February 17, 2011

Psalm 25:4

4  Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow.

 

David expressed his desire for guidance. How do we receive God's guidance? The first step is to want to be guided and to realize that God's primary guidance system is in his Word, the Bible. By reading it and constantly learning from it, we will gain the wisdom to perceive God's direction for our lives. We may be tempted to demand answers from God, but David asked for direction. When we are willing to seek God, learn from his Word, and obey his commands, then will we receive his specific guidance.

February 16, 2011

Psalm 22:30-31

30  Our children will also serve him. Future generations will hear about the wonders of the Lord.

31  His righteous acts will be told to those not yet born. They will hear about everything he has done.

 

If we want our children to serve the Lord, they must hear about him from us. It is not enough to rely on the church or those with more knowledge to provide all their Christian education. We must reinforce the lessons of the Bible in our homes.

February 15, 2011

Psalm 19:14

14  May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Would you change the way you live if you knew that every word and thought would be examined by God first? David asks that God approve his words and thoughts as though they were offerings brought to the altar. As you begin each day, determine that God's love will guide what you say and how you think.

February 14, 2011 - Happy Valentine's Day!

Psalm 19:3-4

3  They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard.

4  Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world. God has made a home in the heavens for the sun.

The apostle Paul referred to this psalm when he explained that everyone knows about God because nature proclaims God's existence and power. This does not cancel the need for missions because the message of God's salvation found in his Word, the Bible, must still be told to the ends of the earth. While nature points to the existence of God, the Bible tells us about salvation. God's people must explain to others how they can have a relationship with God. Although people everywhere should already believe in a Creator by just looking at the evidence of nature around them, God needs us to explain his love, mercy, and grace. What are you doing to take God's message to the world?

February 13, 2011

Psalm 18:2-3

2  The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.

3  I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies.

 

God's protection of his people is limitless and can take many forms. David characterized God's care with five military symbols. God is like (1) a rock that can't be moved by any who would harm us, (2) a fortress or place of safety where the enemy can't follow, (3) a shield that comes between us and harm, (4) a horn of salvation-a symbol of might and power, and (5) a stronghold high above our enemies. If you need protection, look to God.

February 12, 2011

Psalm 17:8

8  Guard me as you would guard your own eyes. Hide me in the shadow of your wings.

Just as we protect the pupils (literally, "apples") of our eyes, so God will protect us. We must not conclude, however, that we have somehow missed God's protection if we experience troubles. God's protection has far greater purposes than helping us avoid pain; it is to make us better servants for him. God also protects us by guiding us through painful circumstances, not only by helping us escape them.

February 11, 2011

Psalm 16:9

9  No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety.

David's heart was glad-he had found the secret to joy. True joy is far deeper than happiness; we can feel joy in spite of our deepest troubles. Happiness is temporary because it is based on external circumstances, but joy is lasting because it is based on God's presence within us. As we contemplate his daily presence, we will find contentment. As we understand the future he has for us, we will experience joy. Don't base your life on circumstances, but on God.