Highlights:

We see the transgressions of the wicked, the faithfulness of a Righteous God. The Lord tells us three times not to fret but to trust: Those that wait upon the Lord . . . shall inherit the earth (Ps. 37:9). Life is brief. Every day is precious and cannot be redone. Pray for the Lord to make each day count for His kingdom. Our hope is in Him (39:1-7).

The children of God may be influenced by "good" people to misdirect their time from spiritual interests to "good" secular goals, but the mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom (conversation is wholesome and uplifting), and his tongue talketh of judgment (justice, eternal value). The Law of His God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide (will not be involved in conversation or conduct that is not wholesome) (Ps. 37:30-31).

A sincere believer is sometimes tempted by Satan to fear that his faith is too weak, that his desire is not upright or as earnest as it should be, or that his surrender is not complete. When a Christian desires spiritual maturity, two things are good to remember: Though he fall (fails to say or do what would glorify the Lord), he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with His hand (37:24).

We should also remember that when we received Christ as our Savior and Lord, we were born again (John 3:3,5). As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God . . . which were born . . . of God (1:12-13).But, then, as babes we need to desire the sincere (perfect) milk of the Word, that ye (we) may grow thereby (I Pet. 2:1-2).

It is the loving desire of God to have first place in the hearts of all His children. He imparts His love and power to all who yield themselves to Him. As we yield to God, we become conformed to the image of His Son (Rom. 8:29). We then discover great joy in loving the things that He loves.

Time given in reading the Bible is indispensible for spiritual growth. It prepares us to depend entirely upon the Lord. Setbacks and failures remind us of our need every day to be dependent upon His great wisdom provided in His Word.

Our Heavenly Father will bless us. We will receive His greatest blessings as we yield to His ways. God, in mercy and long-suffering, patiently waits (Ex. 34:6-7; Ps. 86:15; II Pet. 3:9).

In every true prayer, two wills are involved — our will, which is limited in knowing what is best, and the will of our Heavenly Father, who has perfect wisdom and eternal love. As the desires of God become our desires, our surrender to His will becomes the secret of effective praying and waiting upon God. Father . . . not my will, but Thine, be done (Luke 22:42).

Thought for Today:

Let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting (lacking) nothing (James 1:4).

Christ Revealed:

As the Fountain of Life (and the) Light (Ps. 36:9). In Him was Life; and the Life was the Light of men. . . . That was the True Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world (John 1:4-9; comp. 4:10,14; Rev. 22:1).

Word Studies:

36:7 put their trust under, take refuge in; 38:2 thy hand presseth me sore, your punishment presses heavily upon me; 38:8 roared, groaned with anguish; 38:11 sore, afflictions.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for our Military worldwide • Staff: Dr. John A. Hash • Country: Moldova (4.3 million) southeastern Europe • Major languages: Rumanian and Russian • Limited religious freedom • 66% Russian/Romanian Orthodox; 2.5% Catholic (Greek and Roman); 1.7% Protestant (mainly Baptist); 1.5% Jewish; .2% Muslim; 28.1% Agnostic/Atheist/Other • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord for help when you have a need (II Chron. 14:11).

Optional Reading: 

NOTE: Bible Pathway covers the Old Testament with devotional and commentary insights over a nine-month period, January through September. Each day during these months, an optional reading of one chapter a day from the New Testament will also be listed. The October, November, and December issues will provide a daily commentary on the New Testament readings. Thus, the reader goes through the New Testament twice each year using the Bible Pathway plan.

Memory Verse for the Week:

Acts 4:12