The Daily Dose

What are you holding on to?

If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear. ~ Psalms 66:18

Our hearts are like vessels, holding a wide variety of emotions, memories, and desires. We can hold on to good things like joy, hope, and love, but what we tend to hold on to are things that weigh us down—such as fear of the future, worry, bitterness, and pain from the past. Psalm 66:18 speaks about holding onto iniquity in our hearts, warning us that doing that can hinder our relationship with God. When we cling to sin or unaddressed issues, it creates a barrier that blocks our prayers and drowns out the gentle voice of the Holy Spirit.

Iniquity can take many forms, from hidden struggles and judgmental attitudes to unresolved anger and resentment. If we take a moment to examine our hearts, we can recognize the voices of these hindrances. They don’t bring peace or joy, but instead stir up anxiety, bitterness, and unrest. Holding onto these negative emotions and hidden sins silences the guidance of the Holy Spirit and fills that sacred space with inner turmoil.

I experienced this recently in a subtle way. I had been praying about a decision, and I sensed God’s direction. I assumed that it was something my husband and I would pursue together. However, when he didn’t feel led in the same way, I dismissed the idea, thinking it must not be the right time. In my heart, I closed the door on that direction, convinced it wasn’t for now since we weren’t in agreement on it.

But a few days later, as I sought my heavenly Father’s guidance on a separate matter, I felt disconnected and strangely empty. I couldn’t shake the sense that something was blocking me from hearing Him clearly. In that moment, I knew I needed to go back to the last thing God had spoken to me. When I asked Him to reveal what was blocking my heart, He gently reminded me of the previous direction. This path wasn’t about my husband’s calling—it was a call for me to follow on my own. My reluctance to take this uncomfortable step had become a subtle form of resistance in my heart, creating a barrier to fully hearing from the One Who loves me most.

Now I understand that even our hesitations and reluctance can become “blockages” when we let them take the place over God’s leading. Whether it’s a blatant sin, unresolved hurt, or even our unwillingness to embrace God’s plan, anything that takes priority in our hearts can disrupt our relationship with Him and shut down the lines of communication in our hearts.

There are some preventative measures you can take to ensure that you are not allowing sin, iniquity or any thought to affect your relationship with your loving heavenly Father such as:

Examine Your Heart daily – Take some quiet time to honestly examine what’s in your heart. Ask yourself if there’s anything blocking your connection with God. Pray Psalm 139:23-24, “Search me, God, and know my heart… See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Confess and Release –  Be ready to bring these barriers before God. If it’s a hidden sin, a painful memory, or even reluctance to follow His direction, confess it and release it to Him. God is faithful and willing to forgive and restore.  He is gentle and will give you the grace you need to get rid of every obstruction.

Obey His Last Word to You – Sometimes we need to go back to the last instruction or impression God placed on our hearts. Ask if there is anything He’s asked you to do that you’ve been putting off. Take that step in faith, trusting that He will guide you.

Seek Peace and Joy in His Presence – When you clear your heart, you make room for His peace, joy, and presence. Spend time in worship and gratitude, letting His Spirit renew and refresh you. 

Embrace the Uncomfortable – If God is calling you to a step that feels difficult, remember that His plans are always for your good. Embrace the unknown, trusting that He will equip and strengthen you along the way.  Remember that your Father in heaven always has your best interest in His heart and He will always lead you to His greatest blessing and fulfillment in life.

Today I want to encourage you to recognize anything in your heart that might be hindering your relationship with your Father in heaven. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the hidden sins, fears, or resistances that have taken up space in your heart. Surrender all your thoughts and emotions to Him trusting that His way is always best. Then step into a deeper relationship with Him, so that your heart will be in a place where His peace and joy reign. Let Psalm 66 reminds you that a heart fully yielded to God is a heart that hears Him. Lastly, choose to clear out anything that may be blocking that connection and step into the fullness of His presence and direction.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 66

1 Make a joyful shout to God, all the earth!

2 Sing out the honor of His name; Make His praise glorious.

3 Say to God, “How awesome are Your works! Through the greatness of Your power Your enemies shall submit themselves to You.

4 All the earth shall worship You and sing praises to You; They shall sing praises to Your name.” Selah

5 Come and see the works of God; He is awesome in His doing toward the sons of men.

6 He turned the sea into dry land; They went through the river on foot. There we will rejoice in Him.

7 He rules by His power forever; His eyes observe the nations; Do not let the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah

8 Oh, bless our God, you peoples! and make the voice of His praise to be heard,

9 Who keeps our soul among the living, and does not allow our feet to be moved.

10 For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us as silver is refined.

11 You brought us into the net; You laid affliction on our backs.

12 You have caused men to ride over our heads; We went through fire and through water; But You brought us out to rich fulfillment.

13 I will go into Your house with burnt offerings; I will pay You my vows,

14 Which my lips have uttered and my mouth has spoken when I was in trouble.

15 I will offer You burnt sacrifices of fat animals, with the sweet aroma of rams; I will offer bulls with goats. Selah

16 Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will declare what He has done for my soul.

17 I cried to Him with my mouth, and He was extolled with my tongue.

18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear.

19 But certainly God has heard me He has attended to the voice of my prayer.

20 Blessed be God, Who has not turned away my prayer, nor His mercy from me!

The Path of Abundance

You crown the year with Your goodness, and Your paths drip with abundance.— Psalm 65:11

When I first accepted Jesus as a young child, I thought salvation alone would automatically mean I was living on God’s path for my life. I imagined it would guarantee a life of blessing and guidance, free from major struggles. However, as I grew older, I realized that living on God’s path required more than just belief; it required making daily choices based on with His Word and direction not what seemed good to me. Unfortunately, I started making choices that led me far from the life God intended. I found myself living with regrets, missing out on the joy, peace, and abundance that come from walking closely with my heavenly Father.

It took time and many life lessons before I finally surrendered those choices and took intentional steps back to His planned path. Psalm 65:11 paints such a vivid picture of the blessings we find on His path: “You crown the year with Your goodness, and Your paths drip with abundance.” I learned that God’s path is rich with goodness, purpose, and an overflow of what we truly need—not just material things but peace, joy, and a sense of fulfillment that only He can provide.

I realized that God’s abundance isn’t a reward for perfection but a gift that comes with the choice  to walk closely with Him. Even though my past decisions led me astray, God’s love was always ready to welcome me back. He showed me that He is faithful, that His goodness is constant, and that His path truly overflows with abundance of His blessings.

If you’re seeking God’s path of abundance, here are some steps that helped me line my life up with His design for my life. They can be a guide to finding His overflowing goodness in your own life as well.

Choose Daily Surrender: Start each day by surrendering your plans and desires to God. Ask Him to guide your steps, open your eyes to His direction, and give you strength to follow His way. Living on God’s path of abundance begins with letting Him lead.

Live by His Word: The Bible is filled with wisdom and principles for living an abundant life. Make time to read and reflect on Scripture each day. Look for practical ways to apply what you read, and let God’s Word shape your decisions.

Seek God’s Guidance in Prayer: Abundance doesn’t always mean a smooth path. Sometimes, following God requires patience, endurance, and faith. Pray consistently, asking God to reveal His will for you and help you stay on course, especially when it’s difficult.

Trust in His Timing and Provision: God’s path may not look exactly like we expect, but His timing and provision are always perfect. Trust that He knows what you need and that His plan is best, even if it’s different from your own.

Surround Yourself with Godly Community: Find others who are also seeking to live on God’s path and walk with them. Their encouragement, wisdom, and accountability will help you stay focused on the abundant life God has for you.

Celebrate Small Blessings: God’s path of abundance is often filled with small moments of grace and provision. Take time to recognize and give thanks for these moments, seeing them as evidence of His goodness in your life.

Today I want to encourage you to start your day by thanking your heavenly Father for being a God of abundance, for blessing you with His goodness and guiding you on a path filled with purpose. Trust Him for every word and resource you need for today by surrendering your life and choices to His wisdom. Continually seek His presence and recognize the blessings He has poured out along the way and follow His guidance to live according to His planned path for your life.  Make your life a reflection of the joy and peace that come from walking closely with Him. Remember, God’s path overflows with goodness and blessings. He offers you His abundance not as a reward for your efforts but as a gift of His grace. Choose to walk closely with Him starting today, knowing that His ways will lead you to a life filled with true satisfaction and joy.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 65

1 Praise is awaiting You, O God, in Zion; And to You the vow shall be performed.

2 O You who hear prayer, to You all flesh will come.

3 Iniquities prevail against me; As for our transgressions, You will provide atonement for them.

4 Blessed is the man You choose, and cause to approach You, that he may dwell in Your courts. We shall be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, of Your holy temple.

5 By awesome deeds in righteousness You will answer us, O God of our salvation, You who are the confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of the far-off seas;

6 Who established the mountains by His strength, being clothed with power;

7 You who still the noise of the seas, the noise of their waves, and the tumult of the peoples.

8 They also who dwell in the farthest parts are afraid of Your signs; You make the outgoings of the morning and evening rejoice.

9 You visit the earth and water it, You greatly enrich it; The river of God is full of water; You provide their grain, for so You have prepared it.

10 You water its ridges abundantly, You settle its furrows; You make it soft with showers, You bless its growth.

11 You crown the year with Your goodness, and Your paths drip with abundance.

12 They drop on the pastures of the wilderness, and the little hills rejoice on every side.

13 The pastures are clothed with flocks; The valleys also are covered with grain; They shout for joy, they also sing.

Find Peace in the Face of Hidden Attacks

Hear my voice, O God, in my meditation; Preserve my life from fear of the enemy. hide me from the secret plots of the wicked, from the rebellion of the workers of iniquity. ~ Psalms 64:1-2

Anyone who’s ever felt the sting of criticism, misunderstanding, or unfair judgment can relate to Psalms 64. King David wrote this Psalm in a time of distress, seeking God’s protection from those who secretly conspired against him. As you read each verse, you can feel his vulnerability as he described being surrounded by unseen threats, yet his confidence in God was unwavering. This psalm is a reminder that even when we can’t see the attacks or fully understand the motives of those against us, God sees all and stands ready to be our Protector.

There have been many time is my own life that I felt under attack. Not by a physical enemy, but by words and assumptions from those around me. Misunderstandings and unfair judgments circulating, and though in many cases I hadn’t done anything wrong, it felt as though people were speaking behind my back. During these times, I often felt concerned about people that I deeply cared about being hurt and even betrayed because of rumors and lies being whispered.

In those moments, I found myself turning to God in prayer, just as David did all those years ago.  Again, I know that the petty attacks on my character were not serious like what David faced, but God was still faithful even in my small sufferings.  I voiced my fears, my frustrations, and my need for His help. I found comfort in knowing that God hears even the quietest cries of our hearts. Instead of focusing on defending myself or trying to control the situation, I began to pray for peace, asking God to shield my heart from bitterness and to guide me in handling the situation with grace. Over time, He gave me the strength to rise above the negativity and trust that He would bring truth and healing. And He did, every time!

Psalm 64 reminds us that God is not only our shield but also our justice. He knows every word spoken in the dark and hears every plot made in secret. Just as He protected David, He promises to protect us from both visible and hidden attacks. We don’t need to carry the weight of defending ourselves; God is our refuge, and His justice prevails.

Below are some suggestions on how you can trust God and find His peace during times of persecution and trouble:

1. Pour Out Your Heart to God: Just as David expressed his fears and asked for protection, take time to honestly share your feelings with God. He is always listening and ready to bring comfort.
2. Trust in God’s Justice: Remind yourself that God sees everything, even the intentions hidden from us. Ask Him for peace, trusting that He will handle the situation according to His perfect justice.
3. Release the Need for Control: It’s tempting to want to defend yourself, but letting go of that urge frees us from additional stress. Ask God to help you release the need to control the situation and instead focus on honoring Him in your response.
4. Pray for Those Who Hurt You: This one can be difficult, but it’s powerful. Pray for God’s light to touch those who have come against you. This not only softens your heart but also brings you into agreement with His love and grace.
5. Rest in God’s Protection: Remember, God is your shield. Reflect on verses from Psalms or other scriptures about His protection and let them reassure you. Take a verse with you each day to meditate when you begin to feel your peace leaving.  God’s word is a powerful weapon you can use at anytime of the day.

Today I want to encourage you to thank your heavenly Father for being your shield and defender. In moments when you feel attacked, misunderstood, or judged unfairly, ask for His empowering grace to turn to Him first, to fill your heart with peace and remind you that He sees all things. He will guide you to respond with grace and faith, knowing that He is your protector. Lastly, release any bitterness or desire for control and trust in His justice and love. Let Psalm 64 encourage you today to rest in God’s protection. When you feel the weight of hidden struggles or unspoken criticisms, remember that God is with you, shielding you and working for your good. In His presence, you can find peace that surpasses all understanding.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 64

1 Hear my voice, O God, in my meditation; Preserve my life from fear of the enemy.

2 Hide me from the secret plots of the wicked, from the rebellion of the workers of iniquity,

3 Who sharpen their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows—bitter words,

4 That they may shoot in secret at the blameless; Suddenly they shoot at him and do not fear.

5 They encourage themselves in an evil matter; They talk of laying snares secretly; They say, “Who will see them?”

6 They devise iniquities: “We have perfected a shrewd scheme.” Both the inward thought and the heart of man are deep.

7 But God shall shoot at them with an arrow; Suddenly they shall be wounded.

8 So He will make them stumble over their own tongue; All who see them shall flee away.

9 All men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; For they shall wisely consider His doing.

10 The righteous shall be glad in the Lord, and trust in Him. And all the upright in heart shall glory.

Seek Him early

 O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water. So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory. ~ Psalms 63:1-2

After reading the Psalm today, I felt challenged by David’s intense longing for God. He says, ‘My soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You.’ This made me stop and ask: Do I have this same hunger? Do I seek God as if He is the only One who can satisfy me? Even though I spend time with Him every day, am I truly seeking Him with all my heart?

Even though I do spend time with Him every day, I know I do not have the intensity that I could have to pursue His plan and path for my life.  Granted, I understand that When David wrote this Psalm, he was hiding in the wilderness, cut off from comfort and safety. He pressed into God because he had nowhere else to turn. It’s natural to seek God more intensely in times of trouble, but what about the dry seasons that feel like ordinary routines? In those moments, we may go through the motions, but our hearts can feel parched.

I remember a time when I found myself in my own ‘wilderness’—not because of crisis, but because of the routine demands of life. My schedule was full, yet my heart felt empty. I realized that, like David, my soul was thirsting for God in a deeper way, but I had been trying to fill that emptiness with busyness rather than pressing into His presence.

 I so related to these words in Psalm 63. They became my own desire for the dry and mundane life I was living at that time: In that moment, I understood that the dry places we go through are invitations to seek Him more earnestly, to draw close and find satisfaction in His presence. As I pressed into Him in the early morning and spent intentional time with God, something in me began to shift. My circumstances didn’t change overnight, but my heart did. The dryness gave way to a renewed sense of peace and purpose. God filled my soul with His love, strength and joy unspeakable.

If you are feeling that dryness in your life, below are some next steps you can take to not only pursue a deeper relationship with Him, but to also step into a closer daily walk with Him.

Next Steps: Prioritize time with God daily, first thing in the morning: Just as David sought God early and earnestly each day, making Him his first focus, you to can be intentional to set aside time at the start of your day.  Whether it’s reading scripture, praying, or worshiping, create space for God to fill your heart before the busyness begins. Start with just ten minutes and let Him be the first voice you listen to each morning.

Remember His Faithfulness: Take time to reflect on God’s past faithfulness. Just as David recalled God’s power and glory in the sanctuary, revisit moments when God came through for you. Write these down as reminders that He is still the same God, and let those memories build your confidence and hope in His love for you.

Pour Out Your Heart to Him: Be honest about any spiritual dryness, fears, or needs. God already knows, but pouring out your heart opens the door for healing and intimacy. As you share your heart, you’ll find that He is a compassionate listener, ready to renew and restore.

Seek Community: David eventually returned to God’s people. We, too, thrive in community. Find a small group, serve on a team, or join a Bible study where you can be encouraged in your walk. Community provides perspective, support, and accountability that strengthens our relationship with God.

Today I want to encourage you to let David’s words be an invitation to seek your heavenly Father, with renewed passion—even in life’s dry seasons. Know that He alone is your lasting satisfaction, your source of strength and joy. Whatever wilderness you may face, your heavenly Father is ready to fill your heart with His love, peace, and purpose. Press into Him today and your soul will be satisfied as with marrow and fatness and your mouth will praise Him with joyful lips.

Today’s Scripture Reading: Psalm 63

1O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water.

2So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory.

3Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You.

4Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name.

5My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, and my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips.

6When I remember You on my bed, meditate on You in the night watches.

7Because You have been my help, therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice.

8My soul follows close behind You; Your right hand upholds me.

9But those who seek my life, to destroy it, will go into the lower parts of the earth.

10They will fall by the sword; They will be a portion for jackals.

11But the king will rejoice in God; Everyone who swears by Him shall glory; But the mouth of those who speak lies shall be stopped.

My Salvation

Truly my soul silently waits for God; From Him comes my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I will not be greatly moved. ~ Psalms 62:1-2

 As I read over Psalm 62 this morning, the phrase “He is my Rock and my Salvation” really stood out to me.  As I thought about it for a few minutes, letting those words sink in, I said in my heart, “He is my Salvation and He is always saving me.” 

This doesn’t mean I have to repeatedly receive salvation to remain in a relationship with Him or to secure my eternity with Him. Instead, it means He is constantly rescuing me from the schemes of the enemy, from my own poor choices, and sometimes, simply from the chaos of life. He is always present, always faithful, always ready to step in and save.

I think back to moments when life seemed fragile—like the time I slipped on ice at work or when I was ill with COVID-19. Each time, whether I called out or not, God was there, steady as a rock, pulling me through. His grace and mercy are endless, and He has been my Savior in every sense of the word.

He is always saving me and keeping me.  He is ready right now to save me from any danger or peril that may come my way.  Even if I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I know He is with me so I don’t have to fear any evil.

It was especially comforting to me when I realized this truth, especially since I know I am far from perfect. I still stumble and make mistakes, even though I’ve left behind some of the compromising decisions I made when I was young. But why, I wondered, is God always so faithful to save me? And why do some of God’s people seem to struggle more, despite their faith?

I believe the answer lies in verse 6 of Psalm 62: “He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved.” God alone is my refuge, and He is the only One I call upon. He’s the only One I’m trusting with every step. Day by day, I keep Him first, honoring Him in every area of my life. I hold fast to His promise: “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and after that, all the things and saving I need will be added to me.”

So today I want to encourage everyone to do as verse eight in this chapter says: Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.  Trust in the Lord with all your heart.  You don’t need a plan B because He always comes through.  Put Him first in every area of your life and pour out your heart to Him.  He will save you and He will be your refuge, and He will save you.  Follow these next steps to step into a closer relationship with Him so that you are confident that He is the faithful One to see you through whatever comes your way in life.

Reflect on God’s Faithfulness — Take time to remember specific times in your life when God has been your rock, saving you and providing for you. Journal these experiences to remind yourself of His constant presence.

Pour Out Your Heart — Follow the Psalmist’s invitation and pour out your heart before God. Be honest about your fears, doubts, and struggles. Lay everything at His feet, knowing He is your refuge and defense.

Commit to Trusting Him Alone — Examine areas where you may be holding onto a “plan B.” Surrender those to God, trusting that He alone is your salvation, and commit to making Him first in every part of your life.

Read and Meditate on Psalm 62 — Let the words of this Psalm sink deeply into your heart. Ask God to strengthen your trust in Him as your rock, salvation, and refuge.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for being my rock and my salvation. Thank You for always being there to save me, whether from external threats, my own mistakes, or simply the struggles of life. Teach me to trust You fully and to pour out my heart before You. Empower me to keep You first in every area of my life, knowing that You are my defense and my refuge. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Join me in letting Psalm 62 remind us today that God is unshakable, unmovable, and always ready to be our strength and salvation. Trust in Him at all times.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 62

1 Truly my soul silently waits for God; From Him comes my salvation.

2 He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved.

3 How long will you attack a man? You shall be slain, all of you, like a leaning wall and a tottering fence.

4 They only consult to cast him down from his high position; They delight in lies; They bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah

5 My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him.

6 He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved.

7 In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.

8 Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah

9 Surely men of low degree are a vapor, men of high degree are a lie; If they are weighed on the scales, they are altogether lighter than vapor.

10 Do not trust in oppression, nor vainly hope in robbery; If riches increase, do not set your heart on them.

11 God has spoken once, twice I have heard this: That power belongs to God.

12 Also to You, O Lord, belongs mercy; For You render to each one according to his work.

Hard, not impossible

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.  Matthew 19:23

Today I want to focus on God’s blessings and how they can fill our lives with great joy.  God is not against us having things and riches, He is against things and riches having us.  He knows that being consumed with the things of earth can destroy us.  Instead, we are to seek first His Kingdom and righteousness and fill up with God’s goodness and let Him pour His blessings on us!

In today’s verse, Jesus told His disciples that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven, but it is not impossible.  God wants our faith and trust to be in Him.  He doesn’t want us to put our security in things and money because they are not able to give us a satisfying life and they are temporary.  However, if we don’t have these things, we are limited in our ability to expand God’s kingdom, bless others, and reach others that have needs. 

Material things in this world are very necessary for the time we spend on earth.  God wants us to enjoy our time here, and He is the One who gave us the things and the ability to acquire them.  Yet, the reason is for eternal purposes not for temporary pleasures.  God’s not after your things, He’s after your heart.

Today I encourage you to be thankful for the blessings that the Lord has given to you.  Thank Him that He adds no sorrow with them.  Reach out to others with the resources that you have been so richly blessed with and show others the love of God through the things you have accumulated in life.  Don’t worry about replenishing them.  God will always take care and provide for you especially if you are using the blessings He has given you to bless others.  Jesus said, “Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.”  Matthew 19:29  Be a blessing to all those around you because He’s got you covered.

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 19:13-30

 13 Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them.

14 But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”

15 And He laid His hands on them and departed from there.

16 Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?”

17 So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”

18 He said to Him, “Which ones?”

Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’

19 ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ”

20 The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?”

21 Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”

22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

23 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.

24 And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

25 When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?”

26 But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

27 Then Peter answered and said to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore, what shall we have?”

28 So Jesus said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.

30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.

In the beginning

“And He answered and said to them, “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ ”  Matthew 19:4

This is a passage that looks like Jesus is talking to the Pharisees about divorce.  They, of course, were trying to trap Him again with their questions, but I believe Jesus is talking about something deeper.  He is talking about God’s original intent for mankind.  He said, “in the beginning they were made one flesh, male and female. (See Gen. 1:27, 2:23) God made Adam and Eve, man and wife.  Everyone after that was to leave (separate from) mother and father to become man and wife.  Then after further questioning He went on to say that Moses permitted divorce because of hardened hearts or rebellion against God’s original intent for mankind. 

The deeper meaning in this passage is that because of sin, God gave the law to Moses for people to have a standard of what was right and wrong.  The high priest was to make sacrifices for the people’s sin, and it was a provision offered for sin until the time Jesus’ blood was offered up for forgiveness and eradication the punishment for sin.  In accepting Jesus’ sacrifice, God’s intention for man is brought back to the original plan of Kingdom living.  This doesn’t mean that we never sin again, it simply means that God took care of the payment that was required for sin!

In times past, the leaders of the church community have made it seem like divorce is a sin that cannot be forgiven or at minimum, a divorced person cannot be an active member in the body of believers.  Yet, even in the law, God made provision for divorce, how much more of a deliverance is available for those who are in Christ Jesus.  Today, we live in a society that is rampant with divorce and although we know this is not God’s best and original plan for us, we also know that in Christ Jesus, there is life beyond it. 

Today I want to encourage you to love those who have suffered the pain and heartache of divorce and broken families.  Help them to pick up the pieces by showing them the life that is possible when we give all to Christ Jesus.  There is a way to get back to God’s original plan for us and that is by receiving the provision He made in Jesus and walking close to Him each day.  Don’t settle for any life less that what God originally planned for you to live, walk in all His goodness and power that He planned for you since the beginning of time.

Today’s scripture reading:  Matthew 19:1-12

 1 Now it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these sayings, that He departed from Galilee and came to the region of Judea beyond the Jordan.

2 And great multitudes followed Him, and He healed them there.

3 The Pharisees also came to Him, testing Him, and saying to Him, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for just any reason?”

4 And He answered and said to them, “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’

5 and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’?

6 So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let not man separate.”

7 They said to Him, “Why then did Moses command to give a certificate of divorce, and to put her away?”

8 He said to them, “Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, permitted you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so.

9 And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery.”

10 His disciples said to Him, “If such is the case of the man with his wife, it is better not to marry.”

11 But He said to them, “All cannot accept this saying, but only those to whom it has been given:

12 For there are eunuchs who were born thus from their mother’s womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He who is able to accept it, let him accept it.” 

God is your Rock

From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. ~ Psalms 61:2

It can sometimes be hard to relate to the depth of emotion that David expressed in the Psalms. Yes, I’ve felt overwhelmed many times in my life, and even now there are days when the weight of life’s cares and concerns feels almost unbearable. But when I think about what David was carrying—his life often in danger, leading a nation, and facing betrayal from those closest to him—it puts things into perspective.

What I am so thankful for is that God’s care for us isn’t measured by the size of our struggles. Just because my burdens may not be as heavy as David’s doesn’t mean that God doesn’t see them as significant. The overwhelming feelings that we face—whether it’s the pressure of daily responsibilities, personal heartbreaks, or spiritual battles—are just as important to God as what David experienced. God is deeply invested in our struggles, no matter how big or small they seem.

David’s words from thousands of years ago still hold power and truth for us today. When he cried out to God saying, “lead me to the rock that is higher than I,” he was acknowledging his need for something beyond himself, for a refuge that would stand firm when everything else around him was falling apart. That same Rock—God Himself—is still available to us.

On those days when my heart feels overwhelmed and life’s demands seem too much to handle, I cling to this verse. It becomes more than just a passage I read—it becomes my lifeline. I cry out to God, and He reminds me that He is higher, stronger, and more steadfast than anything I face. I can go to Him, my Rock, who never wavers, even when everything else feels around me feels like it is falling apart.

Today I want to encourage you in the times when you are feeling overwhelmed, remember that God is your Rock too. You don’t have to carry your burdens alone. Run to Him. He is higher than your problems, bigger than your fears, and strong enough to hold you up when you feel like you’re about to collapse. There’s peace, strength, and hope in Him, and He’s always waiting to be your refuge in times of trouble. Let His unchanging nature and steadfast love be the anchor for your soul. No matter how overwhelming life may get, God will always be the Rock that is higher than you.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 61

1 Hear my cry, O God; Attend to my prayer.

2 From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

3 For You have been a shelter for me, a strong tower from the enemy.

4 I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings. Selah

5 For You, O God, have heard my vows; You have given me the heritage of those who fear Your name.

6 You will prolong the king’s life, his years as many generations.

7 He shall abide before God forever. Oh, prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him!

8 So I will sing praise to Your name forever, that I may daily perform my vows.

 Help in Trouble

Give us help from trouble, for the help of man is useless. Through God we will do valiantly, for it is He who shall tread down our enemies. ~ Psalms 60:11-12

King David faced great challenges and defeats in battle. Anyone who has felt the sting of failure, rejection, or uncertainty can relate to his words in Psalms 60. David’s plea, “You have rejected us, O God, and burst upon us; You have been angry—now restore us!” (Psalm 60:1), is raw and real. Yet, even in his despair, he clung to hope and faith, trusting that God would restore and strengthen him for the battles ahead. This psalm reminds us that even when we feel shaken or defeated, God’s power and grace can renew us and bring victory.

I remember a time in my own life where I felt utterly defeated. It was a time when I had a failed relationship and felt rejected and alone.  It was one of the lowest points of my life.  No, I wasn’t going out to battle a physical enemy army, but I was fighting off the internal enemy of fear and resentment. I came to a point where I questioned if there was a reason or purpose for my life.  Was I even supposed to be here?  Much like David, I felt as though God had abandoned me in the battle. I had poured everything inside me into this relationship, only to find disappointment, unfaithfulness and discouragement.

When I turned to the Lord, I found renewed strength and wisdom.  Like David I cried out to God and was honest with Him in my own prayers. I remember kneeling down and saying, “God, I feel like I’ve failed. I don’t know if I’m doing the right thing anymore.” But just like David, I didn’t stop there. I also asked for God’s help, for His guidance to restore me in the areas where I felt broken. Psalm 60:12 gave me the strength to keep going and I realized that my battles were not just mine to fight—God was right there in the middle of them with me, working even when I couldn’t see it.

As I pressed into His presence, God began to restore my heart. He showed me that setbacks are often setups for growth. He didn’t reject me or the work I was doing; rather, He was refining me, strengthening my faith, and teaching me to depend on His power rather than my own. Eventually, I was able to move on, but more importantly, I came out of that season with a deeper trust in God and a greater understanding of His grace.

Today I want to encourage you that if you’re in a place where you feel overwhelmed or like you’re fighting a losing battle, remember that God hasn’t abandoned you. His love and restoration are always within reach, even in the hardest of times. Just as He restored David and gave him victory, He will do the same for you. Let this psalm remind you that with God, you will have the victory—and that He is the One Who fights for you. Stay encouraged and trust that He is working all things for your good, even when you can’t see the outcome, yet.  Remember David’s prayer and claim it in your own battles: “Give us aid against the enemy, for human help is worthless. With God we will gain the victory” (Psalm 60:11-12). Keep holding on to God’s promises, because His victory is sure!

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 60

1O God, You have cast us off; You have broken us down; You have been displeased; Oh, restore us again!

2You have made the earth tremble; You have broken it; Heal its breaches, for it is shaking.

3You have shown Your people hard things; You have made us drink the wine of confusion.

4You have given a banner to those who fear You, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah

5That Your beloved may be delivered, save with Your right hand, and hear me.

6God has spoken in His holiness: “I will rejoice; I will divide Shechem and measure out the Valley of Succoth.

7Gilead is Mine, and Manasseh is Mine; Ephraim also is the helmet for My head; Judah is My lawgiver.

8Moab is My washpot; Over Edom I will cast My shoe; Philistia, shout in triumph because of Me.”

9Who will bring me to the strong city? Who will lead me to Edom?

10Is it not You, O God, who cast us off? and You, O God, who did not go out with our armies?

11Give us help from trouble, for the help of man is useless.

12Through God we will do valiantly, for it is He who shall tread down our enemies.

Forgiveness

“So, My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”  Matthew 18:35

This is such an excellent principle and one I should have listed when I wrote about the kingdom of heaven’s principles a few days ago.  Forgiveness!  In today’s society, there is little of it.  Most people are more concerned about what they have a right to be angry about.  Even Christians, surprisingly are quick to find fault and hold on to offense as if we have never made a mistake.

There are two sides to every story.  In today’s reading, we see these two sides.  A man owed the king a great amount.  In those times, if you didn’t have funds, you could pay off a debt in a variety of ways such as: work off the dept, be sold to pay for the debt, sell all your belongings or your family.  This man asked for forgiveness and was granted a pardon.  The king had compassion, he was a good and kind king.  Compassion points to kindness in a heart.

The same man who had just been forgiven and pardoned, found someone who was in debt to him and because of having a hard heat, he grabbed him by the throat and threatened to have him arrested if he didn’t pay off all that was owed.  When the king heard about it, he became angry and returned that man’s debt back to him.  He was forced to pay the debt back through torture.  Yikes!

On one side of the story, the man asked for forgiveness and got it.  On the other side, the same man was asked for forgiveness and did not give it.  Does this sound familiar?  When we go to God in heaven and ask for forgiveness and invite Jesus into our life, He freely forgives.  Now it is expected and required that we forgive all others the same as we were forgiven.  Whether a greater or small offense, we are to forgive with compassion just as we were forgiven. No more holding on to the offense of hurting my pride, my feelings or my body physically.  We are commanded to forgive just as we are forgiven.

This does not have to be hard.  If you decide and plan ahead of time that you are going to forgive others just as you were forgiven, you will begin to practice it in your everyday life.  You put on kindness and wear it wherever you go.  You decide that you are going to be kind to all other people because of who you are and who you belong to, not because of what others have done to deserve your kindness.  The truth is none of us deserves anything good.  We have all missed it at one time or another.  So now our job is to offer grace and compassion to draw lost and offended people into the kingdom.

Today I want to encourage you to forgive.  Decide that you are going to live a life of God’s grace and forgiveness.  Practice kindness to all in your daily life.  Make an intentional decision to treat others the way God treats you.  He has compassion on you each day and He is always looking out for your good, not to do evil to you.  Put away this mindset that says: “I’ll be nice to them if they are nice to me.”  Thank goodness God didn’t have that attitude, He loved us before we were His family, He loved and died for us while we were still sinners and walking in rebellion.  He has compassion on us because of who He is, not who we are.  Love others today and keep loving them until they turn from evil and are kind in return.

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 18:21-35

21 Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?”

22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. 

23 Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 

24 And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 

25 But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. 

26 The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ 

27 Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.

28 “But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ 

29 So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ 

30 And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt. 

31 So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done. 

32 Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. 

33 Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ 

34 And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him.

35 “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”