The Daily Dose

Shine the Light

Oh, send out Your light and Your truth! Let them lead me; Let them bring me to Your holy hill and to Your tabernacle.  Psalms 43:3

I have to admit, I’ve had some dark times in my life. There were many moments when I didn’t even know how to let the light of God’s love break through. There were even times when I chose to stay in the dark, convinced I knew what I was doing and could return to the light whenever I wanted. But looking back, I see how foolish that was. Thankfully, God, in His mercy, protected me during those dark seasons, never letting me fall too deep to where He couldn’t pull me back. Yet, I can’t help but regret the time I lost—the time I could have been walking in His light all along.

David, too, faced dark times in his life, and Psalm 43 reflects one of those difficult seasons. Unlike some of our self-inflicted darkness, David’s struggles were often the result of external oppression and relentless persecution. He was hunted and attacked, not because of anything he had done wrong, but simply because he was God’s chosen king for Israel. In the midst of his darkness, David didn’t rely on his own strength to get out; instead, he cried out to God, pleading for Him to “send out Your light and Your truth.” David knew that God’s light and truth would guide him back, leading him out of the struggle and into the safety of God’s presence.

That’s the thing about life—it’s easy to forget that God’s presence is with us at all times. When we’re in the thick of it, surrounded by darkness, we can lose sight of that truth. But here’s the beauty: no matter how dark our situation may seem; God’s light is always available to guide us back. It’s not about trying to figure things out on our own or waiting until we think we have control again. It’s about surrendering to the truth that God is the one who rescues, restores, and brings us back into His peace.

Let’s face it—while God never leaves us, it’s not always evident until we take the time to call on Him. The turning point comes when we choose, like David, to cry out for His light and truth. It’s in those moments of surrender that we truly experience His presence and His power to transform even our darkest seasons into testimonies of His faithfulness.

So today, I want to encourage you to take that step. Don’t stay in the dark, thinking you can handle it on your own or wait until it’s convenient to call on God. Ask Him now to send His light and His truth and take time to look in His Word for peace and direction for whatever situation you’re facing. Let His love flood the places that feel heavy, and allow His guidance to lead you out of the shadows. The regret of staying in the dark isn’t worth the joy you’ll find in walking with Him, as His light leads your way.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 43

1 Vindicate me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation; Oh, deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man!

2 For You are the God of my strength; Why do You cast me off? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?

3 Oh, send out Your light and Your truth! Let them lead me; Let them bring me to Your holy hill and to Your tabernacle.

4 Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy; And on the harp I will praise You, O God, my God.

5 Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.

The Keys

And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:19

In today’s world, physical keys are becoming less common. We now have coded locks that open with combinations, biometric locks that respond to fingerprints, and voice recognition. Even my iPhone unlocks by recognizing my face. If anyone else tries to access it, the phone will repeatedly attempt to recognize them until it eventually shuts down because it is programmed for security.

In today’s verse, Jesus told His disciples that He was giving them the key to unlock the Kingdom of Heaven. With that key, they have the power to bind or lock things in both heaven and earth and to loose or open things in both realms. That key is salvation through our Savior, Jesus. Through Him, we gain access to heaven and all of God’s power to transform our circumstances and lives.

It all begins with salvation. When you come to understand the depth of God’s love—that He sent His only Son to rescue us from eternal separation—you are, in a way unlocking heaven. You’re inviting God’s presence to step in and change the direction of your life. From that moment on, you can open heaven by simply talking with your Heavenly Father. He’s always available, longing for a close and personal relationship with His children. When you release heaven into your circumstances, you are allowing God’s goodness and love to flow into this physical world. It’s a truly powerful experience.

The same is true on the other side of the key. When you don’t turn things over to God, it limits what He can do for you because you have not unlocked the door to His answer to whatever you are going through. It’s not that He’s powerless—He has set up this world for us to partner with Him in the good works that His Spirit leads us to, but He steps in only when we call on Him and involve Him in our lives.

Binding is important because it reflects the spiritual authority believers have in Christ to influence both heavenly and earthly realms. In Matthew 16:19, when Jesus spoke of binding and loosing, He emphasized the power He gave to His followers to take part in spiritual warfare, to establish God’s will, and to stop the enemy’s influence.

Key Reasons Why Binding is Important:

Spiritual Authority: Binding represents the authority believers have through the name of Jesus. It allows them to act on God’s behalf, bringing their actions into agreement with heaven’s will. By binding, we can restrict the enemy’s plans and prevent evil from advancing in our lives and the world around us.

Resisting Evil: Binding is a means of actively resisting the devil’s schemes. We know from Ephesians 6:12 that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil. Through binding, we can prevent demonic influences from carrying out their destructive plans.

Protection and Freedom: Binding evil keeps individuals, families, and communities protected. It also serves to maintain spiritual freedom by keeping us unshackled from sin, oppression, or unhealthy influences. For instance, we can bind fear, doubt, or temptations that try to hold us back from God’s purpose.

Releasing Heaven’s Power: When we bind what is evil, we simultaneously create room for loosing God’s blessings, grace, and peace in our lives. Binding works hand in hand with loosing—once you bind negative influences, you loose the power of God to move freely and bring transformation.

Enforcing God’s Will: Binding helps us enforce God’s will on earth. Jesus said, “Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). By binding, we are spiritually partnering with God to see His purposes unfold in the world.

Binding is important because it reminds us that we are not passive bystanders in the spiritual world, but active participants in God’s kingdom, empowered to defeat evil and establish righteousness. Through binding, we take hold of the authority Jesus has given us to bring about positive, heavenly change in our lives and the lives of others.

Loosing, like binding, is a powerful spiritual tool given to believers by Christ. To “loose” means to release, permit, or allow God’s will and power to manifest in a situation. While binding restricts the enemy’s influence, loosing unleashes the presence, power, and promises of God in your life and circumstances.

Steps to Loosing:

Loosing starts with speaking and declaring God’s promises over your life or situation. God’s Word is alive and powerful (Hebrews 4:12), and when you declare His truth, you are releasing His will and promises into the atmosphere. For example, if you’re feeling anxious, you can loose God’s peace by declaring Philippians 4:7, which speaks of His peace guarding your heart and mind.

Example: “I loose the peace of God over my mind and heart right now, in Jesus’ name. I declare that His peace, which surpasses all understanding, guards me.”

Invite the Holy Spirit to Move Loosing is about opening yourself up to the Holy Spirit’s work. Ask God to pour out His Spirit and invite His presence into the situation. When you loose, you are inviting God’s active participation in your life.

Example: “Holy Spirit, I invite You to fill this place and my heart. I loose Your power and Your presence over this situation. Come and move mightily.”

Release Healing, Freedom, and Blessings: You can loose healing, freedom, and blessings over yourself or others by praying in agreement with what you know God’s will is from the scriptures. Jesus gave us authority to heal the sick, set captives free, and bless others. You can pray and loose these things by faith.

Example: “I loose healing over my body in Jesus’ name. I declare that by His stripes, I am healed (Isaiah 53:5). I loose freedom over my family from every chain and stronghold.”

Praise and Worship Loosing also happens through praise and worship. When you worship, you are loosing the presence of God into your environment. In the Bible, when Paul and Silas worshiped in prison, the chains were loosed, and they were set free (Acts 16:25-26). Praise shifts the atmosphere and looses the power of God to move.

Example: Begin to worship God and speak His praises, declaring His goodness and greatness. As you do this, you will sense His presence being loosed into the situation.

Forgive and Loose Others Loosing is also about forgiveness. Jesus teaches that when we forgive others, we are loosing them from offense or hurt. Forgiveness is a key way we loose freedom in relationships and prevent bitterness from taking root.

Example: “I loose forgiveness over this person who hurt me. I release them into Your hands, Lord, and let go of any offense.”

Believe and Trust in God’s Timing When you loose, believe that God is moving, even if you don’t see immediate results. Trust in His timing and rest in His ability to work behind the scenes. Loosing is an act of faith that unlocks God’s will and purposes.

Example: “I loose God’s provision over my finances, and I trust that He is supplying all my needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19).”

What Can You Loose?

Peace: Over anxiety, worry, or stressful situations.

Healing: Physical, emotional, or spiritual restoration.

Freedom: Breaking free from addictions, strongholds, or negative patterns.

Blessings: Financial provision, favor, wisdom, and opportunities.

Joy: In the midst of sorrow or heaviness.

God’s Presence: Filling your home, work, or relationships with His peace and power.

Example of How to Loose in Prayer:

“Father, in the name of Jesus, I loose Your peace over my mind and heart. I loose Your healing power over my body and declare that I am restored. I loose joy in place of sorrow and hope in place of despair. I declare that Your presence fills my home, and I loose Your wisdom and favor over my decisions. Thank You for moving powerfully in my life.”

By loosing, you are releasing God’s presence and power into every situation, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill His promises. The act of loosing brings spiritual freedom and opens the door for God to move and work in ways beyond our understanding.

Today I want to encourage you to use the key to heaven by spending time with your heavenly Father. He loves you deeply and wants to bring good into every area of your life. But first, you must surrender all areas to Him, trusting that He will lead you to victory. Pay attention to the gentle nudges in your heart and ask Him to make His plans for you clear. I also encourage you to “lock down” the enemy’s schemes by shrinking their importance in your life. Speak God’s Word over your doubts and fears, and release His goodness by declaring the promises He has given you in His unchanging Word.

Today’s scripture reading Matthew 16:13-20

13 When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?”

14 So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”

16 Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

17 Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 

18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. 

19 And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

20 Then He commanded His disciples that they should tell no one that He was Jesus the Christ.

Leaven

Then Jesus said to them, “Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.” Matthew 16:6

You may remember when you were a child how your parents told you that who you associate with will become who you imitate?  Another popular phrase when I was young was that one bad apple can spoil the whole bunch.  It takes some time, but it is very true that if you continue to connect yourself in toxic relationships, their toxins will poison your heart.  Even the intent of helping someone can backfire if you are not prepared in your heart and watching for the pollutants that can get on you.

In today’s scripture, Jesus told His disciples to watch out for the leaven of the Pharisees.  This sect was the most religious group of the day.  Hardly a place where you would think you needed to be on guard.  Ideally the priests would be the people you would trust to point you in the right direction and always be looking out for you best interest.  However, that was not the case.  The Pharisees had become immersed in bad doctrine and over the generations had been corrupted by the teaching of the former generation.  They were set on rules and traditions and determined to make all people obey them.  They had not focused on love and grace so there was none of that in them.

When Jesus warned the disciples about the Pharisees, He wanted them to not be so entrenched in doctrine that they had no compassion for people.  As followers of Jesus, they would see an example of grace, mercy and love and that was the attitudes Jesus wanted them to grow in, not religious rules and policies.  Jesus brought His disciples along with Him when He went out to reach hurting people.  Yes, it was so they could watch and learn, but it was also so He could surround Himself with partners to be accountable to.  Even though Jesus was God in person, the scripture say that He was a man and tempted in all ways, so He did need to keep Himself in check with others, so He was not lured aways by the traps of the enemy. (see Hebrews 4:15)

Galatians 5:9 tells us that a little leaven leavens the whole lump.  This is the message Jesus was teaching the disciples.  Do not let the leaven/teaching of the Pharisees get on you or they will contaminate the whole group.  He prepared them for the future days when He would be gone and they would stick together to encourage one another and keep each other from falling into the wrong mindset.

It is what He wants us to do today also.  He does not want us to take on a religious works mentality that makes us believe we are better than others because we do good things, and our bad things are not as bad as everyone else.  Instead, He wants us to love one another despite the setbacks and falls that we all take in life.  To help each other out and lift each other up.

Today my encouragement is to love one another, help one another and have compassion on all others.  If you are in toxic relationships that continue to pull you down and leave you empty, step away from them today.  Get into a group that will support and encourage you as you begin to press into all that God has for you.  Keep yourself accountable and protected by asking a person or a group of people to check in and give your inspiring words.  The best place to start is God’s word.  Begin lining your heart and thoughts up with His love and kindness.  Then create a habit of going to weekend service to fill your start you week filling up with God’s word and connect in where you can surround yourself with loving Christians that are doing the work of ministry helping others.  Make the decision today to purge out the unclean and corrupt attitudes and take the Word of God and others with you wherever you go.

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 16:5-12

5 Now when His disciples had come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread. 

6 Then Jesus said to them, “Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.”

7 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “It is because we have taken no bread.”

8 But Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, “O you of little faith, why do you reason among yourselves because you have brought no bread? 

9 Do you not yet understand, or remember the five loaves of the five thousand and how many baskets you took up? 

10 Nor the seven loaves of the four thousand and how many large baskets you took up? 

11 How is it you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread?—but to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 

12 Then they understood that He did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Panting for God

 As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. – Psalms 42:1

 As I read Psalms 42, I found myself lingering on the first verse, focused by the image of a soul thirsting for God like a deer panting for water. I began to imagine what it would feel like to pursue God so fervently that I was out of breath, desperate for His presence as if I needed Him to quench my deepest thirst. If I were chasing after Him with that kind of passion, surely it wouldn’t be difficult to reach Him. In my heart, I know that God isn’t hiding from me or making it hard to find Him. So why, at times, does it feel so challenging to experience His presence?

As I reflected on this, I remembered the promise in Psalms 16: in God’s presence, there is fullness of joy. So, why wouldn’t my soul naturally long for that joy, to pant and thirst for Him above all else?  That’s when I realized that it does.  When I am feeling down and discontented, it is because my soul is longing for Him.

Yesterday was stressful, and when I lay down to sleep, my mind was cluttered with thoughts from the day, preventing me from fully resting. It was no coincidence that I had read Psalms 42 earlier in the evening, so I decided to shift my focus and reflect on this idea of longing after God. I figured that if I made hearing from Him my priority and sought His presence, peace would surely come, and my worries would disappear. Just as I had hoped, it didn’t take long to sense His closeness. All I did was simply thank Him for being near and ask what it would look like to thirst for Him as a deer thirst for water.

In that moment, God reminded me that His presence is always with me, but it’s when I take the time to be still and become aware of Him that I truly experience His peace. He showed me that I don’t need to strive or work hard to be close to Him—just the opposite. I need to quiet my thoughts and activities and rest in His love and kindness. It was such a comforting and peaceful experience that, when my mind tried to drift back to my worries, I quickly redirected it to focus on what God was revealing to me so I didn’t miss a detail.

Now I understand that this is the key to living in the moment. Instead of letting my mind get lost in anxiety about what might happen next, I can intentionally bring myself back into God’s presence throughout the day. It doesn’t mean ignoring my responsibilities or not doing what needs to be done, but rather turning my anxious thoughts into opportunities to draw closer to Him and using them as reminders that His peace and presence is moving out of first place.

So, How Do We Pant After God?

Panting after God, as described in Psalms 42, is about cultivating a deep, ongoing desire for Him in every moment of life. It’s not about striving or working harder to feel His presence, but about creating intentional space to be with Him. Here are a few ways we can do this:

• Start with Gratitude: Like I did last night, begin by simply thanking God for being with you. Gratitude has a way of refocusing our minds away from stress and onto God’s goodness, which helps usher us into His presence.
• Silence the Noise: Life can be loud and chaotic, which often distracts us from hearing God. Take a moment to quiet your thoughts and activities. Find peace in stillness and let that be the space where you meet with God.

• Turn Worry into Worship: When anxious thoughts creep in, use them as a prompt to seek God instead. Rather than letting worry take over, invite God into those places of concern, and allow Him to speak peace and truth into your heart.

• Practice His Presence: Throughout your day, make it a habit to pause and acknowledge God’s nearness. Whether you’re at work, running errands, or spending time with family, remember that He is right there with you. Practicing His presence helps you remain connected to Him in all circumstances.

• Rest in His Love: Remember, you don’t have to work hard to be close to God. His love is constant, and His desire is for you to simply rest in that love. Instead of striving, let go of the pressure and rest in the truth that God’s presence is always available to you.

In moments when we feel distant or overwhelmed, we can take comfort in knowing that God is near, and it’s in the quieting of our hearts that we find Him. Psalms 42 reminds us to thirst for God, and in that thirst, He promises to meet us with the fullness of joy, peace, and the consistency of His presence.

Today, I want to encourage you to let your soul thirst for your heavenly Father, just as a deer pants for water. Make time to be in His presence and develop a plan to make it a daily habit. Don’t wait for the weight of life’s concerns to overwhelm you before seeking Him. Instead, purposefully step into His love throughout your day. Pay attention to your emotions, and when you feel unease creeping in, take it as a sign that you might be slipping into handling things on your own. Let it prompt you to return to the steadiness of His peace and provision. Allow your life to be guided by God’s ever-present wisdom and grace, and free yourself from the pressures and demands of this crazy world.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 42

1 As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God.

2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?

3 My tears have been my food day and night, while they continually say to me, “Where is your God?”

4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul within me. For I used to go with the multitude; I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept a pilgrim feast.

5 Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance.

6 O my God, my soul is cast down within me; Therefore I will remember You from the land of the Jordan, and from the heights of Hermon, from the Hill Mizar.

7 Deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls; All Your waves and billows have gone over me.

8 The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night His song shall be with me— A prayer to the God of my life.

9 I will say to God my Rock, “Why have You forgotten me? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?”

10 As with a breaking of my bones, my enemies reproach me, while they say to me all day long, “Where is your God?”

11 Why are you cast down, O my soul? and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.

Consider the poor

 Blessed is he who considers the poor; The Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. The Lord will preserve him and keep him alive, and he will be blessed on the earth; – Psalms 41:1-2

Do you consider the poor? I must admit, I never gave it much thought—even when I was poor myself. Back then, I believed that if I worked hard enough, I wouldn’t be poor anymore. I used to think that people who were struggling were in that position because of their poor decisions or the way they viewed life. But eventually, I realized that it didn’t matter why someone was in poverty. If I could help someone in need, I should, regardless of the circumstances or choices that put them there. I now know that God loved me even when I was making bad decisions and living in lack, and He loves everyone in a bad situation, no matter how they got there.

In Psalms 41, it says that those who consider the poor are blessed. But it doesn’t stop there—it goes on to describe the blessings that come from such compassion. The Lord promises to deliver those who help the poor in times of trouble, preserve their lives, and bless them on the earth. The Psalm even says that God will not allow those who care for the poor to be delivered into the hands of their enemies. Even when they’re sick or struggling, God will strengthen and restore them. These are wonderful promises and further reasons to take this message to heart and consider the poor.

So, what does it mean to “consider the poor”? It’s more than just giving money or material support. It’s about truly seeing people, understanding their struggles, and offering compassion without judgment. It’s about reflecting God’s love—His unconditional love—by offering help, even when we don’t fully understand someone’s situation. When we consider the poor, we line ourselves up with God’s heart, and in return, He blesses us with protection, strength, and His favor.

There was a time when compassion and truly considering the poor was something I struggled with. It was a season where I was preoccupied with my own life—my needs, my problems, my stuff. I realize now that I was walking through life with blinders on, unaware of the pain and hardship happening all around me. However, since that time the Holy Spirit has shown me how to be more intentional about noticing those in need. I now have a plan in place to be more aware of the hurting people God places in my path.

I’ll never forget a moment that marked a change in my heart. I came across a young man holding a sign that read, “Homeless and Hungry.” In my mind, I wondered if this was a scam or a situation that was self-inflicted. I asked the Lord, silently, if this was a moment where I should give. I felt prompted by His Spirit to give, and in obedience, I did. Normally, I like to offer words of encouragement or share a scripture, but this time, the giving was meant for me. The moment I handed over the money, compassion hit my heart like never before. I was overwhelmed by the pain this man was experiencing. Whether his situation was self-inflicted or not didn’t matter. He was lost and suffering, just as I once was. I realized, at that moment, how deeply God loved him. God loves this man so much that He sent His own Son to die for him, just as He did for you and me.

Maybe you’ve had similar thoughts when seeing someone along the road holding a sign—wondering why they aren’t working or taking care of their own business. Maybe you’ve even seen the poor as burdensome or someone who takes up too much space. Even if you haven’t voiced those thoughts aloud, it’s possible there’s a gap in your heart that needs to be filled with God’s love and compassion for the poor. The good news is—it’s never too late. You can start today by asking God to open your heart to those around you who need a blessing. And in return, receive His blessings back into your life.

Today, I encourage you to consider the poor—not for why or how they came to be in that situation, but because they are precious to our Heavenly Father.  Be reminded of God’s heart for the poor and the blessings He promises to those who consider them. It’s not about judging why someone is in a difficult situation, but about responding with the same grace and compassion that God shows us all. Whether through a small act of kindness or a thoughtful word of encouragement, you can be the hands and feet of Jesus to those in need. As you step into this calling, God promises to strengthen, protect, and bless you. Today, ask God to open your eyes to the struggles of those around you and fill your heart with His love, so you can be a blessing to others—knowing that in doing so, you will also experience His abundant blessings. Start now and watch how God moves through your willingness to care for others.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 41

1 Blessed is he who considers the poor; The Lord will deliver him in time of trouble.

2 The Lord will preserve him and keep him alive, and he will be blessed on the earth; You will not deliver him to the will of his enemies.

3 The Lord will strengthen him on his bed of illness; You will sustain him on his sickbed.

4 I said, “Lord, be merciful to me; Heal my soul, for I have sinned against You.”

5 My enemies speak evil of me: “When will he die, and his name perish?”

6 And if he comes to see me, he speaks lies; His heart gathers iniquity to itself; When he goes out, he tells it.

7 All who hate me whisper together against me; Against me they devise my hurt.

8 “An evil disease,” they say, “clings to him. and now that he lies down, he will rise up no more.”

9 Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.

10 But You, O Lord, be merciful to me, and raise me up, that I may repay them.

11 By this I know that You are well pleased with me, because my enemy does not triumph over me.

12 As for me, You uphold me in my integrity, and set me before Your face forever.

13 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting! Amen and Amen.

Established on the Rock

“He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth— Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, and will trust in the LORD.” – Psalms 40:2-3

These two verses sum up my life story. God pulled me out of a horrible pit—a pit I had gotten myself into. He set my feet upon a rock, not just on any rock but the Rock, Jesus! Now, He is establishing my steps, day by day, on His perfect path of righteousness. And He has put a new song in my mouth. I no longer sing the songs of gloom, despair, or agony. My new song is one of praise and thankfulness! I’m thankful for what He pulled me out of. I had fallen into a pit, then laid down and wallowed in it. It was the pit of selfishness. I was living for me, thinking I was the only one who could make me happy. But I was wrong—I was miserable.

“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved me,” lifted me out of that horrible pit! Glory to God! Now He holds me day by day, and I never want to go back. My desire is to stay so close to Him that I never fall into that self-centered pit again. And it’s not just a wish—I have a plan in motion to stay close to Him. Here’s how it started:

Several years ago, I sensed the Lord calling me to get up early each morning to spend an hour with Him in prayer and worship. I was excited at first, but that excitement quickly faded. Soon I was struggling to keep up with it, and this struggle continued for several years. Some mornings it happened, and some it didn’t. I could not make it into a habit. Every time I failed to follow through, I felt bad. But I noticed something important: on the days I gave God the first part of my day, everything seemed to go smoothly. On the days I didn’t, it felt like I was playing catch-up, constantly behind and chasing after the day.

Then one day, I decided to shift my perspective. I began to see this time with God as an offering. I would sacrifice some of my sleep and give that time to Him as an offering instead. That change in my thinking transformed my life! Before, I wanted change but wasn’t fully willing to make it happen. I was trying to live from miracle to miracle instead of walking in His divine direction. Don’t get me wrong—God has worked many miracles in my life, and I still depend on His intervention in times of crisis. But now I find my life far more fulfilling when I walk in obedience to His Word and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Just like David in Psalms 40, I too found myself in a pit, one that I had dug with my own hands through selfishness and misguided priorities. David’s cry for deliverance resonates with my own journey. He wrote, “He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps.” This verse speaks volumes about how God meets us in our darkest moments. David’s “horrible pit” reflects the places of despair, where we feel trapped by our own decisions, yet God doesn’t leave us there. He places our feet upon the firm foundation of Jesus, the Rock, and gives us new direction and purpose. Much like David, I no longer sing songs of defeat and misery. Instead, He has put a new song of praise in my heart, and I rejoice in the freedom that only He can provide. His mercy is endless, and His plans for me are far greater than I could ever imagine.

This same promise extends to all of us, no matter the pit we’ve found ourselves in. As David’s life was a testimony to God’s faithfulness, your life can become a reflection of His mercy and grace too. God has an incredible plan for each of our lives, and the only way to walk it out is step by step, day by day, in His presence.

Today, I want to encourage you to make time to listen for His daily guidance. Setting aside time for God is the most important habit you can start. It doesn’t have to be at the crack of dawn, like it is for me, but it should be a priority in your day. Set an appointment with God and commit to keeping it. I promise you—this simple habit will change your life for the better! Before long you will find yourself singing a new song and trusting God in every area of your life.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 40

1 I waited patiently for the Lord; And He inclined to me, and heard my cry.

2 He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps.

3 He has put a new song in my mouth— Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, and will trust in the Lord.

4 Blessed is that man who makes the Lord his trust, and does not respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.

5 Many, O Lord my God, are Your wonderful works which You have done; and Your thoughts toward us cannot be recounted to You in order; If I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.

6 Sacrifice and offering You did not desire; My ears You have opened. burnt offering and sin offering You did not require.

7 Then I said, “Behold, I come; In the scroll of the book it is written of me.

8 I delight to do Your will, O my God, and Your law is within my heart.”

9 I have proclaimed the good news of righteousness in the great assembly; Indeed, I do not restrain my lips, O Lord, You Yourself know.

10 I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart; I have declared Your faithfulness and Your salvation; I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth from the great assembly.

11 Do not withhold Your tender mercies from me, O Lord; Let Your lovingkindness and Your truth continually preserve me.

12 For innumerable evils have surrounded me; My iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to look up; They are more than the hairs of my head; Therefore my heart fails me.

13 Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me; O Lord, make haste to help me!

14 Let them be ashamed and brought to mutual confusion who seek to destroy my life; Let them be driven backward and brought to dishonor who wish me evil.

15 Let them be confounded because of their shame, who say to me, “Aha, aha!”

16 Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; Let such as love Your salvation say continually, “The Lord be magnified!”

17 But I am poor and needy; Yet the Lord thinks upon me. You are my help and my deliverer; Do not delay, O my God.

You can count on it

“Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear to my cry; Do not be silent at my tears; For I am a stranger with You, a sojourner, as all my fathers were. – Psalms 39:12

 Have you ever felt like your prayers are not getting through?  Like you are praying so hard, but it doesn’t seem like anyone is hearing them?  I sure have.  I used to pray the same things over and over again because I didn’t feel like I was reaching heaven.  Until on day I realized that God’s word promises that when I call on Him, He will answer me (Psalms 91) and when knock, He opens the door (Matthew 7:8).  That was the day that I changed the way I prayed.  Instead of continuing to pray the same things over and waiting until I felt or saw something happening, now I just believe they are happening because of the promises God made in His word.  My prayer no longer depends on me, it depends on God and me believing He will do what He said in His word that He will do.  So now, I thank Him for His promises instead of asking Him.  I thank Him that He has begone a good work in me and those I am praying for and that He will continue that work until the day of Christ Jesus.  I thank Him that I am more than a conqueror because the greater One lives inside me.  I rejoice that He is faithful and just and has cleansed me from all unrighteousness.  Not because I asked but because He promised.

It’s easy to feel discouraged when we don’t see immediate answers in prayer or sense God’s presence the way we hoped. David, in this psalm, expresses that same feeling of vulnerability—crying out to God, asking Him to listen to his prayer and not be silent.

But here’s the truth: God is always listening. Even when you can’t feel it, He hears every word, every sigh, and even the silent cries of your heart. In those moments of waiting, He hasn’t turned away. He is with you in silence, working in ways you may not yet see or understand. Just as David recognized that he was a sojourner, passing through this life with all its trials, he also understood that God is a faithful companion on this journey and kept His promises then and He keeps them now.

God may not always respond the way we expect, but His silence is not absence. Sometimes, in those quiet moments, He is growing your faith, teaching you to trust Him more deeply, and preparing you for something greater. The secret is to keep pressing in and getting close to Him by spending time in His presence.  James 4:8 promises that when we press in and draw near to Him, He presses back and comes closer to us.  You can be as close to God as you want to be.  It is your choice.

Today, I want to encourage you that He is listening. Keep praying and thanking Him for His promises. Keep seeking and take some time to look up what He has promised in His Word. Don’t get discouraged when you don’t see things immediately move after you pray.  Just know and believe that God is at work behind the scenes turning the circumstance for good. Though you may feel like a stranger in this world, God is your constant. He walks with you through the uncertainties and struggles, and He will answer you in His perfect time. Your prayers are not in vain, and your tears do not go unnoticed. Trust in His love, His commitment in His word and His timing, for He is always near, even when the path feels uncertain, He will do what He promised to.  You can depend on that.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 39

1 I said, “I will guard my ways, lest I sin with my tongue; I will restrain my mouth with a muzzle, while the wicked are before me.”

2 I was mute with silence, I held my peace even from good; And my sorrow was stirred up.

3 My heart was hot within me; While I was musing, the fire burned. Then I spoke with my tongue:

4 “Lord, make me to know my end, and what is the measure of my days, that I may know how frail I am.

5 Indeed, You have made my days as handbreadths, and my age is as nothing before You; Certainly every man at his best state is but vapor Selah

6 Surely every man walks about like a shadow; Surely they busy themselves in vain; He heaps up riches, and does not know who will gather them.

7 “And now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You.

8 Deliver me from all my transgressions; Do not make me the reproach of the foolish.

9 I was mute, I did not open my mouth, because it was You who did it.

10 Remove Your plague from me; I am consumed by the blow of Your hand.

11 When with rebukes You correct man for iniquity, you make his beauty melt away like a moth; Surely every man is vapor. Selah

12 “Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear to my cry; Do not be silent at my tears; For I am a stranger with You, a sojourner, as all my fathers were.

13 Remove Your gaze from me, that I may regain strength, before I go away and am no more.”

He’s not mad at you

O Lord do not rebuke me in Your wrath, nor chasten me in Your hot displeasure! – Psalms 38:1

 Sometimes, I feel afraid that God is mad at me for messing up.  I know in my heart He is not, but there are times when I get down on my face and say: “Lord, I know there is something wrong, but I can’t even put my finger on it.  I am so sorry for whatever I have done to get here.  Can you please reveal to me where I am missing it so I can get back on track with you?”  Then I hold my breath and expect that He is going to show me how bad I am and how angry He is because I messed up again.

I know these fears are unjustified.  What is really happening in those times is that I’m letting my conscience condemn me instead of  allowing the Holy Spirit to help me.  It doesn’t happen a lot, but when it does, I am always pleasantly surprised when He gently shows me how much He loves me and He isn’t mad at me at all.

The reality is that I know that God’s correction isn’t rooted in anger or punishment, but in love and restoration. When I mess up, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking God is disappointed or angry with me. But the truth is, He desires to draw me closer, not push me away.  When I finally stop holding my breath, I find myself wrapped up in God’s grace. He doesn’t approach me with harshness, but with compassion. He gently reminds me that my mistakes don’t disqualify me from His love or His plan for my life. His correction is not an expression of His displeasure, but of His deep, unending care. He loves me too much to leave me stuck where I am, but that love doesn’t leave me where I am, it simply recalculate my steps.

The Holy Spirit doesn’t condemn. His role is to convict us of righteousness (John 16:8-11)—to show us the way back to God when we’ve gone astray, not by shaming us, but by lovingly reminding us of who we are in Christ. God’s correction is an invitation to step back into a right relationship with Him, not a rejection or punishment.  If you are feeling condemnation, you can be sure that it is not from God. Like David in this Psalm, we might cry out, asking God not to rebuke us in His wrath, but God’s wrath for our sin has already been fully satisfied in Jesus.

In Psalm 38, David pours out his heart to God, expressing deep sorrow, physical pain, and spiritual anguish. He acknowledges his own sin and the weight of its consequences, but in the middle of his suffering, he models something powerful turning to God in the middle of his brokenness. This psalm shows us that even when we feel overwhelmed, guilty, or burdened, God is still present and waiting for us to call on Him.

David’s experience in Psalm 38 reminds us that we all face moments when life feels heavy—whether it’s due to our own choices or external struggles. At times, it may feel as if we are drowning in the weight of it all, with no way out. But here’s the key: David never gave up hope in God. Even in his pain, he cried out, knowing that God would hear him.

Verse 15 captures this hope: “For I wait for You, O Lord; You will answer, O Lord my God.” Even when he couldn’t see a way forward, David trusted in God’s faithfulness. He didn’t pretend everything was okay, but he still believed that God would not abandon him in his distress.

Today, I want to encourage you that no matter what challenge you are facing—whether it’s pain, conviction, or sorrow—know that God hears you. He is with you in the midst of the struggle, just as He was with David. You don’t have to carry the burden alone. Pour out your heart to Him, and trust that He will meet you with His grace and comfort. Even when life’s difficulties weigh you down, God remains your refuge and strength. His love and mercy are greater than any sin, and His power is stronger than any pain. Like David, you can confidently place your hope in Him, knowing He will lift you from the depths of sorrow and lead you into His peace. The next time you feel distant from God, or you think that He’s angry with you, remind yourself of His true character. He is a good Father—slow to anger and rich in love (Psalm 103:8). God does not condemn you; He corrects and restores you. When you bring your failures and weaknesses before Him, He doesn’t respond in wrath. Instead, He gently guides you back to the path He has set for you. In that place, you will find His mercy, His peace, and His grace. If you’re feeling like you’ve messed up too much or fear that God might be upset with you, remember Psalm 38: God’s love for you is far greater than any mistake you could make. Don’t let fear keep you from coming to Him. His discipline may be firm, but it is never cruel—it is always for your growth and healing. He is not waiting to condemn you, but to restore you, and remind you of the deep love He has for you.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 38

1 O Lord, do not rebuke me in Your wrath, nor chasten me in Your hot displeasure!

2 For Your arrows pierce me deeply, and Your hand presses me down.

3 There is no soundness in my flesh because of Your anger, nor any health in my bones because of my sin.

4 For my iniquities have gone over my head; Like a heavy burden they are too heavy for me.

5 My wounds are foul and festering because of my foolishness.

6 I am troubled, I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long.

7 For my loins are full of inflammation, and there is no soundness in my flesh.

8 I am feeble and severely broken; I groan because of the turmoil of my heart.

9 Lord, all my desire is before You; And my sighing is not hidden from You.

10 My heart pants, my strength fails me; As for the light of my eyes, it also has gone from me.

11 My loved ones and my friends stand aloof from my plague, and my relatives stand afar off.

12 Those also who seek my life lay snares for me; Those who seek my hurt speak of destruction, and plan deception all the day long.

13 But I, like a deaf man, do not hear; And I am like a mute who does not open his mouth.

14 Thus I am like a man who does not hear, and in whose mouth is no response.

15 For in You, O Lord, I hope; You will hear, O Lord my God.

16 For I said, “Hear me, lest they rejoice over me, lest, when my foot slips, they exalt themselves against me.”

17 For I am ready to fall, and my sorrow is continually before me.

18 For I will declare my iniquity; I will be in anguish over my sin.

19 But my enemies are vigorous, and they are strong; and those who hate me wrongfully have multiplied.

20 Those also who render evil for good, they are my adversaries, because I follow what is good.

21 Do not forsake me, O Lord; O my God, be not far from me!

22 Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation!

Discern the time

“And in the morning, ‘It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times.  Matthew 16:3

This is exciting stuff!  We are seeing the ending of days here on earth.  Oh, I know we have heard this for years, so many predictions and guesses of when Jesus will return to get His people.  However, this time it’s different.  It’s not about someone calculating a date or writing a book about “now is the time”.  It’s about discerning the time.  I’m not suggesting that we try to figure out what day Jesus will come, but I am saying that He wants us to be watching and ready.  Not with fear and anxiety, but with anticipation and a sense of urgency to finish our assignment.

Jesus told the “religious” people of His day that they were hypocrites because they were not paying attention to the prophecies in scripture about His birth and ministry.  In today’s verse, He said that they knew how to look at the outward circumstances to predict the weather, but they were unable to recognize their Messiah by what the scriptures had said about His coming.  All of the Jewish people knew that the Messiah was coming, so the signs surrounding His birth and ministry should have been more obvious to them.  However, they had gotten distracted by putting on the appearance of being “spiritual” instead of actually paying attention to the important things of God.

With all the crisis and turmoil in the world today, it is clear that the predictions Jesus made are happening all around us.  The temptation is out there to take on the fear that the world is experiencing, but that’s not our part of the plan.  We are living in the most prophetic times of all history and God chose each one of us to be on the earth for such a time as this to fulfill our assignment and ministry.   With all these distresses come the opportunity to reach those who are afraid and do not know what is going on.  The outside world can only see that the world is falling apart. No matter how hard people try to fix things, clearly, there is only one solution!  We can share the words of Jesus that these things would happen and that He has made provision for all through His Salvation!

Jesus wants us to know that the time is getting close.  Just how close?  It just doesn’t matter.  What does matter is that we are ready, watching, and helping with the harvest of people that are coming into the kingdom in these last days.  People are pouring in all over the world, and it is our job to pray for the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers, and to be laborers to help bring in this great end time crop of souls.  “Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”  Matthew 9:37-38

Today I want to encourage you to get excited, get motivated, and get ready because your redemption and salvation is drawing near!  We may not know the day He will come, but we do know that the day is closer than it ever has been before!  Jesus is coming soon!  Begin to pray for His return and also ask Him what you can do to reach those within your sphere of influence.  Let’s make sure we have completed, down to the last detail, every task He has assigned us to do!  Then when we finally stand in His presence, He will say, “Well done!”

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 16:1-4

1 Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing Him asked that He would show them a sign from heaven. 

2 He answered and said to them, “When it is evening you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red’; 

3 and in the morning, ‘It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times. 

4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.” And He left them and departed.

His Provision

“Now Jesus called His disciples to Himself and said, ‘I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now continued with Me three days and have nothing to eat. And I do not want to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way.'” — Matthew 15:32

Jesus never turned anyone away who came to Him for help. In this passage, we see that a crowd had been with Him for three days without food. During that time, He healed the sick, restored the lame, opened blind eyes, and brought wholeness to those in need. Jesus provided for each person exactly what they needed.

After three days of ministering, Jesus realized the crowd was hungry. Even though no one asked Him for food, He had compassion on them. He felt what they felt, because He too was hungry. This shows us something powerful: Jesus not only knows our spiritual needs, but He also cares about our physical and emotional well-being. In Hebrews 4:15, we are reminded that Jesus, though without sin, was tempted and experienced life as a human. He understands the limitations of our bodies and the weight of our struggles.

This truth holds for us today. While Jesus is no longer with us in physical form, He is still our High Priest, interceding on our behalf and providing for us. He understands every challenge, weakness, and need we have. Just as He met the physical needs of those who followed Him 2,000 years ago, He is faithful to provide for you today.

As you walk with Him daily, trust Him to meet your needs—whether they are physical, emotional, or spiritual. He knows exactly what you’re going through and is compassionate toward your struggles. He longs to lead you to the provision and support you need to fulfill your purpose.

Trusting in God, especially when it feels difficult, is a journey of growing faith and deepening your relationship with Him. Here are some practical steps to help you build and maintain trust in God:

1. Know Who God Is

The foundation of trust is knowing the character of the one you’re trusting. God is faithful, loving, and good. Spend time reading Scripture that reveals His character—stories of how He has come through for others. Psalms like 37, 91, and 46 remind us that God is our refuge and strength, and He is always near to help us.

Action Step: Reflect on God’s faithfulness in your life or others’ lives. Remember past moments when He provided or protected you.

2. Surrender Control

Trusting God means giving up control of situations and believing that He knows what’s best, even when you don’t. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding.

Action Step: Pray daily, following God’s lead in all your decisions and concerns. Ask for His will to be done in every area of your life.

3. Pray Honestly

Trust grows through communication. Be honest with God about your fears, doubts, and struggles. He already knows what you’re going through and desires a deep, authentic relationship with you.

Action Step: Start each day with a prayer, sharing your heart with God—your worries, desires, and need for His guidance.

4. Rest in His Promises

The Bible is filled with promises that God will provide, protect, and guide us. Holding onto those promises can give you the strength to trust Him when it feels hard. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that God has good plans for us, to prosper us, not to harm us.

Action Step: Write down 2-3 promises of God from the Bible and keep them somewhere visible. When you’re feeling anxious or uncertain, meditate on these promises.

5. Wait Patiently

Trust often requires waiting. God’s timing is perfect, even when it doesn’t align with ours. Isaiah 40:31 tells us that those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. In times of waiting, God is often working in ways we cannot see.

Action Step: When you find yourself in a season of waiting, practice patience by thanking God for what He’s doing behind the scenes and remind yourself that He’s never late.

6. Surround Yourself with Encouragement

Surround yourself with people who trust in God and who can encourage you in your journey. Hearing how God is moving in others’ lives can inspire you to trust Him more deeply in yours.

Action Step: Join a small group or Bible study where you can share your struggles and hear testimonies of how God is working in others’ lives.

7. Take Small Steps of Faith

Trusting God is built one step at a time. As you take small steps of faith—whether it’s obeying His Word, making a decision that requires trust, or letting go of fear—you’ll see God meet you, and your trust will grow.

Action Step: Identify one area of your life where you struggle to trust God. Make a choice to release it to Him today, whether it’s a worry, a relationship, or a decision.

Today, I want to encourage you to trust Jesus to be your provider. He understands your every need, and He knows the path to your provision. Invite Him into your day, listen for His guidance, and follow where He leads. Just as He cared for the multitude, He will care for you, providing everything you need to fulfill the plan He has for your life.

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 15:29-39

29 Jesus departed from there, skirted the Sea of Galilee, and went up on the mountain and sat down there. 

30 Then great multitudes came to Him, having with them the lame, blind, mute, maimed, and many others; and they laid them down at Jesus’ feet, and He healed them. 

31 So the multitude marveled when they saw the mute speaking, the maimed made whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they glorified the God of Israel.

32 Now Jesus called His disciples to Himself and said, “I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now continued with Me three days and have nothing to eat. And I do not want to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way.”

33 Then His disciples said to Him, “Where could we get enough bread in the wilderness to fill such a great multitude?”

34 Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” And they said, “Seven, and a few little fish.”

35 So He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground. 

36 And He took the seven loaves and the fish and gave thanks, broke them and gave them to His disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitude. 

37 So they all ate and were filled, and they took up seven large baskets full of the fragments that were left. 

38 Now those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children. 

39 And He sent away the multitude, got into the boat, and came to the region of Magdala.