The Daily Dose

He Moves Mountains

Judah became His sanctuary, and Israel His dominion..– Psalm 114:7

The journey of the Israelites out of Egypt is one of the most remarkable demonstrations of God’s power and presence. As they stepped out of slavery, they took a bold step of faith into the unknown. Even though they longed to be free, they still had to trust that God would be with them every step of the way. The plagues that preceded their departure weren’t just acts of judgment on Egypt. They were also powerful reminders of God’s protection and assurance that He was more than able to provide for His people in the face of uncertainty. God didn’t just deliver the Israelites; He journeyed with them. In the wilderness, He established His sanctuary among them, demonstrating His deep desire to live with His people in the middle of their trials. He guided them by day, provided for their every need, and created a sacred place where His presence could be with them.

This passage reminds me of God’s immense power. He caused the sea to part, the Jordan River to flee, and mountains to tremble and made rocks give them fresh water. These weren’t random acts; they were tangible displays of His might, meant to reassure His people that He was with them every step of the way.

I remember a season in my life when I felt like I was walking through my own wilderness. I had just lost a job I loved and found myself uncertain about my next steps. Every path forward seemed blocked, and I was overwhelmed with doubt. During that time, I began to truly seek God, not just for answers, but also for His presence.

I realized something profound: God wasn’t just waiting for me at the finish line. He was with me in the struggle, providing for my needs and calming my fears.  Even in the times when I wasn’t living right, He still remained faithful as I called on Him.  Much like the Israelites in the wilderness, I saw Him guide me through what seemed impossible, opening unexpected doors and giving me strength I didn’t know I had.

What wilderness are you walking through right now? Maybe it’s financial uncertainty, a health battle, or the weight of a broken relationship. Whatever it is, know this: the same God who parted the Red Sea and caused mountains to skip like rams is with you. He isn’t just watching from a distance, He wants to dwell with you in the sanctuary of your heart, right in the middle of your challenges.

Here are some ways to invite His presence into your wilderness:

1. Spend intentional time with Him. Just like the Israelites followed the pillar of cloud and fire, let God guide your steps by spending time in prayer and reading His Word daily.
2. Remember His past faithfulness. Keep a journal of the ways God has provided for you in the past. It will be a powerful reminder of His faithfulness.
3. Trust in His timing. The wilderness may feel long, but God’s timing is always perfect. He’s preparing you for what’s to come.
4. Step forward in faith. Just as the Israelites walked toward the Red Sea before it parted, sometimes God asks us to move forward in faith, trusting He’ll make a way.  Listen closely to those prompts and ideas that come up from your heart as you are talking with Him.

Today I want to encourage you to take heart and remember that your wilderness is not the end of the story. Just as God demonstrated His power and presence to the Israelites, He will do the same for you. He doesn’t abandon His children, and He certainly won’t abandon you.

This week, take one intentional step to focus on His presence. Whether it’s setting aside time for prayer, surrendering a specific worry to Him, or simply meditating on His promises. Invite Him to dwell with you in your circumstances and remember, the same God who moved mountains for Israel is walking with you today. Trust Him and watch Him do what only He can do.

You are not alone. God is with you, and He will see you through.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 114

1 When Israel went out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of strange language,

2 Judah became His sanctuary, and Israel His dominion.

3 The sea saw it and fled; Jordan turned back.

4 The mountains skipped like rams, the little hills like lambs.

5 What ails you, O sea, that you fled? O Jordan, that you turned back?

6 O mountains, that you skipped like rams? O little hills, like lambs?

7 Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob,

8 Who turned the rock into a pool of water, the flint into a fountain of waters.

He Sees You

“Praise the Lord! Praise, O servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord! Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and forevermore!” – Psalm 113:1-2

This Psalm is a beautiful reminder of God’s greatness and His deep love and care for us. It invites us to praise the Lord, not just because He is high and exalted, but because He stoops down to lift us up. He is both the King of heaven and the God who is intimately involved in the details of our lives.

It was just a few years ago that I went through a season where I felt insignificant. Life felt like a constant rut of routine and unrecognized effort. I wondered if anyone truly saw or valued what I was doing. At that time was when I first read these words in Psalm 113:5-7: “Who is like the Lord our God, who is seated on high, who looks far down on the heavens and the earth? He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap.”

These verses helped me to see that God, my heavenly Father, Who is seated on high, above the heavens and yet He cares enough to “stoop down” and meet me where I was. I realized that even in my unnoticed moments, God saw me. He valued me. And not only that, He also had the power to lift me out of my discouragement.

Not long after that, God opened doors in my life that I hadn’t even been looking for. Opportunities to grow, serve, and experience His love in tangible ways. It was as if He was whispering, “I see you, and I have a great plan for you.”

Take a look and think about today some of the things this Psalms teaches us about our Father:

1. God Is Worthy of Praise (v. 1-4): The psalm begins with a call to praise God from morning to night, forever and ever. Why? Because His name is exalted above all. There’s no one like Him and His greatness spans the heavens, yet He knows and cares for each one of us personally.
2. God Sees and Lifts Us (v. 5-8): He is not distant or detached. He sees the struggles of the poor and the needy, and He steps in to lift them up. Whether you’re in a literal “ash heap” or just feeling stuck, God’s love reaches you.
3. God Restores and Provides (v. 9): The psalm ends with the image of God giving a barren woman a home and children. It’s a reminder that God is in the business of restoring what feels broken or empty in our lives and breathes hope into any situation.

Below is a list of way that we can begin to live in the light of Psalm 113.

• Start and End Your Day with Praise: Make it a habit to praise God throughout your day. Even a simple “Thank You, Lord” in the morning and before bed can shift your focus to His greatness.
• Trust in God’s Care: When you feel unseen or forgotten, remind yourself that God sees you. Write down Psalm 113:7-8 and place it somewhere you can read it often.

• Serve Others: Just as God lifts the needy, look for ways to lift those around you. Volunteer at your church or local outreach organization, offer encouragement, or simply listen to someone who needs to be heard.
• Give God Your Ashes: Whatever feels broken or hopeless in your life, surrender it to God in prayer. Trust Him to bring restoration in His perfect timing.
• Celebrate His Faithfulness: Share your testimony of how God has lifted you in the past. This encourages others and reminds you of His faithfulness.

Today I want to encourage you to think about the way Psalm 113 reminds us that no one is too small or insignificant for God’s attention. He sees you; He loves you, and He has the power to lift you up from whatever situation you’re in. As you praise Him and trust His care, you’ll discover the joy and hope that comes from being held by the God who reigns above the heavens yet stoops to meet you right where you are. Get excited because He sees you, He knows you, and He delights in lifting you up!

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 113

1 Praise the Lord! Praise, O servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord!

2 Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and forevermore!

3 From the rising of the sun to its going down the Lord’s name is to be praised.

4 The Lord is high above all nations, His glory above the heavens.

5 Who is like the Lord our God, Who dwells on high,

6 Who humbles Himself to behold the things that are in the heavens and in the earth?

7 He raises the poor out of the dust, and lifts the needy out of the ash heap,

8 That He may seat him with princes with the princes of His people.

9 He grants the barren woman a home, like a joyful mother of children. Praise the Lord!

Delight in His commandments

 Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who delights greatly in His commandments. ~ Psalms 112:1

When this psalm was written, God’s people had over 600 commandments to follow.  They were given during their time in the wilderness after leaving Egypt. These laws were designed to guide them in living holy lives and remaining in covenant with God. Yet, they also revealed their inability to live righteously on their own.

When Jesus came, He fulfilled the law and simplified it with one powerful command: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another” (John 13:34). In delighting in this command, we fulfill all others.

There was a time in my life when I tried to keep God’s commandments on my own strength. I would strive, only to fall short again and again. I felt like a failure and carried the guilt of it. I was convinced that I wasn’t good enough. I thought righteousness was something I had to achieve by sheer willpower, not realizing it was impossible without God’s help.

The turning point came when I surrendered my struggles to the Lord Jesus and asked Him to show me the way. He reminded me of His Spirit, sent to empower us to live as He did. At first, I resisted the idea of loving others freely. I was afraid of being taken advantage of or losing everything I had. But God gently showed me that true love, the God kind of love, is a gift. When given freely, it cannot be exploited because it flows from a place of abundance in Him, not from my own limited resources.

As I began to follow the leading of God’s Spirit, I discovered that loving others wasn’t as hard as I once thought. It became a joy, a natural response to the love I had received from God. Loving others was no longer about obligation or fear but about walking in the footsteps of my Savior, showing His loving kindness and grace to the world.

Today’s Psalm describes the life of someone who delights in God’s commands and shows His love to the world around them:

1. Blessed to be a blessing: Recognize that your blessings are meant to overflow into the lives of others.
2. Wealth and riches for righteousness: Use your resources to advance God’s work and create a lasting impact for the kingdom of heaven.
3. Light in darkness: Become a beacon of hope and truth in a world often overshadowed by despair.
4. Gracious and compassionate: Show mercy and understanding to those in need. Recognize their blind and lost condition.
5. Generosity in lending: Share what you have without expecting anything in return.
6. Unshaken by circumstances: Stand firm in faith, knowing God is your foundation.
7. Not afraid of bad news: Trust that God’s plans for you are good, even when challenges arise.
8. Heart fixed on the Lord: Stay focused on God’s promises rather than worldly distractions.
9. Impact beyond borders: Let your influence and love extend to the far corners of the earth through missions and ministry that can take it there.
10. Give to the poor: Make caring for the vulnerable a priority.
11. Exalted with honor: Trust that God will elevate you in His timing as you remain humble and obedient.

Here is where you can start today.  By taking these simple steps, you will be starting on your journey of what it means to delight in Him!

• Spend Time in God’s Word: Meditate on Psalm 112 this week. Ask God to reveal specific ways you can live out His commandments.
• Choose One Act of Love Daily: Whether it’s encouraging a friend, helping a neighbor, or supporting a cause, look for opportunities to reflect God’s love.
• Pray for Guidance: Start each day by asking the Holy Spirit to show you how to walk in love and wisdom.
• Keep a Gratitude Journal: Write down ways you see God’s blessings in your life and how you’ve been able to bless others.
• Share Your Story: Encourage someone else by sharing how God has transformed your understanding of love and obedience.

Today I want to encourage you that as you delight in God’s commands and allow His Spirit to guide you, you’ll experience the blessings described in Psalm 112. Your life will shine as a testament to His goodness, and you’ll inspire others to follow Him.  This is the only way that your righteousness (God’s good works) will last forever.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 112

1 Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who delights greatly in His commandments.

2 His descendants will be mighty on earth; The generation of the upright will be blessed.

3 Wealth and riches will be in his house, and his righteousness endures forever.

4 Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness; He is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.

5 A good man deals graciously and lends; He will guide his affairs with discretion.

6 Surely he will never be shaken; The righteous will be in everlasting remembrance.

7 He will not be afraid of evil tidings; His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.

8 His heart is established; He will not be afraid, until he sees his desire upon his enemies.

9 He has dispersed abroad, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his horn will be exalted with honor.

10 The wicked will see it and be grieved; He will gnash his teeth and melt away; The desire of the wicked shall perish.

The Fear of the Lord

 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever. ~ Psalms 111:10

Some believe the fear of the Lord means being terrified of Him. To this, I say: if you don’t know His love and salvation personally, you should be afraid of facing a holy, all-powerful, all-knowing, and perfectly just God. Without Him, you stand guilty before His righteousness. But here’s the amazing truth: God does not desire for us to live in fear of punishment. Instead, He invites us into a loving relationship with Him through His Son, Jesus.

When you know God personally, you discover that His love and grace are unending, His mercy is everlasting, and He delights in blessing His children. There is no good thing He will withhold from those who walk uprightly with Him (Psalm 84:11).

In today’s reading, the scripture says the fear of the Lord is where wisdom begins.  The wisdom that you find when you start fearing Him is recognizing your need for God in your life.  It’s realizing His greatness and holiness, which leads you to understand your deep need for Him. This fear is the foundation of true wisdom because it acknowledges God as the source of life, truth, and salvation.

The first step toward wisdom is admitting that you cannot save yourself from the penalty of sin. The Bible says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) and “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). But the good news is that Jesus paid the price for your sins by dying on the cross. Through His sacrifice, you are offered the gift of eternal life and a restored relationship with God.

If you feel God tugging at your heart, inviting you to know Him personally, here’s what you can do next:

1. Acknowledge Your Need for God
   Recognize that you cannot save yourself and need Jesus as your Savior.
2. Turn Away from Sin
   Repent by turning away from sin and surrendering your life to God.
3. Accept Jesus into Your Life
   Believe that Jesus died for your sins and rose again and invite Him to be Lord of your life.
4. Spend Time in God’s Word
   Begin reading the Bible daily to learn more about God’s character and His promises. Psalms is a great place to start.
5. Pray Regularly
   Develop a relationship with God through prayer, sharing your heart with Him and seeking His guidance.  Prayer is a two way conversation, so make sure you not only talk to Him, but you also spend time listen to His Spirit speak to your heart.
6. Connect with a Community of Believers
   Find a church or small group where you can grow in your faith and be encouraged by others.

Today I want to encourage you to invite Jesus into your life.  If you have never asked Him to come in and be your savior, do it today.  If you have asked in the past, but didn’t do anything after to grow your relationship with Him, start spending special time with Him today.  Then make it a daily appointment and press into His love and Kindness.  You can be as close to Him as you want to be.  All it takes is your time and commitment.

Pray: Heavenly Father, I come to You today, realizing my need for You. I confess that I have sinned and fallen short of Your glory. I believe that Jesus died on the cross for my sins and rose again so that I might have eternal life. Lord Jesus, I invite You into my heart as my Savior and Lord. Forgive me of my sins, cleanse me, and make me new. Empower me to live for You and follow Your ways. Thank You for Your love, grace, and the gift of salvation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed this prayer, welcome to God’s family! Take the next steps to grow in your faith, and remember, His praise endures forever. Trust Him, walk in His wisdom, and watch as He transforms your life.

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Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 111

 1 Praise the Lord! I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright and in the congregation.

2 The works of the Lord are great, studied by all who have pleasure in them.

3 His work is honorable and glorious, and His righteousness endures forever.

4 He has made His wonderful works to be remembered; The Lord is gracious and full of compassion.

5 He has given food to those who fear Him; He will ever be mindful of His covenant.

6 He has declared to His people the power of His works, in giving them the heritage of the nations.

7 The works of His hands are verity and justice; all His precepts are sure.

8 They stand fast forever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.

9 He has sent redemption to His people; He has commanded His covenant forever: Holy and awesome is His name.

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.

Your enemies are under your feet

^{The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool.” ~ Psalms 110:1}

I know this is a prophetic passage about the Lord Jesus when He would be exalted to the position at the right hand of His Father, God, a place of authority, power, and victory. While this points directly to His seat after His resurrection and ascension, it also offers significant encouragement for believers. As followers of Jesus, we are seated with Him in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6) and we have a shared position in His victory.

When I think about this verse, I imagine what my life would look like if I truly believed that my enemies, which are those internal and external forces that seek to defeat me, were under my feet. I’m not talking about people, but about things like:

• Thoughts of fear, worry, and doubt that creep in and steal my peace.
• Circumstances that feel overwhelming, like financial struggles, health challenges, or broken relationships.
• Temptations that try to pull me away from God’s plan and purpose for my life.

What if every time I encountered these “enemies,” I recognized them as enemies and quickly put them under my feet with the authority I have in the name of Jesus?

The truth is, because Jesus has been exalted above all principalities, powers, and every name that can be named (Ephesians 1:21), you can live in that victory as well. Every enemy, whether it’s fear, failure, sickness, or rejection, has no power over you when you stand firm in your salvation in Christ Jesus.

There are some things you can do to start living in the authority you have been given when you received Jesus as your Lord and Savior.  Look at the steps below and begin to put your enemies under your feet today.

1. Identify Your Enemies: Write down the specific thoughts, feelings, or circumstances that have been troubling you and trying to pull you over to their side. For example: fear of failure, financial stress, or insecurity.
2. Declare God’s Authority Over Them: Speak scripture over those “enemies,” reminding yourself that they are under Jesus’ authority and yours.
   • Example: “Fear, you have no place in my life because God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).
3. Replace Negative Thoughts with Truth: When a fearful or worrisome thought arises, choose to replace it with God’s promises.
   • Instead of “What if I fail?” say, “God is my strength and shield; He will uphold me” (Psalm 28:7).
4. Act in Faith: Trust God to handle circumstances beyond your control. Take steps forward in faith even when it feels uncertain, knowing God is with you.
5. Pray with Authority: Ask God to empower you to see your enemies under your feet and take hold the victory Jesus has already won for you.  You are not fighting from a place of defeat, you already have the victory in Him, hold on to it!

Where to Start Today

• Meditate on Psalm 110:1: Spend time considering what it means for His enemies and yours to be His footstool. (under His feet)
• Memorize Key Scriptures: Choose verses like Ephesians 2:6 or Romans 8:37 to remind you of your position of victory in Him.
• Take One Action Step: Choose one “enemy” you’ve identified and apply these steps. Speak truth over it, replace negative thinking with acts of faith.

Today I want to encourage you that living with your enemies under your feet doesn’t mean you’ll never face challenges, but it does mean those challenges don’t have to take over your life. The Lord Jesus’ victory is your victory. Stand firm, take heart, and trust that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in you, also. You are more than a conqueror through Him who loves you (Romans 8:37). Walk in that truth today!

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Today’s Scripture Reading: Psalms 110

1 The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool.”

2 The Lord shall send the rod of Your strength out of Zion. Rule in the midst of Your enemies!

3 Your people shall be volunteers in the day of Your power; In the beauties of holiness, from the womb of the morning, You have the dew of Your youth.

4 The Lord has sworn and will not relent, “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.”

5 The Lord is at Your right hand; He shall execute kings in the day of His wrath.

6 He shall judge among the nations, He shall fill the places with dead bodies, He shall execute the heads of many countries.

7 He shall drink of the brook by the wayside; Therefore, He shall lift up the head.

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.