The Daily Dose

Love God, Love your neighbor

Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’  This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’  Matthew 22:37-39

When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was, His response was “love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul, and mind”.  But He didn’t stop there, He connected it to loving your neighbor as yourself.  Nobody asked Him what the second commandment was just for the first commandment.  Jesus connected these two because the second part demonstrates the first part.  In other words, by loving your neighbor as yourself, you are showing outwardly your love for the LORD your God and showing others God’s heart of compassion for them.

This brings me to the question how do I “love my neighbor as myself”?  It has always been something hard for me to grasp.  Almost like a vapor, very cloudy, because I think I didn’t feel it was attainable or I just didn’t know how.  Then God showed me a practical way to view my neighbor so I would know how to love them with the God kind of love.  When I see my neighbor, I see myself.  If I see my neighbor struggling with something, what would I do if I were struggling with the same thing or what would I want someone to do for me if I was in their place?  If I see my neighbor rejoicing about something, how would I want others to rejoice with me if I were celebrating something?

Now that I looked at it from this angle, it seemed very simple to understand, but not so simple to follow through. The first thing to identify is, who is my neighbor?  Is it those who live next door to me or in my neighborhood?  What if I live in the country and don’t have anyone living close by?  Secondly, how do I know what to do to “love” them? In Luke 10:25-37 Jesus told the story of the Good Samaritan to illustrate loving your neighbor as yourself.  In this parable, there were strangers who passed by a man that had fallen among thieves, and yet He called the man who showed mercy his neighbor.  The Samaritan didn’t even know the guy and he certainly didn’t live next door to him. I also want to make the point that this was not a fellow believer, this was a dirty, hurting, dying, helpless, and hopeless sinner. The point is that anyone you can do good to is your neighbor.

The last thing to consider is why does God want me to love my neighbor as myself?  Is it only to make rules for me to keep me under His control?  Is it to make me look like a good person?  No, the reason is to show others the very heart of God!  The only way others can know God is if they see His heart in our actions.  The other part of that is, we can see God’s heart in action when we are showing it to others.  If you want to see a great act of God, then watch it play out in your love for your “neighbor”.

Today and every day I encourage you to look for those God will send across your path to “love” as you love yourself and do good to them as you would do for yourself.  Let your actions toward others reflect the heart of God’s love for them.

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 22:23-40

23 The same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Him and asked Him,

24 saying: “Teacher, Moses said that if a man dies, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife and raise up offspring for his brother.

25 Now there were with us seven brothers. The first died after he had married, and having no offspring, left his wife to his brother.

26 Likewise the second also, and the third, even to the seventh.

27 Last of all the woman died also.

28 Therefore, in the resurrection, whose wife of the seven will she be? For they all had her.”

29 Jesus answered and said to them, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God.

30 For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels of God in heaven.

31 But concerning the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God, saying,

32 ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.”

33 And when the multitudes heard this, they were astonished at His teaching.

34 But when the Pharisees heard that He had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together.

35 Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying,

36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?”

37 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’

38 This is the first and great commandment.

39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

 

Many are called

“For many are called, but few have chosen.”  Matthew 22:14

Twenty years ago, God placed a desire to write in my heart. At the time, I tried, but the results were far from great. Today, I write a daily blog of encouragement, and I enjoy it immensely. I have no formal training and no childhood dreams of becoming a writer. I don’t aspire to be on a bestseller list or expect to become a well-known author. My heart’s desire is simply to help and encourage others by helping people avoid the traps I once fell into and to guide as many as I can to discover lives of significance and purpose. I started this journey later in life, and I pray my example will inspire others to answer God’s call at a much younger age than I did.

Here’s the point: God has called me to write at this stage in my life, so I do it. Many are more qualified, and others have more availability. Some use their gift of writing to seek fame, never considering how they might use their God-given ability for the Kingdom of God. Others think about it but delay, caught up in the pressing issues of daily life.

Yet, only a few take the time to answer God’s invitation right now. Here’s the thing: God doesn’t always call the qualified, but He always qualifies those He calls. Answering His call is less about being prepared and more about being willing.

In today’s reading, Jesus told a parable that illustrates this truth. The invitation to a great banquet is first sent to the upper class, who reject it. The king then extends the invitation to those in the highways and byways, the outsiders. The Kingdom becomes filled with the lower class because they were willing to answer the call and accept the invitation.

So here’s the question for you: What is in your heart to do? What have you been putting off? What dreams or ideas have you dismissed because they seem too daunting to pursue?

Each of us has something we can do right now that could lead to the next open door. It doesn’t matter if you’re experienced in that area or not—if God has placed it in your heart, He will equip you and lead you through the process.  The key is to surrender that idea or desire to the Lord and allow Him to guide you.

Today, I encourage you to set aside time to pursue what God has put in your heart. Maybe it’s writing, speaking, or teaching. Perhaps it’s creating art, coaching, or mentoring the next generation. Whatever it is, surrender it to God today. He will guide you, equip you, and open the necessary doors to make your calling effective.

Remember this: Very few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And He chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. ~  1 Corinthians 1:26-27

Answer His call. He is ready to do incredible things through you.

Today’s scripture reading:  Matthew 22:1-14

1 And Jesus answered and spoke to them again by parables and said: 2 “The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son,

3 and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come.

4 Again, he sent out other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “See, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and fatted cattle are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding.” ’

5 But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his business.

6 And the rest seized his servants, treated them spitefully, and killed them.

7 But when the king heard about it, he was furious. And he sent out his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.

8 Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy.

9 Therefore go into the highways, and as many as you find, invite to the wedding.’

10 So those servants went out into the highways and gathered together all whom they found, both bad and good. And the wedding hall was filled with guests.

11 “But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment.

12 So he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless.

13 Then the king said to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

14 “For many are called, but few are chosen.”

 

What will you do with Jesus?

Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.  This was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?  Matthew 21:42

In today’s reading, Jesus told a parable about a vineyard. This story symbolizes God sending prophets to His people and how they were rejected throughout generations. Then, when God sent His only Son into the world to save the people, He was rejected above all others and ultimately killed.

Jesus summed it up by saying that the One who has been rejected is now the chief cornerstone—the foundation upon which the age of grace is built. He concluded with the profound truth that this cornerstone cannot be destroyed. The priests and Pharisees clearly understood Jesus’ implication, and they were indignant. They wanted to kill Him right then and there. At that moment, they faced the most important decision of their life. They had a choice: to receive Jesus as their Messiah or to reject Him as the vinedressers did in the parable.

As we know, they rejected Him, and by the end of that week, they crucified Him. They missed the opportunity to receive and walk in their chosen heritage.

Today, we have been given the same opportunity to receive the gift of God’s salvation through His Son, Jesus. However, it is an even greater gift because Jesus’ work here on earth is finished. We no longer have the ability to physically harm Him, but we do have the power to accept Him and all that He died to restore for us.

Scripture says, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name” (John 1:12). Through salvation in Jesus, we have the opportunity to restore our relationship with God, our Creator. We have the authority to invite the Lord into our hearts and lives, rescuing us from an eternity separated from the Father who loves us.

So, the question today is: What will you do with Jesus? Will you receive His love and the sacrifice He made to save you from this lost and dying world, or will you reject the good news and refuse to believe it is true? Perhaps you think you can put off the decision until a better day, but I assure you, there is no better day than today to make the choice that will change your life forever.

So today, I encourage you to receive God’s gift of salvation and accept Jesus into your heart and life. He will transform your life, your circumstances, and your world. It is the greatest decision you will ever make.

Pray this simple prayer today, and Jesus will come into your life, turning what the enemy meant for evil into good:

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. 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. From this day forward, I dedicate my life to Him. I now have a right relationship with You, my Father, through salvation in Jesus. Thank You for giving me Your Holy Spirit to guide me and empower me to do the things You have planned for my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Don’t wait another moment. Jesus is waiting for you with open arms. The cornerstone that was rejected has become the foundation of a new life filled with grace, purpose, and eternal hope. Say “yes” to Him today and experience the transformation only He can bring.

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 21:33-46

33 “Hear another parable: There was a certain landowner who planted a vineyard and set a hedge around it, dug a winepress in it and built a tower. And he leased it to vinedressers and went into a far country.

34 Now when vintage-time drew near, he sent his servants to the vinedressers, that they might receive its fruit.

35 And the vinedressers took his servants, beat one, killed one, and stoned another.

36 Again he sent other servants, more than the first, and they did likewise to them.

37 Then last of all he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’

38 But when the vinedressers saw the son, they said among themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and seize his inheritance.’

39 So they took him and cast him out of the vineyard and killed him.

40 “Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those vinedressers?”

41 They said to Him, “He will destroy those wicked men miserably, and lease his vineyard to other vinedressers who will render to him the fruits in their seasons.”

42 Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?

43 “Therefore, I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it.

44 And whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.”

45 Now when the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they perceived that He was speaking of them.

46 But when they sought to lay hands on Him, they feared the multitudes, because they took Him for a prophet.

Open wide

I am the Lord your God, Who brought you out of the land of Egypt; Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it. ~ Psalms 81:10

On the side of our garage, there’s an awning that attracts birds every spring. They eagerly try to build their nests there, despite our attempts to discourage them for safety reasons. In years past, I’ve walked out to get something in that space and have seen baby birds with tiny open mouths poking out of their nests, waiting for their mother to return with food. This simple scene took on a new meaning for me after reading Psalm 81, where God proclaims His desire to abundantly provide for His people if they will only listen and follow Him:

Those baby birds, stretching their beaks wide, remind me of how we are given the opportunity each day to trust God completely for His provision. Just as the mother bird faithfully meets her baby’s needs, God longs to fill our lives with His blessings and meet every need, to the overflow.

According to this passage, there are ways you can position yourself for God’s overflow. The text provides insight into how we can position ourselves to receive the abundant blessings God wants to pour out:

1. Listen to His Voice (Psalm 81:8-10) Just as baby birds instinctively trust their mother to provide, we must trust God by listening for His voice through His Word, prayer, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Actively seeking Him and following the directions He has given in His Word positions us for the blessings He’s prepared.
2. Reject Idols (Psalm 81:9) God warns His people to have no other gods before Him. In our lives, this might mean letting go of things that compete for our trust—whether it’s reliance on our own strength, material possessions, or approval from others.
3. Open Wide Your Mouth (Psalm 81:10) This vivid image is an invitation to approach God with faith and expectancy. Are you opening your life to His provision, or are you holding back out of fear or trying to control people and circumstances on your own? Like the baby birds, we must stretch ourselves wide to receive all He wants to give.
4. Praise and Gratitude (Psalm 81:16) The passage ends with a beautiful promise: But you would be fed with the finest of wheat; with honey from the rock, I would satisfy you.  Gratitude positions our hearts to recognize and receive His goodness. When we praise Him for who He is and thank Him for what He’s already provided, we get our lives in line with His abundant nature.

Today I want to encourage you to take some practical steps to receive God’s overflow by staying close to the source: Just as baby birds depend on their mother’s presence, prioritize spending time with God daily through prayer, worship, and Bible reading. Follow His leading to unlock blessings. Ask yourself if there’s any area in your life where you’ve been resistant to His instructions and take steps to get on the path of His will. Expect His goodness to show up by shifting your mindset to anticipate His provision and favor, even in challenging circumstances. Lastly, be open to His surprises. Sometimes, God provides in ways we don’t expect—like “honey from the rock.” Trust that His timing and methods are perfect.

Remember, the sight of those baby birds, helpless yet fully confident in their mother’s provision, is a beautiful reminder of how we should live in dependence on our Heavenly Father. As this Psalm reminds us, God is faithful and eager to meet our needs, but He also invites us to position ourselves to receive His overflow. Open wide your heart, trust Him fully, and watch as He fills your life with His abundant blessings. 

Today’s Scripture reading: Psalms 81

1 Sing aloud to God our strength; Make a joyful shout to the God of Jacob.

2 Raise a song and strike the timbrel, the pleasant harp with the lute.

3 Blow the trumpet at the time of the New Moon, at the full moon, on our solemn feast day.

4 For this is a statute for Israel, a law of the God of Jacob.

5 This He established in Joseph as a testimony, when He went throughout the land of Egypt, where I heard a language I did not understand.

6 “I removed his shoulder from the burden; His hands were freed from the baskets.

7 You called in trouble, and I delivered you; I answered you in the secret place of thunder; I tested you at the waters of Meribah. Selah

8 “Hear, O My people, and I will admonish you! O Israel, if you will listen to Me!

9 There shall be no foreign god among you; Nor shall you worship any foreign god.

10 I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt; Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.

11 “But My people would not heed My voice, and Israel would have none of Me.

12 So I gave them over to their own stubborn heart, to walk in their own counsels.

13 “Oh, that My people would listen to Me, that Israel would walk in My ways!

14 I would soon subdue their enemies, and turn My hand against their adversaries.

15 The haters of the Lord would pretend submission to Him, but their fate would endure forever.

16 He would have fed them also with the finest of wheat; And with honey from the rock I would have satisfied you.”

Turn Us Again

Restore us, O God; Cause Your face to shine, and we shall be saved! ~ Psalms 80:3

Have you ever felt like your life was spinning out of control? Like you were on a merry-go-round going the wrong direction? You keep spinning, holding on for dear life, but instead of enjoying the ride, you’re dizzy and wondering how you got on this thing in the first place. That was me not too long ago.

Psalm 80 is a earnest cry for restoration, a plea for God to shine His face on His people and make things right again. It’s a reminder that when life feels out of control, the best thing we can do is stop spinning and ask God to reset the direction of our lives.

I remember a time when everything felt out of control in my life. My finances were messed up, my relationships were strained, and my prayer life consisted mostly of, “Lord, help me survive today.” Somewhere along the way, I realized I was trying to handle everything in my own strength—grabbing every rope and lever to fix things—while completely forgetting to ask God for His wisdom and direction. One day, in the middle of the latest crisis, I came across these words in Psalms. That’s when it hit me, I didn’t need a better plan; I needed His plan and pretty much a restart of my life.

So, I prayed: “Lord, restore me. Show me where I’ve gone off track and shine Your face on me again.” Even though the circumstances didn’t instantly change, the desire of my heart began to line up with my Father’s desires for my life. He gently reminded me that He’s the vine, and I’m just a branch (John 15:5). My job isn’t to solve everything but to stay connected to Him. Slowly but surely, He began to restore what felt broken, and I saw His faithfulness in ways I never expected.

Whatever you are facing today, you too can experience this restoration.  By simply taking some time to pause and pray you are taking the first step to getting off of life’s chaotic merry-go-round. Stop trying to control everything and cry out to God for help and restoration. Be specific about the areas where you need Him to work.

Next, refocus your connection with your heavenly Father. Spend time in worship and reading scripture each day. Try setting aside 10 minutes throughout the day to pray and ask Him to bring your heart into agreement with His. Trust His timing and recognize that restoration doesn’t always happen overnight. Be patient and trust that God is at work, even when you can’t see it yet.

Lastly, don’t forget to leave room to laugh a little. Sometimes, we take our struggles so seriously that we forget God’s joy. Remember, He’s the God who parted the Red Sea but also made a donkey talk. His plans are perfect and full of surprises—trust Him to handle the details.

Today I encourage you to take a moment to turn to God and ask Him to restore you. While you’re at it, let Him know you’re ready to get off the merry-go-round. Trust me, He’ll steady your steps—and even bring some real joy back into your life in the process.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 80

1 Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, You who lead Joseph like a flock; You who dwell between the cherubim, shine forth!

2 Before Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh, stir up Your strength, and come and save us!

3 Restore us, O God; Cause Your face to shine, and we shall be saved!

4 O Lord God of hosts, how long will You be angry against the prayer of Your people?

5 You have fed them with the bread of tears, and given them tears to drink in great measure.

6 You have made us a strife to our neighbors, and our enemies laugh among themselves.

7 Restore us, O God of hosts; Cause Your face to shine, and we shall be saved!

8 You have brought a vine out of Egypt You have cast out the nations, and planted it.

9 You prepared room for it, and caused it to take deep root, and it filled the land.

10 The hills were covered with its shadow, and the mighty cedars with its boughs.

11 She sent out her boughs to the Sea, and her branches to the River.

12 Why have You broken down her hedges, so that all who pass by the way pluck her fruit?

13 The boar out of the woods uproots it, and the wild beast of the field devours it.

14 Return, we beseech You, O God of hosts Look down from heaven and see, and visit this vine

15 And the vineyard which Your right hand has planted, and the branch that You made strong for Yourself.

16 It is burned with fire, it is cut down; They perish at the rebuke of Your countenance.

17 Let Your hand be upon the man of Your right hand, upon the son of man whom You made strong for Yourself.

18 Then we will not turn back from You; Revive us, and we will call upon Your name.

19 Restore us, O Lord God of hosts; Cause Your face to shine, and we shall be saved!

Restoring What’s Been Broken

Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Your name; deliver us, and provide atonement for our sins, for Your name’s sake. ~ Psalm 79:9

Psalm 79 paints a vivid picture of devastation. The psalmist cries out to God in the aftermath of destruction, seeking His help, forgiveness, and restoration. It’s a cry for God to step into the brokenness, not just to rescue His people but to restore His glory in the middle of their pain.

This passage makes me think of a time when I felt like everything was falling apart. One of my children had stepped into some very difficult circumstances that I had no control over.  I was there for him but there was very little I could do the help the situation.  I remember feeling overwhelmed, broken, and even discouraged. There were moments when I questioned how things could ever be put back together.

I cried out to God for help and turned the situation over to Him, not with eloquent words but with raw honesty: “Help us, Lord. Show us what to do.”  I remembered the times He had already got us through and I knew in my heart that this would be another one of those victories that He would carry us to, but It was a time of intentionally turning my thoughts and hope toward the One who could move the mountains of barriers that had fallen in the way.

As I turned my hope to God, something began to shift—not immediately in the situation, but in my heart. My Father continued to remind me of His faithfulness, even in the darkest times, and gave me the courage to trust Him, once again. Over time, He provided in ways I couldn’t have imagined, and the restoration that followed was a testimony not just to His provision but also to His glory.

In today’s chapter we see that when we face seasons of destruction or loss, we can call on God—not just for rescue but for His name’s sake, that His goodness and power may be displayed through our lives. No matter what has been broken—relationships, dreams, finances, or even our confidence—God specializes in restoration.

He wants to restore whatever is falling apart in your life.  If you feel like things are spinning out of control, trust Him today and He promises to get you through.  Start by crying out honestly.  Be real with God about your pain and your need for His help. Just as the psalmist didn’t sugarcoat his cries, you can bring your raw emotions to God. He’s not intimidated by your honesty. Write out a prayer or journal your thoughts, expressing your heart to God about the situation you’re facing.

Then, confess and surrender any sin or misplaced trust involved, ask for forgiveness and invite God to take over. Surrendering control allows Him to work without limitation and don’t try to tell Him how to fix it.  Trust that He has the best way. Take a moment to ask God if there’s anything He wants you to release or repent of, and commit to following His lead.

Trust in God’s name. Remember that God’s reputation is tied to His promises. When you call on Him for help, you’re inviting His power and glory to be displayed in your life. Meditate on scriptures of God’s promises and faithfulness, such as Lamentations 3:22-23 or Isaiah 41:10, to remind yourself of His character and love for you and those you love.

Look for His hand in the process. Restoration often happens step by step, not all at once. Pay attention to the small ways God is working in your situation and thank Him for each one. Each evening, reflect on your day and note any moments where you saw God’s provision, peace, or guidance.

Today I want to encourage you to live for His glory by asking God how your story of restoration can encourage or bless others. When you share how God has delivered you, it magnifies His name and brings hope to those around us. Consider sharing your testimony with a trusted friend, in a small group, or through writing. No matter what’s been broken or lost, God is able to restore. His help, provision, and redemption are not only for your good but also for His glory. Keep trusting Him and watch how He brings beauty out of ashes.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 79

1 O God, the nations have come into Your inheritance; Your holy temple they have defiled; They have laid Jerusalem in heaps.

2 The dead bodies of Your servants they have given as food for the birds of the heavens, the flesh of Your saints to the beasts of the earth.

3 Their blood they have shed like water all around Jerusalem, and there was no one to bury them.

4 We have become a reproach to our neighbors, a scorn and derision to those who are around us.

5 How long, Lord? Will You be angry forever? Will Your jealousy burn like fire?

6 Pour out Your wrath on the nations that do not know You, and on the kingdoms that do not call on Your name.

7 For they have devoured Jacob, and laid waste his dwelling place.

8 Oh, do not remember former iniquities against us! Let Your tender mercies come speedily to meet us, for we have been brought very low.

9 Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Your name; And deliver us, and provide atonement for our sins, for Your name’s sake!

10 Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” Let there be known among the nations in our sight the avenging of the blood of Your servants which has been shed.

11 Let the groaning of the prisoner come before You According to the greatness of Your power preserve those who are appointed to die;

12 And return to our neighbors sevenfold into their bosom their reproach with which they have reproached You, O Lord.

13 So we, Your people and sheep of Your pasture, will give You thanks forever; We will show forth Your praise to all generations.

Don’t limit God

Yes, again and again they tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel. ~ Psalms 78:41

Have you ever prayed for God to intervene but found yourself imagining—or even dictating—how He should answer? I know I have. There have been times I’ve felt so certain about how God should work out a problem that I basically handed Him a “to-do” list in prayer. It’s as if I believed my plan was the best way forward, and I just needed God to sign off on it. Then one day He actually showed me that when I try to box God into my plans and the way I can imagine He could do things, I was limiting His access into the problem and what He was able to do in the situation.

Psalm 78 reminds us of the Israelites’ tendency to limit God. Time and time again, they forgot His power and doubted His ability to provide and rescue. They couldn’t see beyond their circumstances, and as a result, they missed out on experiencing the fullness of God’s plans for them.

I’ll never forget a specific time when I was struggling in my relationship with one of my children. It felt like every conversation turned into conflict, and the gap between us seemed to grow wider by the day. I prayed about it, but I also kept telling God exactly how He could “fix” the situation—what steps He should take and how He should change the other person. Days turned into weeks, and nothing changed. Frustrated, I realized I was still holding on to control. My prayers weren’t fully surrendering the situation to God; they were laced with my own direction and expectations.

Finally, I stopped telling God how to work and simply handed it over to Him. I prayed, “Lord, I don’t know what to do, but I trust You to move in Your way and Your time. Show me if there’s something I need to do, but I leave this in Your hands.” And let me tell you—when I released every detail into His hands, He worked in ways I never could have imagined. The healing and growth in that relationship didn’t come the way I thought it would, but it was deeper and more beautiful than anything I could have planned.

God’s ways are so much higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). When we let go of trying to control the outcome and trust Him fully, we make room for His power to move in miraculous ways.  If we can turn our focus onto His love and remember that He always is looking out for our best interest only then can we fully surrender our concerns and requests into His care.

Here are some practical ways you can release your cares into His hands to see your mountains move.  First, surrender fully in prayer. When you pray, resist the urge to tell God how to answer. Instead, release the situation into His hands, trusting Him to work in ways beyond your understanding.

Start by beginning your prayers by acknowledging God’s greatness and thanking Him for His faithfulness. Then simply state your need and surrender it to Him.  Remember His faithfulness by taking time to reflect on the ways God has answered prayers in the past. Remember how He came through in ways you didn’t expect and let that build your faith for the present.

Keep a journal to write down one or two situations where God worked in unexpected ways and thank Him for those moments and stop Trying to “figure it out.”  Trust that God doesn’t need your blueprint. When you catch yourself overthinking or strategizing, remind yourself that God sees the bigger picture and has a perfect plan, one that you will never come up with on your own. Memorize Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Thank Him in advance.  Your faith grows when you thank God for what He is doing—even before you see the results. Praise Him for His plan, His miraculous power and His perfect timing.  Start a gratitude journal where you list things you’re trusting God to resolve and thank Him daily for His faithfulness.

Today I want to encourage you to not limit God by your imagination or expectations. He’s the Creator of the universe, capable of doing exceedingly, abundantly more than you can ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). Choose to let go of control, trust in His plans, and watch how He works in ways that will leave you in awe of His great love and gentle touch.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 78:41

1 Give ear, O my people, to my law; Incline your ears to the words of my mouth.

2 I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old,

3 Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us.

4 We will not hide them from their children, telling to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and His strength and His wonderful works that He has done.

5 For He established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children;

6 That the generation to come might know them, the children who would be born, that they may arise and declare them to their children,

7 That they may set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments;

8 And may not be like their fathers, A stubborn and rebellious generation, A generation that did not set its heart aright, and whose spirit was not faithful to God.

9 The children of Ephraim, being armed and carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle.

10 They did not keep the covenant of God; they refused to walk in His law,

11 And forgot His works and His wonders that He had shown them.

12 Marvelous things He did in the sight of their fathers, in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan.

13 He divided the sea and caused them to pass through; And He made the waters stand up like a heap.

14 In the daytime also He led them with the cloud, and all the night with a light of fire.

15 He split the rocks in the wilderness, and gave them drink in abundance like the depths.

16 He also brought streams out of the rock, and caused waters to run down like rivers.

17 But they sinned even more against Him by rebelling against the Most High in the wilderness.

18 And they tested God in their heart by asking for the food of their fancy.

19 Yes, they spoke against God: they said, “Can God prepare a table in the wilderness?

20 Behold, He struck the rock, so that the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed. Can He give bread also? Can He provide meat for His people?”

21 Therefore the Lord heard this and was furious; So a fire was kindled against Jacob, and anger also came up against Israel,

22 Because they did not believe in God, and did not trust in His salvation.

23 Yet He had commanded the clouds above, and opened the doors of heaven,

24 Had rained down manna on them to eat, and given them of the bread of heaven.

25 Men ate angels’ food; He sent them food to the full.

26 He caused an east wind to blow in the heavens; and by His power He brought in the south wind.

27 He also rained meat on them like the dust, feathered fowl like the sand of the seas;

28 And He let them fall in the midst of their camp, all around their dwellings.

29 So they ate and were well filled, for He gave them their own desire.

30 They were not deprived of their craving; But while their food was still in their mouths,

31 The wrath of God came against them, and slew the stoutest of them, and struck down the choice men of Israel.

32 In spite of this they still sinned, and did not believe in His wondrous works.

33 Therefore their days He consumed in futility, and their years in fear.

34 When He slew them, then they sought Him; and they returned and sought earnestly for God.

35 Then they remembered that God was their rock, and the Most High God their Redeemer.

36 Nevertheless they flattered Him with their mouth, and they lied to Him with their tongue;

37 For their heart was not steadfast with Him, nor were they faithful in His covenant.

38 But He, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and did not destroy them. Yes, many a time He turned His anger away, and did not stir up all His wrath;

39 For He remembered that they were but flesh, a breath that passes away and does not come again.

40 How often they provoked Him in the wilderness, and grieved Him in the desert!

41 Yes, again and again they tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel.

42 They did not remember His power: The day when He redeemed them from the enemy,

43 When He worked His signs in Egypt, and His wonders in the field of Zoan;

44 Turned their rivers into blood, and their streams, that they could not drink.

45 He sent swarms of flies among them, which devoured them, and frogs, which destroyed them.

46 He also gave their crops to the caterpillar, and their labor to the locust.

47 He destroyed their vines with hail, and their sycamore trees with frost.

48 He also gave up their cattle to the hail, and their flocks to fiery lightning.

49 He cast on them the fierceness of His anger, wrath, indignation, and trouble, by sending angels of destruction among them.

50 He made a path for His anger; He did not spare their soul from death, but gave their life over to the plague,

51 And destroyed all the firstborn in Egypt, the first of their strength in the tents of Ham.

52 But He made His own people go forth like sheep, and guided them in the wilderness like a flock;

53 And He led them on safely, so that they did not fear; But the sea overwhelmed their enemies.

54 And He brought them to His holy border, this mountain which His right hand had acquired.

55 He also drove out the nations before them, allotted them an inheritance by survey, and made the tribes of Israel dwell in their tents.

56 Yet they tested and provoked the Most High God, and did not keep His testimonies,

57 But turned back and acted unfaithfully like their fathers;

They were turned aside like a deceitful bow.

58 For they provoked Him to anger with their high places, and moved Him to jealousy with their carved images.

59 When God heard this, He was furious, and greatly abhorred Israel,

60 So that He forsook the tabernacle of Shiloh, the tent He had placed among men,

61 And delivered His strength into captivity, and His glory into the enemy’s hand.

62 He also gave His people over to the sword, and was furious with His inheritance.

63 The fire consumed their young men, and their maidens were not given in marriage.

64 Their priests fell by the sword, and their widows made no lamentation.

65 Then the Lord awoke as from sleep, like a mighty man who shouts because of wine.

66 And He beat back His enemies; He put them to a perpetual reproach.

67 Moreover He rejected the tent of Joseph, and did not choose the tribe of Ephraim,

68 But chose the tribe of Judah, Mount Zion which He loved.

69 And He built His sanctuary like the heights, like the earth which He has established forever.

70 He also chose David His servant, and took him from the sheepfolds;

71 From following the ewes that had young He brought him, to shepherd Jacob His people, and Israel His inheritance.

72 So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, and guided them by the skillfulness of his hands.

Hope in times of Struggle

I cried out to God with my voice— To God with my voice; and He gave ear to me. In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord; My hand was stretched out in the night without ceasing; My soul refused to be comforted.— Psalm 77:1-2

Psalm 77 is a raw, honest cry from a heart in turmoil. The writer begins by pouring out his distress to God, wrestling with doubts and fears. He feels abandoned, questioning if God’s promises have failed. Yet, in the middle of his suffering, something changes—he shifts his focus. He begins to remember God’s mighty works and faithful deeds. In his remembering, he is once again filled with hope.

I can relate to this psalm on a deep personal level. Recently I was faced with some overwhelming uncertainties. My thoughts were consumed with wondering what was going to happen next and worry of the possible outcomes. The nights were the hardest—I would lie awake while fear tried to creep in continuously. I cried out to God, much like the psalmist did in today’s passage, but comfort seemed far away. I struggled to see beyond the current circumstance to discern what the Lord was doing in and through the situation,

Then one night, when I couldn’t hold back the tears any longer, I remembered times in the past when God had provided for me in impossible situations. I began to recount other times when His faithfulness carried me through. As I reflected on those moments, something shifted. My circumstances didn’t change overnight, but my heart did. I began to trust that the same God who had been faithful before would be faithful again.  He showed me that He had peace and provision available for me today and when I got to tomorrow, there would be a supply of His peace there too.

Now when I am tempted to think about and worry over what could happen in the coming days, I use those thoughts to remind me that my Father in heaven has grace and peace for today and quickly step into that provision instead of letting fear of the unknown hold me in a state of anxiety and doubt.  I thank my Father for what He is doing in the situations and  remember that He has never let me down but always gives me the victory in Christ Jesus my savior.

There are some things to consider and help you when you are facing uncertain and trying times.  But the first thing to do is always cry out to God. Follow the example of Psalms 77 and bring your pain, doubts, and questions to God. He is big enough to handle your raw emotions and invites you to come to Him just as you are. Set aside time to pray and journaling your thoughts can help to process your feelings.

Next, reflect on God’s faithfulness. When doubt and despair creep in, use those emotions to remind yourself to intentionally shift your focus to God’s past works in your life. Remember how He has answered prayers, provided, or comforted you in difficult times. Create a “faithfulness journal” where you list moments of God’s goodness in your life. Keep adding to it and revisit it when you feel overwhelmed.

You will also need to meditate on scripture. Psalm 77 highlights the importance of remembering God’s Word and promises. Let Scripture be your anchor during seasons of doubt. Memorize some verses that remind you of God’s faithfulness, such as Lamentations 3:22-23 or Romans 8:28.

Lastly, make sure to add worship during the anxious times: The writer of this psalms ends by declaring the greatness of God’s deeds. Worship has a way of lifting our eyes from our problems to His power. Play worship music or sing your favorite hymn, letting the words remind you of who God is and His power to save you from any crisis.

Today I want to encourage you when life feels overwhelming, remember that it’s okay to wrestle with God in your distress. But then think about the power of remembering His faithfulness and choosing to trust Him again. Just as He meets me in all my troubles, He will meet you too, bringing grace, peace, hope, and strength to carry on.  You never have to go through your problems alone.  He is always waiting for you to run into His arms of love and has provision for you as He walks with you to your victory.

Today’s scripture reading:  Psalms 77

1 I cried out to God with my voice— To God with my voice; And He gave ear to me.

2 In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord; My hand was stretched out in the night without ceasing; My soul refused to be comforted.

3 I remembered God, and was troubled; I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah

4 You hold my eyelids open; I am so troubled that I cannot speak.

5 I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times.

6 I call to remembrance my song in the night; I meditate within my heart, and my spirit makes diligent search.

7 Will the Lord cast off forever? And will He be favorable no more?

8 Has His mercy ceased forever? Has His promise failed forevermore?

9 Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has He in anger shut up His tender mercies? Selah

10 And I said, “This is my anguish; But I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High.”

11 I will remember the works of the Lord; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old.

12 I will also meditate on all Your work, and talk of Your deeds.

13 Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary; Who is so great a God as our God?

14 You are the God who does wonders; You have declared Your strength among the peoples.

15 You have with Your arm redeemed Your people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah

16 The waters saw You, O God; The waters saw You, they were afraid; The depths also trembled.

17 The clouds poured out water; The skies sent out a sound; Your arrows also flashed about.

18 The voice of Your thunder was in the whirlwind; The lightnings lit up the world; The earth trembled and shook.

19 Your way was in the sea, your path in the great waters, and Your footsteps were not known.

20 You led Your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

The Best Laid Plans

Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said to Him, “The first.” Matthew 21:31

There is an old saying that says: “The road to hell is paved with good intentions while the road to heaven is paved with good actions”?  The first part of that quote describes those moments when you genuinely mean to do something, but for one reason or another, it never happens. Unfortunately, this is all too common today. Many people set out with noble plans to accomplish great things, only to get distracted or bogged down by the demands of daily life. As a result, those good intentions are often left unfulfilled.

In today’s scripture, Jesus poses a question after sharing a parable about two sons. The father asks both sons to work in his vineyard. The first son initially says, “No,” but later changes his mind and does the work. The second son immediately says, “Yes, I will go,” but never follows through. Jesus then asks, “Which of the two did the will of his father?” The answer is clear—the first son, who ultimately obeyed, even after refusing at first.

This parable sheds light on the idea that delayed obedience is still disobedience. While the first son’s initial response was wrong, his decision to eventually obey made him the one who fulfilled his father’s will. His change of heart demonstrated that it’s not too late to do what’s right, even if you have initially resisted.

This truth is greatly encouraging for us today. If there are things God has asked of you—things you’ve delayed, forgotten, or set aside—it’s not too late to act. As long as you have breath, you still have the opportunity to get back in line with His will. God, in His grace, is always ready to guide you back onto His planned path. When you surrender your plans to Him and ask for His direction, He will remind you of the unfinished tasks and open doors for you to fulfill your purpose.

Today I want to encourage you to take a moment to lay your life before your heavenly Father. Surrender your plans and embrace His. Begin the good works He prepared for you, ensuring that your life isn’t marked by unfulfilled intentions but by obedience and purpose. Let God’s best-laid plan for your life be paved with your wholehearted “yes” and faithful action.

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 21:28-32

28 “But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’

29 He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went.

30 Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go.

31 Which of the two did the will of his father?”

They said to Him, “The first.”

Jesus said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you.

32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward relent and believe him.

Who’s authority

Now when He came into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people confronted Him as He was teaching, and said, “By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority?”  Matthew 21:23

Authority plays a significant role in our society. Governments, public servants, and other organizations are entrusted with authority to enforce laws and maintain order. While human authorities are far from perfect, having them in place is essential to prevent chaos, confusion, and rampant crime. Authority provides structure, which is the foundation for a functioning society.

Yet, above all earthly authorities, God is the ultimate authority and the true source of power in this world and the universe. In today’s passage, Jesus is questioned about the source of His authority to perform good works and miracles. At first glance, it looks like Jesus is rebelling against authority, but that’s not the case. Jesus perfectly modeled submission to rightful authority.

He was always submitted to God and fulfilled God’s law perfectly. He honored governing authorities, as seen when He paid taxes. He submitted to His earthly parents and even began His public miracles at His mother’s request. He honored John the Baptist, recognizing him as the forerunner of His ministry. Most importantly, Jesus served others—His followers, the broken, and the hurting. Though He was the greatest leader, His leadership wasn’t about gaining followers but about being the perfect example of God’s love and teaching others to love and serve as He did.

We are called to submit to authority as well. Our ultimate allegiance is to God, but scripture makes it clear that we are also to submit to governing authorities and pray for our leaders (see Romans 13:1-7 and 1 Timothy 2:1-2). Ephesians 5:21 encourages us to submit to one another out of love, serving one another as an act of obedience to God. Being part of a local church or ministry provides opportunities to worship, serve, and grow alongside other believers. We were created to care for each other, and when we live out this purpose, we experience true joy and fulfillment.

Take a moment today to reflect on your own life. Are you submitted to the authorities God has placed over you?

First and foremost, are you fully submitted to God and His Word? Do you accept His Word as the final authority in every area of your life? Have you surrendered to His plan and purpose for you?

Have you found your place within the body of Christ? Are you actively serving and growing in a local church or ministry where you can contribute to the work of the Kingdom?

Are you praying for those in authority over you? Whether it’s your government leaders, pastor, employer, spouse, or others in leadership, do you regularly pray for their protection, grace, and wisdom from God?

Today I want to encourage you to remember that prayer has the power to make a difference, not only in the lives of those you lift up but also in your own heart and perspective. Start today by intentionally submitting to the authorities God has established in your life and faithfully lifting them up in prayer. As you do, watch how God moves in your life and the world around you.

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 21:23-27

23 Now when He came into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people confronted Him as He was teaching, and said, “By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority?”

24 But Jesus answered and said to them, “I also will ask you one thing, which if you tell Me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things:

25 The baptism of John—where was it from? From heaven or from men?”

And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’

26 But if we say, ‘From men,’ we fear the multitude, for all count John as a prophet.”

27 So they answered Jesus and said, “We do not know.”

And He said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.