Psalm 33

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY-

God's grace is not only sufficient, it's versatile. God accepts and loves each of us just as we are. And he gives us the privilege of demonstrating our gratitude to him by loving each other in the same way.

PSALM 33

GOD'S WORD IN WORSHIP (1‑5). We dare not separate worship from the Word of God, for we must worship "in truth" (John 4:24). THE BETTER WE KNOW THE SCRIPTURES, THE BETTER WE WILL BE ABLE TO PRAISE HIM (Col. 3:16ff.).

GOD'S WORD IN CREATION (6‑9). God spoke the universe into existence (Gen. 1; John 1:1‑3), and His Word controls it (Ps. 147:15‑18). WHAT A POWERFUL WORD IT IS!

GOD'S WORD IN HISTORY (10‑17). The nations may confederate and rebel against God, BUT HIS WORD WILL PREVAIL (Ps. 2). Military strength is no guarantee of success. God has a plan for the nations, and He will fulfill it (Acts 17:24‑28).

GOD'S WORD IN YOUR LIFE (18‑22). The Word that created and controls the universe can also control your life. WHEN YOU TRUST HIS WORD AND OBEY IT, ALL THE UNIVERSE WORKS FOR YOU. When you abandon that Word, all the universe works against you (Jon. 1).

NEVER FEAR THE WILL OF GOD BECAUSE IT COMES FROM THE HEART OF GOD (v. 11).

With the Word - Warren W. Wiersbe

Thomas Nelson Publishers

Nashville

“Used by permission of Thomas Nelson, Inc.”

GOD TURNS OUR LIVES INTO THINGS OF BEAUTY

Over a hundred years ago, in a Scottish seaside inn, a group of fishermen were relaxing after a long day at sea. As a serving maid was walking past the fishermen's table with a pot of tea, one of the men made a sweeping gesture to describe the size of the fish he claimed to have caught. His hand collided with the teapot and sent it crashing against the whitewashed wall, where its contents left an irregular brown splotch.

Standing nearby, the innkeeper surveyed the damage. "That stain will never come out," he said in dismay. "The whole wall will have to be repainted." "Perhaps not." All eyes turned to the stranger who had just spoken. "What do you mean?" asked the innkeeper. "Let me work with the stain," said the stranger, standing up from his table in the corner. "If my work meets your approval, you won't need to repaint the wall."

The stranger picked up a box and went to the wall. Opening the box, he withdrew pencils, brushes, and some glass jars of linseed oil and pigment. He began to sketch lines around the stain and fill it in here and there with dabs of color and swashes of shading. Soon a picture began to emerge. The random splashes of tea had been turned into the image of a stag with a magnificent rack of antlers. At the bottom of the picture, the man inscribed his signature. Then he paid for his meal and left.

The innkeeper was stunned when he examined the wall. "Do you know who that man was?" he said in amazement. "The signature reads 'E.H. Landseer!'" Indeed, they had been visited by the well-known painter of wild life, Sir Edwin Landseer. God wants to take the stains and disappointments of our lives and not merely erase them, but rather turn them into a thing of beauty.

¨ Ron Lee Davis in Mistreated. Leadership, Vol. 12, no. 3. (Psalms 33:4)*

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(Psalms 33 TLB)

Let all the joys of the godly well up in praise to the Lord, for it is right to praise him. {2} Play joyous melodies of praise upon the lyre and on the harp. {3} Compose new songs of praise to him, accompanied skillfully on the harp; sing joyfully.

*{4} FOR ALL GOD'S WORDS ARE RIGHT, AND EVERYTHING HE DOES IS WORTHY OF OUR TRUST.

{5} He loves whatever is just and good; the earth is filled with his tender love. {6} He merely spoke, and the heavens were formed and all the galaxies of stars. {7} He made the oceans, pouring them into his vast reservoirs. {8} Let everyone in all the world--men, women and children--fear the Lord and stand in awe of him. {9} For when he but spoke, the world began! It appeared at his command! {10} And with a breath he can scatter the plans of all the nations who oppose him, {11} but his own plan stands forever. His intentions are the same for every generation. {12} Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, whose people he has chosen as his own. {13} The Lord gazes down upon mankind from heaven where he lives. He has made their hearts and closely watches everything they do. {14} {15} {16} The best-equipped army cannot save a king--for great strength is not enough to save anyone. A war horse is a poor risk for winning victories--it is strong, but it cannot save. {17} {18} But the eyes of the Lord are watching over those who fear him, who rely upon his steady love. He will keep them from death even in times of famine! {19} {20} We depend upon the Lord alone to save us. Only he can help us; he protects us like a shield. {21} No wonder we are happy in the Lord! For we are trusting him. We trust his holy name. {22} YES, LORD, LET YOUR CONSTANT LOVE SURROUND US, FOR OUR HOPES ARE IN YOU ALONE.

Psalm 32

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY-

Faith like Job's cannot be shaken because it is the result of having been shaken.

-- Abraham Heschel, Jewish author. Men of Integrity, Vol. 1, no. 2.

PSALM 32

This penitential psalm grew out of David's experiences with the Lord after he had committed adultery and had tried to hide his sins (2 Sam. 11‑12). When you refuse to confess your sins, the Lord must deal with you to bring you to repentance (Prov. 28:13). The longer you wait, the more miserable you will be, as you can see in David's experience. You must face the following:

THE DEBT AGAINST YOU (1‑2). God sees what you do and keeps a record of it. David had covered his sins on earth, but he could not cover the record in heaven. When we confess, God wipes the record clean (1 John 1:9).

THE PAIN WITHIN YOU (3‑5). Sin affects the body, and God's disciplines are painful but needful (Heb. 12: 1 ‑11). David became like an old man carrying a heavy burden.

THE FLOOD AROUND YOU (6‑7). God uses difficult circumstances to bring you back to Himself. In fact, because of his sins, David went through many deep waters with his family.

THE ROAD BEFORE YOU (8‑9). David was like a stubborn animal that needed to be broken. When you are out of the will of God, your decisions will often create problems instead of solve them. The way gets harder

DAVID WENT FROM SILENCE (V. 3) TO SINGING (V. 7) BECAUSE HE FINALLY WAS HONEST WITH GOD AND CONFESSED HIS SINS (VV. 5‑6).

Psalm 32

1 Blessed is he

whose transgressions are forgiven,

whose sins are covered.

2 Blessed is the man

whose sin the Lord does not count against him

and in whose spirit is no deceit.

3 When I kept silent,

my bones wasted away

through my groaning all day long.

4 For day and night

your hand was heavy upon me;

my strength was sapped

as in the heat of summer. Selah

5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you

and did not cover up my iniquity.

I said, “I will confess

my transgressions to the Lord”—

and you forgave

the guilt of my sin. Selah

6 Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you

while you may be found;

surely when the mighty waters rise,

they will not reach him.

7 You are my hiding place;

you will protect me from trouble

and surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah

8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;

I will counsel you and watch over you.

9 Do not be like the horse or the mule,

which have no understanding

but must be controlled by bit and bridle

or they will not come to you.

10 Many are the woes of the wicked,

but the Lord’s unfailing love

surrounds the man who trusts in him.

11 Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous;

sing, all you who are upright in heart!

Psalm 31

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

The Best Thing To Do Behind A Person’s Back Is To Pat It.

PSALM 31

FOES. David's enemies persecuted him, lied about him, and spread a net to catch him. Where could he turn for help? ONLY TO THE LORD! If the hand of the enemy is against you (vv. 8, 15), FIND SAFETY IN THE HAND OF THE LORD (vv. 5, 15; John 10:27‑29). Jesus quoted verse 5 when He was on the cross (Luke 23: 46).

FEELINGS. David was ill, possibly as the result of his own disobedience (vv. 9‑13). God can use enemies and sickness to chasten us and bring us to a place of submission. David's enemies laughed at him and his friends ignored him. ALL DAVID COULD DO WAS TURN TO THE LORD FOR HELP, AND THE LORD DID NOT FAIL HIM.

FAITH. THE EMPHASIS IS ON DAVID'S FAITH IN THE LORD. Because of his faith, David was not ashamed (v. 1) BUT REJOICED IN GOD (VV. 6‑7) AND ENJOYED THE SMILE OF GOD UPON HIS LIFE (vv. 14‑16; Num. 6:22‑27). HE KNEW THAT GOD'S GOODNESS WOULD CARRY HIM THROUGH (v. 19).

TRUE FAITH IS NEVER ALONE, FOR IT LEADS TO LOVE AND HOPE (VV. 23‑24), WHICH GIVE YOU THE COURAGE YOU NEED TO WIN THE BATTLE, WHETHER THE FOE IS WITHIN OR WITHOUT.

With the Word - Warren W. Wiersbe

Thomas Nelson Publishers

Nashville

“Used by permission of Thomas Nelson, Inc.”

CONFIDENCE IN A CRISIS

Green Bay Packers' head coach Mike Holmgren looks back at a heartbreaking moment, when he was cut from the New York Jets as backup quarterback to Joe Namath, that directed him to a bigger plan.

"I had committed my life to Jesus Christ when I was 11, but in my pursuit to make a name for myself in football, I left God next to my dust-covered Bible. But after getting cut from the Jets, I pulled out my Bible and found comfort in a verse I had memorized in Sunday school: 'Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths' (Proverbs 3:5-6).

"I asked Jesus Christ to take control again. My priorities in life are faith, family, and football--in that order."

-- Men of Integrity, Vol. 1, no. 2.

(Psa 31 NIV)

In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. {2} Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. {3} Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. {4} Free me from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. {5} Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O LORD, the God of truth. {6} I hate those who cling to worthless idols; I trust in the LORD. {7} I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul. {8} YOU HAVE NOT HANDED ME OVER TO THE ENEMY BUT HAVE SET MY FEET IN A SPACIOUS PLACE. {9} Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief. {10} My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning; my strength fails because of my affliction, and my bones grow weak. {11} Because of all my enemies, I am the utter contempt of my neighbors; I am a dread to my friends-- those who see me on the street flee from me. {12} I am forgotten by them as though I were dead; I have become like broken pottery. {13} For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side; they conspire against me and plot to take my life. {14} But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, "You are my God." {15} My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me. {16} Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love. {17} Let me not be put to shame, O LORD, for I have cried out to you; but let the wicked be put to shame and lie silent in the grave. {18} Let their lying lips be silenced, for with pride and contempt they speak arrogantly against the righteous. {19} HOW GREAT IS YOUR GOODNESS, WHICH YOU HAVE STORED UP FOR THOSE WHO FEAR YOU, WHICH YOU BESTOW IN THE SIGHT OF MEN ON THOSE WHO TAKE REFUGE IN YOU. {20} In the shelter of your presence you hide them from the intrigues of men; in your dwelling you keep them safe from accusing tongues. {21} PRAISE BE TO THE LORD, FOR HE SHOWED HIS WONDERFUL LOVE TO ME when I was in a besieged city. {22} In my alarm I said, "I am cut off from your sight!" YET YOU HEARD MY CRY FOR MERCY WHEN I CALLED TO YOU FOR HELP. {23} LOVE THE LORD, ALL HIS SAINTS! THE LORD PRESERVES THE FAITHFUL, but the proud he pays back in full. {24} Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.

Psalm 30

In this song of praise (vv. 1, 4, 11‑12) DAVID EXPRESSED HIS THANKS TO GOD FOR THE CHANGES GOD SENT TO HIS LIFE.

FROM SICKNESS TO HEALTH (1‑3). God had healed David and lifted him up from the grave. His sickness had been a discipline from God because of David's pride and self‑sufficiency (vv. 6‑7). Perhaps it was in connection with the sin of numbering the people (1 Chron. 21).

FROM WEEPING TO JOY (4‑5). There is a contrast between God's momentary anger and His gift of lasting joy, between weeping and joy, and between the night and the morning. THINGS MAY SEEM DARK TO YOU NOW, BUT WAIT FOR HIS MORNING TO DAWN. HE CAN CHANGE EVERYTHING IN A HURRY!

FROM MOURNING TO SINGING (8‑12). David humbled himself before God and begged for help and mercy. When God saw that the discipline had done its work, He healed David and forgave his sins. David changed clothes, picked up his harp, and began to sing praises to the Lord.

NO MATTER HOW DARK THE NIGHT, DAWN WILL COME. NO MATTER HOW HEAVY YOUR HEART, ONE DAY THERE WILL BE A SONG. WAIT PA­TIENTLY AND TRUST THE LORD. "HIS FAVOR IS FOR LIFE" (V. 5).

With the Word - Warren W. Wiersbe

Thomas Nelson Publishers

Nashville

“Used by permission of Thomas Nelson, Inc.”

LOVE OF CHRIST FOR MAN

The other day a friend told me a little story about Paderewski, the great Polish pianist.

It seems a mother took her young son, eight or nine years old, to a concert by Paderewski because she thought the child had some musical talent and might benefit from hearing a genius play. They sat close to the stage, where the curtain was up, revealing the grand piano. Paderewski was in the wings; it wasn't quite time to start.

The mother turned to speak to an acquaintance behind her. As she did, the little boy wriggled out of his seat, ran up the steps to the stage, sat down and began to play Chopsticks" with all his might. The mother was appalled. The audience gasped as Paderewski himself strode onto the stage.

But instead of being angry the maestro smiled, sat down on the piano bench with the little boy, whispered to him to continue and then, putting both arms around the little figure began to improvise a soft but brilliant accompaniment to the childish music. He kept it up until the audience, charmed and fascinated, burst into applause.

I like to think that perhaps when we finally come into God's presence and try to explain our lives with all the faults and flaws, He will put His loving arms around us and turn our faltering notes into a triumphant song of redemption and fulfillment.

(Psalms 30:11)

¨ Ruth Stafford Peale

(Psalms 30 NIV)

Of David. I will exalt you, O LORD, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me. {2} O LORD my God, I called to you for help and you healed me. {3} O LORD, you brought me up from the grave ; you spared me from going down into the pit. {4} Sing to the LORD, you saints of his; praise his holy name. {5} For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. {6} When I felt secure, I said, "I will never be shaken." {7} O LORD, when you favored me, you made my mountain stand firm; but when you hid your face, I was dismayed. {8} To you, O LORD, I called; to the Lord I cried for mercy: {9} "What gain is there in my destruction, in my going down into the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your faithfulness? {10} Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me; O LORD, be my help." {11} YOU TURNED MY WAILING INTO DANCING; YOU REMOVED MY SACKCLOTH AND CLOTHED ME WITH JOY, {12} that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.

Psalm 29

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

I you’re not afraid to face the music, you may some day lead the band.

PSALM 29

PRAISE BEFORE THE STORM (1‑2). David called on the angels in heaven to ascribe praise to God. You never know when a storm is coming, so be sure you are worshiping Him and giving Him all the glory. The greatest beauty of all is the beauty of holiness, and it comes from worshiping the Lord.

POWER IN THE STORM (3‑9). First the thunder rolled over the Mediterranean Sea. Then the storm broke and moved across the land. Seven times the storm is called "the voice of the LORD." (See Rev. 10:3‑4.) What power there is in a storm! Even the angels shout, "Glory!" as they watch it!

PEACE AFTER THE STORM (10‑ 11). David may have seen a rainbow and remembered God's promise given after the Flood (Gen. 9:8‑17). God sat as King at the Flood, and He is still King! No storm is greater than God. If you trust Him, the storm will bring glory to God. If life is stormy just now, worship Him and wait on Him. The storm will pass, and He will give you peace.

With the Word - Warren W. Wiersbe

Thomas Nelson Publishers

Nashville

“Used by permission of Thomas Nelson, Inc.”

Tranquility, Gentleness, and Strength

All our action ... must be peaceful, gentle, and strong. That suggests ... an immense depth, and an invulnerable steadiness which come from the fact that our small action is now part of the total action of God, whose Spirit, as another saint has said, "Works always in tranquility."

Fuss and feverishness, anxiety, intensity, intolerance, instability, pessimism and wobble, and every kind of hurry and worry--these, even on the highest levels, are signs of the self-made and self-acting soul; the spiritual parvenu.

The saints are never like that. They share the quiet and noble qualities of the great family to which they belong: the family of the sons of God.

If we desire a simple test of the quality of our spiritual life, a consideration of the tranquility, gentleness, and strength with which we deal with the circumstances of our outward life will serve us better than anything that is based on the loftiness of our religious notions, or fervor of our religious feelings.

-- Evelyn Underhill in The Spiritual Life. Leadership, Vol. 13, no. 2.

(Psa 29 NIV) A psalm of David. Ascribe to the LORD, O mighty ones, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. {2} Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness. {3} The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD thunders over the mighty waters. {4} The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is majestic. {5} The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; the LORD breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon. {6} He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, Sirion like a young wild ox. {7} The voice of the LORD strikes with flashes of lightning. {8} The voice of the LORD shakes the desert; the LORD shakes the Desert of Kadesh. {9} The voice of the LORD twists the oaks and strips the forests bare. And in his temple all cry, "Glory!" {10} The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD is enthroned as King forever. {11} THE LORD GIVES STRENGTH TO HIS PEOPLE; THE LORD BLESSES HIS PEOPLE WITH PEACE.

Psalm 28

THOUGHT FOR TODAY-

GOD IS THE INVISIBLE LOCOMOTIVE

On my way to a conference in Colorado, I was driving uphill along a major interstate when I overtook a freight train going the same direction at a slower speed. The train was being pushed uphill by two locomotives that sounded as if they were straining at full power. I'm a flatlander from the Midwest. Is this how trains move in mountainous terrain? I wondered.

A few minutes later, I gradually came alongside the front of the nearly mile-long string of cars. There I found five more locomotives pulling the train. Seven engines in all! Where I come from, I rarely see more than three. That train was a lesson for me. I had been under serious strain for some time. I was feeling tired and was wondering whether I could persevere under the pressure. How like God, I thought. When I am pushing a load uphill with all the strength I have and feel like my energy level is depleted, he wants me to know that he is in the lead pulling with power far greater than mine.

¨ Richard Mylander, St. Cloud, Minnesota. Leadership, Vol. 15, no. 2.( Psalms 28:8)

WE CAN'T RUN ALONE

The real picture that we have as we come to the Communion table should be a picture of the Hoyts: Rick and Jack. If you've been around Willow Creek a while you've heard their story. Ricky Hoyt has finished the Iron Man Triathlon, an incredible test of strength since Ricky is totally, physically disabled.

Ricky finished the triathalon because his father, Jack, is a champion. Jack swims for two miles in the open sea with his disabled son in a little boat behind. Then Jack takes his son out of that boat and carries him to a bike. Jack puts his son on the bike and pedals a hundred miles with that little boy on the bike. Then Jack takes the boy off the bike, puts him in a specially made cart, and runs a twenty-six-mile marathon.

We're all like Rick Hoyt. We couldn't possibly run the race alone. The God of the universe became to us like Jack Hoyt. THROUGH JESUS' DEATH AND RESURRECTION, GOD ALLOWS US TO FINISH THE RACE.

PSALM 28

REQUESTING (1‑5). David's enemies were undermining his reputation and his work, so he turned to the Lord with two special requests: that God would speak to him (vv. 1‑2) and that God would save him (vv. 3‑5). GOD SPEAKS TO US IN ANSWERED PRAYER. "If You are silent:' said David, "I might just as well be dead! And if You don't deliver me, You are treating me like the enemy!" Pretty powerful arguments!

REJOICING (6‑9). GOD HEARD HIM AND HELPED HIM, AND HE DOES THE SAME FOR YOU TODAY AS YOU TRUST HIM. You can rejoice in the Lord even when you cannot rejoice in yourselves or your circumstances. TRUST GOD TO BE YOUR STRENGTH, YOUR SONG, AND YOUR SALVATION (Isa. 12:2). HE IS THE FAITHFUL SHEPHERD WHO CAN CARRY BOTH YOU AND YOUR BURDENS.

(Psa 28 NIV) Of David. To you I call, O LORD my Rock; do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who have gone down to the pit. {2} Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help, as I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place. {3} Do not drag me away with the wicked, with those who do evil, who speak cordially with their neighbors but harbor malice in their hearts. {4} Repay them for their deeds and for their evil work; repay them for what their hands have done and bring back upon them what they deserve. {5} Since they show no regard for the works of the LORD and what his hands have done, he will tear them down and never build them up again. {6} Praise be to the LORD, for he has heard my cry for mercy. {7} The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. {8} THE LORD IS THE STRENGTH OF HIS PEOPLE, A FORTRESS OF SALVATION FOR HIS ANOINTED ONE. {9} Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.

Psalm 27

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY-

Being positive is part of being a hero--maybe the hardest part, because if you are a hero you're smart enough to know all the reasons why you should be discouraged.

-- Michael Dorris. Leadership, Vol. 16, no. 4

Psalm 27
What makes you afraid? Darkness? BUT THE LORD IS YOUR LIGHT. Danger? HE IS ALSO YOUR SALVATION. Deficiency? HE IS YOUR STRENGTH. Then why be afraid? See what He does for you.

GOD SAVES YOU (4‑6). Because he was not a priest, David could not actually go into the tabernacle, BUT HE COULD STILL REST IN THE LORD AND TRUST HIM AS HIS REFUGE. The New Testament equivalent for this is "Abide in Me" (John 15:1‑11). IN HIM IS PERFECT SAFETY.

GOD SMILES ON YOU (7‑10). You must go beyond merely seeking God's help. SEEK HIS FACE (NUM. 6:22‑27). THE SMILE OF GOD IS ALL YOU NEED TO OVERCOME THE SCOWLS OF MEN.

GOD SHOWS YOU THE WAY (11‑ 13). Satan wants to trap you, BUT THE LORD WILL SHOW YOU THE SAFE WAY. BELIEVE HIS PROMISE AND WALK BY FAITH. HIS GOODNESS WILL BE WITH YOU.

GOD STRENGTHENS YOU (1, 14). We need strength for the battle and strength for the journey, and GOD ABUNDANTLY PROVIDES. Be sure to take time to wait on the Lord ( Isa. 40:31). If you run ahead of Him or lag behind, you will be a perfect target for the enemy.

With the Word - Warren W. Wiersbe

Thomas Nelson Publishers

Nashville

“Used by permission of Thomas Nelson, Inc.”

(Psalms 27 NIV)

THE LORD IS MY LIGHT AND MY SALVATION-- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid? {2} When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.

{3} THOUGH AN ARMY BESIEGE ME, MY HEART WILL NOT FEAR; THOUGH WAR BREAK OUT AGAINST ME, EVEN THEN WILL I BE CONFIDENT.

{4} One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. {5} FOR IN THE DAY OF TROUBLE HE WILL KEEP ME SAFE IN HIS DWELLING; HE WILL HIDE ME IN THE SHELTER OF HIS TABERNACLE AND SET ME HIGH UPON A ROCK. {6} Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD. {7} Hear my voice when I call, O LORD; be merciful to me and answer me. {8} My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, LORD, I will seek. {9} Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior. {10} Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me. {11} Teach me your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. {12} Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence. {13} I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. {14} WAIT FOR THE LORD; BE STRONG AND TAKE HEART AND WAIT FOR THE LORD.

Psalm 26

THOUGHT OF THE DAY-

As Plato said it long ago: "The unexamined life is the life not worth living" and the unexamined religion is the religion not worth having. It behooves us all to always examine what we do in light of the authority of the Word of God.

PSALM 26

EXAMINE YOURSELF (1‑5). Is your life what it ought to be? Let God test your mind and heart (Ps. 139:23‑24). In your walking, standing (v. 12), and sitting, are you keeping yourself clean (Ps. 1:1)? Sometimes God allows the enemy to attack us just to make us take time for a personal inventory.

FOCUS ON THE LORD (6‑10). If you look at others, you will be upset, and if you look at yourself too long, you may get discouraged, SO FOCUS YOUR ATTENTION ON THE LORD. Match your defects with His perfections and claim what you need from Him.

KEEP SERVING THE LORD (11‑ 12). The enemy wants nothing better than to upset you and get you on a detour (Neh. 6:1‑14). CONTINUE TO WALK WITH THE LORD AND SERVE HIM, COME WHAT MAY. Bless the Lord and don't complain. God will vindicate you in His time and in His own way.

With the Word - Warren W. Wiersbe

Thomas Nelson Publishers

Nashville

“Used by permission of Thomas Nelson, Inc.”

The mind is a garden that could be cultivated to produce the harvest that we desire.

The mind is a workshop where the important decisions of life and eternity are made.

The mind is an armory where we forge the weapons for our victory or our destruction.

The mind is a battlefield where all the decisive battles of life are won or lost.

HOW TO APPROACH WORSHIP

I have a 95-year-old grandmother. No one has heard me preach more than three times without hearing a story about my grandmama. The saddest thing I can probably say about you is that you'll not get a chance to meet Sweetie Pie. She lives in New York City, and we are lovers. I am the second born of her 65-year-old daughter, and she makes me happy.

We talk on the phone every Sunday night no matter where I am in the world. When I talk to her or when I see her, as I will next week, it's not drudgery for me to enjoy her presence.

Over these last forty-three years, I have simply bathed in the sunlight of her presence. I don't say "Oh, I've got to go see my grandmother." It's "I get to see Sweetie Pie."

Until you stop coming to worship as if you have to see God, you'll never know what the Psalmist is talking about. He says it ought to be your delight to come up into Papa's face and enjoy his presence. It presupposes a relationship that makes you want to be there. He says, "When we have the festival, when we have our Sabbath, when we have our convocation, we ought to come with a certain gladness of heart because God is God.

¨ Richard Allen Farmer, "The 'What's' and the 'Why' of Worship," Preaching Today, Tape No. 150.

(Psalms 26 NIV)

O LORD, for I have led a blameless life; I have trusted in the LORD without wavering. {2} Test me, O LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; {3} for your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth. {4} I do not sit with deceitful men, nor do I consort with hypocrites; {5} I abhor the assembly of evildoers and refuse to sit with the wicked. {6} I wash my hands in innocence, and go about your altar, O LORD, {7} proclaiming aloud your praise and telling of all your wonderful deeds. {8} I LOVE THE HOUSE WHERE YOU LIVE, O LORD, THE PLACE WHERE YOUR GLORY DWELLS. {9} Do not take away my soul along with sinners, my life with bloodthirsty men, {10} in whose hands are wicked schemes, whose right hands are full of bribes. {11} But I lead a blameless life; redeem me and be merciful to me. {12} My feet stand on level ground; in the great assembly I will praise the LORD.

Psalm 25

**** THOUGHT FOR THE DAY ****

He that is humble ever shall have God to be his guide. (Psalms 25:9)

-- John Bunyan, Christian Reader, Vol. 33, no. 2.

PSALM 25

THIS PSALM IS HELPFUL WHEN YOU ARE MAKING DECISIONS AND SEEKING GOD'S WILL. What kind of people does God guide?

THOSE WHO GLORIFY HIM (1‑2). If you want His will for His glory, He will show you the right path. If you have selfish motives, HE MAY LET YOU HAVE YOUR WAY, AND THEN YOU WILL REGRET IT.

THOSE WHO WAIT (3). YOU ARE NOT WASTING TIME WHEN YOU WAIT ON THE LORD IN PRAYER.

THOSE WHO ASK (4‑5). God wants to show you His ways, teach you His paths, and lead you in His truths. THE WORD OF GOD AND PRAYER ALWAYS GO TOGETHER, SO SPEND TIME IN HIS WORD. IF YOU ASK HIM SINCERELY, HE WILL ANSWER YOU CLEARLY.

THOSE WHO ARE CLEAN (6‑7,16‑22). Psalm 66:18 applies here, as does 1 John 1:9.

THOSE WHO SUBMIT (8‑15). God does not guide rebels, but He joyfully leads those who fear Him and submit to His will (Ps. 32:8‑9). KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE LORD AND LET HIM HAVE HIS WAY. He knows where He is going and what He is doing, so follow Him by faith.

The enemy was slandering David again, and he had no way to vindicate himself. Samuel Johnson called slander "THE REVENGE OF A COWARD, " and it is. What should you do when people spread lies about you?

With the Word - Warren W. Wiersbe

Thomas Nelson Publishers

Nashville

“Used by permission of Thomas Nelson, Inc.”

A CHILD'S VIEW OF GOD

Recently, third- and fourth-graders at Wheaton (IL) Christian Grammar School were asked to complete the following sentence: "By faith, I know that God is ..."

--"forgiving, because he forgave in the Bible, and he forgave me when I went in the road on my bike without one of my parents" (Amanda).

--"providingful, because he dropped manna for Moses and the people, and he gave my dad a job" (Brandon).

--"caring, because he made the blind man see, and he made me catch a very fast line drive that could have hurt me. He probably sent an angel down" (Paul).

--"merciful, because my brother has been nice to me for a year" (Jeremy).

--"faithful, because the school bill came, and my mom didn't know how we were going to pay it. Two minutes later, my dad called, and he just got a bonus check. My mom was in tears" (anonymous).

--"sweet, because he gave me a dog. God tells me not to do things that are bad. I need someone like that" (Hannah).

-- Cornerstone newsletter. Leadership, Vol. 17, no. 3.

(Psalms 25:8 )

Psalms 25 NIV

· LORD, I lift up my soul; {2} in you I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. {3} No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame, but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse. {4} SHOW ME YOUR WAYS, O LORD, TEACH ME YOUR PATHS; {5} GUIDE ME IN YOUR TRUTH AND TEACH ME, FOR YOU ARE GOD MY SAVIOR, AND MY HOPE IS IN YOU ALL DAY LONG. {6} Remember, O LORD, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. {7} Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O LORD. {8} Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.

{9} HE GUIDES THE HUMBLE IN WHAT IS RIGHT AND TEACHES THEM HIS WAY.

{10} ALL THE WAYS OF THE LORD ARE LOVING AND FAITHFUL FOR THOSE WHO KEEP THE DEMANDS OF HIS COVENANT. {11} For the sake of your name, O LORD, forgive my iniquity, though it is great. {12} Who, then, is the man that fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the way chosen for him. {13} He will spend his days in prosperity, and his descendants will inherit the land. {14} The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them. {15} My eyes are ever on the LORD, for only he will release my feet from the snare. {16} Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. {17} The troubles of my heart have multiplied; free me from my anguish. {18} Look upon my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins. {19} See how my enemies have increased and how fiercely they hate me! {20} Guard my life and rescue me; let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. {21} May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you. {22} Redeem Israel, O God, from all their troubles!