the right person to me. I said that same prayer for almost seven years. Just at the point where I began to think maybe God wasn't listening, the most wonderful woman I've ever met showed up out of the blue. The Lord worked through the perfect relationship for me, in His own time. Though I battled a continual lack of patience, the will of the Lord prevailed, and I couldn't be happier.

As difficult as it is, waiting on the Lord always pays off in the long run. God knows the perfect solution to all life's situations. All we need do is ask His divine guidance and help, and He will make all things good. Wait on the Lord!

Prayer: Hear my prayers, O Lord, and fill me with a patience that will see me through even the longest dry spells. I know that You will do what is best for me. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 5/12/13

Psalm 27:10

When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.

Zachary sat on the front steps, his chin propped up on his hands. His dad was busy with work around the house, and his mom was doing work she had brought home from the office. Neither one of them had any time for him anymore. There was always something else that was more important. Zachary found himself spending a lot of time on his front steps.

Our world can be a lonely place when everyone is too busy to give time to one another. People get lost in the shuffle. Sometimes it happens to us. We need the Lord in our lives so we never have to worry about being alone. The Spirit of God dwells within each one of us, and for that reason, God is never far from us. When the pace of life threatens to bury you, remember the Lord and reach out to Him. He will not leave you lonely.

Prayer: Lord, I am reaching out to You. When I feel most alone, be close by me. Help me to always be aware of Your presence. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 5/11/13

Psalm 21:8

Thine hand shall find out all thine enemies: thy rig ht hand shall find out those that hate thee.

Hiding was useless. Tim knew that he would be found out soon enough. He'd pushed his luck just a little too far. At first, stealing had been for fun, just to see if he could get away with it. Then, it turned into a kind of sport, until finally he could hardly help himself. Now he'd been seen, and it was just a matter of time till someone caught up with him. What had seemed so cool before now seemed pretty stupid. There was no way out. He was in big trouble.

It seems to be a part of human nature to ignore consequences until it is too late. God gives us an awful lot of opportunity to make up our minds whether or not we will follow Him, but we cannot expect Him to wait forever. God knows our hearts right this very minute. There is no hiding from Him. If we are not for Him, we are against Him. The choice is ours. Each day gives us a new opportunity to reconfirm our faith in God. Let us take each and every opportunity.

Prayer: I get tired of hiding, Lord. Seek me out and inspire me to be a better person today than I was yesterday. I want to follow You and walk in the ways of Your Son. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 5/10/13

Psalm 20:7

Some trust in chariots, and some is horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.

Grayson was as old as the hills. He had farmed the same stretch of land for better than sixty years. Every year, the farms around old Grayson's invested in fancy new equipment and machinery. Grayson farmed with the same equipment year after year; once new, now antique. His neighbors tried to encourage him to upgrade his tools, but Grayson just shook his head. His justification for his stubbornness was simple: If the Lord wanted him to have a bountiful harvest, he would. It wasn't the machinery that made the farm. It wasn't the latest technology. It was the will of the Lord.

His neighbors secretly laughed at the simplistic reasoning of the old man, but time and again they ended up amazed at what he was able to do with his simple means. When harvest time came round, Grayson held his own with the best of them.

The simple faith of a single man or woman is a mighty thing. Trust in the Lord, and you will marvel at all that can be done.

Prayer: Make me faithful, Lord, I doubt so often, and I put my faith in other things. Those things will pass away, but I know that You will endure forever. Thanks be to Your love and grace. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 5/9/13

Psalm 19:14

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.

Paula put up a good front. Though she couldn't stand Beth, she never said anything bad to her. She kept quiet until she was alone with her other friends. At odd times, she would think of Beth, and resentment and contempt would rise up within her heart. Still, Paula was quite pleased with herself that she never let Beth know how she truly felt.

It is not enough that we try to put on a good front when we are around people we don't like. We need to search our hearts for reconciliation and forgiveness. We need to tap Christ, which heals all hurts and is the source of all patience and tolerance. God is interested in both the words of our mouths and the deepest ponderings of our hearts. To appear Christlike on the surface is never enough. To be Christlike at the core of our being, that is the key.

Prayer: Creator, God, I want to be a Christian to the very depths of my being. Search my heart, and transform it. Let love reign. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 5/8/13

Psalm 19:9

The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.

Patty always laughed whenever anyone tried to tell her that what she did was sinful. She would mock her friends, telling them they sounded like old ladies. Gwen couldn't understand how Patty could do the things she did and still call herself a Christian. Gwen was surprised to see Patty standing at her door in tears.

Patty had begun to wake up to the fact that she really was living a wrong life-style. The more she thought about it, the worse she felt. She hoped that Gwen could help her. Gwen told her that she was already on the right track to finding help. Realizing that what you do is wrong is the first step. Fearing what might happen because of what you do is the next step. Fear can be a healthy thing for us when it forces us to clean up our lives and walk the straight path. Once on the right path, we can leave fear behind, for nothing can harm us once we are in the Lord's camp. God's judgments are righteous and true, and He will always help us make the changes that allow us to clean up our lives, if we will only ask Him to.

Prayer: I need to respect You more, Lord. I need to be reminded that Your way is the only way, so that I won't be so tempted to stray. Be with me to guide me. Amen.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 5/7/13

Psalm 19:7

The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.

The church conference was going along fairly well. Plans were being made, new officers were elected, and proposals were abounding. Business was getting done. Elaine sat back and watched the proceedings with a sense of awe and disappointment. She knew she was new to church policy and planning, but she still felt that God should have a place in it all. No one seemed to be talking much about Him. What good was a church without God? Finally, when could stand it no longer, she stood up to address the planning board. She expressed her concern, and a hush fell over the group. It seemed that the absence of God from the conference hadn't dawned on anyone else. From that moment on, the conference took on a different feel, and all agreed it was one of the best ever.

We may not always have the most information or the best background, but we know that nothing of real value can occur apart from the Lord. When God is present, souls are converted, the simple are made wise, and miracles begin to happen. Remember the Lord in all that you do.

Prayer: As I plan my days and my weeks, Lord, be a central part of all I do. Be with me to decide what is best. Guide me by Your will and Your Spirit. Amen.

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.