The Daily Dose

A heart for America

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! Matthew 23:77

Many times, I feel this way about America. I cry out to God and plead, “Please hold on to us!” I believe He feels the same way about America as He did about Jerusalem in this passage. Jesus lamented over Jerusalem because God had sent many messengers to guide them back to His path and into His blessing, yet they rejected, beat, and even killed those sent to them.

Thankfully, today we have the ultimate rescue in Christ Jesus our Savior, who has made provision for us on an individual level. We can personally walk with Him. Even when it seems like those in power are rejecting God’s ways, multitudes of believers are still praying for and loving the people of this nation.

As it was in the Old Testament, we are now the prophets and messengers God is sending into our towns, country, and the world. Christians carry the message of salvation and freedom from the enemy’s oppression. We, God’s children, are empowered by His Spirit to pray and lead those around us out of the pit of destruction. We are the ones called to proclaim His love for all people—not just some and not just the “good” ones. God’s love extends to everyone, and His desire is that all would come to the knowledge of salvation through a personal relationship with Him.

It’s humbling to realize that He is counting on us to bring people in. God has a plan for His people to reach those who are searching—and even those who aren’t. The power of the Holy Spirit to change lives is as great today as it ever was, and the urgency is growing because the time we have left to reach them is shorter than ever.

Today, I want to encourage you to pour out your heart before God for America. Just as Jesus prayed for Jerusalem, pray for God’s Spirit to move in the heart of this nation. Resist the temptation to focus on what’s wrong or point fingers at who is to blame. Instead, ask God to show you how you can be part of the solution He has already prepared.

God still takes what the enemy meant for evil and turns it for good. He still works miracles and brings transformation every day. Don’t look at the world or America with an attitude of hopelessness. Pray! Commit to praying each day for God’s hand to move in this nation and in the world. We are the force that God has placed here to make an impact at this time with our lives, our prayers, and His message of salvation. Let’s rise to this calling and let His Spirit work through us to bring hope and restoration.

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 23:31-39

31 “Therefore you are witnesses against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets.

32 Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers’ guilt.

33 Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell?

34 Therefore, indeed, I send you prophets, wise men, and scribes: some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city,

35 that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar.

36 Assuredly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation.

37 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!

38 See! Your house is left to you desolate;

39 for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ”

Walk the walk

Therefore, whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do.  Matthew 23:3

Matthew 23 begins with Jesus giving His disciples clear instructions while also addressing the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. He acknowledged the authority of the Pharisees’ teachings but warns against following their example. Why? Because their actions don’t line up with their words.

Jesus listed several behaviors of the Pharisees that His disciples should avoid:

1. They place heavy burdens on others but offer no help to lighten them.
2. Their good deeds are done only for show.
3. They seek the best seats in synagogues and banquets to be seen and honored.
4. They demand recognition and superior titles from others.
5. Their long prayers are meant to show off their spirituality rather than genuine faith.

Jesus went on to call them blind leaders, creating blind followers. He reminded His disciples of this powerful truth: “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”

This message is a call to humility and authenticity. When we exalt ourselves, we are claiming credit and seeking glory for our own actions. But Jesus teaches us that such pride leads only to fleeting recognition (see Matthew 6). True greatness in God’s kingdom comes through humility—by serving others selflessly and without seeking applause.

So today, let this be your encouragement: Look for opportunities to serve those around you. Show love and care through your actions, not for recognition but as a reflection of God’s love in you. Be kind, patient, and generous, and let your words be free of boasting or sarcasm. By humbling yourself and choosing to serve others, you glorify God and step into the greatness He desires for all His children. Walk the walk, and let your actions speak louder than words.

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 23:1-36

1 Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples,

2 saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat.

3 Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do.

4 For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.

5 But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments.

6 They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues,

7 greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi.’

8 But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren.

9 Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven.

10 And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ.

11 But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant.

12 And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.

13 “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.

14 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. Therefore, you will receive greater condemnation.

15 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.

16 “Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘Whoever swears by the temple, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gold of the temple, he is obliged to perform it.’

17 Fools and blind! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that sanctifies the gold?

18 And, ‘Whoever swears by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gift that is on it, he is obliged to perform it.’

19 Fools and blind! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that sanctifies the gift?

20 Therefore he who swears by the altar, swears by it and by all things on it.

21 He who swears by the temple, swears by it and by Him who dwells in it.

22 And he who swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God and by Him who sits on it.

23 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.

24 Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel!

25 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence.

26 Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also.

27 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.

28 Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

29 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the righteous,

30 and say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.’

31 “Therefore, you are witnesses against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets.

32 Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers’ guilt.

33 Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell?

34 Therefore, indeed, I send you prophets, wise men, and scribes: some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city,

35 that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar.

36 Assuredly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation.

HOT OFF THE PRESS

“From Pain to Purpose: A Book of Short Stories” Gift yourself a copy today! https://a.co/d/1NhUkFQ

Hard cover & paperbacks dropped this morning! Don’t leave this one on the shelf. It belongs in YOUR hands!

HOT OFF THE PRESS

“From Pain to Purpose: A Book of Short Stories” Gift yourself a copy today! https://a.co/d/1NhUkFQ

Hard cover & paperbacks dropped this morning! Don’t leave this one on the shelf. It belongs in YOUR hands!

Ready to forgive

 For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You. ~ Psalms 86:5

I’ve had very few relationships in my life with people who were truly “ready to forgive.” Forgiveness often seems like a long process, requiring time and healing. Even as someone who considers themselves to be forgiving, I’ve had moments where I had to intentionally force myself to let go of an offense or wrong. Sometimes there are instances when the hurt wasn’t intentional—when the other person had no idea their words or actions wounded me. They were simply living life as they always have, unaware of the impact.

That’s why I love this verse in Psalms 86. It reminds me that our Heavenly Father is not only good but He is always ready to forgive. There’s no waiting, no hesitation, no conditions, except one: we must call upon Him and receive His love and forgiveness. He offers it immediately, without lectures, without reproach and without giving the “silent treatment” for a week first. His mercy is abundant to all who seek Him. He is simply amazing!

Yet, as His people, we often struggle to extend this same forgiveness to others. Why is it so difficult for us to let go of hurt and offenses, especially when we feel the other person should “make it right” first? Why do we hold on so tightly to our pain, even when we’ve been shown such boundless mercy and grace by God Himself?  He is our perfect example and gives us the empowerment to follow His lead.

Here is a list of steps we can take to allow forgiveness to flow through our lives to others:

1. Celebrate God’s forgiveness and take a moment to thank God for how quickly and abundantly He forgives you. Let His love fill your heart with gratitude.  Spend time meditating on scriptures like Psalms 86:5. Let His readiness to forgive inspire you to take on the same attitude toward others.
2. Pray for a forgiving heart and ask God to help you release any lingering hurt or bitterness. Pray for His strength to forgive, especially in situations where it feels impossible on your own.
3. Practice forgiveness daily by starting with small steps. Let go of minor offenses quickly, and practice responding with grace, patience and understanding.
4. Acknowledge the unintentional hurts by reminding yourself that the other person may not even realize it. Choose to extend grace as God does to you and do not feel the need to correct others.  Instead, pray for the Holy Spirit to show them.
5. Allow reconciliation to be your goal in every strained relationship.  If an offense needs to be addressed, approach the person with humility and a desire for restoration, not revenge or to say who was right in the situation.
6. Lastly, trust God with justice. Remember, forgiveness doesn’t mean excusing wrongdoing. Trust that God will handle what’s beyond your control. Your role is to release the burden and extend His mercy to others, always.

Today I want to encourage you to remember that forgiveness is a journey, but it’s one that brings freedom, peace, and a deeper connection with God. Always strive to be as ready to forgive as He is, trusting in His example and relying on His strength to do so.  God is with you, ready to pour out His mercy and grace every step of the way.  Remind yourself that when you forgive, you’re not just freeing someone else; you’re freeing yourself to live in the abundant joy and peace that only God can give.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 86

1 Bow down Your ear, O Lord, hear me; For I am poor and needy.

2 Preserve my life, for I am holy; You are my God; Save Your servant who trusts in You!

3 Be merciful to me, O Lord, For I cry to You all day long.

4 Rejoice the soul of Your servant, For to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

5 For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You.

6 Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications.

7 In the day of my trouble I will call upon You, for You will answer me.

8 Among the gods there is none like You, O Lord; Nor are there any works like Your works.

9 All nations whom You have made shall come and worship before You, O Lord, and shall glorify Your name.

10 For You are great, and do wondrous things; You alone are God.

11 Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name.

12 I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and I will glorify Your name forevermore.

13 For great is Your mercy toward me, and You have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.

14 O God, the proud have risen against me, and a mob of violent men have sought my life, and have not set You before them.

15 But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, Longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth.

16 Oh, turn to me, and have mercy on me! Give Your strength to Your servant, and save the son of Your maidservant.

17 Show me a sign for good, that those who hate me may see it and be ashamed, because You, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.

Restored

Restore us, O God of our salvation, and cause Your anger toward us to cease. ~ Psalms 85:4

 Psalm 85 beautifully expresses the heart of a people longing for God’s mercy, restoration, and peace. The psalmist pleads with God to restore them to their former strength and favor, confident in His unchanging love and faithfulness.

When I think of the word restoration, I often picture an old home. There’s something special about a home that’s been restored rather than remodeled. Restoration brings it back to its original design, using the same materials and craftsmanship that made it unique in the first place. Remodeling, on the other hand, often involves updates and changes to match current trends and styles.

This is the kind of restoration the psalmist was pleading for and not just an update, but a return to their original purpose and identity as God’s chosen people. Isn’t that the cry of every human heart? Deep down, we long to be restored to the relationship with God we were created for.

The good news is that this restoration is available to us today! Through the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus, God has made a way for us to be reconciled to Him. No matter how far we’ve wandered or how broken we feel, His love is ready to restore us to the joy, peace, and purpose we were designed to experience in Him.

The decision to step into that restoration that is available through Christ Jesus is within your power and reach today.  All you need to do is acknowledge your need like the psalmist, come to God with humility, recognizing your need for His mercy and restoration.

Next return to His presence by spending intentional time in prayer and His Word, asking Him to reveal areas in your life where you need to be restored. Embrace His grace and remember, restoration is a gift not something we earn, but something we receive through our relationship with the Father through Jesus. Then live in His strength as He restores you, lean on Him to walk in the fullness of the relationship He’s called you to.

Today I want to encourage you to remember God’s desire is to restore you to the relationship you were always meant to have with Him. He takes the broken pieces of our lives and lovingly puts them back together, not as something new and unfamiliar, but as a masterpiece according to His original design.  Let Psalm 85 remind you of the faithfulness of God. No matter where you are, He is ready to restore you to the joy of your salvation and to revive your spirit. Trust Him and watch as He turns your story into one of grace, renewal, and hope.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 85

 1 Lord, You have been favorable to Your land; You have brought back the captivity of Jacob.

2 You have forgiven the iniquity of Your people; You have covered all their sin.  Selah

3 You have taken away all Your wrath; You have turned from the fierceness of Your anger.

4 Restore us, O God of our salvation, and cause Your anger toward us to cease.

5 Will You be angry with us forever? Will You prolong Your anger to all generations?

6 Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You?

7 Show us Your mercy, Lord, and grant us Your salvation.

8 I will hear what God the Lord will speak, for He will speak peace to His people and to His saints; But let them not turn back to folly.

9 Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, that glory may dwell in our land.

10 Mercy and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed.

11 Truth shall spring out of the earth, and righteousness shall look down from heaven.

12 Yes, the Lord will give what is good; and our land will yield its increase.

13 Righteousness will go before Him, and shall make His footsteps our pathway.

The House of the Lord

 For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. ~ Psalms 84:11

The House of the Lord holds a special place in my heart. Having grown up in the church and now working on staff at a great church, I consider it an incredible privilege to work for the Lord in the role He has entrusted to me. It amazes me how many don’t share that same love for coming together with other believers each week to worship and celebrate the greatness of our heavenly Father.

I understand that life can be distracting. People get caught up in their busy schedules or maybe just haven’t fully discovered the purpose that they were created for. Some may even hop from one church to another, searching for the next big experience or emotional high. But there’s something powerful and transformative about being firmly planted in the House of the Lord where He has called you to grow, serve, and support others.

In Psalm 84, the psalmist lists the blessings that flow from making God’s House a priority in your life. These include strength for the journey (v.5), joy in His presence (v.4), and the assurance that no good thing will be withheld from those who walk uprightly (v.11). When we commit to being part of a church family—serving, worshiping, and contributing to the community, we position our lives to line up with God’s purposes and experience His abundant grace and glory.  That’s an extremely awesome deal and worth the extra effort. What a great promise to know that He will not let any good thing be withheld from us.

Being planted in the House of the Lord isn’t about checking off a box on your spiritual to-do list. It’s about becoming part of something greater than yourself. It’s about showing up consistently, building relationships, and following your Father’s leading and use your unique gifts to bless others. It’s also about receiving the encouragement, teaching, and fellowship that strengthen you to face life’s challenges in the coming week.

If you’ve been searching for a church home or wondering how you can deepen your connection with God and His people, start by asking Him to show you where He wants you to plant your roots. Once you find that place, commit to showing up when the doors are open, not just physically but with your whole heart. Serve where there’s a need, build relationships, connect in groups and watch how God makes you a blessing not only others but you, also.

Today I encourage you to know the Lord is both your light and your protector, and He gives generously to those who follow His ways. When you prioritize His House, He will meet your needs, fill your life with purpose, and make your life an impact on others for His glory.  So, plant yourself in the House of the Lord. There’s no better place to grow, thrive, and walk into the fullness of God’s blessings.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 84

 1 How lovely is Your tabernacle, O Lord of hosts!

2 My soul longs, yes, even faints for the courts of the Lord; My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.

3 Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young—Even Your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God.

4 Blessed are those who dwell in Your house; They will still be praising You. Selah

5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, whose heart is set on pilgrimage.

6 As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a spring; The rain also covers it with pools.

7 They go from strength to strength; Each one appears before God in Zion.

8 O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer; Give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah

9 O God, behold our shield, and look upon the face of Your anointed.

10 For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.

11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.

12 O Lord of hosts, Blessed is the man who trusts in You!

When God seems silent

 Do not keep silent, O God! Do not hold Your peace, and do not be still, O God! ~ Psalms 83:1

When God seems silent, it can be one of the hardest things to endure. The psalmist’s cry in Psalms 83:1 spoke what many of us feel in those moments: “Do not keep silent, O God! Do not hold Your peace, and do not be still, O God!”

I’ve had seasons in my life where I felt like God was distant, and I doubted if He was even listening to my prayers. Looking back at those times, I now realize that my “prayers” were often more like complaints about my circumstances or instructions to God on how He should take care of my problems. Many times my approach was more from my frustration rather than my faith.

Early on in my walk with the Lord, I didn’t fully understand that it’s the prayer of faith that moves His heart, my faith and belief rooted in what He has already spoken in His Word. God isn’t obligated to respond to complaints, but He honors prayers that trust in His promises and in line with His Word and plan.

Through those silent seasons, God was showing me to shift my focus. Instead of telling Him what to do, I learned to remind myself of Who He is. Instead of dwelling on what I didn’t have, I began to thank Him for what He had already provided. As I grew in faith and understanding of His Word, I realized that God’s silence doesn’t mean He isn’t there for me or listening.

Sometimes, God’s silence is an invitation to seek Him more deeply, to press in close. It’s a call to lean into His Word, to bring our hearts into agreement with His, and to grow in trust, even when we can’t see or feel what He’s doing. His silence may be preparing us for something greater than we can imagine.

So how do we prepare for the seemingly silent times when we really need to hear the heart of God to receive His peace? How do we step into that knowing that He is there and He is working on the situation even when we cannot see it in our outward circumstances?

First of all, pray with faith. When you pray, base your requests on God’s promises. Speak His Word back to Him, trusting that He is faithful to perform it.  This will require you to take some time to get into His Word so that you know just exactly what He has promised He will do when you ask.

Next, seek His presence by positioning yourself to spend time in worship and His Word, even when you don’t feel like it or even when you feel nothing at all. Many times the silence is where He shapes your faith and character the most.  By pressing into Him and taking time to sit in His presence, you show yourself and the Lord just how serious you are about the situation.  You are prepared to grow your faith by hearing and hearing His Word and believing His promises.

Then, trust His timing. Remember that God’s delays are not His denials. He is always working, even when it’s behind the scenes.  Know that He is working every part of the situation together for something good because you love Him and trust Him with your life.

Lastly, give thanks and cultivate a heart of gratitude for what He has already done in your life.  Take time to thank Him for the times He has already brought you through to victory.  You will realize that He has never let you down when you truly trusted all the details to Him.

Today I want to encourage you that God’s silence is never permanent. He hears every prayer, sees every tear, and knows every need. As you continue to seek Him in faith, you’ll find that He’s been closer than you realized all along. He knows that sometimes a good friend just sits with you while you cry it out. Be consistent to seek first His kingdom and righteousness, and trust that His answers will come at the perfect time, in the perfect way. God’s silence may be the very invitation that you need to step into His greatest work in your life. ❤️

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 83

1 Do not keep silent, O God! Do not hold Your peace, and do not be still, O God!

2 For behold, Your enemies make a tumult; And those who hate You have lifted up their head.

3 They have taken crafty counsel against Your people and consulted together against Your sheltered ones.

4 They have said, “Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation, that the name of Israel may be remembered no more.”

5 For they have consulted together with one consent; They form a confederacy against You:

6 The tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites; Moab and the Hagrites;

7 Gebal, Ammon, and Amalek; Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre;

8 Assyria also has joined with them; They have helped the children of Lot. Selah

9 Deal with them as with Midian, as with Sisera, as with Jabin at the Brook Kishon,

10 Who perished at En Dor, who became as refuse on the earth.

11 Make their nobles like Oreb and like Zeeb, yes, all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna,

12 Who said, “Let us take for ourselves the pastures of God for a possession.”

13 O my God, make them like the whirling dust, like the chaff before the wind!

14 As the fire burns the woods, and as the flame sets the mountains on fire,

15 So pursue them with Your tempest and frighten them with Your storm.

16 Fill their faces with shame, that they may seek Your name, O Lord.

17 Let them be confounded and dismayed forever; Yes, let them be put to shame and perish,

18 That they may know that You, whose name alone is the Lord, are the Most High over all the earth.

Defend the poor

 Defend the poor and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy; Free them from the hand of the wicked. – Psalms 82:3-4

I spent over 10 years of my life as a single mom.  Though I often worked two jobs, I didn’t have a lot of extra money.  However, during that season, I don’t ever remember considering myself to be poor, though I certainly had my share of struggles.  I rarely looked to others for help, and I really despised having to be on public assistance for a time.  I do remember times that I called out to God for help, and I also remember many times that He got me that promotion and raise above others that may have been more qualified. 

I didn’t know this scripture in Psalms 82 then, but it is a cry to God to defend the poor and do justice for the needy.  As low as I was at that point in my life, I didn’t realize the depth of my affliction.

Now I have the honor of working with single moms in a ministry that I began co-leading last year.  It has been a joy and blessing to get to know so many wonderful ladies who desperately need the love and support of a Christian community.  This ministry does not have all the resources to meet their material needs, but what it does do is support them through struggles by connecting with other single moms who may have already come through the current crisis.

This scripture in Psalms 82 is not just a call for God to defend the poor and needy but also direction for us as His people to step up and take part in that mission. God in His amazing grace recycles our experiences, our resources, and our testimonies to deliver justice and extend His love to those in need.

Looking back on my journey as a single mom, I now see how God not only defended me but also shaped me through my struggles so I could one day turn around and help others. It’s why co-leading this ministry for single moms has been so meaningful. It’s a reminder that our pain and challenges are never wasted when we let God use them for His glory and to serve others.

Here are some ways that you can defend the poor.

First of a pray. Spend time in prayer asking God to open your eyes to those around you who are struggling. Ask Him how you can be His hands and feet in defending the poor and needy.

Then watch for tangible ways to help. Whether it’s offering a kind word, mentoring someone, or providing practical resources, every small action can make a big difference.

If you’re not already involved in a ministry or outreach that supports the vulnerable, consider giving some of your time or resources. Outreaches and church ministries always need extra hands to expand their impact.

As you take these steps, remember that you don’t have to do it alone. God equips and strengthens us for the work He calls us to do. Whether you’re offering support to a single mom, standing up for justice, or sharing your own story of God’s provision, know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

Today I want to encourage you that as you step out to defend and uplift the poor and needy of the world around you, remember that you are living out the heart of God’s command in Psalms 82. You are His instrument to bring hope, justice, and deliverance to others.  Know that He will be with you every step of the way. ❤️

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 82

1 God stands in the congregation of the mighty; He judges among the gods.

2 How long will you judge unjustly, and show partiality to the wicked? Selah

3 Defend the poor and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and needy.

4 Deliver the poor and needy; Free them from the hand of the wicked.

5 They do not know, nor do they understand; They walk about in darkness; All the foundations of the earth are unstable.

6 I said, “You are gods, and all of you are children of the Most High.

7 But you shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes.”

8 Arise, O God, judge the earth; For You shall inherit all nations.

Launch Day! Grab From Pain to Purpose for $0.99 Today!

Hi Daily Dose friends,

I’m beyond excited to announce that my new ebook, From Pain to Purpose, launches TODAY! 🎉

📖 Get your copy now for only $0.99!
Here’s the link: Amazon – From Pain to Purpose

💬 After reading, I’d be so grateful if you could leave a 5-star review on Amazon—your feedback makes a huge difference in helping the book reach more people!

About the Book:
From Pain to Purpose is a collection of heartfelt short stories about finding hope and meaning in life’s hardest moments. Through both fiction and real-life challenges, these stories reveal how faith and resilience can transform brokenness into strength, hope, and renewed purpose.

🌟 Why today?
This special launch price of $0.99 is only available TODAY, so don’t miss out!

📣 Spread the word:
Feel free to share this link on your social media and with anyone who might be encouraged by these stories.

Thank you so much for supporting this launch—it means the world to me!

With thanks and much love for you all,
Lynette Lyden

P.S. Don’t worry if you don’t have a Kindle! You can download the Kindle app for FREE and read on any device.

📖 Link again: Amazon – From Pain to Purpose

Your support makes all the difference. Thank you for being a part of this journey! ❤️

His Enemies are His footstool

‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool” ’?  Matthew 22:44

In the last section of Matthew 22, Jesus asked a question to the Pharisees that were gathered together at that time.  He asked them what their thoughts were about the Messiah and whose Son is He?  I think the right answer is He is the Son of God.  However, the Pharisees answer Him from the scriptural and genealogy perspective.  They said He is the Son of David.  So then Jesus quoted a portion of scripture that is originally from Psalms 110, but also shows up in the New Testament after Jesus ascended into heaven.  He quoted that David wrote about the Christ that the LORD said to David’s Lord (the Messiah) Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool.  Then He asked the Pharisees if David called the Messiah Lord, how can He (the Messiah) be David’s Son?

If Jesus was trying to silence the Pharisees, He accomplished what He set out to do.  He also let them know that if you are My enemy, you will be made My footstool.  Then He gave them the picture that HE would sit at His Father’s right hand.  Another reason for them to hate Him.

Mostly, I believe He wanted to let them know that the Messiah/Christ was indeed the Son of God and not just a man born from the line of David.  He was declaring His Lordship to them and letting them know that if they take the side with His enemies, they would be put under His feet.

This is contrasted with who we are today as Christians, Believers and Children of God.  Ephesians 2:6 says we sit together with Him in heavenly places.  We are not under His feet, but we are His body under His head.  He is the head of the church the body of the anointed Christ and His head directs and moves the body to complete the mission we have been placed here to do.  We don’t always get it perfect, but the message has successfully survived for 2000 years as His Spirit has given utterance to spread the good news.

So I guess my encouragement today is if you are a part of His body, the body of believers in the world today, then get in line with His plans for the role you play in the days we are living.  Step away from the distractions of this world and begin to make His Word, His heart and worship your priority.  Join together with the rest of the body to lead the lost ones to the knowledge of salvation in Christ Jesus and use your gifts and talents to invest in your eternal future by serving others in love.  If you do not know Him personally, then start that conversation today.  Invite Jesus into your life and world by praying this prayer right now:

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 me and to empower me to do the things that You have planned for my life in Jesus’ name, Amen

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 22:41-46

41 While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, 

42 saying, “What do you think about the Christ? Whose Son is He?” They said to Him, “The Son of David.”

43 He said to them, “How then does David in the Spirit call Him ‘Lord,’ saying:

44 ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool”’?

45 If David then calls Him ‘Lord,’ how is He his Son?” 

46 And no one was able to answer Him a word, nor from that day on did anyone dare question Him anymore.