Day 23 - May you live in peace!

Day 23
Readings of Psalm 23, 53, 83, 113, 143 Proverbs 23
Of course psalm 23 is a favorite but I will focus on some of the other reading of the day. Today I drive to Austin, speaking at the CEF conference. Lord give me your word to speak and not my own.

Psalm 113 7 He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; 8 he seats them with princes, with the princes of their people.
Psalm 143 6 I spread out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land.
8 Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
for to you I lift up my soul.
Proverbs 23
4 Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint.
5 Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.
6 Do not eat the food of a stingy man, do not crave his delicacies;
7 for he is the kind of man who is always thinking about the cost. [b] "Eat and drink," he says to you, but his heart is not with you.
15 My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad;
16 my inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right.
17 Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD.
18 There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.

Lord, this is true, it is better to spend time with you than anywhere else or with anyone else. It is true that it is better to be in your presence in the worst earthly cave than to be in the biggest mansion without you.
I am so impressed with the new buildings, hotels, homes, etc. . .that I visit from time to time. Wouldn’t it be great to have real wood floors and not pergo? Wouldn’t it be great to have all that space and huge backyard? Wouldn’t it be great to have all that cool furniture, appliances, toys? No! It wouldn’t, not for me. The Lord gave me all I need, any more would not be good. Remember the pastors in Peru with dirt floors? Remember the pastors in Kenya with no car? Remember the many pastors in Cuba without electricity, food and freedom? Thank you Lord for teaching me to be content regardless of my circumstances. I recall my poorest times, when I lived in a Sunday School room in a church in drug infested East Dallas and slept on a mattress on the floor, had no car and had to walk or take a bus to get anywhere. That was one of the most painful and yet joyful times of my life. I recall when I lived in a mansion in North Dallas with millionaires, had all the conveniences and wants. That was one of the happiest and yet emptiest times of my life. Peace and joy come from inside not outside, true long lasting fulfillment comes from walking with God. Be content, take care of the poor and live in peace!