Psalm 52:2
Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp rasor, working deceitfully.

Ed ran the blade along the cardboard cartons with speed and skill. He broke down the boxes and stuffed them in a crate. He had done the job a thousand times before, and it had become second nature to him. Often he let his mind wander. On this occasion, it was a poor idea. With lightening speed, the blade ran across the back of Ed's hand, cutting deep and wounding him severely.

Just as a blade cuts deep into flesh, unkind words cut into the heart. A sacred trust has been entrusted to Christians. That trust is the dignity and feelings of the rest of God's children. We become our neighbor's keeper. It is our duty to love and defend them. The tongue has enormous power to build up or to tear down. How will we choose to use it?Prayer: [May every word out of my mouth be one that encourages, builds up, or praises. Remove from my heart the desire to hurt others by my words. Fill my mouth with Your thoughts and words, Lord. Amen.]

May 1

[Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness.] Psalm 52:7

Lee couldn't understand any person who would put their faith in something you couldn't get your hands on. Spirits and angels and super beings in the sky were all fantasy. Now, money, there was something that was real. You could measure the benefits of money, not like God. You never knew what you would come up with, With God. Till his dying day, Lee believed that only fools followed God.

The wise man understands that the wealth of this age is inferior to the wealth God grants us through eternal life in His Kingdom. Money has its uses, but as a god it is a poor substitute for the real thing.

Prayer:

Do not let me be distracted by lesser gods, O Lord. There is nothing in this world that can take Your place. You are the greatest riches I can ever hope to find. Amen.

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