file: /pub/resources/text/Our.Daily.Bread: db941205.txt
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OUR DAILY BREAD                       Monday, December 5, 1994
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READ:   Psalm 73

                SLIPPERY PLACES

   "My steps had nearly slipped.  For I was
      envious of the boastful, when I saw
        the prosperity of the wicked."

             - Psalm 73:2-3

The 19th-century hymnwriter Ira D. Sankey was walking
with his young son on a cold winter day.  As they
came to an icy spot, Mr. Sankey said, "My boy, you'd
better let me take your hand."

The youngster didn't want to take his hand from his
warm pocket, so he disregarded his father's suggestion.
Just then he lost his footing and took a nasty fall.
"All right, Daddy," he said, "let me hold on to your
coat."

But the boy's weak grip was not enough to hold him up
when his feet went out from under him again.  Getting
up, he said, "Daddy, you'd better hold my hand!"  He
didn't fall again.

The psalmist Asaph nearly took a spiritual fall
(Ps. 73:2).  He saw wicked people enjoying prosperity,
getting their desires, and dying without pain (vv. 3-12),
yet he was "chastened every morning" despite his upright
life (vv. 13-14).  Envious, he almost concluded that it
was futile to live a godly life.

But when he focused on God, he realized that the wicked
are in slippery places, headed for judgment (vv. 17-20).
Confessing his foolishness, he recognized that God
upholds and will reward those who trust in Him (vv. 21-24).

Put your hand in God's hand.  It's your best guarantee
against falling in life's slippery places.

    -- Dennis J. DeHaan

 When you are in a slippery place,
    Stay close to Jesus' side;
        Make sure your hand is held in His,
            He'll be your faithful guide.

                  -- Hess

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        THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
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   God will keep you from falling
    if you put your hand in His.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:  Acts 23-25

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Our Daily Bread, Copyright 1994, used by permission of
Radio Bible Class, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49555, USA.
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