The Daily Dose

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.

Praying for the nation

Redeem Israel, O God, out of all their troubles! – Psalms 25:22

Because our nation is in an election season, many people are being much more intentional about praying for our country.  Christian are more aware at this time of the troubles in our nation and have made calling out to God a greater priority in their everyday life.  While it is true that we need to be praying for out nation and especially for the outcome of the election, our prayer needs to start with ourselves.  As individuals it is important to examine our life and the motives of our heart so that we can humble ourselves and repent of our own sin first.  Then we can pray and repent for our nation and ask God to turn it around to head in His direction instead of to ruin.

Today’s Psalm is an earnest prayer from David that lays out a plan of action for seeking God’s guidance, forgiveness, and protection. It begins with a personal plea for God’s help, but it doesn’t end there. David’s prayer organically grows into a broader intercession for his nation, Israel. His prayer starts with his own personal issues and struggles and then expands into praying for others.  This example shows us an important lesson about the power and responsibility of prayer, especially when it comes to our nation.

Below is a basic outline of David’s example of praying for Israel, his homeland.

Start with Your Own Heart

Before we can effectively pray for our nation, David reminds us that we need to start by praying for our own hearts. David began his prayer by asking God to guide him, teach him, and forgive him. He understood that if he wanted to be a vessel for change in his nation, he first needed to line up his own life with God’s plan and purpose and be cleansed from his sins.  Below are the steps you can take to begin lining your life up with the heart of God for you:

1, Seek God’s Guidance and direction: “Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” (Psalm 25:4-5)

Pray that God would guide you in His truth and teach you His ways. As you seek His direction for your life, you will be better equipped to understand how to pray for your nation.

2. Ask for Forgiveness: “Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, Lord, are good.” (Psalm 25:6-7)

Begin by confessing your own sins and asking God to cleanse you. A heart that is humble and open before God is a powerful instrument in prayer. When we recognize our need for God’s mercy, we are reminded of His great grace and goodness, which we can then extend in prayer for our nation.

Pray for the Nation with a heart in agreement with God’s plans and purpose

Once you have gotten your heart right before your heavenly Father, extend that prayer to your nation. David prayed, “Deliver Israel, O God, from all their troubles!” (Psalm 25:22). His prayer for Israel came from a heart that had already been touched by God’s mercy and guidance, giving him a heart of love and compassion for the people in his land.

This is the way we can pray for leaders and the people of America: Ask God to guide our leaders with His wisdom and righteousness. Pray for the people of our nation to turn their hearts toward God, seeking His truth and justice. Just as David asked for God’s guidance, we can ask God to show our nation His ways and lead it on the right path.

Intercede for forgiveness and healing: Stand in the gap for America, asking God to forgive the sins that have been done against Him. Pray for healing where there is division, strife, or injustice. Just as you asked God for personal forgiveness, intercede for our land with the same heart of repentance and humility.

Trust in God’s Faithfulness: Remember that the same God who hears your personal prayers is the God who holds America in His hands. Trust in His faithfulness to answer prayers, both for yourself and for your country. David trusted God to deliver Israel, and we can also trust God to move powerfully in our nation at this time.  As we repent and put God in first place in our lives, He will turn things around not only on a personal level but also to a national revival.

Today I want to encourage you that a national transformation begins with personal revival. As we humble ourselves, seek God’s guidance, and ask for His forgiveness, we position ourself to pray effectively for our nation. Praying for yourself first will allow God to work in your heart, preparing you to stand in the gap for your country. When you pray for your nation, you become part of the greater work that God is doing to bring about healing, justice, and righteousness on a larger scale. As the time of the election gets closer each day, lets humble ourselves first and ensure that we are personally walking out the plan and path of our Father’s perfect design but don’t stop there. Just as David’s personal prayer extended to Israel, let’s allow our prayers to flow from our own hearts to the heart of our nation, trusting in God’s goodness and faithfulness to bring about His purpose in our lives and then in the world around us.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 25

1 To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

2 O my God, I trust in You; Let me not be ashamed; Let not my enemies triumph over me.

3 Indeed, let no one who waits on You be ashamed; Let those be ashamed who deal treacherously without cause.

4 Show me Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths.

5 Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day.

6 Remember, O Lord, Your tender mercies and Your lovingkindnesses, for they are from of old.

7 Do not remember the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions; According to Your mercy remember me, for Your goodness’ sake, O Lord.

8 Good and upright is the Lord; Therefore He teaches sinners in the way.

9 The humble He guides in justice, and the humble He teaches His way.

10 All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth, to such as keep His covenant and His testimonies.

11 For Your name’s sake, O Lord, pardon my iniquity, for it is great.

12 Who is the man that fears the Lord? Him shall He teach in the way He chooses.

13 He himself shall dwell in prosperity, and his descendants shall inherit the earth.

14 The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him, and He will show them His covenant.

15 My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for He shall pluck my feet out of the net.

16 Turn Yourself to me, and have mercy on me, for I am desolate and afflicted.

17 The troubles of my heart have enlarged; Bring me out of my distresses!

18 Look on my affliction and my pain, and forgive all my sins.

19 Consider my enemies, for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred.

20 Keep my soul, and deliver me; Let me not be ashamed, for I put my trust in You.

21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for You.

22 Redeem Israel, O God, out of all their troubles!

It belongs to God

The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein. – Psalms 24:1

Do you remember when you were young and lived in your parent’s home.  When you were first born, they carried you into the house and took care of everything you needed.  They put you to bed at sleep time, they fed you at feeding times and they gave you your bath and changed you when it was that time.  As you grew, you began to take care of those things yourself, but you still lived in your parents’ home. You slept in a bed that they provided. Even though some of you probably had to share a room with other siblings you still called it your own.  Your parents fed you and provided food for all your meals.  They made sure you had all the provisions that you needed and as you became more responsible, you probably pretty much came and went as you wanted as you lived within their guidelines. You had access to just about everything in the home, but really none of it belonged to you.  You didn’t ring the doorbell every time you came back home or have long goodbyes every time you walked out the door.  You felt and believed that it was your home, and you belonged there, so you went in and out as if you owned the place.

When you were old enough, you went off to college and eventually got married and started your own family in your own home.  Then the same thing happened all over again with your children.  You brought them home, made them a place to live, took care of all of their needs until they were able to do it for themselves.  The house belonged to you and your spouse and everything in it, including the people you welcomed in to live there.  You allowed those living there full access to whatever they needed in that home as they lived within your guidelines.

I believe this is exactly what the scripture for today is talking about.  This world and earth belong to God and everything in it is His, because He is the One Who made it all.  You are welcome to live in this place He designed for you and all people to live out your days in His blessing as you live within the guidelines and parameters that He set up to be successful in this life.  Just as you were welcomed and provided for in your parents’ home, you are also welcomed and cared for in God’s creation. Psalm 24 says “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” Just like the home your parents provided for you, this world belongs to God, and He lovingly provides for all your needs within it.

As we move through life, we often take for granted the blessings and provisions around us, much like we did as children in our parents’ home. We didn’t question where our meals came from or whether we’d have a place to sleep; we trusted that our parents had it all under control. In the same way, God has the details of our lives in His hands in this world. He has set the guidelines and parameters for our lives, not to restrict us, but to ensure that we are equipped to walk out the mission and purpose that He planned for us with Him by our side in the world He made for us.

This scripture tells us that just as we belonged in our childhood home, we belong in this world that God has created. We have full access to His love, His provision, and His protection as we live within the boundaries He has lovingly established. There’s no need to ring the doorbell or say long goodbyes; we are His children, and we belong in His presence. We can enter into His care with confidence, knowing that we are not only welcome but cherished.

As you navigate through life today, remember that you are living in God’s house—God’s world. Everything you have belongs to Him and is a reflection of His love and provision for you. Just as your parents ensured you had what you needed; God ensures that you have everything you need to thrive and be successful in your day. Trust in His care, follow His guidance, and live with the assurance that you are right where you belong—in the hands of your loving Father Who is with you walking out your purpose and working everything together for your good.

So today, I want to encourage you to welcome the King of Glory into your home and put Him and His plan in first place in your life.  Walk with Him through each day and thank Him for being strong and mighty and leading you on His perfect path of righteousness. He is your provider, your protector, and your guide. Remember that He is the owner of everything you have, but you can come and go and use His provision as you live within the plan that He made for your life. Walk confidently, knowing that you are living in the fullness of His creation, surrounded by His blessings, and cared for by His unfailing love. You have a home in the world He made for you, and His presence is your greatest treasure.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 24

1The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein.

2For He has founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the waters.

3Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place?

4He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, nor sworn deceitfully.

5He shall receive blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

6This is Jacob, the generation of those who seek Him, who seek Your face. Selah

7Lift up your heads, O you gates! And be lifted up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in.

8Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.

9Lift up your heads, O you gates! Lift up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in.

10Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory.

Maybe it’s because?

Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.  Matthew 13:58

Have you ever witnessed a mighty work done in the name of Jesus?  Have you ever seen blind eyes open, demons cast out or lame made whole?  We know these things are possible with God because they were done through God’s people all through the scriptures.  I have heard of miracles today in other countries and even some close by, but none that I have witnessed personally.

Today’s scripture gives some insight into why we don’t see more of God’s power working in our everyday lives.  Jesus, who was sinless, perfect and powerful couldn’t do mighty works in His hometown because no one believed He was the Son of God.  Isn’t that interesting?  They didn’t believe, so they didn’t see.  I believe this is happening still today.  There are Christians that see miracles in their churches and in their lives because they are believing God for them.  They believe God wants to heal them and so He does.  They believe that God wants to make their lives whole and so He does.

I’ve seen it in my own life.  I call on Him and He answers.  He has brought me through to victory time and time again.  In fact, I believe He is waiting for us to open the way into our lives through reaching out to Him so that He can bring us to miraculous victory.  He wants to come into our lives and our circumstances through our prayers and speaking  words of life into all areas of life.  Our prayer, faith and belief in His willingness to heal whatever is ailing us is the doorway through which He is invited in to do His mighty works.

So, the next time you need a miracle, the next time you are falling short, call out to Him and believe that He wants to come into your situation and turn things around.  Let the power of God flow in your life through your belief that He wants to bring His goodness, and it is His will to fill your life with it!

Today I want to encourage you to look for God’s mighty work in your life.  Talk with Him about the struggles and issues you are going through and believe that He wants to help and turn the evil for His glory.  God has a miracle today for whatever you need, He is just waiting for the invitation to come into your dilemma to turn it around for good.  Don’t let your doubt and unbelief limit the holy One of Israel, allow your heart to trust and believe He can make a difference today. (see Psalm 78:41)

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 13:53-58

 53 Now it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these parables, that He departed from there.

54 When He had come to His own country, He taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished and said, “Where did this Man get this wisdom and these mighty works?

55 Is this not the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary? And His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas?

56 And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this Man get all these things?”

57 So they were offended at Him.

But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country and in his own house.”

58 Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief. 

Lay It Down

“Then He said to them, ‘Therefore every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old.’” — Matthew 13:52

Have you ever paused to consider what your salvation is truly worth to you? Is there anything in your life that could possibly be more valuable than your relationship with God? Our salvation was purchased with God’s greatest treasure—His Son, Jesus. As God’s children, do we fully grasp the immense faith risk God took when He sent Jesus into the world?

Scripture tells us that Jesus was tempted in every way, just as we are. He became fully human, and as a man, He was capable of succumbing to sin by giving in to those temptations. God was fully aware of this risk when He sent Jesus on His mission to rescue us. It was a covert operation of divine proportions, with the potential for failure. It would have been a lie to say that Jesus was tempted in all areas if He was not able to sin as a man.

Sometimes, we might mistakenly think that because Jesus lived a perfect life, there was no real risk or sacrifice involved. But how could we call it a sacrifice if there was no possibility of loss? God gave His most precious treasure so that our relationship with Him could be restored through salvation.

In today’s passage, Jesus breaks it down for us. He said this is what it is like to live and operate in the Kingdom of Heaven.  Everyone that is taught and learns about the way God’s kingdom operates will give out of their most priceless possessions, whether old or new.  He was saying that as a child of God, we will be willing to give up all we have for God’s great love and salvation.

But is this really true for us? Are we truly willing to lay down everything for our relationship with God? Do we see His love and our relationship with Him as our most prized possession? Would we willingly sacrifice both the old and new treasures in our lives to advance God’s kingdom? These are questions we must honestly consider as believers, so that if the day ever comes, we are ready to lay it all down for Him.

Today, I want to encourage you to think about the greatness of God’s love for you. Consider what it would mean to lose everything for the sake of the gospel. Though it may not be a pleasant thought, making this decision ahead of time will prepare you for any challenge that might come your way. If the day ever comes when you are put to the test, you will be ready to pass it with unwavering faith. Make the decision today to give all that you are and all that you have to bring others into the embrace of God’s love and salvation. When you do, you will truly be imitating Him as His beloved child.

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 13:44-52

 44 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls,

46 who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.

47 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some of every kind,

48 which, when it was full, they drew to shore; and they sat down and gathered the good into vessels but threw the bad away.

49 So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just,

50 and cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.”

51 Jesus said to them, “Have you understood all these things?”

They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.”

52 Then He said to them, “Therefore every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old.” 

Who is your Shepherd?

The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.  Psalms 23:1

 When I think about Psalms 23, I can see David as a boy watching his father’s sheep, thinking about all he does to watch over and take care of the needs of the sheep each day.  When he remembered times that he made sure they had enough to eat, when he led them to water to drink and even the times he protected them from an enemy attack, he realized just how much they depend on him.  As he thought about all he did for this helpless animal, I imagine that he considered, “Who is watching over me?  Who is my Shepherd?”  That is when the realization came to David:  “The Lord is my Shepherd!”  David spent much of his time while watching over the sheep, walking and talking with God.  He considered His ways and how the Lord had given David everything he needed to tend this heard.  This revelation inspired David so much that he wrote out all the ways that God had been and would Shepherd his life. 

He said: “I have everything I need, rest, water, restoration of my soul, direction for life.  Even if I get into trouble, He is still with me and rescues me, so I do not fear any evil because I know He is watching over me.  My Shepherd even prepares a table for me right in the presence of my enemies and he anoints my head with oil to be empowered for all that I am called to in this life.  Because His goodness and mercy pursues me all the days of my life, I know that I will live in His house for all eternity.

In today’s world, people are lacking a shepherd.  As a society, we are looking to a political leader to come and meet our needs.  Government has grown so big that many in the next generation actually believe that if they can get their candidate into office, all the problems in the world would go away.  This is not just on one side of a political party. Many people, even Christian people are so filled up with the current headlines and media blasts that they honestly think all that is needed to turn things around is that strong candidate in a certain political office.

It is a sad state for sure and please understand my heart, I am in no way saying we should not vote or care about who is leading our country.  Certainly, it is important to pray about and elect the right government officials.  It is a God given right and responsibility to vote and to be lead by God, not the information that floods the internet.  However, my point is that no matter who gets elected into office, they are not your Shepherd and they are not the savior of the world, the country or an individual.

The truth is, no political leader can fulfill the role of the Shepherd in our lives. While leaders can make decisions that impact our nation and our daily lives, they cannot provide the deep, personal care, guidance, and protection that only the Lord can give. The Lord is our Shepherd, and He alone is able to meet our every need.

This passage clearly shows us that our true source of provision, peace, and security comes from God, alone. The government, our leaders, and the systems of this world are limited and flawed, but God is perfect in caring for us. He leads us beside still waters, restores our souls, and guides us on the right paths. Even in the darkest valleys, where fear and uncertainty loom, He is with us, comforting and protecting us.

This applies to every person.  Yes, we should subject and submit ourselves to authority.  Weather our pastor, those enforcing local and national laws, even those in our family.  Our heavenly Father makes it clear that authority is important and we are to be under authority that is not in conflict with His law. 

In a world where many are looking for answers in all the wrong places, we are called to redirect our focus to the One who truly holds our lives in His hands. Our ultimate trust should be in the Lord, our Shepherd, who knows us intimately and cares for us completely. He is the one who anoints us, who prepares a table for us even in the presence of our enemies, and who ensures that goodness and mercy belong to us all the days of our lives.

Today I want to encourage you as a believer to remember your responsibility to this truth and to share it with those around you.  It is also important to teach the next generation to be engaged citizens and to participate in the electoral process, but their hope should never rest in human leaders. Instead, we all need to be looking to the Lord as our good Shepherd, trusting in His guidance and care in every aspect of life.  His peace and security cannot be found in the promises of politicians or the platforms of parties. They are found in the presence of our Shepherd, who is always with us, who never fails, and who will lead us through this life into the next one forever. Become a leader who holds onto this truth and passes it on to make sure that the inheritance of your faith and trust in God as your Shepherd carries on for generations to come.

Today’s scripture reading:  Psalms 23

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.

3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

The next generation

_{A posterity shall serve Him. It will be recounted of the Lord to the next generation. –  Psalms 22:30}

 I remember a day when I was very young that my mom sat down with me and read to me the scriptures that told me I needed a Savior and then the passages that told me how to receive Him into my life.  I didn’t understand it all on that day and I know even today there is still much I will learn about the great and everlasting love of God.  I also remember the days that I got to share the message of salvation with my own children and even with my grandchildren.  At the time, I didn’t consider that I was passing down a legacy of faith that we are all called to continue sharing from generation to generation. We are here in this world to ensure that the message of God’s love and salvation will not stop with us but will continue to be shared and received by those who come after us.

As I am getting older now, it can be tempting to step back and take on the mind set that it is time for the next generation to step up and pass the message along.  While it is true that we all need to be sharing the love of God everywhere we go, the scripture does not give any indication that when we get to a certain age that we can go sit on the sidelines and step out of the race.  If anything, those who wrote the books of the bible shared the gospel message until the day the died even more fervently than when they first started.

As I consider further my calling and responsibility at this point in my life and beyond, I realize that my role in sharing the gospel doesn’t lessen with age—it actually deepens and grows. The wisdom and experience I have gained over the years will be a vital tool in guiding and encouraging the next generation. My stories, testimonies, and the lessons I have learned through my walk with God are treasures that can be the very words that will strengthen those God has entrusted to my life.

Today’s key verse tells us that our children and their children will serve Him as we tell them about God’s great love and salvation. This isn’t just a passing thought; it’s a call to action. We are the link between the past and the future, carrying the message of faith and salvation, lighting the way for others to follow.

As we continue to walk with God, we have the privilege of leading others to the love of God and discipling the younger generations. Our prayers, our encouragement, and our example can help shape their understanding of who God is and what it means to live a life following His plan. It’s not just about passing down knowledge; it’s about passing down eternal life, a relationship with the God of the universe, a love for His Word, and a commitment to the Kingdom of heaven.

Even as we grow older, our influence can grow to the greatest level. Now more than ever, the world around us needs to hear the truth of God’s faithfulness, the accounts of His miracles that we’ve seen, and the wisdom we’ve gained through years of walking with Him. These are the things that will help anchor the next generation in their faith and give them the confidence to face the challenges ahead.

Don’t grow weary in this mission. The baton of faith is in your hands, and we all have the responsibility to pass it on with intentionality and love. Whether through our words, our actions, our prayers or simply our presence, we have the power to impact lives for eternity.  The next generation should be picking up where we left on, not starting from ground zero.

Today I want to encourage you to invest in the next generation. Start by praying for them, cheering them, and walking alongside them as they answer the call of God on their lives. Let’s make sure that the message of God’s love and salvation continues to echo through the ages, bringing hope and light to every corner of the world. If you are part of the older generation, stop looking at the things that you don’t like about the up and coming and begin to pour out the wisdom you have gained because you love them not because you think they are doing it wrong.  If you are of the younger generation, begin to turn your heart to those older than you that have been through the struggles of life, trusting God all the way.  We need each other and we can be so much more effective in this messed up world if we begin to help one another instead of picking out each other’s faults. Then as we remain faithful, God will partner with our efforts to fulfill His purposes in ways that we could not have done on our own.  The legacy of faith we leave behind is not just for our children or grandchildren—it’s for the world. It’s for every person who will come to know the Lord because of the seeds we have sown. As we faithfully recount the works of the Lord to the next generation, we can be confident that God will continue to work with us, to advance His Kingdom here on earth.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 22

1 My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? Why are You so far from helping Me, and from the words of My groaning?

2 O My God, I cry in the daytime, but You do not hear; And in the night season, and am not silent.

3 But You are holy, enthroned in the praises of Israel.

4 Our fathers trusted in You; They trusted, and You delivered them.

5 They cried to You, and were delivered; They trusted in You, and were not ashamed.

6 But I am a worm, and no man; A reproach of men, and despised by the people.

7 All those who see Me ridicule Me; They shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,

8 “He trusted in the Lord, let Him rescue Him; Let Him deliver Him, since He delights in Him!”

9 But You are He who took Me out of the womb; You made Me trust while on My mother’s breasts.

10 I was cast upon You from birth. From My mother’s womb You have been My God.

11 Be not far from Me, for trouble is near; For there is none to help.

12 Many bulls have surrounded Me; Strong bulls of Bashan have encircled Me.

13 They gape at Me with their mouths, like a raging and roaring lion.

14 I am poured out like water, and all My bones are out of joint; My heart is like wax; It has melted within Me.

15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and My tongue clings to My jaws; You have brought Me to the dust of death.

16 For dogs have surrounded Me; The congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me. they pierced My hands and My feet;

17 I can count all My bones. They look and stare at Me.

18 They divide My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots.

19 But You, O Lord, do not be far from Me; O My Strength, hasten to help Me!

20 Deliver Me from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dog.

21 Save Me from the lion’s mouth and from the horns of the wild oxen! You have answered Me.

22 I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will praise You.

23 You who fear the Lord, praise Him! All you descendants of Jacob, glorify Him, and fear Him, all you offspring of Israel!

24 For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; Nor has He hidden His face from Him; But when He cried to Him, He heard.

25 My praise shall be of You in the great assembly; I will pay My vows before those who fear Him.

26 The poor shall eat and be satisfied; Those who seek Him will praise the Lord. Let your heart live forever!

27 All the ends of the world shall remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations shall worship before You.

28 For the kingdom is the Lord’s, and He rules over the nations.

29 All the prosperous of the earth shall eat and worship; All those who go down to the dust shall bow before Him, even he who cannot keep himself alive.

30 A posterity shall serve Him. It will be recounted of the Lord to the next generation,

31 They will come and declare His righteousness to a people who will be born, that He has done this.

Joy in His strength

The king shall have joy in Your strength, O Lord; And in Your salvation how greatly shall he rejoice! Psalms 21:1

 I am underserving of God’s great love and salvation.  We all are, but because He loved us as His family before we were even born, His love and His care for each one of us is unconditional.  Meaning, it has nothing to do with who we are or what we do.  Even if someone rejects the message of salvation and never surrenders their life over to Him, that will not change the fact that God loves them and made a provision for them to be with Him for all eternity.  It is truly His desire to have His created people, all of them back in a right relationship with Him, the way He created us to be.

The fact that God doesn’t automatically save us makes some people uncomfortable.  There are actually people out there that think that God should just take everyone to heaven when they die, no matter what decisions they made in this life.  However, He wanted it to be our choice.  His desire is that we would choose to love Him so that we would be intentional about our relationship with Him.  This is a great responsibility and good news.  We have been given this great salvation to choose and it is totally up to each individual.  No one can ever say that they were forced to be saved and yet, each person is accepted by Him with open arms when they enter into His provision and love by being washed in the blood of Jesus.

That is good news for sure, but what does that have to do with Psalms 21?  This Psalm was written by David, and it is a victory Psalm.  Something David wrote or said when he returned from a victorious battle.  He gave glory to God for delivering Him, but he also rejoiced in the salvation of the Lord.  Because it starts out by saying “The “king” has joy in God’s strength.”  It could be easy to skip right over it because we do not see ourselves as kings.  But the words about God are true for all of us.

As I am reading this passage today, I am taking these words personally to say: I have joy in the Lord’s strength, because it is always there for me and always available for me to access when I need strength.  I say: In His salvation I will greatly rejoice!  When I consider the depth of God’s love to rescue me at the expense of His only Son’s life, I cannot express enough how grateful I am. 

If I continue to read this chapter and make it personal to me, I actually feel my heart being lifted high above the circumstances in life.  He gives me my heat’s desire and has not withheld the requests of my lips.  He meets me with blessings of goodness and sets a crown (honor) on my head and life.  I ask life from Him and He gave it to me, even length of days forever.  My glory is great in His salvation, honor and majesty that He has place on me.

When I read it that way, I am reminded of all the good thoughts and plan my Father has for my life.  He isn’t finished with me yet and even though I continue to get older, He has a plan for every last breath in my lungs!

So today I want to encourage you to read this passage and apply it to your own life.  Let the Word of the Lord strengthen and lift you up today.  What ever you have going on in your world, have joy that His strength is with you and on you and rejoice that His great salvation includes every provision you need to accomplish His plan for your life.  He is your Father and loves and takes care of your needs even greater than your father in this world would desire to.  Trust Him today and be thankful and remember, it is up to you how close you are to Him.  He gave you the choice to include Him in all every area of life.  Choose to walk His plan each day and when you come to the end of your journey in this world, you will have no regrets.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 21

1 The king shall have joy in Your strength, O Lord; And in Your salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!

2 You have given him his heart’s desire, and have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah

3 For You meet him with the blessings of goodness; You set a crown of pure gold upon his head.

4 He asked life from You, and You gave it to him—length of days forever and ever.

5 His glory is great in Your salvation; Honor and majesty You have placed upon him.

6 For You have made him most blessed forever; You have made him exceedingly glad with Your presence.

7 For the king trusts in the Lord, and through the mercy of the Most High he shall not be moved.

8 Your hand will find all Your enemies; Your right hand will find those who hate You.

9 You shall make them as a fiery oven in the time of Your anger; The Lord shall swallow them up in His wrath, and the fire shall devour them.

10 Their offspring You shall destroy from the earth, and their descendants from among the sons of men.

11 For they intended evil against You; They devised a plot which they are not able to perform.

12 Therefore You will make them turn their back; You will make ready Your arrows on Your string toward their faces.

13 Be exalted, O Lord, in Your own strength! We will sing and praise Your power.

Trust in God not in men

 May He grant you according to your heart’s desire, and fulfill all your purpose.  Psalms 20:4

Psalms 20 is a psalm that was written as a prayer of blessing for kings going into battle.  In fact, it is believed by many people that King David prayed this blessing many times as he entered the tabernacle before going out to fight his enemies.  It is an expression of his confidence in God’s protection and favor, bringing him strength to stand in the day of war.  This prayer voices his assurance of relying on God rather than on his own power or resources. In this passage, David speaks about what he believes and has seen in past victories.  He knew that the hand of God lead him as David acknowledged his God in all his ways.

There seems to be 4 themes in this psalm so, again, I want to break it down to help the message stick with you.

1. David calls out for God’s Help and Protection (Verses 1-4)

The psalm begins with a series of blessings, asking that the Lord answers the king in times of trouble, protects him, and sends help from the sanctuary. These verses show David’s deep trust in God’s ability to provide help and protection. The people pray that God will accept the king’s offerings and grant him the desires of his heart, implying that the king’s plans are in line with God’s design.  It also shows the confidence the people had in their king because of his faith in God.

Verse four is especially relevant because it talks about fulfilling your purpose.  This blessing reminds us that God wants to give us the desire of our heart as it lines up with His plan and purpose for our lives.  It is only by seeking out the purpose we were created for that we can live a satisfying and fulfilling life with no regrets.

2. Confidence in God’s Power (Verses 5-6)

The message shifts in verse 5 from a petition to a declaration of confidence. The crowd rejoice in knowing that God will give victory to the king. They are looking forward to celebrating the victory because they trust in Him. The psalmist confidently says that the Lord saves His anointed, emphasizing that God’s power is what secures victory not the strength of the king.

3. Contrasting Trust in God with Trust in Human Strength (Verse 7)

I love verse seven as it is one of the most well-known verses in this psalm because it contrasts trust in God with trust in the power of people: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”  It is pointless to rely on material strength or military might. True security and success come from trusting in God alone.

4. Assurance of Victory and God’s Protection (Verses 8-9)

The Psalm ends with a confident declaration that those who oppose God will collapse and fall, while those who trust in God will be lifted up and stand firm. The final verse is a call for the Lord to save the king and to answer when the people call.  This reinforces the overall theme of relying on God for deliverance and victory and not on our own strength and wits.

Today I want to encourage you as you read Psalms 20 to be reminded of the importance of trusting in God’s protection and guidance. Be encouraged to place your confidence in God rather than in your own strength or resources. Your loving heavenly Father is attentive to your prayers and your trust in Him.  His power is sufficient to deliver and sustain you in your times of need.  So the next time you are facing a battle in life, remember to pray this Psalm of blessing and assurance that your trust is in God to bring you through to victory.

Today’s Scripture reading: Psalms 20

1May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble; May the name of the God of Jacob defend you;

2May He send you help from the sanctuary, and strengthen you out of Zion;

3May He remember all your offerings, and accept your burnt sacrifice. Selah

4May He grant you according to your heart’s desire, and fulfill all your purpose.

5We will rejoice in your salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners! May the Lord fulfill all your petitions.

6Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven with the saving strength of His right hand.

7Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the Lord our God.

8They have bowed down and fallen; But we have risen and stand upright.

9Save, Lord! May the King answer us when we call.

He wants everyone to know Him

The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.  Psalms 19:1

Psalms 19 is such a powerful message, and I could not pick just one verse to write about.  There is so much wisdom and revelation in it that I didn’t want to miss even one nugget.  As I was preparing to write, I began by breaking each verse down into phrases and words that I could understand at a higher level.  God’s word is perfect, but some of the way it is translated makes it a little difficult to understand when phrases are turned around or even words that I don’t use in everyday language.  An example of this is the word firmament.  I have always struggled to grasp exactly what that word was talking about. 

As I was reading over it again, I simply asked. “What is it?”  I was about to search for the meaning of the word when I suddenly got an impression of the first two lines of this chapter.  I saw the first line that says: “The heavens declare the glory of God” and I immediately understood that it was talking about the universe with it’s stars and galaxies beyond this world.  Then the next part that says: “The firmament shows His handiwork” then made sense to me that it is the sky and air within our planet.

The struggle I was having was that I thought the firmament was the heavens, so the first verse seemed repetitive in its language, but when I understood the difference in the two, the entire passage took on a new meaning.  After considering that in the first verse, I decided to translate the entire psalm in my words to help me get a hold of a deeper message from this scripture.  Since I have known this chapter most of my life, I wanted to look at the words that were a little out of reach in my normal everyday talk.  I am including that in the message today to maybe expand this Psalm for each of you some.  I know there are various translations that we will all read it in, but I am hoping and praying that breaking it down a little more will help each one to my fully get the message that David was writing about so long ago.

Start by recognizing that this Psalm is a powerful reflection of the revelation of God’s glory through His creation and the things that David knew about Him on a personal level.  As you read the break down below, notice I have separated it into three sections that seem to be the three main points of the message of stepping into a deeper relationship with God through the ways we can see and know Him here in this world.

The Glory of God in Creation

1. The universe announces God’s glory and the sky and air around us displays His artwork.
2. Everyday says something about God. Each night tells us He is with us.
3. Every nation and language in the world can see and understand what creation is saying about God’s love for them.
4. His display shows up everywhere in the earth, even to the ends of the world.
5. Each day is like a groom coming out of his bedroom and shouting for joy like an athlete winning his first race.
6. The sun rises from one end of the earth in the east and circles around the world to set in the west.  Nothing can hide from its light or heat.

The Glory of God in His Word

7. God’s structure of the way life was designed to work is completely perfect.  His systems convert the wicked soul and life.  His testimony and accurate account of how it was all created makes even simple or uneducated people wise.

8. His directions for living life are righteous and when followed brings joy to the heart. His commandments and instructions come from His pure heart and loving desire to lead us in a good path and lights up the way for us to walk in this dark world.

9. As we awe, reverence and fear the Lord and follow the blueprint that He made for this life to be successful, then we are not defiled but cleansed from all unrighteousness and will live for all eternity following His plan.

10. God sees and perceives the world with His truth and without any deception of the sin in it.

11. All His ways are what we are looking for in life to be satisfied and fulfilled.  They are greater than the riches of all the fine gold and sweeter and more useful than honey from a honeycomb. Also, God’s people are alerted to dangers by the things around us that He has created and by walking life out in faith and keeping His ways, we are guaranteed His great rewards in this life and the next. 

Personal Application

12. Sinful people cannot comprehend that they are making misguided decisions, and they also follow after secret and selfish motives.  Lord, remove and cleanse us from sinful ways and from going in our selfish directions.

13. I pray the Lord keeps me away from the sin of pride and thinking that I know the right way on my own and He won’t let me be oppressed by others.  Only then will all guilt, and faults be removed from me.  Then all transgressions, even great will be gone from my life.

14. Lastly, (and this should be the way we live each day) let everything that comes out of my mouth and every thought that comes from my heart be acceptable and pleasing in your sight when You look at me because You are my strength and my Redeemer and give me the empowering grace to accomplish Your instructions and purpose you created me for.

Summary: The heavens are broadcasting the glory of God 24 hours a day, and every sunrise and sunset proclaim His majesty and power. Just as the sun faithfully rises each day, God’s love and presence are constant in our lives. When we look at the world around us, we can know that the same God who crafted the stars and set the sun on its course is watching over us, with care and intention.

God’s Word, like His creation, is perfect and trustworthy. It revives and restores our soul, makes simple people wise, and brings joy to the heart. In times of uncertainty or when you need direction, His commandments are clear and right, lighting your path and leading you toward truth and righteousness. There is great reward in following His ways, more precious than gold, sweeter than honey.

Even when we stumble or face challenges, Psalm 19 reminds us that God is our Rock and Redeemer. He understands our weaknesses and offers forgiveness and strength. As we seek to line our lives up with His purpose, we can pray, like the David did, that our words and thoughts would be pleasing to Him. Begin today to rejoice in knowing that the God who created the universe cares deeply for you. His Word is a guide for your life, full of wisdom and truth. Trust in His perfect ways, and let your life reflect His glory.

Today I want to encourage you to begin to implement this Psalm into your life.  Allow the Holy Spirit to reveal Himself through the natural world and through His perfect Word.  Worship Him daily by walking in obedience and pressing in, to know His direction for your steps.  Then you will be inspired to see God’s hand in every part of your life and trust in His perfect wisdom for your day.  Remember the same loving Father who created the heavens and the earth is with you all day long offering His love, guidance and strength to share with those who come into your life each day.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 19

1 The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.

2 Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge.

3 There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard.

4 Their line has gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun,

5 Which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoices like a strong man to run its race.

6 Its rising is from one end of heaven, and its circuit to the other end; And there is nothing hidden from its heat.

7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;

8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;

9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.

10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

11 Moreover by them Your servant is warned, and in keeping them there is great reward.

12 Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults.

13 Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; Let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, And I shall be innocent of great transgression.

14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.