HELP- I bought a GE in-wall digital timer, with 4 wires (red, black, white, green) My understanding is the black goes to black BEFORE the timer and the red FROM the timer goes to the light I'm trying to control.
Is this right

Sounds right - this should be clear from the directions - what exactly do they say? Although you didn't mention it - there should be three whites that all tie together in the box (line, load and timer) and the green from the timer is to be connected to ground leads - which may be either green or bare copper, depending on the type of wiring in your house.

Thanks a ton- I'll give that a shot