The Daily Dose

He Heals and Restores

Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful. The Lord builds up Jerusalem; He gathers together the outcasts of Israel. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. ~ Psalm 147:1-3

There was a time in my life when I was completely broken. I was deeply wounded by disappointments, heartaches, and severed relationships. At one point, I specifically remember sitting alone, overwhelmed by the weight of it all, unsure how to move forward. It was in those moments of deep pain that I turned to God, and He picked me up and pulled me close to Him. Psalm 147 reminds us that God is in the business of restoration. He heals the brokenhearted, gathers the outcasts, and strengthens those who are weak.  That is where and who I was.

I am so thankful that He didn’t leave me there.  He walked by my side every step of the way to restoration.  It wasn’t instant and sometimes it wasn’t even consistent, but He was and finally He brought me to solid and steady ground when I finally trusted Him with every area of my life.

I love how this Psalm begins with praise. It reminds us that before we focus on our problems, we should turn our eyes to the One who is bigger than all of them. There is power in praising God, especially when we don’t feel like it. Praise shifts our perspective from the weight of our burdens to the greatness of our God.  He is the name above every other name in heaven and earth.

Through my journey I now understand that what comes out of my mouth matters. When I was hurting, it was easy to speak the problems and the people who helped the problems seem bigger. It was normal to complain, to question, even to doubt. But God’s Word calls us to praise instead of grumble. It’s not about ignoring our struggles but it is about shifting our focus to what is important and declaring truth of God’s love over the temporary circumstances. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that “death and life are in the power of the tongue.” What we say, whether in moments of joy or pain, has the power to shape our outlook and the direction we walk.  Either toward God and away from our problem or toward the struggles and away from our loving heavenly Father.

So, where do we start?

1. Begin with praise. Even if it’s just to whispered “Thank You, Lord,” choose to lift your voice in gratitude. The more you praise, the more you realize how much you truly have to be thankful for.
2. Watch your words. When you’re tempted to complain or speak doubt, pause and ask yourself, “Is this building my faith or tearing it down?” Instead of dwelling on the negative, speak life and truth over your situation.
3. Trust in God’s restoration. If you feel broken or discouraged, remember that God is the healer of hearts. He is working, even when you can’t see it.

Today I want to encourage you to read Psalm 147 through and notice how it ends by reminding us that God’s Word runs swiftly (v. 15). When He speaks, things change. No matter what you are facing today, trust that God is moving. He is restoring, healing, and strengthening you. So lift your voice in praise, guard your words, and hold onto His promises. The One who created the stars and calls them by name is the same God who sees you, loves you, and will never leave you.  Praise the Lord, for He is good!

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 147

1 Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; For it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful.

2 The Lord builds up Jerusalem; He gathers together the outcasts of Israel.

3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

4 He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name.

5 Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite.

6 The Lord lifts up the humble; He casts the wicked down to the ground.

7 Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; Sing praises on the harp to our God,

8 Who covers the heavens with clouds, Who prepares rain for the earth, Who makes grass to grow on the mountains.

9 He gives to the beast its food, and to the young ravens that cry.

10 He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man.

11 The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy.

12 Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem! Praise your God, O Zion!

13 For He has strengthened the bars of your gates; He has blessed your children within you.

14 He makes peace in your borders, and fills you with the finest wheat.

15 He sends out His command to the earth; His word runs very swiftly.

16 He gives snow like wool; He scatters the frost like ashes;

17 He casts out His hail like morsels; Who can stand before His cold?

18 He sends out His word and melts them; He causes His wind to blow, and the waters flow.

19 He declares His word to Jacob, His statutes and His judgments to Israel.

20 He has not dealt thus with any nation; And as for His judgments, they have not known them.

Praise the Lord!

 Put Your Trust in the Lord

Do not put your trust in princes, nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help. His spirit departs, he returns to his earth; In that very day his plans perish. Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God. ~ Psalm 146:3-5

There was a time in my life when I put too much trust in people, leaders, systems, and even my own ability to figure things out. But time and time again, I was met with disappointment. People are human. They make mistakes. Systems fail. Even our best efforts sometimes fall short. That’s why Psalm 146 is such a powerful reminder: true security and lasting hope are only found in God.

Let’s face it, people are going to let you down. No matter how much they care and no matter how hard they try, it’s inevitable. The reason is simple: there are no perfect people, but there is One perfect God.

I remember many times when I felt disappointed after trusting someone’s word or relying on a promise, only to be let down. Maybe they had good intentions but lacked follow-through. Maybe circumstances changed. Whatever the reason, I felt the sting of unmet expectations.

One particular time was when I had just started a new job. I deeply respected the person who hired me and thought we had a great working relationship. But one day, during a meeting, I was unexpectedly called out over something I had not yet learned about my position. I was blindsided and hurt, wondering why I hadn’t been taken aside and given the guidance I needed. I won’t say my trust was completely broken, but I was definitely more cautious in the future.

That experience taught me something important: you cannot fully place your trust in people. Instead, you love them through grace. People will fail, whether intentionally or unintentionally, but God never will. When we release our dependence on people to be our source, we free ourselves from constant disappointment and instead place our trust in the One who never fails.

Psalm 146 reminds us why we should trust in the Lord rather than people:

Who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them; Who keeps truth forever, Who executes justice for the oppressed, Who gives food to the hungry. The Lord gives freedom to the prisoners. (verses 6-7)

This is who God is! He is not limited like people. He is faithful, unchanging, and fully capable of meeting every need. He keeps His promises. He provides for His people. He defends those who trust in Him.

When we trust in God instead of people, we experience true peace. It doesn’t mean we stop trusting people entirely, but it does mean we stop depending on them to be our ultimate source of security and happiness.

Another practical way we show our trust in God is through our words. Psalm 146 begins with a declaration:

Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul! I will praise the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being. (verses 1-2)

What we speak reflects where we place our trust. When we complain, doubt, or constantly talk about our problems, we magnify them instead of magnifying God. But when we choose to praise Him in every circumstance, we shift our focus from what’s uncertain to the One who is always certain.

So when I begin my day with praise, thanking God for His faithfulness, my perspective changes. Instead of dwelling on disappointments, I start to see how much I have to be thankful for. Instead of speaking fear, I declare faith.

This doesn’t mean ignoring reality. It means choosing to trust that God is bigger than your reality.

If you find yourself struggling to trust God fully, here are some practical ways to start:

1. Begin with Praise – Before checking your phone or tackling your day’s responsibilities, take a moment to thank God. Say, “Lord, I trust You today. Thank You for Your faithfulness.” (Psalm 146:2)
2. Be Mindful of Your Words – When you’re tempted to complain or speak negatively, pause. Instead of saying, “I don’t know how this will work out,” say, “God, I trust You to make a way.” (Psalm 146:1-2)
3. Let Go of Past Disappointments – If people have let you down, release it to God. Forgive and shift your trust to the One who never fails. (Psalm 146:3-5)
4. Remember past Victories – Read scriptures that remind you of God’s faithfulness. Write down moments when He has come through for you. (Psalm 146:6-7)

Today I want to encourage you to remember that even though people will fail, God never will. Psalm 146 reminds us that happiness, that is true lasting joy, comes not from trusting in people but from placing our full confidence in the Lord.

When life feels uncertain, when people let you down, when plans fall apart, lift your eyes to the One who made heaven and earth. He is your provider, your protector, your help in every situation. Speak life, choose praise, and trust in the Lord with all your heart.  He will never fail you.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 146

1 Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul!

2 While I live I will praise the Lord; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.

3 Do not put your trust in princes, nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help.

4 His spirit departs, he returns to his earth; In that very day his plans perish.

5 Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God,

6 Who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them; Who keeps truth forever,

7 Who executes justice for the oppressed, Who gives food to the hungry. The Lord gives freedom to the prisoners.

8 The Lord opens the eyes of the blind; The Lord raises those who are bowed down; The Lord loves the righteous.

9 The Lord watches over the strangers; He relieves the fatherless and widow; But the way of the wicked He turns upside down.

10 The Lord shall reign forever-Your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the Lord!

Proclaim His Greatness

My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord, and all flesh shall bless His holy name forever and ever. ~ Psalm 145:21

There have been seasons in my life when I struggled to see the good. Times when the weight of challenges, disappointments, and uncertainties tried to steal my joy. But every time I turned my focus back to God. When I chose to praise Him in the middle of the storm, I found strength, hope, and a renewed sense of peace. That’s the power of Psalm 145, a beautiful reminder that when we magnify God, our perspective shifts, and His goodness becomes even more evident in our lives.

Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall praise Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts.~ Psalm 145:3-4

I lived out an example of this truth when my youngest son was born. He had a severe case of jaundice, and because of the severity, he had to stay in the hospital for days after I was released. It was an extremely stressful time, not only because I went to stay with him every day for as long as they allowed me to be there, but also because I had to leave the rest of my family behind during those hours. Each morning, I would call to check on his progress, hoping that today would be the day he could go home.

At that time, I was learning to trust God by praising Him no matter what the outside circumstances looked like. I remember calling on day five, expecting to hear good news, but there was very little change. When I hung up the phone, discouragement tried to creep in.  That’s when I was reminded that no matter what things looked like in the natural, God was working in the supernatural. He was healing my son, and He was going to bring us through to victory. Right there in my kitchen, I took a moment to thank God and praise Him for what He was doing.

That morning when I arrived at the hospital, I walked into the special care nursery and went straight to my son’s little bed, but he wasn’t there. My heart skipped a beat, and I quickly turned to the nurse and asked where he was. She smiled and pointed to the other side of the room. “He’s right over there, ready to go home.”

Tears filled my eyes as joy overwhelmed me. I couldn’t help but praise God right there in the middle of the hospital. The same God I had trusted, the same God I had praised before I saw the answer, had been faithful to His Word.

The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy. The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works. ~ Psalm 145:8-9

Psalm 144 reminded us that God trains our hands for battle, and Psalm 145 tells us why. We serve a good, compassionate, and faithful God! Just as David praised God for His faithfulness, we too must prepare ahead of time for life’s battles by following God’s plan and purpose. When we seek Him daily and follow His direction, we position ourselves to stand firm when trials come.

In the hospital, I wasn’t just reacting to the crisis, I was also leaning on what God had already trained me in. The Holy Spirit reminded me of what he had been showing me: that praise shifts the atmosphere, that trust opens the door for God to move, and that my words mattered. When we fill our hearts with His truth ahead of time, the Holy Spirit will bring those truths to mind when we need them the most. That’s how we fight and win, by being prepared in His presence before the battle even begins.

The words we speak matter. Psalm 145:21 says, “My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord.” What if, instead of complaining about our struggles, we declared God’s goodness? Instead of saying, “I don’t know if I’ll make it through this,” we said, “God is faithful, and He will see me through!”

Praising God out loud, even when my emotions don’t feel like it, causes a shift on the inside of me. Fear starts to break. Worry loses its grip. Hope rises. My circumstances may not change immediately, but my heart does. Praising God isn’t just about acknowledging what He’s done in the past, it’s also about preparing for the victory ahead.

Psalm 145 encourages us to continually declare God’s goodness. That means:

• Daily praise – Don’t wait for Sunday. Speak of His goodness every day. (v. 2)
• Sharing testimonies – Tell others what God has done in your life. (v. 4-7)
• Speaking life – Replace negative words with faith-filled declarations. (v. 11-12)

Where to Start?

1. Speak His Praises Daily – Start your morning by thanking God for His goodness. Set the tone for your day with praise. (Psalm 145:2)
2. Watch Your Words – Choose to speak words of faith, not doubt. Avoid negativity and instead speak out God’s promises. (Psalm 145:11, 21)
3. Share His Goodness – Encourage someone today by sharing a testimony of how God has worked in your life. (Psalm 145:4-7)

Today I want to encourage you that no matter what you’re facing, let your mouth proclaim the goodness of God. Speak His praises, magnify His faithfulness, and remind yourself, and those around you, of His power and love.

The Lord is near to all who call upon Him! ~ Psalm 145:18

So, lift up your voice, declare His greatness, and walk in confidence because the God you praise is the same God who fights for you every step of the way!

Today’s Scripture Reading: Psalm 145

1 I will extol You, my God, O King; And I will bless Your name forever and ever.

2 Every day I will bless You, and I will praise Your name forever and ever.

3 Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; And His greatness is unsearchable.

4 One generation shall praise Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts.

5 I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty, and on Your wondrous works.

6 Men shall speak of the might of Your awesome acts, and I will declare Your greatness.

7 They shall utter the memory of Your great goodness, and shall sing of Your righteousness.

8 The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy.

9 The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works.

10 All Your works shall praise You, O Lord, and Your saints shall bless You.

11 They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom, and talk of Your power,

12 To make known to the sons of men His mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of His kingdom.

13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Your dominion endures throughout all generations.

14 The Lord upholds all who fall, and raises up all who are bowed down.

15 The eyes of all look expectantly to You, and You give them their food in due season.

16 You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.

17 The Lord is righteous in all His ways, gracious in all His works.

18 The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.

19 He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them.

20 The Lord preserves all who love Him, but all the wicked He will destroy.

21 My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord, and all flesh shall bless His holy name forever and ever.

Prepared for battle

_{Blessed be the Lord my Rock, Who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle. ~ Psalms 144:1}

There have been times in my life when I felt overwhelmed and almost like the battles were too big and the challenges too many. I’ve faced moments where I was unsure how to fight back, how to stand strong, or how to move forward. But every time I turned to God, He reminded me that my strength doesn’t come from my own abilities, but from Him. That’s the powerful message of Psalm 144. God is our Rock, our Protector, and the One who equips us for every battle.

Psalms 144 begins with David praising God. He rejoiced that God was the One Who trained his hands for war and his fingers for battle. David was a warrior, but he understood that all his victories didn’t come from his own strength, they came from God. The same is true for us. The battles we face, whether they’re emotional, spiritual, financial, or relational, are not ours to fight alone. God gives us the wisdom, the endurance, and the weapons we need to overcome.

Preparation is key to victory. A soldier doesn’t wait until the battle begins to start training, and neither should we. As we seek God and follow His direction for our lives, we position ourselves to be ready when the battles come. When we spend time in His Word, spend time with Him often in prayer, and follow the instructions He speaks to our heart, we are being trained for the fight ahead. In that way when trouble comes, the Holy Spirit will remind us of what He has already taught us. God doesn’t just fight for us, but He also equips us to stand strong! If we wait until the moment of crisis to seek Him, we will find ourselves unprepared. But when we walk daily in His presence, we will be ready when the enemy attacks.

Later in this passage, David cries out for deliverance from deceitful people:

“Rescue me and deliver me from the hand of foreigners, whose mouth speaks lying words, and whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood.” ~ Psalm 144:11

This verse is a powerful reminder that words have weight. Just as David prayed for protection from deceitful speech, we must be selective with the words we allow in and the words we speak out. Have you ever been in a situation where someone’s words hurt you deeply? Maybe someone spoke lies about you, or maybe you’ve spoken words you regret. I know I’ve had moments where I wished I had chosen my words more carefully.

The words we speak over ourselves and others shape our reality. If we constantly say, “I’ll never overcome this,” or “Things will never change,” we start to believe it. But if we bring our words into agreement with the truth of God’s Word by declaring His promises and speaking life over our circumstances, then we can actually shift the atmosphere around us.

Here is a list of things you can do to get started today:

1. Acknowledge God as Your Rock – No matter what battle you’re facing, remember that God is your foundation. Pray and thank Him that He is your strength. (Psalm 144:1-2)
2. Watch Your Words – Be intentional about speaking truth and life and avoid falling into negativity or deception. (Psalm 144:11)
3. Trust in His Blessings – David’s prayer ends with a vision of God’s people flourishing: strong children, full barns, peace in the land. God desires to bless you, but it starts with trusting Him fully. (Psalm 144:12-15)

Today I want to encourage you as you read Psalms 144 to remember that we don’t have to fight alone. God is our strength, our defender, and our refuge. When we trust Him, guard our words, and rely on His power, we will see His blessing show up in our lives.

So, what battle are you facing today? Speak life, stand firm, and remember that you are not fighting alone. The God who trains your hands for battle is the same God who brings victory. Happy are the people whose God is the Lord! ~ Psalm 144:15

Now go forward with confidence knowing your Rock is with you!

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 144

1 Blessed be the Lord my Rock, Who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle—

2 My lovingkindness and my fortress, my high tower and my deliverer, my shield and the One in whom I take refuge, Who subdues my people under me.

3 Lord, what is man, that You take knowledge of him? Or the son of man, that You are mindful of him?

4 Man is like a breath; His days are like a passing shadow.

5 Bow down Your heavens, O Lord, and come down; Touch the mountains, and they shall smoke.

6 Flash forth lightning and scatter them; Shoot out Your arrows and destroy them.

7 Stretch out Your hand from above; Rescue me and deliver me out of great waters, from the hand of foreigners,

8 Whose mouth speaks lying words, and whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood.

9 I will sing a new song to You, O God; On a harp of ten strings I will sing praises to You,

10 The One who gives salvation to kings, Who delivers David His servant from the deadly sword.

11 Rescue me and deliver me from the hand of foreigners, whose mouth speaks lying words, and whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood—

12 That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; That our daughters may be as pillars, sculptured in palace style;

13 That our barns may be full, supplying all kinds of produce; That our sheep may bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our fields;

14 That our oxen may be well laden; That there be no breaking in or going out; That there be no outcry in our streets.

15 Happy are the people who are in such a state; Happy are the people whose God is the Lord!

What should we do?

Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38

In the world we live in today, we have an unlimited selection of activities, pastimes, and hobbies to occupy the time we’ve been given. From crafting to sports, reading to videos, TV to going to the movies, and cooking to dining out, not to mention school, work, and community events. We have become a society consumed with busyness and entertainment. Many people are caught up in the pursuit of success, wealth, and comfort, believing that the ultimate goal in life is to achieve financial stability that will produce personal happiness.

But in today’s reading, the Apostle Peter is faced with a question that cuts through all the distractions: “What should we do?”

Peter had just delivered a powerful message about Jesus, the Messiah who was crucified and raised from the dead. The crowd, deeply convicted, recognized their need for direction. But notice that Peter’s response wasn’t about personal achievement, financial security, or worldly success. He didn’t tell them to seek higher education, climb the corporate ladder, or even just attend religious services. His response was simple yet life-changing:

“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” ~ Acts 2:38

Peter’s answer remains just as relevant today. Our ultimate purpose in life is not to accumulate wealth or seek temporary comforts but to turn to God, receive His forgiveness, and be filled with His Spirit so that we can enter into a personal relationship with Him and live out His mission.

It’s easy to become distracted by the demands of life. We pursue success, entertainment, and possessions, often without realizing how much time and energy we devote to things that won’t last. But Peter reminds us that life is not about what we accumulate, it’s about who we follow.

God’s desire is that we repent, which means turning away from sin and self-reliance, and commit fully to Him. When we do, He not only forgives us but also fills us with His Spirit, giving us the power, wisdom, and boldness to live for Him. This isn’t just for us but it’s for the generations that follow.

Here are some way that we can respond to this direction starting right now:

1. Evaluate Your Priorities – Ask yourself: What am I truly pursuing? Am I running after God’s purpose for my life, or am I consumed by temporary things? Take time to reflect and focus your heart on God and His plan.
2. Repent and Surrender – If you recognize that you’ve been focused on the wrong things, turn back to God today. Repentance isn’t just about feeling sorry, it’s about making a decision to live differently.
3. Be Baptized (or Renew Your Commitment) – If you’ve never taken this step, consider baptism as a public declaration of your faith. If you’ve already been baptized, reflect on what it means to walk daily in that commitment by trusting Him every step of the way.
4. Seek the Holy Spirit’s Guidance – You were never meant to navigate life alone. Invite the Holy Spirit to lead, strengthen, and equip you to live out God’s purpose.
5. Use What You Have for God’s Glory – Instead of seeing your career, home, or resources as your ultimate goals, ask God how He wants you to use them to impact others for His Kingdom.

Today I want to encourage you to consider what you are pursuing? Are you building a life that will fade away, or are you investing in eternity? Make the decision today to repent, receive God’s Spirit, and live with purpose. When you do, you’ll not only experience true fulfillment, but you’ll also become a light to those around you, leading them to the hope found in Jesus. Let today be a turning point. Choose to pursue God over temporary gain and watch as He transforms your life from the inside out.

Prayer:
Lord, I recognize that I’ve been distracted by the temporary things of this world. Forgive me for pursuing comfort and success over Your presence. I turn my heart back to You today. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and lead me in Your purpose. Use my life for Your glory and help me to reach others with Your truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 2:22-39

22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know

23 Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; 

24 whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it. 

25 For David says concerning Him: ‘I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for He is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken.

26 Therefore my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad; Moreover, my flesh also will rest in hope.

27 For You will not leave my soul in Hades, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.

28 You have made known to me the ways of life; You will make me full of joy in Your presence.’

29 “Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 

30 Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, He would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne, 

31 He, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption. 

32 This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses. 

33 Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.

34 “For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he says himself:

‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand,

35 Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.”’

36 “Therefore, let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”

37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”

38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 

39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”

How can we hear?

We hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.” Acts2:11

What a wonderful event to think about! On the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit filled the first New Testament believers, His first act was to ensure that those on the outside could hear and understand the wonderful works of God. It didn’t matter what language they spoke; the Holy Spirit spoke directly to them in their own language so they could know the message that God had for them that day. As a result, many were saved and added to the church!

Today, we live in a world filled with countless languages and cultures. Ministries worldwide are working tirelessly to translate God’s Word into every known language, ensuring the message of salvation reaches the ends of the earth. However, what about those in our own communities? Many may have access to the Bible but never read it or fully grasp the love of God flowing from its pages. How can they still hear the Holy Spirit speaking today?

The truth is, the Holy Spirit is still making Himself known. He speaks to hearts, stirs minds, and reveals the presence of God in tangible ways. Peter, on the day of Pentecost, quoted the prophet Joel, who described the many ways the Holy Spirit would pour out in the last days:

1. Visions – God reveals His plans and direction through divine insight and perception.
2. Dreams – God speaks through dreams, giving wisdom and instruction.
3. Prophecy – Messages that build up, encourage, and strengthen faith.
4. Wonders in the heavens – Signs in the skies that declare God’s majesty.
5. Signs in the earth – Miracles and supernatural events that reveal His power.
6. Blood, fire, and vapor of smoke – Reminders of both judgment and deliverance.
7. The sun turned to darkness – A sign of God’s s control over creation.
8. The moon into blood – A prophetic marker of the times we live in.
9. Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved! – The greatest promise of all!

These manifestations of the Holy Spirit remind us that God is not distant or silent, but active and moving in the world today. He desires to reveal Himself to people in personal ways, just as He did on the day of Pentecost.

If the Holy Spirit is speaking, how can we be sure we are listening? Here are some practical ways to position yourself to hear Him more clearly:

1. Ask for a Fresh Filling – Just as the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, we too need fresh encounters with Him. Ask the Lord daily to fill you again with His Spirit (Ephesians 5:18).
2. Quiet Your Heart Before Him – The Holy Spirit often speaks in a still, small voice. Set aside time in prayer and worship to listen intentionally  (1 Kings 19:12).
3. Pay Attention to Dreams and Visions – If God is speaking through a dream or vision, write it down, pray about it, and seek understanding (Job 33:14-15).
4. Look for Signs of His Presence – The Holy Spirit moves in ways that may seem unusual or unexpected. Be aware of the ways He might be speaking through circumstances, divine appointments, or even nature itself (Romans 1:20).
5. Be Ready to Share – When people around you ask questions about what’s happening in the world or in their lives, be prepared to point them to Jesus. The Holy Spirit is always working to draw hearts to God (1 Peter 3:15).
6. Test Everything Against Scripture – The Holy Spirit will never contradict the Word of God. Everything you sense, hear, or experience should be in agreement with Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Just as the first believers spoke in many languages so that people from every nation could understand the Gospel, we are called to be messengers of the wonderful works of God today. Whether through words, actions, or simply living a life led by the Spirit, we can partner with the Spirit of God to show His love to those around us.

Today I want to encourage you to look for the Holy Spirit’s presence in your every day life. Start by asking for a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit and following the directions He whispers to you on the inside. Be open to His direction and take time to share what He reveals with others. When you do, many will call upon the name of the Lord and be saved!

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 2:5-21

5 And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven.

6 And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language.

7 Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans?

8 And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born?

9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,

10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes,

11 Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.”

12 So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “Whatever could this mean?”

13 Others mocking said, “They are full of new wine.”

14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words.

15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day.

16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

17 ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams.

18 And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out my Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy.

19 I will show wonders in heaven above and signs in the earth beneath: Blood and fire and vapor of smoke.

20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood,

Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.

21 And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’

A Morning Person

Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, for in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You. ~ Psalms 143:8

Up until recently, I have always confessed that I am not a morning person. I often struggle to leave my nice, warm, comfy bed early in the morning. Even though for years I worked a job that required me to be there at 5 a.m. and even before that, I made the decision to wake up an hour earlier than necessary to spend intentional time with God. Still, mornings have never come easy for me.

A couple of weeks ago, I was in a small group discussion where many of us shared our struggles with getting up and going in the mornings. As we talked, one wise lady spoke up and said, “You know, the trouble you are having is partly because of the words you keep saying.” The moment she said it, something clicked in my spirit. I immediately saw things from a different perspective.

The truth is, I do get up early each morning, even on the days I don’t have to go into work. I wake up to write and share an encouraging message to help others face their day. So, I said to her, “You’re right! I get up early in the morning, so I AM a morning person.”

That conversation changed something in me. As I drove home that day, I prayed and asked the Lord to transform my heart about mornings. I didn’t want to dread waking up, I wanted to look forward to it! I asked Him to remind me of the plans He has for my day, to stir up excitement in my spirit for the purpose He has placed before me. Throughout the rest of that day, I continued thanking the Holy Spirit for revealing this truth to me and for the work He was doing in my heart.

Now, I won’t say that I’ve been instantly delivered from every struggle of getting up early. But I can say that since that day, my mindset has changed. I find myself looking forward to the morning rather than dragging into it. I wake up with expectation in my heart, knowing that God has something new for me in the day ahead.

I love this verse in Psalms 143 that reminds me that He lets me hear His lovingkindness in the mornings and shows me the path to walk each day as I lift my soul to Him. It perfectly captures the shift in my perspective. When I wake up and hear His lovingkindness through His words of love each morning, it sets the tone for my entire day. When I trust in Him, I am confident that He will show me the way I should walk and reveal the plan that He has made for my day.

If you’ve ever struggled with mornings, you’re not alone. But you don’t have to stay stuck in that mindset. Here are a few steps to start embracing your mornings with joy and purpose:

1. Change Your Confession – Stop saying, “I’m not a morning person.” Instead, start declaring, “I wake up early to meet with God, so I AM a morning person!” Your words shape your reality. (Proverbs 18:21)
2. Pray for a Shift in Perspective – Ask God to help you see mornings differently. Pray for excitement and expectation about what He wants to do in your day. (Romans 12:2)
3. Start Your Morning with God’s Word – Instead of reaching for your phone or hitting snooze, begin your day by reading scripture and listening for His voice in your heart. (Psalms 5:3)
4. Give Thanks for the New Day – Even if waking up feels hard, thank God for another opportunity to serve Him, grow, and walk in His purpose. (Lamentations 3:22-23)
5. Create a Morning Routine that Excites You – Find something that makes you look forward to mornings.  It can be journaling, worship, a fresh cup of coffee, or a sunrise walk with God. (Isaiah 40:31)

Today I want to encourage you to remember you don’t have to be naturally wired as a “morning person” to embrace the morning with joy. The key is inviting God into your morning and allowing Him to set the course for your day. Let Psalms 143 be a reminder that He is eager to speak to your heart every morning, to pour out His lovingkindness, and to show us the way you should walk.

So, no matter how you’ve felt about the mornings before, today can be a fresh start. Wake up with expectation, meet with God first, and step into your day with joy, because He is already there, waiting for you.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 143

1 Hear my prayer, O Lord, give ear to my supplications! In Your faithfulness answer me, and in Your righteousness.

2 Do not enter into judgment with Your servant, for in Your sight no one living is righteous.

3 For the enemy has persecuted my soul; He has crushed my life to the ground; He has made me dwell in darkness, like those who have long been dead.

4 Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me; My heart within me is distressed.

5 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I muse on the work of Your hands.

6 I spread out my hands to You; My soul longs for You like a thirsty land.  Selah

7 Answer me speedily, O Lord; My spirit fails! Do not hide Your face from me, lest I be like those who go down into the pit.

8 Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, for in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You.

9 Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies; In You I take shelter.

10 Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness.

11 Revive me, O Lord, for Your name’s sake! For Your righteousness’ sake bring my soul out of trouble.

12 In Your mercy cut off my enemies, and destroy all those who afflict my soul; For I am Your servant.

Cry Out to the Lord

I cry out to the Lord with my voice; With my voice to the Lord I make my supplication. I pour out my complaint before Him; I declare before Him my trouble. ~ Psalms 142:1-2

Have you ever felt completely overwhelmed, like no one really understands what you’re going through? Maybe you’ve been in a place where you felt trapped, by circumstances, emotions, or even your own thoughts. If so, you’re not alone. David knew exactly what that felt like. When he wrote Psalm 142, he was hiding in a cave, running for his life. He had no escape, no solution in sight, and no one to turn to, except God. So David did the most powerful thing he could: he cried out to the Lord.

I’ve had moments like that. Moments when I felt like no one would understand the weight I was carrying. I remember one particularly difficult season when I felt completely drained. It seemed like everywhere I turned, there was another challenge, another disappointment, another burden. I wanted to talk to someone about it, but I felt like if I opened my mouth, all that would come out would be complaints, frustration, and negativity.

And honestly, I was right on the edge of letting it all spill out to the wrong people. I wanted to vent to a friend, unload on my husband, or even post something vague online just to let people know I was struggling. But then, I read Psalm 142:2 that says: “I pour out my complaint before Him; I declare before Him my trouble.”

That’s when I realized: I do need to talk about it, but I need to take it to God first.

There’s a difference between complaining and bringing our burdens to the Lord. David wasn’t afraid to be honest with God. He didn’t pretend everything was fine, he poured out his heart. But instead of speaking words that would spread negativity, stir up bitterness, or weigh others down, he turned his complaints into prayer. He made prayer his first response instead of his last resort.

So, the next time you feel overwhelmed, here’s where to start:

1. Pause Before You Speak – When you feel the urge to vent, take a moment and ask yourself: Am I bringing this to God first? If the answer is no, stop and pray before saying anything else.
2. Be Honest with God – You don’t have to sugarcoat your feelings. Tell Him exactly how you feel, just like David did. He already knows, and He cares.
3. Trade Complaints for Prayer – Instead of just airing frustrations, ask God for help, wisdom, and peace. Shift from “Why is this happening?” to “Lord, help me trust You in this and show me how to get through to victory”
4. Guard Your Words – Once you’ve prayed, be mindful of how you speak about your situation. Instead of dwelling on the problem, start speaking words of faith and trust. You can say something like: “I’ve turned the situation over to God and He is taking care of it now.”  Then thank Him that He is at work in the situation every time you think of it again.

Something amazing happens when we cry out to God—He meets us where we are. When I turned to God in my moment of frustration, I felt an immediate shift. My attitude shifted and instead of feeling stuck in negativity, I felt lighter. I wasn’t carrying the weight alone anymore.

David ends Psalm 142 with a powerful declaration:
Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise Your name; The righteous shall surround me, for You shall deal bountifully with me. ~ Psalm 142:7

David started the Psalm in distress, but he ended it in faith. That’s what happens when we take our burdens to God, an exchange happens.  We lay down our struggles and in return, He gives us peace, clarity, and the strength to keep going.

Today I want to remind you that what you say in hard moments matters. Will you let your words keep you stuck in frustration, or will you surrender them to God and allow Him to work in your situation?

The next time you feel overwhelmed, don’t let your first reaction be to vent to others.  Instead, make prayer your first response and cry out to the Lord first. He sees you, He hears you, and He will meet you right where you are. Trust that He will bring you through and deal bountifully with you. When you do that, you won’t just find relief, you’ll find freedom.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 142

1 I cry out to the Lord with my voice; With my voice to the Lord I make my supplication.

2 I pour out my complaint before Him; I declare before Him my trouble.

3 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then You knew my path. In the way in which I walk they have secretly set a snare for me.

4 Look on my right hand and see, For there is no one who acknowledges me; Refuge has failed me; No one cares for my soul.

5 I cried out to You, O Lord: I said, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.

6 Attend to my cry, for I am brought very low; Deliver me from my persecutors, for they are stronger than I.

7 Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise Your name; The righteous shall surround me, for You shall deal bountifully with me.”

Set a guard

Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips. ~ Psalms 141: 3

Have you ever said something you immediately regretted? Maybe it was words spoken in frustration, a secret shared too soon, or a complaint that only made matters worse. I know I have more times than I can count! But I’ve also had moments of victory, where God helped me hold my tongue, and I saw the power of surrendering my words to Him.

Just a couple of weeks ago, I was spending time with a friend, and without even realizing it, she said something that really rubbed me the wrong way. Before I even knew what was happening, offense crept in. My heart started turning over the words, twisting them, magnifying them, and making them bigger than they really were.

I knew deep down that if I spoke about it, especially to my husband, it would only make things worse. Either he would get upset with me, fueling my frustration, or he wouldn’t see it the way I did, which would only add to my offense. I was in a battle: Would I let my words fan the flame, or would I take it to God instead?

At first, I didn’t want to let it go. I wanted to stew over it, replay the conversation, and justify my frustration. Finally, when I realized I was becoming preoccupied with unintentional insult, I asked God for help. The thoughts were stealing my peace and my joy and I knew I had to get rid of them. That’s when I turned to my Lord and prayed:
“Lord, I know it is not right to hold on to offense. I know that it only hurts me, not the person I’m upset with. Help me to let this go. It was such a little thing, and I don’t want it to become big in my heart.”

It was almost immediately that God did something supernatural. Not only did He help me let it go, but He removed it completely from my thoughts. A few days later, I was talking with my husband about offenses in general, and I remembered that I had been upset recently. I started to talk to him about it, but I couldn’t even recall what had happened! It took me a minute to bring it back to mind, and when I did, I just laughed. What had once felt so frustrating had completely lost its grip on me. That’s the power of surrendering our thoughts and words to God!

David’s prayer in Psalms 141 is a powerful reminder that our words shape our reality. When we let every thought slip out of our mouths unchecked, we give offense, frustration, and negativity a place to grow. But when we invite God to “set a guard over our mouths,” He helps us filter our words so that they bring life instead of destruction.

Think about how many times in a day we have the opportunity to speak words that either build up or tear down:

• A casual comment that could encourage or discourage.
• A complaint that could lead to gratitude if left unsaid.
• A quick remark that could either bring peace or spark division.

That’s why watching our mouths isn’t just about keeping quiet, it’s about intentionally choosing words that reflect God’s love and wisdom. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” What we say has the power to either bring healing and unity or deepen wounds and division.

So how do we put this kingdom principle into practice?

1. Pause Before You Speak – When you feel the urge to vent, complain, or react in frustration, take a deep breath and ask yourself: Will these words bring life or add to the problem?
2. Pray for God’s Help – Like David, ask God to “set a guard over your mouth.” Invite Him to help you filter your words so that you only speak what is helpful and uplifting.
3. Choose to Let Things Go – Not everything needs to be spoken. Some things are better left between you and God. Ask Him to help you release offense and move forward in peace.
4. Fill Your Mind with God’s Truth – The more we dwell on God’s Word, the easier it becomes to speak with wisdom. Fill your heart with scriptures that remind you of His goodness and grace.

Today I want to encourage you to remember that what you say has the power to shape your heart and your relationships. The next time you find yourself in a situation where you want to react in frustration or offense, remember David’s prayer: “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth.” Ask God to help you hold your tongue when needed, and to speak words that bring healing, peace, and encouragement.

When you surrender your words to God, He not only helps you avoid unnecessary pain, but He also fills your hearts with His peace. His peace is far better than any momentary satisfaction of saying something you might regret later.

So today, let’s choose to speak life. Let’s let our words be a testimony of God’s grace in our lives. So that when offense comes knocking, we give it to God and trust Him to handle the rest. In Him, we have victory, even over our own mouths!

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 141

1 Lord, I cry out to You; Make haste to me! Give ear to my voice when I cry out to You.

2 Let my prayer be set before You as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.

3 Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.

4 Do not incline my heart to any evil thing, to practice wicked works with men who work iniquity; And do not let me eat of their delicacies.

5 Let the righteous strike me; It shall be a kindness. and let him rebuke me; It shall be as excellent oil; Let my head not refuse it. For still my prayer is against the deeds of the wicked.

6 Their judges are overthrown by the sides of the cliff, and they hear my words, for they are sweet.

7 Our bones are scattered at the mouth of the grave, as when one plows and breaks up the earth.

8 But my eyes are upon You, O God the Lord; In You I take refuge; Do not leave my soul destitute.

9 Keep me from the snares they have laid for me, and from the traps of the workers of iniquity.

10 Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I escape safely.

The hands of the wicked – Recognizing the Battle Behind the Battle

Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; Preserve me from violent men, who have purposed to make my steps stumble. ~ Psalms 140:4

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where the people around you weren’t necessarily “bad,” but they were leading you down a path that wasn’t good for you? Maybe it started out as innocent fun, but over time, you found yourself drifting further from God’s plan for your life. I can relate.

There was a time when I surrounded myself with “friends” who didn’t always have my best interest in mind. As a single person, I wanted to be around people that like to have fun, so I got pulled into a group that loved to get together at every opportunity and blow off steam. The problem was that many times, I found myself in situations that were not only uncomfortable but also dangerous. I even got into some relationships that seemed to drain the very life out of me, leaving me feeling more lost and disconnected from God’s purpose than I was before.

At the time, I didn’t realize that there was more going on than just bad influences or unhealthy relationships. I never even considered the spiritual forces behind the intentions of my so-called friends. The enemy often works through people, knowingly or unknowingly, to pull us away from God’s best. The wickedness described in Psalm 140 is not just about evil people, it’s about the evil spirit operating behind them, trying to make us stumble and steer us off course.

The enemy’s tactics are subtle. He often disguises temptation as fun, success, or even love. He uses relationships, distractions, and even our own desires to pull us away from God. But we don’t have to fall for his schemes. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us:

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

When we recognize that the real battle is spiritual, we can begin to fight it the right way using God’s Word, prayer, and wisdom.

If you feel like you’re surrounded by negative influences or struggling to break free from toxic relationships, here are some steps to take:

1. Pray for Discernment – Ask God to reveal the true motives of the people around you and to show you who is helping you to grow spiritually and who is holding you back. (James 1:5)
2. Set Healthy Boundaries – Just because you love people doesn’t mean you need to let them influence your life. Be intentional about who you allow into your inner circle. (Proverbs 4:23)
3. Recognize the Spiritual Influence – Don’t just look at the outward actions, ask God to reveal the spiritual forces at work behind certain situations. If something keeps pulling you away from God, it’s likely the enemy’s trap. (2 Corinthians 2:11)
4. Surround Yourself with Godly People – Find a community that encourages your faith rather than drains it. (Hebrews 10:24-25)
5. Speak and Stand on God’s Word – Declare Psalm 140:4 over your life, trusting that God will protect you from those who seek to cause you harm.

If you’re feeling stuck in a place where negative influences surround you, start with prayer. Ask God to help you see clearly who and what is pulling you away from His plan. Spend time in His Word and let Him strengthen you.

Make a list of the people and activities in your life. Separate them into two categories. Category one being those who are drawing you closer to God and category two, those who are pulling you away. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in making necessary changes. Seek out friendships and relationships that encourage your faith and help you grow in your walk with the Lord Jesus.

Today I want to encourage you that No matter what you’ve been through, it’s never too late to step into the life God has for you. If you’ve been caught in relationships or environments that have led you away from His plan, know that God’s hand is strong enough to pull you out. He sees you, He loves you, and He is ready to protect and restore you.

Psalm 140 reminds us that we don’t have to fight our battles alone. God is our defender, our shield, and our deliverer. He will preserve your steps and keep you from stumbling as you turn to Him, trust in His direction and  remember the battle is already won.

So stand firm, stay close to God, and let Him guide you into the abundant, purpose-filled life He has prepared for you!

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 140

1 Deliver me, O Lord, from evil men; Preserve me from violent men,

2 Who plan evil things in their hearts; They continually gather together for war.

3 They sharpen their tongues like a serpent; The poison of asps is under their lips. Selah

4 Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; Preserve me from violent men, who have purposed to make my steps stumble.

5 The proud have hidden a snare for me, and cords; They have spread a net by the wayside;

They have set traps for me. Selah

6 I said to the Lord: “You are my God; Hear the voice of my supplications, O Lord.

7 O God the Lord, the strength of my salvation, You have covered my head in the day of battle.

8 Do not grant, O Lord, the desires of the wicked; Do not further his wicked scheme,

Lest they be exalted. Selah

9 “As for the head of those who surround me, let the evil of their lips cover them;

10 Let burning coals fall upon them; Let them be cast into the fire, into deep pits, that they rise not up again.

11 Let not a slanderer be established in the earth; Let evil hunt the violent man to overthrow him.”

12 I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and justice for the poor.

13 Surely the righteous shall give thanks to Your name; The upright shall dwell in Your presence.