The Daily Dose

Happy New Year!

 Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! For He has done marvelous things; His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory. ~Psalms 98:1

As we step into a brand-new year, this verse reminds us to embrace a spirit of fresh praise and gratitude. The call to “sing a new song” isn’t merely about literal music but about a heart posture of renewing our joy and awe for the marvelous things God has done.

One thing I’ve noticed as we journey through the Psalms is the repetition of key themes. For instance, today’s verse is an exact replica of the first phrase in Psalms 96:1, which we read just a few days ago. At first glance, it may feel redundant.  Didn’t we already talk about singing a new song? But repetition in Scripture is rarely accidental. It’s a divine nudge to pause, think about, and go deeper.

Repetition often serves as both a reminder and an invitation. It’s like a gentle tap on the shoulder, urging us to take a closer look. What if, instead of skimming over familiar words, we allowed them to shape our perspective and fill our hearts with a fresh view? What if the “new song” isn’t just about yesterday’s praise, but also about today’s experiences and tomorrow’s hopes?

Thinking about a new song reminds me of a time when Jack and I were first married.  He would often sing songs (mostly made up) around the house.  At one point he even playfully suggested that we speak to each other in song. Back then I remember finding it a bit over-the-top and thinking, that’s never going to happen. But now, looking back, I understand that he wanted our home to overflow with thankfulness, humor, and lightheartedness.  One of the main reasons I love him so much

Think about it. What if we carried that same joy into our spiritual lives? What if our faith was so alive and expressive that it spilled out in new songs of praise of the testimonies of God’s salvation, righteousness, mercy, and faithfulness?

This Psalm provides a clear roadmap of what we have to celebrate and be so joyful about and I love how the Psalmist even brings nature into the celebration:

• His salvation: God’s power to save, redeem, and restore us.
• His righteousness: His perfect justice and goodness, guiding us in truth.
• His mercy and faithfulness: The consistency of His love through every season.
• His coming judgment: A promise that the world will one day be set right.

In this new year, I encourage you to do two things:

Stop and think about repetition in Scripture. When familiar verses appear, ask God what He wants to reveal to you this time. Let the repeated words sink deeper, like seeds that grow with each passing season.

Find your “new song.” This doesn’t have to be literal music that you have to sing wherever you go. It might be a new way to express gratitude, serve others, or welcome joy in your everyday life. Start a gratitude journal, take a moment each day to thank God aloud, or look for ways to share His goodness with others.

Let’s enter this year with hearts overflowing with anticipation and voices ready to sing.  This isn’t just for the world to hear but as an offering of love and thanks to the One who has done marvelous things.

Who knows? As you sing your new song, you may find yourself inspiring others to do the same.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 98

1 Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! For He has done marvelous things; His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory.

2 The Lord has made known His salvation; His righteousness He has revealed in the sight of the nations.

3 He has remembered His mercy and His faithfulness to the house of Israel; All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

4 Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth; Break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises.

5 Sing to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of a psalm,

6 With trumpets and the sound of a horn; Shout joyfully before the Lord, the King.

7 Let the sea roar, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell in it;

8 Let the rivers clap their hands; Let the hills be joyful together before the Lord,

9 For He is coming to judge the earth. With righteousness He shall judge the world, and the peoples with equity.

He is wants to interact

 Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart. ~ Psalms 97:11

 For years, I misunderstood the depth of God’s closeness. Though I had received Jesus into my heart, I carried the assumption that God was distant only residing in heaven, watching but not directly involved in the details of my life. I prayed, and I saw answers, but it was like corresponding with a faraway king rather than an intimate Father.

As I matured in my faith, however, my understanding shifted. I started to recognize the gentle nudges of the Holy Spirit in reminders of scripture, moments of clarity, and even warnings that led me toward God’s presence. These weren’t random thoughts, but divine interactions meant to draw me closer to Him.

When I began asking God for confirmation through His Word and waited for His response, it was as if a door to intimacy opened. I realized He isn’t a passive observer; He is actively involved, sowing light into our lives, planting seeds of hope, wisdom, and joy.

Psalm 97 reminds us that God’s reign isn’t just a theological truth, it’s personal and transformational. He interacts with His creation, weaving His presence into every moment, every decision, and every circumstance. The psalm paints a vivid picture of His rule over nature and His faithfulness to His people, encouraging us to lean into His guidance and live with the confidence that He is near.

You can experience this intimacy to by following some practical steps below:

Learn to recognize His prompts. Start paying attention to the thoughts and scriptures that come to your heart throughout the day. When an idea stirs your spirit, ask God for confirmation through His Word. This practice helps discern His voice and lines your heart up with His plans.

Create space for connection with Him by setting aside intentional time daily to pray and listen. Use a journal to record your prayers and the thoughts or scriptures that come to mind during this time. This habit will help you grow in intimacy with God and recognize His active presence.

Take steps of faith based on what He has spoken to your heart. When you sense God leading you to take a specific action, whether it’s forgiving someone, reaching out to help, or making a bold decision, trust Him and move forward. Often, stepping into obedience reveals even more of His guidance.

Meditate on His Word and promises of light and guidance. Reflect on Psalm 97:11 and consider what it means for light to be sown for the righteous. Think about how God has already brought light and joy into your life, and thank Him for those moments.

What you should do next is begin to study scripture on a daily basis, if you don’t already. Spend time meditating on Psalm 97 this week. Break it into sections and journal about how each verse speaks to God’s interaction with His creation and your life.

Practice listening in prayer. Find a quiet place to pray. After sharing your heart with God, sit in silence and listen. Write down any scriptures, thoughts, or impressions you receive, and ask God for confirmation if needed.

Give thanks intentionally at the end of each day and reflect on where you saw God at work. Did you experience His light? His gladness? Even in small ways, noticing these interactions will deepen your awareness of His presence.

Then share your journey. As you grow in recognizing God’s interaction in your life, share your experiences with others. It might encourage someone else to seek the same closeness with God.

Today I want to encourage you to realize that God is actively sowing light and joy into your life and allow it to transform the way you live. It’s no longer about surviving the day-to-day but embracing the adventure of walking with Him. Let Psalm 97 remind you that He is near, He is speaking, and He is always leading you toward fullness of life. Take time today to stop, listen, and follow His loving voice in your heart.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 97

1 The Lord reigns; Let the earth rejoice; Let the multitude of isles be glad!

2 Clouds and darkness surround Him; Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.

3 A fire goes before Him, and burns up His enemies round about.

4 His lightnings light the world; The earth sees and trembles.

5 The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.

6 The heavens declare His righteousness, and all the peoples see His glory.

7 Let all be put to shame who serve carved images, who boast of idols. Worship Him, all you gods.

8 Zion hears and is glad, and the daughters of Judah rejoice because of Your judgments, O Lord.

9 For You, Lord, are most high above all the earth; You are exalted far above all gods.

10 You who love the Lord, hate evil! He preserves the souls of His saints; He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked.

11 Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.

12 Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.

A New Song for a New Year

 Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! Sing to the Lord, all the earth. ~ Psalms 96:1

 There is a special joy in receiving something new at Christmas or any time of the year.  Whether it’s a gift still wrapped in its package, a fresh opportunity, or the start of an untouched day. New things often hold the promise of hope, purpose, and excitement.

As we step into a new year, it’s a time to embrace fresh beginnings and shift into full speed to fulfill the purpose God has for each one of us. Psalms 96 encourages us to “sing to the Lord a new song.” This isn’t just about music but about lifting up our hearts in gratitude and recognition of what God is doing in our lives.

A new song represents a fresh response to God’s blessings. It might be inspired by the gift of a new job, renewed hope, the restoration of broken relationships, or even the arrival of a precious new life in your family. Each of these blessings is an opportunity to sing His praises, not just with your voices but with your actions, attitudes, and devotion.

Take a moment right now to think about the new things God has done in your life this past year. Is there a recent victory, a healing, or a moment of clarity that you can celebrate? Allow these memories to shape your “new song” of praise for the coming year.

Next, seek the Holy Spirit’s Guidance for 2025. Dedicate time in prayer to ask the Holy Spirit what He has planned for you in this season. Write down what comes to your heart, whether it’s a new goal, a relationship to nurture or remove, or a habit to change.

Now it’s time to set some intentional goals that line up with God’s purpose for your life. Use this time to create goals that honor God’s work in your life. For example, commit to regular prayer and Bible study, deepen your involvement in your church by serving or joining a small group. Set a goal to work on mending broken relationships or unresolved conflicts.

Now you are ready to sing your song through your actions. Praise isn’t just sung; it’s lived. Let your “song” be seen in how you treat others, the love you show, and the integrity and joy you bring to every task. Be a reflection of God’s new work in your life.

Now you are ready for some next steps to start incorporating these into your daily life.

1. Daily Praise Practice: Begin each morning with a prayer of thanksgiving and a verse from your morning devotional to center your heart on God’s goodness.
2. Creative response: Write a journal entry, poem, or even a literal song to express what God is doing in your life.
3. Share Your Song: Talk with family or friends about the ways you see God working. Sharing your story can inspire others to reflect on their own blessings.

Today I want to encourage you that Psalms 96:1 isn’t just a personal call, it’s a collective one: “Sing to the Lord, all the earth.” Let this be the year where we lift up a symphony of gratitude and purpose, joining voices as one people showing God’s glory to the lost world around us. May your new year be filled with fresh beginnings, abundant blessings, and the courage to sing a new song every day. What new song will you sing to the Lord today?

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 96

Be Prepared

And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.  Matthew 25:10

Have you ever known someone who was always late? Someone who struggled to get moving at the right time? No matter how much advance notice they received, they always seemed to show up late. Or perhaps you can relate to being that person. Some people even expect others to adjust to their chronic tardiness, treating it as a quirk of their personality. Then there are those who always have an excuse for not completing a task because they are so preoccupied with their own circumstances that they never follow through on what they promised to do.

Today’s reading is about people who showed up too late. Jesus explained what it’s like to live according to the principles of the kingdom of heaven. He’s not necessarily describing life in heaven itself but a way of living here in this world that reflect heavenly values.

In the parable, He told about ten individuals who appear to be the same. They hold the same station in life and seem equally equipped. However, five are wise, and five are foolish. The key difference is preparation. It wasn’t about who was watching or waiting; they all slept while they waited for the bridegroom’s arrival. But when the call came, the wise were ready because they had prepared ahead of time for what was to come.

When the foolish finally arrived, they weren’t turned away simply for being late, it was because they were unprepared. They lacked the oil their lamps needed to burn when the bridegroom arrived, and their failure to be ready disqualified them.

2 Timothy 3:17 reminds us that God equips us to be prepared for every good work He calls us to. With His help, we can fulfill our assignments and purpose. As Christians, we are not only called to be ready for the Lord’s return, but we are also to be prepared daily for the tasks our Heavenly Father has set before us.

This principle of preparation is foundational to success in life. God established it from the beginning to help us thrive in whatever we put our hands to.

Today, I encourage you to start making a plan to be prepared and on time. I like to call it margin.  It means to build enough space and time into your schedule to be ready and arrive early. Ask your Father in heaven to help you develop a plan and empower you to stick to it. Don’t let your reputation be one of constantly running behind and unpreparedness. Instead, strive to be the first to show up, ready to assist and help prepare for what’s ahead. Embracing this kingdom principle will transform your life—from the stress of rushing to the peace of being ready ahead of time.

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 25:1-13

1 “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.

2 Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish.

3 Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them,

4 but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

5 But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.

6 “And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’

7 Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps.

8 And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’

9 But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’

10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.

11 “Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’

12 But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’

13 “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.

Feed the household

Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. Matthew 24:46

Do you consider yourself to be faithful and wise in all you do? Are you confident that when you meet the LORD face to face, He will say, “Well done”? Will He find you giving “food” to His household when He comes back to get us? According to today’s passage, those are the ones He considers wise and faithful, those who are taking care of His people and contributing to the needs of His household.

The passage tells us that God’s blessing is on those who are watching and taking care of His people. Such a person will be made ruler over all His goods. This makes it clear what we are supposed to be doing until Jesus returns: tending to the needs of God’s people and remaining watchful for His coming to the very end.

On the other hand, if a person is evil, they will doubt that the Master will ever return. They will begin to mistreat others and focus solely on their own selfish needs. That person will be caught off guard when the Master comes because they are not looking for Him. They will be cut off from God’s blessing and share the punishment of the hypocrites. It will not be a good ending.

This is why it’s so important to fix our hearts and eyes on His plan and purpose, staying ready for His return. We must be found faithfully doing His work—encouraging and building up the body of believers, feeding others spiritually, and cheering them on to fulfill their mission of helping others. We are here in this world at this time for each other—not for our own gain or pleasure. It’s fine to enjoy life, but we must also make sure we are fully surrendered to God’s purpose, accomplishing His work of reaching lives with the good news and nourishing His household.

Today, I want to encourage you to consider where you are in your walk with helping others. Do you make it a priority to build up and encourage your brothers and sisters in the LORD? Are you watching for His return and sharing the message of the good news with the outside world?

If you answered “no” to any of these questions, it’s not too late. Begin today by turning your focus to the people within your sphere of influence. Start becoming a blessing to the lost and hurting people around you. You have the power of the Holy Spirit to help you. Ask Him today to empower you to reach your corner of the world.

Be that faithful and wise servant, so that when He comes, He will find you watching and ready and tending His flock and walking in His blessing!

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 24:45-51

 45 “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season?

46 Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing.

47 Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods.

48 But if that evil servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’

49 and begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards,

50 the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of,

51 and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Enter His rest

 Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand. Today, if you will hear His voice: “Do not harden your hearts, as in the rebellion, as in the day of trial in the wilderness. ~ Psalms 95:6-8

There are times in my life when I sense the gentle leading of the Holy Spirit, yet I hesitate to follow. There are several reasons why such as feeling like it is inconvenient, uncomfortable, or even frightening. At times, fear of embarrassment or persecution may cause me to resist. However, now I’ve come to recognize the danger of saying no to His direction: not only do I miss the blessings on the other side of taking a step of faith, but my heart is at risk of being hardened. Each refusal makes it easier to resist His voice in my heart, until eventually, I may no longer recognize it at all.

In those moments of hesitation, I remember this passage in Psalms 95 that reminds me of how the Israelite’s hearts were hardened when they refused to follow God’s direction to enter their promised land. Even though they wanted the blessing of having their own homeland, they were unwilling to believe God’s word to them that He would go with them to take the land as their own.  The result was rebellion and hardness of heart.

This Psalm tells us the secret of not letting your heart become hard.  The key is worship and surrender to remember God’s glory and majesty. These verses calls us to bow down, both physically and spiritually, as a declaration of love, submission, and trust because after all, He is the only One worthy of our worship and surrendering to Him is where we can live in the blessings of His peace and protection.

Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. ~ Psalm 95:6

The act of bowing is not merely physical but it is the outward expression of our inward reality displaying that our hearts are fully yielded to the Lordship of our God and Father.

In biblical times, bowing was more than a gesture; it proclaimed that “He is God, and I am not.” It engaged the body, mind, and soul in an act of complete surrender and reverence.

We see this vividly in the story of Jesus’ birth. After the shepherds heard the angel’s announcement, they rushed to the manger and worshiped Him. The wise men, traveled from a distant lands to bring costly gifts and bowed down in awe before the child Savior (Matthew 2:10-11). These acts of worship were born out of a recognition of who Jesus is, even in His infancy. If they, with their limited understanding, knew to bow before Him, how much more should we bow today, knowing the fullness of His life, death, and resurrection and provision for our salvation?

Psalm 95 connects bowing with an important warning:

Today, if you will hear His voice: Do not harden your hearts, as in the rebellion, as in the day of trial in the wilderness. ~ Psalm 95:7-8

When we resist bowing to Him, both physically and spiritually, we risk the same hardened hearts as the Israelites in the wilderness. Even after seeing God’s miraculous provision and guidance, they doubted, rebelled, and turned away. Their refusal to submit led to a separation from God and they turned away to head in a direction away from His blessings.

Ignoring God’s leading hardens our hearts over time. Each act of disobedience distances us from His inner leading, making it increasingly difficult to hear and respond to Him. It is a deception the weakens our relationship and desire for His purpose in our lives.

In our culture today, bowing has often been replaced by other expressions, such as singing, raising hands, or quiet reflection. Even though these acts are meaningful, they can cannot take the place of the significance of bowing, a posture that uniquely gives honor and glory to our Lord.

Because physical displays of humility, like bowing, are less common today they can feel out of place or uncomfortable. Since we have become more independent in today’s world, it makes submission and dependence on God harder to receive. Many believers even view bowing as an old fashioned tradition rather than a vital act of worship.

Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. ~ James 4:8

Bowing down is an act of drawing near.  It is a physical declaration of trust and surrender, especially in the wilderness seasons.

Below are some practical steps you can take to begin cultivating a heart of humility and surrender by bowing down:

1. Restore the Physical Act: In personal worship, kneel or bow as a sign of humility and surrender, letting your body come into agreement with your heart.
2. Examine Your Heart: Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas where pride or fear may have hardened your heart. Confess and ask Him to help you to surrender the areas He reveals to you.
3. Follow the Example of the Shepherds and Wise Men: Worship Jesus with awe and reverence, offering your very best in surrender.
4. Press into Worship: Resist the urge to retreat during trials; instead, press into His presence through prayer, Scripture, and worship.
5. Remember His Faithfulness: Write down the ways God has worked in your life, allowing thankfulness to keep your heart tender.

Today I want to encourage you to remember Psalm 95 is more than a song of praise, it’s an invitation to enter God’s rest through worship and surrender. Bowing down is a reminder of our dependence on Him and a way to keep our hearts soft and responsive to His inner voice. Verse 7 declares: For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand.

Kneel before the Shepherd, trusting His care and submitting to His will. Like the shepherds and wise men, rediscover the profound beauty of bowing down in body, heart, and spirit. Through this act that allows us to draw closer to our Creator, we will find rest in His presence and joy in His glory.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 95

1 Oh come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.

2 Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.

3 For the Lord is the great God, and the great King above all gods.

4 In His hand are the deep places of the earth; The heights of the hills are His also.

5 The sea is His, for He made it; And His hands formed the dry land.

6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.

7 For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand. Today, if you will hear His voice:

8 “Do not harden your hearts, as in the rebellion, as in the day of trial in the wilderness,

9 When your fathers tested Me; They tried Me, though they saw My work.

10 For forty years I was grieved with that generation, and said, ‘It is a people who go astray in their hearts, and they do not know My ways.’

11 So I swore in My wrath, ‘They shall not enter My rest.’ ”

What are you thinking about?

 The Lord knows the thoughts of man, that they are futile.  Blessed is the man whom You instruct, O Lord, and teach out of Your law. ~ Psalms 94:11-12

 Have you ever found yourself stuck in a cycle of thoughts that seem to lead nowhere? No matter how well things may be going, your mind gravitates toward that one thing that isn’t just right. I know I do. Often, it’s not even about something pressing or urgent, just a small, nagging worry or an unresolved issue that keeps resurfacing.

It’s in these moments I realize how crucial it is to take control of my thought life. If I don’t intentionally direct my thinking, it drifts toward worry, fear, or even worst-case scenarios. The truth is, most of the things I worry about never come to pass. Yet without consistent effort, my thoughts can take on a life of their own, pulling me into a place of unnecessary stress.

Take the Christmas season, for example. It’s a time of joy, but also a time of busyness and expectation. I find myself juggling tasks such as finding the perfect gifts, sending out cards, planning the Christmas meal and worrying about whether I’ll forget something important. Even when everything is going well, there’s that inner voice questioning if I’ve done enough or if I’ve missed something.

I find hope in today’s verse because it reminds me of a powerful truth: The Lord knows our thoughts, and many of them are futile and pointless distractions that don’t lead to peace or purpose. Thankfully, the psalmist also tells us how to overcome this: by turning to God for instruction and allowing Him to teach us His wisdom through His Word.

God doesn’t want us to stay stuck in worry or self-doubt. Instead, He offers a better way.  A way to bring our thoughts into agreement with His truth and find peace in His wisdom.

If you’ve ever struggled with futile thoughts, you’re not alone. Maybe you’ve found yourself dwelling on things beyond your control or replaying scenarios in your mind that may never actually happen. But there is hope and practical guidance to help us overcome this:

Below are some ways you can take control over your thoughts:

1. Spend time in God’s presence daily. Begin your day with worship and fellowship with Him. This creates a foundation of peace and perspective.
2. Commit your worries to God. Hand over your concerns to Him in prayer, trusting that He is fully capable of handling them. Then, thank Him for His faithfulness every time you try to think about them again.
3. Dig into God’s Word. Make time to study Scripture, where you’ll find wisdom, encouragement, and instruction for life.
4. Monitor your thoughts. Pay attention to where your mind drifts. When you catch yourself worrying, intentionally redirect your focus to a scripture or a truth about God’s character.
5. Surround yourself with community. Spend time with a small group or friends who encourage you to dwell on the goodness of God. Their support can help shift your perspective.
6. Pray for others. When you find yourself returning to a worry, use that as a prompt to pray for someone else. It’s a powerful way to shift your focus outward.
7. Turn worry into action. Let your concerns inspire you to send an encouraging message to a friend or help someone in need.

Today I want to encourage you that as the New Year approaches, make a conscious decision to leave futile thinking behind. Instead of allowing your minds to wander into worry or fear, fix your thoughts on what is true, noble, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). Allow God’s Spirit to teach you what really matters and guide you toward His wisdom and instruction.

The Christmas and New Year seasons can be full of challenges and distractions, but they’re also an opportunity to reset your focus. Today, choose to think about God’s faithfulness, His provision, and His unchanging love. When you do, you will find that your hearts is steadied and your paths made clearer.

May this season be a time of renewed trust in God’s plan for your life and may His peace guard your heart and mind as you rest in His truth.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 94

1 O Lord God, to whom vengeance belongs— O God, to whom vengeance belongs, shine forth!

2 Rise up, O Judge of the earth; Render punishment to the proud.

3 Lord, how long will the wicked, how long will the wicked triumph?

4 They utter speech, and speak insolent things; All the workers of iniquity boast in themselves.

5 They break in pieces Your people, O Lord, and afflict Your heritage.

6 They slay the widow and the stranger, and murder the fatherless.

7 Yet they say, “The Lord does not see, nor does the God of Jacob understand.”

8 Understand, you senseless among the people; and you fools, when will you be wise?

9 He who planted the ear, shall He not hear? He who formed the eye, shall He not see?

10 He who instructs the nations, shall He not correct, He who teaches man knowledge?

11 The Lord knows the thoughts of man, that they are futile.

12 Blessed is the man whom You instruct, O Lord, and teach out of Your law,

13 That You may give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit is dug for the wicked.

14 For the Lord will not cast off His people, nor will He forsake His inheritance.

15 But judgment will return to righteousness, and all the upright in heart will follow it.

16 Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? Who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?

17 Unless the Lord had been my help, my soul would soon have settled in silence.

18 If I say, “My foot slips,” Your mercy, O Lord, will hold me up.

19 In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul.

20 Shall the throne of iniquity, which devises evil by law, have fellowship with You?

21 They gather together against the life of the righteous, and condemn innocent blood.

22 But the Lord has been my defense, and my God the rock of my refuge.

23 He has brought on them their own iniquity, and shall cut them off in their own wickedness; The Lord our God shall cut them off.

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you all have a wonderful day filled with family, friends and fun!

He Brought Peace

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and goodwill toward men! – Luke 2:14

Can you imagine a life without true peace? Always having a restless heart, endless striving, and avoid inside because of the deep abyss between humanity and God. For centuries, people longed for peace, not just the absence of conflict but a deep, unshakable harmony that could only come from heaven. Then, on a quiet night in Bethlehem, the cry of a newborn pierced the darkness, and with it came the greatest gift ever given: Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.

Peace is a priceless gift! It is worth everything but cannot be purchased with anything. It is a gift that was given to us when Jesus was born. Many think that peace on earth means people will live together without conflict or disagreement, but what Jesus brought us was peace with God in heaven. He brought the peace of heaven to earth!

Before that time, there was a great distance between God and His people. But when Jesus came, He became the bridge that connected mankind with God. Now, we personally have access to God, and not only that, we can receive Him as our Father! He didn’t want just a people to command and order around, He wanted a family. He became our Father to instruct us and empower us to be successful in the blessed plan that He prepared for each one of us. In all that, He provided a peaceful relationship with Himself, which produces peace in our hearts and lives.

So, what is peace? Some would say peace is calmness, rest, order, or harmony with others. While these are true, the God-kind of peace is much deeper. Let’s take a look at what God says in His Word about peace.

Peace is the guard of your heart. It lets us know when our heart is right with God. It also lets us know when things are out of order when it is absent. Philippians 4:7 says, And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. If peace is missing from your life, it is a sign that you need more of your heavenly Father’s presence in your heart.

Peace is a ruler. It measures whether we are thankful for all God has brought us through and called us to. Colossians 3:15 says, And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

Peace is a fruit, or the result of God’s Spirit living inside of us. Galatians 5:22 says, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness. Peace demonstrates whether we are walking in God’s Spirit or in our flesh. Romans 8:6 says, For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

Lastly, walking in the peace of God will allow us to complete the second part of today’s verse. When we decide to walk in the peace of God, we are then able to exercise goodwill toward others. This time of the year provides a wonderful opportunity to bless others with a kind act or word. It is also an opportunity to share God’s great salvation with those around us and to be reminded of His great love for us!

Today, I want to encourage you to allow God’s peace to fill your life. Don’t be stressed about the perfect gifts, family gatherings and time in the kitchen on this Christmas Day. Instead, let the peace of God fill you up. Spend time with Him, and tell Him how thankful you are and how much you love Him. Make this Christmas about your relationship with Him. Don’t forget that He is the reason why we are celebrating this great day. Remember that this is the day He became a person to live with us, save us, and fill our lives with peace… the God-kind of peace!

Today’s scripture reading: Luke 2:13-20

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 

16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 

17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 

18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 

19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 

20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

The Kings

And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. – Matthew 2:11

The wise men from the East arrived at the house where Jesus lived with His parents. At this point, Jesus was likely around two years old. The Bible describes Him not as a baby but as a “young child.” As a toddler, Jesus may not have been aware of His identity as the King of Kings, but the wise men certainly were.

Today, the wise men are often referred to as kings, but the Bible does not exactly call them that. What we do know is that they were magi and men who studied the stars. Their journey was came about because of a unique star, which they followed to find the King of the world. It is evident that they had access to ancient manuscripts prophesying the Messiah’s coming and the star as a sign. Some believe these writings were carried to the East when the Israelites were taken into Babylonian captivity. They may have even had access to Daniel’s writings, as he lived among the Babylonians. This could explain why they came from the East, seeking Jesus.

What makes this moment truly remarkable is that these men traveled from another country to worship Jesus. They were the first recorded individuals to fall down and worship Him from another nation. This is significant because they were not Jewish people, yet they were not turned away. If they were indeed kings, they became the first rulers to bow before the King of Kings. This moment in history is a foreshadowing of the future when all nations will bow before Him.

The magi also brought treasures of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These were some of the most valuable resources of their time. These gifts were both symbolic and practical. They signified Jesus’ kingship, priesthood, and sacrificial death while also providing for the Holy Family’s needs. The gifts enabled Joseph to take his family to Egypt, protecting them from King Herod’s wrath.

Today, I want to encourage you to consider the example of the wise men. They came from afar to worship Jesus, bringing their best to honor Him. How can you follow their example? Take time to fall down in worship, offering Him your deepest praise and thanksgiving. Celebrate His coming into the world as the King who saves all people from sin. Don’t wait until the day of His return to worship Him because He is worthy of your praise today!

He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

Today’s Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:1-12

1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 

2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”

3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 

4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.

5 So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet:

6 ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ”

7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. 

8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.”

9 When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. 

10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 

11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

12 Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.

Do Not Fear

Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” – Luke 2:10-11

With Christmas less than a week away, the joyful anticipation is everywhere around us. Christmas music fills the air, reminding us that the day is almost here. This year, two distinct parts of the Christmas story have reached deep into my heart.

The first is how intentionally God orchestrated the angelic announcement of Jesus’ birth. The angels were perfectly positioned, ready to deliver their glorious message the very moment the Savior was born. As soon as baby Jesus took His first breath, an angel of the Lord appeared in a nearby field to shepherds keeping watch over their flocks. It was nighttime, but the angel didn’t wait to see if the shepherds were awake or asleep. He simply stood there, shining, until someone noticed him. (I am sure it didn’t take long!)

Naturally, the shepherds were terrified, we know this because the angel’s first words were, “Do not be afraid.” Once he reassured them, he quickly delivered the news he had been waiting to share all evening: “I bring you good tidings of great joy that will be for all people!” This announcement wasn’t just for the Hebrew people but for everyone. The angel proclaimed the birth of their Savior. God in the flesh. The Creator had become part of His creation!

What followed was even more amazing: a multitude of angels joined him, forming a heavenly choir that rejoiced together. What a celebration that must have been!

The second thought that has moved me this season is the miracle of God’s incarnation and the joy it brought, not just to humanity, but to God Himself. From the beginning of creation, God had this plan in His heart. His plan was to bring salvation into the world by becoming a human man. Can you imagine His anticipation as He watched the fulfillment of this moment?

We often focus on how the birth of Jesus is good news for us, and it absolutely is! But this year, I’m considering how God the Father must have rejoiced. He had been waiting for this moment longer than any person in this world could comprehend. He spoke of it from the very beginning, revealing His heart through the prophets for thousands of years. The Old Testament is filled with prophecies about the coming Savior and glimpses of God’s joy-filled plan.

This wasn’t just a rescue mission. It was the culmination of God’s desire for a relationship with His creation. He didn’t just want to rule over us; He wanted to live among us, to be with us, to experience life as we do. Out of His boundless love, He took on flesh to walk with us, to be our Redeemer, and to invite us into His family.

Hebrews 12:2 reminds us:
“… looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

The joy of Jesus’ birth wasn’t just ours, it was God’s as well!

Today I want to encourage you that as we approach Christmas, let’s take a moment to marvel at the depth of God’s love for us. He didn’t just come to save us, though that is a priceless gift. He came because He wanted a family. He wanted us to be His people, living in relationship with Him. This Christmas, rejoice with our Heavenly Father for the awesome plan He fulfilled the night Jesus was born. Celebrate the love that sent a Savior into the world, and give thanks for the future hope we have in Him that one day, we will live with Him forever!

Today’s Scripture Reading: Luke 2:8-14

8Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 

9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 

10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 

11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 

12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”