We Will Not be Shaken

Read Psalm 15

Lord, I praise You that You hold me upright. I praise You that I am able to plant seeds of righteousness and hope.

I have been hurt badly in my life, Lord. But, I have hope in You. You said, "He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not" shall not be moved. I have always tried to continue in You in spite of the hurt.

I have not asked for repayment when others sought help from me (although I have praised You when that repayment came, right on time!). And, I would never hurt anyone intentionally.

I have done my best to live right and speak truth, even when it wasn't easy, and even when others hate me for it.

I ask You today, Lord, to be who You say You are; to be who You have ever been to me, and to continue to be my strength, my shield and my hiding place.

I can't imagine a day without You, Lord. I can't imagine life without You at all.

Thank You, Lord.

In Jesus's Holy Name I pray, Amen!

Psalm 15 Description: Psalm 15 begins with two related questions: LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? (v. 1). These are questions worthy of our consideration as Christian business professionals seeking to integrate our faith and our work. The psalmist answers the questions with the following description: He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the LORD, who keeps his oath even when it hurts, who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken (vv. 2-5, NIV). Using this psalm as a basis, Southwest Baptist University''s College of Business and Computer Science is devoted to educating Psalm 15 professionals, who exemplify traits including integrity, service, respect, charity, faithfulness, truthfulness, humility, and perseverance. The devotions in this small volume draw readers'' attention to the need for believers to exemplify such character traits. Contributions from the SBU faculty and administration remind us of the necessity to approach life and work with a biblical worldview. This volume is an abbreviated version of another Resource Publications book, A Noble Calling: Devotions and Essays for Business Professionals, also available from Wipf and Stock Publishers (www.wipfandstock.com). Endorsements: Too often, Christians attempt to compartmentalize life and live in a dichotomous world. Psalm 15: Integrating Faith and Work presents a compilation of devotions challenging the reader to develop a Biblical worldview for all facets of life, including ministry and professional careers. The contributors clearly show that spirituality should not be divorced from professional life. This book is an excellent source for professionals who desire to integrate faith with all aspects of life. --C. Pat Taylor, President, Southwest Baptist University About the Contributor(s): David Wesley Whitlock serves as the Associate Provost, Dean of the College of Business and Computer Science, and Professor of Business at Southwest Baptist University. He holds BS and MBA degrees from Southeastern Oklahoma State University and a PhD from the University of Oklahoma. Other books by Whitlock include Opportunity: Introducing Free Enterprise and Business and A Noble Calling: Devotions and Essays for Business Professionals, which he coedited with Gordon Dutile. Both are available from www.wipfandstock.com. Gordon Dutile serves as the Provost and Professor of Biblical Studies at Southwest Baptist University. He holds a BS from Louisiana Technical University and MDiv and PhD degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dutile is also the coeditor, with David Whitlock, of A Noble Calling.

The Fool

Lord, I pray that those who question Your existence have their eyes opened to Your daily blessings and the miracles around them each day.

I don't want to be as the rich man in the synagogue who thanks You that I am not like them -- but I am no fool. But, I praise You that Your enemies will be brought low. And, I ask You to fill me with more of You, that I may share with those who don't seem to have enough of You.

Lord, I also praise You that when I fail, when I "tear up my witness" of You, that You are Gracious and Forgiving; that You understand that I am but a mere imperfect mortal human being who still has lessons to learn.

Teach me, O Lord, that I may know Your ways, and that I may not stray from the path that You have set me on.

In Jesus's Holy Name I pray, Amen