Scripture for Today:  Psalm 92:6-8  “The senseless man does not know, fools do not understand, that though the wicked spring up like grass and all evildoers flourish, they will forever be destroyed.  But You, O Lord, are exalted forever.”

The hills in Southern California are beautiful when covered in green grass.  But because it is a dry climate, that green grass can quickly transform itself into dry withered grass.  In a matter of a few days the lack of water turns it all brown.  But when conditions are favorable, grass can grow so quickly.  Some varieties can produce a nice lawn in as little as a week!

Our verse for today talks about how quickly grass can spring up.  This image is used to describe how the evil seem to flourish.  Everything looks smooth and prosperous.  The wicked seem to get all the breaks.  It is a huge temptation to think the grass is greener on the other side!

David in Psalm 73 looked over at the other grass and envied the prosperity of the wicked.  They seem to have no struggles even though they mock God.  They are carefree and wealthy.  One can feel the exasperation that David felt.  Is it really worthwhile to take that righteous path?

There are times I feel that same frustration!  Why are those who turn their back on God doing so well?  Where are my blessings for keeping my heart pure?  Like David, my feet can almost slip with these thoughts.  But also like David, I understand when I enter the sanctuary of God (verse 17).  I understand the final destiny of the wicked.

It is when I am in His presence I realize the earth holds nothing that can compare to Him!  Let the wicked prosper while they can.  As for me, the Lord God is my prosperity!

Scripture for Today:  Proverbs 22:6  “Train a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not turn from it.”

Bamboo is about the most versatile plant imaginable.  It is used for medicine, food, textiles, paper, musical instruments and construction.  In the Chinese culture, the bamboo is a symbol for a gentleman.  This is because it is strong, upright, perseverant and open hearted.

It is a very fast-growing plant and lends itself to all kinds of ornamental uses.  Bamboo can be trained to take different shapes.  It can be trained to take the form of a square when bundled tightly that way.  It can be trained to take the form of an arch when keeping it bent.

Our verse for today is also about training.  As parents we are to train our children in the way they ought to go.  Children do not always know what that way should be.  They do not see their own weaknesses nor do they always understand their own strengths.  The encouragement and feedback from parents have a huge influence on choices made.

There are some who take this verse to mean that good Christian training in the home will automatically produce Christian children.  This idea produces an unbearable weight of guilt for many whose children are not believers.  Proverbs in Scripture are not promises but principles.  In the end, it is the responsibility of each individual to make that decision for Christ independently of their parents.  There is truth in the saying, “God has children, not grandchildren.”

Bamboo and children grow so quickly.  Encouraging the natural and unique bent of each child is such an awesome privilege.  May our lives and influence do even more.  May it give them every advantage and opportunity for choosing Jesus!

Scripture for Today:  Psalm 98:4-5a  “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing….”

The other day I met a believer who does hospice care.  As she had some pain issues in her neck I asked if it weren’t difficult to lift a patient.  She smiled as she explained that the care she gives is in the form of playing her harp for the patient.

There is something incredibly soothing about harp music.   David played the harp for King Saul to calm him and make him feel better. Today there is what is called, “Harp Therapy.”  Harp music has been found to increase relaxation, improve sleep, decrease pain and anxiety, stabilize vitals and improve one’s mood.

In our verse for today the harp is used to give praise to God. Not only does the harp praise God on earth but in heaven as well.  God Himself gives them to victorious ones as they sing the song of Moses (Rev.15:2).  But on earth, as we praise Him with the harp and with singing we find ourselves in good company.  The sea resounds, the rivers clap their hands and the mountains sing for joy!  This beautiful psalm ends with the reason for our praise: He will judge the world with righteousness!  One day He will right all wrongs.  Evil will be judged and what is right will prevail!  That is a cause for joyful celebration!

I am thankful I can take part in this jubilant music.  I am spared His judgement as He took the punishment for my sin.  I can rejoice in His justice because I have been given His grace.  My praise begins now and continue for all eternity!