Team Daily Devotions for May 2023

316Judith

Wisdom from the Psalms May 1

Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness (Psalm 52:7)

Lee couldn't understand any person who would put their faith in something you couldn't get your hands on. Spirits and angels and super beings in the sky were all fantasy. Now, money, there was something that was real. You could measure the benefits of money, not like God. You never knew what you would come up with, With God. Till his dying day, Lee believed that only fools followed God.

The wise man understands that the wealth of this age is inferior to the wealth God grants us through eternal life in His Kingdom. Money has its uses, but as a god it is a poor substitute for the real thing.

Prayer: Do not let me be distracted by lesser gods, O Lord. There is nothing in this world that can take Your place. You are the
greatest riches I can ever hope to find. Amen.

316Judith

Wisdom from the Psalms 2, 2023

Psalms 54:4

Behold, God is mine helper: the Lord is with them that uphold my soul.

Mabel never walked alone. In her hand was an old leather Bible, which she read from all the time. It was bulging with papers and sayings and handcrafted bookmarks, and all her favorite passages were underlined in red pencil. She delighted in sitting down with someone and showing him all the history she had tucked away in her holy book.

Mabel was never without her holy book, never without her smile. Mabel loved the Lord, and nothing gave her more pleasure than sharing Him with the people she met.

Prayer: Help me to seek after You, Lord. In the morning and throughout the day, give me reminders that You are with me. Remind me to tell others of Your love, that I might share the great gift I have been given. Amen.

Healthyme7410

I have a friend with a Bible similar to Mabel's. She has underlined many verses several times and has written in the margins of most pages. I prefer to use colors for subjects like joy, love, trust, growth etc. I can look for the color of the subject I am looking for easily and have several verses to read.

316Judith

Wisdom from the Psalms May 4, 2023

Psalms 55:5

Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me.

Liz sat crying in the small cafT. It looked as though she might be pregnant, and she was terrified. Her parents would yell at her, her boyfriend would probably leave her, and everyone would think she was somehow cheap and dirty; at least, that was how they would make her feel.

This wasn't something she wanted or was proud of. She had made a terrible mistake. She had given in to sin. Now she was a very scared young girl, with nowhere to turn.

Sin makes us a prisoner. It takes away our freedom, and it controls us with fear and guilt.

Luckily, we have a Savior who crushes the power of sin and sets us free. Jesus Christian died to let us know we are loved, and God forgives us when we fall. Nothing w do can separate us from that love, so we have nothing to fear at all.

Prayer: Lift me from the horrors of sin, Lord. Set my feet upon right paths, and lead me away from things that will harm me. Give me courage in the face of frightening situations. Amen.

316Judith

Fruit Production, Thursday, May 4, 2023

“When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.” (John 15:8 NLT)

One of the first things we do as Christians is produce spiritual fruit. Jesus said, “When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples.

This brings great glory to my Father” (John 15:8 NLT).

If we are really disciples of Jesus, then we will have spiritual fruit, or evidence, in our lives.

For example, you stop doing sinful things and instead do godly things. That will intrigue some people in your life, and it might even perplex them. But it’s one way to produce spiritual fruit.

Another way is to give praise and thanks to God.

Hebrews 13:15 tells us, “Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name” (NLT). 

When you’re in church singing praises to God, that is producing spiritual fruit.

A change in your conduct and character is also spiritual fruit.

The Bible tells us, “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!”(Galatians 5:22-23 NLT).

However, spiritual fruit doesn’t grow overnight. For instance, you wouldn’t pull up a chair in front of a fruit tree and just sit there waiting for fruit to appear. Of course, you could do that, but you wouldn’t see anything.

But if you were to set up a camera with time-lapse photography in front of that tree, you would see dramatic growth.

The same is true with spiritual growth. We may not see any changes happening because it takes time.

We need to start by saying, “I want to take up the cross daily and follow Jesus because I want to find the life God has for me.”

And we will find our purpose and meaning in life by putting God first.

Devotion by Greg Laurie

316Judith

How to Serve the Church, Friday May 5, 2023

1 Corinthians 12:18-26

When I talk about serving the church with God-given talents and gifts, people oftentimes think too small. They picture the choir singer or the Sunday school teacher. But if they don't happen to be naturallly adept at singing or teaching, they give up.

It's time we stop thinking in terms of a "Sunday only" establishment. The church is not a place or a time; it is a body of believers, each one uniquely gifted by God to guide, help, challenge, and support the rest.

In fact, most service to the Lord doesn't take place inside the church building. It happens out in the world, where we do all the things that Scripture commands.

Most believers are not in a position to influence a lot of people. When we act or speak, only those closest to us notice, but a chain reaction ripples outward to affect an entire community.

Paul's metaphor of body parts working together harmoniously is a helpful description of how one small action can have a widespread impact.

Consider the way tensing your big toe keeps your foot stable and thereby steadies your whole body. In the same way, a gentle rebuke, a listening ear, or a loving deed benefits the church by strengthening one brother or sister, who then supports another...

We are on this earth to serve the kingdom of God and His church. And we do that by ministering to
each other in small ways that steady the whole body as we give extra support to one member.

In talking about such service, I am challenging
you to find a need that God can meet through
you.

Devotion by Charles Stanley- In Touch Ministries

Healthyme7410

I totally agree that we all have talents to use for God but some may not be as noticeable as others. A smile, a helping hand, a kind word may not take long but could reach so many people where they are and encourage them even more than a Sunday sermon.

316Judith

Amen Linda

Wisdom from the Psalms May 6, 2023

Psalms 55:21

The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.

Carrie couldn't believe that she had been taken in so completely. The man had talked of love and peace and equality, and it had all sounded so right. Then he began teaching that the only way to achieve peace was through violence.

She had gone along with it for awhile because she really waned to believe the man was good.

What he really was was a terrorist, using young people to wage his war for him. Why did people have to live by the lie?

We live in a world dominated by smooth talkers who proclaim goodness but are corrupt to the core. Jesus warned that many false prophets would come preaching harmony and love, but that they were wolves in sheep's clothing.

Ask God's wisdom and guidance as you make choices in your life. He will expose the darkness of lie and deceit through His holy light.

Prayer: Grant me a careful and disce rning spirit, Lord. Make sure that I use the common sense You have given me. Protect me from those who
would try to take advantage of me. Amen.

316Judith

Faith's Checkbook - May 7, 2023

Let No Evil Remain


"And there shall cleave nought of the cursed thing to thine hand: that the LORD may turn from the fierceness of His anger, and show thee mercy, and have compassion upon thee, and multiply thee, as He hath sworn unto thy fathers"   (Deuteronomy 13:17).

Israel must conquer idolatrous cities and destroy all the spoil, regarding all that had been polluted by idolatry as an accursed thing to be burned with fire.

Now, sin of all sorts must be treated by Christians in the same manner.

We must not allow a single evil habit to remain. It is now war to the knife with sins of all sorts and sizes, whether of the body, the mind, or the spirit.

We do not look upon this giving up of evil as deserving mercy, but we regard it as a fruit of the grace of God, which we would on no account miss.

When God causes us to have no mercy on our sins, then He has great mercy on us.

When we are angry with evil, God is no more angry with us.

When we multiply our efforts against iniquity, the LORD multiplies our blessings.

The way of peace, of growth, of safety, of joy in Christ Jesus will be found by following out these words:

“There shall nought of the cursed thing cleave to thine hand." LORD, purify me this day.

Compassion, prosperity, increase, and joy will surely be given to those who put away sin with solemn resolution.

Devotion by CH Spurgeon

316Judith

May 8, 2023

Faith’s Checkbook: A collection of Daily Devotions: by Charles Spurgeon

Help Wanted

"Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive" (Matthew 20:7).

Yes, there is work in Christ's vineyard for old bodies. It is the eleventh hour, and yet He will let us work. What grace is this!

Surely every old man ought to jump at this invitation! After men are advanced in years nobody wants them as servants; they go from shop to shop, and employers look at their gray hairs and shake their heads.

But Jesus will engage old people and give them good wages, too! This is mercy indeed. LORD, help the aged to enlist in Thy service without an hour's delay.

But will the LORD pay wages to worn-out old men? Do not doubt it. He says He will give you what is right if you will work in His field. He will surely give you grace here and glory hereafter.

He will grant present comfort and future rest; strength equal to your day and a vision of glory when the night of death comes on. All these the LORD Jesus will as freely give to the aged convert as to one who enters His service in his youth.

Let me tell this to some unsaved old man or old woman and pray the LORD to bless it for Jesus' sake, Where can I find such persons? I will be on the lookout for them and kindly tell them the news.

Healthyme7410

This applies to a lot of us who are old and worn out from the journey. I am so glad that God still has a purpose and plan for us to still be doing. The long journey will be worth it all when we see Jesus face to face.

316Judith

Wisdom from the Psalms, May 9, 2023

Psalms 57:4

My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.

Kevin thought that joining the fraternity would solve all his problems. Everybody seemed to look up to the fraternities. Ever since he came to college, Kevin felt a little left out and lonely. His loneliness only increased after he was initiated.

None of the other guys in the frat thought or felt anything like he did. Most of them were shallow.

Sure, there were a lot of great people in fraternities, but it wasn't what Kevin was looking for. He felt so out of place. What he needed was someplace where he could be himself, and not always put on acts.

We are experts at wearing masks. We do the acceptable things so we don't feel strange or uncomfortable. We get thrown into the lion's den, and it feels like the only way we can hope to avoid being eaten is to become a lion ourselves.

Take heart. God has seen our problems and He is willing to help us stand firm for what we believe. There is a place for us. In time, God will lead us all to a place where we feel accepted and loved for who we are.

Prayer: There are so many temptations before me that threaten to make me less than You want me to be, Lord. Save me from my own weaknesses, and make me strong in my beliefs and convictions. Amen.

316Judith

Wisdom from the Psalms May 11, 2023

Psalms 59:9

Because of his strength will I wait upon thee: for God is my defence.

The young man sat quietly in the courtroom. He trembled as he waited for the hearing to begin. He had never been to court before. His parents had rarely even taken him into town.

The Amish kept pretty much to themselves. He was being asked to fight in an army that he did not believe in, and that was something he could not do.

They would ask him all kinds of hard questions, but all he knew was that war and killing were wrong, and he would have no part of it, even if it meant sitting in a jail for the rest of his life.

They would want excuses, but all he could say was no. God was his only defense. Nothing more was needed.

Prayer: People do not always understand why I feel the way I do or believe the things I do. Help me to accept that, Father. Help me to be secure in my faith. Let me be an example of faith in a world full of doubt. Amen.

316Judith

Friday, May 12, 2023

The Value of the Bible

The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. (Psalm 19:7 NLT)

It can be a shock to look at your high school yearbook photo years later. And if you’re like me, you’ve said, “What was I thinking?” That’s because hairstyles change. Fashion changes.

Culture changes. And technology changes.
As soon as something new comes along, something else quickly replaces it.

Even newspapers become rapidly outdated because we have direct access to the latest news.

In contrast, God’s Word is always fresh. It’s always new.

The psalmist David wrote, “The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living” (Psalm 19:7-8 NLT).

Unlike the flawed, imperfect reasoning of humanity, the Word of God is perfect.

The Word of God is also a treasure. David continued, “The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair. They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold” (verses 9–10 NLT).

The Book of Proverbs compares searching the Scriptures to mining for gold. A modern version describes it this way: “If you make Insight your priority, and won’t take no for an answer, searching for it like a prospector panning for gold, like an adventurer on a treasure hunt, believe me, before you know it Fear-of-God will be yours; you’ll have come upon the Knowledge of God” (2:3–5 MSG).

That is a great way to approach the Bible.

When you arrive at the last day of your life, you won’t care about how much money you have.

But you will care about what the Bible says.

This is the book that tells you how to go to Heaven. This is the book that helps you know God.

Devotion by Greg Laurie

316Judith

May 13
Wisdom from the Psalms May 13, 2023

Psalms 61:2

From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

Eric ran back and forth behind the crowd. The parade was coming, and he really wanted to have a good spot to watch it from. Everyone was so much taller than he was.

Wherever he went, somebody was standing in front of him. In frustration, he began to cry.

Suddenly, two strong hands lifted Eric up and placed him on shoulders high up above the mass of people. From the vantage point of the stranger's shoulders, the entire parade was easy to see.

Sometimes we need a boost. Problems loom too large, and we can't see our way around them.

Pressures build up, and we don't feel big enough to cope with them. God sees all that and He is ready to lift us up; to give us a new vantage point.

Reach up to the Lord, and He will lead you to Himself, a rock which is higher than any problem we might have.

Prayer: Pick me up, Lord, and hold me in Your loving arms. Protect me from the pressures of the day, and remove the heaviness from my heart. Inspire me with the knowledge that You and I together can handle anything. Amen.

316Judith

Wisdom from the Psalms May 14, 2023

Psalms 62:10

Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.

Glenn prayed for things to get easier. Every day he lifted his concerns to the Lord. Each day he faithfully read the Bible and thought about the Lord's loving works. Finally, his financial woes began to turn around.

He thanked God for hearing him and helping him.

His wealth began to increase, but as it did, Glenn turned less and less to God.

He rarely prayed, almost never did he turn to God's World, and he spent his time thinking of all the wonderful things he could do with his newfound wealth. Glenn attained a level where he could have been called a rich man.

At the same time, Glenn attained a level of spiritual bankruptcy.

The cost of wealth is often our very faith. Let not the wealth of the world turn you from God. There is the devil's finest work.

Prayer: Forgive me when I let things come between us, Lord. Material wealth is nice, but not if it mea ns that I lose my relationship with You. Help me be satisfied with what I have, and keep my mind and my heart on You. Amen.

316Judith

Wisdom from the Psalms, May 16, 2023

Psalms 63:9-10

But those that seek my soul, to destroy it, shall go into the lower parts of the earth. They shall fall by the sword: they shall be a portion for foxes.

Tracy couldn't believe the girls at school would be so cruel. She never did anything to any of them, but they were always finding some way to hurt her. It was all she could do to keep from telling them all off. Her mother told her to ignore them, but that was hard to do. Her mother also said that they would eventually have to pay for all the nasty things they did, but Tracy wished that day would come soon.

No one likes to be picked on. Some people love to spend time making others unhappy. These people will have to answer to God for their actions.

We are called to love one another and to look for ways to give one another encouragement. While the nasty people will answer in shame for their deeds, the kind will rejoice with Christ in heaven.

Prayer: Help me to shrug off the unkind words and actions of the pe ople around me. Lift me above the hurts that come from unthinking and cruel people. Teach me to respond in love, no matter how I am treated. Amen.

Healthyme7410

It is hard to not take unkind words and actions personally expecially when you are young like Tracy in the devotion. Jesus handled these things with love and compassion on the person who was doing the mean things. If we can take our eyes off of our selves, sometimes we can learn that the person doing the mean things is really suffering themselves for some reason and projecting things on us. This can be hard to do!

316Judith

Wisdom from the Psalms May 17, 2023

Psalms 64:2

Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity.

The charges were ridiculous. Didn't people have anything better to do than create perverse fantasies about other people?

Cliff had been helping Judy through a really tough time in her life. The two had spend many long hours together, often sitting up through the night in Cliff's apartment, talking.

Now, a select committee from the school was calling into question Cliff's fitness to teach "young, impressionable minds." Important matters would take a backseat to an imagined scandal.

It was ironic that when a person tried his hardest to do something good, his motives were most suspect.

Doing what is right and good is sometimes risky.

There is always someone who will question our motives and try to undermine the good we hope to accomplish.

Be assured that God sees all things, and He will richly reward those who continue to do right, even in the face of stiff opposition.

Prayer: I need to know that You are on my side and that You will not leave me to fight on my own. I am constantly made aware of how hard it is to do good things. Fill me with perseverance, Lord. Amen.

316Judith

Wisdom from the Psalms May 18, 2023

Psalms 64:7

But God shall shoot at them with an arrow: suddenly shall they be wounded.

Jesus stood with a group of His followers. In the distance, a crowd appeared, pushing a naked woman along in front of them. They cast her down at the Lord's feet and said, "What should we do with this adultress?" They hoped to trap Jesus into advising sin.

Aware of the trap, Jesus gazed deeply into the eyes of the people. He stooped down and scribbled in the dust. Abruptly, He stood back up and said, "The one among you who is without sin, let him cast the first stone."

His answer struck like a bolt of lightning. Words of pure love and power exploded their conceit, and they were forced to look at the truth of God openly and honestly. The sin was not at issue.

What mattered was forgiveness. The hateful crowd was shot through the heart by an arrow of God's goodness. Killed was the sin of unrighteousness, God will expose it for what it is.

Prayer: Turn my darkness into light, O Lord, and guide me away from things that are sinful and wrong. Teach me to love my neighbors rather than judge them. Let me cast love and peace, instead of stones. Amen.

Healthyme7410

It is so easy to be judgemental of people but Jesus had unconditional love for them all. He did tell them to change but he gave them his love first. I can do it in the backward order - tell them to change with conditional love for them. If I judge first, why would they want to change? I am not accepting them where they are and willing to give a helping hand through the process which is what Jesus would do.

316Judith

Indeed Linda, much to think about. thank you for sharing!

Friday, May 19, 2023

The Perspective of God’s People

For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness. They seem to live such painless lives. (Psalm 73:3-4 NLT)

The psalmist Asaph struggled with the age-old question of why the wicked prosper.

In Psalm 73 he wrote, “But as for me, I almost lost my footing. My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone. For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness” (verses 2–3 NLT).

We live in a time when people celebrate and flaunt ungodly lifestyles. And like Asaph, we wonder how long they’re going to get away with it.

As followers of Christ, we try to live by God’s Word, and people mock us for it. So, we say, “This just isn’t fair. That’s a horrible thing they’re doing. They shouldn’t be able to get away with that.”

David, too, reflected on the life of the godly and the ungodly and contrasted them. He looked at the priorities they have.

And in Psalm 5 he wrote, “You will destroy those who tell lies. The Lord detests murderers and deceivers. Because of your unfailing love, I can enter your house; I will worship at your Temple with deepest awe” (verses 6–7 NLT).

David was saying, “Nonbelievers can do what they want to do and live the way they want to live. But I’m going to go to the house of the Lord.”

Asaph arrived at a similar conclusion. He wrote, “Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked. Truly, you put them on a slippery path and send them sliding over the cliff to destruction”

When we gather with God’s people and study God’s Word together, we will see the big picture.

We will realize that sin eventually catches up with everyone.

And as followers of Jesus Christ, we will know that we’ve made the right choice.

Devotion by Greg Laurie

316Judith

Wisdom from the Psalms May 21, 2023

Psalms 65:11

Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness.

Dick was thankful. The year had been a good one. He wasn't a wealthy store owner. He lived from week to week, and it was vitally important to him that things work out well. He watched friends of his go under all the time. There was no such thing as a sure thing in business anymore. The lord had been good to Dick, and he was indeed grateful.

Not everything in life does the way we would like it. Sometimes we make out okay, other times things just don't seem to work out. In both cases, the Lord is with us, and He wants to help us make the best of things. God has given good things to His children, and when one thing doesn't work out, we can rest assured that something else is soon to come along. When things do work out, we need to remember to give thanks to the one who made it all possible.

Prayer: You give so many good things, Lord. Help me to see past the things that are wrong in my life and see all the things that are so right. Thank You for all the blessings You have given me. Amen.

316Judith

Wisdom from the Psalms May 22, 2023

Psalms 65:13

The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered over with corn; they shout for joy, they also sing.

Each year the rice paddies were laid out and the tender plants were planted. Each year the people of the village waited with anxious hope, looking to see whether the storms would come and wash the fields away.

Many times, the people would watch as their hard labor was destroyed, but other times they rejoiced to see their crops full and bountiful.

After each harvest, the village offered a portion of their harvest to God, thanking Him for his mercy and grace.

What do we offer to God when we are blessed with good things?

Do we even remember to say thank you?

The Lord has given us so much, and we should always and everywhere give Him thanks and praise.

Prayer: In bad times, please be my strength; in good times, celebrate with me, Lord. Thanks for being with me, doing so much for me, and giving so much to me. Amen.

316Judith

Wisdom from the Psalms May 23, 2023

Psalms 66:5

Come and see the works of God: he is terrible in his doing toward the children of men.

In the days of Jesus, a common usage of the word [terrible] meant "incredible." To be terrible meant to be beyond belief. God truly is beyond belief.

We cannot begin to understand all He has done and He continues to do in our world.

A walk through the country will expose us to more miracles than we can count.

A look at the night sky will fill us with wonder to the core of our being.

God has offered us untold questions to explore and contemplate. Come and see the works of the Lord. They are incredible!

Prayer: Lord, I do not pretend to understand You, but I do surely love You. Show me new wonders and teach me new questions, that I might come to
know You better each day. Amen.

316Judith

Wisdom from the Psalms May 24, 2023

Psalms 65:6

He turned the sea into dry land: they went through the flood on foot: there did we rejoice in him.

Professor Marsh shook his head emphatically. He maintained that the story of the Red Sea was phony. Dr. Reed proposed that maybe they crossed somewhere else. Brother Allwell said true believers knew it happened just as it was written. For hours the men argued and fought. No one changed his mind, nothing was gained, faith was never spoken of, and the promoters of the debate thought, all in all, it was a great success.

What is the big idea? The fact is, the Hebrew people escaped the finest fighting force of its day by crossing a body of water that stopped the Egyptian army. A miracle is a miracle is a miracle.

The [how] is not nearly as important as the fact that it [did] happen. Our God is a God of miracle and wonder.

Praise Him for what He does, rather than for how He does it, and you will find your faith grows by leaps and bounds.

Prayer: When Your miracles get reduced to topics for debate, I find I lose interest, Father. Refresh me with the strangeness and awe of Your power, Lord. Amen.

316Judith

We’re All Vulnerable - May 27, 2023

You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God. (Hebrews 3:13 NLT)

In chapter 6 of Matthew’s Gospel, we find what we often call the Lord’s Prayer. We can use it as a basis to explore the principles of prayer that God has given us in the pages of Scripture.

Here Jesus taught us to pray, “And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one” (verse 13 NLT).

Now, does this imply that God could lead us onto a path where we could face temptation? Or, worse yet, does it mean that God could tempt us?

Certainly not. James 1:13 warns, “Do not say, ‘God is tempting me.’ God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else” (NLT).

James continues, “Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away” (verse 14 NLT).

Thus, Jesus taught us to ask God to guide us so that we won’t depart from His will and place ourselves in the way of temptation. We essentially pray, “Lord, don’t let me be tempted above my capacity to resist. Give me common sense. Help me see the traps and the areas in which I can be vulnerable. Then help me to avoid them.”

The problem with temptation is that we often rationalize it. Maybe you’ve seen the bumper sticker that says, “Lead me not into temptation. I can find it myself.” The Bible warns us about the illusive glamour and trickery of sin.

None of us are above temptation’s pull. We might think that after we study the Bible for a specific amount of time or walk with God for a certain number of years, we will always be able to identify temptation. But that isn’t true.

The enemy is cunning (see Genesis 3:1). We must be careful not to underestimate the pull of temptation in our lives.

Devotion by Greg Laurie

316Judith

Wisdom from the Psalms May 29, 2023

Psalms 69

Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul.

The canoe creaked once, twice, then a seam began to split. Water rushed in through the gap and filled the bottom of the small boat.

The nearest bank was hundreds of feet away, and the current was swift. Jill and Ann began to scream and bail water as fast as they could.

Trying to fight panic, they grabbed hold of their life jackets and plunged into the river.

Their counselor saw their plights and acted. She moved up on them quickly and fished them out of the strong current.

As we fight to stay afloat in life. It seems like new leaks spring up every day.

Luckily, the Lord of the fleet is watching over us, and He will never let the water rise above our heads.

His loving kindness keeps us afloat and rescues us when troubled waters threaten us.

Prayer: I'm trying to keep my head above water, Lord. Thank You for being an island in the stream, where I can climb out of the water, rest from the struggle, and re new myself for the swim ahead. Amen.

316Judith

Wisdom from the Psalms May 30, 2023

Psalms 69:3

I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God.

There comes a point where there are not more tears to cry. The sadness remains, but the waters dry up. It is in this calm after the storm that we can make sense of things.

David cried unto the Lord often. He needed to vent the emotions and pressures that built up inside him. Being the king of a headstrong people was not easy. David experienced periods of intense joy, but also of excruciating heartache. He learned the value of a purging cry.

In moments of desperation, David let down all his defenses to stand exposed before God. In those times, God was sure to come to him and offer David all the comfort he needed. In our times of desperation, the Lord will give us comfort, too.

Prayer: When there are not more tears to cry, Lord, fill me with Your peace and consolation, Father. Amen.

316Judith

Wisdom from the Psalms May 31, 2023

Psalms 69:4

They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of min head: they that would destroy me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that which I took not away.

Being king isn't easy. Either people love you or they hate you. The same is true of every position of power and authority. Presidents, deans, prime ministers-the list can go on and on-all these people have to face the passions of the people they lead.

Even God, Himself, has to face such problems.

God is not loved by everyone. There are those who, for whatever reason, have chosen to reject God. There are those who curse Him as regularly as we praise Him. We are the subjects of the greatest sovereign in creation. Our Lord rules us with justice and love.

We might not agree with everything He does or everything He calls us to do, but we owe Him our allegiance and loyalty. Be loyal to the Lord, and He will rule over you justly and with compassion.

Prayer: It is easy to bow down befo re a ruler of such love and grace, Lord. In every age, You have ruled fairly. I pray for all those who do not know Your greatness and Your goodness. Break through with Your light into their lives. Amen.