The Daily Dose

As the days of Noah

For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.  Matthew 24:38-39

When I spend too much time focusing on the news or current world events, it’s easy to feel stressed and worried about what’s happening. Even in America, there are plenty of reasons to feel concerned about the survival and direction of our nation. I often pray, asking God to hold on to us and not let us fall, but instead draw this nation back to Him. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed by the challenges we face today.

Then, I am reminded of this passage in Matthew 24, where Jesus speaks to His disciples about the end of days. He explains that before His return, it will be like it was in the days of Noah before the flood. Life will seem normal with people will be eating, drinking, celebrating, marrying, and continuing with their daily lives. As long as we are here, Jesus says life will go on in this way.

However, He also warns that the end will come suddenly. It won’t be a slow decline like we’re witnessing in society today; instead, it will be abrupt, much like the flood that came without warning to those who were not listening to God. Those who aren’t paying attention will be caught by surprise. But just as Noah was prepared for the rain and safely secured by God in the ark, God has a plan to protect us from the evil days we live in too.

God wants us to be ready, just as Noah was. He calls us to be watchful and to warn others to stay alert as well. The signs are unfolding before us, and it’s clear the time is drawing near. Keep your eyes on Him, remain sensitive to His direction, and follow each of His instructions. Don’t let the coming day catch you off guard.

Today I want to encourage you to first and foremost, do not worry. Don’t let fear about what might happen in the world or in America consume you. Yes, pray for our nation and its leaders. Pray for Israel and for the events happening globally. But remember, nothing surprises God. He has told us through His Word that these days would come.

This is, in fact, one of the most exciting times to be alive! We are living in the final days of the church, and we are called to be His voice to the lost. Just as Noah built the ark to save his family, we are called to help others find refuge in Jesus before the appointed time.

Keep your focus on the Lord. Be bold in sharing His love with others so they too can enter the “ark” of salvation. Trust that God’s plans are unfolding perfectly, and rest in the assurance that He is in control.

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 24:15-44

 15 “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand),

16 “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.

17 Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house.

18 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes.

19 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days!

20 And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath.

21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.

22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.

23 “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it.

24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.

25 See, I have told you beforehand.

26 “Therefore if they say to you, ‘Look, He is in the desert!’ do not go out; or ‘Look, He is in the inner rooms!’ do not believe it.

27 For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.

28 For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together.

29 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.

30 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

31 And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

32 “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near.

33 So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors!

34 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place.

35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.

36 “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.

37 But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.

38 For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark,

39 and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.

40 Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left.

41 Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left.

42 Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.

43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into.

44 Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

 

When will it end?

And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. Matthew 24:14

Surely, we live in a time when the gospel of the kingdom of God is being preached all over the world. Travel is more accessible than ever before, communication happens instantly, and translating into different languages is within the reach of nearly every individual. The message of God’s love for the world and His provision of salvation is spreading faster than at any other point in history.

You are here, right now, for a specific time and purpose. You have a vital part in sharing the kingdom’s message with those around you. Whether it’s through sharing a website, an online message, or inviting neighbors to attend a service with you, your role is significant, especially at this time of year.

Christmas is one of the greatest opportunities to impact the world around you. This season celebrates the birth of Jesus and His coming to rescuing us from eternal separation from the One Who loves us and has given us life.

The end of this life will come for each of us someday. It might not be when Jesus returns to gather His people, but it will come when you close your eyes for the final time in this world. What’s next on God’s calendar is the day when He takes His children to be with Him before the great and terrible day, that is the Great Tribulation. I, for one, am thankful that I won’t have to try to survive those days in this world, and I hope you won’t either.

Today I want to encourage you to step into the greatest ministry of all time by sharing the message of salvation with your world. Look for opportunities to express God’s love and serve the people around you. Let them see God’s goodness reflected in your life. When they ask why you are so blessed, tell them about the blessings that flow when you open your heart to Him.

If you’ve never received this great gift from God, today is the day. Invite Him into your life, and He will guide you through life’s challenges. He will lead you to others you can help and encourage, and He will stay close even when you feel alone.

Pray this prayer from your heart and Jesus will come into your life and save you and turn your life from destruction to blessing.

God in heaven, I know I’m a sinner, and I need a Savior. I want to turn away from my sinful life and follow 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, and 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. I now have a right relationship with God, my Father, through this salvation in Jesus. Thank You for giving me Your Holy Spirit to guide me and empower me to fulfill Your plans for my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 24:1-14

1 Then Jesus went out and departed from the temple, and His disciples came up to show Him the buildings of the temple.

2 And Jesus said to them, “Do you not see all these things? Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down.”

3 Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”

4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you.

5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.

6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.

8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.

9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake.

10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another.

11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.

12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.

13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved.

14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. 

With my mouth I will make known

 I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever; With my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations. ~ Psalms 89:1

I love how the Psalmist declares, “with my mouth, I will make known.” Not just with thoughts or feelings, but with words spoken aloud. There’s power in proclaiming God’s truth! This verse reminds me of the awesome privilege we have been given to speak of God’s love and kindness. Unlike any other part of creation, people were made in the image of God and are uniquely equipped to declare His faithfulness.

When we speak of His mercies, we do more than remind ourselves of His goodness; we encourage others and sow seeds of hope for future generations. Our words can point people to God’s unchanging love, especially in times when they need it most.

I remember a time when I was living with many uncertainties and fear. It felt like nothing was going as planned, and I couldn’t see the path forward. But as I prayed and leaned into God’s Word, I was reminded of how He had been faithful in the past. I began sharing these testimonies with a close friend who was also struggling, and something beautiful happened.  Not only did I feel better, but we both were encouraged. Speaking about God’s faithfulness strengthened my faith and also reminded her that God’s mercies truly endure forever.

Here are some practical steps to help you know how to put this Psalm into action:

1. Spend time reflecting on God’s faithfulness in your own life. Write down specific instances of His mercy and kindness to help you articulate them when sharing with others.
2. Start your day with praise. Speak out loud a prayer or song of thanksgiving for God’s steadfast love.
3. Share a testimony with someone today. It could be with a friend, a coworker, or even on social media. Use your voice to declare His goodness.
4. Encourage someone who’s struggling. Reach out to a person in need of hope and remind them of God’s love and promises.
5. Commit to a daily habit of speaking life. Each morning, ask God to guide your words and open doors for meaningful conversations that glorify Him.

Today I want to encourage you to ask yourself: Who can you encourage today by speaking of God’s faithfulness? Think about what specific ways has God been faithful to you that you can share with someone else? Take time to message, call or meet with someone who can benefit by hearing the encouraging words you have to share.  You have been given a voice for more than just communicating.  Start using your word to declare the wonderful works of you heavenly Father Who loves and guides your life.

Today’s Scripture Reading: Psalms 89

1 I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever; With my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations.

2 For I have said, “Mercy shall be built up forever; Your faithfulness You shall establish in the very heavens.”

3 “I have made a covenant with My chosen, I have sworn to My servant David:

4‘Your seed I will establish forever, and build up your throne to all generations.’ ” Selah

5 And the heavens will praise Your wonders, O Lord; Your faithfulness also in the assembly of the saints.

6 For who in the heavens can be compared to the Lord? Who among the sons of the mighty can be likened to the Lord?

7 God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be held in reverence by all those around Him.

8 O Lord God of hosts, Who is mighty like You, O Lord? Your faithfulness also surrounds You.

9 You rule the raging of the sea; When its waves rise, You still them.

10 You have broken Rahab in pieces, as one who is slain; You have scattered Your enemies with Your mighty arm.

11 The heavens are Yours, the earth also is Yours; The world and all its fullness, You have founded them.

12 The north and the south, You have created them; Tabor and Hermon rejoice in Your name.

13 You have a mighty arm; Strong is Your hand, and high is Your right hand.

14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Mercy and truth go before Your face.

15 Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! They walk, O Lord, in the light of Your countenance.

16 In Your name they rejoice all day long, and in Your righteousness they are exalted.

17 For You are the glory of their strength, and in Your favor our horn is exalted.

18 For our shield belongs to the Lord, and our king to the Holy One of Israel.

19 Then You spoke in a vision to Your holy one, and said: “I have given help to one who is mighty; I have exalted one chosen from the people.

20 I have found My servant David; With My holy oil I have anointed him,

21 With whom My hand shall be established; Also My arm shall strengthen him.

22 The enemy shall not outwit him, nor the son of wickedness afflict him.

23 I will beat down his foes before his face, and plague those who hate him.

24 “But My faithfulness and My mercy shall be with him, and in My name his horn shall be exalted.

25 Also I will set his hand over the sea, and his right hand over the rivers.

26 He shall cry to Me, ‘You are my Father, my God, and the rock of my salvation.’

27 Also I will make him My firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth.

28 My mercy I will keep for him forever, and My covenant shall stand firm with him.

29 His seed also I will make to endure forever, and his throne as the days of heaven.

30 “If his sons forsake My law and do not walk in My judgments,

31 If they break My statutes and do not keep My commandments,

32 Then I will punish their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes.

33 Nevertheless My lovingkindness I will not utterly take from him, Nor allow My faithfulness to fail.

34 My covenant I will not break, nor alter the word that has gone out of My lips.

35 Once I have sworn by My holiness; I will not lie to David:

36 His seed shall endure forever, and his throne as the sun before Me;

37 It shall be established forever like the moon, even like the faithful witness in the sky.” Selah

38 But You have cast off and abhorred, You have been furious with Your anointed.

39 You have renounced the covenant of Your servant; You have profaned his crown by casting it to the ground.

40 You have broken down all his hedges; You have brought his strongholds to ruin.

41 All who pass by the way plunder him; He is a reproach to his neighbors.

42 You have exalted the right hand of his adversaries; You have made all his enemies rejoice.

43 You have also turned back the edge of his sword, and have not sustained him in the battle.

44 You have made his glory cease, and cast his throne down to the ground.

45 The days of his youth You have shortened; You have covered him with shame. Selah

46 How long, Lord? Will You hide Yourself forever? Will Your wrath burn like fire?

47 Remember how short my time is; For what futility have You created all the children of men?

48 What man can live and not see death? Can he deliver his life from the power of the grave? Selah

49 Lord, where are Your former lovingkindnesses, which You swore to David in Your truth?

50 Remember, Lord, the reproach of Your servants— How I bear in my bosom the reproach of all the many peoples,

51 With which Your enemies have reproached, O Lord, with which they have reproached the footsteps of Your anointed.

52 Blessed be the Lord forevermore! Amen and Amen.

Finding Hope in the Depths

But I, O Lord, cry to you; in the morning my prayer comes before you. – Psalm 88:13

Psalm 88 is one of the most heart-wrenching passages in the Bible. It’s raw, honest, and unrelenting in its depiction of deep sorrow and feelings of abandonment. Unlike other psalms, it doesn’t end on a hopeful note. Yet, even in the darkness of this psalm, there is a glimmer of faith because the psalmist still cries out to God, even when it feels like no one is listening.

I can relate to this Psalm because I’ve had seasons of life when I felt completely alone, overwhelmed, and without clear direction. One particularly hard season came during a time when I was struggling with anxiety, disappointment and depression. I felt isolated, even though I was surrounded by people who loved me. My prayers felt like they were hitting the ceiling, and I questioned why God seemed so silent when I needed Him most.

What I love about Psalm 88 is its honesty. It shows us that it’s okay to bring our despair to God. The psalmist doesn’t hold back, and that reminds me that I don’t have to either. In those dark times, I learned something profound: even when I couldn’t feel God’s presence, He was still there. The very act of crying out to Him, like the psalmist did, is an act of faith.

Looking back, I can now see how God was working in ways I didn’t recognize at the time. He brought people into my life to encourage me, gave me small moments of peace in the chaos, and after some time, He showed me a way forward and purpose for my existence.

If you’re feeling like you’re in a Psalm 88 season, here are some steps to help you hold on to hope:

Start by crying out to God honestly. Don’t be afraid to bring your raw emotions to God. He already knows your heart, and He welcomes your honesty. Write down your prayers if that helps, pouring out every fear, frustration, and feeling of despair.

Then, anchor yourself in His truth. Even if you can’t see or feel it, remind yourself of God’s promises. He is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). Hold onto these small but powerful truths as your lifeline.

Next, lean on community. Share your struggles with someone you trust. You are not meant to go through this alone. Allow others to pray for you and remind you of God’s love when it’s hard for you to see it.

Take one step at a time.  Sometimes, when the darkness feels overwhelming, all you can do is take the next small step. That might mean getting out of bed, making a phone call, or simply taking a walk. Trust that God will give you the strength for the next step when you need it.

Finally, keep praying, even when it feels silent. Just like the psalmist says in verse 13, let your prayers come before God every morning. Even if it feels like nothing is changing, know that your faithfulness to seek Him is never wasted.

Today I want to encourage you to remember that it’s okay to feel lost, to feel like God is far away, and to bring those feelings to Him. The very act of crying out is evidence of your faith. You’re choosing to trust Him, even when the answers aren’t clear. If you’re in a dark season, hold on. God has not forgotten you. Even when you can’t see His hand, He’s working behind the scenes for your good. Take it one day at a time, and trust that His light will break through the darkness. You are deeply loved, even in the depths. Keep holding on to Him, because He is holding on to you.

Today’s Scripture reading: Psalms 88

1 O Lord, God of my salvation, I have cried out day and night before You.

2 Let my prayer come before You; Incline Your ear to my cry.

3 For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to the grave.

4 I am counted with those who go down to the pit; I am like a man who has no strength,

5 Adrift among the dead, like the slain who lie in the grave, whom You remember no more, and who are cut off from Your hand.

6 You have laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the depths.

7 Your wrath lies heavy upon me, and You have afflicted me with all Your waves. Selah

8 You have put away my acquaintances far from me; You have made me an abomination to them; I am shut up, and I cannot get out;

9 My eye wastes away because of affliction. Lord, I have called daily upon You; I have stretched out my hands to You.

10 Will You work wonders for the dead? Shall the dead arise and praise You? Selah

11 Shall Your lovingkindness be declared in the grave? Or Your faithfulness in the place of destruction?

12 Shall Your wonders be known in the dark? And Your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?

13 But to You I have cried out, O Lord, And in the morning my prayer comes before You.

14 Lord, why do You cast off my soul? Why do You hide Your face from me?

15 I have been afflicted and ready to die from my youth; I suffer Your terrors; I am distraught.

16 Your fierce wrath has gone over me; Your terrors have cut me off.

17 They came around me all day long like water; They engulfed me altogether.

18 Loved one and friend You have put far from me, and my acquaintances into darkness.

Rooted in His Purpose

The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God! – Psalm 87:2-3

As I read Psalm 87, I’m reminded of the wonderful truth that God places value on His people and the places where He has established them. Zion, the city of God, wasn’t just another location, it was chosen, cherished, and celebrated by the Lord. Glorious things were spoken of it because it was rooted in His purpose.

This passage reminds me of times in my own life when I questioned whether I was where I was supposed to be. For years I let life lead me around because I did not live with intentionality and direction from my heavenly Father.  I didn’t even consider how the work and life I was living was reaching and serving others, or if the place I was planted had any real purpose?

I can even remember a time when I felt like my life didn’t matter, as if all my efforts were unnoticed and had no eternal value. It was during that time that God gently reminded me through His Word and love that my value doesn’t come from my achievements or recognition from others. Rather it came from being firmly planted where He designed me flourish. Just as He chose Zion and declared it His beloved, He has chosen me and placed me in my unique positions for His glory to work with others to reach the world around me.

Psalm 87 reminds us that God is intentional with where He plants His people. He sees beyond what we can see. His purpose is being fulfilled in and through us, even in ways we may not understand. When we intentionally root ourselves in His purpose, we open the door for glorious things to be spoken of our lives, things that reflect His goodness and faithfulness. Not just for today, but for all eternity.

If you’re feeling uncertain or discouraged today, here are some steps you can take to get your life in line with the truth of Psalm 87 and His purpose.

First, remind yourself that God has chosen you and placed you where you are for a reason. Pray for His guidance and trust that He is working, even if you can’t see it yet.

Next, whether it’s being a mom, a friend, an employee, or a leader, lean into the place God has planted you. Do your work with excellence and faithfulness, knowing that He loves where you are because He placed you there.

Then, declare Psalm 87:3 over your life: “Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God!” Replace discouragement with words of faith from His promises, believing that His plans for you are good and filled with purpose. Reach out to others and share your heart with a trusted friend or mentor. Sometimes, God speaks through others to remind us of our calling and encourages us to stay the course.

Lastly, watch for signs of His glory by taking time to reflect on the ways God has already worked in your life. The fact that He has placed you where you are is evidence of His love and purpose.

Today I want to encourage you because you are not forgotten. You are rooted in God’s purpose, and He delights in where He has placed you. Just as Zion was cherished by God, so are you. Glorious things are spoken of you because you are part of His plan to show His glory to the world around you. Keep trusting Him and watch as He continues to work in ways beyond anything you could imagine.  Only then will you know what it means to have true purpose and fulfilment in life.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 87

1 His foundation is in the holy mountains.

2 The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.

3 Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God! Selah

4 “I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to those who know Me; Behold, O Philistia and Tyre, with Ethiopia: ‘This one was born there.’ ”

5 And of Zion it will be said, “This one and that one were born in her; And the Most High Himself shall establish her.”

6 The Lord will record, when He registers the peoples: “This one was born there.”

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.