The Daily Dose

Wonderous Things

Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, Who only does wondrous things! ~ Psalms 72:18

Psalm 72 celebrates God’s majesty and His rule that brings justice, peace, and prosperity. It portrays God as a King who hears the cries of the needy, rescues the oppressed, and brings lasting righteousness. When we declare that God only does wondrous things, we’re acknowledging that His works go beyond human understanding and reveal His goodness and power in every situation, whether big or small.

I’ve seen the Lord work wondrous things in my lifetime—on global and national levels, but also in deeply personal ways. Some of the most meaningful “wondrous things” I’ve witnessed have been in my relationships, especially with my children. Like all relationships, ours have gone through difficult times. But as I’ve committed each of these challenges to God, He’s moved in ways I never imagined possible, drawing us closer and bringing healing and growth. There were times when misunderstandings or hurts felt impossible to overcome, yet when I trusted God to intervene, He brought restoration and joy.

Below are some ways to recognize the wonderous things of the Lord in your life.

Start by looking for God’s wonders in your everyday life. We often look for God’s work in big, miraculous events, but His wondrous works can also be subtle and close to home. Take time to look out for His goodness in the little moments: a friend’s encouragement, a solution to a small problem, or even a change in your own perspective. Practicing gratitude will help you to see God’s hand in all aspects of life.

Pray with expectation when you bring your needs to God.  You can do this by approaching Him with the belief that He truly wants to work wondrous things for you. Jesus encouraged His followers to ask in faith, believing that they would receive. This chapter reminds us that God is attentive to the cries of those in need, and He desires to show His glory in your life. Pray with confidence, trusting in His timing and His ways, which are always for our good.

Trust Him in the challenges when life brings unexpected difficulties.  Remember verse four reassures you that God’s rule is one of justice and mercy. When circumstances seem overwhelming, remember that God is still working. Trust Him to bring growth, wisdom, and, ultimately, blessings out of each trial. God often uses these moments to reveal His love and power in ways that transform us from the inside out.

Commit all your relationships to God. Just as God brings healing and restoration to nations, He also works in our personal relationships. When faced with misunderstandings or conflicts, commit them to God. Pray for His peace, wisdom, and grace, trusting that He can work wonders in your relationships, even those that feel strained. Like the Psalmist, believe that God is able to bring healing where there’s been hurt.

Lastly, don’t forget to celebrate His works. Make it a habit to share and celebrate God’s wonders, both past and present. Share testimonies of what God has done in your life to build your own faith and encourage others to trust in His power. Whether it’s sharing stories of His provision with friends or recording them in a journal, celebrating His works will help you remember His faithfulness.

Today I want to encourage you to “Blessed His glorious name forever! As Psalms 72 concludes, let the whole earth be filled with His glory.” Make it your mission to look for God’s wondrous works today and every day, to celebrate them, and to share His goodness with others. When you focus on the ways He moves in your life, you will be reminded of His love and faithfulness, bringing hope and peace into every situation you experience.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 72

1 Give the king Your judgments, O God, and Your righteousness to the king’s Son.

2 He will judge Your people with righteousness, and Your poor with justice.

3 The mountains will bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness.

4 He will bring justice to the poor of the people; He will save the children of the needy, and will break in pieces the oppressor.

5 They shall fear You as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations.

6 He shall come down like rain upon the grass before mowing, like showers that water the earth.

7In His days the righteous shall flourish, and abundance of peace, until the moon is no more.

8 He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth.

9 Those who dwell in the wilderness will bow before Him, and His enemies will lick the dust.

10 The kings of Tarshish and of the isles will bring presents; The kings of Sheba and Seba will offer gifts.

11 Yes, all kings shall fall down before Him; All nations shall serve Him.

12 For He will deliver the needy when he cries, the poor also, and him who has no helper.

13 He will spare the poor and needy, and will save the souls of the needy.

14 He will redeem their life from oppression and violence; And precious shall be their blood in His sight.

15 And He shall live; And the gold of Sheba will be given to Him; Prayer also will be made for Him continually, and daily He shall be praised.

16 There will be an abundance of grain in the earth, on the top of the mountains; Its fruit shall wave like Lebanon; And those of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth.

17 His name shall endure forever; His name shall continue as long as the sun. And men shall be blessed in Him; All nations shall call Him blessed.

18 Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who only does wondrous things!

19 And blessed be His glorious name forever! And let the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen and Amen.

20 The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended.

Ask and receive

“Whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” Matthew 21:22

Do you talk to God each day? Do you ask for things like having a good day, divine protection, and peace of mind? What about praying for others? Do you ask your Heavenly Father to watch over those you love and to bless the ones you care for?

Today’s scripture is about asking and receiving. Jesus said that if we believe when we ask Him for something, we will receive it. So, what are we supposed to believe? Are we to believe that He hears us? Are we to believe that He will answer our request? Or are we to believe that He wants to answer us? The answer to these questions is “Yes!” Psalm 91 says that when we call on Him, He will answer us. Matthew 7:7 says, “Ask, and it will be given to you.” Mark 11:24 says, “Whatever you ask when you pray, you will have.” In John 16:24, Jesus said, “Ask and you will receive, so your joy may be full.” James 1:8 lets us know that if we ask and don’t receive, it’s because we are double-minded (wishy-washy) and unstable in our ways. It means we are not sure about what we are asking for and therefore have no faith for it.

So why don’t we see and hear of more people praying and asking God for help in this world? If you take a look around, it’s clearer than ever that we need His help. So why aren’t more people talking to God instead of complaining about or fearing the latest world crisis? I believe it’s because many people do not believe that God will answer or that He is interested in what is happening on earth. This is where we as Christians and believers come in. Now is the time for us to step away from the world’s way of fear, complaining, and worry, and start building faith in those around us by telling of God’s goodness and His desire to come into our lives to guide and protect us from the evils of the world. It doesn’t mean evil will disappear completely, but He will keep it from affecting you and those who call on Him.

Today, I want to encourage you to take the first step in receiving: ask with purpose and believe that God wants to answer and take care of you and those you love. Turn your focus away from the world’s problems, and instead think about the solutions found in Him. In Him is peace, in Him is comfort, and in Him is grace to get you through whatever you are facing. Start including God in your life’s circumstances today by inviting Him in, and watch how He turns everything around for good instead of evil.

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 21:12-22

12 Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves.

13 And He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’ ”

14 Then the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them.

15 But when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that He did, and the children crying out in the temple and saying, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant

16 and said to Him, “Do You hear what these are saying?”

And Jesus said to them, “Yes. Have you never read,

‘Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants

You have perfected praise’?”

17 Then He left them and went out of the city to Bethany, and He lodged there.

18 Now in the morning, as He returned to the city, He was hungry.

19 And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, “Let no fruit grow on you ever again.” Immediately the fig tree withered away.

20 And when the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree wither away so soon?”

21 So Jesus answered and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done.

22 And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” 

Riding on a Donkey

“Tell the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your King is coming to you, lowly, and sitting on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ”  Matthew 21:5

Today’s reading is about Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem the week before Passover. Everyone was gathered there to celebrate and observe the event. Jesus rode into the city on a donkey’s colt, and the significance was clear to anyone familiar with the Scriptures. The prophecy was that the Messiah would enter the city riding on a colt, a symbol of His royalty and Messianic identity. What the people didn’t realize was that He was actually the spotless Passover Lamb, coming to be offered up by the high priest for the sins of the world. To the people there that day, He appeared to be coming to deliver them from Roman oppression. However, the true reason He came was to be God’s pure payment—not for His own sins, but for theirs and ours today.  He came to pay the price for all sin for all time.

Yes, He is royalty, because He is the King of kings. And He was there to save the people, but not in the way they expected. He was brought into the city to be presented to the priests for inspection, just like all the other lambs that were brought that week. The difference was that He would be the final sacrifice ever needed for sin. At last, someone had come to cleanse the world of the sin that had entered back in the Garden of Eden.

Today, I want to encourage you to consider the spotless Lamb of God. He came to be the sacrifice for all sin, and His sacrifice still cleanses us today. Jesus’ supernatural work on the cross covers all people for all time, and it will continue for all eternity. Take some time today to thank Him for the provision He made at Calvary, and worship Him because He is worthy of our adoration.

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 21:1-11

1 Now when they drew near Jerusalem, and came to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples,

2 saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me.

3 And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them,’ and immediately he will send them.”

4 All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying:

5 “Tell the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your King is coming to you, lowly, and sitting on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ”

6 So the disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them.

7 They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, and set Him on them.

8 And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road.

9 Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ Hosanna in the highest!”

10 And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, “Who is this?”

11 So the multitudes said, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee.”

 

A Resort

Be my strong refuge, to which I may resort continually; You have given the commandment to save me, for You are my rock and my fortress. ~ Psalms 71:3

I’ve only been to a resort once in my life, and it was for work, so I didn’t have much time to take advantage of all the accommodations. I’ve stayed in many hotels over the years, but I’ve never really had a vacation experience where everything I needed was in one place, providing true rest and recreation.

That’s why I love today’s key verse, which speaks of running to God as our “resort” and continually finding refuge in Him. The psalmist reminds us that our refuge in God is not just a shelter during fierce and stressful times; it’s a place we can go to for renewal, rest, and re-energizing. God offers us so much more than just protection. He invites us into His presence as our place of peace and replenishment, where we can be shielded, restored, and refreshed.

This thought gives me hope, reminding me that I don’t always have to be busy working or constantly productive in fulfilling my purpose. I can have times at the “resort” with my Father, where I step away from the daily grind and let Him refuel me for the battles ahead. When life gets overwhelming, I can run to Him for renewal.

At His resort, you’ll find everything you need:

A fortress: a place of safety and provision.

Deliverance: protection from harm and freedom from wickedness.

Hope and strength: renewed trust and confidence in Him.

Restoration: strength for your body, mind, and spirit.

These are just a few of the benefits of our Refuge, but the bottom line is that anything and everything you need is available at His resort. The doors are always open, and you don’t need a reservation to enter. He welcomes all who call on His name.

Today, I encourage you to find strength and refreshment in your heavenly Father. Take time each day to “resort” to His presence. He has exactly what you need to get through the season you’re in right now—and when that season changes, He’ll have what you need for the next one, too.

If you’ve never called out to Him for salvation and rescue, you can do it now by praying a prayer of salvation. Jesus will come into your life and open the door for you to have a right relationship with your Father in heaven. Invite Him in, so you can run to His resort each day and receive the empowering grace you need to fulfill your purpose in this life.

Pray: God in heaven, I know I’m a sinner and I need a Savior.  I want to turn away from my sinful life to the life You have planned for me.  Please forgive my sins, cleanse me from my past, and make me new today.  I know Your Son, Jesus died for me.  I believe in my heart that You raised Him from the dead.  At this very moment, I accept, confess, and proclaim Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior . . . to be Lord of my life from this day forward.  I now have a right relationship with God my Father through this salvation in the blood of Jesus. I thank You for giving me Your Holy Spirit to guide me and to empower me to accomplish the things You have planned for the rest my life here in this world. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 71

1 In You, O Lord, I put my trust; Let me never be put to shame.

2 Deliver me in Your righteousness, and cause me to escape; Incline Your ear to me, and save me.

3 Be my strong refuge, to which I may resort continually; You have given the commandment to save me, for You are my rock and my fortress.

4 Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.

5 For You are my hope, O Lord God; You are my trust from my youth.

6 By You I have been upheld from birth; You are He who took me out of my mother’s womb. My praise shall be continually of You.

7 I have become as a wonder to many, but You are my strong refuge.

8 Let my mouth be filled with Your praise and with Your glory all the day.

9 Do not cast me off in the time of old age; Do not forsake me when my strength fails.

10 For my enemies speak against me; And those who lie in wait for my life take counsel together,

11 Saying, “God has forsaken him; Pursue and take him, for there is none to deliver him.”

12 O God, do not be far from me; O my God, make haste to help me!

13 Let them be confounded and consumed who are adversaries of my life; Let them be covered with reproach and dishonor who seek my hurt.

14 But I will hope continually, and will praise You yet more and more.

15 My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness and Your salvation all the day, for I do not know their limits.

16 I will go in the strength of the Lord God; I will make mention of Your righteousness, of Yours only.

17 O God, You have taught me from my youth; And to this day I declare Your wondrous works.

18 Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, do not forsake me, ntil I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to everyone who is to come.

19 Also Your righteousness, O God, is very high, You who have done great things; O God, who is like You?

20 You, who have shown me great and severe troubles, shall revive me again, and bring me up again from the depths of the earth.

21 You shall increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side.

22 Also with the lute I will praise You— and Your faithfulness, O my God! To You I will sing with the harp, O Holy One of Israel.

23 My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing to You, and my soul, which You have redeemed.

24 My tongue also shall talk of Your righteousness all the day long; For they are confounded, for they are brought to shame who seek my hurt.

Magnify Him

Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; And let those who love Your salvation say continually, “Let God be magnified!” ~ Psalms 70:4

 At the beginning of 2024, I started what I called a “praise fast.”  It wasn’t a fast to stop praise and worship, but rather to replace every complaint, doubt, and criticism with praise and worship instead. Every time I felt fearful or began to doubt, instead of letting those thoughts take root, I used them as reminders to praise and worship God. If I found myself being critical or complaining, I took it as a prompt to offer prayers of thanksgiving. This practice transformed my days. It kept my focus on the One Who loves and saved me, rather than on the struggles I was having in my life.

After that “fast” was over, I really didn’t even think about it again.  Even though it was very effective in helping me to press into my Father, once it was over, I haven’t thought of it since.  However, this week, I spent some time on Sunday evening, listening to worship music and praising God.  I set aside everything else and just focused on praising my Father for His great love.  When I finished, I thought about how refreshed and invigorated I felt.  I remembered that worship is like oil for my soul, moistening and reviving the dry places.  That is when I decided to make it a part of my daily activity with no exceptions.

As I worship and magnify Him, I realize that every created thing was made to worship. The entire creation shows us this truth: plants stretch upwards toward the heavens, stars turn in their celestial paths, and animals flourish, each fulfilling their purpose to glorify their creator.

In today’s reading, we are encouraged to seek and rejoice in the Lord.  We are told to be glad and magnify or make Him bigger in our lives to show that we love His salvation.  We do this by making Him the focal point of all of our being. And we honor Him by walking each day guided by His Spirit.  When we make worship a priority, we honor God, deepen our relationship with Him, and experience His peace.

Maybe praise and worship doesn’t mean that much to you.  Some people think that we worship in church on Sunday simply to wait for everyone to get there.  But there is so much more to it and the truth is we were created for it.  Even though we have been given the choice, we were designed to require that worship to bring victory and peace into our lives.

The way that I have incorporated worship in my life is to set aside enough time to listen to one worship song and close my eyes to focus on Him.  In those minutes, I pray, I thank Him and I raise my hands in surrender and adoration.  My heart remembers how much He loves me and how much I love Him.

Today I want to encourage you to take time each day to worship Him!  Whether it is by doing a “praise fast” where you remember to thank Him for His wisdom and protections instead of fears and doubts.  Or you can play one worship song each day and spend five minutes purposefully turning your attention to His greatness and glory.  You can even just bow down and worship Him in a place of humility and honor. Whatever way you choose to worship Him doesn’t matter, but what does matter is that you do it in some way. Only then will you be able to rejoice and be glad because when you take time to give Him your time and attention, then you will have His perspective on every issue you face in this life.  Embrace worship today and magnify God in your live.  When you do, you will be transformed from the inside out. Let God be magnified in every thought, action, and word—because when you make room for Him, He fills that space with His presence, power, and peace.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 70

1Make haste, O God, to deliver me! Make haste to help me, O Lord!

2Let them be ashamed and confounded who seek my life; Let them be turned back and confused who desire my hurt.

3Let them be turned back because of their shame, who say, “Aha, aha!”

4Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; And let those who love Your salvation say continually, “Let God be magnified!”

5But I am poor and needy; Make haste to me, O God! You are my help and my deliverer; O Lord, do not delay.

Overwhelmed

Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing; I have come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me. I am weary with my crying; My throat is dry; My eyes fail while I wait for my God. ~ Psalms 69:1-3

I remember a time when I was completely overwhelmed, feeling like I was in over my head with all the responsibilities I was juggling. It felt like I was trying to be the magician with spinning plates, balancing each one on poles while the slightest mess up threatened to bring everything crashing down. My energy was drained, and my spirit felt dry, as though I’d cried out until my voice was hoarse and my hope was wearing thin.

Then, in a moment of revelation, I realized I didn’t have to hold everything together on my own. God, who invites me to cast my burdens onto Him, was right there, waiting for me to reach out and let go of the weights I was never meant to carry alone. I realized that not only could I hand over my troubles to Him, but I could also trust Him to empower me with His grace to accomplish the things He has called me to.

Sometimes, when we feel stretched to the limit, it can be easy to think we’ve taken on too much or that we’re failing in some way. But those moments of overwhelm can also be opportunities to lean into God’s strength, to give Him the entrance into those stressful times to fill in the gaps where we are lacking. His grace is always sufficient, even when our own strength falls short.

Here are some examples of what you can do to turn your stressful times over to your Father to get His help and strength.

Cry out honestly like David did in Psalm 69. Start by pouring your heart out to God. Let Him know what you’re feeling and thinking, even if it’s messy. Talk to Him about the areas where you feel burdened or lacking, and invite Him into those struggles.

Surrender what you can’t control by releasing the responsibilities or worries you’re holding onto into His hands. Ask yourself if there are things you’re carrying that God hasn’t called you to bear alone. Let go of those burdens to Him in prayer, trusting that He will take care of what you cannot.

Ask for His grace to strengthen you because God promises to provide grace for what He’s called us to do. Pray for His empowering presence to fill the areas where you feel stretched or overwhelmed and believe that He will sustain you with the strength you need.

Take practical steps to rest often, when we’re overwhelmed. Sometimes we neglect physical and emotional rest. Make time to recharge—spend a few minutes reading God’s Word, worshipping, or simply sitting in silence with Him. Psalm 69:13 reminds us to wait on His timing, so give yourself permission to pause.

Seek support from your community by reaching out to trusted friends or mentors who can pray with you and encourage you. Just as God is with us, He places people in our lives to help us carry our burdens. Let others lift you up when you’re feeling weak.

Focus on today instead of worrying about everything at once. Keep your attention on what God has placed in front of you today. Matthew 6:34 says, “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” Ask God for guidance and strength for just this day, trusting that He will be with you again tomorrow and give you what you need now and then.

Today I want to encourage you when you are feeling overwhelmed, remember that God doesn’t expect you to handle everything alone. Like David, who felt overwhelmed yet ultimately found refuge in God, you can rest in His faithfulness, too. He sees your struggles, He hears your cries, and He is more than able to carry you through each moment with grace. Let go of your worries, lean into His strength, and trust Him to empower you no matter what you have to carry in every season of your life.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 69

1 Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck.

2 I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing; I have come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me.

3 I am weary with my crying; My throat is dry; My eyes fail while I wait for my God.

4 Those who hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of my head; They are mighty who would destroy me, being my enemies wrongfully; Though I have stolen nothing, I still must restore it.

5 O God, You know my foolishness; And my sins are not hidden from You.

6 Let not those who wait for You, O Lord God of hosts, be ashamed because of me; Let not those who seek You be confounded because of me, O God of Israel.

7 Because for Your sake I have borne reproach; Shame has covered my face.

8 I have become a stranger to my brothers, and an alien to my mother’s children;

9 Because zeal for Your house has eaten me up, and the reproaches of those who reproach You have fallen on me.

10 When I wept and chastened my soul with fasting, that became my reproach.

11 I also made sackcloth my garment; I became a byword to them.

12 Those who sit in the gate speak against me, and I am the song of the drunkards.

13 But as for me, my prayer is to You, O Lord, in the acceptable time; O God, in the multitude of Your mercy, hear me in the truth of Your salvation.

14 Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink; Let me be delivered from those who hate me, and out of the deep waters.

15 Let not the floodwater overflow me, nor let the deep swallow me up; And let not the pit shut its mouth on me.

16 Hear me, O Lord, for Your lovingkindness is good; Turn to me according to the multitude of Your tender mercies.

17 And do not hide Your face from Your servant, for I am in trouble; Hear me speedily.

18 Draw near to my soul, and redeem it; Deliver me because of my enemies.

19 You know my reproach, my shame, and my dishonor; My adversaries are all before You.

20 Reproach has broken my heart, and I am full of heaviness; I looked for someone to take pity, but there was none; And for comforters, but I found none.

21 They also gave me gall for my food, and for my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.

22 Let their table become a snare before them, and their well-being a trap.

23 Let their eyes be darkened, so that they do not see; And make their loins shake continually.

24 Pour out Your indignation upon them, and let Your wrathful anger take hold of them.

25 Let their dwelling place be desolate; Let no one live in their tents.

26 For they persecute the ones You have struck, and talk of the grief of those You have wounded.

27 Add iniquity to their iniquity, and let them not come into Your righteousness.

28 Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous.

29 But I am poor and sorrowful; Let Your salvation, O God, set me up on high.

30 I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving.

31 This also shall please the Lord better than an ox or bull, which has horns and hooves.

32 The humble shall see this and be glad; And you who seek God, your hearts shall live.

33 For the Lord hears the poor, and does not despise His prisoners.

34 Let heaven and earth praise Him, the seas and everything that moves in them.

35 For God will save Zion and build the cities of Judah, that they may dwell there and possess it.

36 Also, the descendants of His servants shall inherit it, and those who love His name shall dwell in it.

Share the Word

The Lord gave the word: Great was the company of those that published it.~ Psalms 68:11

This verse is a powerful reminder that when God speaks, He doesn’t just call a single person—He calls an army. It’s a reminder that His Word is meant to be spread, that His truth is intended to reach hearts and change lives.  He equips and strengthens those who choose to carry it forward.

There was a time when I felt hesitant to share what God had put on my heart. I questioned whether my voice was strong enough or if I had the wisdom needed. Then I realized that I had been given the gift of the Holy Spirit to empower me.  That is when I came to this verse and sensed that God was saying, “It’s not about the strength of your voice; it’s about the power of My Word.”

Since then, I’ve seen how God multiplies the impact when I began to step out in faith. I’ve watched as encouraging words or a shared testimony touched someone else’s heart in ways I couldn’t have imagined. It’s a beautiful reminder that when we’re willing to “publish” His Word, whether in small conversations or through larger platforms, God does the rest.  Our voice is the open door that gives Him the entrance to touch other’s hearts

Below are some practical ways that will help you to be able to share God’s salvation with others when you don’t feel strong enough or qualified.

Pray for Boldness: Ask God to give you the courage to speak up, share His Word, and step out in faith, no matter how small or large the opportunity.

Share the Word in Your Circles: Whether it’s with family, friends, coworkers, or even on social media, find a way to bring His message into your world. You never know who might need it.

Encourage Others to Join You: Psalm 68:11 emphasizes the “company” of those who spread His Word. Encourage others around you to also share what God has done in their lives. Together, we can magnify His impact.

Today I want to encourage you to remember, God is with you as you share His message. You’re not alone; you’re part of a great company. So get out there and carry His light into the world, trusting Him to do what only He can do.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 68

1 Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered; Let those also who hate Him flee before Him.

2 As smoke is driven away, so drive them away; As wax melts before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.

3 But let the righteous be glad; Let them rejoice before God; Yes, let them rejoice exceedingly.

4 Sing to God, sing praises to His name; Extol Him who rides on the clouds, by His name Yah, and rejoice before Him.

5 A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy habitation.

6 God sets the solitary in families; He brings out those who are bound into prosperity; But the rebellious dwell in a dry land.

7 O God, when You went out before Your people, when You marched through the wilderness, Selah

8 The earth shook; The heavens also dropped rain at the presence of God; Sinai itself was moved at the presence of God, the God of Israel.

9 You, O God, sent a plentiful rain, whereby You confirmed Your inheritance, when it was weary.

10 Your congregation dwelt in it; You, O God, provided from Your goodness for the poor.

11 The Lord gave the word; Great was the company of those who proclaimed it:

12 “Kings of armies flee, they flee, and she who remains at home divides the spoil.

13 Though you lie down among the sheepfolds, You will be like the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold.”

14 When the Almighty scattered kings in it, it was white as snow in Zalmon.

15 A mountain of God is the mountain of Bashan; A mountain of many peaks is the mountain of Bashan.

16 Why do you fume with envy, you mountains of many peaks? This is the mountain which God desires to dwell in; Yes, the Lord will dwell in it forever.

17 The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of thousands; The Lord is among them as in Sinai, in the Holy Place.

18 You have ascended on high, You have led captivity captive; You have received gifts among men, even from the rebellious, that the Lord God might dwell there.

19 Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits, the God of our salvation! Selah

20 Our God is the God of salvation; And to God the Lord belong escapes from death.

21 But God will wound the head of His enemies, the hairy scalp of the one who still goes on in his trespasses.

22 The Lord said, “I will bring back from Bashan, I will bring them back from the depths of the sea,

23 That your foot may crush them in blood, and the tongues of your dogs may have their portion from your enemies.”

24 They have seen Your procession, O God, The procession of my God, my King, into the sanctuary.

25 The singers went before, the players on instruments followed after; Among them were the maidens playing timbrels.

26 Bless God in the congregations, the Lord, from the fountain of Israel.

27 There is little Benjamin, their leader, the princes of Judah and their company, the princes of Zebulun and the princes of Naphtali.

28 Your God has commanded your strength; Strengthen, O God, what You have done for us.

29 Because of Your temple at Jerusalem, kings will bring presents to You.

30 Rebuke the beasts of the reeds, the herd of bulls with the calves of the peoples, till everyone submits himself with pieces of silver. Scatter the peoples who delight in war.

31 Envoys will come out of Egypt; Ethiopia will quickly stretch out her hands to God.

32 Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth; Oh, sing praises to the Lord, Selah

33 To Him who rides on the heaven of heavens, which were of old! Indeed, He sends out His voice, a mighty voice.

34 Ascribe strength to God; His excellence is over Israel, and His strength is in the clouds.

35 O God, You are more awesome than Your holy places. The God of Israel is He who gives strength and power to His people. Blessed be God!

 Hope in the Lord

May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us—so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations. ~ Psalm 67:1-2

Finally, it’s here—the day before the election. What a ride it has been to get to this point! The past month has been a barrage of text messages, spam calls, and endless campaign mailers. It’s easy to feel worn out and a bit overwhelmed. Maybe you’re feeling a mix of hope, uncertainty, or even anxiety. The outcome is, for sure, significant, and it’s natural to feel weighed down by the intensity of it all. But thank goodness for God’s Word, which offers us peace, perspective, and assurance that we don’t have to navigate this time alone.

Today’s reading, Psalm 67, gives us a powerful reminder: God is still on the throne. This whole journey—yes, even the chaos and division—is part of His story, His plan, and His design. Though it may not always look like it, and sometimes feels as if God’s hand is far from what’s happening in our country, we can be assured that He is close to those who trust and call on His name. His heart is for all people, and He desires to bring peace, healing, and unity to our world.

Psalm 67 is a beautiful prayer for blessing, not just for ourselves but for every nation and person. The psalmist’s desire is that God’s ways would be known “among all nations,” offering a vision of hope, healing, and divine blessing that surpasses any human agenda. As we meditate on this Psalm, we’re invited to trust God’s purpose, seek His blessing, and remember that only He can bring about true peace and justice.

Here are a few things we can do as we wait for the election results:

Pray for God’s Will to Be Done: Psalm 67 begins with a prayer for God’s blessing. Today, we can pray for God to bless our nation with wisdom, compassion, and unity. Take some time today and tomorrow to pray for peace and for His will to be done throughout the election process. Ask Him to guide voters, leaders, and communities with a spirit of grace.

Seek God’s Peace and Trust in His love and goodness: “May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you” (Psalm 67:3). Remember that God is the Creator and sustainer of this world. Even when we don’t see how He’s working, we can trust that He is moving behind the scenes. Let go of fear and let His peace guard your heart as you surrender your concerns to Him, knowing that His plans are higher than ours.

Embrace the Call to Be a Light: Psalm 67 emphasizes God’s salvation being known among the nations. Regardless of the election’s outcome, remember that our mission as believers is to be His light in this world. We are called to love and serve others, bringing the hope of Christ Jesus to our communities. This is a time to unite as Christians, showing grace and compassion to those around us. We’re not looking to a president to be our savior—God sent His Son to fill that role, and He is greater than anything this world can offer.

Vote with Integrity and Faith: Voting is both a privilege and a responsibility. Make your choice prayerfully, asking for God’s wisdom and lining up your decisions and actions with His Word and truth. Trust that as you walk in faith, God will lead you to make the decision that honors Him. As you cast your vote, remember that God sees your heart and your desire to serve Him.

Continue to Pray After the Election: Whether the election’s outcome brings celebration or disappointment, our call to pray for our leaders and our nation doesn’t end. Lift up those elected, asking God to grant them wisdom, humility, and compassion in their service. Pray for unity and healing, that we may come together with a shared purpose of creating a more just and godly society.

Today I want to encourage you as we approach the election, to ask that God pour out His blessing on this nation. Ask Him to guide you and empower you to seek His will above all else and fill you with His peace that surpasses understanding. He will help you to be a light to those around you, showing His love, grace, and hope. Trust that He is working all things for good and declare it in His name over this nation.  As you approach Election Day, take comfort in Psalm 67 and its message of God’s enduring love and purpose for all people. Whatever happens, remember that He is with you, guiding you and blessing you, as you follow Him in faith.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 67

1 God be merciful to us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us, Selah

2 That Your way may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations.

3 Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You.

4 Oh, let the nations be glad and sing for joy! For You shall judge the people righteously, and govern the nations on earth. Selah

5 Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You.

6 Then the earth shall yield her increase; God, our own God, shall bless us.

7 God shall bless us, and all the ends of the earth shall fear Him.

The God of miracles

_{So Jesus stood still and called them, and said, “What do you want Me to do for you?”  Matthew 20:32}

Our God is a God of miracles! He is our loving Father, provider, protector, and friend. During times like these, we may find ourselves in desperate need of His miraculous power. We want to see healing in our world, restoration in our communities, and hope for our future.

In today’s scripture, we read about two blind men sitting by the roadside, trapped in the cycle of begging for their survival. Their days were bleak, and their future seemed hopeless. But one day, everything changed. They heard that Jesus was passing by, and they seized the moment, crying out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us!”

What happened next is powerful: Jesus stopped, called them over, and asked, “What do you want Me to do for you?” Even though their blindness was obvious, Jesus wanted them to express their faith and specifically ask for what they needed. Without hesitation, they asked for the impossible—they asked for their sight. Moved by their faith, Jesus touched their eyes, and immediately, they were healed. The men’s lives transformed in an instant, and they followed Jesus, glorifying God. All the people around them praised God too.

This passage shows us a powerful pattern that we can apply to our own lives:

1. We Face a Problem: Just like the blind men, we may be dealing with challenges—financial struggles, family issues, health crises.
2. We Cry Out to Jesus: In our need, we turn to Jesus, believing that He hears us.
3. Jesus Listens and Responds: When we call out to Him, Jesus is attentive, ready to hear our hearts and answer.
4. God Does a Miracle: Sometimes, the miracle comes in unexpected ways, but God always responds in power and compassion.
5. We Praise and Thank Him: As we see God move, we give Him all the glory, building our trust and being an example for those around us.

Maybe you feel like one of those men by the roadside, desperately needing Jesus to stop and ask, “What do you want Me to do for you?” Maybe your request seems impossible, but remember, we serve the God of the impossible!

Today, I encourage you if you haven’t already called out to Jesus in your time of need, do it now. He’s listening, and His question to you is the same as it was to the blind men, “What do you want Me to do for you?” Tell Him your needs, no matter how big they seem. Trust that He is the God who does wonders and declare His strength in your life.

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 20:20-34

20 Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Him with her sons, kneeling down and asking something from Him.

21 And He said to her, “What do you wish?”

She said to Him, “Grant that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on the left, in Your kingdom.”

22 But Jesus answered and said, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?”

They said to Him, “We are able.”

23 So He said to them, “You will indeed drink My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared by My Father.”

24 And when the ten heard it, they were greatly displeased with the two brothers.

25 But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them.

26 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant.

27 And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

29 Now as they went out of Jericho, a great multitude followed Him. 30 And behold, two blind men sitting by the road, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out, saying, “Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!”

31 Then the multitude warned them that they should be quiet; but they cried out all the more, saying, “Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!”

32 So Jesus stood still and called them, and said, “What do you want Me to do for you?”

33 They said to Him, “Lord, that our eyes may be opened.”

34 So Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him.

 

The Chosen

_{So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few (have) chosen.” Matthew 20:16}

God is constantly calling people—to salvation, to serve, to love. Maybe you answered that call the first time you heard it, or maybe you found Him later in life. The truth is, He calls everyone. He doesn’t want anyone to perish (2 Peter 3:9). Yet not everyone says “yes” immediately. Some say “no” several times before finally turning to Him.

The good news? No matter when you come, there’s still time to fulfill the purpose He has for you. Jesus even said that those who come later may find themselves “first” in the Kingdom of Heaven. This isn’t about seniority but unity: those who came before laid the foundation, and those who come after build upon it.

In God’s mission, we all have a role to play—no matter when we arrive. Like different contractors working on a construction project, some start early, some join later, but all work toward the same goal. There’s no need to compare or compete; instead, we work together to help others experience God’s unconditional love.

Today, I encourage you to choose—to answer the call God has placed on your life. Step into the unique role He has equipped you for, using the gifts and talents He’s given you. You don’t have to do everything—only the part He’s entrusted to you. By doing so, you help fulfill His mission for such a time as this.

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 20:1-19

1 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard.

2 Now when he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard.

3 And he went out about the third hour and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,

4 and said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.’ So they went.

5 Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did likewise.

6 And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle, and said to them, ‘Why have you been standing here idle all day?’

7 They said to him, ‘Because no one hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right you will receive.’

8 “So when evening had come, the owner of the vineyard said to his steward, ‘Call the laborers and give them their wages, beginning with the last to the first.’

9 And when those came who were hired about the eleventh hour, they each received a denarius.

10 But when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise received each a denarius.

11 And when they had received it, they complained against the landowner,

12 saying, ‘These last men have worked only one hour, and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.’ 13 But he answered one of them and said, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius?

14 Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you.

15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?’

16 So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.”

Jesus a Third Time Predicts His Death and Resurrection

17 Now Jesus, going up to Jerusalem, took the twelve disciples aside on the road and said to them,

18 “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death,

19 and deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock and to scourge and to crucify. And the third day He will rise again.”