Joshua 1:6-9 (NRSV)

"Be strong and courageous; for you shall put this people in possession of the land that I swore to their ancestors to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to act in accordance with all the law that my servant Moses commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, so that you may be successful wherever you go. This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth; you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to act in accordance with all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall be successful. I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.

- Psalm 32:8 (NIV)

EACH morning I sit at my kitchen table and watch the many varieties of birds that come to my birdfeeder. I often thank God for the beauty of the created world and for the pleasure of having these birds to watch. Recently I thought how pleased God must be when we feed on the spiritual food available for us.

I read The Upper Room every morning before going to work as well as on the weekends. The thought that I am pleasing God by feeding on the words of the Bible makes the rest of the day easier and brighter. Zephaniah 3:17 confirms God's pleasure in us, saying, "He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."

The writers of THE UPPER ROOM life usually relate experiences from their lives that connect with mine. That shows me how God is concerned about our daily lives and wants to direct us in each step we take.

As we feed on God's word, God will provide the wisdom and insight we need for daily living.

Prayer: Dear Father, as we read and reflect on the Bible, grant us discernment and wisdom to walk and witness for you. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

We please God when we feed on the words of the Bible.

PRAYER FOCUS:

Those struggling to read the Bible

By Gary J. Carroll, Pennsylvania