The greatest devotional literature is found in the Old Testament in the Book of Psalms. The Psalms can be variously interpreted and widely applied.

No other book has as many writers as the Psalms. David is the best known and most prolific of the psalmists. Many of David's Psalms were written when he was in tight spots as he sought to serve the Lord. Those who wrote the Psalms, along with David, were people who knew how to turn tragedy into triumph, and that is a lesson we need to learn.  While at times the writers appear to be weak and fainthearted, they knew the Source of their strength.

Because they are poems and hymns, the Psalms must be read with the heart as well as the head. The Psalms continue to be relevant to modern life as they express emotions and describe experiences that are relevant today.

Here, more than any place in the Bible, the heartthrob of the Christian is heard. Here are the most exalted expressions of God's greatness; here are the bitterest groans of the sinful and the afflicted. Here is something for everyone in every mood.

If your favorite Psalm is missing, perhaps being introduced to a new Psalm will compensate for the loss.

"O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together" (Psalm 34:3).

A thrilling series of studies is ahead of us for this quarter. Centering around the theme, "Christ, the Triumphant Lord," they are all taken from the book called "The Revelation of Jesus Christ."
We have chosen to center these studies around the work of Christ within the Church and in the end times. Not every lesson specifically deals with Christ, but they do deal with His work in the church ages in preparing the Church as a Bride for Himself. Several of the early lessons deal with the messages of Christ to the various churches.
Lessons 5 and 6 deal with John's thrilling vision of the throne of God and the beings and happenings around it. Of chief importance is the revelation of Christ as the Lamb of God, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, who was found worthy to loose the seals of the Book of Life. Truly, He is worthy of our praise and adoration.
In lessons 7-9 we discuss some important happenings relating to the end-of-the-world events. Although some of these things are sobering, they need to be brought to our attention occasionally.
Christ's entire life and ministry looked toward the events dealt with in the last four lessons. Faith should be inspired, weary Christians encouraged to press on, and all of us challenged to maintain the faith.
May the presence of the living, triumphant Lord be present to inspire and bless in every one of your class sessions during this quarter of thrilling studies. It is our prayer that student and teacher alike will receive a new vision of the Triumphant Lord. That will bring fresh hope in dark days and impetus to be true to the very end.

Studying the miracles of Jesus should be an interesting and thrilling study this quarter. Miracles covering a wide spectrum of problems and miraculous solutions are considered, and it is quite likely every teacher and student will identify with some special need, since we still have this treasure in an "earthen vessel." Several benefits can arise from this study.

One advantage is that our own faith will be encouraged as we read of those receiving miracles who had come to Christ with just a little faith. Perhaps the Lord can use these studies to challenge the increase of our faith to the point of seeing new and thrilling miracles around our own churches and homes. Another benefit is that we can recognize that with God nothing is impossible. Some of the cases He dealt with seemed so totally beyond human help -- and indeed were -- but did not exceed the divine power. May we realize afresh that we, as children of God, have access to our Heavenly Father's divine power for the needs that face us in these momentous days.

Important, also, is the recognition that the miracles performed by Christ had a tremendous effect on the outside world. Many became His followers as a result of these demonstrations of His power and authority. Those of us who have seen unusual miracles also know that they have had great effect, both within and without the church. Our young people need to see these divine manifestations; so does the Church; so does the world.

May we this quarter learn anew to pray simple, believing, powerful prayers that move mountains in providing mighty miracles.