Psalm 65 gave me a Jehovah Jireh feel. This means the Lord is my provider or God who provides. As you read the Psalm, notice how much God does that you may take for granted. God is truly our provider. Whatever need you have God is the one with whom you should share it. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 65:9-11

9 You care for the land and water it; you enrich it abundantly. The streams of God are filled with water to provide the people with grain, for so you have ordained it. 10 You drench its furrows and level its ridges; you soften it with showers and bless its crops. 11 You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance.

Today’s Reading:

Psalm 65

Before going to the cross, Jesus told His disciples that He was giving them His peace. This peace is not the peace the world gives. It is a peace that Paul says, “passes all understanding.” So the question becomes, how do we get this peace. The answer is, live righteously. 

Now you might say, “but there is none righteous, not even one.” And you would be correct. On our own we cannot be righteous. However, in Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we are made righteous in God’s sight. Therefore as you seek first the kingdom and His righteousness, all “these things will be given to you as well.” This includes Christ’s peace. 

Seek Christ! Rest in His peace. Stress is a reality, but it does not need to overwhelm the Christian who puts their trust in God. Where is your trust? Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 64:10

10 The righteous will rejoice in the Lord and take refuge in him; all the upright in heart will glory in him!

Today’s Reading:

Psalm 64

The desert is a hot, dry place that can drive you crazy if you have no water to drink. When dehydration sets in, the mind can begin to wander and the body begins to break down. In a word, the desert can be dangerous. 

Yet, in Psalm 63, written by David when he was in the desert of Judah, we read that his thirst was for God. In the midst of this life threatening place, facing mental and physical danger, David’s thoughts, and thirst, were for the Lord and what He can do in his life. 

Are you in a difficult life circumstance or you have a loved one who is? Cry out to God. He specializes in such situations. He will not be overwhelmed. He’s ready! Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 63:2-5

2 I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. 3 Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. 4 I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. 5 I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

Today’s Reading:

Psalm 63

Is God your strength? Whether in good times or in times of struggle, you can call on His name. He is your strength and your shield. 

Think about that. God does not give you a shield, He IS your shield. Therefore, you can have a faith that cannot be shaken. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 62:5-6

5 Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. 6 Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.

Today’s Reading:

Psalm 62

I love when we can simply pray a Psalm. This passage can be our prayer today. I encourage you to slow down, read this as a prayer, and allow the Lord, your God, to calm you. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 61:4-5

4 I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. 5 For you, God, have heard my vows; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.

Today’s Reading:

Psalm 61

As I read Psalm 60, I thought, “this is a Psalm of triumph.” It is written during or after battles with the Arameans. Notice how David yields all battles to God. He understands that without God fighting on our behalf, we will never have real victories, even if we appear to win. 

Putting God above all else in our life is the only way to ensure that He is fighting on our behalf. And when God is fighting on our behalf, we will never lose, even if we appear to lose. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 60:9-12

9 Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom? 10 Is it not you, God, you who have now rejected us and no longer go out with our armies? 11 Give us aid against the enemy, for human help is worthless. 12 With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies.

Today’s Reading:

Psalm 60

Psalm 59 is another Psalm written by David in the midst of troubles not caused by his actions. Saul wanted to kill David out of jealousy. David was having great victories in battles alongside King Saul. But when they returned home triumphantly, people sang, “Saul has killed his thousands and David has killed his ten thousands.” This angered Saul. He did not like the people honoring David more than they honored him. He also knew that God had taken his kingdom from him due to his disobedience. 

I know this is quite a bit to take in on a Sunday, but it’s important to understand how close David was to God. Whether he was in trouble not of his own making or he was in trouble because of his decision, he cried out to God. THIS is why God said David was a man after His own heart. 

Do you cry out to God in all circumstances? How do you respond to God when all is well? How do you respond to God when you’ve made mistakes or fallen short of His direction for your life? Take a page from David’s book and call out to Him in every situation. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 59:17

17 You are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely.

Today’s Reading:

Psalm 59

This morning I was reminded about the story of Naaman, commander of the Syrian army. He had leprosy and his wife’s servant suggested he go see the prophet Elisha so he could be healed. 

When Naaman received Elisha’s instructions, he went away angry. Why? Naaman believed he knew the best way to heal himself. Therefore, initially, he rejected Elisha’s words. Fortunately, he had good people around him who convinced him to do the right thing. As a result, he was cleansed. 

What has God told you to do, but you have decided that your thoughts should prevail? I encourage you to seek wise, Godly counsel. Your way is NEVER better than God’s way (Isaiah 55:8). Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

2 Kings 5:11-12

11 But Naaman went away angry and said, “I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy. 12 Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Couldn’t I wash in them and be cleansed?” So he turned and went off in a rage.

Today’s Reading:

Psalm 58

Psalm 57 is another Psalm written by David while he was being pursued by King Saul. Notice his focus on the glory of God. Notice his willingness to continue to honor God no matter what. Keep in mind, Saul’s goal was to kill David. Yet, David still trusted God. This is an example that we should follow. Are you? Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 57:9-11

9 I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. 10 For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. 11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.

Today’s Reading:

Psalm 57

Psalm 56 is written by David after he is seized by the Philistines in Gath. Notice his word choices. He trusts God in the midst of trouble. Also, remember that at this time in his life, he has been anointed by God to be the king of Israel. Yet, he does not lose his faith in God. He prays and he trusts God no matter what happens. Do you trust God like that? Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 56:10-11

10 In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise—11 in God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me?

Today’s Reading:

Psalm 56

As you read this passage thing about Noah and Job. God called these two men righteous, blameless, upright, and they had the Lord’s favor on their lives. In Christ, you can have God’s favor on your life. Seek Him. Serve Him. Give Him dominion over your life. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 55:22

22 Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you;
he will never let the righteous be shaken.

Today’s Reading:

Psalm 55

Psalm 54 is written by David after the Ziphites went to King Saul to tell him where David was hiding. As you read this Psalm, be mindful of this. In the midst of being pursued by King Saul, David found comfort, strength, and protection in the Lord. This is the type of faith we are called to. 

Do not get caught up with the magnitude of your troubles. Get caught up with the indescribable magnitude of your God. You’ll sleep better at night.😏 Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 54:4

4 Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.

Today’s Reading:

Psalm 54

Psalm 53 can be challenging. As a Christian, you me feel as though you have no chance at a right relationship with God if “everyone has turned away.” But here’s the good news. In Christ, you are made right in God’s sight. The Holy Spirit dwells within you and guides you in righteousness. The key is humbling yourself and realizing that it is Christ, not you, that makes you righteous. Therefore live a life of sacrifice by freely giving of yourself to others. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 53:2-3

2 God looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. 3 Everyone has turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.

Today’s Reading:

Psalm 53

Psalm 52 was written by David after Doeg the Edomite went to Saul to tell him where David was. Remember, King Saul was pursuing David to kill him. As you read this Psalm, be mindful of when David is writing it. 

I like how it ends. Verse eight reminds me of the song, Trust In God. The singer says, “I trust in God, my Savior. The One who will never fail.” When you get to a place in your life where God is who you trust, people speaking against you will no longer bother you. 

The bridge of the song is powerful. It says, “I sought the Lord and He heard and He answered.” For what are you seeking the Lord. Put your trust in Him, call on Him, and He will answer. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 52:8

8 But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever.

Today’s Reading:

Psalm 52

How do you respond when you sin/fall short of following God? Many people take the “I’m a failure, God could never forgive me” route and spiral into more sin. David did not do that. He committed two sins that many people would consider “the worst types of sin,” adultery and murder. Yet, we see, in this passage, his willingness to confess his sins before God and trust that God will forgive him. 

This must be your response. When you sin, confess it to God, then repent(make a 180 degree turn from it). The issue isn’t that we sin. The issue is when we sin, we try to hide it from God, which causes us to commit more sin to “cover it up” with our see through blanket. 

You will never successfully hide your sin from God, so stop trying. Confess it, He is faithful and just and will forgive your sin and cleanse you from all unrighteousness. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 51:10-12

10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Today’s Reading:

Psalm 51

As I finished reading Psalm 50, I said, “What a Psalm.” The promise and the power in this Psalm is encouraging, to me. From the first verse, I knew the love of God and the power of God would be on full display. 

As you read this Psalm, I pray that God would fill you with His presence and you would be encouraged to live for Him. Putting His love in you on full display for all to see. Remember, Christ said that people would know we are His by our love for one another. Let’s love in a God honoring way. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 50:1-2

1 The Mighty One, God, the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to where it sets. 2 From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth.

Today’s Reading:

Psalm 50

When I was much younger there was a popular show called “The Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous.” The show chronicled the lives of people whom us “regular” people envied. Thoughts of “oh to be rich or famous like them” filled most viewers minds. But as we read this passage we are reminded that if we put our hope in riches or fame, we risk eternal separation from God.

There is no Biblical proof that being rich or famous, in and of themselves, destines you for eternal separation from God. However, it can be difficult. Why? Because they can become toxic idols in our lives that pull us away from the Father. 

By all means, live a life that brings you joy, even if it includes riches and fame. Just be mindful of how you got there and give God all of the glory. He will allow you to have all the blessing. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 49:16-20

16 Do not be overawed when others grow rich, when the splendor of their houses increases; 17 for they will take nothing with them when they die, their splendor will not descend with them. 18 Though while they live they count themselves blessed—and people praise you when you prosper—19 they will join those who have gone before them, who will never again see the light of life. 20 People who have wealth but lack understanding are like the beasts that perish.

Today’s Reading:

Psalm 49

As I read this passage, I came across the word “tremble.” It reminded me of what James wrote in chapter two of his book. He said that even the demons believe that there is one God and “tremble.” 

The further explanation of these kings trembling at God is a reminder of how much the demons fear God. Although we do not need to fear God in this way, we should have a reverent fear of Him. 

As I watch us navigate this world, far too often I see us, Christians, passing judgement, unforgiving, and boastful of our status. This does not bring us closer to God. It takes us away from Him. Our pursuit of God should draw us closer to Him. As we draw closer to Him, our sin becomes more exposed. As you see just how unworthy you are in the presence of a Holy God, judgement, unforgiveness, and boasting will be replaced by grace, compassion, and humility. 

Take a good look at your life. Do you fear God? Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 48:4-7

4 When the kings joined forces, when they advanced together, 5 they saw her and were astounded; they fled in terror. 6 Trembling seized them there, pain like that of a woman in labor. 7 You destroyed them like ships of Tarshish shattered by an east wind.

Today’s Reading:

Psalm 48

*God’s Timing*

I stood in my living room yesterday, arms raised in praise to God. I was weeping as I watched the end of the movie, “I Can Only Imagine.” I was overwhelmed by the peace of God for a decision my wife and I recently made. 

Some decisions can be scary. The “fear” that you could be walking away from what God has called you to can keep you where God is actually calling you from. Yesterday’s cry was tears of joy as God affirmed our decision. 

Having the words of Psalm 47 as our reading today reminded me of how important it is to praise God no matter what. Whether you’ve made a life changing decision or you’re still on your same daily grind, take a moment to praise God for His faithfulness. He, alone, is worthy of all praise. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 47:1

1 Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.

Today’s Reading:

Psalm 47

Some scriptures stand out to me and bring back memories. This passage is one of those. I remember the first time someone quoted Psalm 46:10 to me. His son laid in a hospital bed having been a part of a fatal car accident. A teen and an adult had lost their lives because of “teenage foolishness.”

He asked me to share with the teens with whom I taught and coached, to be mindful of God’s words in Psalm 46:10. I’ve always remembered that moment. Each time Psalm 46 comes across my eyes, I remember the strength of this father, whose son fought for his life in a hospital bed, yet he was concerned for those who were emotionally “injured” by this accident. Do you have a passage that brings back memories? Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 46:10

10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Today’s Reading:

Psalm 46