112th Week, Psalm Chapters 11-15 (Clink on Title for Video Introduction)

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Click on Title for Video Intro
Advent Video 3rd Week:  https://youtu.be/jrWkeY4feIE


Monday, Psalm Chapter 11
Theme:  God's rule provides stability in the midst of panic, because we can trust Him. We can face our problems.  
Author:  David
Psalms 11
Verse 3
Mindy Strayer

Verse 3:  When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?

THOUGHT
Or, what is the righteous one doing?  Or, what are we Christians doing?  After all, God called us to righteousness, and we accepted the call when we accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.  There are many foundations built in this world.  As Christians our foundation is Jesus Christ, and our lives are built on Him.  But for non—Christians, their foundations are not built on the Solid Rock (Jesus), and those foundations will eventually be destroyed. So Salt Shakers, what are we to do?

The answer is; we are to live holy lives.  We are to live salt and light lives, showing God’s love through our words and our actions. We are to be led by God’s Spirit, going where He wants us to go. We are to call on God and pray in every circumstance. We are to acknowledge Him and praise and glorify His Name.  The righteous can do a lot for we have the power of the almighty God living within us.  When the world’s foundations crumble, we must stand. Stand strong on God’s Word!

PRAYER
Dear Lord, thank You for Jesus, our Solid Rock. Lord.  Thank You for the stability that You provide us in our lives. When we find ourselves on shaky or unfamiliar ground, we can call on You to help us to stand strong and tall.  What a relief and comfort knowing that You reign on Your heavenly throne.  You see all; You examine all, and nothing happens that is not in Your plan for us.  We have the promise that all things work together for good for those who love the Lord. Praise Your Name!!  Help us to be all that You have called us to be, holy and righteous.  Teach us every day how to be more like You.  For Your Glory, Lord. AMEN


Tuesday, Psalm Chapter 12
Theme:  The proud and lying words of people versus the true and pure words of God.  A call for protection against those who try to manipulate us.  
Author:  David
Psalms 12
Verse 8
Mindy Strayer

Verse 8:  The wicked freely strut about when what is vile is honored among men.

THOUGHT
This statement is so true. Just think about the United States culture now.  I don’t know if you have heard the news about the radio talk show host on one of the major networks that engaged in conversation about the Rutgers women’s basketball team making derogatory and highly inappropriate comments about the players. It has been in all of the headlines. I really feel like this event is an excellent example of the evil that is freely strutting about in America’s culture.

It is extremely sad that this radio host made the comments that he did, but perhaps what is even more disturbing is that comments like his, conversations like the one that took place on his show, really seem to be the norm in the US. Turn on the television and watch a TV program or a movie. Listen to the radio. For me, I hear this junk coming out of the general public’s mouth sometimes just walking down the street and at the hospital where I work. It is horrible talk, wicked and evil, freely being spouted out like it’s no big deal.  This kind of talk is at times called humorous and entertaining, but it is of the devil.  When we honor what is vile and go against God’s law, the wicked freely strut about and poison our minds and our souls.

I think that we as Christians need to exercise much caution against the norm.  Pray to God for discernment of what is right and what is wrong.  His Word, which is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, will point out the vile so that we do not fall victim to it.

PRAYER
Lord, thank You for guiding us through another week of our lives.  We thank You for Your presence and Your love.  God, please help us to value what You value. Help us, oh God, to recognize and get rid of anything in our lives that is dishonoring to You. Help us, Lord, to be salt and light and to honor
what is good and pure. We love You, Lord.  AMEN


Wednesday, Psalm Chapter 13
theme:  Praying for relief from despair.  We must continue to trust God even when He doesn't answer us immediately.  
Author:  David
Psalms 13
Verses 5-6
Delores Little

Verses 5-6:  But I TRUST in Your UNFAIUNG LOVE; I will SING to the LORD, for HE has been GOOD TO ME.

THOUGHT
We go through many ups and downs in our life, but when we pray and praise and sing unto the Lord, He will give us victory. We need to do it daily and not just once or twice.

I have been downsizing my house to sell it, and I was not prepared for how it would hit me in the gut. I went through a grieving time as I shred 40 years of income tax papers. I also got rid of Willie’s medical records. I also took down many family pictures to ready the house for sale.  I cried over all of it.  The Lord said give it all to Me, so I did and began doing much better.

My kids and church friends came and painted the inside of my house and basement.  It looks so great.  So like David I have so much to be thankful for.  So let us Praise and Thank God for all His Love and Mercy to us all. 

PRAYER
Father, we thank You for the tests we go through.  We know You will never leave nor forsake us. Bless the Salt Shakers each day. Open us up to all what You have in store for us and let us obey and go forward.  We love You, Lord, and Thank You.  In Jesus Name.  AMEN


Thursday, Psalm Chapter 14
Theme:  Only the fool denies God.  How foolish it must seem to God when people say there is no God. 
Author:  David
Psalms 14
Verse 1
Delores Little

Verse 1:  The fool says in his heart, there is no God. They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.

THOUGHT
A few years ago I got to listen to one of Brother Andrew’s tapes.  He started Open Doors years ago, and now it is called Open Doors USA. Well, he shared a story about a time he was in the Middle East.  He was sharing the gospel, and this nonbeliever approached him.  Brother Andrews showed him the Bible and exactly where this verse was written.  He read Psalms 14:1 to him and said to the man, “God even gave me your name, FOOL”.  The man had no rebuttal.  Rather, he came to the Lord. 

What an eye opener that was for me.  I thought before I accepted Jesus being good was all Jesus needed.  WRONG!!! No one is good except God.  I’m so thankful to God for taking the garbage out of me daily through forgiveness of sins.  Only by His grace am I anything.  It is Him in me that makes me worthy. I’m just a dirty old rag saved by His grace. Glory to God!!

PRAYER
Father, we do ask You to forgive us of our sins.  We thank and praise You for what You have done and do every day for us so we can live Your way not ours. Help us to be in the Holy of Holies daily with You. Comfort, bless and heal all who need it. In Jesus Name we pray.  AMEN


Friday, Psalm Chapter 15
Theme:  Guidelines for living a blameless life.
Author:  David
Psalms 15
Verse 5
Tanya Ruden

Verse 5:  (The Message) Keep your word even when it costs you, make an honest living, never take a bribe.

THOUGHT
I liked The Message Translation of the first verse which said, ‘God, who gets invited to dinner at your place?’  One thing I struggled with when I read the Psalm in the NIV was getting on God’s list, and I believe we are all on God’s list because of our faith.  This was kind of like, “How do we need to act to be considered one of your friends?”  

I liked how we are reminded to make an honest living. Do you ever think how much easier it would be to make lots of money by working dishonestly? I am sure there have been times when you have had the opportunity or have been approached with an opportunity, but our Christian faith said, “Hold it.  The money isn’t worth it.”  If I am selling a broken product, God will provide for us if we live according to His guidance.  We must listen to Him and live HONESTLY...even if it costs us. 

One time I borrowed my friend’s tape (yes, this was in high school) to copy it, and my recorder ate it. I had borrowed it because I didn’t have the money to buy it myself.  But now I was faced with an issue.  I could return it broken and play stupid if she said anything or buy a new one and apologize. I did the right thing and purchased a new one when I had the money to do so. I had to keep my word, even though it cost me.

PRAYER
Dear Jesus, help us always do the right thing. So many times it is easier and cheaper for us to lie or do the wrong thing.  Take these thoughts from our minds.  May they not even be an option.  When the devil temps us to be dishonest, help us always chose the honest path! AMEN













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