Psalm 51:18, “Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.”

While I was reading today this verse jumped out at me.  Sometimes we have to tear down things that are in the way of forward progress.  If we have built hindrances into our lives we have to remove them at some point.  If we refuse to remove these hindrances then we will not accomplish the things God would have us to accomplish.

On the other hand after we have torn down we need to build up.  As I was thinking about this passage of Scripture I thought about how vulnerable a city is without walls.  The enemy could just walk in at any point and take over.  At least with walls in place there is some protection from the enemy.

There are walls in our lives that need to be built and some that do not need to be built.  We need the wall of prayer.  We need the wall of Bible study.  We need the wall of Church attendance.  We need the wall of godly Christian fellowship.  We need the wall of separation.

So you see there are some good walls that need to be built.  We need to make sure they are built strong, straight and sturdy.  We need to follow the Manual that God has given to us in His Word.

So, how are you doing?

Today’s reading:  Psalm 21, 51, 81, 111, 141; Proverbs 21

Proverbs 20:1, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.”

During this holiday time of year there are so many people who will celebrate together.  I remember one time I attended a work Christmas party a few years ago.  It was not a Christmas party really.  It was more of an alcohol over indulging party with a meal thrown in the mix.  One person ended up getting disciplined because they fell down some steps and got injured because of it.  It was way out of the banks so to speak.

People think they can drink until they are intoxicated and that they can still handle themselves.  This is just not true.  The thing that makes me angry is that there are people that say they are born again and yet they do not see anything wrong with having wine with dinner or having a casual drink here and there.

I cannot condone this and I do not believe the Word of God does either.  The issue for me is who is in control of my life.  Is it me or is it God.  So many people want to say that they can because it is their body.  Who is in control?  We need to yield ourselves to the Lord and allow Him control not some foreign substance.  I know of a Church that if you work there that you cannot consume alcohol within 50 miles of the Church.  Really?  Yes.  This is sad.

Then there is the issue of how we behave when we are under the influence of alcohol.  This is often to the extreme.  What if a neighbor who knows you attend Church sees you drinking?  This could keep them from ever going to Church and they may never trust Jesus Christ as their Saviour.  How would you like to live with that for all eternity.  Abstinence is always the best policy I say.

So, how are you doing?

Today’s reading:  Psalm 20, 50, 80, 110, 140; Proverbs 20

Psalm 19:7, “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.”

Today as I was reading the Scriptures I was glad to come to this chapter.  The Word of God is so awesome.  People who do not have a daily habit of reading the Word just do not understand what they are missing.  When you read Psalm 19 you get a glimpse into what the Word of God is all about.  The Word of God is given many names that describe it.  This chapter contain some of them.  Psalm 119 is also a great chapter on the Word of God.

Yesterday some of the men of our Church attended our monthly “Men’s Prayer Breakfast”.  It was such a great time to fellowship with other men in the Church.  I love it.  I do not live close to our Church, so any chance to be around those men is a welcomed event for me.  One of our newest members gave the devotion and it was great.  I enjoyed hearing about Jonah.  One thing our brother pointed out in his devotional is how a compass works.  He reminded us that when you use a compass you can be a degree or two off at short distances and still look around and find your target.  He also pointed out if you are off that same one degree and you follow that path for several miles you are lost.  I was struck by his statement.  I thought about so man people that go about life doing their own thing their own way.  They maybe only a degree or two off; but, they are lost.  Just like following the compass we need to follow God’s Word.  Notice Psalm 19:11, “Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.”

People go to all kinds of different sources to get “counsel”.  I know some people that have to read their horoscope every day.  There are those who get their wisdom from the note inside the fortune cookie at the local Chinese restaurant.  What does the wisest man who ever lived apart from Jesus have to tell us?  Look at Proverbs 19:21, “There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.”

So, if you need counsel on something today you need to go to God and ask Him.  He has it all under control and He has all the answers to all the questions of the ages.  Start in His Word, the Bible.

So, how are you doing?

Today’s reading:  Psalm 19, 49, 79, 109, 139; Proverbs 19

Psalm 18:2, “The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.”

Today while reading the Scriptures I was caught by the phrase “in whom I will trust;”.  This is a bond that is easily and often broken.  Why?  I believe that when it comes to those we love, we believe that they will restore that trust quickly unlike those who do not know us.  If I do not know you I will not probably trust you.  If I do trust you then it will probably be on a small or limited basis as that I do not get hurt badly.

I had the enormous pleasure of hearing Dr. David Gibbs of the Christian Law Association relate a story at a gathering of over 600 men a few years ago.  When he was done there was not a dry eye in the house.  It was a story of tragedy and trust like none I have ever heard of before.  Dr. Gibbs is a gifted lawyer and an outstanding preacher.  If you get the chance to hear him speak I urge you to go no matter what.

Dr. Gibbs related a story of a flight he took out of Alaska after preaching there.  He was persuaded by a local pilot to let him save the ministry some money by allowing him to fly Dr. Gibbs out of when he needed to leave.  This went well until the pilot went catatonic and blood began to drip from his nose.  Dr. Gibbs ended up flying the plane himself with the help of an air traffic controller.  I begin to weep as I recall the story.  I remember him talking to the controller and being told to gain altitude while he argued that he “felt” like they were fine.  You see, Dr. Gibbs had to learn to trust the “voice” and not rely on his own feelings.  He also had to learn to look at the gauges and fly by them and not by what he saw (or could not see).  He had to learn to trust the gauges and not fly by feeling.

It is the same for you and I.  We have to trust God, the Holy Spirit and His Word for our guidance.  Sometimes it will not make sense to us or we will “feel” like we are going the correct way; but, we will get a nudge from the Holy Spirit or the Word of God and we need to obey it.  Just like an airplane flying on instruments can lead you directly into a mountain range if you do not follow the instruments we must trust God, the Holy Spirit and His Word to lead us and be our instruments.  We need to trust God no matter what.  Look at the words of Psalm 18:30, “As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.”

So, how are you doing?

Today’s reading:  Psalm 18, 48, 78, 108, 138; Proverbs 18

Psalm 137:4, “How shall we sing the LORD’S song in a strange land?”

The power of music is overwhelmingly proven.  I know in our house it often soothes the troubled soul.  I often tease my wife and tell her that I married her because she could play the piano and sing like Sandi Patti.  (Don’t tell her the truth.)

In our home we love music and there is quite often some playing.  As we prepare for our Christmas program at Church I have been playing the CD that she made to make myself more familiar with the program.  Music in the home is a wonderful thing.

In the Scripture passage for today, Psalm 137:4, “How shall we sing the LORD’S song in a strange land?” we see God’s people that are being antagonized to sing songs in the land of captivity.  They were being oppressed by their enemies and they were taunting them to sing those songs.  The phrase “how shall we sing” has the connotation of a strolling minstrelsy.  It makes me thing of singing as you go about your day no matter what you are doing.  The word “strange” means foreign.

As God’s people we are told that this earth is not our home.  Our home is in heaven.  Is the light coming on for you now?  We are just squatters here so to speak.  The Bible calls it sojourners.  Our citizenship is in heaven with our Heavenly Father.

So, how can we sing the songs of Zion in this strange land.  Simple really.  Just sing them until they become a part of you.  Even if you do not want to sing, do it anyway.  Eventually the “feeling” will follow.  Rejoice in the Lord.  Easily said some days; but, not so easily done I know.  I have been there.  Yet, when the song comes it will minister help and healing.

Sing the song’s of Zion with me today.

So, how are you doing?

Today’s reading:  Psalm 17, 47, 77, 107, 137; Proverbs 17

Psalm 46:1-3, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.”

As I was reading this passage of Scripture this morning I was reminded of the times that I have shared this with hurting families and others who were in the midst of a painful circumstances.  As I thought about these verses I began to reflect on the state of our nation and the world.  Oh, we know that the world is no friend of God’s child.  As a matter of fact the world is listed as one of the enemies of the Christian.  Our enemies are the world, the flesh and the devil.

When you look around today you see earthquakes in Haiti, civil unrest in European countries and all kinds of bad things happening all over the world.  I know people that are scared out of their wits because of such evil things.  Yet, the Word of God offers comfort.  Yet in Psalm 46:1 we read, “”God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”  If we ever need a refuge who is strong and present it is today.  Yet the God of the Bible says He is the God who fits this description in Psalm 46.

How can we live certainly in uncertain days?  As Evangelist Ruben Ewert would quote and say with a lion type growl in his voice, “Run to the LORD”.  He alone is a very present help in trouble.  In the middle of whatever you are experiencing He is there.  I heard a Preacher say one time, “When you come to the end of your rope just tie a knot and hang on because God is near.  Good advice.  Look to Him who is our refuge.

I love the word “Selah”.  It means suspension or pause.  In the midst of your tumultuous life we need to take time and just pause and look to God.  Look to His Word for guidance.  Look to His Spirit for comfort.  Remember He is the God of all comfort.

So, how are you doing?

Today’s reading:  Psalm 16, 46, 76, 106, 136; Proverbs 16

Proverbs 15:1-2, 4; “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.  The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.  A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.”

As I was reading our Scripture for today I could not help but be convicted.  I seem to always get myself into trouble with my mouth.  It started as a young child.  I heard a friend of my uncle talking negatively against my favorite baseball team.  I ended up running my mouth and ended up in a $3 (three dollar) bet with him on a baseball game.  I am not proud of this as Christians should not gamble.  I learned my lesson as my team lost and so went my three dollars.

Recently I offered to stand in the gap we will say for someone who I believe needed it.  Then due to some unknown circumstances to me someone else was deeply offended.  This made me very sad because I did it out of a heart of love for my friend.

Most recently I found out of a friend who was being bullied by someone who used to be a police officer and that really burnt my biscuits.  Having been a reserve police officer I know that is not how an officer nor a former officer should act.  I offered to stand in the gap again with no reply.  When my wife heard of this in a phone conversation she told me, “Would you just keep your big mouth shut!”  Maybe she is on to something.  Three strikes in less than a year might lead me to take her advice.

My point today?  The holidays are here and sometimes we are in the home with relatives or friends that maybe get on our nerves.  Remember before you pop off and say something you might regret listen to the counsel of our Scripture verses today.  Remember it is better to keep your mouth shut and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.  I know from experience.

So, how are you doing?

Today’s reading:  Psalm 15, 45, 75, 105, 135; Proverbs 15

Psalm 134:2, “Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD.”

Today as I was reading our Scripture I laughed out loud.  Why would such a passage of Scripture bring a chuckle to me?  Well, you see the words “Lift up” in the original Hebrew is nasa’ and it is pronounced naw-saw’.  This made me laugh as I was thinking about our government’s space agency.  It is called NASA.

Now, I am not advocating that we raise our hands to space.  I am saying that it is okay for us to raise our hands in worship.  Far too many of us sit in Church services all over and even when we know it is the Spirit of God moving in our hearts we just sit there like a bump on a log.

This should not be.  I am not advocating some wild, emotional experience like some so-called Churches have.  What I am calling for is a balance from the dead, dry services of some and the out of the banks of the other extreme.  There is a median point in there that will put us in proper worship.  Even king David danced before the Lord in worship.

The next time you are in Church and you know that the Spirit of God is moving you to raise your hands just do it to the heavens.  Lift up your hands in praise to God and let the onlookers stare as you worship the Lord as He deserves.

So, how are you doing?

Today’s reading:  Psalm 14, 44, 74, 104, 134; Proverbs 14

Psalm 103:5, “Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”

As I was reading our Scripture for today I was drawn to this particular passage.  If you have been reading after me for very long you know that I love eagles.  There is so much symbolism in the eagle and the Christian life.

As I was reading this particular verse I was caught by the phrase, “so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”  This brought to mind the molting period of an eagle.  Prior to this time the eagle has allowed his feathers to become filled with dirt and all kind of junk and it weighs him down.  Remember this is ounce for ounce the most powerful animal that God has created.  He gets to the place where he will pluck his feathers out and quit flying.  Calcium forms on his beak and so it is hard for him to breath.  His talons that were once extremely powerful are now nearly powerless.  He now sits on his rock and weathers the storms he once soared above.

When he regains feathers he will jump off the rock and fly back into the rock to break off the talons and the calcium deposits on his beak.  Now he can breathe and fly so he will become strong and powerful again.  I am told that an eagle only goes through this once.

Sometimes you and I get so burdened down with sin and the filth of this world that we need to go through a molting period.  We need to confess our sins to God and forsake them.  Then God will deal with them like Psalm 103:12, “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.”

Maybe you are in a molting period in your life.  I would strongly urge you to run to the Lord and His Word, the Bible and get back to a life of communion with Him.  A life of a renewed relationship with Him.

So, how are you doing?

Today’s reading:  Psalm 13, 43, 73, 103, 133; Proverbs 13

Psalm 12:1, “Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.”

The other evening I had the opportunity to stand behind the sacred desk and do my best to edify the saints in a local assembly.  I related to them some true accounts of people who I have encountered over the past 20 plus years.

One such person I will not name; but, his story still haunts me today.  He was a man who identified himself as a preacher of the gospel and he was in the state farm.  When one man asked him why he was there his reply was that he had quit praying and reading his Bible.  This godly man had as our Scripture for today has said.  He had ceased.  We must be ever vigilant to keep our prayer life and Bible study at the forefront.  This is how God speaks to us and we speak to God.

Another period in my life I was involved in confrontational evangelism for a few years.  During this time I heard over and over the same story.  I heard people say, “I used to go to _____ Church.”  “I used to be a Deacon in _____ Church.”  “I used to teach Sunday School at _____ Church.”  These are all sad statements and they belong to people who have ceased.

Now, I understand being burdened down with the cares of this world.  We need to be extra careful that the cares of this life do not keep us from doing those things that will impact the world to come.

We need to be driven like the hart or deer in Palm 42:1-2, “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.  My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?”  This is an illustration of a deer that is being pursued by a hunter and all he wants to do is to stop for just a moment for a drink of water.  He cannot stop for that drink because he will be killed if he does stop.  Our desire for Christ should be equivalent to that of this deer’s desire for water.

May God grant each one of us a deep passion for Himself, a fervent passion to win souls, a deep compassion for others and an unending passion for the Scriptures.

So, how are you doing?

Today’s reading:  Psalm 12, 42, 72, 102, 132; Proverbs 12