Daily Devotions for October 2023

316Judith

Wisdom from the Psalms

Sunday October 1 2023

Psalm 119:78

Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts.

Paul did chores for his neighbor, Mrs. Bower, each Tuesday after school. He had done chores for her for three years, and no one had said much about it, but for some reason this year was different.

All the kids at school had started making fun of him. He couldn't understand why other kids would laugh at him for trying to help someone else. It made him feel ashamed for no good reason. He'd almost gotten into a fight with one boy. Why couldn't people just leave him alone? It wasn't their business anyway.

There is always someone who will find fault with us, no matter what we do. Some people just aren't happy unless they criticize.

In times when we feel the most persecution, God waits for us with open arms.

He understands well what it is like to be mistreated for no good reason. He went to the cross in just that way.

When times get rough, turn to the one who understands best. God will comfort you and give you the strength you need to persevere.

Prayer: It is hard enough when people find fault with me for what I do wrong, let alone when I am trying to do what is right. Make their insults bounce off me like water off the duck's back. Strengthen me in Your will and way. Amen.

316Judith

Wisdom from the Psalms

Monday October 2, 2023

Psalm 119:99

I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.

Jesus amazed the learned men in the temple when He was just twelve years old. He had never received professional schooling in the history and law of the Hebrew people, and yet He displayed an incredible insight into even the most complex meanings of Holy Scripture. His understanding far surpassed that of many of the elders present.

Where did His incredible knowledge and wisdom come from? God, of course.

True knowledge is not found in books. God has granted us each a measure of common sense and logic. He is willing and able to instruct us in all His ways, if we will take time to contemplate His mysteries.

We, too, can amaze the learned of our age by speaking forth the truth of God, which surpasses even the most complex knowledge.

Like Christ, we can know more than we ought, through the guidance and counsel of God Himself.

Prayer: Instruct my mind, heart, and soul in all of Your ways, O Lord. Teach me those things that are truly important, and enable me to spread what I learn to others. Amen.

316Judith

Wisdom from the Psalms

October 3, 2023

Psalm 119:100

I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.

The counsel of elders had been the ruling voice of the tribe for centuries. In every decision of the tribe, the elders were consulted.

Then came a young man who knew a better way.

He told of a rule that would guide each individual to right action. It was the rule of love: the golden rule, which said to do only those things that you would have them do to you.

The wisdom of the young man was beyond dispute.

All the elders had tried to teach was summed up in the simple law. By grasping the full meanings of the rule, any person could obtain the wisdom of the elders.

Even more wisdom would come to any and all who would put the rule to practice. The way of the Lord is to love. Higher wisdom does not exist than to live life in love.

Prayer: Guide me by the law of love, Father. Show me new ways to serve others and to do to them the things I would wish done to myself. Grant me the highest kind of wisdo m. Amen.

Healthyme7410

Psalm 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Nick and Davy thought it would be fun to explore deeper in the cave. When they saw their chance, they separated from the rest of their class and headed down a corridor that was roped off. They walked on through twisting and turning shafts until they were no longer sure how to get back. They stood in total darkness, feeling the cavern close in around them. Just as they verged on panic, Davy looked down and noticed a fine, dim glow. Phosphorescent stone was embedded in the cave floor, and it cast off a dull shine. By following the path of light, the boys made it back to the safety of the well-lit shafts.

Darkness can close in around us quickly in this world today. It seems to be getting darker all the time. However, we are recipients of the light that cannot be put out and will never fade away. The Word of God will guide us through even the darkest times, and He will be close by to comfort us in time of trouble. Rely upon the light of the Lord.

Prayer: Light my way, dear God, and keep me from stumbling down the wrong path. Keep me from my own folly. Amen.

316Judith

Wisdom from the Psalms

Friday October 6, 2023

Psalm 119:121

I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors.

It was never easy giving an F to a student. In fact, if there were any way around it, Jill would have taken it. Most of the time the student was willing to do anything to avoid the bad mark. Garrett was another case.

She had offered to tutor him, she had given him extra-credit work to do, and she had taken all kinds of extra time with him.

Through it all he had just blown her off, ignoring her attempts to help and mocking her to his friends. He had ripped up notes she had written to his parents, and he forged his parents' signature on his report cards.

Jill had contacted Garrett's parents, but they were too busy to come in.

Now, however, with a F in hand, the parents were coming, and they were looking to pick a fight.

Doing what is right is not all that easy.

When we dedicate ourselves to justice, we must be ready to face the wrath of all those who don't see things the same way we do.

God loves justice and righteousness, and we need to remember that He is ever on the side of what is right. He will be with us when we face persecution for righteousness' sake. Rely on Him.

Prayer: Whenever I try to do right, it seems like someone finds fault with me. Help me to ignore the insults and remain true to what I feel You want me to do. Protect me, Lord. Amen.

316Judith

Wisdom from the Psalms

Saturday October 7, 2023

Psalm 119:136

Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not they law.

Reverend Hawkins sat at his desk and cried. He had been a good shepherd for his church, and he had given everything he knew to give, but the members of the church had so far to go.

In all his years, he had not asked anything special of his congregation, but now he wanted to open their doors as a shelter to vagrants in the area.

He was committed to the project to the very depths of his soul, but the church had voted it down by a strong majority.

All he had ever tried to teach them was lost. It made him heartsick to think that the Gospel was just a story and not a way of life.

Christian growth comes slowly.

Not all Christians operate at the same point at the same time.

Very little that Jesus asks or commands in the New Testament is easy.

It takes time to learn how to walk the steps of Christ.

We may lament that others are not committed in the same ways that we are, but if they are trying their best to follow Jesus, then we need to rejoice at their progress and hope for continued growth in their lives and in our own.

Prayer: I weep for those who have forgotten what it means to follow You, Lord, and I pray that You help me to continue to grow, and that You might use me to help others in their growth. Amen.

316Judith

Wisdom from the Psalms

Sunday October 8, 2023
 
Psalm 119:176

I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek they servant; for I do not forget they commandments.
 
The shepherd will go looking for a lost sheep, no matter where it might have wandered. Regardless of ravine, cavern, raging river, steep cliff, the shepherd will endeavor to save even the scrawniest, mangiest sheep. His devotion to his flock is total and absolute.
 
God's devotion to us is even greater. We can never be separated from the love and care of God. No matter how far we might stray from Him, He is continually on the lookout for us, and He will rescue us from whatever our peril might be. Rest sure and secure in the love of God. He will never give you up for lost.
 
Prayer: Lord, I wander off sometimes, but I always want to be with You. Keep a watchful eye upon me, a foolish sheep. Herd me back to the fold, where I am always safe and warm. Amen.

316Judith

Wisdom from the Psalms

Tuesday October 10, 2023
 
Psalm 121:1

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
 
Bruce lay in the mud waiting for an enemy to pass by and put him out of his misery, or an ally who would give him aid.

The jungle sounds pounded in his ears, and the glare of the sun blinded him. Evening fell, turned to night, and all Bruce could do was wait.

With the morning light, Bruce squinted to see if he could make out any landmarks to give him an idea of where he was.

As he scanned the horizon, his heart leapt with joy. A familiar flag waved gently in the breeze as a battalion approached. The waiting was almost over, and the fear was gone.
 
We wait in this life, not sure of what is coming next. The options don't look promising, but we can rejoice in the fact that our Lord is coming to set all things right.

His banner is ever out before Him, and as we look unto the hills of the new age to come, we cannot help but notice that God is there waiting for us.

Where does our help come from? It comes from the Lord God, who created, who sustains, and who will redeem.
 
Prayer: Lord, make all things new. Usher in a new age; an age of love and caring, an age of compassion and equality. Thank You for granting me Your strength. Amen.

316Judith

Wisdom from the Psalms Wednesday October 10, 2023

Psalm 121:3

He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
 
Benedict was the best butler the Trumbells had ever had. Never had they been treated with such care and concern.

Benedict really seemed to care that they were comfortable.

They never had to ring twice for his services.

He was always right there when they wanted him. He prided himself on doing his job well, and it showed.
 
As absurd as it seems, God is willing to wait on us, to make sure that we have all we need. The Lord of all life came to earth, and in His time, He stooped to washing His friends' feet; a job usually reserved for the lowliest of slaves.

God came to earth to serve us so that we might learn how to serve others.

We are to be ready to serve whenever the occasion arises. When we serve untiringly, we show the world the glory of God and make His Gospel a reality.
 
Prayer: I fear that too often I am asleep at the switch, Lord. Make me ready to serve and to give. Teach me to think less of myself and more of others. Amen.

316Judith

October 15

Peace & Prosperity

Wisdom from the Psalms

Psalms 122:7 

Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces.
 
Some people's homes are war zones. Families in conflict abound in our society. So much unhappiness comes from people no longer knowing how to share and give.

Too many people are looking out for themselves, and they aren't willing to look out for each other.

Mothers fight with daughters, sons with fathers, husbands and wives, brothers and sisters, each feeding the beast of hurt and discord.

We are lost without a peacemaker, one who knows our hearts and can pave the way to reconciliation. Luckily, Christians have such a peacemaker.

Christ came to unite all God's children, brothers, and sisters in the faith.

He works in the home to call us to a deep love that is consecrated in blood. If we strive for peace within the walls, then we are one step closer to peace between our nations.

God will heal all wounds, if we will only welcome Him in.
 
Prayer: Christ, You have broken down the dividing walls of hostility, and You are waiting to build bridges of love. Begin with me, Lord, and move forth in love. Amen.

316Judith

Wisdom from the Psalms

October 17, 2023

Psalm 123:3

Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us: for we are exceedingly filled with contempt.

The Greens couldn't tolerate the Reds, because the Reds read their Bibles out loud. The Reds couldn't stand the Blues because they sang too many songs and they didn't always sing words the Reds knew. The Blues didn't like the Golds, because the Golds never did any mission work, and the Golds didn't like anybody else, because no one else took in a much money on a Sunday morning.

The things we let divide us! God shakes His head in disbelief at the contempt we hold for others who don't quite agree with us.

We live a country where there are almost three hundred different denominations, all claiming to have a special understanding of the Christian Gospel.

What is more important than any point of faith is that we love one another, and that we treat one another accordingly.

We need to ask God's forgiveness for our bent toward judging others. Each of us has enough to keep us busy with his own faith.

When we start pointing fingers at others, that's when we prove positively that our own faith is in serious need of help.

Prayer: Have mercy upon me, Lord. I apologize for all the times I have judged another person's faith, when my own faith is in such need of help. Remove the enormous plank from my own eye, O God, that I might truly begin to see. Amen.

316Judith

Wisdom from the Psalms

October 18

Psalm 124:7

Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are expected.

Clifford was a strange man. He served his country in Vietnam and spent three years as a prisoner of war.

While a prisoner, he amazed his companions by never complaining about their situation. In fact, when questioned about it, he smiled and said, "I'm not really here, anyway."

Once Cliff returned to the States, he shared what he had meant. Each day he sat against the stone wall and began listing in his mind all the places he had ever been that he had loved.

He pictured those places, and he selected a different one every day. In his mind he journeyed to the beloved spots and he turned off the reality around him.

As Christians, we need to do the same thing. We're not from here.

Our true home is with God in heaven.

When the reality around us gets too intense and hard to handle, we should turn our thoughts to God.

We can be liberated from the trap if we will only call upon the Lord. God offers us a way to escape the harshness of our earthly life by entering into quiet time with H im. Reach out. His peace awaits.

Prayer: Rescue me from the craziness around me. Be my refuge when life gets too hectic. Lift me out of the race and grant me rest. Amen.

316Judith

Wisdom from the Psalms

October 19, 2023

Psalm 125:2

As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about his people from henceforth even for ever.

Peggy love the island. Her grandfather had purchased the land and built a cottage on it before the first World War.

Now it was hers, and she felt safe and surrounded and at home. Some of her friends thought it would be unpleasant to be completely surrounded by water, but she said it was just like having a private moat.

To Peggy, this was a paradise.

For some people, being surround is a great source of security.

Our Lord awaits to surround us in His love.

From time immemorial, the Lord has gathered His children to Himself, encircling them in His protective care. We are held in that circle today.

Rejoice that the Lord is near. He protects and defends us, and will continue to do so forever.

Prayer: Circle me in Your love, Lord. Surround me and keep me safe, I pray, and help me to draw
others to You. Amen.

316Judith

Wisdom from the Psalms

October 20

Psalm 125:4

Do good, O Lord, unto those that be good, and to them that are upright in their hearts.

Mrs. Hendricks was the most popular music teacher around. Young and old alike hired her to teach them how to play and sing.

Actually, the only thing Mrs. Hendricks did differently from other teachers was to make you feel good about what you were trying to do.

She complimented, encouraged, and affirmed at every possible opportunity.

We like to be around people who make us feel good. We all need to be affirmed and supported. We look to the Lord for approval, because we want more than anything for Him to be proud of us. He is.

When we try to live upright and holy lives, we are doing that which makes Him happiest. He will continually bless those who do good, for to them belongs the Kingdom of God.

Prayer: Help me know that I'm on the right track,
dear God. Let me know that what I am trying to
do pleases You. Keep me ever in Your care. Amen.

316Judith

Wisdom from the Psalms

October 21, 2023

Psalm 126:2

Then was our mouth fil led with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The Lord hath done great things for them.

Young people all seemed to think you had to get drunk to have a good time. Steve and Dan were out to teach them otherwise. One of the high priorities in their youth ministry was to show teenagers that Christians could have even more fun than non-Christians.

They entered the lives of the young people, bringing them laughter, joy, and a message of Good News. Soon, both Christians and non-Christians hung out with the duo. All the kids wanted to be part of the experience.

Too often we take our faith seriously in the wrong ways. When we present only the somber, quiet side of faith, without expressing the joy, the result is not always so attractive.

Christians have gained the reputation of not being too much fun, and nothing should be further from the truth.

Being a Christian is the most joy-filled and lively experience we can have. Others need to see that.

Live the happiness, laughter, and singing of being a Christian, so the whole world might know.

Prayer: Never let me forget the intense joy that accompanies being a Christian. Turn my tears to laughter, my sorrow to dancing, and let me spread my delight to everyone. Amen.

316Judith

Wisdom from the Psalms

October 22, 2023

Psalm 126:5

They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.

Just when Amy thought her work might go down the drain, a miracle came through. Working with the poor in Atlanta was the best job and the worst job she had ever had.

She specifically worked in drug and alcohol rehabilitation, and there was nothing more gratifying than getting someone back on his feet.

Yet, for every one that got cleaned up, there were a dozen more in need. Money was tight, and things didn't look good.

Amy went home at night and cried for all the work left undone and all the people in misery. Then, the grant came through: Enough money to keep the doors open for a year.

Amy felt like God truly did care about what she was doing. All the sweat and tears paid off?Joy that comes to us in times of despair is twice as sweet.

When we care intensely about our world and the people in it, we will be moved to tears, and at times we will even feel like giving up.

Thankfully, the tears will turn to joy, for all is in God's hands. He will transform this old world and make all things new. Those who care most deeply will rejoice all the more. Take heart!

Prayer: Help me to see a brighter future for my world, O Lord. I get discouraged when it seems like evil triumphs so much of the time. Show me the good, Father. Amen.

316Judith

Wisdom from the Psalms

October 23, 2023

Psalm 127:1

Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

A great cathedral was constructed to God's glory, while hungry and sick people sat outside its walls.

The cathedral was called, "The Greatest Achievement in the Name of God." Millions flocked from all over to enter its doors.

Thousands went away disturbed that the ministry of the church was contained completely within its walls. As the years passed, the church lost its luster, and it became just another church.

The poor were still there, but nothing had yet been done to help them. God looked down on the cathedral and said, "This is the poorest excuse of a church I have seen."

When men and women try to take the church out of God's hands, it ceases to be the church.

Only churches built upon the spiritual rock of salvation can claim to be God's churches.

Our achievements in the name of God must bear His signature, not our own, otherwise they have been done in vain.

God is the author of all that is good; we are merely His helpers. Whatever God builds will last forever, while hum ankind's creations crumble to the dust.

Prayer: Use my talents to do Your will, Lord, not my own. Remind me that I am doing Your work
with You, not my own work for You. Bless all my endeavors in Your name. Amen.

316Judith

Wisdom from the Psalms

October 24, 2023
 
Psalm 127:2

It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.
 
Rodney couldn't sleep. He tossed and turned, thinking of the bills yet to pay, the braces needed for the children's teeth, the pressures at work, the promises made but not yet fulfilled.

Each time he pushed one demon thought from his mind, another popped in. His health was beginning to be affected by his lack of sleep. That added just one more thing to his list of worries.
 
Worry is the last thing that will help our problems. In fact, worry can immobilize us from being able to take any kind of positive steps toward solutions.

The only purpose for worry is to indicate to us that we need to turn our problems over to God.

Once we enlist the help of our Lord, then we can rest easy. God will carry us through any situation, and He will grant us peace of mind and peace of heart.
 
Prayer: So often I am haunted by problems and concerns, Lord. Lift th eir weight from my shoulders and allow me to rest. Amen.

316Judith

Wisdom from the Psalms

October 26, 2023

Psalm 128: 1, 2

Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord; that walketh in his ways. For thou shall eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.

Jack sat down to supper with his family. Even after twenty years, there was something special about a meal that came from their own farm.

Jack could imagine thousands of families sitting down to similar meals of produce from his farm. It made him feel like there was purpose to his life.

The work was hard, there were worries about the future, but it was all worth it.

The farm was Jack's life. It would never be said that Jack was not fulfilled in his work. He couldn't be happier.

Many people find no satisfaction in the work they do. Their lives lack purpose and meaning.

Christians have an alternative source of meaning in their lives. If a Christian does a job, no matter how large or small, to God's glory, then that person will find satisfaction.

God doesn't much care what we do, but He is always interested in how we do our jobs. If we do our work without grumbling and with a joyful heart, then we are witnessing to His power in our lives and we are pleasing to Him.

Prayer: Let me be not so concerned with the prestige of my job, or the salary it pays, or what other people think of it. Instead, assist me to always do the best that I can, to Your glory, Father. Amen.

316Judith

Wisdom from the Psalms

October 28, 2023

Psalms 129:3

The plowers plowed upon my back: they made long their furrows.

The rookie lawyer made his case, than sat down feeling very pleased with himself. Then the fireworks began.

The defense picked apart every argument he made and humiliated him before judge and jury.

The judge pulled him aside and told him to put in more time next time, and the opposing lawyer just laughed and thanked him for making his job so easy. With tail tucked between his legs, the young lawyer beat a hasty retreat.

There will be days when things don't just go wrong, they self-destruct totally. When we feel we've gone as low as we possible can, something else comes along to drive us deeper still. From those depths there is only one place to turn: God.

He has seen all, He knows how you feel, and He patiently waits to take you into His arms to comfort and soothe you. When we feel pushed beyond our ability to cope, it is good to know God is there.

Prayer: In times of total darkness, shine Your light into my life. Help me to pick myself up and start again. Give me strength, Lord. Amen.

316Judith

Wisdom from the Psalms

October 29, 2023

Psalms 129:6

Let them be as the grass upon the housetops, which withereth afore it groweth up.

People who live without God in their lives live without the roots that feed and strengthen all life.

They have no protection against the storms of life that can uproot and destroy. When troubles increase, they wither like plants in a hot sun.

God is the true source of all that is needed to grow.

Without Him, we can never reach our potential.

Like the seed that falls to the rooftop, sprouts, then soon dies for lack of nourishment, so we, too, will die without the saving power of the Almighty in our lives.

Prayer: Feed me, protect me, nurture me, and make me grow, Lord. Send your life-giving Spirit upon me, and make me the best person that I can be. Amen.

316Judith

Wisdom from the Psalms

October 30, 2023

Psalm 130:1

Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O Lord.

Funny how some people never ask for help until everything comes crashing down upon them.

They wait until the last minute, then send out the distress signal.

Many people work their relationship with God that way.

They call on Him infrequently while things are going well, but when trouble rears its ugly head, they are pounding on His door for help.

It is a wise person who learns to include God in everything he does. When God is a full part of your life, you never feel panic when things go wrong.

Still, it is good to know that God will hear us when we cry out from the depths, and that He will always come to the aid of His children.

Prayer: Make me to remember You in all times, Lord, not just times of trial. Help me to share my whole life with you and to glory in Your presence. Thank You for staying beside me always. Amen.

316Judith

Wisdom from the Psalms

October 31, 2023

Psalm 130:5

I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.

Elizabeth sat by her nightstand, reading from her Bible. Each night before bed, she read from the Scriptures.

She always claimed that the key to a long and happy life was to keep in contact with God.

Each night as she turned out the light, Elizabeth smiled to herself. She wondered how much longer she would live, but not with any fear or dread.

She knew that her heavenly home was waiting for her, and that thought held only comfort. As she drifted off to sleep, she prayed for God's will to be done, and she knew in her heart that it would be.

Prayer: Lord, do Your will in my life. If I live but one more day, help me make it the best day of my life. If I live for years, help me to fill them with peace, joy, contentment, and service. Amen.