Psalm 81 lays it out for us. We have a choice and we make it daily. We choose God or we choose not God, those are the choices. And remember, not making either choice is impossible. 

Notice what happens with our choice. The Psalmist lays it out for us in this passage. I encourage you to choose God with your whole heart. As you get closer to Him by reading your Bible daily, you become an instrument that He can use in His Symphony of Salvation. There are people around you who need the salvation found only in Jesus. Let God use you! Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 81:11-16

11 “But my people would not listen to me; Israel would not submit to me. 12 So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices. 

13 “If my people would only listen to me, if Israel would only follow my ways, 14 how quickly I would subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes! 15 Those who hate the Lord would cringe before him, and their punishment would last forever. 16 But you would be fed with the finest of wheat; with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.”

Today’s Reading:

Psalm 81

The last words of Psalm 80 brought to mind the needs of the people in Florida and North Carolina right now. Two hurricanes have changed lives forever. Many people are in need of tangible help. As we join them with deeds and prayers, may we be reminded that it is God who can restore and make us whole. Please help where you can. Please let Compassion be your guide. This is not a joke. The devastation is real. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 80:19

19 Restore us, Lord God Almighty; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.

Today’s Reading:

Psalm 80

Psalm 79 begins by describing what God has done to the Israelites for their disobedience. He has removed His hand of protection and allowed their enemies to have their way with them. 

God abhors our disobedience. He does not allow it to go unpunished. Read those two sentences again.

I once spoke to a person who told me they had committed sin during the weekend that had just passed. He said, “I figured I would just ask God to forgive me.” This was his rationale for willfully committing sin. That’s not smart. 

God is sovereign. This means He has the authority to deal with our sin however He wants to. As you read your Bible, you will see this. He sent Israel into exile. He immediately killed Ananias and Sapphira. He sent snakes among the Israelites while Moses was leading them, and many more responses to willful disobedience. 

When you get to the fork on the road of decisions, always chose the path that honors God. No lasting goodness will come out of taking the other path. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 79:1-4

1 O God, the nations have invaded your inheritance; they have defiled your holy temple, they have reduced Jerusalem to rubble. 2 They have left the dead bodies of your servants as food for the birds of the sky, the flesh of your own people for the animals of the wild. 3 They have poured out blood like water all around Jerusalem, and there is no one to bury the dead. 4 We are objects of contempt to our neighbors, of scorn and derision to those around us.

Today’s Reading:

Psalm 79

Reading the end of Psalm 78 is a bit of a wake up call. It is a reminder that we do not get to live in disobedience to God without consequence. This passage speaks directly to God’s willingness to allow us to experience the “reward” for our sin. 

Slow down. Take a look at your life. Get rid of every area of your life that does not honor God. He’s watching and He will not sit idly by. He will act! Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 78:59-61

59 When God heard them, he was furious; he rejected Israel completely. 60 He abandoned the tabernacle of Shiloh, the tent he had set up among humans. 61 He sent the ark of his might into captivity, his splendor into the hands of the enemy.

Today’s Reading:

Psalm 78:56-72

As I consider this passage, I think about the volume of people who disregard God. They have heard of Him, some even say they believe in Him. But because of difficult times, they reject Him. And yet, God’s faithfulness is beyond human comprehension. 

We are a, “You do it to me Imma do it back to you” people. We love the “get back.” Praise God that He does not play that human game. Think about it. Why do you get upset and want “revenge” when someone does you wrong? How many times have you done somebody wrong? Are you thankful that God does not “get you back” for all the times you have done Him wrong?

Allow the love of God to guide you. “Getting people back” is God’s job and He’s good at it. He will provide the right “vengeance” at the right time. Trust Him! Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 78:38-39

38 Yet he was merciful; he forgave their iniquities and did not destroy them. Time after time he restrained his anger and did not stir up his full wrath. 39 He remembered that they were but flesh, a passing breeze that does not return.

Today’s Reading:

Psalm 78:32-55

I, I, me, me, me, this is far too often the mentality of the American Christian. Our freedom in Christ coupled with our liberties as a US citizen can dilute our sense of reality as we walk with Christ. 

This passage is a reminder of how the Israelites responded to God’s rescue of them as He brought them out of a life of servitude. As they went along, they complained about not having food and not having meat. They actually longed for the foods they had while they were enslaved in Egypt.  

Allow that to marinate in your mind. The Israelites preferred to be "well" fed and enslaved rather than to be fed and free. 

What are you holding on to because you want that more than you want what God has to offer you? Is it a friend group? Is it a job? Is it a vacation plan? Is it your “soulmate?” These things seem to be harmless and you have the right to choose them. And just as you have this freedom of choice, God has the right to not accept or bless your decision. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 78:25-31

25 Human beings ate the bread of angels; he sent them all the food they could eat. 26 He let loose the east wind from the heavens and by his power made the south wind blow. 27 He rained meat down on them like dust, birds like sand on the seashore. 28 He made them come down inside their camp, all around their tents. 29 They ate till they were gorged—he had given them what they craved. 30 But before they turned from what they craved, even while the food was still in their mouths, 31 God’s anger rose against them; he put to death the sturdiest among them, cutting down the young men of Israel.

Today’s Reading:

Psalm 78:1-31

Take a moment and think about troubles you are having or have had. Are you seeking God in the midst or are you trying to figure it out on your own? Notice the words of the Psalmist. Though he had known trouble, he remembered the power and goodness of God. 

Always be mindful of the words of Hebrew 11:6. If you’re not willing to be faithful in the midst of life’s difficult times, why should God honor you? He has done more than enough for you. If you need more proof of His love, I encourage you to take a step back, get in His word, and speak with a mature Christian to get some Godly support. Your lack of faith or belief does not disprove the existence of El Shaddai; it simply means you need to have a stronger faith. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 77:7-12

7 “Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again? 8 Has his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time? 9 Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?” 10 Then I thought, “To this I will appeal: the years when the Most High stretched out his right hand. 11 I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. 12 I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”

Today’s Reading:

Psalm 77

While reading ODB, I came across this passage. What a challenging message Peter has given. How often do you return the negative energy that is pointed in your direction? In this section of the Bible, Peter is teaching us that we do not have that luxury. We MUST follow Christ and the example He set for us. This is not a suggestion or recommendation. It is how we must live IF we say we are followers of Christ. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Peter 2:21-25

21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

22 “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”

23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 24 “He himself bore our sins”in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” 25 For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Today’s Reading:

Psalm 76

When we combine our finite knowledge with our willingness/desire to see the negative side of things, a passage like this one can go over our heads. With that mindset, it’s easy to underestimate God. 

I want to encourage you, don’t do that. God’s wisdom is beyond all we could ever know on this side of heaven. If God puts it on your heart, do it, believe it, trust it. He has given you no valid reason to doubt His ability to guide you into righteousness. If you will slow down, you may learn that many of your “life issues” are caused by your fear or unwillingness to fully rely on God. 

The day you pivot is the day your life will completely change. Things that once plagued you with worry will bring about a peace that passes all understanding. So what are you going to do? Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 75:7

7 It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another.

Today’s Reading:

Psalm 75

I love this section of Psalm 74. The writer reminds us that “it is God…” How often do you forget that God is in control, whether you acknowledge Him or not? God has already given the victory to Jesus Christ. The only question is, will you receive Christ and this victory or will you continue to take your chances on your own. Receive Christ. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 74:12-17

12 But God is my King from long ago; he brings salvation on the earth. 13 It was you who split open the sea by your power; you broke the heads of the monster in the waters. 14 It was you who crushed the heads of Leviathan and gave it as food to the creatures of the desert. 15 It was you who opened up springs and streams; you dried up the ever-flowing rivers. 16 The day is yours, and yours also the night; you established the sun and moon. 17 It was you who set all the boundaries of the earth; you made both summer and winter.

Today’s Reading:

Psalm 74

​As I read Psalm 73, I felt I was “listening” to a conversation the Psalmist was having with God. It reminded me that I, too, can talk to God as if I’m talking to a person. There’s no need to get candles out, put down a prayer cushion, and get in my prayer closet. Those things are fine, but not required. God wants to have a relationship with you. He wants to guide you into His righteousness. He wants to be the head of every aspect of your life. If you will give Him complete control, the peace you will have will be beyond your understanding. 

If you have never surrendered your life to Christ by accepting what He did on the cross for the forgiveness of your sin, then do that today, right now, IF you believe that He died for you and that God raised Him from the dead. It’s that simple. 

If you do accept Christ, please reach out. You cannot walk well with Christ without being joined with a body of believers. You need their gifts and they need yours. The Bible teaches us that WE are the body of Christ. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 73:27-28

27 Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. 28 But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.

Today’s Reading:

Psalm 73

This is one of my favorite passages in the Bible. It is a reminder that God is faithful in our most difficult times. It is also a reminder that He requires our faithfulness, IF we want to experience His blessings. 

As you live for Him, be mindful that His grace is not a requirement it is a blessing. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

2 Chronicles 7:13-14

13 “When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, 14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Today’s Reading:

Psalm 72

As you read the ending of Psalm 71, I pray, like me, you are encouraged. Understanding that life as a Christian will be filled with ups and downs enables you to maintain your praise no matter which season of life you are in. 

Take a moment today to look back on all God has brought you through. As He reveals to you what He has done for you, praise Him. Be reminded that He loves you and that His ways and thoughts are higher than yours. Trust Him and show others the way. This is what God has called us to. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 71:20-24

20 Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. 21 You will increase my honor and comfort me once more. 22 I will praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, my God; I will sing praise to you with the lyre, Holy One of Israel. 23 My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you—I whom you have delivered. 24 My tongue will tell of your righteous acts all day long, for those who wanted to harm me have been put to shame and confusion.

Today’s Reading:

Psalm 71

Psalm 70 is an honest prayer to God that reveals the type of thoughts many of us may have. David pours out his heart to God, praying for the Lord to save him. Additionally, he prays that those who come against him will be confused and put to shame. 

I appreciate the boldness of this prayer. How is your prayer life? Pray a Psalm or two as a part of your quiet time. It may help. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 70:1

1 Hasten, O God, to save me; come quickly, Lord, to help me.

Today’s Reading:

Psalm 70

Obedience is better than sacrifice! This Biblical truth is a word for us. As you read this passage, I pray that is the thought you will have. The Psalmist seems to be letting us know that God’s preference is our praise, not our repentance. 

Pause today and think about how your relationship with God is going. Be honest in your assessment. If you need to make adjustments to your life to be in line with God’s word, then make those adjustments. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 69:30-31

30 I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. 31 This will please the Lord more than an ox, more than a bull with its horns and hooves.

Today’s Reading:

Psalm 69:19-36

Being self aware is a key to limiting sin and stress in your life. As I read this passage, that reality came to my mind. Notice the Psalmist understands what is against him. But he also knows Who is for him. I encourage you to be self aware. It will enable you to walk well with Christ. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 69:12-13

12 Those who sit at the gate mock me, and I am the song of the drunkards.

13 But I pray to you, Lord, in the time of your favor; in your great love, O God, answer me with your sure salvation.

Today’s Reading:

Psalm 69:1-18

I read this passage three times. I encourage you to meditate on this word. Allow yourself to consider that the God of all creation wants to bear YOUR burdens. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 68:19

19 Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.

Today’s Reading:

Psalm 68:19-35

Following God and obeying His commands found in His word is the right thing to do. This passage reminds us of who God is. When we choose Him, He guides us and protects us. If we choose to not follow Him, that choice also has a consequence. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 68:4-6

4 Sing to God, sing in praise of his name, extol him who rides on the clouds; rejoice before him—his name is the Lord. 5 A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. 6 God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.

Today’s Reading:

Psalm 68:1-18

As I read this passage, I thought of it in present tense. We have God’s salvation. He is gracious to us. We are blessed. Therefore, walk in your salvation. Share your blessings. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 67:1-2

1 May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us—2 so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations.

Today’s Reading:

Psalm 67

The end of Psalm 66 is a reminder to witness by sharing your testimony. Like it or not, people are watching you. You are sending a message of who you are, daily. The only question is, what’s the message. 

Like the Psalmist, let your words and your actions be of a person who loves the Lord and has a relationship with Him. As you grow in your relationship with Christ, you will inspire others to want to know Him. The people around you are searching for better. They don’t know how to find Him. That’s our job, so let’s get in our word, get on our knees, and get out of our own way. Then we can be the witnesses God has called us to be. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 66:16-20

16 Come and hear, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me. 17 I cried out to him with my mouth; his praise was on my tongue. 18 If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; 19 but God has surely listened and has heard my prayer. 20 Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!

Today’s Reading:

Psalm 66