The Daily Dose

Panting for God

 As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. – Psalms 42:1

 As I read Psalms 42, I found myself lingering on the first verse, focused by the image of a soul thirsting for God like a deer panting for water. I began to imagine what it would feel like to pursue God so fervently that I was out of breath, desperate for His presence as if I needed Him to quench my deepest thirst. If I were chasing after Him with that kind of passion, surely it wouldn’t be difficult to reach Him. In my heart, I know that God isn’t hiding from me or making it hard to find Him. So why, at times, does it feel so challenging to experience His presence?

As I reflected on this, I remembered the promise in Psalms 16: in God’s presence, there is fullness of joy. So, why wouldn’t my soul naturally long for that joy, to pant and thirst for Him above all else?  That’s when I realized that it does.  When I am feeling down and discontented, it is because my soul is longing for Him.

Yesterday was stressful, and when I lay down to sleep, my mind was cluttered with thoughts from the day, preventing me from fully resting. It was no coincidence that I had read Psalms 42 earlier in the evening, so I decided to shift my focus and reflect on this idea of longing after God. I figured that if I made hearing from Him my priority and sought His presence, peace would surely come, and my worries would disappear. Just as I had hoped, it didn’t take long to sense His closeness. All I did was simply thank Him for being near and ask what it would look like to thirst for Him as a deer thirst for water.

In that moment, God reminded me that His presence is always with me, but it’s when I take the time to be still and become aware of Him that I truly experience His peace. He showed me that I don’t need to strive or work hard to be close to Him—just the opposite. I need to quiet my thoughts and activities and rest in His love and kindness. It was such a comforting and peaceful experience that, when my mind tried to drift back to my worries, I quickly redirected it to focus on what God was revealing to me so I didn’t miss a detail.

Now I understand that this is the key to living in the moment. Instead of letting my mind get lost in anxiety about what might happen next, I can intentionally bring myself back into God’s presence throughout the day. It doesn’t mean ignoring my responsibilities or not doing what needs to be done, but rather turning my anxious thoughts into opportunities to draw closer to Him and using them as reminders that His peace and presence is moving out of first place.

So, How Do We Pant After God?

Panting after God, as described in Psalms 42, is about cultivating a deep, ongoing desire for Him in every moment of life. It’s not about striving or working harder to feel His presence, but about creating intentional space to be with Him. Here are a few ways we can do this:

• Start with Gratitude: Like I did last night, begin by simply thanking God for being with you. Gratitude has a way of refocusing our minds away from stress and onto God’s goodness, which helps usher us into His presence.
• Silence the Noise: Life can be loud and chaotic, which often distracts us from hearing God. Take a moment to quiet your thoughts and activities. Find peace in stillness and let that be the space where you meet with God.

• Turn Worry into Worship: When anxious thoughts creep in, use them as a prompt to seek God instead. Rather than letting worry take over, invite God into those places of concern, and allow Him to speak peace and truth into your heart.

• Practice His Presence: Throughout your day, make it a habit to pause and acknowledge God’s nearness. Whether you’re at work, running errands, or spending time with family, remember that He is right there with you. Practicing His presence helps you remain connected to Him in all circumstances.

• Rest in His Love: Remember, you don’t have to work hard to be close to God. His love is constant, and His desire is for you to simply rest in that love. Instead of striving, let go of the pressure and rest in the truth that God’s presence is always available to you.

In moments when we feel distant or overwhelmed, we can take comfort in knowing that God is near, and it’s in the quieting of our hearts that we find Him. Psalms 42 reminds us to thirst for God, and in that thirst, He promises to meet us with the fullness of joy, peace, and the consistency of His presence.

Today, I want to encourage you to let your soul thirst for your heavenly Father, just as a deer pants for water. Make time to be in His presence and develop a plan to make it a daily habit. Don’t wait for the weight of life’s concerns to overwhelm you before seeking Him. Instead, purposefully step into His love throughout your day. Pay attention to your emotions, and when you feel unease creeping in, take it as a sign that you might be slipping into handling things on your own. Let it prompt you to return to the steadiness of His peace and provision. Allow your life to be guided by God’s ever-present wisdom and grace, and free yourself from the pressures and demands of this crazy world.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 42

1 As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God.

2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?

3 My tears have been my food day and night, while they continually say to me, “Where is your God?”

4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul within me. For I used to go with the multitude; I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept a pilgrim feast.

5 Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance.

6 O my God, my soul is cast down within me; Therefore I will remember You from the land of the Jordan, and from the heights of Hermon, from the Hill Mizar.

7 Deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls; All Your waves and billows have gone over me.

8 The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night His song shall be with me— A prayer to the God of my life.

9 I will say to God my Rock, “Why have You forgotten me? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?”

10 As with a breaking of my bones, my enemies reproach me, while they say to me all day long, “Where is your God?”

11 Why are you cast down, O my soul? and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.

Consider the poor

 Blessed is he who considers the poor; The Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. The Lord will preserve him and keep him alive, and he will be blessed on the earth; – Psalms 41:1-2

Do you consider the poor? I must admit, I never gave it much thought—even when I was poor myself. Back then, I believed that if I worked hard enough, I wouldn’t be poor anymore. I used to think that people who were struggling were in that position because of their poor decisions or the way they viewed life. But eventually, I realized that it didn’t matter why someone was in poverty. If I could help someone in need, I should, regardless of the circumstances or choices that put them there. I now know that God loved me even when I was making bad decisions and living in lack, and He loves everyone in a bad situation, no matter how they got there.

In Psalms 41, it says that those who consider the poor are blessed. But it doesn’t stop there—it goes on to describe the blessings that come from such compassion. The Lord promises to deliver those who help the poor in times of trouble, preserve their lives, and bless them on the earth. The Psalm even says that God will not allow those who care for the poor to be delivered into the hands of their enemies. Even when they’re sick or struggling, God will strengthen and restore them. These are wonderful promises and further reasons to take this message to heart and consider the poor.

So, what does it mean to “consider the poor”? It’s more than just giving money or material support. It’s about truly seeing people, understanding their struggles, and offering compassion without judgment. It’s about reflecting God’s love—His unconditional love—by offering help, even when we don’t fully understand someone’s situation. When we consider the poor, we line ourselves up with God’s heart, and in return, He blesses us with protection, strength, and His favor.

There was a time when compassion and truly considering the poor was something I struggled with. It was a season where I was preoccupied with my own life—my needs, my problems, my stuff. I realize now that I was walking through life with blinders on, unaware of the pain and hardship happening all around me. However, since that time the Holy Spirit has shown me how to be more intentional about noticing those in need. I now have a plan in place to be more aware of the hurting people God places in my path.

I’ll never forget a moment that marked a change in my heart. I came across a young man holding a sign that read, “Homeless and Hungry.” In my mind, I wondered if this was a scam or a situation that was self-inflicted. I asked the Lord, silently, if this was a moment where I should give. I felt prompted by His Spirit to give, and in obedience, I did. Normally, I like to offer words of encouragement or share a scripture, but this time, the giving was meant for me. The moment I handed over the money, compassion hit my heart like never before. I was overwhelmed by the pain this man was experiencing. Whether his situation was self-inflicted or not didn’t matter. He was lost and suffering, just as I once was. I realized, at that moment, how deeply God loved him. God loves this man so much that He sent His own Son to die for him, just as He did for you and me.

Maybe you’ve had similar thoughts when seeing someone along the road holding a sign—wondering why they aren’t working or taking care of their own business. Maybe you’ve even seen the poor as burdensome or someone who takes up too much space. Even if you haven’t voiced those thoughts aloud, it’s possible there’s a gap in your heart that needs to be filled with God’s love and compassion for the poor. The good news is—it’s never too late. You can start today by asking God to open your heart to those around you who need a blessing. And in return, receive His blessings back into your life.

Today, I encourage you to consider the poor—not for why or how they came to be in that situation, but because they are precious to our Heavenly Father.  Be reminded of God’s heart for the poor and the blessings He promises to those who consider them. It’s not about judging why someone is in a difficult situation, but about responding with the same grace and compassion that God shows us all. Whether through a small act of kindness or a thoughtful word of encouragement, you can be the hands and feet of Jesus to those in need. As you step into this calling, God promises to strengthen, protect, and bless you. Today, ask God to open your eyes to the struggles of those around you and fill your heart with His love, so you can be a blessing to others—knowing that in doing so, you will also experience His abundant blessings. Start now and watch how God moves through your willingness to care for others.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 41

1 Blessed is he who considers the poor; The Lord will deliver him in time of trouble.

2 The Lord will preserve him and keep him alive, and he will be blessed on the earth; You will not deliver him to the will of his enemies.

3 The Lord will strengthen him on his bed of illness; You will sustain him on his sickbed.

4 I said, “Lord, be merciful to me; Heal my soul, for I have sinned against You.”

5 My enemies speak evil of me: “When will he die, and his name perish?”

6 And if he comes to see me, he speaks lies; His heart gathers iniquity to itself; When he goes out, he tells it.

7 All who hate me whisper together against me; Against me they devise my hurt.

8 “An evil disease,” they say, “clings to him. and now that he lies down, he will rise up no more.”

9 Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.

10 But You, O Lord, be merciful to me, and raise me up, that I may repay them.

11 By this I know that You are well pleased with me, because my enemy does not triumph over me.

12 As for me, You uphold me in my integrity, and set me before Your face forever.

13 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting! Amen and Amen.

Established on the Rock

“He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth— Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, and will trust in the LORD.” – Psalms 40:2-3

These two verses sum up my life story. God pulled me out of a horrible pit—a pit I had gotten myself into. He set my feet upon a rock, not just on any rock but the Rock, Jesus! Now, He is establishing my steps, day by day, on His perfect path of righteousness. And He has put a new song in my mouth. I no longer sing the songs of gloom, despair, or agony. My new song is one of praise and thankfulness! I’m thankful for what He pulled me out of. I had fallen into a pit, then laid down and wallowed in it. It was the pit of selfishness. I was living for me, thinking I was the only one who could make me happy. But I was wrong—I was miserable.

“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved me,” lifted me out of that horrible pit! Glory to God! Now He holds me day by day, and I never want to go back. My desire is to stay so close to Him that I never fall into that self-centered pit again. And it’s not just a wish—I have a plan in motion to stay close to Him. Here’s how it started:

Several years ago, I sensed the Lord calling me to get up early each morning to spend an hour with Him in prayer and worship. I was excited at first, but that excitement quickly faded. Soon I was struggling to keep up with it, and this struggle continued for several years. Some mornings it happened, and some it didn’t. I could not make it into a habit. Every time I failed to follow through, I felt bad. But I noticed something important: on the days I gave God the first part of my day, everything seemed to go smoothly. On the days I didn’t, it felt like I was playing catch-up, constantly behind and chasing after the day.

Then one day, I decided to shift my perspective. I began to see this time with God as an offering. I would sacrifice some of my sleep and give that time to Him as an offering instead. That change in my thinking transformed my life! Before, I wanted change but wasn’t fully willing to make it happen. I was trying to live from miracle to miracle instead of walking in His divine direction. Don’t get me wrong—God has worked many miracles in my life, and I still depend on His intervention in times of crisis. But now I find my life far more fulfilling when I walk in obedience to His Word and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Just like David in Psalms 40, I too found myself in a pit, one that I had dug with my own hands through selfishness and misguided priorities. David’s cry for deliverance resonates with my own journey. He wrote, “He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps.” This verse speaks volumes about how God meets us in our darkest moments. David’s “horrible pit” reflects the places of despair, where we feel trapped by our own decisions, yet God doesn’t leave us there. He places our feet upon the firm foundation of Jesus, the Rock, and gives us new direction and purpose. Much like David, I no longer sing songs of defeat and misery. Instead, He has put a new song of praise in my heart, and I rejoice in the freedom that only He can provide. His mercy is endless, and His plans for me are far greater than I could ever imagine.

This same promise extends to all of us, no matter the pit we’ve found ourselves in. As David’s life was a testimony to God’s faithfulness, your life can become a reflection of His mercy and grace too. God has an incredible plan for each of our lives, and the only way to walk it out is step by step, day by day, in His presence.

Today, I want to encourage you to make time to listen for His daily guidance. Setting aside time for God is the most important habit you can start. It doesn’t have to be at the crack of dawn, like it is for me, but it should be a priority in your day. Set an appointment with God and commit to keeping it. I promise you—this simple habit will change your life for the better! Before long you will find yourself singing a new song and trusting God in every area of your life.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 40

1 I waited patiently for the Lord; And He inclined to me, and heard my cry.

2 He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps.

3 He has put a new song in my mouth— Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, and will trust in the Lord.

4 Blessed is that man who makes the Lord his trust, and does not respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.

5 Many, O Lord my God, are Your wonderful works which You have done; and Your thoughts toward us cannot be recounted to You in order; If I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.

6 Sacrifice and offering You did not desire; My ears You have opened. burnt offering and sin offering You did not require.

7 Then I said, “Behold, I come; In the scroll of the book it is written of me.

8 I delight to do Your will, O my God, and Your law is within my heart.”

9 I have proclaimed the good news of righteousness in the great assembly; Indeed, I do not restrain my lips, O Lord, You Yourself know.

10 I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart; I have declared Your faithfulness and Your salvation; I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth from the great assembly.

11 Do not withhold Your tender mercies from me, O Lord; Let Your lovingkindness and Your truth continually preserve me.

12 For innumerable evils have surrounded me; My iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to look up; They are more than the hairs of my head; Therefore my heart fails me.

13 Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me; O Lord, make haste to help me!

14 Let them be ashamed and brought to mutual confusion who seek to destroy my life; Let them be driven backward and brought to dishonor who wish me evil.

15 Let them be confounded because of their shame, who say to me, “Aha, aha!”

16 Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; Let such as love Your salvation say continually, “The Lord be magnified!”

17 But I am poor and needy; Yet the Lord thinks upon me. You are my help and my deliverer; Do not delay, O my God.

You can count on it

“Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear to my cry; Do not be silent at my tears; For I am a stranger with You, a sojourner, as all my fathers were. – Psalms 39:12

 Have you ever felt like your prayers are not getting through?  Like you are praying so hard, but it doesn’t seem like anyone is hearing them?  I sure have.  I used to pray the same things over and over again because I didn’t feel like I was reaching heaven.  Until on day I realized that God’s word promises that when I call on Him, He will answer me (Psalms 91) and when knock, He opens the door (Matthew 7:8).  That was the day that I changed the way I prayed.  Instead of continuing to pray the same things over and waiting until I felt or saw something happening, now I just believe they are happening because of the promises God made in His word.  My prayer no longer depends on me, it depends on God and me believing He will do what He said in His word that He will do.  So now, I thank Him for His promises instead of asking Him.  I thank Him that He has begone a good work in me and those I am praying for and that He will continue that work until the day of Christ Jesus.  I thank Him that I am more than a conqueror because the greater One lives inside me.  I rejoice that He is faithful and just and has cleansed me from all unrighteousness.  Not because I asked but because He promised.

It’s easy to feel discouraged when we don’t see immediate answers in prayer or sense God’s presence the way we hoped. David, in this psalm, expresses that same feeling of vulnerability—crying out to God, asking Him to listen to his prayer and not be silent.

But here’s the truth: God is always listening. Even when you can’t feel it, He hears every word, every sigh, and even the silent cries of your heart. In those moments of waiting, He hasn’t turned away. He is with you in silence, working in ways you may not yet see or understand. Just as David recognized that he was a sojourner, passing through this life with all its trials, he also understood that God is a faithful companion on this journey and kept His promises then and He keeps them now.

God may not always respond the way we expect, but His silence is not absence. Sometimes, in those quiet moments, He is growing your faith, teaching you to trust Him more deeply, and preparing you for something greater. The secret is to keep pressing in and getting close to Him by spending time in His presence.  James 4:8 promises that when we press in and draw near to Him, He presses back and comes closer to us.  You can be as close to God as you want to be.  It is your choice.

Today, I want to encourage you that He is listening. Keep praying and thanking Him for His promises. Keep seeking and take some time to look up what He has promised in His Word. Don’t get discouraged when you don’t see things immediately move after you pray.  Just know and believe that God is at work behind the scenes turning the circumstance for good. Though you may feel like a stranger in this world, God is your constant. He walks with you through the uncertainties and struggles, and He will answer you in His perfect time. Your prayers are not in vain, and your tears do not go unnoticed. Trust in His love, His commitment in His word and His timing, for He is always near, even when the path feels uncertain, He will do what He promised to.  You can depend on that.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 39

1 I said, “I will guard my ways, lest I sin with my tongue; I will restrain my mouth with a muzzle, while the wicked are before me.”

2 I was mute with silence, I held my peace even from good; And my sorrow was stirred up.

3 My heart was hot within me; While I was musing, the fire burned. Then I spoke with my tongue:

4 “Lord, make me to know my end, and what is the measure of my days, that I may know how frail I am.

5 Indeed, You have made my days as handbreadths, and my age is as nothing before You; Certainly every man at his best state is but vapor Selah

6 Surely every man walks about like a shadow; Surely they busy themselves in vain; He heaps up riches, and does not know who will gather them.

7 “And now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You.

8 Deliver me from all my transgressions; Do not make me the reproach of the foolish.

9 I was mute, I did not open my mouth, because it was You who did it.

10 Remove Your plague from me; I am consumed by the blow of Your hand.

11 When with rebukes You correct man for iniquity, you make his beauty melt away like a moth; Surely every man is vapor. Selah

12 “Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear to my cry; Do not be silent at my tears; For I am a stranger with You, a sojourner, as all my fathers were.

13 Remove Your gaze from me, that I may regain strength, before I go away and am no more.”

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.