Wisdom for Life – Book Review

Are you like me? We buy a book of devotionals that looks like it is exactly what we need and four or five days in we give up and find something new to read because it wasn’t what we thought it was. I found Wisdom for Life by Gail Purath to be exactly what I needed and wanted.

If you want to gain a deeper understanding of the Psalms and Proverbs this collection of 100, 1-Minute readings, gives direction on how to use Biblical principles to direct daily life.

If you’re dealing with discouragement, depression, or discontent you will find how the psalmist dealt with these tough issues. Are you wanting a more joy-filled, positive outlook? You’ll find some answers here. Have you wondered how to praise our God more effectively? She gives some excellent suggestions on how to give thanks in the mundane activities of daily life.

I love her style! When an issue is important to understand how the Holy Words apply to our life she wastes no time in explaining the errors in our thinking. Many of these very short, daily writings spoke to me about the people and this crazy world around me. Each devotion ends with a short section that helps us dig into the subject more deeply and use it more effectively in our own life situations.

This book will be available for you to read on February 21, 2023. You can pre-purchase it here (Wisdom for Life). It is definitely worth your time!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from B&H Publishing Group/Net Galley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR requirements, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Sunday Psalms – 11

Psalm 11

I will hide in my GOD.

He gives me safety from the evil around me.

He is everywhere watching and seeing everything.

He tests the righteous and the evil.

Because He is righteous, He loves those who make the right choices and they will see Him.

Sunday Psalms are the Psalms in my own words.  You can click on the Psalm number at the top to read it from the English Standard Version.

Sunday Psalms 10

Psalm 10

Father, why do You hide from Your people? Evil is everywhere. Seize those who are scheming and dishonest, prideful, saying there is no God. Why do You let people prosper who curse You, are dishonest, arrogant, deceitful, oppressive, full of lies, sinners, murderers of the helpless and innocent? Why do You let them think You don’t see them?

Father, we need You to act! You see everything. Stop the evil! Take control!

Other nations will die out, but You are the Alpha and Omega! You will always be King!

I know You hear. Strengthen us! Let Your law and justice rule our land and this (Your) World!

Sunday Psalms are the Psalms in my own words.  You can click on the Psalm number at the top to read it from the English Standard Version.

Sunday Psalms 9

Psalm 9

Thank You for all You have done! You are the only ONE worthy of praise. You have judged my cause worthy and kept all enemies away. Their names will never be remembered.

You established Your throne for justice and judgment. Your decisions are and can only be right. You are the safe place for the oppressed. All who know You trust You. You are with all who seek You.

Sing His praises! Tell His story! Rejoice in His salvation!

The LORD has judged the nations. The wicked sat their own trap and got caught in it.

The wicked and all the nations who refuse to follow the One, True, God will be sent to hell.

The LORD has not and will not forget the poor and needy.

Show Yourself, LORD! Man doesn’t even come close to You!

Sunday Psalms are the Psalms in my own words.  You can click on the Psalm number at the top to read it from the English Standard Version.

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Perfect Gifts

During the Christmas season, we are often focused on gifts. Giving and receiving. Let’s look at gifting in a little different way today.

What is the one thing you’re passionate about and do better than anything else?  It could be your life gift.

Ephesians 2:10 tells us that we are God’s creation and that He has specifically given us talents and gifts, that He ‘prepared in advance’, to use for the good of all. Although we want to connect this verse specifically to the Spiritual Gifts of Romans 12:3-8 and 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 it is much more than that.

I think our life gifts include the spiritual gifts as well as talents, abilities, and skills that are part of what makes us unique.

In Exodus 35:30-35, we are told that God gave two men specific skills and talents for building the temple. They were to teach these skills to those who wanted to help with the project. In the 13th Century before Christ, (during the Exodus) He already had a plan and had given people the ability to carry out that plan. He’s been giving specific, unique gifts, talents, abilities, and skills to His people (us) ever since.

Among the life-gifts God gives are many that help the local church function. Talents and skills such as musical abilities (composing, singing, playing instruments, performing), crafting (painting, building, sewing, designing, needle arts), home skills (cooking, cleaning, arranging, gardening), business knowledge (budgeting, accounting)… There are so many more and God wants them used for His glory!

I want to encourage you not to get wrapped up in false humility concerning these talents. When we say to ourselves or others that ‘I’m not as good at this or that than ________________’, we deny what God has given us to use in our worship of Him.  It is good that we recognize the talents of others but we have special gifts, talents, and skills of our own. God wouldn’t have given them if He didn’t expect us to use them.

Your life gifts are needed! Use them!

My prayer for you is that your Christmas and the year to come are filled with GOD’s amazing grace, love, and blessings!

Marie

This post was originally written on December 9, 2020, and titled Life Gifts.