Wisdom from the Psalms
Options
Replies
-
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
-
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 -
Wisdom from the Psalms September 29, 2021
Psalm 119:51
The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet I have not declined from thy law.
Umpiring had its good points and its bad points. Being a part of the game of baseball had always been exciting to Harry, but sometimes it wasn't worth all the abuse. Harry always gave his best effort to be fair to everyone. Still, there was no pleasing some people. All he knew was that he was going to go by the rules, and if others didn't like it, that was their tough luck. At least Harry could sleep well at night knowing that he never compromised the game due to pressure. He might make an occasional bad call, but every call he made was done with integrity.
Sometimes standing for what is right is the hardest thing we can do. Others will mock us for doing things by the book, but that should only confirm that we are on the right track. God rejoices when we do what we know is right, and He will strengthen us so we can rise above the derision.
Prayer: I find that I am too weak to stand up for what is right all the time. When I am weakest, Lord, fill me with your divine strength. Do not let me shrink from doing what I know is right. Amen.0 -
Wisdom from the Psalms September 30, 2021
Psalm 119:53
Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law.
No one had seen Edna for weeks. They had talked to her on the phone, and she insisted that she was all right, but she had dropped her social life altogether. A group of her friends dropped by to see her, and found her terribly distraught. Weeks before, Edna had been the victim of a purse snatcher, and ever since she was afraid to go out. Television and newspapers only fueled her fears. With the way the world was moving, Edna feared she would never leave her house again.
Our world is filled with horrors. Sometimes the answer seems to be to lock the doors and wait for all that is wrong to just go away. Unfortunately, that is no way to live. In such a horrifying time, we need to draw upon the courage of the Lord to meet the world head-on. God will instill in us the power to conquer our fears and enjoy this life as the gift it was meant to be. He will also lead us in ways that we can work together to change this world for the better.
Prayer: I cannot believe the things I see and hear in the world today. Everything is so crazy. Be the source of sanity in this mixed-up world, Lord. Se my feet upon the solid rock of Your salvation. Amen.1 -
Wisdom from the Psalms October 1, 2021
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.1 -
Wisdom from the Psalms October 3, 2021
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.1 -
Wisdom from the Psalms October 5, 2021
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.1 -
Wisdom from the Psalms October 9, 2021
Psalm 120:7
I am for peace: but when I speak, they are for war.
Chip was in the fight before he knew what happened. He held up a hand to defend himself, and a crowd gathered, urging on a confrontation. Chip really didn't want to fight, but when he tried to make peace, the other boy called him a chicken and started hitting him all the more. Faced with a fight either way, Chip fought the boy down, and then walked away winner of the fight, but feeling like a loser inside.
It is hard to be a peace-loving person these days. It seems like someone is always trying to get us stirred up. Sometimes we must take a total stand for peace no matter what may happen to us. In either case, we need the guidance and support of God in our lives. His wisdom is the only wisdom that will suffice. Our defense is in the Lord, and He will protect us in every situation.
Prayer: My heart is filled with thoughts of peace, while the world is filled with rumors of war. Guide me through such hard times, Lord. Teach me when to fight and when to resist. Amen.1 -
Wisdom from the Psalms October 10, 2021
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.1 -
Wisdom from the Psalms October 12, 2021
Psalm 121:5
The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.
Jeremy always took time out of his day to tend the little maple tree that grew on the east lot.
Maintaining a cemetery was hard work, and there was always plenty to keep him busy, but Jeremy never forgot his tree.
One of his co-workers asked him once why he doted over the tree so, and he said, "That little tree is the only shade in the east lot. When I'm out digging or mowing, I need to rest in some shade for awhile. My tree out there is the best place I know to go. We got a deal: I take care of it, it takes care of me."
When activities wear us down and we just can't go on, we need a port in the storm; a source of shade and comfort.
The Lord is just that. He is the place we can rest and be renewed. Turn to the Lord when you are weary, and he will rejuvenate you and set you back on your feet.
Prayer: Let me find my rest in You, Lord. When the day gets to be too much for me, welcome me into Your presence, where I can find some sanity and reason. Amen.1 -
Wisdom from the Psalms October 13, 2021
Psalm 121:8
The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.
Gene grabbed his poncho and headed for the door. Whenever there was a bad storm, the linemen got called out by the power company.
Funny, but they were expected to work in the least safe conditions at a moment's notice, and nobody ever said please or thank you. Everytime he headed out on a night like this one, Gene took time to say an extra prayer for protection.
The Lord watches over all His children. He is with us in safe times as well as the dangerous ones. He guards our steps from the day we are born until we are ushered into our heavenly home. Know that the Lord is with you. He will never leave you alone.
Prayer: Guard me this day, Lord. Be with all the people who serve in dangerous positions, and keep them safe. Watch over us all. Amen.0 -
Wisdom from the Psalms October 14, 2021
Psalm 122:1
I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.
Mike and Jerry were neighbors for about five months when one day Jerry asked Mike to play golf with him on a bright, beautiful Sunday morning. Mike graciously declined, asking for a raincheck. Jerry invited Mike on a couple more Sundays, but Mike always refused. Jerry asked him why, and Mike told him that he went to church. After that, Jerry didn't ask again, on Sunday or any other day of the week.
Mike finally asked Jerry why, and he replied, "I asked you to go with me three times to do something that was really important to me, but you never once asked me to go to church with you."
Mike never thought that Jerry might like to go to church. Too often we shy away from asking people because we don't want to seem pushy. But the Lord asks that we work diligently to bring people to Him.
Often people do not go to church simply because they feel awkward and have never been asked. Share your faith. Ask someone to church with you. You never know what might happen.
Prayer: Open my eyes to the needs of others. Help me to not think I know people's minds before I ask. Be patient with me as I learn to share my faith with others. Amen1
