May 31: Straight Walking in a Crooked World
Read Psalm 119:9
The game show host asked his question carefully, "Which do we need more, the sun or the moon?"
The contestant thought long and hard about this one. Her answer meant the difference between a win and a loss. With a tilt of her head and a sheepish smile, she spoke cautiously, "We need the moon more . . . because it shines at night when it's dark. We don't need the sun during the day because it's light anyway!"
The game was over. She was a loser because she didn't know where light actually came from.
While almost everyone realizes where light comes from, many people don't realize the source of true spiritual light. Because spiritual light comes only from God, people who don't know God aren't able to live in an enlightened way. Rather than make decisions that reflect God's light, they stumble around in spiritual darkness, trying to satisfy themselves. Often these people tend to believe that there is no standard of right and wrong at all. They claim that right and wrong are just a personal matter, and what's impure for one is pure for another.
Think About It
God, however, insists that there is right and wrong. How can you keep your life right and pure? How can you decide right and wrong for yourself? Should you talk to friends and do what they say? Should you follow the majority opinion? Should you take your cues from T.V. and movies?
Psalm 119:9 tells us very clearly that the only way we can make straight choices in a crooked world is to make choices according to God's word. It's not what "feels good," "seems right," "works for me," or "pleases my parents." The only sure guide is the word of the Lord. "Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path" (Psalm 119:105).
Pray About It
Why not pray the prayer of David found in Psalm 119:10: Lord, "I wholeheartedly searched for you. Do not let me wander away from your commandments."
Daily Reading Plan—Read 2 Thessalonians 3
God's Word for Students.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
May 30: Let Me In!
Read Psalm 117:1-2
Ronnie was on a youth group retreat. As a joke, some of the group members decided to "ditch" Ronnie in the woods. Separated from his friends, he was lost and alone for over an hour. Finally, he found his way back to camp and made his way to the cabin where he was staying . . . only to find it locked. He started pounding, "Is anyone in there? C'mon let me in." He felt like an outcast. The door was finally opened, and he went inside where all his "friends" were waiting and laughing at him. After the weekend ended, Ronnie went home, resolving never to go on another youth group trip.
Ever been excluded from a group? Often groups form into cliques. These little pockets of people join together, excluding and hurting others. Youth groups have them, so do schools. They exist almost everywhere.
Think About It
How would you have felt if you had been Ronnie? What would you do when your "friends" laughed at your expense? In what ways have you avoided someone at school or church? Why? Remember that God is not partial toward certain people. He loves all different kinds of people. Do your best to imitate that love to others.
Pray About It
Lord, I want to learn to love people the way you do. Help me to be patient with those who are difficult for me to like and love. With your help, I'll follow your loving example.
Daily Reading Plan—Proverbs 30
God's Word for Students.
Ronnie was on a youth group retreat. As a joke, some of the group members decided to "ditch" Ronnie in the woods. Separated from his friends, he was lost and alone for over an hour. Finally, he found his way back to camp and made his way to the cabin where he was staying . . . only to find it locked. He started pounding, "Is anyone in there? C'mon let me in." He felt like an outcast. The door was finally opened, and he went inside where all his "friends" were waiting and laughing at him. After the weekend ended, Ronnie went home, resolving never to go on another youth group trip.
Ever been excluded from a group? Often groups form into cliques. These little pockets of people join together, excluding and hurting others. Youth groups have them, so do schools. They exist almost everywhere.
Think About It
How would you have felt if you had been Ronnie? What would you do when your "friends" laughed at your expense? In what ways have you avoided someone at school or church? Why? Remember that God is not partial toward certain people. He loves all different kinds of people. Do your best to imitate that love to others.
Pray About It
Lord, I want to learn to love people the way you do. Help me to be patient with those who are difficult for me to like and love. With your help, I'll follow your loving example.
Daily Reading Plan—Proverbs 30
God's Word for Students.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
May 29: A Safe Prediction
Read Psalm 115:9-15
A number of people believe that cows can predict the weather. These cow watchers claim that the higher the percentage of cows lying down in a field, the greater the chance of rain.
Predictions. Forecasts. Promises. People try to predict many things: weather, sports scores, the economy. On and on people make predictions.
You can get in trouble if you trust predictions too much. You've probably heard forecasters promise a sunny day, only to be drenched around noon. Or perhaps you've heard about people who have lost lots of money when they invested in a company that was predicted to grow. And you've probably witnessed preseason predictions of athletic teams that have turned out very wrong.
Only one kind of prediction is completely trustworthy: God's predictions. You can be sure that whatever God predicts will come true. Although the predictions of people are often wrong, not one of God's predictions has ever failed to come true.
Think About It
The author of Psalm 115 revealed one of God's predictions that we can count on. The prediction is this: Those who put their trust in God will be rewarded. He promises to help and protect those who follow him. The psalm goes on to say, "The Lord, who is always thinking about us, will bless us" (Psalm 115:12). God knows our needs even before we ask him to meet them! For what do you need help and protection today? Tell God you trust him to look out for you.
Pray About It
Lord, I praise you for helping me and protecting me. I know you are completely trustworthy and are fully capable of taking care of my needs.
Daily Reading Plan—Read 2 Thessalonians 2
God's Word for Students.
A number of people believe that cows can predict the weather. These cow watchers claim that the higher the percentage of cows lying down in a field, the greater the chance of rain.
Predictions. Forecasts. Promises. People try to predict many things: weather, sports scores, the economy. On and on people make predictions.
You can get in trouble if you trust predictions too much. You've probably heard forecasters promise a sunny day, only to be drenched around noon. Or perhaps you've heard about people who have lost lots of money when they invested in a company that was predicted to grow. And you've probably witnessed preseason predictions of athletic teams that have turned out very wrong.
Only one kind of prediction is completely trustworthy: God's predictions. You can be sure that whatever God predicts will come true. Although the predictions of people are often wrong, not one of God's predictions has ever failed to come true.
Think About It
The author of Psalm 115 revealed one of God's predictions that we can count on. The prediction is this: Those who put their trust in God will be rewarded. He promises to help and protect those who follow him. The psalm goes on to say, "The Lord, who is always thinking about us, will bless us" (Psalm 115:12). God knows our needs even before we ask him to meet them! For what do you need help and protection today? Tell God you trust him to look out for you.
Pray About It
Lord, I praise you for helping me and protecting me. I know you are completely trustworthy and are fully capable of taking care of my needs.
Daily Reading Plan—Read 2 Thessalonians 2
God's Word for Students.
Friday, May 28, 2010
May 28: Baby Steps
Read Psalm 111:10
Perhaps you've seen the movie titled What about Bob? Bob, the main character, is a paranoid sociopath who fears everything—people, catching diseases, heights. You name it, he is afraid of it. He gets referred to a psychiatrist, who tells Bob that he can find healing by reading a new book, Baby Steps. By reading the book, Bob learns to take small steps toward overcoming his fears—and it eventually works (and drives his counselor crazy in the process)!
We can also grow by taking small steps. Because we don't mature overnight, these small steps become important in becoming the type of person God wants us to be.
One part of our life that God wants us to expand is our wisdom. We don't talk much about gaining wisdom in our culture. It's not one of the hot topics mentioned on T.V. talk shows, but it is mentioned several hundred times in God's book—the Bible. As one of God's children, you can become wise. The Bible gives guidelines that, if followed, can bring wisdom.
Think About It
Psalm 111 tells how we can begin to become wise. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Psalm 111:10). Fearing God means that we love God and respect him because he is almighty and all-powerful. As you begin to fear him, your wisdom will grow. What small step can you take today toward fearing God?
Pray About It
Lord, I know I need wisdom. I ask for your perspective. Help me know how to make wise choices.
Daily Reading Plan—Read 1 Thessalonians 4
Perhaps you've seen the movie titled What about Bob? Bob, the main character, is a paranoid sociopath who fears everything—people, catching diseases, heights. You name it, he is afraid of it. He gets referred to a psychiatrist, who tells Bob that he can find healing by reading a new book, Baby Steps. By reading the book, Bob learns to take small steps toward overcoming his fears—and it eventually works (and drives his counselor crazy in the process)!
We can also grow by taking small steps. Because we don't mature overnight, these small steps become important in becoming the type of person God wants us to be.
One part of our life that God wants us to expand is our wisdom. We don't talk much about gaining wisdom in our culture. It's not one of the hot topics mentioned on T.V. talk shows, but it is mentioned several hundred times in God's book—the Bible. As one of God's children, you can become wise. The Bible gives guidelines that, if followed, can bring wisdom.
Think About It
Psalm 111 tells how we can begin to become wise. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Psalm 111:10). Fearing God means that we love God and respect him because he is almighty and all-powerful. As you begin to fear him, your wisdom will grow. What small step can you take today toward fearing God?
Pray About It
Lord, I know I need wisdom. I ask for your perspective. Help me know how to make wise choices.
Daily Reading Plan—Read 1 Thessalonians 4
Thursday, May 27, 2010
May 27: Country Boy
Read Psalm 109:4
Ben had a horrible seventh-grade year. He got picked on. Not once, but so many times he lost count. He had just moved from Tennessee to Ohio because his parents had just divorced. The girls from the Midwest thought his Southern accent was cute, but the guys mocked it.
Ben got ridiculed all year long. He never felt like he did anything to deserve such treatment.
"I was accused of being a country boy, even though I was really a city boy. I was laughed at because I came from Nashville, Country Music Town USA, but I can't tolerate that music!" Ben stated.
If you have ever been laughed at, picked on, or accused of something, you are in good company. David was someone else who felt the pain of other people's words. David, the shepherd boy, giant-slayer, and king, wrote about his own pain and humiliation. "They surround me with hateful words. They fight against me for no reason" (Psalm 109:3).
What do you do when you are hassled? mocked? put down? What do you do when so-called friends betray you? Should you judge them? fight back? have a pity party? change schools?
Think About It
David responded to his mockers in a God-honoring manner. What did he do? It's pretty radical. Are you ready? Here it comes: Pray. That's right. Listen to Psalm 109:4: "But I pray for them." Great words. But can we do that? When you get knocked to your knees, it might be God saying, "It's time to pray." Prayer can change your attitude. When someone hurts you, follow David's example . . . and pray.
Pray About It
Lord Jesus, I get mad when I'm treated in ways that make me look bad. Help me be a person who prays in response to situations that hurt me.
God's Word for Students.
Daily Reading Plan—I Thessalonians 5
Ben had a horrible seventh-grade year. He got picked on. Not once, but so many times he lost count. He had just moved from Tennessee to Ohio because his parents had just divorced. The girls from the Midwest thought his Southern accent was cute, but the guys mocked it.
Ben got ridiculed all year long. He never felt like he did anything to deserve such treatment.
"I was accused of being a country boy, even though I was really a city boy. I was laughed at because I came from Nashville, Country Music Town USA, but I can't tolerate that music!" Ben stated.
If you have ever been laughed at, picked on, or accused of something, you are in good company. David was someone else who felt the pain of other people's words. David, the shepherd boy, giant-slayer, and king, wrote about his own pain and humiliation. "They surround me with hateful words. They fight against me for no reason" (Psalm 109:3).
What do you do when you are hassled? mocked? put down? What do you do when so-called friends betray you? Should you judge them? fight back? have a pity party? change schools?
Think About It
David responded to his mockers in a God-honoring manner. What did he do? It's pretty radical. Are you ready? Here it comes: Pray. That's right. Listen to Psalm 109:4: "But I pray for them." Great words. But can we do that? When you get knocked to your knees, it might be God saying, "It's time to pray." Prayer can change your attitude. When someone hurts you, follow David's example . . . and pray.
Pray About It
Lord Jesus, I get mad when I'm treated in ways that make me look bad. Help me be a person who prays in response to situations that hurt me.
God's Word for Students.
Daily Reading Plan—I Thessalonians 5
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
May 26: But I Forgot!
Read Psalm 105:5
"Oh no, I forgot to set my alarm!"
"Uh . . . I forgot to walk the dog!"
"Oops, I forgot to register for camp!"
I forgot. It's a loaded phrase. We've heard it often from someone in our family, a friend, or a teacher. We say it regularly, and we feel bad when it happens. The results of forgetfulness can often be severe. Missed deadlines. Late papers. Dates who are all dressed up with nowhere to go. We have places to go, people to see, and tests to take. We have activities to attend and a room to clean. How do we forget about some of these important things?
Busyness is one reason. But there is another one: We love to make excuses. "Mr. Policeman, I forgot to drive the speed limit because I have maggot-infested garbage in the trunk. I've got to get it to the dump—fast!" Or "I forgot to turn in my paper because my next door neighbor's uncle's brother had his hand stuck in a locked car door, and I needed to help him get free."
Think About It
We have another problem: We forget about God. The Israelites forgot about God, too. Somehow they had forgotten their history. They had forgotten how God had saved them (read examples of this in Psalm 106).
We are no different. We forget the miracles and the power God uses to provide for us. The writer of Psalm 105 urges us to remember God's works and miracles (Psalm 105:5). "Give thanks to the Lord. Call on him. Make known among the nations what he has done" (Psalm 105:1).
Why not start a daily "thank" time when you praise God for all your blessings?
Pray About It
Lord, forgive me for forgetting you. I get too busy and think only of myself. Teach me how to give daily thanks to you and remember that you are always with me.
Daily Reading PlanGod's Word for Students.
"Oh no, I forgot to set my alarm!"
"Uh . . . I forgot to walk the dog!"
"Oops, I forgot to register for camp!"
I forgot. It's a loaded phrase. We've heard it often from someone in our family, a friend, or a teacher. We say it regularly, and we feel bad when it happens. The results of forgetfulness can often be severe. Missed deadlines. Late papers. Dates who are all dressed up with nowhere to go. We have places to go, people to see, and tests to take. We have activities to attend and a room to clean. How do we forget about some of these important things?
Busyness is one reason. But there is another one: We love to make excuses. "Mr. Policeman, I forgot to drive the speed limit because I have maggot-infested garbage in the trunk. I've got to get it to the dump—fast!" Or "I forgot to turn in my paper because my next door neighbor's uncle's brother had his hand stuck in a locked car door, and I needed to help him get free."
Think About It
We have another problem: We forget about God. The Israelites forgot about God, too. Somehow they had forgotten their history. They had forgotten how God had saved them (read examples of this in Psalm 106).
We are no different. We forget the miracles and the power God uses to provide for us. The writer of Psalm 105 urges us to remember God's works and miracles (Psalm 105:5). "Give thanks to the Lord. Call on him. Make known among the nations what he has done" (Psalm 105:1).
Why not start a daily "thank" time when you praise God for all your blessings?
Pray About It
Lord, forgive me for forgetting you. I get too busy and think only of myself. Teach me how to give daily thanks to you and remember that you are always with me.
Daily Reading PlanGod's Word for Students.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
May 25: The Perfect Father
Read Psalm 102:1-28
Imagine yourself walking through a local clothing store. As you do, you discover a lost little girl who is standing in the middle of the aisle, bawling. Tears stream down her face. Only the teddy bear she clutches in her left hand is a comfort to her.
Of course you want to help, and you look around to see if you can identify this girl's father or mother. As you glance around, you see a man hiding behind a clothes display. He looks at the child and laughs. Then the man calls the girl's name. She stops crying, wipes a tear from her eye, and looks in the direction of the voice. But the man again ducks behind the display. The girl, seeing no one, resumes her crying. Suddenly, you realize that this man is the child's father! You watch as he takes great pleasure in tormenting his child.
What would you think of that man's cruel behavior?
Think About It
You'd probably be disgusted by the above situation because it goes against what a father should do. A father doesn't torment and hide from his child; he loves and protects his child. A father runs to his daughter when she's lost, wipes away her tears, and holds her close.
Maybe you never had an earthly father who cared for you like that, but you do have a Heavenly Father like that. Psalm 102 tells how God cares for us, his children. He hears us, protects us, and loves us continuously. When people you trust let you down, remember that you have a Heavenly Father who never will.
Pray About It
Father, thank you for being the perfect father to me. Thank you that you will never abandon me and that you are ready to help me the moment I cry out to you.
Daily Reading Plan—Read 1 Thessalonians 3
God's Word for Students.
Of course you want to help, and you look around to see if you can identify this girl's father or mother. As you glance around, you see a man hiding behind a clothes display. He looks at the child and laughs. Then the man calls the girl's name. She stops crying, wipes a tear from her eye, and looks in the direction of the voice. But the man again ducks behind the display. The girl, seeing no one, resumes her crying. Suddenly, you realize that this man is the child's father! You watch as he takes great pleasure in tormenting his child.
What would you think of that man's cruel behavior?
Think About It
You'd probably be disgusted by the above situation because it goes against what a father should do. A father doesn't torment and hide from his child; he loves and protects his child. A father runs to his daughter when she's lost, wipes away her tears, and holds her close.
Maybe you never had an earthly father who cared for you like that, but you do have a Heavenly Father like that. Psalm 102 tells how God cares for us, his children. He hears us, protects us, and loves us continuously. When people you trust let you down, remember that you have a Heavenly Father who never will.
Pray About It
Father, thank you for being the perfect father to me. Thank you that you will never abandon me and that you are ready to help me the moment I cry out to you.
Daily Reading Plan—Read 1 Thessalonians 3
God's Word for Students.
Monday, May 24, 2010
May 24: Competing for Life
Read Psalm 99:1-9
Alex is a typical student. Each day she faces competition. In fact, to her, all of life seems like a competition.
Her friends compete for the best date to the prom. They compete for the coolest clothes. Classmates compete for the highest grades. When Alex steps out onto the soccer field, she even has teammates who compete for starting positions.
There are few places she can go without feeling the pressure to compete.
Alex's experience is not unique. Throughout our lives, we will find ourselves in competition. It begins on the playground, goes on through school, and continues through most careers. It becomes easy to judge people by their success. People who succeed are often held up as models for the rest of the world to imitate.
Think About It
Although people are often considered great if they have success, the writer of Psalm 99 reminds us that only God is truly great. He is the only ruler of the world, and only he is perfect, fair, and strong. No person's success can ever compare with God's success. Compared to God, no person seems as impressive. Be sure to honor God with your abilities. How can you use the gifts he has given you to praise him instead of focusing on competing with others?
Pray About It
God, it's tempting to use the abilities you have given me for my own honor. Remind me to praise you for the life you have given me.
Daily Reading Plan—Read Psalms 99:1-101:8
God's Word for Students.
Alex is a typical student. Each day she faces competition. In fact, to her, all of life seems like a competition.
Her friends compete for the best date to the prom. They compete for the coolest clothes. Classmates compete for the highest grades. When Alex steps out onto the soccer field, she even has teammates who compete for starting positions.
There are few places she can go without feeling the pressure to compete.
Alex's experience is not unique. Throughout our lives, we will find ourselves in competition. It begins on the playground, goes on through school, and continues through most careers. It becomes easy to judge people by their success. People who succeed are often held up as models for the rest of the world to imitate.
Think About It
Although people are often considered great if they have success, the writer of Psalm 99 reminds us that only God is truly great. He is the only ruler of the world, and only he is perfect, fair, and strong. No person's success can ever compare with God's success. Compared to God, no person seems as impressive. Be sure to honor God with your abilities. How can you use the gifts he has given you to praise him instead of focusing on competing with others?
Pray About It
God, it's tempting to use the abilities you have given me for my own honor. Remind me to praise you for the life you have given me.
Daily Reading Plan—Read Psalms 99:1-101:8
God's Word for Students.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
May 23: "Four Stars!"
Read Psalm 96:1-13
It's the best of the year. Dazzling. Brilliant.
Movies aren't the only items that get lots of praise. Athletes receive MVP awards. Musicians win Grammy awards. Scientists win Nobel prizes. Students receive honor roll status. Cars are rated against each other, and the best car of the year is chosen. Even kitchen appliances are given awards for efficiency.
Every day you probably hear someone or something get praised for some accomplishment. You would think that praising is one of the most natural activities we do each day.
But really, the best kind of praise is one of the least remembered activities of the day. The best kind of praise doesn't praise people, but praises the God who made the people. It doesn't give honor to a talent, it praises the one who gave the talent. God is behind most of the items we praise. He is the source of the talent or creative ability we often admire in others.
Think About It
Take note today of anytime someone praises someone or something. When you hear the praise, ask yourself if God is ultimately responsible for the person or activity. If he is, praise him for it. Give him the credit he deserves.
Pray About It
God, give me insight so I can see that you are responsible for the talents and skills of others. Help me praise you for your wisdom in granting our abilities and talents.
Daily Reading Plan—Read Psalms 96:1-98:9God's Word for Students.
It's the best of the year. Dazzling. Brilliant.
Movies aren't the only items that get lots of praise. Athletes receive MVP awards. Musicians win Grammy awards. Scientists win Nobel prizes. Students receive honor roll status. Cars are rated against each other, and the best car of the year is chosen. Even kitchen appliances are given awards for efficiency.
Every day you probably hear someone or something get praised for some accomplishment. You would think that praising is one of the most natural activities we do each day.
But really, the best kind of praise is one of the least remembered activities of the day. The best kind of praise doesn't praise people, but praises the God who made the people. It doesn't give honor to a talent, it praises the one who gave the talent. God is behind most of the items we praise. He is the source of the talent or creative ability we often admire in others.
Think About It
Take note today of anytime someone praises someone or something. When you hear the praise, ask yourself if God is ultimately responsible for the person or activity. If he is, praise him for it. Give him the credit he deserves.
Pray About It
God, give me insight so I can see that you are responsible for the talents and skills of others. Help me praise you for your wisdom in granting our abilities and talents.
Daily Reading Plan—Read Psalms 96:1-98:9God's Word for Students.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
May 22: What to Do When You're Having a Bad Day
Read Psalm 94:1-23 (NIV)
O Lord, the God who avenges, O God who avenges, shine forth. Rise up, O Judge of the earth; pay back to the proud what they deserve. How long will the wicked, O Lord, how long will the wicked be jubilant? They pour out arrogant words; all the evildoers are full of boasting. They crush your people, O Lord; they oppress your inheritance. They slay the widow and the alien; they murder the fatherless. They say, "The Lord does not see; the God of Jacob pays no heed." Take heed, you senseless ones among the people; you fools, when will you become wise? Does he who implanted the ear not hear? Does he who formed the eye not see? Does he who disciplines nations not punish? Does he who teaches man lack knowledge? The Lord knows the thoughts of man; he knows that they are futile. Blessed is the man you discipline, O Lord, the man you teach from your law; you grant him relief from days of trouble, till a pit is dug for the wicked. For the Lord will not reject his people; he will never forsake his inheritance. Judgment will again be founded on righteousness, and all the upright in heart will follow it. Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will take a stand for me against evildoers? Unless the Lord had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death. When I said, "My foot is slipping," your love, O Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul. Can a corrupt throne be allied with you-- one that brings on misery by its decrees? They band together against the righteous and condemn the innocent to death. But the Lord has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge. He will repay them for their sins and destroy them for their wickedness; the Lord our God will destroy them.
"Wake up! Wake up!" the voice cries. Startled, you open your eyes. Then you close them again. This can't be happening, you think to yourself. It's just a bad dream. It will go away.
The voice begins again. In earnest. "You slept through your alarm. You're going to be late! You better get up!" Half-asleep and groggy, you wipe your eyes and drop back into bed. You are disoriented. "Just five more minutes," you say to yourself.
The firm, relentless, parental voice doesn't quit. "Don't you have an exam today? You slept through the alarm. You better get up. You have to catch your bus in twenty minutes!"
You slowly wake. It's not a nightmare. It's real. You overslept the day of the big exam. You are running late. You already know that this is going to be a bad day.
Think About It
What can you do to conquer a bad day? Psalm 94 gives us some good suggestions. (1) Remember that God never deserts you (Psalm 94:14). When you're having a bad day, it's easy to think God has forgotten you. But he never does. He remembers you and still looks out for you. (2) Go to God for help (Psalm 94:17-18). God is ready to help his children. Don't try to conquer your day by yourself; tell God about each problem you face. (3) Spend additional time praying and reading the Bible (Psalm 94:19). God's words to you can be both soothing and comforting. When you have a bad day, the easiest thing to do is to forget God. But don't do it! You need him too much to try to get through your day on your own.
Pray About It
God, thanks for caring about my bad days as much as my good days. Thanks for caring about me on days when nothing seems to go as I had planned.
Daily Reading Plan—Read Psalms 93:1-95:11
God's Word for Students.
O Lord, the God who avenges, O God who avenges, shine forth. Rise up, O Judge of the earth; pay back to the proud what they deserve. How long will the wicked, O Lord, how long will the wicked be jubilant? They pour out arrogant words; all the evildoers are full of boasting. They crush your people, O Lord; they oppress your inheritance. They slay the widow and the alien; they murder the fatherless. They say, "The Lord does not see; the God of Jacob pays no heed." Take heed, you senseless ones among the people; you fools, when will you become wise? Does he who implanted the ear not hear? Does he who formed the eye not see? Does he who disciplines nations not punish? Does he who teaches man lack knowledge? The Lord knows the thoughts of man; he knows that they are futile. Blessed is the man you discipline, O Lord, the man you teach from your law; you grant him relief from days of trouble, till a pit is dug for the wicked. For the Lord will not reject his people; he will never forsake his inheritance. Judgment will again be founded on righteousness, and all the upright in heart will follow it. Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will take a stand for me against evildoers? Unless the Lord had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death. When I said, "My foot is slipping," your love, O Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul. Can a corrupt throne be allied with you-- one that brings on misery by its decrees? They band together against the righteous and condemn the innocent to death. But the Lord has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge. He will repay them for their sins and destroy them for their wickedness; the Lord our God will destroy them.
"Wake up! Wake up!" the voice cries. Startled, you open your eyes. Then you close them again. This can't be happening, you think to yourself. It's just a bad dream. It will go away.
The voice begins again. In earnest. "You slept through your alarm. You're going to be late! You better get up!" Half-asleep and groggy, you wipe your eyes and drop back into bed. You are disoriented. "Just five more minutes," you say to yourself.
The firm, relentless, parental voice doesn't quit. "Don't you have an exam today? You slept through the alarm. You better get up. You have to catch your bus in twenty minutes!"
You slowly wake. It's not a nightmare. It's real. You overslept the day of the big exam. You are running late. You already know that this is going to be a bad day.
Think About It
What can you do to conquer a bad day? Psalm 94 gives us some good suggestions. (1) Remember that God never deserts you (Psalm 94:14). When you're having a bad day, it's easy to think God has forgotten you. But he never does. He remembers you and still looks out for you. (2) Go to God for help (Psalm 94:17-18). God is ready to help his children. Don't try to conquer your day by yourself; tell God about each problem you face. (3) Spend additional time praying and reading the Bible (Psalm 94:19). God's words to you can be both soothing and comforting. When you have a bad day, the easiest thing to do is to forget God. But don't do it! You need him too much to try to get through your day on your own.
Pray About It
God, thanks for caring about my bad days as much as my good days. Thanks for caring about me on days when nothing seems to go as I had planned.
Daily Reading Plan—Read Psalms 93:1-95:11
God's Word for Students.
Friday, May 21, 2010
May 21: Day and Night with God
Read Psalm 92:2-3
How do you start your day? What's the first thing you do when you get out of bed in the morning? Drink a cup of coffee? Take a shower? Exercise? Eat some breakfast? Read the morning comics?
What about the end of your day? What's the last thing you do at night before you go to bed? Raid the refrigerator? Brush your teeth? Cozy up with a good book? Catch some T.V.?
Does your morning or evening routine include a few moments to think about God? Taking a few moments in the morning to focus on God makes sense because you never know what the rest of your day will hold.
But spending time with God in the morning is not the only important time. Spending time with him in the evening makes sense, too. Just before you go to bed you have the opportunity to think through your day and remember all the ways God demonstrated his faithfulness to you.
Think About It
The writer of Psalm 92 took a few moments in BOTH the morning and the evening to think about God. He said, "It is good to announce your mercy in the morning and your faithfulness in the evening." Consider setting aside a few more moments each day to remember God. It doesn't have to be very long or formal. If you don't already, find a few moments in the morning to dedicate your day to God. Also, consider setting aside a few moments each night to thank God for his influence in your day.
Pray About It
Father, I don't want to take you for granted. Remind me to dedicate each day to you and end each day remembering your faithfulness to me.
God's Word for Students.
How do you start your day? What's the first thing you do when you get out of bed in the morning? Drink a cup of coffee? Take a shower? Exercise? Eat some breakfast? Read the morning comics?
What about the end of your day? What's the last thing you do at night before you go to bed? Raid the refrigerator? Brush your teeth? Cozy up with a good book? Catch some T.V.?
Does your morning or evening routine include a few moments to think about God? Taking a few moments in the morning to focus on God makes sense because you never know what the rest of your day will hold.
But spending time with God in the morning is not the only important time. Spending time with him in the evening makes sense, too. Just before you go to bed you have the opportunity to think through your day and remember all the ways God demonstrated his faithfulness to you.
Think About It
The writer of Psalm 92 took a few moments in BOTH the morning and the evening to think about God. He said, "It is good to announce your mercy in the morning and your faithfulness in the evening." Consider setting aside a few more moments each day to remember God. It doesn't have to be very long or formal. If you don't already, find a few moments in the morning to dedicate your day to God. Also, consider setting aside a few moments each night to thank God for his influence in your day.
Pray About It
Father, I don't want to take you for granted. Remind me to dedicate each day to you and end each day remembering your faithfulness to me.
God's Word for Students.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
No place like home
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May 19: There's No Place Like Home
Read Psalm 84:1-12
Picture the scene. It's the end of the Wizard of Oz, and the Scarecrow, the Lion, and the Tin Man all stand around Dorothy. Finally, she clicks her heels three times and says, "There's no place like home. . . ." And suddenly she finds herself in her own house—simply by wishing to be there.
Did you know we can enter God's house the same way—simply by wishing to be there? For the Jews, God's house was limited to the temple. Today, we can meet with God anywhere. Maybe for you that place is your church. Or your youth group. Maybe it's a Bible study. Or a room in your home.
Psalm 84 describes God's house as a place where our souls long to be. It's also a place to "[shout] for joy to the living God." It's a place where our strength is renewed. And finally, it's a place where we are encouraged to keep trusting God.
Think About It
Where do you meet with God? What happens when you do? Make a commitment to spend some time alone with him this week. The writer of Psalm 84 described what happened when he spent time with God. Ask God to give you that good experience, too.
Pray About It
Lord, I confess that I don't always make time to spend time with you. But I want to. Help me to remember that I'm the one who misses out when I don't.
Daily Reading Plan—Read Psalms 82:1-84:12God's Word for Students.
I am going to try to post a daily reading for awhile, Im not sure how this will work but I'm going to try.
Let me know if you like it?
PS
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