TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 13:10-17
The Spirit of the Lord . . . has anointed me to preach good news. - Luke 4:18
TODAY IN THE WORD
In the beginning of His ministry, Jesus read in the synagogue from the prophet Isaiah (see Isa. 61:1-2) to announce the good news that the kingdom of God is near. Throughout the remainder of His ministry on earth, Jesus painted the picture of what the kingdom of God on earth looks like. In our passage today, Jesus is back in the synagogue, illustrating the kingdom of God at work, both astonishing and infuriating onlookers, just as He did in Luke 4:14-30.

The narrator emphasizes the context of ministry: in the synagogue on the Sabbath. Within seven verses, “on the Sabbath” is noted five times (vv. 10, 14, 15, 16). Jesus was teaching, and our attention is drawn to a particular woman in the crowd. The description of the woman indicates she was a social outcast and probably overlooked or even unseen by others, which makes it all the more shocking when Jesus sees her and calls her to Himself. He restores this socially invisible woman to community. He also “proclaims freedom for this prisoner” (Luke 4:18). Notice words like “set free” (vv. 12, 16) and “bound” (v. 16); Luke clearly makes the connection with Jesus' proclamation of His inaugurated kingdom in Luke 4.

The confrontation between Jesus and the synagogue ruler afforded Jesus the opportunity to interpret the woman's healing as an outworking of His kingdom. First, Jesus linked the woman with God's covenant with Abraham, suggesting that God's promise is fulfilled in Jesus Himself. Next, Jesus recalled that kingdom ministry is about God's power over Satan to bring freedom and life (cf. John 10:10). Finally, with two parables of the kingdom (vv. 18-21), Jesus continued the conversation that was instigated by the miraculous healing of the crippled woman.

He compared the kingdom of God to a mustard seed and to yeast—both of which are small in the beginning, but grow and expand exponentially. Just as this healing of one woman seems small in scale, it is only the beginning of God's expansive kingdom that will make all things new.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In his book, The Mustard Seed Conspiracy, Tom Sine challenges readers to consider how God wants to work through their “ordinary” lives to bring His kingdom on earth in powerful ways. As a redeemed child of God, your salvation is already one evidence of God's coming kingdom. How can your life further be a mustard seed that signals the greatness of God's coming work?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 18:1-8
Pray continually. - 1 Thessalonians 5:17
TODAY IN THE WORD
Parables were one of Jesus' central teaching methods. According to one dictionary, a parable is a “succinct story that illustrates a moral or religious principle.” Jesus' parables were often indecipherable by His disciples (cf. Matt. 15:15; Mark 4:10-13). The meaning of today's parable is more easily discernable, for Luke and Jesus give the attentive reader direction.

Luke immediately foregrounds the lesson of the parable: “always pray and never give up” (v. 1). The story has only four sentences and two characters. The judge is irreverent toward God and uncharitable toward people. The persistent widow seeks justice from the judge, but stubbornly he refuses “for some time.” Finally, acting contrary to his character, the judge relents, “because” the woman is unyielding and exhausting his patience (v. 5).

Jesus draws attention to the judge's speech (v. 6). The contrast is between the unjust judge and God, their characters and actions. Twice Jesus states that unlike the human judge, God is holy, He grants justice, and He does not tarry (vv. 7, . Jesus' explanation ends with a challenge; Luke's summary of the lesson in verse 1 now comes straight from Jesus' lips. Be like the persistent widow: cry out to God day and night (v. 7). Then Jesus asks if He will find prayerful perseverance in the midst of injustice when He returns (v. .

The details of the parable are not insignificant. The parable is more than a word-picture to dismiss, once the disciples grasp the simplified lesson stated in verse 1. The judge represents the unjust people and systems of this world; the widow depicts Christ's “chosen ones,” His bride awaiting His return in the midst of injustice. Jesus reminds His disciples of the perfect Judge and the certain hope of His justice, which will be fully known “when the Son of Man comes” (vv. 7-8).

The lesson of the parable is not to pray about something over and over until God is worn out. Rather, the lesson is to pray tenaciously for God's justice to reign on earth, confident in His character and His coming.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Will Jesus find faith on earth when He returns? How can His church, His chosen ones, join together to pray persistently for His kingdom come (Matt. 6:10)? How can you actively participate? Consider gathering a group of people to pray regularly for God's justice to be done on earth as it is in heaven. Your small group or Sunday school class might want to focus prayer and study on this issue for one or more months.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Acts 1:12-26
They all joined together constantly in prayer. - Acts 1:14
TODAY IN THE WORD
Christian denominations in America can all trace their involvement in international missions back to a most unlikely place: a haystack in western Massachusetts. In 1806, five students at Williams College gathered there to pray and became burdened about the spiritual needs in Asia. By 1812, they had organized a missions society and sent out nearly a dozen missionaries, including Adoniram Judson who served in Burma. These were the first missionaries sent out from America.

In our passage today, we see a group of believers who have also gathered to pray. What do you do when you have just witnessed Jesus ascending up to heaven, leaving behind His followers (vv. 1-11)? These disciples obeyed Christ's instruction to return to Jerusalem (v. 4), and while they were waiting, they prayed.

Luke continues his detailed concern for the women in Jesus' ministry in his reporting in the book of Acts. The faithfulness of these women, including Jesus' mother, Mary, did not end at the crucifixion or the resurrection or even the Ascension. They were committed followers of the Lord, and gathered with the disciples and other believers to pray constantly (v. 14; cf. Col. 4:2; 1 Thess. 5:17).

Since Judas Iscariot had abandoned the Lord, a gap in leadership needed to be filled. The disciples understood that the key element in their testimony involved witnessing the resurrection. It was not enough that they had seen Jesus die—the vindicating, saving miracle was that God had raised Him from the dead. Therefore, they sought to replace Judas with someone who had long experience with the ministry of Jesus.

Before they made their choice, the believers committed to still more prayer (v. 24). They trusted God to know their hearts and to guide them in making a wise decision. Fortified with a general habit of prayer as well as specific prayer for this need, they then used a common decision-making tool of their day (casting lots) to add Matthias to the number of apostles.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
We are faced with decisions every day, some small and ordinary and others that potentially alter our lives forever. How can we feel confident in making these decisions? Our passage today gives us some guidelines. First, a habit of prayer—especially with other believers—puts us in a position to understand our situation. Second, we should pray for our specific decision and for God's leading and direction since He knows our hearts. Third, we then make the decision, trusting that God will work through our action.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Acts 4:32-5:11
Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. - 1 Timothy 6:18
TODAY IN THE WORD
According to the National Scruples and Lies survey in Great Britain in 2004, 45 percent of the 5,000 respondents admitted that they tell lies, either big or small, nearly every day. And over 80 percent of those polled confessed that they have told a “big, life-changing lie.” The reasons for lying varied: to avoid hurting someone's feelings, to minimize personal embarrassment, or to get what they wanted.

We aren't told what motivated the lies of Ananias and Sapphira, but we are told about the deadly outcome of their deceit. Our culture might tempt us to think that lying is no big deal, that everyone is doing it. But God's Word warns against embracing lies, especially in the church.

The apostles continued to proclaim the resurrection of Jesus, and this testimony transformed the way that His followers viewed each other. Rather than seeking status through material means, they viewed their resources as a way to care for each other and meet needs (4:34).

Ananias and Sapphira decided to make a show of generosity by selling some property—but then donating only a portion of the money. As the husband, Ananias had the legal ability to dispose of property. But the text is clear that Sapphira was completely complicit in this scheme (5:2). It seems that greed and possibly the desire for personal recognition fueled their plan.

When confronted by Peter, Ananias was immediately struck dead. Three hours later, Sapphira came in, not knowing what had happened to him. Peter quizzed her about the value of the property, and Sapphira made a fatal mistake: she chose complicity with her husband over truthful submission to the Holy Spirit. Because she chose to sin with Ananias, she received his fate—she fell down dead.

Ananias and Sapphira thought they could lie to the church. Instead, they became a warning of the consequences of selfishness and deceit among believers. They had lied to God, and they received His judgment.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
It's a serious thing to deceive others, especially our brothers and sisters in the body of Christ. We might have many reasons or excuses, perhaps like Sapphira choosing our loved ones over the Lord. But there is no justification for sin. Don't be tempted to disguise evil against the Lord by calling it loyalty to someone else. Instead, may we seek to follow the example of those believers who saw their resources as an opportunity to meet the needs of someone else.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Acts 9:32-43
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. - Galatians 6:9
TODAY IN THE WORD
Mr. Howard Statler passed away in July at the age of 92. He never had children, and his only living relatives were a few nieces and nephews who lived out of town. Yet his funeral service was attended by hundreds of people, all there to pay tribute to a life of faithful service to God. Some would say that Howard didn't have a very large ministry—he simply taught the junior-high boys Sunday school class and ministered in the jail for decades. But the impact of his life was evident as dozens of men recounted how his love for them and for Jesus changed their lives.

Much like Howard Statler, Tabitha had a ministry that seemed small, but her spiritual impact was significant. As the passage opens, we see the healing ministry of Peter through the power of the resurrected Lord (v. 34). The healing of Aeneas occurred in Lydda, and when the believers in Joppa heard that Peter was in the area, they begged him to come see their beloved Tabitha who had just died.

Tabitha's life of service was beautifully summarized as one “who was always doing good and helping the poor” (v. 36). Her care for the poor and marginalized around her produced tangible evidence. The widows showed Peter the clothing that Tabitha had made for them, a demonstration of how she used her talents to provide for others and meet their needs (v. 39).

The impact of Tabitha's service was seen in more than just the garments she made. She was deeply loved: her body was tenderly cared for, and the believers urgently sought the apostle Peter in the hopes that the power of Jesus could restore this faithful woman.

Tabitha's life was a testament of God's love, and her death became a testament of God's power. Peter did not attempt to raise Tabitha from the dead in a great display of showmanship. Rather, he prayed alone, and then quietly instructed her to get up (v. 40). The fruit of Tabitha's life, death, and healing was that many “believed in the Lord” (v. 42).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
You may not be called to be a world-famous evangelist or Bible teacher. Your gifts and talents might be considered small by others. But God delights to do great things with small gifts. He wants our faithful obedience. What needs surround you that you can help meet? Perhaps your talent for carpentry could assist a Habitat for Humanity project. Or your ability to cook could provide meals for those who are sick. May we be encouraged to live lives that are “always doing good.”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Acts 12:1-19
The church was earnestly praying to God. - Acts 12:5
TODAY IN THE WORD
Hans Christian Andersen's fable “The Emperor's New Suit” tells of a vain emperor who loved clothes. Two swindlers promise to make him the most glorious suit, but it will require much money. They pocket the money and pretend to weave on empty looms and sew imaginary garments. No one, including the emperor, is willing to say they see nothing, for they all fear being thought stupid. Finally, the emperor parades through the city in his new “suit” to great celebration—until a young child announces, “But he has nothing on at all!”

Sometimes those with less status are more willing to recognize the truth that others find uncomfortable or impossible. In our passage today, the servant girl Rhoda recognized the reality of God's miraculous power. It took the rest of the believers a bit longer to accept that the “impossible” was standing in person outside the door.

King Herod decided to gain political favor with the Jews by persecuting the followers of Jesus. The apostle James was executed, and Peter was arrested with the intent to kill him after the Passover (v. 4). Herod had a tenuous claim to his position, and was desperate to pacify the Jewish leaders and prevent any uprising that might upset Rome. To secure his prized prisoner, he ordered that Peter be guarded by four groups of four soldiers.

The believers responded with prayer (v. 5). In dramatic fashion, God sent an angel to deliver Peter from depths of Herod's security system. When Peter realized what had happened, he knew that Christians would be gathered in prayer. But here the story is presented with some humor—Peter escaped from Herod, but he can't get into Mary's house!

Rhoda heard Peter's voice, and immediately recognized the significance of his presence. Filled with joy that God had answered prayers and delivered Peter, she ran to tell the others but forgot to let Peter in. Though the believers were praying for Peter's deliverance, they couldn't believe that the answer to their prayer was actually outside the door. Peter kept knocking, and Rhoda's faith in God's miraculous deliverance was vindicated.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Have you been praying for something that deep down feels impossible? You know God can do anything—but your situation seems so bleak. Perhaps a devastating illness threatens you or a loved one. Or you long for a friend or family member to come to Christ. God's deliverance often doesn't look the way that we expect. Pray that God would give you the faith of Rhoda so that you can recognize His answers to your prayers.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Acts 16:1-5; 2 Timothy 1:5-6
My son . . . do not forsake your mother’s teaching. - Proverbs 1:8
TODAY IN THE WORD
John Wesley is renowned as a great evangelist. Charles Wesley, his brother, also preached the gospel and penned numerous hymns, including “And Can It Be” and “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” But their significant Christian contributions should be considered in light of the influence of their mother, Susanna Wesley. Mother of 19 children, she endeavored to teach her sons and daughters Greek and Latin and instruct them in the faith. One biographer said, “John Wesley and Charles Wesley, as children consciously or unconsciously will, applied the example and teachings and circumstances of their home life.”

The godly impact of parents and grandparents can be seen in the life of Timothy. This preacher and missionary was valuable in the spread of the gospel and the growth of the early church. He was dearly loved by the apostle Paul and considered indispensable in ministry (Phil. 2:22). Scripture takes care to note that Timothy inherited a rich legacy of faith that helped to prepare him for his calling.

First, Timothy chose to follow God as a young man. His father was not a believer, and his mother Eunice was (Acts 16:1). At some point prior to meeting Paul, Timothy had already decided that he would embrace the faith of his mother, and his reputation among the believers testified to his commitment.

Second, Timothy demonstrated his faith through his obedience. To remove any distraction from their ministry, Paul circumcised his son in the faith, and Timothy complied. He left his home in Lystra to accompany Paul and Silas, and God blessed their work with new believers coming to Christ daily.

Finally, as Paul neared the end of his life, he wrote letters to Timothy to encourage and exhort him to remain faithful as a minister of the gospel. He described Timothy's “sincere faith,” and noted that Timothy was blessed with a mother and a grandmother who had this faith. The previous generations had poured themselves into Timothy, and in light of their faithfulness and Timothy's calling, Paul urged him to “fan into flame the gift of God” (2 Tim. 1:6).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
If you would like to know more about Susanna Wesley and her impact on the faith of her children, her letters and commentaries have been collected in Susanna Wesley: The Complete Writings, which is available from bookstores or libraries. Several biographies have been written, including Susanna Wesley by Arnold Dallimore. Spend time in prayer today for the generation following you, and seek to model the kind of life-changing faith of Lois and Eunice through the grace of the Holy Spirit.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Acts 16:11-15
Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. - 1 Peter 4:9
TODAY IN THE WORD
The “domestic arts” have become big business. Magazines and books focused on cooking and home improvement have experienced soaring sales, and millions of viewers tune in to the Food Network and Home & Garden Television (HGTV) for dining tips or decorating insights. One downside to all this homey preoccupation relates to reported levels of contentment; increasingly Americans cite their own homes as “inadequate” and describe themselves as “overwhelmed” at the prospect of having family and friends invited into their homes.

Scripture gives several exhortations to believers regarding hospitality. Of course, God does not expect all of His children to live in homes that could be featured on television or cook like award-winning chefs. Our notions of hospitality must be shaped by God's Word rather than the definitions given by our culture. The example of Lydia in our passage today can help us.

When Paul and Silas came to Philippi, they discovered no synagogue—apparently the city didn't have the minimum number of Jewish men required. Instead, they found a group of women gathered by the river to pray on the Sabbath. One of these, Lydia, is described as a businesswoman from the city of Thyatira; she was a dealer in purple cloth. While purple cloth was considered a luxury (see Luke 16:19), scholars note that it's not clear whether Lydia herself was wealthy. The Greek word for “dealer” could include both rich merchants as well as poorer tradesmen.

The most important facts about Lydia, however, were God's work in her life and her response to it. “The Lord opened her heart” and she accepted the gospel (v. 14). She and her household were baptized, and then she immediately offered hospitality to Paul and his companions. Lydia's invitation to her home was more than just a cultural politeness; her offer was motivated by her belief in the Lord and desire to serve others. Lydia's house became the meeting place for the growing number of believers in Philippi (v. 40), and the basis of the church in that city.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Lydia connected the practice of hospitality with her faith in the Lord Jesus. Also consider the link between hospitality and the gospel in Romans 12:13 and 3 John 8. How can you extend hospitality to others? The purpose is not to impress others but rather to meet their needs, whether the need is for shelter, food, companionship, relationship, or a safe place to feel cared for and loved. Ask the Lord to shape your attitude toward hospitality and to give you opportunities to offer this blessing to others.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Acts 18:1-27
Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets in their house. - 1 Corinthians 16:19
TODAY IN THE WORD
A preacher once recounted an experience with a woman in his church while he was in seminary. After mentioning a book he was studying, the woman asked to borrow it. She returned it with a letter attached, pointing out theological errors in the book and exhorting him to remain faithful to the truth of the gospel. The preacher noted that this woman's instruction helped open his eyes to the importance of weighing everything by the measure of Scripture and inspired his preaching ministry.

Priscilla and Aquila are examples of humility, selflessness, and a deep concern for sound doctrine. They had evacuated from Rome to Corinth where Paul met them, and probably were already believers in Jesus. They certainly were supportive of his tentmaking work; by the time Paul concluded his ministry in Corinth (likely a period of some years; see v. 18), Priscilla and Aquila were supporting his missionary endeavors as well. They were willing to leave their home in Corinth in order to accompany Paul to Ephesus, where he left them. Paul often left his associates at the churches he had established, so we can see that he trusted Priscilla and Aquila to continue the ministry.

While in Ephesus, a gifted preacher named Apollos came to town. He was an educated, passionate proclaimer of Jesus, but he didn't understand the nature of Christian baptism. This confusion also seems to relate to his understanding of the Holy Spirit (see Acts 19:1-7). When Priscilla and Aquila heard the teaching of Apollos, they invited him into their home to explain the truth on these matters. Apollos apparently welcomed their instruction, for Scripture describes him as a “great help” to believers in Achaia and Corinth (v. 27; 1 Cor. 3:5-9).

Priscilla and Aquila are mentioned in several letters (Rom. 16:3-4; 1 Cor. 16:19; 2 Tim. 4:19). This couple served the Lord and the church throughout their lives, hosting the church in their home and even risking their lives for the work of Christ.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Priscilla and Aquila and Apollos model how to confront another believer. First, Priscilla and Aquila recognized the gifts and spirit of Apollos, and they welcomed him into their home to privately share the truth with him. Second, none sought status or position in the church; Priscilla and Aquila weren't threatened by Apollos, and Apollos respected the instruction he was given. Third, all three shared the goal of advancing the gospel of Jesus Christ. They gave and accepted correction so that Jesus would be proclaimed.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Romans 16:1-16
Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord. - Romans 16:12
TODAY IN THE WORD
Lilias Trotter was an accomplished artist in nineteenth-century England—so good, in fact, that the famous art critic John Ruskin declared that she could be the greatest artist of the nineteenth century. He was dismayed when she gave up a career in art in order to be a missionary to Muslims in Algeria. In explaining her decision, Lilias wrote, “Never has it been so easy to live in half a dozen good harmless worlds at once—art, music, social science, games, motoring, the following of some profession, and so on. And between them we run the risk of drifting about, the ”˜good' hiding the ”˜best'.”

Lilias Trotter was willing to choose the “best” and commit to serving God, and the women in our reading today would have understood. This passage is the longest series of greetings in a letter from Paul. He had never been to Rome, though he did know some of these people from other ministries (note vv. 3-4). Some scholars think that Phoebe was probably the bearer of this letter to Rome (vv. 1-2), and that Paul was trying to mention many people to ensure that she—and his letter—would be well received. In addition to the practical considerations, we see several additional points in this passage.

First, women were actively involved in the church in Rome. Interestingly, the basis of Paul's commendation usually lies in their diligent service for the Lord; repeatedly he describes someone as “who worked very hard” (vv. 6, 12). Paul wasn't interested in giving priority to those who had wealth or status or connections. Instead, what merited his mention was a life devoted to the work of the Lord.

Second, we see that some of these people were Romans or Greeks and others were Jewish (vv. 7, 11). Given the tension between Jews and Gentiles in the church (see Romans 9-11), Paul makes a subtle point of greeting people from different ethnic backgrounds and encouraging all the believers to welcome and respect these fellow servants in the Lord.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Would we be commended for our “hard work” for the Lord? Lilias Trotter wrote, “It is easy to find out whether our lives are focused, and if so, where the focus lies. Where do our thoughts settle when consciousness comes back in the morning? Where do they swing back when the pressure is off during the day? Dare to have it out with God . . . and ask Him to show you whether or not all is focused on Christ and His glory.”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 4:1-5
Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. - Philippians 5:21
TODAY IN THE WORD
A humorous essay titled, “Forty-Seven Church Splits Finally Bring Doctrinal Perfection,” chronicles some of the reasons for the church splits in the fictitious Centerville Presbyterian Church. One split occurred after a disagreement over when to have the offering; another split resulted from an argument over having flowers in the sanctuary. The essay concluded with the Presbyterian Totally Reformed Covenantal Westminsterian Sabbatarian Regulative Credo-Communionist Amillennial Presuppositional Church of Centerville—with six members.

Of course, church splits are not confined to Presbyterians. Christians in all times and places have struggled to get along with one another, often resulting in tensions that spill over into the rest of the church. In our passage today, Paul addressed two women in the church in Philippi who had a conflict that threatened the rest of the church.

Euodia and Syntyche have sometimes been unfairly portrayed as two bitter crones, the type of women who sit on the back pew and complain about everything. This assessment isn't warranted from the text; these women were dedicated servants of God who had “contended” alongside Paul for the gospel of Jesus (v. 3). Even godly men and women can lose perspective and become embroiled in a personal dispute.

Note as well that this dispute wasn't doctrinal or core to the gospel. Paul never hesitated to stand for truth, yet here he doesn't take sides between the two women. No matter how they perceived it, their conflict wasn't about a serious theological truth. But even though this wasn't a dispute about the nature of the faith, it still threatened the rest of the church. Paul asked others in the church to help Euodia and Syntyche resolve their differences and “agree with each other in the Lord” (v. 2).

Finally, Paul gives instruction that should surround all interactions in the church. If we rejoice in the Lord, we will devote less energy to our own “right to be right.” And many conflicts can be soothed if the church is characterized by gentleness (v. 5).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
As we conclude our study of these biblical accounts of women, may we be reminded to see God's hand in their stories as well as in the lives of people around us. To learn more about God's work in and through the lives of women more recently, read Faithful Women and Their Extraordinary God by Noël Piper. The accounts of these women and their service for God should motivate each of us to seek the Lord's evaluation of our lives and dedication to His gospel and His glory.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 1
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. - Proverbs 9:10
TODAY IN THE WORD
In 1913, American poet Joyce Kilmer wrote: “I think that I shall never see / A poem as lovely as a tree . . . A tree that looks at God all day, / And lifts her leafy arms to pray.” His poem, “Trees,” was enormously popular when it was written and remains a favorite today.

Joyce Kilmer captured the profound imagery of trees in this poem. This same imagery occurs in Psalm 1 to describe the beauty and fruitfulness of those who trust in the Lord. Psalm 1 is sometimes called a “wisdom” psalm because it contrasts the way of the righteous with the way of the wicked. Notice how the righteous are portrayed—as a vibrant tree that flourishes on the banks of a stream. What strength and dignity! Now consider the wicked—they're like worthless husks of grain that easily blow away.

The psalmist uses ideal language to draw a black-and-white contrast between the wicked and the righteous. This language is meant to draw us beyond the way life seems at the moment to the reality of how life ultimately is with the Lord. Even though right now the wicked seem to have it all, in the end, that won't be the case (v. 5).

Psalm 1 provides an introduction to the entire Psalter, which is our focus this month. This psalm presents the way to succeed in life from God's perspective. Notice that the godly don't “hang out” with those who reject or mock the Lord. Instead, they draw their nourishment from the Lord, whether from delighting in His Word (here called the “law”) or from being with His people (“the assembly of the righteous”).

The psalm ends with a seemingly simplistic assurance that God watches out for those who trust Him. Again, this may not always align with our everyday experience, but, remember, the psalm is giving us an eternal perspective in simple language. We will see this approach in the next few days as we look at several other wisdom psalms.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Psalm 1 doesn't teach that believers should avoid all interaction with nonbelievers. Certainly it might be wise to avoid certain people, but these verses encourage us not to be shaped by the scoffing attitude toward God and godly living that is common in our world today. In other words, if we're around people or watch TV shows that make fun of doing what is right, we're likely to follow suit. But if we're around those who love the Lord, their godliness is likely to rub off on us.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 37
Wait for the Lord and keep his way. - Psalm 37:34
TODAY IN THE WORD
In 1974 the television sitcom “Happy Days” was launched. For eleven seasons, viewers escaped into a fictional 1950s world where problems were resolved by comforting words from Mr. or Mrs. C. or charming smiles from the Fonz. Ah, if only real life were as simple as the world portrayed in television sitcoms! But most of life's challenges can't be resolved in 30 minutes, and we need more than comforting words and charm to address life's situations. Thankfully, we have Scripture, particularly the “wisdom” psalms that we began to examine yesterday.

The “wisdom” psalms contrast the wicked and the righteous. Recall that apparently simplistic language is intended to draw us beyond our everyday experience into the reality of life from the Lord's eternal perspective. Psalm 37 presents us with the same challenge. Here the greediness and momentary success of the wicked is even more painfully described. David looked around him, and it seemed like those who schemed and oppressed were getting away with it. Yet David also knew that the success of those who rejected God's ways was fleeting. David probably looked at beautiful wildflowers on the hills around him. When the rains came, the hills exploded into vibrant color. But during the dry months with harsh desert winds, this display quickly faded and withered. The wicked are just like this—they seem to flourish, but not for long (vv. 2, 10, 20, 35-36).

David's honesty is remarkable in this psalm—he's envious, angry, and fretting! It's hard not to feel these emotions when it seems like doing the right thing isn't getting us anywhere. But notice also what David does with these ultimately destructive emotions. He doesn't nurture them. He makes willful choices to trust the Lord, to delight in Him, to commit to Him, and to wait for Him.

These are conscious turning points where David's will is deliberately submitted to the Lord. Now consider the outcome: God promises long life in the land. David used very concrete images to depict the hope and peace that can only come from trusting the Lord.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
To see evil go unpunished is challenging. We can either escape into a “Happy Days” world, pretending that everything is fine, we can become angry, bitter, or disillusioned, or we can refocus our attention by trusting and delighting in the Lord. Perhaps you're facing a situation where evil seems to be winning. Let this psalm encourage you to commit you own way to Lord. Even if you don't see an immediate resolution, remember that the Lord will never “forsake his faithful ones” (v. 28).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 73
I am your share and your inheritance. - Numbers 18:20
TODAY IN THE WORD
We don't know much about Asaph, the author of Psalm 73, except that he was one of the official musicians that David appointed when the ark of the Lord was brought to Jerusalem (1 Chron. 6:39). Even back in biblical times, Asaph knew about the “beautiful people,” so “free from the burdens common to man” (v. 5). We all know them—the ones who never gain weight or suffer blemishes, the ones with perfect teeth and no bad hair days, the ones who are “always carefree” (v. 12). Unlike the magazine covers today, Asaph's words take us “behind the scenes” and offer three very important insights.

First, Asaph was honest about the envy that these seemingly perfect people provoked within him. When he looked at their wealth and extravagant lifestyle, he poignantly cried out, “Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure!” (v. 13). Asaph didn't pretend that he wasn't feeling jealous. His honesty is all the more striking when we consider that he recognized that these people, who seemed to have it all, still didn't have the Lord. He saw that they were wicked, arrogant, and godless—and yet he still struggled with envy.

Second, Asaph realized that, despite how he was feeling, his words could negatively impact the current generation of God's people (v. 16). This consideration of others is what began to turn Asaph's heart and eventually led him to turn to God.

Third, as Asaph entered into the presence of God, he began to see things from an eternal perspective. Once he realized the terrifying destruction that awaited the godless, he also saw how embittered he had become in his own heart (v. 21). Understanding the destiny of those without the Lord caused Asaph to remember that he had the only thing that really matters in this life—an eternal relationship with the Lord Himself.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Asaph's honesty invites us to search ourselves. He shows that envy is something that even those who love the Lord can feel deeply. Yet Asaph's words also make it clear that envy is very destructive. The key, as we've seen before, is to see things from an eternal perspective. Perhaps you're envious of people who seem to have everything. Instead of focusing on what you don't have, spend some time praising God for the greatest possession that anyone could ever have—the Lord Himself, your portion forever.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalms 127; 128; 133
How great is the love of the Father . . . that we should be called children of God! - 1 John 3:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
After months of campaign speeches and political ads, today is Election Day in the United States. It can be tempting to think that the outcome of an election and a new presidential administration changes everything—either for better or worse. To be sure, political institutions are important parts of our lives, and Scripture tells us that God is ultimately sovereign over who governs (Romans 13). At the same time, we don't want to lose sight of the fact that another institution is far more influential in our lives, and that is the family.

The “house” in Psalm 127:1 probably refers to a family dwelling, although it could refer figuratively to raising a family. This verse reminds us that, apart from the Lord, any project—whether building a house or building a family—that we undertake is in vain. Even if we stay up all night, it won't help, because God can take care of things even while we sleep (v. 2). Rather than bearing the stress ourselves, we can trust our Lord to care for and restore us.

The abrupt shift to children in verse 3 shows that security, or one's heritage, doesn't come from buildings, but from family. In this case, the one who “shoots” children into the next generation is like a skillful archer shooting arrows on target. Additionally, children born in one's youth provide security for one's old age. This includes financial protection as well as love and respect.

Psalm 128 opens by echoing the first part of Psalm 127—those who fear the Lord will experience blessing. Here children are depicted as shoots on an olive tree, and a wife is likened to a fruitful vine. Both images portray prosperity and stability in ancient Israel. This psalm ends with a benediction that also would have resonated in biblical times. The idea of seeing one's grandchildren was especially powerful when life expectancy was lower than it is today (v. 6). Finally, the reference to Jerusalem and Israel shows the desire for blessing, not only upon an individual family but also upon the entire community of God's people.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
If you've had the experience of a warm, close family, you can attest to how good God's intentions are for the family. But perhaps your family experience hasn't been particularly good. It's important to know that God's purpose for the family extends to the family of God. In Psalm 133, the joy of siblings experiencing life together is likened to the life-giving dew that watered Mount Zion. This applies to our spiritual brothers and sisters, and our unity in Christ results in God's blessing; truly this is “life forevermore.”