The Daily Dose

Fill it up

Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.  Matthew 15:11

Germs, bacteria and virus are common words we hear in today’s world.  A few years back a pandemic started and we have become aware of their presence more than ever before.  There were many instructions on how to properly wash your hands and wear a mask to prevent the spreading of these microscopic threats.  Even though the pandemic is over, many people still follow these preventative measures, but there is a deeper cause for the afflictions we face in life.

In today’s passage, Jesus said that the words a person speaks is what defiles or corrupts them.  Although this concept doesn’t involve germs and unsanitary conditions, He does indicate a direct connection to our physical bodies.  Jesus said that the words that we are speaking root in the heart.  As we continue to speak those words, that root is fed and grows stronger, choking out the growth of His Word that sustains our faith walk and our well being. 

Proverbs 18:21 says Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.  Every word we speak either produces life and strength or feeds a root of destruction and harm. If our hearts are filled with bitterness, anger, or fear, it will show in our speech. But if our hearts are filled with God’s Word and His love, our words will bring healing, hope, and grace.

Now I have a better understanding of how to choose the words that I speak.  It all starts with what I expose my heart to.  I begin to follow the instructions of Proverbs to keep the word of God at the core of my heart because His words are life and health to my body (Prov. 4:22)  I guard and protect my heart diligently from the perverseness of the world because that is where issues come from. (Prov. 4:23) Jesus said we speak what is in abundant and overflowing from our heart, so I must fill my heart with His Word and goodness each day, so I can speak His grace wherever I am and live my life in agreement with His standard.  At my home with family, at my job with co-workers or with my friends.  There is not time that I am alive that this truth is not at work.

Today I want to encourage you to fill your heart with an abundance of God’s Word and His love.  Let those words flow out of you as you walk through your life each day.  Then fill up again tomorrow.  Don’t let roots of bitterness and anger grow in your heart by complaining and criticizing others.  Fill your mouth with good things, and you will be energized  and equipped to complete the mission He has assigned you. (Psalms 112)

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 15:1-20

1 Then the scribes and Pharisees who were from Jerusalem came to Jesus, saying, 

2 “Why do Your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread.”

3 He answered and said to them, “Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition? 

4 For God commanded, saying, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.’ 

5 But you say, ‘Whoever says to his father or mother, “Whatever profit you might have received from me is a gift to God”— 

6 then he need not honor his father or mother.’ Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition. 

7 Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying:

8 ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.

9 And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ ”

10 When He had called the multitude to Himself, He said to them, “Hear and understand: 

11 Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.”

12 Then His disciples came and said to Him, “Do You know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?”

13 But He answered and said, “Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. 

14 Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch.”

15 Then Peter answered and said to Him, “Explain this parable to us.”

16 So Jesus said, “Are you also still without understanding? 

17 Do you not yet understand that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and is eliminated? 

18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. 

19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. 

20 These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man.”

His Forgiveness

Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. – Psalms 32:2

This Psalm talks about forgiveness of sin, but it also uses the words iniquity and transgressions.  I have often wondered what the difference is in these three words.  I know the Jesus’ blood cleanses us from all unrighteousness, but surely there is a reason why the different wording is used in certain places.  So, below I have defined and given examples of what the three actually are.

1. Sin

• Definition: Sin is the most general term for wrongdoing. In the original Hebrew and Greek, it means “to miss the mark” or “to fall short.”
• Biblical Context: Sin refers to any act, thought, or attitude that falls short of God’s perfect standard of holiness. It is a broad term that includes all forms of disobedience and rebellion against God’s Word and plan.
• Example: Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” This states that every person has failed to meet God’s standard of righteousness in one way or another.

2. Transgression

• Definition: A transgression refers to a willful, intentional act of rebellion or violation of a known law or boundary. It is when someone deliberately crosses a line, they know they should not cross.
• Biblical Context: A transgression indicates a knowing disobedience, where someone intentionally breaks a commandment or direction that they are aware of.
• Example: 1 John 3:4 says, “Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness.” This points to transgression as a willful crossing of God’s laws or deliberate disobedience.

3. Iniquity

• Definition: Iniquity refers to deep moral corruption, wickedness, or a habitual, ingrained disposition toward sin. It often involves a perversion or twisting of what is right.
• Biblical Context: Iniquity is more about the inner character, suggesting a state of moral impurity or a heart bent toward doing wrong. It can refer to both sinful actions and the corrupted condition that produces them.
• Example: Psalm 51:5 says, “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me.” This suggests that iniquity can also refer to the inherent human condition due to the fall of people.

4.Summary

• Sin: General term for anything that misses God’s perfect standard. It can be accidental or intentional.
• Transgression: A specific, willful violation of a known law or command; crossing a clear boundary.
• Iniquity: A deeper, more persistent state of moral corruption or wickedness; the inner twisted nature that produces sinful behavior.

All three of these words point to human failure, but they emphasize different aspects: sin shows that we miss God’s perfect mark, transgression highlights our willful rebellion, and iniquity reflects a deeper moral distortion. Together, these words help us understand the full extent of human wrongdoing in this Psalm.

 This chapter makes me realized just how blessed it is to live a life of forgiveness.  I don’t have to carry the heavy weight of the sin of all my life with me anymore.  I know in my lifetime I have been guilty in all three of these areas.  I had an overall sin condition; I went through a season of rebellion where I willfully did things that I knew was against God’s ways and I had a deep distortion and deception of what life was all about and how it pertained to me.  However, when I turned my life over to my Savior and confessed the deep depravity of my condition, He made me clean and released me from carrying that load of shame and guilt. In fact, the scripture actually says He eradicated my sin or got rid of all of it. (See 1 John 3:5)

This Psalm is also a beautiful reminder of the power of forgiveness and the freedom that comes with it. David contemplates the joy and blessing on those who experience God’s forgiveness. He remembered the weight of his sin and guilt but also the incredible release that came when he confessed his sins and experienced God’s mercy.

In our lives today, we can still be carrying the heavy burden of past mistakes, regrets, and sins that we wish we could undo or get rid of. This weight can take a toll on our hearts and minds, making us feel distant from God and from the peace He promises. But Psalms 32 shows us that we don’t have to live under that burden. When we turn to God in honest confession, He forgives, restores, and covers us with His grace. He takes what the enemy meant for evil and turns it for good!

David describes the agony of keeping silent about his sin and the physical and emotional strain it caused. But as soon as he opened up to God and confessed, everything changed. He experienced a fresh start and the overwhelming relief that only God’s forgiveness can bring. God didn’t just forgive him; He covered his sin completely and gave him a clean slate. 

Here’s the thing.  God doesn’t find out about our sin when we confess it, He already knows about it all so there is no reason to try to cover or hide it from Him.  A friend of mine says it this way: Admit it, Quit it and Get rid of it!

Maybe you’ve been carrying something heavy—a regret, a failure, or even a hidden sin that no one else knows about. The good news is that you don’t have to carry it any longer. God is ready and waiting to forgive, to cleanse, and to restore you. He doesn’t want you to live in guilt or shame, but in the freedom that comes from being fully forgiven. There is nothing too big or too small that God cannot forgive. He longs to lift the weight off your shoulders and replace it with His peace and joy. He is a God of unlimited chances, and His grace is always greater than your sin. When you come to Him with a humble and sincere heart, He will meet you with mercy and love, just as He did with David.

Today, I want to encourage you to take whatever is weighing on your heart and bring it to God in prayer. Lay it down at His feet and trust in His promise of forgiveness. Don’t let the burden of guilt or regret hold you back from the freedom that God offers. Remember the promise in Psalms 32 that when you confess, you will live in His blessing, because God is faithful to forgive and to wash it all away in His righteousness. Let His grace erase the stains of sin and bring you the peace and purpose in life that He desires for you.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 32

1 Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.

2 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

3 When I kept silent, my bones grew old through my groaning all the day long.

4 For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was turned into the drought of summer. Selah

5 I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah

6 For this cause everyone who is godly shall pray to You in a time when You may be found; Surely in a flood of great waters they shall not come near him.

7 You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah

8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.

9 Do not be like the horse or like the mule, which have no understanding, which must be harnessed with bit and bridle, else they will not come near you.

10 Many sorrows shall be to the wicked; But he who trusts in the Lord, mercy shall surround him.

11Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous; And shout for joy, all you upright in heart!

Ashamed

In You, O Lord, I put my trust; Let me never be ashamed; Deliver me in Your righteousness. – Psalms 31:1

There are many opportunities in life to feel shame, but shame is not limited to moments when we’ve done something wrong. The enemy often tries to make us feel ashamed, even when we’re stepping out in faith.

In today’s key verse, David expressed his deep trust in God, asking that He not allow him to be put to shame. This is a powerful reminder of how we can approach the times that feel uncomfortable or uncertain. As someone who writes and publishes frequently, I often put myself out there for criticism. Sometimes, when I invite others to contribute to a project, I’m met with enthusiasm and gratitude. But there are also times when I receive no response or interest, and that’s when the temptation to take it personally, feel embarrassed, or even question my decisions come into play.

There are also the occasions when past decisions or experiences surface—moments that others may not approve of. These can be the hardest, as shame attempts to creep in, making us feel small or defined by our mistakes. But no matter what the situation is, when we trust in the Lord and follow His guidance, He promises that we will not be put to shame.

David knew this all too well. As he stepped out in faith, making tough decisions and leading, he encountered countless opportunities to feel ashamed—whether from his failures, others’ judgments, or the challenges he faced. Yet, he chose to place his trust in God’s righteousness, knowing that God would never abandon him to shame if he remained faithful.

Maybe you have found yourself in similar situations. When you have stepped out in faith—whether it’s sharing a personal story, pursuing a new opportunity, or making a decision that might be misunderstood—there is always a risk of criticism, rejection, or failure. These moments are when shame tries to sneak in, whispering lies like, “You’ve made a mistake,” or “You’re not good enough.”

But just like David, you have a choice. You can choose to trust in God’s righteousness. When you place your trust in Him, you can be confident that He will protect you from shame. God sees your heart, knows your motives, and honors your faithfulness. Even if others misunderstand or you face setbacks, God is your defender and deliverer.

Lastly, It’s crucial to remember that shame is not from God. He doesn’t use it to teach or punish us. Instead, God offers grace, forgiveness, and a new identity in Christ Jesus. When shame tries to take root in your heart, reject it and reaffirm your trust in God’s love and righteousness.

Today I want to encourage you if you’re facing a situation where shame is trying to creep in, remember David’s words: “In You, O Lord, I put my trust; Let me never be ashamed; Deliver me in Your righteousness.” Stand firm in your trust in God, knowing that He will not allow you to be put to shame. He will deliver you, guide you, and cover you with His righteousness.  No matter what you’ve faced in the past or what challenges lie ahead, God’s grace is greater than any shame the enemy tries to place on you. Trust in Him, and let His righteousness be your shield and your confidence today and everyday.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 31

1 In You, O Lord, I put my trust; Let me never be ashamed; Deliver me in Your righteousness.

2 Bow down Your ear to me, deliver me speedily; Be my rock of refuge, a fortress of defense to save me.

3 For You are my rock and my fortress; Therefore, for Your name’s sake, lead me and guide me.

4 Pull me out of the net which they have secretly laid for me, for You are my strength.

5 Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O Lord God of truth.

6 I have hated those who regard useless idols; But I trust in the Lord.

7 I will be glad and rejoice in Your mercy, for You have considered my trouble; You have known my soul in adversities,

8 And have not shut me up into the hand of the enemy; You have set my feet in a wide place.

9 Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am in trouble; My eye wastes away with grief, yes, my soul and my body!

10 For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing; My strength fails because of my iniquity, and my bones waste away.

11 I am a reproach among all my enemies, but especially among my neighbors, and am repulsive to my acquaintances; Those who see me outside flee from me.

12 I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind; I am like a broken vessel.

13 For I hear the slander of many; Fear is on every side; While they take counsel together against me, they scheme to take away my life.

14 But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.”

15 My times are in Your hand; Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me.

16 Make Your face shine upon Your servant; Save me for Your mercies’ sake.

17 Do not let me be ashamed, O Lord, for I have called upon You; Let the wicked be ashamed; Let them be silent in the grave.

18 Let the lying lips be put to silence, which speak insolent things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.

19 Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men!

20 You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.

21 Blessed be the Lord, for He has shown me His marvelous kindness in a strong city!

22 For I said in my haste, “I am cut off from before Your eyes”; nevertheless You heard the voice of my supplications when I cried out to You.

23 Oh, love the Lord, all you His saints! For the Lord preserves the faithful, and fully repays the proud person.

24 Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.

Left out

For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. – Psalms 30:5

 I’ve had a lot of disappointments in life, some big and some small.  The most recent is the disappointment of being left out.  It’s a small one, but I still feel let down for not being included.  In these moments, I can be tempted to feel sorry for myself, rejected, unimportant even angry, but those emotions are not going to make me feel better, nor are they going to produce anything good.  In this particular instant, as I realized that I was not considered in the situation, I recognized that it was not that important for me to be there.  I began to thank my Father in heaven that He is my best friend.  I know that He will never reject me or refuse me coming to Him.  All of a sudden it hit me that God will make sure that I will be at every event and place that He needs me to be to complete the plan and purpose He has for me as I follow His direction.  I don’t have to have FOMO because I know that He will open the doors for me to walk through into every situation that pertains to the things He has called me to, and He faithfully does it.

So now when I think about the things I have not been invited to or that meetings that I am not asked to attend, I pray God’s blessing on those things and know that if I need to be there, He will make a way and if not, He has something else for me at that time that was designed for me to accomplish to produce Kingdom progress in this world.

In today’s reading, David was experiencing a big disappointment.  It was not something little like being left out.  In fact, most of David’s disappointments were huge.  When he was a boy, he faced bears and lions while tending his father’s sheep.  Then he faced a giant Philistine and defeated him, but still ended up being hated and chased by the king.  At one point his family and the family of all those who fought with him were taken by the enemy and held captive.  Even when his children were grown, he faced many discouraging times as the fought among themselves and with him.

In the reading today, David proclaimed when he took his disappointing time to God, He was able to turn his sorry into joy and his ashes into beauty.  Every time David faced a crisis, he took it to God and when he did that, he had many encounters with God showing up to turn the situation that was meant for evil into something good.

David began this Psalm by praising God for delivering him from a dire situation. He said: “I will exalt you, Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me” (Psalms 30:1). He acknowledged that there were moments when he felt overwhelmed, disappointed and on the brink of despair, but God did not abandon him. Instead, God reached down, lifted him up, and gave him victory.

One of the most powerful aspects of Psalms 30 is its message of hope in the midst of suffering. David writes, “Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning” (Psalms 30:5). This verse is all about God’s redemptive power. It reminds me that there are seasons of pain, grief, and weeping, but it also assures me that these seasons are not permanent. God’s grace and mercy will break through, bringing a new day filled with joy and rejoicing.

In verse 11, David’s testimony becomes deeply personal: “You turned my sorrow into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.” What a beautiful image of transformation! Sackcloth, a symbol of mourning and repentance, is replaced with garments of joy. Mourning is turned into dancing, an expression of great celebration and freedom.

This transformation is not something that can be achieved on your own. It’s the work of God’s hand in your life. When you bring your pain, your sorrow, and your struggles to Him, He doesn’t just comfort—He changes your heart and even the situation. He takes the very things that were meant to bring you down and uses them to lift you up. He replaces your despair with hope, your sadness with joy, and your mourning with dancing.

Today I want to encourage you if you find yourself in a season of mourning, take it to your loving Father in heaven.  He will be with you, and He will come in and work in your situation. Trust that He will turn your mourning into dancing and clothe you with joy. Hold on to the promise that weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.  As you walk through the challenges of life, remember that as you trust God every step of the way, His faithfulness is steadfast. Just as He delivered David, He will deliver you as you call on Him. He will lift you out of the depths, remove your sackcloth, and cover you with the joy of His presence. Your mourning will not last forever—God will turn it into dancing, and your heart will overflow with praise for His goodness and blessing in your life.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 30

1 I will extol You, O Lord, for You have lifted me up, and have not let my foes rejoice over me.

2 O Lord my God, I cried out to You, and You healed me.

3 O Lord, You brought my soul up from the grave; You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.

4 Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.

5 For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

6 Now in my prosperity I said, “I shall never be moved.”

7 Lord, by Your favor You have made my mountain stand strong; You hid Your face, and I was troubled.

8 I cried out to You, O Lord; And to the Lord I made supplication:

9 “What profit is there in my blood, when I go down to the pit? Will the dust praise You? Will it declare Your truth?

10 Hear, O Lord, and have mercy on me; Lord, be my helper!”

11 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,

12 To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.

The Voice of the Lord

The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty. — Psalms 29:4

Have you ever heard the voice of the Lord?  In the old testament there are many occasions when people heard God speaking to them in an audible voice.  Starting with Adam.  In Genesis it says that God commanded the man not to each of the tree of the knowledge of good an evil.  In Exodus we are told that the Lord would speak to Moses face to face as a man speaks with His friend.  Samuel heard God call to him at night when he was only 12 years old.  God showed up to talked to Job when he was mourning through a great loss in his life surrounded by friends trying to explain why things were happening to him.

Today we have God’s written word preserved for us.  The holy scripture is available to most of the known world to read and follow all of the direction that God gave people for life and godliness. Peter called it a “more sure word” than even the audible voice of God because it is continual.  The bible is not something you look at or can read only once and then walk away and forget it.  You can look into the perfect law of liberty every day any time of day to know God’s desired results of success for your life. 

We also have a more sure word of prophecy; that you do well and that you take listen to, as to a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns, and the day star rises in your hearts: 2 Peter 1:19

When the holy Spirit came at Pentecost, God began to lead and speak to people on the inside through the voice of the Holy Spirit.  When the new believers received salvation through accepting the payment of Jesus’ blood for the sin of the world, they were given a deposit of the Holy Spirit in their life. (See 2 Corinthians 1:22)  The Holy Spirit began to lead and direct people supernaturally through that still quiet voice on the inside of God’s people.

In Psalms 29, we read that the voice of the Lord is over everything.  Over, waters, thunders, trees, fire, wilderness, animals and people.   The voice of the Lord can be heard in these things that surround us every day and speaks louder that all the sounds in the world.  However, unless you tune into His voice, it will be hidden from those who are not listening for it.  This Psalm is a powerful reminder of the majesty and strength of God’s voice. In today’s world where we are bombarded by so many voices—opinions, news, social media, and our own doubts and fears—this Psalm calls us to pause and listen to the one voice that truly matters: the voice of the Lord.  You can do this by setting a special time each day to be quiet and meet with Him.  Look to His Word and talk to Him about the things that are on your heart.  Be intentional to listen to that inner voice and be ready to take the next steps He reveals to you in the plan for today.

This Psalms ends with a  promise that as we give attention to the voice of the Lord around us and in us, He will give us strength for what we have been called to and the blessing of peace as we walk out the purpose of our mission in life.  As powerful as God’s voice is, it is also filled with His majesty—a beauty and grace that speaks to the deepest parts of our souls. It’s not just about the power to create or destroy; it’s about the power to give life, to bring peace, and to instill hope.

Today I want to encourage you to remember that God’s voice is not distant or detached. It is active in your life, speaking over the waters of your circumstances, whether they are calm or stormy. His voice has the power to break the chains that bind you, to make the barren places in your life fruitful, and to bring peace to your troubled heart.  Take time to meditate on the fact that the same God whose voice thunders over the waters is also the One Who gives you strength and peace. No matter what circumstances may be surrounding your life, you can rest in the assurance that God’s voice is speaking into your situation, bringing power, peace, and purpose.  Be intentional to take time to listen for the voice of the Lord. In the middle of life’s noise and chaos, God’s voice is still speaking—guiding, comforting, and empowering you. Let His powerful and majestic voice be your source of strength and peace. Trust that He is in control, and His voice will lead you through whatever comes your way.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 29

1 Give unto the Lord, O you mighty ones, give unto the Lord glory and strength.

2 Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name; Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.

3 The voice of the Lord is over the waters; The God of glory thunders; The Lord is over many waters.

4 The voice of the Lord is powerful; The voice of the Lord is full of majesty.

5 The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars, yes, the Lord splinters the cedars of Lebanon.

6 He makes them also skip like a calf, Lebanon and Sirion like a young wild ox.

7 The voice of the Lord divides the flames of fire.

8 The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness; The Lord shakes the Wilderness of Kadesh.

9 The voice of the Lord makes the deer give birth, and strips the forests bare; And in His temple everyone says, “Glory!”

10 The Lord sat enthroned at the Flood, and the Lord sits as King forever.

11 The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace.

Bid me come

_{“And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it is you, bid me come to you on the water.” Matthew 14:28}

Have you ever been in a situation where you didn’t know what to do?  Maybe you had an important decision to make and weren’t sure what was the right direction to go.  How about when you hear something new from God’s Word and you aren’t quite sure that it means what you want it to?  Well, in today’s scripture there’s a phrase that can lead you to take the right steps.

When Jesus’ disciples saw Him walking to them on the water, they were not sure it was Him.  Even when He spoke to them and said who He was, they still weren’t sure.  So, Peter asked Him to call him out on the water if it was truly the LORD.  He said, “Lord, if it’s you, bid me come.”  In other words, Peter was asking Jesus to make it plain and clear that it was Him by calling to Peter to come in His direction.

I have often used this same approach when I wasn’t sure what to do.  At one point I wasn’t sure about something that was even in God’s Word because it is so widely debated in today’s “church”.  So, I ask the LORD, “If it’s right, open my eyes to the truth.”  I realize that isn’t the same question or phrase that Peter asked, but it’s along the same line.  I was actually saying LORD, if this is you, bid me come in your direction.  The point is, that shortly after that, He opened doors and made connections to answer questions I had in that area and then made it very plain and clear that it was indeed of Him and it was a way I could walk closer with Him.  He will do this with anything we are struggling with.  Anytime we don’t know what the right move is to make, simply asking Him to “bid you come in His direction” will assure you of the right steps to take.

Today I want to encourage you to ask the LORD to help with anything you may be struggling with.  Ask Him to “Bid you come” toward Him and His plan for the situation you may be facing.  Don’t stay in the “boat” of “I don’t know” or “I’m not sure”.  Ask the Holy Spirit to make the path plain and clear.  Ask Him to open the doors and make the connections to get you there.  Ask Him to line up your desire with the right way, especially in the area of your spiritual growth and walk.  Don’t let others’ unbelief keep you from all that God has for you in this life.  Step out of the “boat” in faith, in His direction as He empowers you to complete all the wonderful plans He has for your life!

Today’s scripture reading:  Matthew 14:22-33

22 Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. 

23 And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. 

24 But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.

25 Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. 

26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear.

27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”

28 And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”

29 So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. 

30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”

31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 

32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.

33 Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”

Overcoming Evil

“And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.” — Matthew 14:14

Jesus was the perfect example of how to respond in difficult times, showing us that the best way to extinguish the flames of evil is by doing good. In our human nature, when we’re wronged or hurt, the instinctive response is often to retaliate—to give someone a “piece of our mind,” seek revenge, or harbor resentment. But Scripture teaches us a different approach: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21).

In today’s passage, we see Jesus displaying this principle in a powerful way. In Matthew 14:12, after Jesus received the devastating news that John the Baptist, His relative and faithful servant of God, had been beheaded. The Scripture tells us that Jesus went off to be alone, likely to process His grief and commune with His Father. However, the story takes a surprising turn.

Instead of being consumed by grief, Jesus is moved with compassion. When He sees the great multitude that has followed Him, He doesn’t turn them away or explain His need for personal time. Instead, He steps into their needs, healing the sick and then, miraculously feeding over 5,000 people.

Talk about overcoming evil with good! In a moment when He had every reason to withdraw, Jesus chose to pour out love and compassion. He could have easily said, “This isn’t a good time for me. My family is in crisis, and I need space,” or “I need to be alone to process this loss.” Yet, His heart was so in tune with God’s purpose that He responded with grace, even in the midst of His own pain.

It’s important to note that overcoming evil with good doesn’t necessarily mean we must directly engage with those who wronged us. Jesus didn’t seek out the one who beheaded John in this situation to do good to him. Instead, He focused on the people right in front of Him, those who needed His compassion and care. Jesus recognized that the real enemy was not the people or even the circumstances, but Satan, the source of all evil. By focusing on doing good, Jesus turned what could have been a moment of deep sorrow into an opportunity to show God’s love and power.

Today, I want to encourage you to remember that when evil comes your way, the best way to respond is with good. When your thoughts and emotions are pushing you to get even or do something even worse, choose instead to walk in God’s goodness and love. Right where you are, in whatever situation you face, let God’s light shine through you by overcoming evil with doing good and having compassion on others.

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 14:1-21

1 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the report about Jesus 

2 and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him.” 

3 For Herod had laid hold of John and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. 

4 Because John had said to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” 

5 And although he wanted to put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.

6 But when Herod’s birthday was celebrated, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod. 

7 Therefore he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask.

8 So she, having been prompted by her mother, said, “Give me John the Baptist’s head here on a platter.”

9 And the king was sorry; nevertheless, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he commanded it to be given to her. 

10 So he sent and had John beheaded in prison. 

11 And his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. 

12 Then his disciples came and took away the body and buried it, and went and told Jesus.

13 When Jesus heard it, He departed from there by boat to a deserted place by Himself. But when the multitudes heard it, they followed Him on foot from the cities. 

14 And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick. 

15 When it was evening, His disciples came to Him, saying, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is already late. Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages and buy themselves food.”

16 But Jesus said to them, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”

17 And they said to Him, “We have here only five loaves and two fish.”

18 He said, “Bring them here to Me.” 

19 Then He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass. And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes. 

20 So they all ate and were filled, and they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments that remained. 

21 Now those who had eaten were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

Pray in faith

The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore, my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him. – Psalms 28:7

 Sometimes I start my prayers be telling God what I am going through.  It’s not a bad thing, but a lot of the time it will turn into voicing my frustrations in my current situation instead of focusing on His power to change it.  Other times I have approached my Father by pleading with Him to do something or change a predicament that is going on.  Again, I don’t think that it offends God, but it is not the most effective way to pray.  In the New Testament in the book of James we are told that it is the prayer of faith that gets results and in Hebrews it says that without that faith, it is impossible to please God.

In Psalms 28, David starts out his pray to God by crying out for help.  It is the right thing to do to go to Him with our troubles, but David actually sounds like he is telling God what to do.  He said: “Do not be silent to me or I will be lost in the pit,” “Hear the voice of my supplications when I cry and reach out to you.”   He also commands: “Do not take me away with the wicked who have evil in their heart but punish them according to their wicked deeds.”

Then in verse 6, David transitioned his pray, turned the focus onto God and what he knew God was able to do and had done in the past.  His prayer becomes full of faith as he shifted his focus from the earthly problems to the power of the eternal God in heaven.  His words are much different as he changed his heart posture from demanding to humility.  Verse 6 on says: “Blessed be the Lord because He had heard the voice of my crying out.  He is my strength and shield of protection.  I trust Him and He helps me. Now my heart is greatly rejoicing, and I will praise Him with my song.  He is my strength and saving refuge.”  David ended his prayer by praying beyond his own problems and life concerns.  He said: “Save Your people and bless your inheritance.  Shepherd them and carry them forever.” 

If we like David begin to change your prayer attitude to one of focus on the power of God in our troubles instead of focusing on how bad the trouble is, we will begin to be much more effective and powerful in our prayer life.  God is strong and He is able to do what seems impossible in our small thinking.  He knows the big picture, and nothing is too difficult for Him.

So today I want to encourage you to consider the way you come into His presence.  Do you come in when you have tried everything else first and use prayer as a last resort?  Do you run to Him as soon as things get uncomfortable and plead your case of righteousness blaming the circumstances and people around you for the discomfort.  Instead, come boldly to the throne of grace in humility and praise.  Thank Him for all He has brought you through.  Remember the past victories He has given you.  Then tell Him you know He will do it again because you are asking now and putting the problem in His hands to bring you through to His planned outcome.  He may not take the struggle away and you may not have an immediate miracle, but He will walk with you through it all and you will come out on the other side ready to face any challenge with your Savior that comes next.  Remember also to pray for your nation and the people around you. We live in a messed up world and trust me, there is no way to live a problem free life, but when you walk closely with Him and determine to follow His direction, you will sail through the storms to safety every time.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 28

1 To You I will cry, O Lord my Rock: Do not be silent to me, lest, if You are silent to me, I become like those who go down to the pit.

2 Hear the voice of my supplications when I cry to You, when I lift up my hands toward Your holy sanctuary.

3 Do not take me away with the wicked and with the workers of iniquity, who speak peace to their neighbors, but evil is in their hearts.

4 Give them according to their deeds, and according to the wickedness of their endeavors; Give them according to the work of their hands; Render to them what they deserve.

5 Because they do not regard the works of the Lord, nor the operation of His hands, He shall destroy them and not build them up.

6 Blessed be the Lord, because He has heard the voice of my supplications!

7 The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him.

8 The Lord is their strength, and He is the saving refuge of His anointed.

9 Save Your people, and bless Your inheritance; Shepherd them also, and bear them up forever.

Live with Him

_{One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple. – Psalms 27:4}

There are some days when I wake up in the morning that I don’t feel good about myself.  I don’t always know the reason why.  Maybe it was because I said or did something the day before that I regret or maybe it was something that I did to someone else that I am now sorry for.  Sometimes it is because of what someone else did or said to me.  It really doesn’t matter what the reason is. The important thing is that I know how to take it to my Father in heaven and shake it off so that I can move forward in my life and my calling.  

Now I realize that there are always going to be days when things are just not quite right.  We live in a fallen world so there will never be perfect surroundings. Thank goodness, with God’s help, we can accomplish the mission we were created for, but we must know how to submit all things to Him for direction, instructions and cleansing.  When we feel bad about ourselves or others, it is so important to turn it all over to God so that our heart does not condemn us and steal our confidence in Him.

In today’s reading, we can learn how to walk through this life with God’s presence and protection every step of the way.  Psalms 27 offers encouragement and strength no matter how we are feeling or what is going on around us. In verse 4, David expressed a deep longing to be in God’s presence continually.  He wanted to experience His beauty, and to seek His guidance. David reminded himself that there is only one place he wanted to be all the time, that is to be in God’s presence.

In David’s day, being in God’s presences would mean that he would have to go to the place of worship to be with Him.  It is a quite different for us today.  Because God sent His only Son to come and pay the price for sin, now He is able to come right into our hearts and lives and be with us where ever we go.  Not only is this the greatest gift of all time that saves us from being eternally separated from Him, but it also gives us access to His presence right where we are every minute of every day.

Dwelling in the house of the Lord doesn’t just mean being in a physical building or place of worship. It means living in constant awareness of God’s presence in your life, no matter where you are. It’s about cultivating a heart that is focused on God, seeking Him in every situation, and recognizing that His presence is with you in every moment of your life.

You can dwell in the house of the Lord while sitting at your desk at work, while caring for your family, or even while facing the most challenging circumstances. It’s about turning your thoughts to Him, inviting Him into your daily routine and your problems, and allowing His peace and guidance to fill your heart.

It is no secret that life can be overwhelming at times, with responsibilities, struggles, and uncertainties weighing us down. But when you choose to dwell in the presence of the Lord, you are choosing to anchor yourself in His peace and strength. The house of the Lord is not limited by walls or a location—it is wherever you are, because God is with you.

In this Psalm, David also speaks of the confidence he had in God, saying, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1). This confidence came from knowing that God is always near, ready to provide light in the darkness and strength in weakness.

No matter where you are in life, you can find refuge in God’s presence. When the world feels chaotic, when the future seems uncertain, when the burdens feel too heavy, you can dwell in the house of the Lord by drawing close to Him in prayer, worship, and focusing on His Word. He promises to be your light, your salvation, and your stronghold.

This passage also speaks of the desire to “behold the beauty of the Lord” and to “inquire in His temple.” We can do this by seeking to understand God’s character, His love, His goodness, and His wisdom in your life. It’s about taking time to reflect on who God is and how His presence can give you a whole new perspective on whatever is going on around you.

When you dwell in God’s presence, you start to see the beauty of His creation, the blessings in your life, and the ways He is working even in difficult situations. You also find the wisdom you need to navigate life’s challenges. God’s house is a place of learning, of growth, and of transformation—and you can experience all of that right where you are.

Today I want to encourage you to dwell in the house of the Lord by living with a heart that is at home with God. Make your relationship with Him the center of your life, no matter where you find yourself physically or emotionally.  In this season of your life, you can dwell in His presence. You can find peace in His protection, strength in His presence, and joy in knowing that He is with you every step of the way. So, seek God with all your heart today and everyday by committing everything into His hands.  Then you will find strength for your struggles, rest in His love, and live in His house—right where you are.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 27

1The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

2When the wicked came against me to eat up my flesh, my enemies and foes, they stumbled and fell.

3Though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; Though war may rise against me, in this I will be confident.

4One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple.

5For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock.

6And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me; Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.

7Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice! Have mercy also upon me, and answer me.

8When You said, “Seek My face,” my heart said to You, “Your face, Lord, I will seek.”

9Do not hide Your face from me; Do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; Do not leave me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation.

10When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take care of me.

11Teach me Your way, O Lord, and lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies.

12Do not deliver me to the will of my adversaries; For false witnesses have risen against me, and such as breathe out violence.

13I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

14Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!

Be honest with yourself and God

Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; Try my mind and my heart. – Psalms 26:2

 While we live in this world, we have choices about how we are going to live and who we are going to live for. Initially, it might look like there are many options, but it ultimately boil down to three main paths: living for self, living to please others, or living for God on His purpose. However, each path leads to extremely different outcomes in our lives.

Living for Self: A Path of Striving and Conflict

If you live and act with the mindset that you are the center of your universe, focusing solely on taking care of “number one”—yourself, then your primary concern will be getting what you feel entitled to. The result will be continually trying to maneuver circumstances and manipulating people to serve your agenda. These actions will lead to a life of constant battle. That path may bring temporary successes, but it will inevitably lead to exhaustion, strained relationships, and deep disappointment.

• Striving and Conflict: Living for self is exhausting because it demands that you constantly fight to get ahead, often at the expense of others. It breeds conflict because, in your pursuit of personal gain, you are trying to manipulate and pressure those around you, damaging your relationships and isolating yourself.
• Disappointment: Even when you achieve your goals, the satisfaction is fleeting. The feelings of emptiness that follow will be a reminder that living only for yourself is not the path to true joy and fulfillment.

Living for Others: A Life of Fear and Disappointment

If you live your life in a way that focuses on pleasing others. While being kind, helpful, and encouraging are positive traits, living to meet the expectations of others can lead to a life dominated by fear and anxiety.

• Fear of Failure: When your motivation is to avoid disappointing others, you will find yourself paralyzed by the fear of not measuring up. This fear can lead to burnout as you try to be everything to everyone, forgetting that it is impossible to please everyone all the time.
• Disappointment: Inevitably, despite your best efforts, you will fall short of someone’s expectations, leading to feelings of failure and discouragement.  You will also experience strained relationships when you can’t meet the impossible demands you’ve placed on yourself.

Living for God: A Life of Purpose and Peace

The way we were designed to live our life is with purpose, guided by our Heavenly Father. When you choose to follow His plan and direction, you find a life that is not only fulfilling but also free from the burdens of self-centered striving or the fear of disappointing others.

• Guidance and Direction: Living for God means trusting Him to lead you. Psalm 26:2 is a prayer asking God to examine your heart and mind, to refine your motives, and to guide you on the right path. When you live with this heart posture, you’re not living for yourself or others—you’re living for a higher purpose.
• Divine Appointments: God will lead you to those He has placed in your life to help and serve. Unlike the self-focused life, where you seek to control everything, or the people-pleasing life, where you fear failure, living for God brings peace because you trust Him to guide your steps. He will bring the right opportunities and the right people into your life at the just the right time.
• Provision and Support: As you live for God, you can trust Him to provide everything you need. He will equip you with the resources, wisdom, and strength to fulfill His purpose for your life. He will also bring people into your life to support and encourage you along the way.  Living life on His agenda and His plan will bring you not only His greatest blessings in this world, but also a life full of joy and contentment.

David’s prayer in Psalm 26 is a powerful reminder that being open and honest with yourself, and God is essential if you are going to successfully follow His plan. It means that you must allow Him to examine your heart and show you where you are on track and where you may have gotten off course.  You cannot go to God and just tell Him what you are doing and what is going on in the world around you.  When you do that, you are not allowing Him the space to correct your course and many times, you are justifying why you are right and everyone else is wrong and to blame for your lack of progress.  While your complaints might be true, that kind of “praying” will not put you in a position to accomplish what you are here to do for the kingdom of heaven.

I can tell you an example of this in a ministry that I recently got involved in.  As I followed God’s direction into a position there, it would be easy for me to either sit back and wonder why things are not falling into place because everyone else is doing their own thing.  On the other hand I could have easily fallen into the trap of pulling on people to get involved because I need help to get this mission accomplished. 

Instead of getting sucked into those mindsets, I began prayerfully asking the Holy Spirit for direction on how to lead the group and also that He would bring in the people and resources together that are needed to be successful in this mission.  It has been such a joy to watch as He provides and supplies everything we need to reach those He has called us to.  I am not saying that there are never some opportunities to feel stress, but as I take those occasions to Him, He faithfully shows up and leads the way through to brings results in the lives we are touching that only He can accomplish!

Living life on God’s path and according to His plan ensures that our motives are pure, our actions are honest, and our hearts are devoted to God’s purposes. When we live this way, we don’t have to manipulate others or strive for selfish gain. Instead, we trust that God sees our hearts and will guide us on the right path.

David’s prayer is also a declaration of his trust in God. He is confident that God will vindicate him because he has walked uprightly and trusted in the Lord without wavering (Psalm 26:1). This trust is not based on David’s perfection, but on his relationship with God, his desire to live according to God’s ways, and his commitment to righteousness.

God has a unique purpose for each of our lives. When you allow Him to examine your heart and mind, He reveals the areas that need to be refined so that you can better get into agreement with His purpose. Getting on His planned path for your life brings clarity and direction, helping to make decisions that honor Him and fulfill the calling He has placed on your life.  In living for God, you are not just avoiding the pitfalls of self-centered living or the traps of people-pleasing; you are stepping into the fullness of what God has designed for you. You are embracing a life of purpose, where every decision and action is guided by His wisdom and love.

Today I want to encourage you to allow God to examine your heart and mind, refine your motives, and guide you in living a life that honors Him. As you do, you will experience the peace, fulfillment, and joy that comes from living with integrity and purpose in God’s presence.  Remember that living for God is not about being perfect but about having a heart that is open to His examination and guidance. When you ask God to “examine me, O Lord,” you’re inviting Him to purify your motives and line up your life with His word and His direction. This leads to a life of purpose, joy, and peace—far different from the exhausting paths of living for self or others.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 26

1 Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity I have also trusted in the Lord; I shall not slip.

2 Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; Try my mind and my heart.

3 For Your lovingkindness is before my eyes, and I have walked in Your truth.

4 I have not sat with idolatrous mortals, nor will I go in with hypocrites.

5 I have hated the assembly of evildoers, and will not sit with the wicked.

6 I will wash my hands in innocence; So I will go about Your altar, O Lord,

7 That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all Your wondrous works.

8 Lord, I have loved the habitation of Your house, and the place where Your glory dwells.

9 Do not gather my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloodthirsty men,

10 In whose hands is a sinister scheme, and whose right hand is full of bribes.

11 But as for me, I will walk in my integrity; Redeem me and be merciful to me.

12 My foot stands in an even place; In the congregations I will bless the Lord.