The Daily Dose

He’s not mad at you

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 38

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Discern the time

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

His Provision

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Know Who God Is

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

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

2. Surrender Control

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

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

3. Pray Honestly

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

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

4. Rest in His Promises

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

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

5. Wait Patiently

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

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

6. Surround Yourself with Encouragement

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

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

7. Take Small Steps of Faith

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Starting to delight yourself in the Lord can feel overwhelming at first, but it’s all about small, intentional steps that help you grow closer to God over time. Here’s a simple guide to help you get started:

1. Make Time for God Every Day

• Start small: Set aside just 5-10 minutes each day to connect with God through prayer or reading Scripture. As this becomes a habit, gradually increase your time.
• Be consistent: The more consistently you spend time with God, the more natural and fulfilling it becomes. Choose a time and place where you won’t be distracted—whether it’s in the morning, during lunch, or before bed. I recommend starting the day with Him. That way you release the Holy Spirit into the day ahead of you to so that He is already there when you show up.
• Pray from your heart: Talk to God like you would a close friend. Share your thoughts, struggles, and joys. You don’t need perfect words—just an open and honest heart.

2. Read and Meditate on God’s Word

• Pick a starting point: If you’re unsure where to begin, start with a book like Psalms, Proverbs, or the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John). These offer encouragement, wisdom, and insight into Jesus’ life and teachings.
• Use devotionals: Short daily devotionals can help guide your time in Scripture and apply it to your life. You can find these in apps, books, or online.
• Meditate: After reading, take a few moments to reflect on what God is saying through His Word. Ask yourself: How does this apply to my life? What is God teaching me through this passage?

3. Worship Regularly

• Listen to worship music: Fill your heart with songs that focus on God’s goodness and faithfulness. Sing along, whether in your car, during a walk, or in your quiet time.
• Give thanks daily: Cultivate a habit of gratitude by praising God for the blessings in your life, even small ones. This shifts your focus toward God’s presence and provision.

4. Invite God Into Your Everyday Life

• Acknowledge His presence: Throughout the day, remind yourself that God is with you in everything—at work, in your relationships, and even in the quiet moments. Whisper prayers of thanks or ask for guidance as you go about your daily routine.
• Find joy in the simple things: Notice how God shows up in small ways, like a beautiful sunset, a kind word, or a moment of peace. These are reminders of His love and care.

5. Trust God with Your Desires

• Pray about your dreams and plans: Bring your desires to God and ask Him to shape them according to His will. Trust that His plans are better than anything you could plan for yourself.
• Let go of control: Surrender your worries, anxieties, and plans to God. As you trust Him with your future, you’ll experience more peace and joy.

6. Join a Faith Community

• Get involved: If you’re not already connected to a church or small group, find one where you can grow with others. Being around people who are also pursuing God can give you encouragement and accountability.
• Share your journey: Talking with other believers about what God is doing in your life can strengthen your faith and help you see how God is working in your heart.

7. Take Small Steps of Obedience

• Listen and follow: When you sense God nudging you toward an action—whether it’s showing kindness to someone, stepping out in faith, or making a change in your life—follow His lead. Each small step of obedience brings you closer to Him and helps you delight in His ways.

8. Be Patient and Persistent

• Don’t rush: Growing in your relationship with God is a lifelong journey. Be patient with yourself, and don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate changes. Keep pressing in, trusting that God is at work in your heart.
• Celebrate progress: Take note of the ways you see God moving in your life, even in small things. Celebrate the victories and keep your eyes on Him.

9. Be Mindful of What You Allow In

• Guard your eyes and ears: What you watch, listen to, and consume shapes your thoughts and emotions. Be selective about media, conversations, and environments that may influence you negatively.
• Avoid toxic influences: Whether it’s people, entertainment, or places, distance yourself from anything that causes you to compromise your values or draws you away from God.
• Manage Your Thoughts
• Take control of negative thoughts: When you recognize a thought that doesn’t align with God’s truth, take it captive (2 Corinthians 10:5). Replace lies, fears, and doubts with Scripture and promises from God.
• Cultivate positive, godly thinking: Philippians 4:8 encourages us to think about whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, and praiseworthy. By focusing your thoughts on these things, you’ll keep your heart aligned with God’s will.
• Set Healthy Boundaries
• Protect your emotional space: Know your limits and set boundaries in relationships and situations that could drain or overwhelm you. It’s okay to say “no” to people or things that compromise your peace.
• Be cautious with relationships: Be mindful of the relationships you allow into your inner circle. Surround yourself with people who encourage your faith, build you up, and challenge you to grow closer to God.
• Stay Accountable
• Have trusted people in your life: Surround yourself with friends or mentors who can help keep you accountable in your walk with God. They can give you encouragement and correction when you need it.
• Be open and honest: Share your struggles with a trusted person or group. When you are transparent, you invite others to speak truth into your life, which helps you guard your heart.
• Keep Your Heart Humble
• Stay teachable: Be open to correction from God and others. A humble heart is easier to guard because it remains soft and moldable in God’s hands.
• Avoid pride: Pride can harden your heart and lead to a lack of dependence on God. Continually surrender your plans, desires, and emotions to Him.

By taking these steps, you’ll begin to experience a deeper connection with God and start delighting in Him more each day. He will begin to shape your desires, and you’ll see how He fulfills your heart in ways you never imagined.

The Desire of your heart

 _{Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. – Psalms 37:4}

This verse has been a favorite of mine for as long as I can remember. I used to think it meant that if I was happy in the Lord, He would give me everything I wanted. But recently, God showed me a deeper understanding of this promise. I realized that it’s not just about getting what I want; it’s about God placing His desires in my heart as I delight in Him.

One day, while meditating on this scripture, I had a mental picture of God actually placing His desires within me—like a deposit of His perfect plan being stored in my heart. It was as if He was reshaping my wants and desires and lining them up with His will. I suddenly understood that when we delight in the Lord, He “gives” us the right desires, ones that lead us to His completeness and purpose.

This shifted everything for me. I no longer saw this verse as God fulfilling a wish list of things I wanted but rather He transforms my heart to desire what He knows is best for me. As I delight in Him, He changes my heart to become in agreement with His plans and purposes, guiding me toward the life He has designed for me—one that brings true peace and fulfillment.

Because I spent so many years chasing after what I thought I needed to be happy, I filled my life with things I believed would complete me, only to find they never did.  When I began to draw closer to God, something amazing happened: my desires started to shift. I realized that only He knows what will bring me lasting joy and peace. He is the only One who can truly satisfy the deepest longings of my heart.

Now, I see life differently. It’s not about getting what I think I want but about partnering my heart with God’s desires so I can live out His purpose for me. Because of that shift, I’ve seen His blessings flow in my life—blessings I could never have imagined on my own.

The beautiful part is that God’s desires for us are always good. He knows us better than we know ourselves, and He wants to lead us into a life of purpose, peace, and joy. When we delight in Him, we start to see life through His eyes. Our hearts starts to long for things that bring us closer to Him, things that reflect His goodness and love.

This process might not happen overnight, but as you continue to seek Him, you’ll notice your desires shifting. Maybe you once craved recognition, but now you find fulfillment in serving others. Maybe you used to chase after material things, but now your heart longs to invest in God’s kingdom, tell others about Jesus and have a deeper relationship with more time in God’s presence. The more you delight in Him, the more your desires reflect His heart for you.

So, if you’re in a season where your desires feel unfulfilled, or you’re not sure why certain prayers haven’t been answered, take heart. Psalm 37 reminds us that God is working not only on our circumstances but also on our hearts. As you delight in Him, trust that He is exchanging your desires with His perfect plan—one that is far greater than anything you could imagine. Keep delighting in Him and watch as your desires begin to reflect His beautiful, divine purpose for your life.

So today, I want to encourage you to press into God. Delight in His presence, spend time with Him, and ask Him to place His desires in your heart. As you do, watch how He opens new doors, reveals new purposes, and brings a whole new level of blessing and peace into your life—far beyond anything you could ever imagine.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 37

1 Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.

2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.

3 Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.

4 Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.

5 Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.

6 He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.

7 Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.

8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret—it only causes harm.

9 For evildoers shall be cut off; But those who wait on the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.

10 For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more; Indeed, you will look carefully for his place, but it shall be no more.

11 But the meek shall inherit the earth, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

12 The wicked plots against the just, and gnashes at him with his teeth.

13 The Lord laughs at him, For He sees that his day is coming.

14 The wicked have drawn the sword and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, to slay those who are of upright conduct.

15 Their sword shall enter their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.

16 A little that a righteous man has is better than the riches of many wicked.

17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, but the Lord upholds the righteous.

18 The Lord knows the days of the upright, and their inheritance shall be forever.

19 They shall not be ashamed in the evil time, and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.

20 But the wicked shall perish; and the enemies of the Lord, like the splendor of the meadows, shall vanish Into smoke they shall vanish away.

21 The wicked borrows and does not repay, but the righteous shows mercy and gives.

22 For those blessed by Him shall inherit the earth, but those cursed by Him shall be cut off.

23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way.

24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down For the Lord upholds him with His hand.

25 I have been young, and now am old yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread.

26 He is ever merciful, and lends; And his descendants are blessed.

27 Depart from evil, and do good; And dwell forevermore.

28 For the Lord loves justice, and does not forsake His saints; They are preserved forever, but the descendants of the wicked shall be cut off.

29 The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell in it forever.

30 The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom, and his tongue talks of justice.

31 The law of his God is in his heart; None of his steps shall slide.

32 The wicked watches the righteous, and seeks to slay him.

33 The Lord will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged.

34 Wait on the Lord, and keep His way, and He shall exalt you to inherit the land; When the wicked are cut off, you shall see it.

35 I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a native green tree.

36 Yet he passed away, and behold, he was no more; Indeed I sought him, but he could not be found.

37 Mark the blameless man, and observe the upright; For the future of that man is peace.

38 But the transgressors shall be destroyed together; The future of the wicked shall be cut off.

39 But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in the time of trouble.

40 And the Lord shall help them and deliver them; He shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in Him.

Examine your heart

_{The words of his mouth are wickedness and deceit; He has ceased to be wise and to do good. – Psalms 36:3}

 This Psalm reminds me that there are areas in my life where I need to keep my heart in check continually. It identifies areas that may be hiding in my heart that others cannot see, but when I am being honest with myself and God, I can see evil intents that can be passed of as good intention. Are there areas where I am ignoring God’s guidance or becoming complacent in my relationship with Him? Am I remaining humble and reverent, or is pride creeping in and steering me away from a holy fear of the Lord??

Below is a break down of what David identified in today’s passage as evil and actions to watch for in your own life.  I have contrasted them with the opposite action so that you can easily see what you should be doing verses what you might be hiding inside.

• No fear of God

Instead: Reverence the Lord with a holy awe, fearing not being close to Him.

• Thinking we are better than others and letting them know

Instead: Look for ways to bring out the good in others, loving and uplifting them.

• Speaking wicked and deceitful words

Instead: Use your words to speak kindness, truth, and encouragement

• Not being wise or doing good

Instead: Seek God’s wisdom and look for ways to bless and serve those around you.

• Thinking only of personal gain, regardless of who gets hurt

Instead: Put others first, helping them get ahead and offering support where needed.

• Setting oneself on a path that is not good

Instead: Walk in a godly direction, making choices that honor and reflect God’s heart.

• Chasing after what is evil

Instead: having a deep hatred for sin and injustice, hate what God hates.

It was just a week or so ago when I found myself struggling in my own thought life.  It didn’t even feel like I was doing anything wrong.  That is how deceitful the enemy can be.  I was having a lot of bad feelings about my self personally.  Every interaction I was having with others would leave me questioning if I said or did the right thing.  I was actually worrying about my actions with others, so much so that I kept replaying the conversations over in my mind and trying to figure out why I said the things I said and how I could make it right.  I know, it sounds ridiculous, but it was where I was at the time.

Finally, I realized that I cannot do anything about what already happened and replaying it over again in my mind was not helping.  Instead, it was just making me feel worse.  As soon as I realized what was going on, I turned it all over to God. I thanked Him that He could bring good out of those conversations, even when I felt I had fallen short. Every time the negative thoughts returned, I used them as a reminded to trust that God would work turn those conversations for good for the kingdom of heaven. That’s what God does—He takes what the enemy meant for evil and turns it for good as we commit our ways to Him.

David wrestled with the reality of wickedness and the temptation to stray from God’s ways, too. Yet, in today’s reading, after acknowledging the evil paths some take, he shifts his focus back to God’s character. He reminds himself of God’s mercy and faithfulness, His righteousness and justice. David praised the Lord for His ability to preserve both man and beast, recognizing that God’s lovingkindness is the ultimate source of hope.

When we feel weighed down by our struggles, doubts, or even failures, like David, we can turn our hearts back to the truth of who God is. His mercy never runs out, and His faithfulness is unshakable. We can put our trust in Him, knowing that He will guide us, preserve us, and bring us into the fullness of His love and goodness.

Today I want to encourage you to examine your heart and take a step closer to your heavenly Father and the truth of His word. It’s easy to get caught up in the distractions and temptations of this world, but you are called to live in reverence, humility, and love. As you keep your hearts open to God’s correction, you can trust Him to transform your weaknesses into strengths and turn your missteps into testimonies of His grace. Remember, no matter where you are or what you face, God’s lovingkindness and faithfulness will always guide you back to Him.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 36

1 An oracle within my heart concerning the transgression of the wicked: There is no fear of God before his eyes.

2 For he flatters himself in his own eyes, when he finds out his iniquity and when he hates.

3 The words of his mouth are wickedness and deceit; He has ceased to be wise and to do good.

4 He devises wickedness on his bed; He sets himself in a way that is not good; He does not abhor evil.

5 Your mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.

6 Your righteousness is like the great mountains; Your judgments are a great deep; O Lord, You preserve man and beast.

7 How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings.

8 They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, and You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures.

9 For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light.

10 Oh, continue Your lovingkindness to those who know You, and Your righteousness to the upright in heart.

11 Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked drive me away.

12 There the workers of iniquity have fallen; They have been cast down and are not able to rise.

Don’t be a watcher

They also opened their mouth wide against me, and said, “Aha, aha! Our eyes have seen it.”             Let them shout for joy and be glad, who favor my righteous cause; And let them say continually, “Let the Lord be magnified, Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.” – Psalms 35:21 & 27

We live in a world that seems to thrive on criticism. Everywhere we turn, people are ready to jump all over others for even the smallest mistakes—sometimes intentional, sometimes not. It’s sad and even stressful to witness how quickly grace and understanding are replaced with judgment and harshness. Often, it seems like people are waiting for others to mess up, just to feel better about themselves. Unfortunately, this attitude invades just about every area of our daily lives, from workplaces to social media, and even among friends and family.

A while back I had a conversation with someone who was struggling in their relationship with a friend. They were completely focused on everything their friend was doing wrong, talking about everything that was below standard with frustration. As I listened, I couldn’t help but feel that they were being deceived—convinced that their friend’s mistakes were the defining characteristics of who they were. I gently reminded them that focusing solely on someone’s flaws blinds us to their potential. Instead of calling out every wrong, I encouraged them to remember the good things they appreciated about their friend and look for opportunities to uplift rather than condemn. Sometimes, when we get too caught up in pointing out others’ flaws, we inadvertently hinder what the Holy Spirit may be doing in their heart.  The bottom line is you cannot base your happiness on others.  You must decide that you are going to be a happy person despite what others say or do.  God is our source of happiness, and it is up to us to trust Him for it.

Psalm 35 reveals a similar struggle in David’s life. He speaks of those who were watching his every move, ready to accuse him of wrongdoing—even when he was innocent. His enemies had opened their mouths wide against him, eager to see him fall. You can feel David’s frustration as he cries out to God for justice. He felt surrounded by people who wanted to see him fail, who were quick to point fingers and celebrate his downfalls.

But David’s response at the end of the psalm is a beautiful shift in focus. Instead of dwelling on the unfair treatment from his enemies, he concludes by declaring that those who favor God’s righteous cause will rejoice and be glad. “Let the Lord be magnified, Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.” David reminds us that even when people watch us with critical eyes, waiting for us to fall, God is not like that. God is for us. He takes pleasure in seeing His people prosper and succeed in His mission.

This truth is a comfort to all of us who face criticism or feel like we’re under the magnifying glass. God is not waiting for us to stumble; He is cheering us on. He delights in our well-being and in the fulfillment of His purpose in our lives. When others are quick to tear us down, God is at work building us up.

Today I want to encourage you to remember to extend that same grace to others. Instead of focusing on their mistakes, magnify the Lord by seeing the potential He has placed in each person. Find favor in His righteous cause, knowing that He takes joy in helping you—and others—prosper. Instead of being quick to criticize, become that person that is quick to build up, encourage, and rejoice in the progress that God is bringing about in all those around you. Magnify the Lord, for He delights in the prosperity of His people. Even in the middle of criticisms and misunderstandings, trust that God is for you, and He is actively working on your behalf.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 35

1 Plead my cause, O Lord, with those who strive with me;Fight against those who fight against me.

2 Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for my help.

3 Also draw out the spear, and stop those who pursue me. Say to my soul, “I am your salvation.”

4 Let those be put to shame and brought to dishonor who seek after my life; Let those be turned back and brought to confusion who plot my hurt.

5 Let them be like chaff before the wind, and let the angel of the Lord chase them.

6 Let their way be dark and slippery, and let the angel of the Lord pursue them.

7 For without cause they have hidden their net for me in a pit, which they have dug without cause for my life.

8 Let destruction come upon him unexpectedly, and let his net that he has hidden catch himself; Into that very destruction let him fall.

9 And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord; It shall rejoice in His salvation.

10 All my bones shall say, “Lord, who is like You, Delivering the poor from him who is too strong for him, yes, the poor and the needy from him who plunders him?”

11 Fierce witnesses rise up; They ask me things that I do not know.

12 They reward me evil for good, To the sorrow of my soul.

13 But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth; I humbled myself with fasting; and my prayer would return to my own heart.

14 I paced about as though he were my friend or brother; I bowed down heavily, as one who mourns for his mother.

15 But in my adversity they rejoiced and gathered together; Attackers gathered against me, and I did not know it; They tore at me and did not cease;

16 With ungodly mockers at feasts they gnashed at me with their teeth.

17 Lord, how long will You look on? Rescue me from their destructions, my precious life from the lions.

18 I will give You thanks in the great assembly; I will praise You among many people.

19 Let them not rejoice over me who are wrongfully my enemies; Nor let them wink with the eye who hate me without a cause.

20 For they do not speak peace, but they devise deceitful matters against the quiet ones in the land.

21 They also opened their mouth wide against me, and said, “Aha, aha! Our eyes have seen it.”

22 This You have seen, O Lord; Do not keep silence. O Lord, do not be far from me.

23 Stir up Yourself, and awake to my vindication, to my cause, my God and my Lord.

24 Vindicate me, O Lord my God, according to Your righteousness; and let them not rejoice over me.

25 Let them not say in their hearts, “Ah, so we would have it!” Let them not say, “We have swallowed him up.”

26 Let them be ashamed and brought to mutual confusion who rejoice at my hurt; Let them be clothed with shame and dishonor who exalt themselves against me.

27 Let them shout for joy and be glad, who favor my righteous cause; And let them say continually, “Let the Lord be magnified, Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.”

28 And my tongue shall speak of Your righteousness and of Your praise all the day long.

He delivers

_{Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. – Psalms 34:19}

I love the invention of the delivery service.  It is so convenient to have things dropped off at my door.  It saves me so much time and running around.  Whether it’s my groceries, something I need for work or a gift for someone I care about, it is awesome to be able to go online, click the buttons and voilà, it shows up on my doorstep.

 I had never considered the kind of delivery that God offers us.  It is way more impressive than receiving material items.  His deliveries go beyond the natural world.  Psalm 34 show us God’s faithful care for His people. It says that when we are in the middle of trials, He delivers hope, comfort, and peace.  The most amazing thing is that this chapter assures us that He will deliver us out of ALL our troubles.  This isn’t even one thing that He will not rescue us from.

The reality is that every believer is going to experience struggles.  Being saved does not mean we are immune to attacks from the enemy or hardships in life.  The secret is in knowing how to handle those attacks and how to turn them over to God and trust Him to get us through to the other side.  As God’s people, we are not exempt from problems. We face difficulties, pain, and trials just like everyone else. However, our afflictions are not the end of the story.

While we may face physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges, God promises that He is intimately involved in each one. The word “many” in this passage suggests that trials are a part of life, but they do not define who we are. What truly defines our lives is how God responds to those afflictions: He delivers us out of them all.

It is such a powerful revelation to realize that God’s deliverance is a sure thing.  Just as you depend on your online orders to show up on your doorstep, you are even more assured that God will show up, step into your circumstances and pull you out or walk beside you to deliver you from whatever you come up against.  This scripture doesn’t say that we might be delivered or that deliverance is possible for some; it says “the Lord delivers him out of them all.” That’s the power of God’s protection over His children. No matter what trouble, heartache, or challenge you face, God’s promise is to bring you through it, every time.

This deliverance doesn’t always mean an immediate escape from your difficulties, but it guarantees that God is with you through the storm. He never leaves you to face life’s challenges alone. He strengthens, guides, and protects you until the day your delivery arrives.

This Psalm doesn’t shy away from acknowledging that life can break us. In verse 18, we find one of the most comforting truths in all of Scripture: “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” If you are feeling crushed under the weight of life’s burdens, this verse is for you. God is not distant or far off. He is near, close to you in your pain, ready to bring comfort and healing.

This closeness of God is not just a vague feeling; it’s an active, loving presence. He meets you in your brokenness, offering hope and restoration. When your spirit is crushed by grief, loss, or disappointment, God lifts you up and carries you through.

David started this message with a declaration of praise: “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.”  What an inspiring perspective! Even in the midst of afflictions, David chose to praise God. This is the key to experiencing the peace and joy of God, even when life is hard. When we focus on God’s goodness rather than our problems, we are reminded that He is greater than any trial we face. Praise lifts our eyes off our circumstances and sets them on God, who is mighty to save.

Then in verse 4, David says, “I sought the Lord, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears.”  Fear is not something we have to accept or endure, but rather He delivers us from every anxious and fearful thought or circumstance. This verse encourages us to actively seek God in the midst of our troubles. When we turn to Him, He promises to answer. God is not passive; He is involved and responsive to the cries of His children.

I don’t want to leave out one of the most encouraging promises in this psalm that is found in verse 7: “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and delivers them.” God’s angels also deliver.  Imagine the image of God’s angels surrounding you, guarding you from harm. God’s protection is like a fortress, encircling you with His presence and shielding you from Satan’s onslaughts.  Even when you can’t see it, God is actively working to protect you. His deliverance is not just a future promise; it’s happening right now in ways you may not even realize.

This act of seeking God is a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we can trust in His goodness. Verse 8 urges us to “taste and see that the Lord is good.” Experiencing God’s goodness is not just a mental exercise; it’s an invitation to encounter His love, faithfulness, and protection in a real and tangible way.  It is so good you that the bible says you can taste it.

Today I want to encourage you that God sees, God hears, and God delivers. Though you may face many trials, you can take heart knowing that the Lord is with you every step of the way. He is your refuge, your protector, and the one who brings you out of every affliction. If you are walking through a season of difficulty, hold on to the promises of this Psalm. Trust that God is working on your behalf, and He will bring you through to victory. So, no matter what trouble, heartache, or challenge you face today, remember this: God’s delivery is always faithful. He’s never late, and He never fails. When the pressures of life close in, trust that His deliverance is already on its way—bringing through every single time.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 34

1 I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

2 My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; The humble shall hear of it and be glad.

3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.

4 I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

5 They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces were not ashamed.

6 This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.

7 The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them.

8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!

9 Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him.

10 The young lions lack and suffer hunger; But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.

11 Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.

12 Who is the man who desires life, and loves many days, that he may see good?

13 Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit.

14 Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.

15 The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry.

16 The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.

17 The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles.

18 The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.

19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.

20 He guards all his bones; Not one of them is broken.

21 Evil shall slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous shall be condemned.

22 The Lord redeems the soul of His servants, and none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned.

He’s got His eye on you

_{Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His mercy. – Psalms 33:18}

Did you ever use this phrase?  “I got my eye on you.”  Maybe with your children or someone you didn’t trust so much?  It allows a person know that you are watching them from a distance to make sure they are not up to something underhanded or no good. It can also mean that you are keeping track of where they are going and what they are doing.  It really isn’t meant to be a good thing.  It’s more like I am keeping my eye on you so you better not mess up again or else.  It’s a warning or even a threat.

What would if be like if God had His eye on us?  Talk about accountability.  We hear a lot of talk these days about having an accountability partner.  Someone who helps you stay on the right path in life, but they cannot be with you every single minute of every single day, but your heavenly Father can. HE is the ultimate accountability partner.

In today’s reading we see this phrase, but not in a bad or threatening way. We find out that God is not distant or disconnected from our lives and He actually wants to be actively involved. He sees us—He knows our circumstances, our struggles, our hopes, and our fears. He is deeply aware of everything we’re going through, and His hand is continually touching our story. No detail is too small for His attention, and no problem is too big for His power.

When we are in the middles of life’s trials or uncertainties, it’s easy to feel forgotten or overlooked. However, Psalm 33 reminds us that we are never out of God’s sight. He is always watching over us, not in a spectator kind of way, but interactive with deep care and concern. His eyes are on His family as a loving Father who wants to provide, protect, and guide us through every season of life.

Verses 13-15 in this chapter say: “From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind; from His dwelling place He watches all who live on earth—He who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.”

What a great promise it is that no matter what you face today, you can rest knowing that God is fully aware of what and how you are doing. He sees your heart, understands your fears, and cares about every moment of your life. You are never hidden from Him, and you are never alone.

Life can be unpredictable, and at times, we may be tempted to place our trust in temporary things—our own strength, resources, or even other people. But God’s Word assures us that we have a place of hope in something far more secure: God’s unfailing love.

His love never fails, never runs out, and never leaves us stranded. Even in times of scarcity or hardship, God is our provider and protector. He knows exactly what we need, and He is fully able to deliver us, sustain us, and carry us through as we commit every area of our life to Him.

Today I want to encourage you in whatever you are going through to remember that God is your help and your shield. You don’t have to carry the weight of life’s burdens alone. As you place your trust in Him to be the Lord of your whole life, He will guard you, protect you, and bring you through every challenge.  Even when you wonder if God really sees what you are going through, or if He’s aware of your struggle’s day to day, this passage gives complete assurance that He does see you and He is ready to bring you through to victory every time: He’s got His eye on you. His eyes are on you because His love is for you. He watches over you to ensure that His purposes for your life come to pass. So, in the moments when you feel invisible, unimportant, or uncertain, remember this truth: God sees you. He is working in ways you cannot yet see, and His unfailing love is guiding you every step of the way, and that’s a good thing!

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 33

1 Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous! For praise from the upright is beautiful.

2 Praise the Lord with the harp; Make melody to Him with an instrument of ten strings.

3 Sing to Him a new song; Play skillfully with a shout of joy.

4 For the word of the Lord is right, and all His work is done in truth.

5 He loves righteousness and justice; The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

6 By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth.

7 He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap; He lays up the deep in storehouses.

8 Let all the earth fear the Lord; Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.

9 For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast.

10 The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; He makes the plans of the peoples of no effect.

11 The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations.

12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen as His own inheritance.

13 The Lord looks from heaven; He sees all the sons of men.

14 From the place of His dwelling He looks on all the inhabitants of the earth;

15 He fashions their hearts individually; He considers all their works.

16 No king is saved by the multitude of an army; A mighty man is not delivered by great strength.

17 A horse is a vain hope for safety; Neither shall it deliver any by its great strength.

18 Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His mercy,

19 To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.

20 Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield.

21 For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name.

22 Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, just as we hope in You.

Get rid of offense

But He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.” Matthew 15:26

Today we are reading about the woman that came to Jesus to receive healing for her demon possessed daughter.  She was from Canaan which probably meant that she was half Jewish and half some other nationality.  It meant that she was shunned by the Israeli people.  When she came to Jesus, the disciples wanted to tell her to go away.  I’m sure they were surprised when Jesus actually talked to her.  During His conversation with her, Jesus said, what looks like an insult to her.  She had the opportunity to be offended and not receive anything from Him.  Instead, she pressed in and humbled herself and that is when Jesus noticed her faith.  He told her she had great faith and that He had given her what she desired, the demons were cast out of her daughter.

We have many occasions today to be offended at the things going on around us.  We can be offended by the ungodly activity in our government. We can be offended by the pandemic restrictions.  We can even be insulted by new laws that go against God’s law and His truth.  However, taking the opportunity to be offended is not what brings answered prayer, it is faith.  Despite the world view of today, we still need to be in faith.  If you feel yourself becoming angry and irritated with your surroundings, you are on the road to offense.  If you do not surrender those feelings, your faith is not active in that area.

I experienced this on a personal level when I started a new job. I had the opportunity to become irritated and annoyed by the way I was treated because of a seniority and entitlement mentality. Instead, I remained full of faith to do my job as I was expected to without murmuring and complaining and I kept a thankful heart.  Thankful for a job, thankful for work and thankful for my Father’s love.  Being faithful and thankful opened the doors to a position that never existed before so that I was able to walk out my job each day without having the complaints that the people I worked with did.

Today I want to encourage you not to become offended.  Don’t let the outward circumstances of the world around you determine your words, thoughts and ideas.  Stay in faith and believe that God has a plan above your circumstances and surrender all your hurts and distresses over to Him and He will carry them far from you.  Remain consistently in faith in the little things and the big, and soon the doors will open around you to a whole life that is beyond the one you are living right now. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you to complete your purpose by surrendering all your feelings and emotions to Him.

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 15:21-28

21 Then Jesus went out from there and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon. 

22 And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.”

23 But He answered her not a word. His disciples came and urged Him, saying, “Send her away, for she cries out after us.”

24 But He answered and said, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

25 Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, help me!”

26 But He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.”

27 And she said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.”

28 Then Jesus answered and said to her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.