March 29, 2019
by Al Shaver

Psalm 32; Joshua 4:14-24; 2 Corinthians 5:6-15

Today's Scriptures are Psalm 32, Joshua 4:14-24 and 2 Corinthians 5:6-15.  Each has a message that is relevant to each of us. The message when you read all three passages, though different, tells us that God is powerful, He is forgiving, and that we need to live by faith, not by sight. 
 
As a child growing up in Los Angeles, California, I learned at a very early age that people thought I had – as the expression goes – “a way with words.” Problem was, too often these words were bad words, or words that incited other children to misbehavior and that sort of thing. Usually, I could talk my way out of most situations that were potentially dangerous to my posterior. 
 
When I entered Junior High school, I could not escape the law. My gym teacher asked me a question, which I thought was someone that I was constantly harassed by, with a string of words that caused me to receive 5 “swats” all one after another. I learned my lesson the painful way. 
 
After that experience, I was invited to our church's MYF.  I was shocked to find Mr. Kyle, the gym teacher, as an adult advisor of that group. We talked, and he said that he forgave me for the comments, and that God forgives each of us. That changed my life. 
  
Psalm 32 is a testimony of great joy for God’s gift of forgiveness. I read this Psalm often when I have issues with those that seem to have the idea that they have all the answers, and that any other opinion is negative. I still remember my “words matter” and work to smooth out differences in a prayerful way.  Each of us have moments that we can surely call upon the “Master” for guidance.  The one thing I do know is that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit will not lead us down the wrong path. We have no one to blame but ourselves for taking the wrong path. 
 
Prayer for Today: Lord, guide us each day to do the best we can. Lift us in spirit, and to remember that it is not about us, but about you. Help us move a step closer to perfection. We thank you for the gift of Your Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  AMEN  a