Wisdom from the Psalms
316Judith
Posts: 9,040 Member
Wisdom from the Psalms August 31, 2021
Psalms 109:5
And they have rewarded me evil for good, and hatred for my love.
The old man loved to sit in the park. He had come to the same bench each day for over fifteen years. In that time he had spent many hours talking with children, teaching them games, and telling them stories. In simpler times, they had adored the old man.
Now it seemed they treated him with contempt and made fun of him. They no longer flocked to sit at his feet, and he was lonely for bygone times. Each time a young boy or girl hurled an insult, he closed his eyes and asked God to forgive them.
No matter how they chose to treat him, he would always love the children.
There are many kind and loving people in our world who are treated terribly. They offer nothing but goodness, and they receive evil in return. Our elderly population has much to offer us, and we need to reach out to receive the treasures they hold.
To ignore them is the worst kind of cruelty. To a group who has worked long and hard to provide what is good and lasting, we need to extend the hand of fellowship and love .
God rejoices when we repay good for good and love with love.
Prayer: If I have hurt anyone this day, Lord, help me to make amends and to do better in the future. Let me repay no one evil for good, or evil for evil, either. Let my response always be one of love. Amen.
Psalms 109:5
And they have rewarded me evil for good, and hatred for my love.
The old man loved to sit in the park. He had come to the same bench each day for over fifteen years. In that time he had spent many hours talking with children, teaching them games, and telling them stories. In simpler times, they had adored the old man.
Now it seemed they treated him with contempt and made fun of him. They no longer flocked to sit at his feet, and he was lonely for bygone times. Each time a young boy or girl hurled an insult, he closed his eyes and asked God to forgive them.
No matter how they chose to treat him, he would always love the children.
There are many kind and loving people in our world who are treated terribly. They offer nothing but goodness, and they receive evil in return. Our elderly population has much to offer us, and we need to reach out to receive the treasures they hold.
To ignore them is the worst kind of cruelty. To a group who has worked long and hard to provide what is good and lasting, we need to extend the hand of fellowship and love .
God rejoices when we repay good for good and love with love.
Prayer: If I have hurt anyone this day, Lord, help me to make amends and to do better in the future. Let me repay no one evil for good, or evil for evil, either. Let my response always be one of love. Amen.
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Wisdom from the Psalms September 1, 2021
Psalms 109:17
As he loved cursing, so let it co me unto him: as he delighted not in blessing, so let it be far from him.
The young tennis star was known both for his fiery play and his fiery language. Whereas he excelled in the mastery of the game, he had not yet matured in the art of sportsmanlike conduct. His wrath was vented each time he disagreed with the umpire's call. He cursed, stomped, screamed, and kicked.
Never was he known to back down and admit his own fault. In time, he lost even his own following of fans, because they tired of his childish outbursts.
People who live by selfish emotions find themselves empty and alone most of the time. Their bitterness causes them to curse their life, their friends, their God. Finally, they find it nearly impossible to utter any kind words at all. Those people will not find blessing in their own lives, because they refuse to bring it to others' lives. It is a fact that the blessing we share is the blessing that comes back to us. Likewise, the curse we impart comes back on us, to make us unhappy and guilty.
Prayer: Though things don't always go the way I would like, Lord, help me to accept all that happens with grace and peace. Amen.1 -
Wisdom from the Psalms September 2, 2021
Psalms 109:23
I am gone like the shadow when it declineth; I am tossed up and down as the locust.
Doug was bullied by all the other children. Some days he would dream of being bigger than everyone else; then he would show them. In the morning he would walk to school, watching his shadow loom out large before him. Oh, if only he were as big as his shadow. Then the other children would run! But each day by noontime, Doug's shadow had dwindled in size and he had to turn his dreams to other solutions.
Often we try to put our hopes on solutions that just aren't real. We kid ourselves into thinking that maybe our problems will take care of themselves and will require little effort on our part. Earthly, easy solutions fade away like shadows in the daylight. We shouldn't look to shadows for answers, but to the light.
God is the source of all our solutions. Unlike the shadows, nothing causes God to fade into nothingness. His solutions are forever.
Prayer: Shine the light of Your truth into my life, and help me to see that there is no solution too large for Your love to handle. Reassure me in times of doubt, O Lord, Amen.2 -
Wisdom from the Psalms September 3, 2021
Psalms 109:29
Let mine adversaries be clothe d with shame, and let them cover themselves with their own confusion, as with a mantle.
The executive was beginning to sweat. He thought he'd covered his tracks fairly well, but now the tangled web he had woven was collapsing around him as his double dealings were uncovered. The questions came at him fast and furious, and he had little time to make sure he wasn't contradicting himself. By the time the hearing ended, all his dealings were in ruin, and he had no one to blame but himself.
Let the conniving and deceitful people be warned: The time will come when you will be called to account before God. He is watching each of us, to see how we handle our lives. Those of us who entangle ourselves in less than honest practices will one day have to pay. The Lord wants us to deal with our earthly affairs with the purity and honesty we use in our relationship with Him. Anything less is not good enough. If we will deal with others as if they are our Lord Jesus Christ, then we will never suffer through the confusion of the deceitful.
Prayer: The only way to avoid the traps of subterfuge is to avoid evil dealings altogether. Make me to walk in the way of righteousness, always acting toward others as I try to act toward You. Amen.2 -
Wisdom from the Psalms September 4, 2021
Psalms 110:1
The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
Ben was a diligent worker in his firm. He put forth his best effort in all he did, but unfortunately he lacked the assertive personality so many of his co-workers possessed. Promotions came and went, always passing Ben by, falling to the men and women whose personalities caused them to be noticed.
After thirty years of service, Ben struck out on his own, forming a new company. Within months the new company rose to the top of the field, and many of Ben's former co-workers came to work for him.
It is easy to begrudge others their fortune when they are no more deserving to them than we are. Yet, God calls us to rejoice in the triumphs of others, and to await His justice rather than seeking our own.
Often we must wait a long time, but the justice of the Lord will prevail, and those who once kept us down will be made a footstool for our feet. Have faith in the Lord, and He will set all things right.
Prayer: Fill me with Your patience, Lord. When I see others receive rewards, help me to rejoice in their benefit rather than be bitter that I did not receive it. Amen.1 -
Wisdom from the Psalms September 5, 2021
Psalms 110:3
Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth.
Sylvia often lamented the fact that she became a Christian so late in life. Her teenage years had been such a lonely time. College had not been much better. If only she had felt the need for God in her life then. She would have had so many opportunities to spend time with other people. Now her youth was gone and she had only regrets of what might have been.
When we feel we have all the time in the world, there is no urgency to make decisions right now. Yet, if we put off our decision for Christ, we hurt no one but ourselves. We should be willing to follow Christ today, not sometime in the future. We miss so much when we are not in fellowship with other believers.
Praise the Lord that He has seen fit to offer us the blessed community of the church.
Prayer: Help me to make the most of each day, Father. When I feel the urge to put off my commitment to You, fill me with the urgency and the joy of being in fellowship with You immediately. Amen.1 -
Wisdom from the Psalms September 6, 2021
Psalms 111
Praise ye the Lord. I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.
In one church, we had things called "Say-sos." These were times for members of the church to stand up in front of the rest of the congregation to share their personal faith testimonies. The power of the stories of people's lives is immense. We are walking through this life together. Others share our experiences and pains and joys, but most of the time we are totally unaware of them.
Proclaim your faith and the power of Jesus Christ in your life. Share your story. Praise the Lord with your whole heart in the assembly of the upright.
You will find new unity through the grace of Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Father, give me the courage to share my faith and proclaim Your transforming power in my life. Bring to me others who have been touched by Your great love. Help me praise You every day. Amen.0 -
Wisdom from the Psalms September 7, 2021
Psalms 111:10
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.
Brian had been told time after time to stay away from the neighbor's dog. Still, he didn't look too ferocious, and Brian wanted to pet him.
While no one looked, Brian crept over to the fence and stuck his hand through to pet the dog. Cries of terror and pain brought the adults running, and Brian learned a lesson he would never forget.
God gives us His laws and commandments for our own good. He is not controlling or domineering. He simply knows what is best for His children, and He tries to instruct them in the ways that will make them happiest.
If we decide to violate God's will, then we have to pay the consequences. Once we suffer the costs, we learn what is involved, and a deep wisdom begins to set in.
Our lessons may often be difficult and painful, but in all ways, they will help us to be better than we have been before.
Prayer: Forgive me when I go my own way, O God. I do not mean to be disobedient, but there are times when I just need to experience things for myself. Be patient while I learn my lessons, and protect me from lasting harm, I pray. Amen.0 -
Wisdom from the Psalms September 8, 2021
Psalms 112:4
Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.
Jerry and Ed were different as night and day, though they were the best of friends. Jerry loved fun and games, and it was difficult for him to be serious about anything for very long. Ed was studious and hardworking, and nothing swayed him from his course once his mind was made up. The two boys decided they were going to enter a ten-mile run sponsored by their school. Ed practiced every day, exercising and running, and eating foods that would get him in shape. Jerry exercised occasionally, ran a few times, and paid little attention to his diet. When the race came and went, Ed led the pack and Jerry couldn't even finish.
Leading an upright life prepares us for the race that God has waiting for us. Our spiritual fitness puts us in shape to run that race of life. Without a healthy spirit, we cannot hope to finish. Life without God beats us down and defeats us. Life in the Spirit lifts us above any obstacle and empowers us to meet every challenge.
Prayer: Like Paul the Apostle, I want to run the good race and fight the good fight. Make me fit to be a member of Your team, Lord. Inspire me to prepare my spirit to meet all the challenges which might come my way. Amen.0 -
Wisdom from the Psalms September 9, 2021
Psalms 112:5
A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.
Pops always had people coming to him for help. Whenever there was a real need, you could count on Pops to be there, ready to pitch in.
Pops had worked construction for about thirty years, and there were few fix-up type jobs that anyone could do better than he could. He loved to help people in need, and he loved to feel needed.
Our God is much the same way. He loves to assist us when we need help, and He loves to be needed.
No one possesses more knowledge or experience than God does, so He is the perfect source to turn to when we need help. His willingness to give knows no bounds, so there is never a time when He will be unavailable. Turn to God in time of need. He will always help those who love Him.
Prayer: Let me follow the giving example of Christ. Make me ready to serve; sharing time, talents, and gifts wherever and whenever possible. Amen.0 -
Wisdom from the Psalms September 10, 2021
Psalms 113:2
Blessed by the name of the Lord from this time forth and for evermore.
Jimmy had heard it all before, but this time there was something different. Though he couldn't quite put his finger on it, suddenly the idea of relationship with Jesus Christ made perfect sense. Before, he had missed the logic, somehow. The image of being born again was so appropriate. A part of Jimmy felt like it had never lived.
From this day forward, his life was going to be different. He wasn't sure how it would change, he simply knew nothing would ever really be the same again.
At various times in our lives, the reality of Christ will come crashing through the ordinariness of our days. From those times we face life anew; changed at the very core of our being. We move forward in a new, deeper, strengthened relationship with the Lord.
Prayer: From this day forward, Lord, help me to praise You in new ways. Lead me to a deeper relationship with You through Christ Jesus. Shed Your light upon me, that I might know You better. Amen.0 -
So sorry, Be back with correction, posted wrong devotional0
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Wisdom from the Psalms September 12, 2021
Psalms 82:6
I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.
The wood carver who made himself a son out of a stump of a tree did so out of love. He wanted someone to love and care for, to teach and to guide, to spend time with and to share with. Pinocchio was the answer to the prayers of a lonely old man. In the end, the old man's love brought the boy made of wood to life.
God carved for Himself men and women to be with Him forever. He filled them with good things. He made them to love, and care, and learn, and grow. He fashioned them out of clay, then He made them as He was. He made us just less than Himself. He calls us gods and children, the greatest of all His creation. In God's eyes, we are sacred and good. Let us do everything we can to live up to His holy expectations.
Prayer: Make me worthy, Lord, of the great love which You have given to me. Turn me from my woodenness to true life; life which comes from Your indwelling Spirit. Amen.0 -
Praise be to God 🙌. Thank you for your insightful and inspiring message 🙏.0
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Happy you are enjoying, I receive these devotions in my inbox every morning....
If you would like I can also share some of my Bible Study teachings in the near future and maybe some messages I have brought to groups as a Guest Speaker and Teacher at my Church and other places. Let me know your thoughts!
Wisdom from the Psalms September 13, 2021
Psalms 115
Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake.
Max had worked at the mission for over forty years. There had been weeks on end when he hadn't even gotten to go home. He lived to serve the poor and homeless in his area. When he finally decided to retire, the entire city pitched in to pay him tribute. Throughout the proceedings Max seemed uncomfortable, and finally he stood to speak.
"I don't want to seem ungrateful, but all this really isn't necessary, and besides, I don't really deserve it.
God is the one who needs to be honored. I have just been fortunate enough that He has used me all these years. I really haven't done anything special. I just did what God wanted me to."
It is difficult to set aside our own ego in order to serve God freely. When all is said and done, however, all that we are able to do is made possible by God's grace. Our triumphs are God's triumphs. Like Max, we should feel privileged that God has chosen to work with and through us.
Prayer: Use me, Lord. With the gifts and talents You bestowed upon me, enable me to spread Your Good News to everyone I meet. Amen.0 -
I would love to see some of your own personal studies. I am doing a study on the Psalms with my Bible study group so following this one was really good also. I love the Psalms for encouragement and a reality check about life.0
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Yes please! Bring us on board with Bible study! I desperately need this. Praise be to God 🙌.0
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Thank you for the Feedback, I will continue with this one for now. Then will introduce a New Devotional that will take us through the Canadian and American Thanksgiving: Then will bring a Bible Study of my own then will bring a Christmas Focused Devotional starting December 1, 2021.
Hope this meets with your approval. Your Feedback please:
Be Back with today's Wisdom from the Psalms
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This sounds wonderful Judith!0
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Wisdom from the Psalms September 14, 2021
Psalms 115:15
The heavens, even the heavens, are the Lord's: but the earth hath he given to the children of men.
Joey tossed his candy paper on the playground. Patty ran over from where she was playing with her friends, and said, "You pick that up!"
"I don't have too. Who made you boss?"
"It's not nice to throw trash on the ground."
"It's okay. I learned in Sunday school that God gave the earth to us, and we can do anything we want to with it."
Indeed, God had given the world into our hands, but His deepest hope is that we will care for it and protect it. Like careless children, we allow the earth to be mistreated. Like a fragile toy, the earth will be damaged beyond repair. What we will do then, God only knows, but for now we must learn to treat God's creation as God Himself would. Otherwise, how will He ever trust us to share eternity with Him in heaven?
Prayer: Do no let me be careless with Your creation, Lord. I love the beauty of this world, but I am not always quick to protect it. Help me to value our planet more dearly. Amen.0 -
Wisdom from the Psalms September 15, 2021
Psalm 116:3
The sorrows of death encompassed me, and the pains of hell laid hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.
Julie didn't want to think about dying, but ever since her third heart attack, she could think of little else.
She was so afraid of dying, and she simply hated the hospital. Worrying was the worst thing she could do. She needed a positive frame of mind, but try as she might, her thoughts always turned to gloom and despair.
It is unfortunate that so many people are ignorant of the everlasting life that can follow this one.
Through God's promise of glory in eternity, we no longer have anything to fear from death. Whatever befalls us in this lifetime, it is nothing in relation to the eternal home that awaits us. We need to focus on the life to come in times of trial and sorrow. In the face of death we can feel secure that everything will be just fine.
Prayer: In times of fear, dread, and sorrow, shine Your light of love upon me, God. Help me to remember that I have life everlasting, and nothing that occurs now can keep me from it. Amen.1 -
Wisdom from the Psalms September 17, 2021
Psalm 116:14
I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all his people.
The teacher asked the class if anyone went to church. At first, no one raised his hand. Greg went every week, but he wasn't sure he wanted the rest of his class to know. There were some people who might laugh. Then someone raised his hand. Others followed, and soon Greg was surprised to see that over half his class attended church regularly. He raised his hand, a little ashamed that he hadn't had the nerve to raise it earlier.
We need to be proud of our faith. What God has done for us is a miracle, and we should want the whole world to know. Take every opportunity to let others know what you believe. Pay your vows to the Lord in front of other people, and be amazed at how much good it does.
Prayer: Forgive me when I keep my faith to myself, Lord. You have given me so much, and I waste it when I refuse to share it with others. Teach me to proudly honor You. Amen.0 -
Wisdom from the Psalms September 18, 2021
Psalms 117:2
For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever. Praise ye the Lord.
Some people think that God kicked Adam and Eve out of the garden as a punishment. I think not.
There were two trees in the garden of special note. One was the tree of knowledge of good and evil, which the duo ate from, and the other was the tree of eternal life. What could have been more cruel than to allow Adam and Eve access to the tree of eternal life after they had chosen to experience evil?
God wanted our eternal existence to be sin free, and so He removed the temptation from the midst of men and women. In His great mercy, He made certain that there was an escape from evil for those who wanted it. God's merciful kindness is truly great toward us. Praise Him always.
Prayer: Thank You for making possible an eternity of peace and joy, free from sin and sorrow. Prepare my heart for my heavenly home. Amen.0 -
Wisdom from the Psalms September 20, 2021
Psalm 118:17
I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.
It had been touch and go for a while, but Frank came through the surgery amazingly well. After he recovered, he shared with his friends his conviction that God had been with him throughout his surgery. He felt a deep calling to share what God had done for him with others, and he traveled to different groups to share his witness.
We are given so many opportunities to share our faith with others. How sad it is that often we have to nearly lose that life before we are motivated to do so. We never value things properly until they are gone. It is foolish to wait until then. God calls us to declare his works as often as we can. Sing forth praises to the Lord. He has given us so much.
Prayer: As long a I live, Lord, I want to point people in Your direction. Help me to witness to others and share the stories of all You have done in my life. Amen.1 -
Hallelujah 🙌. Praise be to God 🙌.1
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Wisdom from the Psalms September 22, 2021
Psalm 118:24
This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Rainy days are loved by farmers. Snowy days are loved by children who can stay home from school.
Storms are loved by mystery fanatics. Gray days are loved by romantics. Sunny days are loved by picnickers. Warm days are loved by beach goers. Cool days are loved by those who stroll. All days have their purposes under heaven.
Enjoy the day that the Lord has made. He has many more to share.
Prayer: Let me appreciate the gift of this day. Help me to use my time wisely, teach me to rejoice, and fill me with joy that never ends. Amen.0 -
Wisdom From The Psalms September 23, 2021
Psalm 119:2
Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.
"I don't have time. I can slip in a prayer now and then, but I really can't commit to Bible study, or even church."
Terri was so busy that she didn't have time to spare for God. When times got tough, she couldn't understand why her faith didn't do her more good. Unfortunately, faith will not do more for a person than that person allows it to.
We will benefit from our faith in proportion to how much we are willing to put in. God is waiting to spend time with us, to help us develop our faith.
Seek Him with your whole heart, and He will richly bless you.
Prayer: Teach me new ways to seek You, Lord. Grant me special dedication to study Your word, spend time with You in prayer, and grow in the community of faith and fellowship which is available to me. Amen.1 -
Wisdom From The Psalms September 24, 2021
Psalm 119:9
Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word.
It was a strange feeling to be back in control. The last few years were just a fog in Al's memory. He had spent them in a haze of dope and alcohol.
Thank God that Janet came along. She saw the trouble he was in and offered him a friendly hand.
She had invited him to her church, and there he found a circle of friends that he'd decided could never exist. Miraculously, withdrawal had been easier than he dreamed.
The church people rallied around him and gave him all the support he needed. Now he was clean, and he owed it all to God.
God is the great purifier. He will remove all that is impure in our lives and fill us with good things. We no longer need earthly crutches, because we have found total healing in the Lord.
All that is required is a willingness to change. The Lord will help us do the rest.
Prayer: Make me a new person, Lord. I may not be hung up on drugs, bu t there is plenty in my life that should not be there. Help to wash it all away, and replace it with Your blessed love. Amen.1 -
Wisdom from the Psalms September 25, 2021
Psalm 119:15
I will meditate on thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.
Carol had never thought of meditation as a part of her Christian life. Meditation was something the Eastern faiths believed in, or so she'd always thought. But the speaker at the church had begun talking about Christian meditation, and it made a lot of sense. So often her prayer time was hurried, and she often didn't even stop to listen, to see if God might be trying to get through to her. In the ensuing weeks, Carol began to meditate daily, and she felt a closeness to God that she'd never known before.
Meditation sets our whole mind and spirit in a proper mood for encountering God. We are made ready for hearing the Word of God in our hearts. It also makes it easier to spend time with God. Meditation opens doors to God that we might have missed before. Take time to quietly contemplate the glories of the Lord.
Prayer: I need to be quiet and think of the many miracles that go on all around me. Come to me in my peace, O Lord, and share the blessings of the calm. Amen.1 -
Wisdom from the Psalms September 26, 2021
Psalm 119:18
Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.
Gus had lived in the hills since his childhood. He had only learned to read the simplest words, and he could do little more than sign his name, but he was a happy man, and a hard worker. His niece brought him to live with her in the city when his wife died, and it was quickly discovered that Gus needed glasses. For the better part of his life, Gus had lived in nearsighted blindness. Suddenly, the whole world was opened up to him, and he viewed it with childlike awe.
Many of us live our lives in a kind of spiritual nearsightedness. We refuse to experience the fullness of our faith because it might cost too much, or it might make us uncomfortable. God offers to let us see this world through His eyes, and a more beautiful sight does not exist. Allow Him to give you second sight, and behold the wonders of the world.
Prayer: Remove the blinders that I so often place upon my eyes. Expand my horizons beyond the limits I place on myself. Grant me vision through Your eyes of love. Amen.1 -
Wisdom from the Psalms September 28, 2021
Psalm 119:37
Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.
When the church caught fire, everyone turned out to offer assistance. Many members of the congregation were crushed by the loss of the building. To many, the church had been a showplace, and they wondered whether the church could ever recover. The pastor chastised those members, reminding them that a church is much more than the building that houses it. Whether services took place in an assembly hall or a church sanctuary made no difference. What was important was that people stuck together and worshipped as a church family.
We cannot allow ourselves to lose sight of what is really important in our churches and in our Christian lives. Certainly, our church buildings are important, but the work of the church will go on regardless of the condition of the buildings that house them. Let not your eyes be turned from the way of the Lord. Focus always on Him.
Prayer: I can get sidetracked from the really important things, Lord. Help me to remain steadfast concerning Your work and Gospel. Set my priorities as You would have them. Amen.1
