The Daily Dose

Blood of the New Covenant

For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.  Matthew 26:28

This was a radical statement for Jesus to make. Every one of the disciples, and every Hebrew person for that matter, knew what a blood covenant meant. However, it is not so common to us today. A blood covenant was a solemn agreement between two people or cities, symbolizing a pact in which each party brought their best resources into the agreement.

For example, if one city was rich in produce, it might share its best crops with another city that was rich in natural resources, such as water, soil, or minerals. In return, the second city would share its resources. This was a covenant in the natural realm. Many weaker cities sought covenants with stronger, fortified cities as a place of refuge in times of danger or war.

The disciples were also familiar with the covenants God had made with Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David. The nation of Israel knew about these agreements and celebrated them. They also understood that these covenants were sealed with the shedding of blood, which was a requirement for a covenant with God.

So, when Jesus said that His blood was the basis of a new covenant, the disciples must have paid close attention. He briefly explained that this new covenant involved the remission of sins, which means the cancelation of a debt owed.

At the time, the disciples likely didn’t fully understand what Jesus meant. Even after Jesus died on the cross and rose again, they were still focused on the idea of Him overthrowing the Roman government. It wasn’t until the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came upon them, that they realized Jesus’ death had freed them not from Roman rule but from the bondage of sin.

This new covenant is the greatest gift ever given. In it, the commandment is to love one another because we are no longer required to pay the debt of our sins. Jesus brought His best, which was His life into the covenant in exchange for our best: loving others.

Today, I encourage you to reflect on the new covenant. It is a covenant with God, sealed through the pure and sinless blood of Jesus. His strength in this agreement is His salvation, saving us from an eternity of paying the debt of our sins and being separated from the God who loves us. Our part is to love and honor our heavenly Father and all people.

If you have never entered into this covenant with God through His Son’s blood, consider doing so today. Pray this salvation prayer from your heart, and Jesus will come into your life. He will save you, and your life will change in a radical and blessed way beyond anything you could imagine.

Pray: God in heaven, I know I’m a sinner and I need a Savior.  I want to turn away from my sinful life to the life You have planned for me.  Please forgive my sins, cleanse me from my past, and make me new.  I know Your Son, Jesus died for me.  I believe in my heart that You raised Him from the dead.  At this very moment, I accept, confess, and proclaim Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior . . . to be Lord of my life from this day forward.  I now have a right relationship with God my Father through this salvation in Jesus. I thank You for giving me Your Holy Spirit to guide and to empower me to do the things that You have planned for my life in Jesus’ name, Amen

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 26:26-30

26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.”

27 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you.

28 For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

29 But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”

30 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

He knows

Then Judas, who was betraying Him, answered and said, “Rabbi, is it I?” He said to him, “You have said it.” Matthew 26:25

Whatever you are going through in life, He knows. He is there, and He will help you. It is up to you to first surrender and ask. He is always ready to step in, but He waits for the invitation. He doesn’t force or push; He moves when He is invited. Maybe you call out to Him, or maybe someone is interceding for you, but make no mistake, He already knows everything you are going through.

It’s not that He doesn’t care. No, in fact it is just the opposite, He cares very deeply. However, He puts the choice in your hands regarding how much involvement He has in your life. You can include Him a little, only when things are really rough, or you can invite Him into every part of your life on a daily, even continual basis. The Lord Jesus is involved in your life to the degree that you want Him to be, and that is good news.

Why is that good news? Because He has given you control over your relationship with Him. You decide what you get out of it. If you ignore Him and only call on Him when you need something, that’s what you’ll receive. But if you spend time talking with Him and include Him in every area of your life, you’ll walk in divine wisdom, protection, and health. It’s true, and in today’s passage, we see just how loving He is and how willing He is to step in when asked.

The reading starts with Judas, after being offended by Jesus’ rebuke over the woman with the alabaster flask, going to the high priests and asking for payment to betray Jesus. Perhaps Judas thought Jesus couldn’t be detained since He had avoided it before. Maybe Judas wasn’t even thinking beyond the money. Regardless, the moment Judas conspired with the priests, he turned his loyalty away from Jesus.

Here’s the kicker: Jesus gave Judas an out. He confronted him face to face. At the Passover supper, Jesus told everyone that one of them would betray Him. None of them denied it; instead, they believed Him and asked who it was. When Judas asked, Jesus plainly told him that he was the one.

At that moment, Judas had a decision to make. Would he confess and ask for forgiveness? Certainly, Jesus would have helped him out of the mess. But Judas left and kept his agreement with the priests.

It’s such a sad story but notice that Jesus didn’t beg or plead with Judas not to do it. He made it clear that Judas had a choice when He said, “The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed!” Jesus knew He had to go to the cross, but He didn’t have to be betrayed by Judas. Even though prophecy foretold the betrayal, Jesus would have forgiven Judas if he had surrendered. That’s what Jesus does: He loves and forgives.

What are you going through today? Are you struggling financially, like Judas? Are you hurting in your family or marriage? Does it feel like your world is crashing down around you?

You can run to Jesus today. Surrender it all to Him, and He will help you through. I know this is true because He has rescued me many times. I call on Him, He answers, and I’m so thankful that He does. Without Him, I would be in a terrible place in my life. Instead, I am beyond blessed because I’ve let Him invade and lead every part of my life.

Today I want to encourage you that He will do the same for you. Trust Him today. Turn your problems over to Him and commit to handling things His way. He will lead you out of the deep pit you’re in and bring you to the victory He died to give you.

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 26:14-25

14 Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests

15 and said, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?” And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver.

16 So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him.

17 Now on the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying to Him, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?”

18 And He said, “Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, “My time is at hand; I will keep the Passover at your house with My disciples.” ’ ”

19 So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them; and they prepared the Passover.

20 When evening had come, He sat down with the twelve.

21 Now as they were eating, He said, “Assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.”

22 And they were exceedingly sorrowful, and each of them began to say to Him, “Lord, is it I?”

23 He answered and said, “He who dipped his hand with Me in the dish will betray Me.

24 The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.”

25 Then Judas, who was betraying Him, answered and said, “Rabbi, is it I?” He said to him, “You have said it.”

What should we do?

Let my accusers be clothed with shame and let them cover themselves with their own disgrace as with a mantle. ~ Psalms 109:29

In this Psalm of David, he prayed for his accuser, but not in a good way.  His plea is raw, listing out his deep hurt and desire for justice. However, when we compare Davids’s prayer with the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, where we are called to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44), it can create tension in our hearts.

I, too, have struggled with contrasts in scriptures like this. When I’ve faced betrayal or been wronged, my first instinct wasn’t always to pray for my enemy’s salvation. Yet, by going to God in prayer, I found out that holding onto anger only fuels bitterness and takes me further from God’s peace.

It helps to remember that Psalm 109 reflects David’s humanity and a real cry from a wounded heart. God doesn’t ask us to suppress our pain or deny our hurt. Instead, He lets us bring it to Him honestly. But as followers of Christ Jesus, we are also called to go beyond our natural inclinations and extend grace, just as God has extended grace to us and forgave all our offenses

When we’re wronged, we have two paths before us: to seek vengeance or to seek God’s redemptive power. While David’s prayer in Psalm 109 reflects his longing for justice, we know from Jesus’ teachings that God’s ultimate victory is in transforming lives and bringing sinners to salvation.

Consider this: When someone wrongs you, it often stems from their own separation from God. Their actions reflect the brokenness of sin. That is when you have an opportunity for God’s light to shine through you. Forgiveness and kindness not only release you from the prison of resentment but also creates a powerful testimony of God’s love to the other person.

Here are some steps you can take to put yourself on the path to God’s peace and show His love when you have been wronged or hurt.

1. Be Honest with God: Like David, bring your pain and frustration to God in prayer. Acknowledge your hurt but ask for His perspective and guidance.
2. Pray for Your Enemies: Instead of focusing on their destruction, pray for their salvation. Ask God to open their hearts to His love and truth.
3. Extend Forgiveness: Forgiveness isn’t about excusing their behavior but about freeing yourself from the burden of bitterness. Trust God to handle justice in His way and time.
4. Respond with Kindness: Let your actions reflect God’s grace. A kind response to an enemy can plant seeds of conviction and transformation in their heart.

Today I want to encourage you to remember that it’s natural to feel anger and hurt when wronged, but Jesus calls us to rise above our emotions and show His love and mercy. True victory isn’t in seeing your enemies fall but in seeing them come to know the grace of God. When you choose forgiveness, prayer, and kindness, you bring your heart into agreement with God’s purpose and plan. Let this truth encourage you today: through your love and forgiveness, God can turn even the hardest hearts toward Him, bringing beauty from ashes and triumph from pain.

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Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 109

1 Do not keep silent, O God of my praise!

2 For the mouth of the wicked and the mouth of the deceitful have opened against me; They have spoken against me with a lying tongue.

3 They have also surrounded me with words of hatred, and fought against me without a cause.

4 In return for my love they are my accusers, But I give myself to prayer.

5 Thus they have rewarded me evil for good, and hatred for my love.

6 Set a wicked man over him, and let an accuser stand at his right hand.

7 When he is judged, let him be found guilty, and let his prayer become sin.

8 Let his days be few, and let another take his office.

9 Let his children be fatherless, and his wife a widow.

10 Let his children continually be vagabonds, and beg; Let them seek their bread also from their desolate places.

11 Let the creditor seize all that he has, and let strangers plunder his labor.

12 Let there be none to extend mercy to him, Nor let there be any to favor his fatherless children.

13 Let his posterity be cut off, and in the generation following let their name be blotted out.

14 Let the iniquity of his fathers be remembered before the Lord, and let not the sin of his mother be blotted out.

15 Let them be continually before the Lord, that He may cut off the memory of them from the earth;

16 Because he did not remember to show mercy, but persecuted the poor and needy man, that he might even slay the broken in heart.

17 As he loved cursing, so let it come to him; As he did not delight in blessing, so let it be far from him.

18 As he clothed himself with cursing as with his garment, so let it enter his body like water, and like oil into his bones.

19 Let it be to him like the garment which covers him, and for a belt with which he girds himself continually.

20 Let this be the Lord’s reward to my accusers, and to those who speak evil against my person.

21 But You, O God the Lord, deal with me for Your name’s sake; Because Your mercy is good, deliver me.

22 For I am poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me.

23 I am gone like a shadow when it lengthens; I am shaken off like a locust.

24 My knees are weak through fasting, and my flesh is feeble from lack of fatness.

25 I also have become a reproach to them; When they look at me, they shake their heads.

26 Help me, O Lord my God! Oh, save me according to Your mercy,

27 That they may know that this is Your hand—That You, Lord, have done it!

28 Let them curse, but You bless; When they arise, let them be ashamed, but let Your servant rejoice.

29 Let my accusers be clothed with shame, and let them cover themselves with their own disgrace as with a mantle.

30 I will greatly praise the Lord with my mouth; Yes, I will praise Him among the multitude.

31 For He shall stand at the right hand of the poor, to save him from those who condemn him.

Steadfast in Worship

 That Your beloved may be delivered, save with Your right hand, and hear me. ~ Psalms 108:6

 This Psalm begins with the powerful declaration: “My heart, O God, is steadfast; I will sing and make music with all my soul.” This verse speaks to me deeply because it talks about a determination to worship and trust God despite circumstances.

In my own life, I’ve experienced moments where steadfastness seemed impossible. Once, during a particularly challenging season of uncertainty, I struggled with fear and doubt. But like David, I chose to lift my eyes to God and worship, even when I didn’t feel like it. I’d sing songs of gratitude and declare His faithfulness, not because I understood what He was doing, but because I trusted who He is. In those moments, my heart found peace and courage.

Psalm 108 continues with a beautiful reminder of God’s love and faithfulness: “For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies.” When we take time to think about the greatness of God’s love and faithfulness, it puts our struggles in perspective. No matter how overwhelming life may feel, God’s love is greater.

If you are facing trouble or feeling overwhelmed today, there are some things you can do to position yourself to receive peace through this time.

1. Embrace Worship as a Weapon: Like David, make a habit of praising God daily. Play worship music, sing, or even write your own prayers of gratitude.
2. Trust God’s Faithfulness: Reflect on past moments when God has been faithful. Write them down and revisit them when doubt creeps in.
3. Step Forward in Confidence: Psalm 108 reminds us that God gives us strength to face battles. Move forward in faith, knowing He is with you and will equip you for every challenge.

Today I want to encourage you that no matter what you’re facing, remember that your heart can remain steadfast in God’s love and faithfulness. Worship Him in the middle of uncertainty and watch as His peace fills your heart. His love reaches higher than the heavens, and His faithfulness is unshakable. With this truth as your foundation, you can step into each day with courage and hope.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 108

 1 O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory.

2 Awake, lute and harp! I will awaken the dawn.

3 I will praise You, O Lord, among the peoples, and I will sing praises to You among the nations.

4 For Your mercy is great above the heavens, and Your truth reaches to the clouds.

5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and Your glory above all the earth;

6 That Your beloved may be delivered, save with Your right hand, and hear me.

7 God has spoken in His holiness: “I will rejoice; I will divide Shechem and measure out the Valley of Succoth.

8 Gilead is Mine; Manasseh is Mine; Ephraim also is the helmet for My head; Judah is My lawgiver.

9 Moab is My washpot; Over Edom I will cast My shoe; Over Philistia I will triumph.”

10 Who will bring me into the strong city? Who will lead me to Edom?

11 Is it not You, O God, who cast us off? and You, O God, who did not go out with our armies?

12 Give us help from trouble, for the help of man is useless.

13 Through God we will do valiantly, for it is He who shall tread down our enemies.

He Sent His Word

^{He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from all their destructions. ~ Psalms 107:20}

 The Word of God is not just a book of teachings or history, it is alive, powerful, and transformative. Psalm 107:20 reminds us that God’s Word has the power to heal and deliver us from every destruction. This truth is as relevant today as it was when the psalm was written. The Word brings life, hope, and restoration to every area of brokenness.

There was a time in my life when I didn’t understand the power and provision God’s Word offers. I knew about salvation and believed in Jesus, the Word made flesh, but I had no grasp the depth of healing, deliverance, and victory available to me through the Scriptures and salvation in the blood of Jesus. I didn’t realize that the same Word that created the universe (John 1:1-3) is available to speak life into my circumstances and struggles.

This psalm is a beautiful reminder of God’s faithfulness. Over and over, it shows people in dire situations.  Some lost, some bound and afflicted, even overwhelmed.  But as devasting as their situations were, their deliverance always came when they cried out to the Lord. His response? He sent His Word. That Word brought healing, freedom, and restoration.

If you are feeling overwhelmed today, there are some things you can do to start that healing and deliverance process:

1. Start by Trusting the Word
   Recognize that the Word of God is your ultimate source of healing and deliverance. Begin by trusting in its promises, even when circumstances seem overwhelming. Write down scriptures that speak to your specific challenges and meditate on them instead of the challenge you are up against.
2. Cry Out to the Lord
   Psalm 107 repeats a pattern: “They cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress” (v. 6, 13, 19, 28). When you feel lost, fearful, or overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to call on God, run to Him first thing. His Word assures us that He hears and answers.  He is always ready to receive us when we turn to Him.
3. Speak out loud His Word Over Your Life
   Speak the Word of God into your situation. If you are facing sickness, declare verses about healing, such as Isaiah 53:5. If fear is gripping you, speak out 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.”
4. Make the Word Part of Your Daily Life
   Spend time reading, meditating, and studying Scripture. Psalm 1:2-3 promises that those who delight in God’s Word, their life will be like trees planted by streams of water, bearing fruit and prospering in all they do.
5. Walk in Faith and Obedience
   Healing and deliverance often require us to step out in faith and bring our lives into agreement with God’s Word. Whether it’s letting go of fear, forgiving someone, or breaking free from destructive habits, God’s Word gives us the guidance and strength to move forward.

Today I want to encourage you to remember God’s perfect plan is to heal and deliver all His children from every oppression of the evil one. His Word is the key to experiencing that freedom. Just as He sent His Word to heal and deliver in the past, He continues to send His Word into our lives today.

No matter what destruction you may be facing, whether physical illness, emotional pain, financial hardship, or spiritual battles, God has already provided the answer in His Word. Take hold of it. Cry out to Him, and trust in His promises.

Start today by opening the Bible, meditating on a passage, and asking God to reveal His healing and deliverance in your life. Remember, you don’t face your challenges alone. The God who spoke creation into existence, who calms storms, and who heals the brokenhearted has sent His Word to heal and deliver you. Let His perfect love and unchanging Word transform your life, one scripture at a time.

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Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 107

 1 Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy,

3 And gathered out of the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south.

4 They wandered in the wilderness in a desolate way; They found no city to dwell in.

5 Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.

6 Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He delivered them out of their distresses.

7 And He led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city for a dwelling place.

8 Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!

9 For He satisfies the longing soul and fills the hungry soul with goodness.

10 Those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, bound in affliction and irons—

11 Because they rebelled against the words of God, and despised the counsel of the Most High,

12 Therefore He brought down their heart with labor; They fell down, and there was none to help.

13 Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them out of their distresses.

14 He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death and broke their chains in pieces.

15 Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!

16 For He has broken the gates of bronze and cut the bars of iron in two.

17 Fools, because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, were afflicted.

18 Their soul abhorred all manner of food, and they drew near to the gates of death.

19 Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them out of their distresses.

20 He sent His word and healed them and delivered them from their destructions.

21 Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!

22 Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving and declare His works with rejoicing.

23 Those who go down to the sea in ships, who do business on great waters,

24 They see the works of the Lord, and His wonders in the deep.

25 For He commands and raises the stormy wind, which lifts up the waves of the sea.

26 They mount up to the heavens, they go down again to the depths; Their soul melts because of trouble.

27 They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits’ end.

28 Then they cry out to the Lord in their trouble, and He brings them out of their distresses.

29 He calms the storm, so that its waves are still.

30 Then they are glad because they are quiet; So, He guides them to their desired haven.

31 Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!

32 Let them exalt Him also in the assembly of the people and praise Him in the company of the elders.

33 He turns rivers into a wilderness, and the water springs into dry ground;

34 A fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of those who dwell in it.

35 He turns a wilderness into pools of water, and dry land into water springs.

36 There He makes the hungry dwell, that they may establish a city for a dwelling place,

37 And sow fields and plant vineyards, that they may yield a fruitful harvest.

38 He also blesses them, and they multiply greatly; And He does not let their cattle decrease.

39 When they are diminished and brought low through oppression, affliction, and sorrow,

40 He pours contempt on princes, and causes them to wander in the wilderness where there is no way;

41 Yet He sets the poor on high, far from affliction, and makes their families like a flock.

42 The righteous see it and rejoice, and all iniquity stops its mouth.

43 Whoever is wise will observe these things, and they will understand the lovingkindness of the Lord.

Chosen

 That I may see the benefit of Your chosen ones, that I may rejoice in the gladness of Your nation, that I may glory with Your inheritance. ~ Psalms 106:5

Did you know you were chosen? It’s true! We have all been chosen to be children of God, but not everyone steps into that miraculous benefit. Psalms 106 highlights God’s unwavering faithfulness to His people, even when they strayed. It’s a powerful reminder that His choosing us is based on His love and mercy, not on our behavior and performance.

The psalm describes the ways God’s chosen people, Israel, forgot His mighty works, rebelled, and turned to their own ways. Yet, time and time again, God delivered them. Verse 8 says, “Even so, He saved them—to defend the honor of His name and to demonstrate His mighty power.” This same faithfulness is available to us today through our Savior, Christ Jesus.

I remember a time in my own life when I didn’t fully understand who I was as a child of God. Like Israel, I lived unaware of the abundant blessings and purpose God had for my life. But just as God repeatedly called His people back to Him in Psalm 106, He patiently revealed His love, path, and plan for my life.

When I began to grasp the truth of being chosen, I started a journey of rejoicing in the gladness of His kingdom and glory in His inheritance (Psalm 106:5). That inheritance is not just eternal life but includes the blessings of His guidance, provision, and purpose for all of us here on Earth.

There are some practical things you can do to step into your inheritance as a child of the most High.  Decide today to begin this journey of taking your place in the kingdom of heaven and walking out the purpose and design for your life.  Getting on His path will lead you to the life of rich fulfilment and complete peace that He planned for you all along.

• Learn from Psalm 106: Reflect on the story of God’s chosen people in this psalm. It’s a reminder of our tendency to forget His faithfulness but also of His mercy and readiness to save us when we return to Him.
• Recognize God’s Mighty Works: Psalm 106 repeatedly points to God’s miraculous works. Take time to reflect on the ways God has worked in your life and rescued you along the way. Write them down and use them as reminders when doubts come.
• Walk in Obedience: The psalm warns against rebellion and forgetting God’s commands. Ask God to fill you with His empowering grace to keep you walking in obedience and your heart focused on Him.  Remember, God doesn’t require obedience to control you, but it is the only way He can lead you to the blessed life and plan He already laid out for you.
• Share God’s Faithfulness: Verse 12 says, “Then his people believed his promises. Then they sang his praise.” Share the stories of God’s faithfulness in your life with others, so they can believe and rejoice as well.  Telling your testimony will give others the desire for God’s direction in their lives so they can complete the assignments He set up for them.
• Pray for Others: Verses 23 and 30 show intercession. Moses and Phinehas stood in the gap for God’s people. Commit to praying for others who may not yet know they are chosen by God or do not understand what that even is.  Your prayer and encouragement will be the very thing they need to get them on the right path in this life.

Today I want to encourage you to think about Psalm 106, let it inspire gratitude for God’s faithfulness and mercy. Let it remind you of your identity as a part of God’s family. Then, live in the joy of that truth, walking in His ways, and sharing His goodness with the world around you. Rejoice in His inheritance and invite others to step into the blessings of being one of His chosen people!

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 106

 1 Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

2 Who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord? Who can declare all His praise?

3 Blessed are those who keep justice, and he who does righteousness at all times!

4 Remember me, O Lord, with the favor You have toward Your people. Oh, visit me with Your salvation,

5 That I may see the benefit of Your chosen ones, that I may rejoice in the gladness of Your nation, that I may glory with Your inheritance.

6 We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly.

7 Our fathers in Egypt did not understand Your wonders; They did not remember the multitude of Your mercies but rebelled by the sea—the Red Sea.

8 Nevertheless He saved them for His name’s sake, that He might make His mighty power known.

9 He rebuked the Red Sea also, and it dried up; So, He led them through the depths, as through the wilderness.

10 He saved them from the hand of him who hated them and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy.

11 The waters covered their enemies; There was not one of them left.

12 Then they believed His words; They sang His praise.

13 They soon forgot His works; They did not wait for His counsel,

14 But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tested God in the desert.

15 And He gave them their request but sent leanness into their soul.

16 When they envied Moses in the camp, and Aaron the saint of the Lord,

17 The earth opened up and swallowed Dathan and covered the faction of Abiram.

18 A fire was kindled in their company; The flame burned up the wicked.

19 They made a calf in Horeb and worshiped the molded image.

20 Thus they changed their glory into the image of an ox that eats grass.

21 They forgot God their Savior, who had done great things in Egypt,

22 Wondrous works in the land of Ham, awesome things by the Red Sea.

23 Therefore He said that He would destroy them, had not Moses His chosen one stood before Him in the breach, to turn away His wrath, lest He destroy them.

24 Then they despised the pleasant land; They did not believe His word,

25 But complained in their tents, and did not heed the voice of the Lord.

26 Therefore He raised His hand in an oath against them, to overthrow them in the wilderness,

27 To overthrow their descendants among the nations, and to scatter them in the lands.

28 They joined themselves also to Baal of Peor, and ate sacrifices made to the dead.

29 Thus they provoked Him to anger with their deeds, and the plague broke out among them.

30 Then Phinehas stood up and intervened, and the plague was stopped.

31 And that was accounted to him for righteousness to all generations forevermore.

32 They angered Him also at the waters of strife, so that it went ill with Moses on account of them.

33 Because they rebelled against His Spirit, so that he spoke rashly with his lips.

34 They did not destroy the peoples, concerning whom the Lord had commanded them,

35 But they mingled with the Gentiles and learned their works.

36 They served their idols, which became a snare to them.

37 They even sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons,

38 And shed innocent blood, the blood of their sons and daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan; and the land was polluted with blood.

39 Thus they were defiled by their own works and played the harlot by their own deeds.

40 Therefore the wrath of the Lord was kindled against His people, so that He abhorred His own inheritance.

41 And He gave them into the hand of the Gentiles, and those who hated them ruled over them.

42 Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their hand.

43 Many times He delivered them; But they rebelled in their counsel and were brought low for their iniquity.

44 Nevertheless He regarded their affliction, when He heard their cry.

45 And for their sake He remembered His covenant and relented according to the multitude of His mercies.

46 He also made them to be pitied by all those who carried them away captive.

47 Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from among the Gentiles, to give thanks to Your holy name, to triumph in Your praise.

48 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting! And let all the people say, “Amen!” Praise the Lord!

Marvelous Works

 Remember His marvelous works which He has done, His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth. ~ Psalms 105:5

 I love to look around me at all of God’s marvelous works. Starting with nature, I see His handiwork in the beauty of each day. Whether it’s bright and sunny or cloudy and brisk, if I am truly looking, I can see His fingerprints no matter what the weather is doing. Every sunrise and sunset, every budding flower and rushing stream, is a reminder of His creativity, power, and love for us.

I also see His marvelous works in the answers to my prayers. Each morning, I commit the day to Him, laying any concerns I have at His feet, and then watch as He works everything together for His goodness. Time and time again, I’ve seen how His ways are higher than mine, and how He orchestrates outcomes I could never have imagined.

But most of all, I love to see His marvelous works in transformed lives. Working in ministry has given me countless opportunities to hear miraculous stories of people who were healed of some deadly disease, had a doomed relationship restored or just headed down a dead-end path only to experience a complete turnaround when they surrendered to God. A life once filled with despair becomes filled with hope. A heart once hardened by pain, softened by His love. Watching someone embrace their God-given purpose and walk in His direction is truly one of the greatest marvels of all.

That’s my story too. I was going in my own direction, deceived into thinking I knew what I was doing and where I was heading. The problem was, I didn’t realize there was already a plan for my life.  A plan designed by the Creator of the universe. Now I realize true success can only be found in seeking the direction of the One who wrote my story.

I used to believe that my life was all about blessing myself. I was chasing comfort, material possessions, and status, thinking they would bring fulfillment. But how foolish I was! I am so thankful for the marvelous work of the Holy Spirit, who drew me back to Himself. He opened my eyes to the truth, helping me to no longer follow deception but to follow Him His love and goodness that He planned before the foundation of the world.

When I began seeking first His kingdom purposes and His righteousness, everything about my life changed. He transformed me from the inside out, giving me a new heart and purpose: to love and serve others. It has been one of His most marvelous works in my life, not just transforming my circumstances but transforming my heart.

Maybe you’ve seen some marvelous works in your life too. Or maybe you’re in need of one today. If so, be encouraged. Psalm 105 reminds us to remember what God has already done and trust that He is still at work even in the messed-up world we live in today.

Here are some ways you can put this truth to your life:

1. Reflect on His Faithfulness
   Spend some quiet time reflecting on how God has been faithful in your life. Write down a list of answered prayers, unexpected blessings, or moments where you saw His hand at work. Keep this list where you can see it often, especially during difficult seasons, as a reminder of His marvelous works.
2. Pray Boldly
   If you’re facing a challenge or need a breakthrough, take it to God in prayer. Be honest with Him about your needs, and trust that He hears you. As Ephesians 3:20 reminds us, He is able to do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.”
3. Look for His Marvels in Everyday Life
   God’s works aren’t always dramatic, but they’re often found in the ordinary moments of life. Pay attention to the beauty of creation, the kindness of others, and the opportunities He provides each day to grow closer to Him.
4. Be a Vessel of His Marvelous Works
   God works through His people to execute His plans. Ask Him how you can be a blessing to others today. Whether it’s through an encouraging word, a helping hand, or a simple act of kindness, you can be a part of His marvelous work in someone else’s life.
5. Trust His Timing
   If you’re waiting for a miracle or a breakthrough, remember that God’s timing is always perfect. Keep seeking Him, and trust that He is working behind the scenes in ways you can’t yet see.  Ask Him is there is anything you need to do or stop doing that is blocking that work from getting through.  Sometimes He is just waiting for our move before that blessing can be released.

Today I want to encourage you if you’re in need of a marvelous work in your life today, know that God is still in the business of miracles. He is faithful and good, and His power to transform lives has never changed. Whatever you’re facing, take it to Him in prayer, trust Him deeply, and watch expectantly for how He will move.

Let Psalm 105 be a reminder to celebrate His marvelous works, both those He has already done and those coming up soon. His wonders are not confined to the past; they are a present reality and a future promise. Trust Him to do a new and marvelous thing in your life.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 105

1 Oh, give thanks to the Lord! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples!

2 Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; Talk of all His wondrous works!

3 Glory in His holy name; Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the Lord!

4 Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face evermore!

5 Remember His marvelous works which He has done, His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth,

6 O seed of Abraham His servant, you children of Jacob, His chosen ones!

7 He is the Lord our God; His judgments are in all the earth.

8 He remembers His covenant forever, the word which He commanded, for a thousand generations,

9 The covenant which He made with Abraham, and His oath to Isaac,

10 And confirmed it to Jacob for a statute, to Israel as an everlasting covenant,

11 Saying, “To you I will give the land of Canaan as the allotment of your inheritance,”

12 When they were few in number, indeed very few, and strangers in it.

13 When they went from one nation to another, from one kingdom to another people,

14 He permitted no one to do them wrong; Yes, He rebuked kings for their sakes,

15 Saying, “Do not touch My anointed ones, and do My prophets no harm.”

16 Moreover He called for a famine in the land; He destroyed all the provision of bread.

17 He sent a man before them – Joseph—who was sold as a slave.

18 They hurt his feet with fetters, He was laid in irons.

19 Until the time that his word came to pass, the word of the Lord tested him.

20 The king sent and released him, the ruler of the people let him go free.

21 He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his possessions,

22 To bind his princes at his pleasure, and teach his elders wisdom.

23 Israel also came into Egypt, and Jacob dwelt in the land of Ham.

24 He increased His people greatly, and made them stronger than their enemies.

25 He turned their heart to hate His people, to deal craftily with His servants.

26 He sent Moses His servant, and Aaron whom He had chosen.

27 They performed His signs among them, and wonders in the land of Ham.

28 He sent darkness, and made it dark; and they did not rebel against His word.

29 He turned their waters into blood, and killed their fish.

30 Their land abounded with frogs, even in the chambers of their kings.

31 He spoke, and there came swarms of flies, and lice in all their territory.

32 He gave them hail for rain, and flaming fire in their land.

33 He struck their vines also, and their fig trees, and splintered the trees of their territory.

34 He spoke, and locusts came, young locusts without number,

35 And ate up all the vegetation in their land, and devoured the fruit of their ground.

36 He also destroyed all the firstborn in their land, the first of all their strength.

37 He also brought them out with silver and gold, and there was none feeble among His tribes.

38 Egypt was glad when they departed, for the fear of them had fallen upon them.

39 He spread a cloud for a covering, and fire to give light in the night.

40 The people asked, and He brought quail, and satisfied them with the bread of heaven.

41 He opened the rock, and water gushed out; It ran in the dry places like a river.

42 For He remembered His holy promise, and Abraham His servant.

43 He brought out His people with joy, His chosen ones with gladness.

44 He gave them the lands of the Gentiles, and they inherited the labor of the nations,

45 That they might observe His statutes and keep His laws. Praise the Lord!

A Memorial

But when Jesus was aware of it, He said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a “good work” for Me. ~ Matthew 26:10

A good work. That is how Jesus described the act of the woman who poured costly oil on Him. As I read this scripture, I was reminded of many other verses about “good works.” We know that good works do not save us or bring us into God’s presence, only the blood of Jesus can do that. However,  this passage highlights the importance of good works. Jesus declared that this woman’s good work would be remembered as a memorial to her.

It makes me wonder: how many of our good works will be remembered as a memorial to us? How are we leaving a legacy that blesses God and others?

Below is a short list of scriptures that emphasize just how important good works are to our Heavenly Father. Good works not only bless Him but are also part of His plan for us:

• 2 Corinthians 5:10: “For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.”
• James 2:26: “Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.”
• Titus 2:7: “And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.”
• Titus 3:1: “Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good.”
• James 3:13: “If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.”
• Ephesians 2:10: “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

Today, I want to encourage you to watch for those good works God has planned for your path. He has already set opportunities before you to bless others. Be intentional about recognizing these moments and don’t let them pass you by.

Take the time to serve, to show kindness, and to be a blessing to others. In doing so, you will not only bring joy to those around you but also honor your Heavenly Father. Let your good works become a lasting memorial, a testimony of your love for God and others, and an eternal reward when your time in this world is complete.

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 26:6-13

 6 And when Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper,

7 a woman came to Him having an alabaster flask of very costly fragrant oil, and she poured it on His head as He sat at the table.

8 But when His disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste?

9 For this fragrant oil might have been sold for much and given to the poor.”

10 But when Jesus was aware of it, He said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me. 11 For you have the poor with you always, but Me you do not have always.

12 For in pouring this fragrant oil on My body, she did it for My burial.

13 Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.”

Next Steps

“You know that after two days is the Passover, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.”  Matthew 26:2

As a leader, I’m often encouraged to help others discover and take their next steps in their walk with God. Whether it’s baptism, joining a small group, or serving in ministry, these steps help deepen their faith and connection with God. Recently, I’ve realized that I, too, need to be consistently taking next steps, not only in my faith but in all areas of life.

Today’s passage highlights Jesus’ next step. He speaks to His disciples, saying, “You know,” as if reminding them of something He had already shared. He was preparing them for what was to come, that was His betrayal, crucifixion, and ultimate fulfillment of His mission. Despite the difficulty, Jesus knew His assignment and remained steadfast, walking each step with purpose and obedience.

On this side of the Scriptures, we see the bigger picture. But in that moment, the disciples didn’t understand. They couldn’t comprehend how God was working, yet they, too, had next steps: to continue the ministry Jesus began, to witness His resurrection, and to carry the gospel to the world.

Like the disciples, we also have next steps to take, but thankfully, ours are not as excruciating as Jesus’. However, they are still vital. God’s plan for the world relies on His people partnering with Him. Each of us has a role to play in His mission, a place to be active in His body. Whether by supporting global efforts to share the gospel or showing the love of God in our own neighborhood.

Your Next Step

What is God asking you to do today? Whether in your church, community, family, or career, seek His guidance. Here’s how you can take action:

1. Pray for Clarity
   • Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal your next step and make it clear.
2. Identify Opportunities
   • Look for ways to grow spiritually, serve others, or make a difference in your sphere of influence.
3. Take Action
   • Commit to one tangible step this week. Whether it’s joining a ministry, volunteering, or simply sharing God’s love with someone in need.

Today I want to encourage you that Jesus completed His assignment down to the last detail, and He calls us to do the same. Let’s press into Him, trust His leading, and take our next steps with faith and courage and make 2025 the best year of your faith walk, ever.

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 26:1-5

 1 Now it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, that He said to His disciples,

2 “You know that after two days is the Passover, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.”

3 Then the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders of the people assembled at the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,

4 and plotted to take Jesus by trickery and kill Him.

5 But they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people.”

The Curtain of Heaven

 _{Who cover Yourself with light as with a garment, Who stretch out the heavens like a curtain. ~ Psalms 104:2}

 I have to admit, when I first read this verse, I couldn’t help but try to imagine what lies beyond the curtain of heaven described in this Psalm. What would it be like to catch even a glimpse of the majesty hidden there? The beauty and splendor must be beyond anything we could comprehend. But as I continued reading the passage, a humbling realization struck me: I often overlook the breathtaking beauty and glory already within my view in this world.

Psalm 104 lists the wonders of creation all around us. It reminds us of the brilliance of the sky, the firm foundation of the earth, and how the planet is perfectly positioned within the solar system. It speaks of the grandeur of mountains and valleys, the flowing rivers and vast oceans, the birds that soar, and the animals that roam the fields. It describes the trees that stretch toward the heavens and the vegetation that sustains life and at the center of it all are people, the pinnacle of His creation.

It’s awe-inspiring to realize that God made all of this for our enjoyment and provision. The intricate details of creation are a reflection of His power, wisdom, and love. Yet, in the hustle and dimness of modern life, it’s easy to lose sight of the beauty and glory that surrounds us every day.

Here are some things that we can do today and every day to help us remember to notice the wonderful creation around us.  Some steps to take to ensure that we don’t miss the beauty of today.

1. Pause and Appreciate Creation

• Take time today to step outside and marvel at the world around you. Whether it’s the brisk chill of the winter air, the crunch of fresh snow beneath your feet, or the sight of bare tree branches adorned with glistening frost swaying gently in the wind, let these remind you of God’s handiwork.

2. Praise God for His Majesty
   • Just as Psalm 104 celebrates creation, spend a few moments praising God for the beauty of the world He has made and His faithfulness in sustaining it.
3. Look Beyond the Surface
   • Challenge yourself to see God’s fingerprints in the ordinary. Whether it’s the intricate design of a snowflake or the endless expanse of the night sky.
4. Share the Wonder
   • Share your gratitude for creation with others. Encourage someone else to notice and appreciate the beauty right where they are today.

Today I want to encourage you that as you dream of the unimaginable glory beyond heaven’s curtain, don’t miss the wonders God has placed right before you today. Each sunrise, every ripple in a stream, and the life that flourishes around you is a testimony of His greatness and His love for you. Let your eyes, your hearts, and your mind bask in the beauty of creation and give thanks to your heavenly Father who stretched out the heavens like a curtain.

Today’s Scripture reading: Psalm 104

1 Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, You are very great: You are clothed with honor and majesty,

2 Who cover Yourself with light as with a garment, Who stretch out the heavens like a curtain.

3 He lays the beams of His upper chambers in the waters, Who makes the clouds His chariot, Who walks on the wings of the wind,

4 Who makes His angels spirits, His ministers a flame of fire.

5 You who laid the foundations of the earth, so that it should not be moved forever,

6 You covered it with the deep as with a garment; The waters stood above the mountains.

7 At Your rebuke they fled; At the voice of Your thunder they hastened away.

8 They went up over the mountains; They went down into the valleys, to the place which You founded for them.

9 You have set a boundary that they may not pass over, that they may not return to cover the earth.

10 He sends the springs into the valleys; They flow among the hills.

11 They give drink to every beast of the field; The wild donkeys quench their thirst.

12 By them the birds of the heavens have their home; They sing among the branches.

13 He waters the hills from His upper chambers; The earth is satisfied with the fruit of Your works.

14 He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and vegetation for the service of man, that he may bring forth food from the earth,

15 And wine that makes glad the heart of man, oil to make his face shine, and bread which strengthens man’s heart.

16 The trees of the Lord are full of sap, the cedars of Lebanon which He planted,

17 Where the birds make their nests; the stork has her home in the fir trees.

18 The high hills are for the wild goats; The cliffs are a refuge for the rock badgers.

19 He appointed the moon for seasons; The sun knows its going down.

20 You make darkness, and it is night, in which all the beasts of the forest creep about.

21 The young lions roar after their prey, and seek their food from God.

22 When the sun rises, they gather together and lie down in their dens.

23 Man goes out to his work and to his labor until the evening.

24 O Lord, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all. The earth is full of Your possessions—

25 This great and wide sea, in which are innumerable teeming things, living things both small and great.

26 There the ships sail about; There is that Leviathan which You have made to play there.

27 These all wait for You, that You may give them their food in due season.

28 What You give them they gather in; You open Your hand, they are filled with good.

29 You hide Your face, they are troubled; You take away their breath, they die and return to their dust.

30 You send forth Your Spirit, they are created; And You renew the face of the earth.

31 May the glory of the Lord endure forever; May the Lord rejoice in His works.

32 He looks on the earth, and it trembles; He touches the hills, and they smoke.

33 I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.

34 May my meditation be sweet to Him; I will be glad in the Lord.

35 May sinners be consumed from the earth, and the wicked be no more. Bless the Lord, O my soul! Praise the Lord!