Cascade Courier - Your trusted local news source since 1910

This Musing will be the final one dealing with the theme of your phone book of life. I hope these have been useful for you. You must read the scripture to benefit from the wisdom they contain. Even if you are not a Christian, you can benefit from the guidance and timeless truths the Bible has, as you navigate life. Here are several more “emergency numbers” to add to your phone book of life.

Psalm 91 is a portion of Scripture that has been carried into battle by many soldiers over the years. It is often called the Soldiers Psalm. When the actor Jimmy Stewart enlisted in the US Army Air Corps during World War II, his father gave him a letter and enclosed a copy of the psalm. Even in recent years, American troops in Iraq have been known to read it before going on patrol. George Washington was said to have carried it into battle, and he was in many over the years of his military service.

I know my wife Lisa prayed that Psalm over our son Chuck every day he was in Afghanistan, and he survived 4 IED explosions with minor injuries, never having to leave the battlefield. When in danger, dial Psalm 91.

If you are scared about things read Joshua 1: 1-9. We see here the new leader of the soon to be nation of Israel is preparing to lead his people into battle. God tells him in verses 8-9, “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” If God is with you, you need not fear!

Maybe you are losing faith in life, people, or even the Lord. The trials and tribulations of life can make us question things. Hebrews 11 is often called the “Hall of Faith” chapter in the Bible. We read of many great, god-fearing people in the history of Israel whom God worked with and through to accomplish miraculous things. Abraham and Sarah, Noah and Rahab are just a few of the Old Testament faithful mentioned whose faith in the LORD was rewarded.

Verses 32-40 of that great chapter tell us, “And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. Women received back their dead, raised to life again. There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and in holes in the ground. These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.”

In these uncertain days I find that many people are enveloped in a cloud of negativity. The news is bad, their finances are in rough shape, their life does not look like the “perfect life” their Facebook friends have. Their adult child is gripped with addictions while their friends’ daughter just became a brain surgeon. Colossians 3: 12-17 is some wonderful advice and help, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Yes, putting these verses from Colossians into practice really do work! Have an attitude of gratitude!!

A few other great numbers to call are Psalm 27, Psalm 37 and John 15. Really though, every page of the Bible had just what you need, so maybe you should start on page 1 and read it at least five minutes a day and read the whole thing! God Bless You this year!

Dave Carroll is an area missionary with InFaith, America’s oldest Christian home mission agency. He is also pastor of the Wolf Creek Baptist Church. You can contact Dave at 406.459.8935 or davecarroll@infaith.org