VERSE FOR THE DAY

.SUNDAY, MARCH 12TH 

                                          Prayer and Forgiveness

Mark 11:25: “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.

In our times of reflection in this season of Lent, when we go to the Lord in prayer, one of the areas we must be mindful of is forgiveness. Harboring bitterness inside  blocks one's prayers. In addition to the above verse, Jesus says elsewhere in the Gospels that if you don't forgive others, neither will the Lord forgive you. What a sobering thought! 

Application:

Before continuing with your prayer life, reflect on who you need to forgive. You might find it helpful to make a list. Renounce all unforgiveness and take all those feelings and burdens to the foot of the cross. 

MONDAY, MARCH 13TH

Prayer and Confession

 1 John 1:9: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

At the outset of your prayer time with God, It's good to get into the habit of confessing any and all sins, which God then promises to cleanse away. You may, as I have, find that you don't always feel like doing that. Spend time in confession anyway. Take that extra time. I have experienced, and I'm sure you will too, that the confession of sins lifts those burdens--the spiritual heaviness that can get in the way of one's relationship with God.

Application:

Make a list of sins you need to confess--either from the past day, week, etc. and take everything to the cross of Jesus Christ. Then rip that list up and throw the pieces of paper away as a tangible way of moving forward in your prayer time and walk with the Lord.

        TUESDAY, MARCH 14TH

                            Prayer and Freedom from Anxiety

 Philippians 4:4-7: Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

I'm sure we've all felt anxious at some point or another in our lives. Especially with everything that's happening in the world today, you might have some concerns about the future. The Bible says to take everything to prayer and also to include thanksgiving. Express gratitude in every prayer, and not just at the holiday--Thanksgiving. The promise of God's peace comforts us. Despite everything going on around us, God will through His Son Jesus Christ guard our hearts and minds. 

Application 

Acknowledge areas of your life, which you're anxious about, and take those burdens to the Lord in prayer. Also, give thanks. You might express gratitude regarding the Lord's...

• Protection
• Provision 
• Sustenance
  
• Strength
• Blessings in the midst of imperfections

I have found that Philippians 4:4-7 is very helpful when I memorize and recite the passage. Specifically, I refer to this text when I feel anxious or know that a certain situation might generate worry.

     WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15TH

                     Prayer and Humbling Yourself   

  2 Chronicles 7:14: If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Drivers often turn their vehicles 90-degrees to park. They might miss their intended destination and make 180-degree U-turn. The complete change of direction as in a 180 is a lot like how repentance works. In the spiritual sense, it's not enough to make a 90-degree turn--that is turn from wicked ways. God also says in 2 Chronicles 7:14 to seek His face. He then promises to forgive and heal.

Application:

In your prayers, do confess/repent of your sins, but then spend time in prayer and in God's Word, seeking His face and listening to His voice.

        THURSDAY, MARCH 16TH

Prayer and Cleansing 

Psalm 51:7--Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

After washing your hands with soap, which is what many did frequently during the pandemic, You experience that refreshing feeling, and such cleanness relieves any worries or concerns about germs, etc. You walk around with more confidence. You probably know what I mean. In the same way, as God washes us and makes us clean through Christ, we can confidently move forward in life knowing that in His eyes, we are whiter than snow. 

David in this Psalm specifically mentions hyssop, which is a plant in the mint family, in which the bitter, minty leaves are used in cooking and herbal medicine. Also, hyssop in the Bible represents ceremonial cleansing.  .

Application:

If you're concerned about mistakes you've made, past sins that you're not sure God has forgiven you for, or feel burdened from guilt, go to the foot of the cross and spend time there. Allow Christ to wash you by focusing on what He did for you--dying on the cross for your sins and rising again. Passages on the cross include the end of the four Gospels and Isaiah 53. 

           FRIDAY, MARCH 17TH

Prayer and Cross-Centered Faith

Isa. 53:4-5 Surely he took up our pain
and bore our suffering,
yet we considered him punished by God,
stricken by him, and afflicted.
 But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
and by his wounds we are healed.

I remember dressing up as Isaiah and giving a dramatic presentation of this passage at a church service back in 1996. I memorized the chapter and delivered God's (not my own) powerful message. The reason I say powerful had to do with the Holy Spirit who grabbed a hold of me as I was reading. I sensed His presence in a profound way, as did the captivated audience. 

There is no greater encouragement to your faith journey than to allow yourself to be captivated by Jesus Christ and the loving sacrifice He made for you at the cross. 

Application:

One way to spend time in prayer reflecting on Christ and His death on the cross is by praying the Scriptures as in the above passage from Isaiah 53. Specifically, personalize this set of verses by using I and me as pronouns. For example:

Surely You took up my pain
and bore my suffering...
You were pierced for my transgressions,
You were crushed for my iniquities;
the punishment that brought me peace was on You,
and by Your wounds I am healed.

See the difference in terms of the personal connection? You can also add your name in there in place of "I" and "my."

        SATURDAY, MARCH 18TH

Prayer and Alertness Regarding Temptation  

Matt 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

I'm sure you can think of a number of tasks in which you had to discipline yourself to complete them. Things like...

• Paperwork
• Paying Bills
• Studying

Often we get tired or just don't feel like doing something. In this context, Jesus was praying intensely, while the disciples slept. When we should be praying, given that there is a spiritual battle going on, we need to stay alert and watchful. God gives us the strength for that task.

Application:

Can you give up period of time (perhaps giving up a nap or a period of sleep) to pray either for someone else or regarding a particular situation which reflects the spiritual warfare that is happening?

                                    Quenching Your Thirst

Psalm 42:1-2: As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?

Delaware's weather is interesting. Not only does it seem like a rollercoaster at times, in several of the summers that I've lived here, it felt even more hot and humid than Florida's weather during that same season! 

The many times I  worked in the summer months performing heavy physical labor, I would drink water bottle after water bottle to stay hydrated.

That got me thinking...how often do we need to stay spiritually hydrated? 

Life can get tough, much like a work shift that can leave you feeling strained.

Where do we go when we are thirsty spiritually?

Application:

Stay hydrated throughout each day with "spiritual water bottles" that include God's Word and prayer. Take those momentary breaks, get into God's presence, and drink of Him to quench your thirst.

For an archive of previous verses for the day, go to the following link:

https://www.encouragementscriptures.com/daily-encouraging-Bible-verses.html

If you're looking for a brief devotional to start your day or a Scripture verse for the day to meditate on at any point--morning, afternoon, or night-- you've come to the right place. I've listed a verse for each day that covers the whole week. Each week will cover one theme.

You're invited to check the verse for the specific day or meditate on all of them throughout the week. 

For the week of Monday, February 27th through Saturday, March 4th, in connection with the beginning of the season of Lent, let's focus on the theme of God's deliverance.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27TH

Getting God's Attention

Exodus 3:7: The LORD said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering."

Have you ever cried out to the Lord for freedom from something? You may not have had human slave drivers, but oppression can come in other forms including spiritual, emotional, and mental.

I remember one time I left my phone at work. I drove back anxiously to get it. The floor crew was busy cleaning, and I was trying to get their attention. After repeated failed attempts, I asked a man walking his dog for help. He shined a flashlight inside, and they responded allowing me to run in and get the phone. 

That experience is kind of like what we often need to do when it comes to prayer-- Persistently call out to God and try to get His attention.  The encouragement is to keep crying out to God even when it seems like He is not responding. 

Application:

If you need to be delivered from something, call out to God. In faith, refer to the above verse for the day and affirm Gods' care and concern for you, even if you don't sense anything or receive an answer right away.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28TH

A Heavenly Father Who "Comes Down"

Exodus 3:8: "So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey..."

Having completed my first year and a half of being a father, I can tell you about times when my son wanted to be lifted up out of the crib. When Jacob cries and cries, naturally--especially as a first-time father--my tendency is to stoop down and pick him up. 

We may not think of God doing that, but the above verse for the day shows that He is willing to "come down" to "bring His people up" out of their oppressive situation and into a much better land.

Application

Reflect on times with your children. With God mentioned in the Bible as our heavenly Father, what can interactions with your babies, toddlers, children, etc. teach you about God's view of you and His approach to your daily life? 

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1ST

Human Time Constraints vs God's Eternal Perspective

Exodus 3:9: And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them.

Have you ever prayed and prayed about something, and it seemed like a wall was there blocking your requests from getting through to the Lord?

You might have questioned whether God would ever answer your prayers and perhaps even doubted His existence.

In one of his sermons this year, my pastor mentioned that God is not a part of time, otherwise He would be subject to it. God created time, and so He is outside of our concept of daily routines, schedules, and time frames including hours, days, minutes, etc.

Though it's hard to understand God's timing and His existence outside of time, we can trust that our prayers will reach Him at some point. 

Application

When you pray, do so from an eternal perspective--God's view of time instead of earthly limits. Pray, "Lord, I trust You and submit to Your way, will, and timing."

THURSDAY, MARCH 2ND

A Godsend

Exodus 3:10: So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.

Many people are suffering as a result of tragic events. You might wonder what you can do to help and support them. With so many situations beyond our control, it's easy to feel powerless.

I get tons and tons of what many call "junk mail," which in reality is a cry for help. Over the last few years, I kept a gigantic storage tub in my closet filled to the brim of nonprofit fundraising letters. The letters do provide an opportunity to reach out in multiple ways rather than just sympathize from a distance.

The picture above is the storage tub emptied out after several days of cleaning it out!

In the above verse for the day, God called Moses to get involved in the Israelites' plight and sent him as a leader to bring them out of the hands of the Egyptians. 

Application

God may not call us to lead nations or large groups of people out of slavery, but there are things we can do...

• Donating to a cause
• Sending letters offering prayer and spiritual support
• Going to the location of concern and helping people on the ground

If you aren't able to give much of your money or time, set aside some moments in your day or week to pray for people who are suffering. The point is adopting God's heart for the hurting.

FRIDAY, MARCH 3RD

God's Body Parts?

Deut. 26:8: Then we cried out to the Lord, the God of our ancestors, and the Lord heard our voice and saw our misery, toil and oppression. So the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great terror and with signs and wonders.

This verse for the day mentions God has having:

• Heard (ears)
• Saw (eyes)
• a mighty hand
• an outstretched arm

What do these human elements or anthropomorphisms teach us about the Lord? God relates to us as human beings created in His image. These characteristics reveal God's desire to get involved in human affairs--specifically in the lives of His people.

Application

As noted several times in the above verse from Deuteronomy, the human body parts in reference to God--ears, eyes, hand, and arm-- all pertain to His care and power in our lives. Pray these verses using the anthropomorphisms to maintain your faith regarding God's personal involvement in your life.

SATURDAY, MARCH 4TH

Free from Restrictions

Deuteronomy 26:9: He brought us to this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey;

The context of this verse is God's deliverance from oppression--specifically the Israelites released from the grip of harsh Egyptian slave drivers .

On a lighter note, have you ever wanted to be free from life's restrictions? I always wondered what it would be like to "fly" a car and avoid all the traffic. For some people, certain work schedules might feel like a prison. Maybe you have tried to escape longwinded conversations so you could finally go home and do what you needed to do. 

The verse above describes a major restriction and oppressive, prison-like situation for the Israelites--God's chosen people. God worked to bring them into a good land.

Application

Spiritually speaking, we can trust that God wants to bring us into a good place. He does not promise a life free from problems, but as in the case of the Israelites being delivered out of the hands of the Egyptians, He is working everything out for us in a process--according to His perfect plan.

SUNDAY, MARCH 5TH 

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What's on the Inside?

I Samuel 16:7: For the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.

Have you ever checked out a house that looked nice on the outside but in the inside, not so much? How about an email with a big promise in the subject line, only to find out that what you read in the body of the email is anything but impressive? You might be ready to buy a water jug, as pictured above. After all, it's a water jug, right? You see water inside, but then you notice the algae.

Seeing something that looks beautiful on the outside but not so good on the inside reminds us about God's perspective when looking at the human heart. God may see someone doing good works but on the inside is lacking His love and other aspects of His character. 

Application: As you do good works for the Lord and act like a Christian in public, take a few moments today and every day to check your motives and attitudes. Make a list of what you need to work on to become more like Christ.

MONDAY, MARCH 6TH

Where is Your Treasure?

Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also (KJV).

I came across a story of a small company that participated in gold mining. This company sank shaft after shaft--finding only a small amount of gold in each one. However, the participants found out that what they needed to do in order to find a large amount of gold was to go deeper in the first shaft. Roy Hession applied this to one's life in Christ. After trying all sorts of different "shafts" in life, he came to find the one true treasure--Christ. Hession called Him "the end of all his searching."

What are the areas of your life in which you have focused your efforts to find your treasure? 

• Relationships?
• Wealth/Material possessions?
• Sports/entertainment?

As in Roy Hession's experience, will you let Christ be the end of all your searching?

Application: Spend quality time today and regularly going deeper in the cross of Jesus Christ--meditating on the Gospel message (as presented in Scripture--including at the end of each of the four Gospels).

TUESDAY, MARCH 7TH

Priorities in Order

Matthew 6:33: But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (KJV).

Have you ever needed an adjustment in your list of priorities? If you're married, you probably know that if you don't make the relationship with your spouse top priority and put your own needs first, that approach could jeopardize your marriage.

Putting the relationship first allows you to work together through life and keeps unity and peace in place. 

So it is with our relationship with God. As we put God first, everything falls into place, and we experience harmony in our lives.

Application 

The above verse for the day encourages us to reflect on our list of priorities. Where on the list do you have your relationship with God? Check to see what adjustments you need to make in your daily routine to put God first.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8TH

 Allowing God to Search Your Heart

Psalm 139:23-24: Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

I noticed that when I travel to the Philippines, time seems to slow down. I feel like I have much more time in a day than I normally do here in the United States. Since I live and work here, my schedule--not surprisingly--can get very busy. I drive around more than the average person. I have worked several jobs throughout each week as well. 

You might identify with such a busy schedule--the hustle and bustle of every-day life. 

It's hard at times to get into that quiet place. However, in order to let God work in your heart, you need to spend that time with Him.

Application

Based on the above verse for the day, ask yourself, what is the best time today that I can meet with God and allow Him to search my heart? Schedule a time, perhaps take out a journal as God speaks to you, and pray the prayer as stated above from the verse for the day--in Psalm 139. Ask yourself, "Is there any offensive way in me...?

• Unforgiveness
• Pride
• Idolatry, etc.            

In that way, God reveals Himself, works in your heart, gives you the grace to repent, and leads you in the way everlasting.

THURSDAY, MARCH 9TH

All Your Heart

Joel 2:12: “Even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”

Have you ever given up some activity in order to spend time with your spouse, another family member, or friend? I have. It takes sacrifice to build a relationship as you set aside personal interests. 

Not surprisingly, we can and should apply this to our relationship with God.  However, Joel mentions a specific way that might get overlooked. 

Fasting...

Fasting allows us to return to God with all our hearts. When we fast, we are giving up something for a period of time. Most commonly, it's food. What would you do during that time you would normally be eating?

That's the idea. Spend time receiving spiritual nourishment for the soul.

That nourishment in the above verse takes the form of repenting, which involves seriously examining your heart, and truly being broken over sins committed against God. Once again, this is a good verse to reflect on in the season of Lent.

Application

What can you fast today or this week in order to spend a period of time with God? What can you give up in order to pursue God and repentance? As mentioned in the above verse for the day, what does your heart need to mourn or weep over today? Take that time of fasting to reflect on what needs to change in your heart.

FRIDAY, MARCH 10TH

Sunday, March 19th

                                              Growth of the Righteous

Psalm 92:12-14 “The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green.”

Spring has arrived in many parts of the world, and what comes to mind, at least for me, is green, growth, and thriving. The Bible has much to say about flourishing, and multiple passages use some sort of tree or plant analogy.

The palm tree in the Bible is an image of fertility and blessing, while the cedar displays strength and glory. The growth in the above passage includes those characteristics, as it pertains to the righteous.

You might relate the concept of growing to becoming righteous. The above passage makes clear that ones who are righteous will flourish and bear fruit.

• Love
• Faithfulness
• Humility

Application:
Look at character qualities you need to grow in, and then make a mental note of them—referring to them often in prayers throughout each day as a way of renewal.

    Monday, March 20th

           Growth by Meditating and Delighting in God's Word

Psalm 1:1-3: Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers,
2 but whose delight is in the law of the LORD,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
whatever they do prospers.

For a plant, growth takes several weeks. For a tree to grow, we're talking years--even decades. It's a process.

The growth of plants and trees is kind of like our growth in the Lord. Verses 3 says a certain kind of person is like a tree planted by streams of water and yields its fruit in season, indicating a time frame one must go through in order to prosper in the Lord.

So what kind of person?

In this passage, the emphasis is on delighting and meditating on the law of the Lord—really we can apply that to His Word as a whole, which is an instruction Book for us.  Are we taking the time to meditate on the Word of God, and do we express delight in His message and commandments?

Application:

Take time to meditate on His Word day and night. Even if for a few minutes, such a habit will help you prosper spiritually to the glory of God. 

                              Tuesday, March 21st

                                     Growth by Abiding in the Vine

John 15:4-5: Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

In the spring, we come across certain trees that bear fruit. It takes warmth, sunshine, and rain for the plants to grow. The Lord is our light. the Son is our sunshine, and He showers us with His blessings/righteousness.

In John 15, we are called branches of the vine. We need to abide in and remain attached to Christ---the warmth of that relationship-- in order for us to bear fruit.

Application

So, how do we abide in Christ? By…

• Persistently spending time in prayer
• Daily meditating on His Word
• Continuing to participate in the Lord's work--serving others

                      Wednesday, March 22nd

                                    Growth by Trusting God

Jeremiah 17:7-8 “But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

The emphasis of bearing fruit and a growing tree in this passage is trusting in the Lord—confidence in Him. Are we turning to and focused on other things to give us that confidence? Self-help measures? Pursuing a life of wealth?

This passage makes clear that growth comes through putting our confidence in the Lord.

Application:

Evaluate your life to see if you are trying to get through life on your own power or if your confidence is in the Lord.

                      Thursday, March 22nd

                                      The Fruit of the Righteous

Proverbs 11:30
“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.

A fruit tree is one that is fully grown and provides nourishment. You might say among the fruits of the righteous include:

• Speaking God's Word, 
• Praying, and...
• Acts of service. 

What are you doing today to refresh the lives of others?

Application

We can win souls by how we live our lives. Are we bearing fruit in every area---in speech? In prayer? in acts of service? What changes or improvements can you make in these areas this week?

                      Friday, March 23rd

                              Growth Through Faith

Matthew 17:20b I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.

The point of the mustard seed analogy is that we're talking about something that is very tiny, and yet can grow into the largest of plants. Indeed, the mustard seed has the potential of growing to enormous heights. 

The growth of the mustard seed into such a plant is obviously a process. This verse encourages us to nurture our faith.

Application

Take one day at a time and list the areas in which you need to nurture your faith--perhaps it's taking a step out in faith to do something you might be nervous about, but you know in your heart it's something God would like for you to do. Make a commitment each day to do one thing to help your faith grow. 

                    Saturday, March 23rd

                  The Tree That Brings Forth Healing

Revelation 22:2
“On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.”

 What a picture of restoration in this passage from the Book of Revelation! The author describes a time when everything will be made perfect again, as God intended from the beginning. In this passage the leaves of the tree represent healing and life. We will experience what Adam and Eve were banned from in the Garden of Eden after falling into sin.

Application

One of the ways we experience healing now is by focusing on the cross of Jesus Christ, turning our attention heavenward, and looking forward to the blessed hope, as the Lord prepares a wonderful place for us. Everything on this earth is temporary. What is eternal will remain eternal including God's love for us. 

Tuesday, March 28th

Rich in Christ

1 Kings 6:31-32:
For the entrance to the inner sanctuary he made doors out of olive wood that were one fifth of the width of the sanctuary. 32 And on the two olive-wood doors he carved cherubim, palm trees and open flowers, and overlaid the cherubim and palm trees with hammered gold.

When you think of palm trees, often the image of a tropical paradise comes to mind.
I like visiting Delray Beach, Florida. I’m not able to go very often, but I consider this place to be one of my vacation spots. Delray is a ritzy community, with several 4- and 5-star hotels near the beach, and celebrities own vacation homes there. All around you see palm and coconut trees lined up along East Atlantic Avenue and other streets.

When reading through the above passage, and the context describing Solomon’s completion of the temple, when I read phrases like “overlaid the cherubim and palm trees with hammered gold,” we’re talking about something valuable.

You probably have heard about Solomon and all of his wealth. He had an infinitely greater treasure in God’s wisdom to carry out all of these projects,
Palm trees in this context relate to the riches of Solomon’s kingdom.

In a similar way, we are God’s temple, and the Lord who is King of Kings and Lord of Lord’s gives us value because of who He is. He blesses us with His great riches—in connection with His Son Jesus Christ.

Application:
Reflect and journal the description of your value and identity in Christ. Remove any negative beliefs about yourself and replace them with affirmations that you are valuable and rich in Christ, as the palm tree was included in the splendor of Solomon’s temple. We are precious gems in the Kingdom of God.

Sunday, March 26th

Flourishing Like the Palm Tree

Psalm 92:12--The righteous will flourish like a palm tree…

Palm trees are known for their long slender trunks and crowns of long feathered or fan-shaped leaves. They can grow to 50 to 100 feet but take years to mature. In order to grow and flourish, they need the right climate—characterized by warmth, sufficient water, and healthy soil.
Just as the palm tree needs, warmth, water, and healthy soil to grow and flourish, in a similar way, we need Living Water (God’s Holy Spirit), warmth from being in His presence—in prayer and His Word and growing from the right soil—that is retaining the Word of God in our hearts.
Application:
Are we spending enough time in God’s Word and in prayer and then focusing on what needs to change in our lives (the retaining of His Word)? May we get in the habit of doing this daily.

Monday, March 27th

The Source of Blessing

Lev. 23:4 On the first day you are to take branches from luxuriant trees—from palms, willows and other leafy trees—and rejoice before the Lord your God for seven days.

Palm trees in the Bible symbolize blessing, prosperity, supply/provision, and fertility. Specifically in Leviticus 23:40, the palm tree is among the images of rejoicing, celebrating and worship. How do these concepts surrounding the palm tree connect with our daily Christian walk? Remember the source of blessing is God, and our response, which should be that of worship. Also, prosperity, fertility, etc. is not necessarily material possessions. Spiritually, we are rich in Christ.

Application:
List God’s blessings in your life including His provision spiritually. Thank the Lord, rejoice, and spend time in worship. Acknowledge your richness in Christ.

Thursday, March 30th

Decorated With Divine Virtues

1 Kings 6:29--On the walls all around the temple, in both the inner and outer rooms, he carved cherubim, palm trees and open flowers.

I recently attended a marriage conference, in which several set tables lined the church sanctuary, in place of the chairs normally placed in rows on Sunday morning. The hosts decorated the tables with flowers, and marriage-related items. A few weeks before that, the people at the same church fixed up the sanctuary ahead of a baby shower. Every year at Christmas, many people light up their homes on the inside and out, and I know one lady who faithfully puts up Christmas decorations every year at another church.

In this passage, Solomon overlaid the parts of the temple with gold, etc.
As temples of the Holy Spirit, we can let the Lord decorate our hearts or another ways of putting it is—following the instruction from Colossians 3 to clothe ourselves with His love and other Christ-like qualities.

Application: We flourish like the palm tree by putting on Christ (Colossians 3 and the fruits of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)

Wednesday, March 29th

The Work of God in His People

Ezekiel 41:17-20 And it was made with cherubims and palm trees, so that a palm tree was between a cherub and a cherub; and every cherub had two faces;
19 So that the face of a man was toward the palm tree on the one side, and the face of a young lion toward the palm tree on the other side: it was made through all the house round about. From the ground unto above the door were cherubims and palm trees made, and on the wall of the temple.

The palm tree was extensively used in the temple. The reason for the artistic work and imagery has to do with the symbolism of the palm tree—pertaining to life and fertility (Dictionary of Biblical Imagery p. 622). In terms of how the image connects with our walk with the Lord, particularly from Psalm 92:12, you might say, since we as Christians are the temple of the Holy Spirit, that God is doing a beautiful work in us and giving us life in Him as He grows us.

Application: What are some areas of our lives in which we need to allow God to do a beautiful work in us and that produces fruit spiritually. What do we need to work on most? Reflecting on these questions in a journal is on idea.

Friday, March 31st

Carefully Attentive to God's Word

Exodus 15:23-27: Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea, and they went out into the Desert of Shur. For three days they walked in the desert without finding water. And when they came to Marah, they could not drink the water there because it was bitter. (That is why it was named Marah.)
So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What are we to drink?” And Moses cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a log. And when he cast it into the waters, they were sweetened. There the LORD made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there He tested them, saying, “If you will listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God, and do what is right in His eyes, and pay attention to His commands, and keep all His statutes, then I will not bring on you any of the diseases I inflicted on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you.” Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees, and they camped there by the waters.

First, the Israelites couldn’t drink the water because of its bitterness. The people cried out, and Moses cast a log, which made the waters sweet. The Lord provided a turnaround, in which the people arrived at Elim, and they found 12 springs of water and seventy palm trees. They camped by the waters.

In Psalm 92:12, above, as mentioned, it says the righteous will flourish like the palm tree.

What we read in verse 26 is what that righteousness for the Israelites looked like:

• Listen carefully to the voice of God
• Do what is right in His eyes
• Pay attention to His commands
• Keep all His statutes

Spiritual healing in the Lord happened as a result.

Application:
Are we listening and paying attention carefully to what the Lord says in His Word, and then living out the instructions we read? I find that journaling helps reveal how this growth process unfolds over a period of time. Record how the Lord is working in your life, what blessings result, and the work He does in and through you.

Saturday, April 1st

Palm Branches and Worship

John 12:13-14 The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. 13 They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting,
“Hosanna!"
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Blessed is the king of Israel!”

Without getting into the bigger story surrounding this passage—which we’ll delve more into on Palm Sunday, these two verses record how Jesus came to Jerusalem as King.

It’s sufficient to mention here that palm branches in this scene were connected to praising the Lord. To flourish like a palm tree spiritually in the context of a relationship with the Lord, we need to worship God for who He is.

Application:
Is our focus in prayer just on the petitions? Start out prayers— by acknowledging who God is and blessing the name of the Lord.

Sunday, April 2nd 

"Lord, Save Us!"

John 12:12-13: On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.

Originally, Hosanna was a cry for help, and the prayer was Lord, please save, now!
This passage with the usage of Hosanna is also a shout of praise, with the arrival of Jesus into Jerusalem.

Imagine Jesus coming into town—for me that place would be Dagsboro, Delaware. How would we respond? Would praise be on our lips? Would we request salvation? In what areas of our lives do we need deliverance?

Application:
We may not see Jesus in person, but He is there. The people in the above passage saw Him and responded with cries of praise. Even though we don’t see Him, He expects us to acknowledge Him and bless His holy Name. Secondly, acknowledge that the Lord is there as you go about your day, and respond with prayer continually.

Monday, April 3rd

Confessions of a Criminal

Luke 23:40-41: But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”

The two criminals who were crucified, one on each side of Jesus, reacted to Jesus being nailed to a cross. The criminal who first said something insulted Jesus. The other criminal:

• Admitted deserved punishment
• Confessed Jesus as perfect
• Humbly asks Jesus to remember Him

As a result, Jesus gives this criminal grace.

Not everyone is considered a criminal, but we’ve all sinned against God in some way or another.

Application:
If we want the same gracious response from the Lord, we need to humble ourselves—admitting as the criminal did—that:
• We deserve punishment for sin
• Confess Jesus has done nothing wrong
• Ask Him for that grace

Tuesday, April 4th

Watch and Pray

Matthew 26:41--Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

As Jesus was about to undergo His greatest trial, His disciples were sleeping, when they should have been alert and prayerful.

Barnes’ Notes commentary includes a helpful explanation of the context surrounding this verse:

"That ye enter not into temptation - That ye be not overcome and oppressed with these trials of your faith so as to deny me. The word "temptation" here properly means what would test their faith in the approaching calamities - in his rejection and death. It would "try" their faith, because, though they believed that he was the Messiah, they were not very clearly aware of the necessity of his death, and they did not fully understand that he was to rise again."

We see how the disciples abandoned Jesus during his suffering, and Peter denied Him three times.

Application: As followers of Christ, we can expect situations that will test our faith. We may not fully understand everything that God is doing or what is happening. Also, the trials will become more intense as we approach the Lord’s return. What we need to do daily is renew our faith in Christ and not allow anything to lead us to deny Christ.

Wednesday, April 5th

Prayer and Cross-Centered Faith

Isa. 53:4-5 Surely he took up our pain
and bore our suffering,
yet we considered him punished by God,
stricken by him, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
and by his wounds we are healed.

I remember dressing up as Isaiah and giving a dramatic presentation of this passage at a church service back in 1996. I memorized the chapter and delivered God's (not my own) powerful message. The reason I say powerful had to do with the Holy Spirit who grabbed a hold of me as I was reading. I sensed His presence in a profound way, as did the captivated audience.

There is no greater encouragement to your faith journey than to allow yourself to be captivated by Jesus Christ and the loving sacrifice He made for you at the cross.

Application:

One way to spend time in prayer reflecting on Christ and His death on the cross is by praying the Scriptures as in the above passage from Isaiah 53. Specifically, personalize this set of verses by using I and me as pronouns. For example:

Surely You took up my pain
and bore my suffering...
You were pierced for my transgressions,
You were crushed for my iniquities;
the punishment that brought me peace was on You,
and by Your wounds I am healed.
See the difference in terms of the personal connection? You can also add your name in there in place of "I" and "my."

Thursday, April 6th

Unleavened Bread

Luke 22:7 -Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed.

The festival of Unleavened Bread can be found in Exodus 12. The following link provides an explanation of the significance of unleavened bread...

What is the significance of unleavened bread? | GotQuestions.org

It’s sufficient to mention here that leaven symbolizes sin, while unleavened bread signifies deliverance and freedom.

Application:
Reflect on Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross as the means whereby we can live our lives delivered from sin and free in Him---free to love and serve God and others, etc.

FRIDAY, April 7th

In His Hands

Luke 23:46: Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”[e] When he had said this, he breathed his last.

Jesus’ statement about committing His spirit has the following implications:

1. The statement shows the close relationship He had with His Father
2. The statement indicates a seeking of refuge in the Father
3. The statement implies surrender

Each of our situations--all of our lives really--is in His hands.

Application:
As we reflect on how Jesus did the will of the Father and was obedient unto death at the cross, are we willing to follow God’s will for our lives, even if that involves suffering? Are we willing to:

• Seek refuge in Him—spending time in His presence?
• Surrender our will to His?
• Continually pursue a close relationship with the Lord?

Saturday, April 8th

Of First Importance
1 Corinthians 15:3-4--For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

The Gospel…

• Christ died for our sins
• That He was buried
• Rose again on the third day.

The burial is also signified in baptism as one is fully immersed in water and brought back up. This process represents death to sin, and then resurrection into a new life in Christ.

Application:

Keep renewing your focus throughout each day to that which is of first importance---the Gospel as outlined above.

Sunday, April 16th to Saturday, April 22nd

The Walk to Emmaus

Luke 24:13-35
13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him.

17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”

They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”

19 “What things?” he asked.

“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”

25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.

30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”

33 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34 and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” 35 Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.

Has there ever been a time when you felt depressed and it seemed God was distant? As the passage above shows, Jesus is right there with us and speaking to us during these moments. He may remind you of certain Scripture passages. The Lord might use something tangible like the breaking of bread to help you see Him more clearly. The disciples' experience came as they were discussing among themselves what had happened.

Application:
When feeling downcast, trust the Lord is there and wants to speak to you and spend time with you. While in fellowship with others (and while in solitude), look to the the Gospel--the message of the cross--to see Him more clearly and grasp the depth of His love for you.

Sunday, April 16^th, 2023

Finding Rest in God

Psalm 62:1,5 Truly my soul finds rest in God;
    my salvation comes from Him. Psalm 62:5-Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
    my hope comes from Him.

The idea of rest brings to mind the goal of renewing energy and strength, ceasing from work to take a much-needed break, as well as relaxing in a stress-free setting. In the Christian faith, this kind of rest is spiritual—getting into a place where you are in God’s presence, and you turn your worries and stresses over to Him. The rest referred to in the spiritual sense is also based on the finished work of Christ at Calvary’s cross, which is something to reflect on post-Easter.

Application:

Are you stressed and worried about something in your life? Do you find yourself trying to get through a busy schedule each week with little rest? Do you struggle with guilt over sin? The encouragement from this Psalm is to be intentional about seeking that place where you can turn over the burdens of life and experience hope and salvation by being in His presence.

Monday, April 17^th, 2023

Believing and Resting

Hebrews 4:3a:  ^“Now we who have believed enter that rest…”

When you sit down on a chair, you trust the chair will hold you up, right? At least for the most part, I would imagine that is the case. Do we have that same mindset spiritually--with God in our lives—believing that He is holding us up? Some may struggle with the idea of doing good works. However, the cross of Jesus Christ is sufficient, as His finished work—His shed blood—cleanses us from all sin.

Application:

When you go to the Lord, and you are resting in His presence, in regard to cleansing from past sin, think of the illustration of the chair holding you up. Rest in Christ knowing He will keep you from condemnation.

Tuesday, April 18^th, 2023

Come to Jesus

Matthew 11: 28--Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

I recently came back from a long trip with several airport layovers and long walks in between flights. I carried a book bag that I admittedly stuffed with too many items. I walked strenuously with the heavy bag on my back. Once I handed my bag over to family members to place on carts, I felt much relief. I could walk freely. In order to be free of the weight on my shoulders, I had to let go and turn over the bag. I had to intentionally go to family members for help.

In a similar way, Jesus wants us to come to Him, and other Scriptures tell us that we need to cast our burdens on Him.

Application:

Do you feel like you are carrying a weight spiritually, similar to the bag I took with me to the airport that put a strain on my back? Intentionally go to Jesus and release that weight, and He will place the “bag full of life’s burdens” at the foot of the cross. You might find it helpful to use a visual for this process.

Wednesday, April 19^th, 2023

True Righteousness

Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever.

As you read and come across the word "righteousness," you might think about following a set of rules and living a moral life. While we want to please God, it’s important to view righteousness in the context of what Christ did at Easter—dying on the cross for our sins and rising again.

Because of the righteousness of Christ, we can have peace (see Isaiah 53), and the effect is quietness and assurance (basically resting in Him) forever.

Application:
In prayer, avoid focusing on your own righteous efforts (and failures). Instead, focus on what Christ accomplished at Calvary’s cross—His righteousness. Give Him thanks. Spend time reflecting on this truth, and you’ll receive from Him that peace and assurance.

Thursday, April 20^th, 2023

God’s Presence and Rest

Exodus 33:14 - And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.

Some environments are more conducive to rest than others. If you are at a quiet retreat center, you can get plenty of rest physically and spiritually. You likely get plenty of rest at home and sometimes in a parked car. At work, that’s a different story.

In addition to retreat centers, I’ve gone to prayer rooms, libraries, and even restrooms (no pun intended), to take a few minutes and get some space where I can talk to the Lord. Anywhere we go, God goes with us (if we let Him), and so we can consistently experience rest in Him.

Application:

Pray for and seek God’s presence to find that rest spiritually.

Friday, April 21^st, 2023

Perfect Peace

Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace
    those whose minds are steadfast,
    because they trust in you.

KJV-- Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

In the refrain of the hymn, “Like a River Glorious,” churchgoers have sung these words…

“Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blest
Finding, as He promised, perfect peace and rest.”

It’s nice to think about perfect peace and rest, but are our minds steadfast? The word for “steadfast” is sustained or kept centered on the Lord. One study in 2020 showed that people typically have more than 6,000 thoughts per day. You can imagine the various tangents of all of those thought patterns.

Application:

When we get off track in our thoughts, acknowledge the distraction or diversion in our thinking. Then we can turn our attention back to Christ to sustain that overall focus on Him.

Saturday, April 27^th, 2023

Resting and Waiting

Psalms 37:7 - Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

One of the threats to our peace in the Lord is looking at what’s happening in the world and getting upset about the lack of justice. While this is understandable and considered righteous anger, God does not want us to stay in that mindset, but rather to wait on Him and trust that He will bring that justice and that good will ultimately triumph over evil.

Application:

When you are angry about evil and injustice, take those feelings to the Lord in prayer and commit to turning those upsetting situations over to Him—waiting patiently for Him to act. He will in His time respond.

Week of 4/23-4/30 Post-Easter Passage from the Book of Acts

Acts 1:6-11

⁶ Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

⁷ He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. ⁸ But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

⁹ After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

¹⁰ They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. ¹¹ “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

New Beginnings

I've always been a "new beginnings" type of person. I like New Year's probably more than any other holiday, as when January 1st comes, it gives me the opportunity to start fresh and anew. From a spiritual and church age standpoint, the resurrection of Christ marked a new beginning. Jesus was about to ascend into heaven, and Christ's disciples were given a commission. Jesus appointed them to go and be witnesses for him to the ends of the earth. The post-Easter context launched the beginning of the growth of Christ's church. 

Two ideas to contemplate and remember from this passage...

1. God has set an appointed time for His return and for the restoration in the end times. While we wait, we need to focus on the work God has for us to do. 

2. God does have work for His church, and that is to be witnesses in this world. 

Application:

One way to apply this passage is not to be overly focused on when Jesus Christ comes back. Another way is to focus on being Christ's representatives with the time we are given on this earth. We don't necessarily have to go overseas to be a witness, as there are needs locally. What ways can you be a witness for the Lord this week? Several areas of work for the Lord include...

• Acts of service
• Giving your testimony
• Providing encouragement from the Scriptures
• Prayer ministry
• Church involvement in the community (collectively). This passage is meant to be applied in a corporate setting not just individually.

Also, as the passage makes clear, we need to rely on the Holy Spirit and His power.

Sunday, April 30th

Romans 8:3-4 …what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, so that the righteous standard of the law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

God’s Part and Our Part

You’ve probably heard the statement…”I do my part and you do yours.” Or, perhaps you’ve listened to Bible messages which describe what God did for us through Jesus Christ, but also that we have a part in the Christian journey. We are saved by grace through faith, but walking according to the Spirit and not the flesh is the mark of a true Christian. For more on the term “walk” in the Bible, see the devotionals posted on the following days.

Application:
Are you walking according to the Holy Spirit of God or are you walking according to the flesh?
It’s something Christians can and should evaluate daily. Walking in the Spirit involves prayer, meditating on God’s Word, and obedience to God. The Apostle Paul lists works of the flesh, which include sexual immorality, greed, fits of rage, etc.

Monday, May 1st

Romans 8:14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.

Powerful Influence

You’ve probably heard the comment from someone to another, “If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be here today.” Or, You’re the one who helped me get to where I am today.”

A leader influences a follower in a special way. That person encourages, directs, and may give some tough love at times.

The word for “led” in the Greek, according to Thayer’s Greek Lexicon, is a strong verb. The word has the implication of something that urges or drives one to do something or to go in a certain direction. In other words, when is says the Spirit of God leads or being led by the Spirit of God, that means He influences us in a powerful way.

Application:
Are we allowing our thoughts and desires to be influenced by the Spirit of God? To have the mind of God, we must take the time to focus/dwell on Him and meditate on His truths.

Tuesday, May 2nd

Galatians 5:16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

Our Spiritual Walk

When you walk, you go down a path step by step. You don’t think of walking as moving forward one step, stopping, and then taking two steps back. People walk in a steady, ongoing, forward motion. Walking in that way implies consistency. Spiritually, when we go along with God’s Holy Spirit, one step at a time, we experience victory over the flesh.

Application:
A great way to keep walking by the Spirit is by putting Him first in everything, and committing each part of your day to prayer. Acknowledge the Lord in all your ways, as it says in Proverbs.

Wednesday, May 3rd.

Proverbs 3:6-- In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

How to Receive God’s Direction

In all my ways, I acknowledge my wife. If I am headed to work, I tell her when I’m leaving, and when I’ll be back. If I go to the store, she knows about it, and I ask her what she needs. If I need to go somewhere for an extended period of time—a personal spiritual retreat or a conference, etc… I talk to her about it. This kind of relationship is kind of like our relationship with God, or at least, what it should involve.

Application:
Are we taking time to acknowledge the Lord in all our ways throughout each day? In other words, let’s pray about each decision, activity, etc. God will then your guide your paths and ensure you continue in the right direction.

Thursday, May 4th

Galatians 5:25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 

In Sync

https://dictionary.cambridge.org/ includes this definition of In step with: “…can also mean at the same speed or level as someone or something: Gasoline prices rose in step with oil prices. He found it hard to keep in step with the changes."

What does this mean for us spiritually in our walk with God?

Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you and don't try to rush through any part of your life. You also don't want to hesitate and go too slow. It's like being in sync. Being in sync means ( https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/-- ) happening, functioning, or moving at the same time and pace as someone or something.

Application
Evaluate your walk with God in two ways. First ask, “am I impatient in any area and trying to rush God?” Secondly, ask, “am I being hesitant to moving forward with His plan for my life?”

Friday, May 5th

John 14:16-17
 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

Help in Life’s Trials

Over the last several years, as a pastor, I’ve visited a number of patients in the hospitals. One common thread that I’ve heard in comments from them, is that if it wasn’t for their faith, they would have the strength to get through the circumstances they were going through.

Imagine a life without faith.

How would you do in difficult times emotionally and internally? Who or what would you turn to? In John 14:16-17, God promises the Holy Spirit as an advocate to help us and One who would be with us forever.

Application

Allow the Holy Spirit who is in you and lives with you to be that advocate and help you in times of need. Remember His role, and don’t try to get through circumstances on your own or your own power.

Saturday, May 6th

John 16:7   But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.

Using Discernment

As mentioned above, God promised to send the Advocate—His Holy Spirit to us. And surely, He resides within us who believe. Though we do not see or interact with Jesus face to face in person, He gives us His Holy Spirit. How do you know the Holy Spirit is speaking to you? Look to what God says in His Word. Also, what does Jesus say specifically in the Gospels? The Holy Spirit testifies about Him.

Application
If you feel you are being led by the Holy Spirit, and you think He is speaking to you, look to see if everything you are sensing or hearing aligns with the Word of God. Is what You are experiencing honoring to Christ? Does it point to the Gospel?

Sunday, May 7th

The Holy Spirit Helps us Pray

Romans 8:26-Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

If you've ever been burdened by something, maybe you asked for some kind of support, or perhaps you tried to navigate that trial by yourself. We cannot free ourselves from burdens or persevere in trials without God's help. To try to do so would be prideful. From this verse, we see the Holy Spirit is right there with us in our situation and is groaning and interceding for us as an advocate when we are overwhelmed with emotions. It's encouraging to know that He empathizes with us, supports, and strengthens us. Also, we may not know how to pray sometimes about certain situations and what words to use, etc. But God's Holy Spirit intercedes and goes to the Father on our behalf.

Application:

When you're not sure what you should pray for, ask for God's Holy Spirit to move in your prayer life and assist in your trials. Express your emotions to Him and turn over the burden. Trust that He is there for you. I just say, "Lord, I'm really burdened. I need your help in this trial. I'm not sure what to say or how to pray, but I turn this situation over to you. Please intercede on my behalf." Depend on Him in prayer as your helper and guide.

Monday, May 8th

The Holy Spirit Teaches us

John 14:26--But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.

I remember taking classes, an then years later I would remember what the professor said. As I pick up the Bible, sit down, and read, I remember the list of steps on how to study God's Word, for example...you know...the methods I learned.

Application:
When you read the Bible, memorize certain verses and passages, and from that meditation, God will bring them to your mind in certain situations. One such passage in my case was Philippians 4:4-7 about not being anxious but presenting my requests to God with prayer and thanksgiving, which really helped me as I was going through a particular situation.

Tuesday, May 9th

The Holy Spirit Provides Assurance

Romans 8:16--The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.

Have you ever doubted your salvation? Do you struggle with finding assurance that you are saved? If so, consider this role of the Holy Spirit as One who bears witness with your spirit that you belong to Him. Consider what Galatians 5:22 says about the fruits of the Spirit. Are you bearing the fruit of love, joy, peace, gentleness, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, and self-control?

Application:

Evaluate your life according to the fruits of the Holy Spirit listed above, and see how the Spirit works in your heart and testifies that you are in Christ. The overarching theme/fruit (first one on the list) is love. Do you love the Lord with your whole being and love others as yourself? As Mark 12:34 says, "You're not far from the Kingdom of God."

Wednesday, May 10th

The Holy Spirit Guides us into all Truth

John 16:13--However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth.

We live in a society where people present many differing viewpoints. Especially in this day and age, we are bombarded with messages from the media and other information sources. Then, if that's not enough, we wonder which ones out of the thousands of thoughts that cross our minds daily reflect what God is really saying. Some you can tell very clearly, but others--not so much. These factors make it essential to pay attention to this role of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Application:
Keep checking in with the Lord in prayer and ask for His Holy Spirit's guidance--with:

• Questions you have
• Information sources you consume
• Doubts and confusion that may arise

Thursday, May 11th

The Holy Spirit Convicts us of Sin

John 16:8--And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.

Conviction of sin--that is something we're doing wrong that is against God is not something we naturally pursue in the flesh. However, it's essential that we are open to this role of the Holy Spirit in our lives. As we contemplate the love of God, also meditate on His holiness and justice.

Application:
As you live out your daily life, make it a point not to overlook sin. Confess sins regularly, and then rest in the finished work of Christ at Calvary's cross.

Friday, May 12th

The Holy Spirit Gives us Power

Acts 1:8--But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be [a]witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

The Christian journey involves work. God has given us His Great Comission to make disciples of all nations--to go where He calls us to go, and to teach His Word. We are called to be witnesses. Sometimes the tendency is to focus on the work itself and not the source of power to do the work. This verse reminds us not to try to do the work of God on our own strength or terms, but rather look to the Holy Spirit for His power.

Application:
Before each ministry task, pray for wisdom and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to effectively do what He has asked you to do.

Saturday, May 13th

The Holy Spirit Brings Freedom

2 Corinthians 3:17--Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

Liberty or freedom as stated in this verse can apply to:

• The freedom to praise and worship God
• The freedom to serve and love others and not be in bondage to issues such as bitterness and depression
• The freedom to live life abundantly (John 10:10)--the kind of life which Jesus came to give us

In terms of where the Holy Spirit is, I connect this verse to Psalm 22:3, where it says that God inhabits the praises of His people. Where is God's Holy Spirit? he is in an atmosphere of praise/worship of His Holy name.

Application:
Go where the Holy Spirit is, and spend time there--in praise and worship, in a place of love and service. Also, allow the Holy Spirit to be present around you in that way, wherever you go. Pray for the presence of the Holy Spirit to fill your home.

Sunday, May 14th

Seeking God's Strength

1 Chronicles 16:11 -- Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually.

As you go through trials, you might say to yourself, "I need strength." It may feel as though you are so weak and can't go on in whatever situation is burdening you. However, this verse instructs us to seek the Lord and His strength--to seek His face continually. Let's not forget that part, as we live out our faith journey.

Application
Make it a lifestyle of seeking the Lord--through prayer, meditating on His Word, as well as fellowship and accountability.

Monday, May 15th

God Generously Gives Strength

Isaiah 40:29 --He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength.

You may have heard Bible messages on God's generosity, and how He longs to bless us. One of the aspects of His generosity is His gifts of power and strength as we go through life's journey. Two action verbs in this verse in reference to God is that He gives (power) and increases (strength) in those who have no might.

Application:
Keep seeking the Lord for power and strength, and believe in the message of His generosity in giving those needs.

Tuesday, May 16th

Renewing Strength by Hoping in God

Isa. 40:31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

In Isaiah 40:31. we see a connection between hoping in the Lord and renewal of strength. The results of that are extraordinary. Hope does involve waiting. The term means...

Application:
What promises of God in connection with Scripture and your spiritual needs can you remind yourself of as you go through your situation? It helps to declare those promises to renew your hope and faith in the Lord, and thus you find renewal of your strength.

Wednesday, May 17th

Finding Refuge in God Leads to Strength

Psalm 46:1-God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Often when someone is going through a grief journey or some type of crisis, and I pray with them, I bring up this verse in my prayers. When we are in a state of turmoil, we need to go to a place of rest. Consider a hurricane, where in the eye of the storm is total peace, while strong winds encircle the eye wall. The presence of God is analogous to that eye of the storm. In that place of refuge, we find strength in our circumstances.

Application:
When going through a time of grief, crisis, or difficult life situation, (as we need to do regularly, as God is our source of strength always), find that quiet place ad block out an extended time to take refuge in God and to receive His strength.

Thursday, May 18th

God's Promise of Strength and Peace

Psalm 29:11 The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace.

When you promise something, the implication is that whatever the promise entails will happen in the future. Often times, we may not see the fulfillment of God's promises right away. We must go through a waiting period. Even though it may seem at times that God is not following through, He is still faithful to His promises and will provide strength and peace in His time.

Application:
Are you waiting for God to fulfill His promises of strength and peace in your situation? Keep praying and believing, and wait on Him.

Friday, May 19th

Christ The Source of Our Strength

Philippians 4:13-- I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

In the context of this verse, the Apostle Paul mentioned two different states he experienced--when he had plenty, and when he was limited. No matter what the situation--lack of or enough supply, Paul maintained his confidence in the Lord Jesus Christ and His strength to get him through, and acknowledged that Christ was all he needed.

Lyrics to a Christian song I used to sing in chapel at my undergrad alma mater:
Christ Is All I Need
Christ Is All I Need
Christ Is All I Need
All, All I Need.
Christ Is All I Need
Christ Is All I Need

The Apostle Paul put Christ first and from that mindset and focus, he was strong in Him no matter what situation he faced. 

Application:
If you are lacking in some area of your life, turn to Christ and depend on Him for strength to face your situation and remain content. 

Saturday, May 20th

God is our Strength in Weakness

Psalm 73:26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

From a human standpoint, because this world and our bodies are temporary, expect failures and weaknesses. Death is inevitable. However, eternity and eternal life is found in God. Because of that truth, we can endure to the end.

Application:

Seek the Lord always. When feeling like you are failing in some way, look to the Lord and His strength. Remind yourself of promises in this area.

Week of 5/21 to 5/27

Psalm 91 --God's Protection

Psalm 91:4 --He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

The Psalms include a number of references to God as our refuge. Finding refuge in God is in the context of a close relationship with Him. Often the focus is on God's protection or the prayer for God to protect us. However, as many other promises in the Bible, we have a part to play in inviting that protective presence of the Lord.
Verse 1 says, "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. We have to do something--and that is dwell in the Lord's presence. Verse 14 then says, "Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. Verse 15 further states, "He will call on me, and I will answer him;"

Note the action verbs of what our parts are in this relationship in which God protects us, and we find refuge in Him:

• Dwells
• Trust (in God)
• Loves (God)
• Acknowledges (His Name)
• Call (on God)

Application:
Keep praying for God's protection, but apply the concepts of dwelling in God's presence, trusting in Him, loving God (which involves obedience to His commands), acknowledging His Name, and calling on God. Spend time growing in your relationship with God, and experience His benefits for His glory. Remember though, God doesn't promise a life with no trouble. See verse 15 where it says, "I will be with him in trouble..." God also provides spiritual protection in terms of His presence, so we don't stray or fall into temptation. 

Sunday, May 28th

Acknowledgement of who God is

Nehemiah 1:5 Then I said: “Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments.”

I must admit that many times I've gone right to the petitions part--overlooking who it is I'm talking to in my prayers. I mean, I know I'm talking to God, but I often fail to acknowledge His greatness.

Nehemiah's prayer and other such examples in the Bible show us the right approach.

Application:
As you start your prayers, acknowledge who God is. You can learn from the great men and women of faith in the Bible and use their prayers as templates.
Nehemiah's prayer as stated above is one example. 
Hannah in 1 Samuel says in her prayer “There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.”

Monday, May 29th
Confession of Sins

Psalm 51:3-5
3 For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is always before me.
4 Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight;
so you are right in your verdict
and justified when you judge.
5 Surely I was sinful at birth,
sinful from the time my mother conceived me.

In this passage, David, after committing adultery with Bathsheba and arranging for her husband to be killed, starts out his prayer with acknowledging God's
great compassion and unfailing love and then proceeds to confessing his sin.
The difference now is that we can go to God in prayer, confess our sins, and then rest in the finished work of Christ at Calvary's cross.

Application:
Include confession in your prayers but rest in the truth that the work of Christ at the cross is finished, and He has cleansed you from all your sins.
We're not to focus on sin from a place of legalism, but confess your sins, putting each one under the blood of Christ. Remember also 1 John 1:9--
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness"

Tuesday, May 30th
Thanksgiving in our Prayers

1 Thessalonians 5:18--In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

I once heard a message on this verse, and I clearly remember the speaker pointing out that we need to follow what is clearly stated in Scripture about the will of God if we want to know more about His plan for our lives and desire God's answers to our prayers. In this verse, the will of God includes giving thanks in everything--not necessarily for everything, but IN everything--knowing God cares, is in control, has a plan, and will ultimately work everything out for good (for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose, as it says in Romans 8:28).

Application:
Make it a point to include thanksgiving in your prayers What has God blessed you with that you can give Him thanks for, or what help is God giving you in your situation?

Wednesday, May 31st

Offering up Petitions to God

John 15:7--If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.

Are you seeking answers to your prayers? This verse provides the formula. Abiding in Christ and letting His words abide in you will empower your prayers. Ask whatever you wish, and it will be given to you. Note, however, that in the context of that passage, when we offer up petitions to God, His answers have to do with bearing fruit for His Kingdom and not promoting the satisfaction of selfish desires. When we abide in Christ and His words remain in us, we have the same mind, heart, and desires as He has.

Application:
Spend time in the Lord's presence and continually let the words of Christ remain in your heart. In the context of this relationship with Him, present your prayer requests--seeking that which will glorify Him.

Thursday, June 1st
Reciting God's Word In Our Prayers

Romans 10:17 says So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

In the original context of the New Testament culture, Bible passages were meant to be read aloud. There is something about reading aloud that gets words more ingrained into your spirit.

I remember back in my Christian high school days, when they had students memorize large chunks of Scripture. The way that was done was that we read the passage out loud every day.

Reading and verbalizing passages really helps with memorization. When it comes to prayer, we should not forget about the faith element.

Application:
Add to your prayers a reciting of God's promises to maintain faith in your daily Christian walk. For example, if you are struggling with sickness confess Psalm 31:15: My times are in Your (God's) hands. And I trust in Your unfailing love (Psalm 13:5-6).

Friday, June 2nd
Prayer and Fasting

Mark 9:29--And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.

As Christians, you will experience spiritual warfare. Ephesians chapter 6 makes this clear. In certain situations, in which you are under attack spiritually, it's possible that a time of prayer and fasting is the only way a breakthrough can happen. In Mark 9, the context is the disciples going to Jesus and saying that they could not cast a demon out of a person, and they were wondering why. Jesus responds by telling them about the elements of fasting and prayer.

Application:
Are you struggling with a particularly difficult situation spiritually? Set aside time to fast--perhaps at least one meal and take the time instead to pray. Keep seeking the Lord in that situation.

Saturday, June 3rd
Continual Prayer

1 Thess. 5:17--Pray without ceasing.

At times, you may be at the point of giving up. You may not feel like praying. This short, simple verse instructs us to continue to pray, which enables us to persevere in the Christian faith when times are tough. Also, you may have heard how unhealthy it is to bottle up struggles internally. We need to have a way of expressing emotions and talk things out. So it is with prayer.

Find a quiet space, even if for a few minutes to go to God's throne of grace.
Often, I would go to a private, quiet place to get away for a few minutes and take whatever issues or burdens to the Lord.

Application:
You can pray anywhere, anytime throughout each day. It may be helpful to set some goals to establish daily prayer patterns. When going through something, find that quiet space and take those burdens to the Lord.

Sunday, June 11th
What is Faith? Part 1
Hebrews 11:1--Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

"I'll believe it when I see it." I'm sure you've heard that statement a number of times in your life and probably have used it yourself. I know I have. However, the mark of Christian faith centers on those words: "things not seen." Hope has to do with expectation. You don't just believe what is invisible...you wait with eager expectation for Jesus to return, for example. Do you believe what you don't see when it comes to God? Do you expect something to happen, according to God's Word, even though it hasn't come to pass?

Application:
Evaluate your faith according to Hebrews 11:1. Are you waiting with expectation that God will fulfill His promises? Are you continuing to believe, even if you don't see God at work? If you struggle, confess that in prayer and ask the Lord for help regarding unbelief.

Monday, June 12th
What is Faith? Part 2
Hebrews 11:6-But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

I remember a professor in Bible college defined faith in this memorable way: "Faith is simply believing that God is who He says He is and that He will do what He says He will do." For example, Do you believe that God is love? It's easy to understand in terms of head knowledge that God is love, but to believe that in our hearts when things don't go right--that is where we experience a test of our faith. Do you believe that God will forgive you of your sins? Sometimes, circumstances can lead us in to thought patterns of doubt. We must stand on His promises.

Application:
Reflect on areas of your faith that need work---when it comes to who God is and what He promises to do. Make statements of affirmation from the Scriptures, such as, "God is faithful and just to forgive me..."(1 John 1:9).

Tuesday, June 13th
Believing it when You Don't See it
2 Cor. 5:7--For we walk by faith, not by sight.

We've gone over the concept of believing, even when you don't see God at work, for example. In this verse--2 Cor. 5:7--let's focus on the word walk, which has the sense of going or walking around. It's not necessarily in a straight line/path. Figuratively in the Greek, It has the sense of going through life, which has its ups and downs, twists and turns. Are we walking by faith even when it seems God is not doing anything or are we going to believe only if we see results, answers, etc.?

Application:
I each area of your life(family, career, health, etc.) and every part of your day, claim God's Word. Affirm His truth, even when you don't see a resolution to an issue or answer to your prayer.

Wednesday, June 14th
Faith to Move Mountains
Matt. 17:20--I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.

I once read illustrations regarding the gift of salvation---which only God can give. In other words, we can't save ourselves. One of the illustrations is, if you and I try to swim across the ocean, I might go further than you, or you might end up further out than me, but in both cases we would fall way short of the goal---reaching the other side. In other words, we cannot save ourselves. It's impossible. Only God can do that. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, for by grace you have been saved through faith. It is a gift of God--not of works lest anyone should boast.

If we have faith, we believe God can do the impossible. In Matthew 17:20, saying to the mountain (which can represent some sort of obstacle or adversity) to move, is only focused on God's ability.

Application:
In your prayers, affirm that you believe God can do the impossible. Affirm your belief that God can and will work things out. Turn the issues over to Him, and say this mountain is being moved through His power in Jesus' Name!

Thursday, June 15th
The Value of Faith
1 Corinthians. 13:13 --And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

When we think of what is valuable from an earthly, human standpoint, we know that it's all temporary. The Bible instructs us to focus on what is eternal--the things of God. In 1 Corinthians 13:13, faith is among those that will abide continually. I remember praying with patients in the hospitals during my chaplaincy training, and I would hear them say that if it wasn't for their faith, they wouldnt have the strength to endure. God gives us this gift of faith, as He is the ultimate source of what is eternal.

Application:
Cling to the Lord always including when times are tough. "Keep the faith" is a common statement and certainly applies to the discussion about faith abiding. When you go through difficulties no matter how big or small, always remember to hold on to your faith--in your thoughts, your words, and your actions.

Friday, June 16th
Faith and Endurance

Luke 18:8--when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”

I hear many say how the world is getting worse and worse. This world is going through tumultuous times. Right before Jesus comes again, this world will go through the worst tribulation ever.

With everything so topsy turvy, how are we to respond as Christians?
We must respond with faith. What exactly does that mean? Faith in the midst of chaos is trusting that God will accomplish His purposes both in the world and for each of us individually. We also trust in His presence, His love, and His Word that we are blessed when we are persecuted for His sake. Faith in a chaotic world also means that if it came to the point of someone threatening our lives because of Christian beliefs, that we would not deny Christ.

Application:
Keep living out our faith each day in word and in action--responding to the chaos with continual belief in Christ--who He is and what He will do in the future in bringing about restoration at His Second coming. That helps our faith endure.

Saturday, June 17th
The Prayer of Faith
James 5:15-- And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.

This passage is in the context of the elders of the church praying over ones who are sick. This verse is not saying that only the elders of the church can pray in faith over the sick. Prayer is powerful, especially when others come together and support each other in that way. In the immediate context is also the connection of the prayer of faith to confession of sins. Healing takes place when we are willing to confess our sins to God and also be open about what needs to be confessed with brothers and sisters in Christ who we trust. Such individuals who hear our confessions are mature in the faith. In this way, without sin blocking, the prayer is powerful and effective. Even the elders of the church need to confess sins. It says in verse 16, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.

Application:
When attempting to pray in faith or getting others to pray, are you including the application of the concept of confessing sins?

Sunday, June 18th

God' Power to Set us Free
Psalm 3:8--From the Lord comes deliverance...
This verse is a reminder that we can't deliver ourselves. Only God has the power to set us free. We need to depend on Him continually for the spiritual strength to remain victorious. I remember praying on my knees one time for the Lord's deliverance, and confessed that I could not be free on my own power. He then led me to the help I needed--His way.

Application:
Confess that only from the Lord comes deliverance and that no spiritual deliverance can happen from human willpower.

Monday, June 19th

God's Deliverance from Life's Troubles
Psalms 34:17 - The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.
Yes, we go through troubles on this earth in this life. Jesus made it clear that in this world we will have trouble. However, the encouragement is to cry out to the Lord and trust that He hears, and in His time, In His own way, He will deliver you.
Application:
Cry out to God in the midst of your troubles. Continue to pray and believe that He hears you. Once again, submit to His Way, Will, and Timing regarding deliverance.

Tuesday, June 20th
Cry out to the Lord
Psalms 107:6 - Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.

This verse, like the one from Psalm 34, encourages us to cry out to the Lord in the midst of trouble. The Lord is faithful to deliver.

Application:
Cry out to the Lord in your trouble. Don't be discouraged about praying. Keep seeking Him!

Wednesday, June 21st
Calling on the Lord
Psalms 50:15 - And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

We see another promise, this one from Psalm 50:15, that God will deliver those who call upon Him in the day of trouble. We must do so humbly and with the intent of glorifying God. He is not interested in making life an easy cake walk for us, so we can live selfishly. Our motive in receiving God's deliverance should be to honor Him with our lives.

Application:
Call on the Lord in the day of trouble. Seek Him for deliverance, but approach Him humbly and check your motives. God wants to deliver you. Are you going to glorify Him with your life? One way to do that is by sharing your testimony.

Thursday, June 22nd
God my Deliverer
Psalm 68:20--Our God is a God of deliverance; the Lord GOD is our rescuer from death.
The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;

The Psalmist personalizes God's nature. God isn't just a fortress or a deliverer. The psalmist states, He is MY rock, MY fortress, and MY deliverer.

Application:
Recite verses that declare the nature of God---as in Psalm 68--that God is a God of deliverance. Then personalize it. "God is a God of deliverance in my life. He is my deliverer."
These exercises in meditation of His Word helps build our faith.

Friday, June 23rd
Who God is
Psalm 40:17--But I am poor and needy; Yet the Lord thinks upon me. You are my help and my deliverer; Do not delay, O my God.

The Psalmist affirms God's caring nature and His role as his help and deliverer. A major aspect of our prayers entails acknowledging who our God is based on what the Scriptures reveal.

Application:
Affirm the same--that God is your help and deliverer and thinks upon you.

Saturday, June 24th
Deliverance is from the Lord
Proverbs 21:31: The horse is prepared for the day of battle,
But deliverance is of the LORD.

This verse is a reminder that only the Lord can deliver--no weapon, army, battle plan, etc. Humans can only do so much such as prepare extensively, but ultimately the outcome is in the Lord's Hands.

Application:
Confess that the outcome of the situation you are in belongs to the Lord.

Sunday, July 23rd

The Peace that Passes All Understanding

Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

This verse reminds us not to worry or be anxious, but instead, to bring our concerns to God through prayer and thanksgiving. In doing so, God's peace will protect and comfort our hearts and minds beyond human comprehension.

Application: Whenever you feel anxious or burdened, take a moment to pray to God, presenting your requests and concerns with thanksgiving. Trust in God's promise that His peace, surpassing human understanding, will guard your heart and mind, granting you tranquility amidst life's challenges.

Monday, July 24th

The Peace Jesus Gives

John 14:27 (NIV)
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

Jesus offers His peace to His followers, a peace that is different from the world's peace. He encourages us not to be troubled or fearful but to trust in Him.

Application: Embrace the peace that Jesus offers, which goes beyond the fleeting peace the world offers. In times of trouble and fear, anchor your heart in Christ's peace, knowing that He is in control and will bring comfort to your soul.

Tuesday, July 25th

Perfect Peace

Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)
"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you."

This verse assures us that if we remain steadfast in our trust in God, He will grant us perfect peace, regardless of the circumstances.

Application: Cultivate a steadfast trust in God, consistently relying on Him in both good and difficult times. By doing so, you invite God's perfect peace to dwell within you, providing stability and calmness in the midst of life's storms.

Wednesday, July 26th

Filled with God's Peace

Romans 15:13 (NIV)

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

As we place our trust in God, He fills us with joy and peace through the Holy Spirit, leading us to abound in hope.

Application: Choose to place your faith in God, allowing the Holy Spirit to fill you with joy and peace. As you trust in Him, you'll experience a sense of hope that overflows, impacting not only your life but also the lives of those around you.

Thursday, July 27th

Christ's Peace Ruling Our Hearts

Colossians 3:15 (NIV)
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."

The peace of Christ should govern our hearts and interactions with others, and we should always be thankful for this gift.

Application: Let the peace of Christ govern your attitudes and interactions with others. Be proactive in seeking reconciliation and harmony, maintaining gratitude in your heart for the peace that God provides.

Friday, July 28th

Resting in the Lord

Psalm 4:8 (NIV)
"In peace, I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety."

Knowing that God is our protector and provider of safety, we can rest peacefully and sleep without fear.

Application: Acknowledge God's protection over your life and find rest in the assurance of His safety. Even during troubling times, choose to lie down and sleep in peace, knowing that God watches over you.

Saturday, July 29th

The Lord's Blessing of Peace

Psalm 29:11 (NIV)
"The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace."

God empowers and blesses His people with peace, which is a valuable gift to be cherished.

Application: In times of weakness or weariness, draw strength from God's presence, for He blesses His people with peace. Trust in His provision and guidance as you navigate life's challenges.

Remember, these verses offer comfort and assurance of God's peace in various aspects of our lives. When we face challenges or uncertainties, we can turn to these scriptures for encouragement and a reminder of God's unfailing peace.

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Sunday, July 16th

God's Comfort in Overwhelming Times

Psalm 23:4 - "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.

Even when life feels overwhelming and I find myself in the darkest of times,

I don't need to be afraid. You know why? Because God is right there with me, every step of the way.

He's like a loving shepherd, guiding and protecting me. His presence brings me such comfort and reassurance.

Application: Recite this passage, acknowlege, and believe His presence with you and that He will comfort you in the time of trial.

Monday, July 17th

God's Comfort in Grief

Matthew 5:4 - Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.

You know, when we go through deep grief or experience intense sadness, it can feel incredibly tough.

But here's the beautiful part: God doesn't leave us alone in our pain. He cares about us deeply, and He promises to bring us comfort.

He understands our sorrow, and His healing touch can mend even the most broken of hearts.

Application: When you're grieving look to God and His Word--passages about comfort.

Tuesday, July 18th

God's Comfort for the Afflicted

Isaiah 49:13"Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; break forth in song, O mountains! For the LORD has comforted His people, and He will have compassion on His afflicted ones."

 Have you ever felt overwhelmed, worried, or discouraged? I think we all have at some point. But guess what? We don't have to carry that burden alone. God is right there with us, cheering us on. He says, 'Don't be afraid! I'm your God, and I'll give you strength. When you need help, I'll be there to lend a hand. I've got you covered.'"

Application: Seek God in the midst of your affliction, and keep in prayer for His comfort.

Wednesday, July 19th

The God of All Comfort

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any [a]trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

Isn't it amazing how God takes care of us in our times of trouble? He's like a compassionate parent, full of love and understanding. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can, in turn, bring comfort to others who are going through difficult times. It's like a chain of comfort, spreading His love and kindness.

Application: As God comforts you in your affliction, seek to comfort and encourage others.

Thursday, July 20th
God's Comforting Presence

Psalm 34:18 -The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart,
And saves such as ^[a]have a contrite spirit.

When our hearts are broken and we're feeling utterly crushed, it can be hard to see a way out. But here's the good news: God is right there with us, even in our lowest moments. He draws near to the brokenhearted, offering a soothing balm for our pain. He saves us from despair and brings restoration to our wounded souls.

Application:

When you need comfort, turn to God and acknowledge His closeness to you. Approach him with honesty in regard to your emotions but also with humility.

 
Friday, July 21st

Finding Comfort Through Christ

John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

In this chaotic world, finding true peace can be quite a challenge. But Jesus, in His infinite wisdom, left us a precious gift—His peace. It's not the same kind of peace the world offers, which is temporary and fragile. No, this peace is something deeper and lasting. It's a peace that transcends understanding, a calm assurance in the midst of life's storms.

Application: When you are beginning to feel troubled, pray for and focus on the peace that only Jesus offers.

Saturday, July 22nd

God's Comfort in the Midst of Anxiety

1 Peter 5:7 - "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

Life can be overwhelming, and worry has a way of creeping into our hearts. But here's the thing: God genuinely cares about us. He doesn't want us to carry the weight of our anxieties alone. He invites us to pour out our worries to Him because He's listening. He's ready to shoulder our burdens and bring us the peace and comfort we need.

Application: Turn over each struggle, burden, spiritual battle, etc. over to the Lord. Put everything under His control. 

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Sunday, July 9th

Abiding in Christ

John 15:5: "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing."

This verse highlights the vital connection between believers and Christ, illustrating that when we abide in Him, we bear much fruit. It emphasizes the importance of a deep and intimate relationship with Jesus as the source of our spiritual growth and productivity.

Application: Tend to your relationship with the Lord each day and commit to prayer--acknowledging that apart from Christ, you won't be effective.

Monday, July 10th

The Fruit of the Spirit

Galatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law."

These verses present the fruit of the Spirit, emphasizing the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life. As we yield to the Spirit's guidance, these qualities become evident in our character, reflecting the nature of Christ and impacting our relationships with others.

Application: What fruits of the Spirit do you know you have? What areas need work? Pray for the Holy Spirit's guidance and help in producing this fruit.

Tuesday, July 11th

Good vs Bad Fruit

Matthew 7:17-18 : "Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit."

This passage uses the analogy of trees and their fruit to teach about the connection between a person's character and their actions. It highlights the importance of a transformed heart in producing good and righteous deeds, indicating that true discipleship is revealed by the quality of one's fruit.

Application: Reflect on the state of your heart before God. Is this heart for God producing good and righteous deeds?

Wednesday, July 12th

Good Soil

Luke 8:15: "But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop."

Jesus uses the parable of the sower to teach about the different responses people have to the Word of God. This verse emphasizes the role of a receptive heart in bearing fruit. Those who receive and hold onto the Word, persevering in faith, produce a bountiful crop of spiritual growth and impact.

Application: Not only receive a message from the Word of God, but hold onto the Word and seek to apply that Word in the situations in your life throughout each day.

Thursday, July 13th

Tree Planted

Psalm 1:3: "That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers."

This verse paints a vivid picture of the blessedness of a person who delights in and meditates on the law of the Lord. It likens them to a tree deeply rooted by a source of nourishment, bearing fruit at the appointed time. Such individuals experience spiritual vitality, productivity, and overall prosperity in their lives.

Application: Meditate regularly on God's Word, which then leads to fruit.

Friday, July 14th

The Fruit of the Light

Ephesians 5:8-9: "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth)."

These verses highlight the transformation that occurs when we are brought out of darkness into the light of Christ. As children of light, our lives are characterized by goodness, righteousness, and truth. Bearing fruit involves reflecting the nature of God and His values, shining His light in a dark world.

Application: What is one thing you can do this week to reflect the nature of God and His values to the world around you?

Saturday, July 15th

Harvest of Peace

James 3:18: "Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness."

This verse emphasizes the importance of promoting peace and harmony among people. It encourages believers to actively pursue peace and reconciliation, knowing that the result is a harvest of righteousness. Bearing fruit in this context involves fostering unity and resolving conflicts, ultimately leading to a greater manifestation of God's righteousness in our lives and communities.

Application: Do you need to resolve a conflict and foster unity in a particular situation in your life? The challenge is to reach out to the individual (s) to bring about peace and reconciliation.

John 15:1-8

Attached to the Vine

15 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He [a]takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you[b] will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

The fact that trees produce fruit implies that apart from the source, you won't see fruit generated. The fruit must be attached to the tree...whether it's

• Banana Trees
• Coconut Trees
• Pineapple Trees

I enjoyed seeing a variety of such tropical fruit trees in the Philippines when I visited earlier this year in 2023.

Anyway, in the same way, Christ is our vine, and we must be and remain attached to Him. 

How do we do that?

It's a daily, moment-by-moment process. 

Consider the lyrics of the hymn, "Moment by Moment..."

Moment by moment, O Lord, I am Thine. Moment by moment, O Lord, I am Thine. Moment by moment, I’m under His care. Moment by moment He thinks of His own. Jesus my Savior abides with me still.

A major part of this abiding is letting His Words remain in us. 

Application:

It helps to have a journal, or Bible verses written down (whether 3 by 5 cards or post-it notes) to help you internalize His Word throughout the day. Taking steps to memorize His Word is important. Regularly meeting with Him allows us to continue to abide, and that doesn't just mean church on Sunday mornings. 

More to come on verses related to bearing fruit next week...

Sunday, June 25th
1 John 4:16--So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.

Knowing and Believing God's Love
So how does John come to know and believe the love that God has for him? The message of this particular verse is to abide in God who is love. Abiding or remaining in God implies a close and continual relationship with Him.

Application:
To come to know and believe in the love God has for you, continue in a close walk with God by prayer and keeping in the Word.

Monday, June 26th
Psalm 136:26--Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.

God's Enduring Love
It's hard with all of the evil that seems to prevail to see God's love in the midst of everything. God's love is everlasting. Nothing can change that--that includes the trials and tribulations of this world.
Application:
Remember and reflect on God's unchanging nature including His enduring love when things either in your personal life or the world in general don't go right.

Tuesday, June 27th
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

The Depth of God's Love
The willingness to send His only Son to die for us shows the extent of God's love. His love is sacrificial and costly. Saving souls cost His Son's life.

Application:
Struggling to see God's love expressed in your life? Look no further than the cross of Jesus Christ. Reflect and dwell on it. There is no greater love than Jesus' sacrificial love demonstrated at Calvary's cross.

Wednesday, June 28th
Psalm 86:15--"But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness."

Abounding in Love
In this verse we can reflect on two aspects of God's love:
1. God's love is abounding
2. God's love is demonstrated in connection with His other attributes such as compassion and faithfulness. God's grace factors into the concept of divine love as does His slowness to anger.

Application:
If you have trouble seeing God's love in certain situations or think He is always angry at you, meditate on this verse and the character traits mentioned.

Thursday, June 29th
Psalm 36:7--How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!
People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

God's Unfailing Love
Because of God's love that never fails--enduring, faithful love--we can take refuge in Him. This implies that God's love includes His care for us. This verse shows how valued we are in His sight. Our identity in God eliminates any low self-esteem.

Application:
To experience and to embrace God's unfailing love, take refuge in Him by going into that quiet place of meditation and prayer--in His presence.

Friday, June 30th
Psalm 36:5--our unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.

The Extent of God's Love
God's love is connected to His faithfulness, which extends high up. The idea is that His love is greater and higher than we can imagine or comprehend. He is an infinite being with perfect love for us.

Application:
Reflect on how God through your life has expressed love to you through His faithfulness.

Saturday, July 1st
Zephaniah 3:17
The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.

God's Presence of Love
This verse is about the presence and activity of God, which includes the central part of His character/nature--- love. In the context of this love, we find in this passage that God is described as close to His people--being in our midst, being One who saves, and One who rejoices and sings over us. He will also quiet His children by His love.

Application:
Pursue that place where the presence of God is, an allow Him to quiet you by His love. Reflect on His nature of love, joy, etc.

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