Worse Than Death

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference Acts 2:21 Hebrews 12 Psalm 6:1-12

Worse Than Death

Read Psalm 6:1-10

All of us know what it means to sin and to confess our sin. Psalm 6 is the first of the seven penitential psalms. Occasionally God has to remind us to confess our sins.

In verses 1-5 David pleads for God not to rebuke him or to chasten him. God's chastening is not punishment. It builds our Christian character. Hebrews 12 talks about chastening, and the word used means "child training." It's the picture of a child learning how to be a good athlete. God chastens us, but He does so in love. David was afraid that God was going to chasten him in His hot displeasure (v. 1). But our God is a God of mercy and grace. This doesn't mean, however, that we can minimize sin. This doesn't mean we should ever say, "Well, God is a forgiving God; therefore, I can do whatever I want to do, and He will forgive me." No, David was saying, "Lord, I've sinned. I'm weary with my groaning. Forgive me. I have done wrong." And God does forgive those who confess their sins to Him.

Sin is the Christian's worst possible experience. It's far worse than pain or suffering or even death itself. We are weak, and sometimes we fail. But let's never be afraid to come to our Father with our appeal for forgiveness. The tragedy is that all around us, enemies are waiting for us to fall. They want to point at us and say, "See, that Christian failed." But we can come before the Lord and ask Him for His forgiveness, and He will grant it to us. God will have mercy on us. "Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Acts 2:21).

We must never treat sin lightly. Certainly, no Christian should ever harbor sin. But when we do sin, we may lean on God's mercy and grace and confess our sin to a loving Father. One of the great encouragements of the Christian life is that God forgives and restores. Are you living with unconfessed sin? Avoid God's chastening. Confess your sin and ask for His forgiveness.

Request, Reason and Response in the Midst of Trials

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference Psalm 5:1-12 James 1:5 Romans 8:26 Hebrews 5:7 Romans 12:19

Request, Reason and Response in the Midst of Trials

Read Psalm 5:1-l2

What do you do in difficult situations? Many of the psalms were written during difficult, often painful, experiences. In Psalm 5 we find two sequences concerning trials. In the first sequence (vv. 1-7), David is experiencing difficulty and makes his request--"hear me." (v. 1-3). Meditation here means "sighing, murmuring, groaning"--a quiet expression of feelings. When our burden is beyond expression, all we can do is sigh and moan before the Lord. The Spirit hears our groanings and intercedes for us (Rom. 8:26). David's meditation turns to a cry (v. 2; Heb. 5:7). Prayer is not always a quiet, joyful conversation with God. Sometimes it is a battle against the principalities arrayed against us.

David's reason for making this request is the holiness of God (vv. 4-6). He cried to God because He is holy and stands against the wicked and boastful. Although He will judge the wicked, God does not always judge sin immediately. David's response is worship (v. 7), individual and personal.

In the second sequence, David makes another request--"lead me" (v. 8). He wants God's way, which is the righteous way. In the midst of difficulty, what we need most is wisdom to know the will of God (James 1:5). Notice that David asks to be led, not delivered. God has a straight way through every difficulty that will lead us to victory.

His reason this time is the wickedness of man (vv. 9,10). Destruction means "a yawning, open abyss." An open tomb pictures defilement and death. Flattery is not communication; it is manipulation. Absalom fell by his own counsel. David did nothing. He let God do it all (Rom. 12:19).

David's response (vv. 11,12) is rejoicing in faith, love and hope. Joy comes from trusting in and loving the Lord. This kind of joy comes from God's work on the inside, not from circumstances on the outside.

The psalmist tells us to expect difficulty. We shouldn't run from our trials but bring to God our requests, our reasons and our response.

You need never be paralyzed by your difficulties. You have the privilege of praying to a loving, understanding Father, who knows your condition. He guides you through difficulty to victory. When your faith, hope and love are fixed on the Lord, you can face any difficulty or problem, and God will give you joy and peace within.

A Heart Problem

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference Psalm 5:1-12 Romans 12:1 Revelation 1:5-6

A Heart Problem

Read Psalm 5:1-12

It's imperative for us to meet God in the morning if we want to have a good day. Jesus got up early in the morning to pray, according to Mark 1:35. Here we find the psalmist saying, "My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up" (v. 3).

When I used to work the night shift, I would sleep in the morning. So when I got up in the afternoon, I would meet with the Lord. Meeting with God is not an appointment on a clock but an appointment in your heart. Does God hear your voice in the morning? When He looks on you at the beginning of your day, does He look on you as a priest who has come to offer Him sacrifices of praise? That's what direct means (v. 3)--"to order my prayer." It means to arrange the sacrifice on the altar.

When you wake up in the morning, remind yourself that you are one of God's priests. How did you become a priest? Through faith in Jesus Christ. "To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father" (Rev. 1:5,6). You're one of God's priests. That means wherever you are is God's temple, because your body is His temple.

The first thing we do in the morning is the first thing the high priest used to do every morning. He laid the burnt offering on the altar. The burnt offering is a picture of total dedication to God. If you want to have a good day, start by giving yourself to the Lord as a burnt offering, a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God (Rom. 12:1). A good day begins in the morning, and it begins at the altar.

Does your day begin with God? If not, decide to start each morning by dedicating yourself to Him as a living sacrifice and ask His guidance for the day's decisions and actions. He wants to direct your life. So view each day as a gift from God and determine to be a good steward of the day's resources. Make your time with Him a daily appointment.

Rest In The Midst of Trials

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference James 1:20 Psalm 18:36 2 Samuel 12:10 Psalm 18:19 Matthew 4:3-4 Numbers 6:25 Psalm 4:1-8

Rest In The Midst of Trials

Read Psalm 4:1-8

David was experiencing great difficulty. He was in a "tight corner." God permits tight corners (II Sam. 12:10). He forgives but disciplines, and we reap what we sow (Ps. 25:17).

Psalm 4 is encouraging because it tells us that God cares for us and gives us several blessings in the midst of our trials. First, He gives us the blessing of enlargement (v. 1). Relieved means "enlarged." When God permits enlarged troubles, He enlarges His people; that is, we grow. Joseph is a good example of this (Ps. 18:19,36). His difficulties revealed his character, and he grew. Enlarged troubles lead to an enlarged life, which leads to an enlarged place and enlarged paths. God had an enlarged ministry for David, but He first had to make him grow.

Second, God gives us the blessing of encouragement (vv. 2,3). Eventually, all earthly causes will fail. Only the plan of God will succeed. The Lord is our shield, our glory and the One who lifts our head. In this life we will have problems, but God encourages us.

Third, God gives us the blessing of enablement (vv. 4,5). Tight corners bring us face to face with trusting versus temptation (Matt. 4:3,4). David had a right to be angry. Anger can be used of God to bring about righteousness, or it can be used by Satan to bring about sin (James 1:20). Meditate means "to discuss with yourself." It's so easy to brood when we're lying in bed, but God gives quietness when we meditate (Ps. 46:10).

Fourth, God gives us the blessings of enlightenment and enjoyment (vv. 6-8). David's people were discouraged. Are you a discourager or an encourager? As Christians, we should have the smile of God upon us (Num. 6:25). We should exhibit gladness and joy in the Lord. God adds to this the blessing of peace and sleep. This is possible when Christ is Savior. So get your eyes off the enemy and on the Lord. The temptation to sin is great during difficulties, but trust in the Lord, and He will give you peace and joy in the midst of difficulty.

God's blessings are designed to do more than simply comfort us in our difficulties; they are to help us grow. Take strength from knowing that God is weaving His purposes into your life and that He will reward your trust in Him. "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" (Rom. 8:28).

Bigger and Better

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference Psalm 4:1-8

Bigger and Better

Read Psalm 4:1-8

Sometimes God's people can be so discouraging! In Psalm 4 we find David listening to people saying, "Who will show us any good?" (v. 6). David's own men were discouraged. They were going through a trial, and some were saying, "O David, this is the end. God is no longer going to help us." That's hard to take. It's rough when your associates or friends say to you, "Well, you've reached the end. Who will show us any good?"

But David called on the Lord, and God enlarged him. "You have relieved (enlarged) me when I was in distress" (v. 1). Pressure on the outside should make us bigger on the inside. The trials of life will press against us and make us either midgets or giants--either smaller or bigger. But we have to start on the inside. "You have relieved me when I was in distress." How did this happen?

David cried out to God, "You have put gladness in my heart" (v. 7). He started out with sadness and ended with gladness. He started with tears and ended with triumph. Once again he's sleeping beautifully. "I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety" (v. 8).

David discovered that what was important was not the circumstance around him but the attitude within him. Let God enlarge you when you are going through distress. He can do it. You can't do it, and others can't do it for you. In fact, others may want to make things even tighter and narrower for you. But when you turn to the Lord and trust Him, He will enlarge you on the inside. You'll come out of your distresses a bigger person because you've trusted in the Lord.

There is a relationship between our attitude inside and our circumstances outside. If we maintain the proper attitude, God will use our trials to enlarge us. Are you going through a trial today? Give your circumstances to the Lord and trust Him to enlarge you.

Are You Sleeping Well?

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference Psalm 3:1-8

Are You Sleeping Well?

Read Psalm 3:1-8

How well we sleep sometimes indicates how much we really trust the Lord. David said, "I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustained me" (v. 5). We may think we can do that anytime. But what if we had been where David was? He was fleeing from his son Absalom, who had turned against him and had driven him from Jerusalem. Now David was in the wilderness with his army. It would be difficult to lie down and sleep knowing that you are in a dangerous wilderness and that your own son is against you. Oh, it wasn't the physical danger that kept David awake. He knew God would protect him. It was the inner spiritual and emotional agony of having his own flesh and blood trying to seize the kingdom from him.

But David said, in effect, "Lord, You are able to give me peace in my heart, the protection I need, the perspective I need. You are able to help me in the midst of this difficult situation." The heart of every problem is really the problem in the heart. David knew that it was not the army on the outside that would keep him awake but the agony on the inside.

This psalm starts with David's cry, "Many are they who rise up against me" (v. 1). He's pleading for help. The psalm ends with David's singing a song of praise (v. 8). Your day might begin by your pleading for help. But if you are trusting the Lord, it could end by your praising Him for the help He has given you.

Difficult circumstances often rob us of our peace and our perspective. When you find yourself in adverse circumstances or in the face of frightening consequences, admit your trouble and affirm your trust in Him. Then be encouraged that God protects you and gives you peace in the midst of the storm.

Four Voices: Part 2

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference Psalm 2:7-12

Four Voices: Part 2

Read Psalm 2:7-12

A third voice we hear in the world is the voice of declaration-- God the Son (vv. 7-9). He runs the universe by decree, not by democracy. He knows everything, is everywhere and can do anything. God's decrees will succeed. Puny, foolish men with their godless living will not eradicate or hinder His decrees.

God decrees that Jesus Christ is His Son. Jesus is God, and He is King by nature, by conquest and by His Resurrection. He is reigning today, and we can reign in life through Him (Rom. 5:17).

God also decrees that He will break the rebellious nations with "a rod of iron." When His scepter of righteousness goes forth in judgment, the nations will cry out, not in repentance but in rebellion. God already has given the nations to His Son (Matt. 4:8-10).

The fourth voice is the voice of decision--the Holy Spirit (vv. 10-12). He wants us to learn--to be wise, to be instructed. Many depend on philosophy, psychology and history. These disciplines are helpful, but Christians must rely first and foremost on the Spirit of God to reveal truth.

The Holy Spirit wants us to be willing to serve. We serve the Lord, not sin. There is joy with our fear because God is our Father. In searching for liberty, the rebellious crowd practices anarchy, for freedom without authority is anarchy. We are made in the image of God. To rebel against Him is to rebel against our own nature.

The Holy Spirit also wants us to be reconciled. God is reconciled to us through Christ (Acts 16:31). Jesus "kissed" us in His birth and death. Today He is the Lamb, but someday He will come as the Lion to judge. God is holy and will not allow sin and rebellion to go on forever.

Are you listening to the right voices? "Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him." We are saved by faith through the death of the Son of God. Are you saved? If not, hear His voice and trust in Him.

Four Voices: Part 1

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference Psalm 2:1-6

Four Voices: Part 1

Read Psalm 2:1-6

The world is getting noisier. So many voices vie for our attention. The result is that many people are getting the wrong instructions. It is important that we have discernment in a noisy world filled with propaganda. We need the truth.

We need to distinguish the four voices of Psalm 2. The first is the voice of defiance--the nations of the world (vv. 1-3). It is amazing that the nations would defy Almighty God. He has provided for them (Acts 14:17), guided them (I Tim. 6:17) and determined their histories (Acts 17:26). Why do the nations rebel? They seek freedom without God. P. T. Forsythe said, "The purpose of life is not to find your freedom. The purpose of life is to find your Master." Authority demands submission (Matt. 11:29).

The world is a mess morally,intellectually, socially, politically, economically and ecologically because it has defied God. Man is made in God's image. The irony is that when man rebels against God, he rebels against himself.

Second, we have the voice of derision--the voice of God the Father (vv. 4-6). While there is tumult on earth, there is tranquillity in heaven. God laughs because the Kingdom is secure; the King has been established. Jesus is God's King. Though the nations rebel, we don't need to worry, for the King is already enthroned in heaven.

Listen to the voice of God. He is laughing at the world's rebellion, and you can laugh with Him if Jesus is your King.

The world often tries to drown out the truth. Its voice of defiance is clear. The world's corruption is a result of its defiance. Take inventory of the voices you listen to. Are you part of the voice of defiance, or can you laugh with God at the world's rebellion?

When God Laughs

Author: Warren
Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture
Reference Psalm
2:1-12

When God
Laughs

Read Psalm 2:1-12

Are you surprised that God laughs? "He who sits in the heavens shall laugh;
the Lord shall hold them in derision" (v. 4). God has a sense of humor, but His
laughter is the kind that is born of judgment. It's the laughter of derision,
the laughter of irony. What is God laughing at? He's laughing at puny little
kings and rulers who have united to shake their fists at His throne and tell Him
they don't want Him to rule over them (vv. 2,3). God laughs at them because He
knows man cannot survive without submitting to His authority. Man is made in the
image of God, and if he fights against Him, he fights against himself. Man, in
his rebellion, tries to make God in his own image. He thinks God can be treated
with disdain and disobedience. And God laughs.

We can laugh when we read the headlines or watch TV reports. We see a world
in turmoil, a world united against God, but we laugh because He is still on the
throne. "Yet I have set My King on My holy hill of Zion" (v. 6). Jesus Christ is
God's King, and He is on the throne. Therefore, we can look at the nations as
they are in turmoil, as they unite against God, and we can smile--in fact, we
can laugh. They are fighting a losing battle. Jesus Christ is on the throne of
the universe, and we who are Christians are seated with Him on that throne.

As believers, we are to be witnesses for Christ. Reaching a world that rebels
against God's authority can be difficult. Be encouraged, for your efforts will
not be wasted. God is in control and one day will bring all governments and
earthly powers into submission. Pray that He will use your life to reach others
and glorify Himself.

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Our Deliverer

Read Psalm
140:1-13

King David was going through another battle. He needed deliverance from an
attacking enemy. "Deliver me, O Lord, from evil men; preserve me from violent
men, who plan evil things in their hearts; they continually gather together for
war. They sharpen their tongues like a serpent; the poison of asps is under
their lips. Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from
violent men" (vv. 1-4). David's enemies had hidden snares to trap him.

What do you do when you face this situation--when evil, violent, lying people
are busy setting traps for you? Remember that God hears you. "I said to the
Lord: 'You are my God; hear the voice of my supplications, O Lord"' (v. 6). God
also strengthens you. "O God the Lord, the strength of my salvation, You have
covered my head in the day of battle" (v. 7). If you have to do battle against
the Enemy today, let God outfit you in the armor you need. Finally, God
vindicates you. David prayed that God would vindicate him and that his enemies'
own sins would destroy them.

David concluded by giving thanks to the Lord. "I know that the Lord will
maintain the cause of the afflicted, and justice for the poor. Surely the
righteous shall give thanks to Your name; the upright shall dwell in Your
presence" (vv. 12,13). The battle over, he said, "One day I am going to dwell in
Your presence, where there will be no more lying, slandering, battling, fighting
or sinning." We will enjoy the peace of God forever.

* * *

If you are a believer, God has already delivered you from the penalty of sin.
Today He works to deliver you from sin's effects. Perhaps enemies are slandering
your reputation. Call upon the Lord for help. He will hear you, strengthen you
and vindicate you. Let Him give you the victory today.

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Wise Persons Still Worship Him

Have you received a Christmas greeting or seen a bumper sticker that says, "Wise Men Still Seek Him"? It's a popular, catchy saying these days. It refers to the visit of the wise men, or Magi, who traveled from a faraway country to find Jesus, the royal child born in Judea.

But perhaps the bumper sticker should read, "Wise persons still worship Him." We'll see why in this study. First, look at the Bible verses below, taken from the Gospel of Matthew.

What Does God Say?

Matthew 2:1-2 (ESV)
"Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, 'Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.'"

Matthew 2:9-12 (ESV)
"After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way."

From the information in the Bible passages above, answer these questions:

• Where did the wise men come from?
• Does the Bible say how many wise men there were?
• What sign prompted them to undertake the long journey to Judea?
• What did they call the child?
• What did the wise men say was their main purpose for the journey?
• What did they do first when they saw the child?
• What hint do you see that shows these were rich and powerful men?
• Why did the wise men take a different route home?

My Thoughts

The Magi traveled for a long time from a far country to find the child Jesus. They looked for Him, not out of curiosity, but because they longed to worship Him and rejoice in His presence. They wanted to celebrate the birth of the King of kings. They came prepared with magnificent gifts because they had learned from ancient prophecies that this child was One like no other and that He was worthy of all their worship.

The old Westminster Shorter Catechism asks, "What is the chief end of man?" The answer is, "Man's chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever."

The wise men from the East desired to glorify the Lord Jesus. Is Christmas, for you, a time of worship, praise and glorifying God? Take a few moments to look up the following Bible verses. Consider how the persons mentioned rejoiced at Jesus' coming.

• Luke 1:39-45--Elizabeth and the unborn John the Baptist
• Luke 1:46-49-- Mary the mother of Jesus
• Luke 1:68-75-- Zechariah the father of John the Baptist
• Luke 2:13-14-- God's angelic host of heaven
• Luke 2:20--The shepherds of Bethlehem
• Luke 2:25-32--Simeon, an old man of Jerusalem
• Luke 2:36-38--Anna the prophetess
• Matthew 2:10-11--The wise men of the East

Then, rejoice, praise and worship with them!

Yes, some wise men still seek Him but, more importantly, the truly wise still worship Him.

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight" (Proverbs 9:10 ESV).

My Part

Make this Christmas a time of worship and praise. Begin the day by reading the whole account of Jesus' first coming recorded in Matthew 1:18-2:23 and Luke 1:26-2:39.

What Does God Say?

My Thoughts

My Part

The Marvel of Life

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference Psalm 139:13-18

The Marvel of Life

Read Psalm 139:13-18

The greatest evidence of God's power is human birth. When a baby is born, there is promise, potential and excitement. David considered babies to be miracles from the hand of God. Eugene Peterson has said, "In the presence of birth we don't calculate, we marvel." As we ponder these truths, what should be our response?

We worship God. The word fearfully means "I am shuddering with astonishment; I am trembling with awe" (v. 14). I fear that today people have taken sex, conception, birth and babies and turned the process into something functional instead of miraculous. Some people think of sex as animal excitement, but David thought of spiritual enrichment. No wonder we are aborting babies today; we don't see anything holy about sex, conception and birth.

We show confidence in God. What we are is God's gift to us. What we do with our lives is our gift to Him. He accepts us as we are. He's not going to judge us on the basis of what He has given someone else, but on the basis of what we have done with what He has given us. Never be discouraged by what you don't have. Having confidence in God about your life brings eager expectation.

We obey God. The more we glorify God, the more we enjoy Him. We can take the miracle of life He gave us and wreck it, or we can present our bodies to the Lord as a living sacrifice.

* * *

To leave God out of your life is simply to exist, not really to live. Jesus died that you might be saved from your sins and one day go to heaven. But while you're here on earth, God wants you to fulfill all that He has built into you. Are you responding to His power for your life? Worship Him, place your confidence in Him and obey Him.

Sacrificing Sleep

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference Luke 9:32 Psalm 119:145-152

Sacrificing Sleep

Read Psalm 119:145-152

Would you rather have the Word of God than sleep? Don't misunderstand me. We need sleep. In fact, the Bible makes it clear that God expects us to take care of our bodies, and sleep is part of that care. But the psalmist says that he would rather have the Word of God than sleep. "I rise before the dawning of the morning, and cry for help; I hope in Your word. My eyes are awake through the night watches, that I may meditate on Your word" (vv. 147,148).

Imagine being married to a person who gets up early in the morning to cry out to God and hope in His Word. Then late at night he's still awake, reading and meditating on the Scriptures.

Jesus also was up early in the morning, praying and meditating on the Word. And on the Mount of Transfiguration, Jesus, Moses and Elijah were discussing Christ's plan to die in Jerusalem. Peter, James and John were there, but they were asleep (Luke 9:32). They slept through perhaps the greatest Bible conference ever held on earth!

I'm afraid some of us have done the same thing. We've slept through the blessing. For God to bless us through His Word, we have to start each day with it. Do you set your alarm clock early enough in the morning to read the Bible? Sure, that extra half hour in bed would be pleasant. But like the psalmist, we need to say, "I'm going to anticipate the dawning of the morning. I want to spend time with God and meditate in His Word."

* * *

Sacrificing sleep to meditate in the Word of God is not a loss; it's an investment in your spiritual life. The Bible contains blessings you can use the rest of the day. Let it be the key that opens and locks your day.

Tried and True

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference Psalm 119:137-144

Tried and True

Read Psalm 119:137-144

Whenever we buy appliances, we want a guarantee that they're going to work efficiently. So we look for those special seals of approval that indicate the product has been tested. Similarly, when we buy food at the store, we want to be sure that the ingredients are safe for consumption.

God's Word has been tested and found true. It is guaranteed. "Your word is very pure [refined]; therefore Your servant loves it" (v. 140). It has gone through the furnace. Gold ore is put into a furnace to be tested. The assayer wants to know if it's really gold; likewise with silver. As we read through the Bible and through Church history, we find that the Word of God also has been through the fire. Abraham tested it and found that it was true. He left his home without knowing where he was going, but he had the Word of God, and God saw him through. Moses also tested the Word of God during those 40 years in the wilderness. Furthermore, when we read the Psalms, we see the furnaces that David went through. What was he doing? Testing the Word of God.

The Bible has been tested and has passed the test. Therefore, it can be trusted. It's pure, void of falsehoods. All the people who have trusted the Lord throughout history can say, "You can lean upon the Word of God."

* * *

Have you tested the Word of God in your own life? You may be going through the furnace right now. If so, remember that one reason you endure such difficulties is so you will discover that the Word of God is pure, refined and trustworthy. Test the Word for yourself and find that it is true.

A Perfect Book

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference Psalm 119:129-136

A Perfect Book

Read Psalm 119:129-136

Have you ever faced the problems of dullness, darkness and dryness? Certain days come to us that are simply dull. There may be sameness and tameness about them. And sometimes we have to go through periods of darkness, and we wonder what in the world God is doing. Or we experience dryness--we are so spiritually dry, hungry and thirsty.

What is the answer to dullness? The Word of God. "Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them" (v. 129). Life cannot be dull when we read and obey the Bible. It has a way of taking the ordinary things of life and making them wonderful. When our minds and hearts are filled with Scripture, everything we see appears different.

What is the answer to darkness? "The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple" (v. 130). Entrance means the opening up, the expounding, the unfolding of God's Word. As Scripture is explained to us, it illuminates us. If you find yourself in darkness today, read your Bible, and it will give you light.

What is the answer to dryness? Sometimes we feel so dry and needy. "I opened my mouth and panted, for I longed for Your commandments" (v. 131). The Word of God is like fresh air when we feel smothered, like water when we are parched, like food when we are famished.

* * *

If you are having a dull, dark or dry day, turn to the Word of God. Its truths will brighten your soul, and its promises will encourage you. God designed the Bible to meet your needs. So when the discouraging days come, feed your mind and heart with the Word.

The Answer Book

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference 2 Timothy 3:16 Matthew 4:4 Psalm 119:121-128

The Answer Book

Read Psalm 119:121-128

I have a large library, and I've written a few books myself, but I cannot point to the books I've written or collected and say that everything in them is absolutely right. In fact, I've been embarrassed to find typographical, factual or other kinds of errors in the ones I've written. Only one book can carry an unqualified endorsement, and that is the Word of God. That's why the psalmist writes, "Therefore all Your precepts concerning all things I consider to be right; I hate every false way" (v. 128). All of the Bible is inspired. That means it is God-breathed. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable" (II Tim. 3:16). Inspiration is a miracle. The Spirit of God spoke through Moses, Isaiah, Matthew, Mark, Paul and others, and each put his own fingerprints on what he wrote. Yet this is God's Word.

Remember also that all of God's Word is inerrant. It is absolute truth. What the Bible says about history is correct. What the Bible says about prophecy is correct. Even what it says about science is correct, although it's not a science book. We don't test the Bible by the wisdom of men. We test the wisdom of men by the Bible. This means that we should live by all of Scripture. Jesus said we must live "by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" (Matt. 4:4). Every word. Oh, what you might be missing if you are not reading the whole Word of God! Because the Bible is inspired and true, we can go to it and say, "Lord, what should I do?" He has an answer for us.

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The Bible is a miracle, for it is inspired by God. Live by its wisdom and truth. It leads to a miraculous life when you accept and obey it.

Inventory Time

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference Psalm 119:37 Proverbs 23:7 Psalm 119:113-120

Inventory Time

Read Psalm 119:113-120

Let's take time for a spiritual inventory and ask three simple questions: What do you hate? Where are you hiding? In what do you hope? The best answers to those questions are found in verses 113 and 114. "I hate the double-minded, but I love Your law. You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word."

What do you hate? The psalmist hated vain thoughts (Ps. 119:37). Vanity means that which is empty, false and temporary. Thoughts are important, because what you think is what you become. "As he thinks in his heart, so is he" (Prov. 23:7). Thinking leads to doing, and doing leads to being. Sow a thought and you reap an action. Sow an action and you reap a habit. Sow a habit and you reap a character. Sow a character and you reap a destiny. If we love God's Law, we will hate the things that are contrary to His will.

Where are you hiding? "You are my hiding place and my shield." Are you hiding in the Lord? Is He your Shield? Christians have enemies who want to rob us of the blessing of God. Maybe you are hurting today. Run and hide in Jesus Christ.

In what do you hope? "I hope in Your word." If your hope is anywhere other than in God, your future is hopeless. But if you are hoping in the Word of God, the future is secure, because God is preparing the way for you. What a glory it is to be able to hope in the Word of God.

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Spiritual inventories force you to see if you are aligning with God's will and Word. Today, ponder the three questions found in these verses. Stay aligned to God's Word.

How the Light Works

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference 1 John 2:20 Ephesians 5:8 Psalm 43:3 Genesis 1:1-3 1 John 1:5 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 Psalm 119:130 Proverbs 6:23 John 16:13 2 Peter 1:19 Psalm 119:105

How the Light Works

Read Psalm 119:105

What does it mean to have the Word of God as light? Verse 105 gives us four statements that answer that question.

First, the Word is a light that shines from above. It is revelation. We know that God is Light (I John 1:5). He gave us the Word, just as He gave us the sun. The sun is at the center of our solar system; if it ever burned out, we would die. Likewise, God is the center of our universe through His Word. The Word is a necessity, not a luxury. Like a ray of light going into a prism, the Word of God gives us a multicolored exhibition of His grace. It provides whatever kind of light we need. But if you turn your back on the Word, you'll walk in darkness.

Second, the Word is a light that shines within (II Cor. 4:3-6). Paul uses the Old Testament story of creation to illustrate the new creation (Gen. 1:1-3). God formed that which was formless and filled that which was empty. That's a picture of salvation. The light shines in our hearts, and then God begins to form and fill our lives. He works on us through His Word and the power of His Spirit (Ps. 119:130). He has given the Holy Spirit and the gift of teaching to help us understand His Word. The devil tries to confuse us. How tragic it is that some people radiate darkness! Everything they touch is made dark. It's so important to study and read the Word, because the unfolding of the Word brings light and understanding to the simple.

Third, the Word is a light that shines around (v. 105). The life of the believer is dangerous. Satan is a roaring lion and a deceiving serpent. He, the world, the flesh and other pitfalls surround us. We need God's Word (Ps. 43:3), for it guides us (Prov. 6:23; Eph. 5:8). Don't walk in this world without a lamp. And remember that human teachers are fallible. Depend ultimately on the Spirit of God (John 16:13; I John 2:20). The Author of the Bible lives inside you!

Finally, the light shines ahead (II Pet. 1:19). We can see what is coming: Jesus will return for His Church. Only in the Bible do we have assurance about the future, so walk in the light of His Word.

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The Word of God is indispensable to the believer. It shines from above, within, around and ahead of you. Avoid the hidden snares and pitfalls of the world. Improve your vision--use the Word as a lamp to your feet and a light to your path.

A Light in the Darkness

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference Psalm 119:105-112

A Light in the Darkness

Read Psalm 119:105-112

You probably know the following verse well, but read it aloud as though you were hearing it for the first time. "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (v. 105). What lessons can we learn from that statement?

The world is dark. It is in a constant state of moral and intellectual darkness. We have more education today and less wisdom. People make foolish decisions. The world is also dark spiritually. Satan has numbed people's minds. They don't want to see the light of the glory of God in Jesus Christ.

The way is definite. How do we make it through this dark world? God has marked out a definite path for each one of us, and we don't have to be afraid of where it leads. It is a path of life, blessing and righteousness.

Our walk is deliberate. As we take each step, we see more of what God has for us. Sometimes I would like to have a spotlight that shines for miles down the road. But God says, "You're going to learn to walk by faith. You're going to learn to walk by patience, by My promise."

The Word is dependable. That lamp of the Word will not go out, and it will not lead us astray. When you read your Bible and let its truth shine on your path, God will show you what He wants you to do.

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Because your walk is by faith, you can see ahead only a step at a time. Be encouraged that the way is definite and deliberate and that God's Word is dependable. Let it be the light of life that guides you as you walk through this dark world today.

Sweeter Than Honey

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference Job 23:12 Jeremiah 15:16 Psalm 119:97-104 1 Peter 2:2 Matthew 4:4-4

Sweeter Than Honey

Read Psalm 119:97-104

How well I remember the day my doctor looked at me and said, "Reverend, you will not eat any more sweets." I've learned to do without desserts, but there's one sweet I cannot do without--God's Word: "How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" (v. 103).

Is the Word of God like honey or medicine to you? The way some people treat it, you'd think it is castor oil. True, there are times when we need the healing medicine of the Scripture. But the Bible is much more than medicine. It also is honey. Having an appetite for God's Word is one sign that a person is truly born again, for the Bible is food for the soul. Job said, "I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food" (Job 23:12). Jeremiah said, "Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart" (Jer. 15:16). Jesus said, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" (Matt. 4:4). And Peter urges us to "desire the pure milk of the word" (I Pet. 2:2).

When people are sick, their appetites change--in fact, they often lose their appetites completely. Likewise, sin in our lives robs our spiritual appetite, and we lose our desire for the Word. May we always have an appetite for the sweetness of the Word of God, even when we have to read things that convict us. That first bite of Scripture may taste sour sometimes, but it will turn sweet.

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It's important to feed your soul a proper diet. Do you feed and nourish on God's Word? The Bible is sweet to those who love it. Learn it and live it.