Tag Archives: psalms

Politics doesn’t run God’s kingdom (Psalm 146), October 11, 2015

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Today’s Podcast

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Psalms 146

Set – Psalms 146; Luke 24

Go! – Nehemiah 5-6; Psalms 146; Luke 24

Psalms 146
1 Praise the Eternal!
Praise the Eternal, O my soul;
2 I will praise the Eternal for as long as I live.
I will sing praises to my God as long as breath fills my lungs and blood flows through my veins.
3 Do not put your trust in the rulers of this world—kings and princes.
Do not expect any rescue from mortal men.
4 As soon as their breath leaves them, they return to the earth;
on that day, all of them perish—their dreams, their plans, and their memories.
5 Blessed are those whose help comes from the God of Jacob,
whose hope is centered in the Eternal their God—
6 Who created the heavens, the earth,
the seas, and all that lives within them;
Who stays true and remains faithful forever;
7 Who works justice for those who are pressed down by the world,
providing food for those who are hungry.
The Eternal frees those who are imprisoned;
8 He makes the blind see.
He lifts up those whose backs are bent in labor;
He cherishes those who do what is right.
9 The Eternal looks after those who journey in a land not their own;
He takes care of the orphan and the widow,
but He frustrates the wicked along their way.
10 The Eternal will reign today, tomorrow, and forever.
People of Zion, your God will rule forever over all generations.
Praise the Eternal!

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

Across the United States, politicians begin to jockey for position. They try to tell you how they will change things because of their leadership, their intellect, their ability to see things the way they really are and make things better for you. As I’m sure you’ve learned over the last several decades, their actions fall very far short of their promises. Campaigns changed recently, though, now politicians make fewer promises because they know they can’t keep them. Instead, they just tear each other down. They let their crews find half-truths about their opponents and blow them out of proportion to enhance their own likelihood for election. I suppose they think it’s best to elect the better of two evils.

Perhaps that strategy works in the world, except that the world belongs to Me. And I don’t particularly want evil of any kind to reign here. The better of two evils still sounds like evil to Me. The psalmist understood that. He recognized the falacy of putting trust in the hope of kings and princes, or in your case, presidents and congressmen. Too often individuals just want power or fame or some kind of legacy. They talk about public service or benefactor of the people, but who among them comes out of office with a smaller bank account than when they entered? How does that benefit or serve others? What have they really done?

On the other hand, My kingdom lasts throughout eternity. It always operates for My glory and your good. No human leader can create the earth or skies or living creatures, but I spoke them all into place. No human can change the course of the stars, but I set each one in motion and at My command can just as easily change their direction, cause them to cease giving their light, or make them explode to engulf their planets. I can cause it to rain or inflict draught across a region. Who among you can do that?

The rhetoric you will hear in the political campaigns over the next several months will encourage you, frustrate you, maybe even make you think you’re going insane because of the pointless arguments the candidates and their cronies shout across your radio and television networks. The elections are important to the operation of your earthly government. Governments remain in place at My pleasure. But they will never solve the real problems of the world, your nation, your state, or city.

Only bowing to the ruler of My kingdom, the triune Godhead, can the problems of the world be solved. I can rid the world of sin and evil and guilt if all people will give their lives to Me. Will it happen? Only each of you can determine that. Because each of you have the choice as to whether you will give Lordship of your life to Me. As you look across the world at the devastation you create each day, the answer is probably no. With more mass murders this year than days this year, it seems you will continue to follow your selfish paths. But the evil can stop. Just turn to Me.

Even in just one country or one state or one city, if you will listen to My words and do My will, I will make such a difference in your community that the world will be astounded by you. My will on earth is not just a few words I taught you to pray. It can be the beginning of a revival that turns the rest of the world around if you will just obey Me and let Me work in your lives. Try Me.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

Do you love God’s temple? (Psalm 84), September 24, 2015

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Psalms 84

Set – Psalms 84-85; Luke 7

Go! – Ezra 1; Psalms 84-85; Luke 7

Psalms 84
1 How lovely is Your temple, Your dwelling place on earth,
O Eternal One, Commander of heaven’s armies.
2 How I long to be there—my soul is spent,
wanting, waiting to walk in the courts of the Eternal.
My whole being sings joyfully
to the living God.
3 Just as the sparrow seeks her home,
and the swallow finds in her own nest
a place to lay her young,
I, too, seek Your altars, my King and my God,
Commander of heaven’s armies.
4 How blessed are those who make Your house their home,
who live with You;
they are constantly praising You.
5 Blessed are those who make You their strength,
for they treasure every step of the journey to Zion.
6 On their way through the valley of Baca,
they stop and dig wells to collect the refreshing spring water,
and the early rains fill the pools.
7 They journey from place to place, gaining strength along the way;
until they meet God in Zion.
8 O Eternal God, Commander of heaven’s armies, listen to my prayer.
O please listen, God of Jacob.
9 O True God, look at our shield, our protector,
see the face of Your anointed king, and defend our defender.
10 Just one day in the courts of Your temple is greater
than a thousand anywhere else.
I would rather serve as a porter at my God’s doorstep
than live in luxury in the house of the wicked.
11 For the Eternal God is a sun and a shield.
The Eternal grants favor and glory;
He doesn’t deny any good thing
to those who live with integrity.
12 O Eternal One, Commander of heaven’s armies,
how fortunate are those who trust You.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

The sons of Korah acted as the worship leaders of the Israelites. These Levites held the responsibility of leading the music, the choral readings, the congregational hymns, the common prayers of My people. They led the worship as My people assembled together in the Temple in Jerusalem.

Perhaps watching the faces of My people coming into My house to worship helped them see the inner beauty of worship. They saw beyond the gold and silver and ornate tapestry of the faciltiy and saw My presence in the Temple as My people sang praise to Me each day.

Perhaps preparing the music and worship activities helped bring the Korahites into a close relationship with Me as they put words and sounds together lifting their praisees and petitions to Me in orchestrating the parts of their worship service. Maybe their study of My word began to show them how beautiful worship can be.

But maybe the author if this psalm just figured out that spending time with Me is better than living life in any other place or in any other way. Spending time with Me is better than life itself. Perhaps the song writer spent time doing more than just reading My word and singing My praise. Perhaps he spent significant time alone with Me in prayer, not just talking to Me, but also listening to My voice. And what did he learn?

He learned that there is no better place than being in My presence. He learned that it can be an even better experience when several of My people humble themselves in My presence and call on Me in adoration and praise. He learned that when My people call on Me I hear them from My throne in heaven and I answer their prayers. He learned that I know what’s best for him and those he cares for and I will never let him down because I will never fail.

The writer of the psalm found the words of the hymn flowing easily from his pen because he knew Me. He spent time with Me. His worship was more than coming into My house and getting through the routine. He poured out his heart to Me with every word he sang and every prayer he prayed. He put his heart and soul into his worship because it was for Me. The writer knew Me and longed to be near Me in this life and the next. And his desire showed in everything he did.

How does your worship measure up to his? Is that how you come to the Temple, synagogue, church, altar every time you come into My presence? Do you dig into My word so that you might truly know Me. Do you spend time in prayer listening to Me as much as talking to Me? Are our conversations two-way conversations or one-way? Do know Me or just know about Me? 

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

Spend time with God (Psalm 145), September 15, 2015

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Psalms 145

Set – Psalms 145; Revelation 20

Go! – Ezekiel 38-39; Psalms 145; Revelation 20

Psalms 145
1 I will lift my praise above everything to You, my God and King!
I will continually bless Your name forever and always.
2 My praise will never cease—
I will praise You every day;
I will lift up Your name forever.
3 The Eternal is great and deserves endless praise;
His greatness knows no limit, recognizes no boundary.
No one can measure or comprehend His magnificence.
4 One generation after another will celebrate Your great works;
they will pass on the story of Your powerful acts to their children.
5 Your majesty and glorious splendor have captivated me;
I will meditate on Your wonders, sing songs of Your worth.
6 We confess—there is nothing greater than You, God, nothing mightier than Your awesome works.
I will tell of Your greatness as long as I have breath.
7 The news of Your rich goodness is no secret—
Your people love to recall it
and sing songs of joy to celebrate Your righteousness.
8 The Eternal is gracious.
He shows mercy to His people.
For Him anger does not come easily, but faithful love does—and it is rich and abundant.
9 But the Eternal’s goodness is not exclusive—it is offered freely to all.
His mercy extends to all His creation.
10 All creation will stand in awe of You, O Eternal One.
Thanks will pour from the mouths of every one of Your creatures;
Your holy people will bless You.
11 They will not be silent; they will talk of the grandeur of Your kingdom
and celebrate the wonder of Your power
12 Until everyone on earth who has ears to hear knows Your valiant acts
and the splendor of Your kingdom.
13 Your kingdom will never end;
Your rule will endure forever.
You are faithful to Your promise,
and Your acts are marked with grace.
14 The Eternal sustains all who stumble on their way.
For those who are broken down, God is near. He raises them up in hope.
15 All eyes have turned toward You, waiting in expectation;
when they are hungry, You feed them right on time.
16 The desires of every living thing
are met by Your open hand.
17 The Eternal is right in all His ways,
and He is kind in all His acts.
18 The Eternal stays close to those who call on Him,
those who pray sincerely.
19 All of you who revere Him—
God will satisfy your desires.
He hears the cries for help, and He brings salvation.
20 All of you who love God—
He will watch out for you,
but total destruction is around the corner for all the wicked.
21 My lips will sing the praise of the Eternal.
Let every creature join me and praise the holy name of God—forever and always!

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

David sang of Me and he sang to Me. His songs of praise filled his courts continually and filled My tabernacle day and night. I love to hear the praises of My people. David learned to trust Me in the good and bad seasons of life. He knew I was there for him. He learned I would always be with him and would never fail in My purposes for his life. Sometimes the days might look dark, but I was always in control and nothing ever happens outside of what I allow. I know you and I know what is best for those who follow Me.

Sometimes it was hard for even David to realize the situations he faced were temporary and My will for him would carry him to greater blessings. But David would stop and remember this world is temporary. You are not made for this world alone. When Adam fell to the temptations of Satan, I made a way of salvation for him and those who came behind him. Even though I made death one of the curses he faced, I also created a new home for those who accepted My salvation and turned back to Me.

Heaven is real. I have prepared it for all who believe in Me. I began preparing it at the first sin in the Garden of Eden when I also made a way of repentance and restoration for humankind’s immortal soul. I want you to desire to be with Me as much as I desire to be with you. David learned that lesson as he came to know Me on those wilderness hills tending sheep and never forgot those lessons. He put many of those lessons into verse and sang them to the sheep under his charge as a shepherd and sang them to the flock I gave him as king.

You can sing those same songs from your heart as you learn of Me, not just as God, but as your Savior, as your provider, as your creator, as your friend. David learned much about Me because he spoke with Me consistently and constantly about his life, his joys, his sorrows, his problems, his blessings. David didn’t want to know about Me, he wanted to know Me. So he spent time with Me on those Judean hillsides talking with Me. And I shared much with him that helped him write his songs.

Read David’s words again in Psalm 145 again today. Read them two or three times. Recognize the depths of understanding David had of Me. You can know Me, too. Just spend time with Me. I know you well. I’d like you to get to know Me better. 

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

Korah knows Jerusalem’s strength (Psalm 48), September 8, 2015

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Psalms 48

Set – Psalms 48; Revelation 13

Go! – Jeremiah 42-44; Psalms 48; Revelation 13

Psalms 48
1 The Eternal is great and mighty, worthy of great praise
in the city of our True God, upon His holy mountain.
2 Situated high above, Mount Zion is beautiful to see,
the pleasure of the entire earth.
Mount Zion, in the north,
is the city of the great King.
3 In her palaces, the True God
has revealed Himself as a mighty fortress.
4 Not long ago, enemy kings gathered together
and moved forward as one to attack the city.
5 When they saw Mount Zion, they were amazed;
amazement became fear, then panic. They fled for their lives.
6 They were overtaken by terror, trembling in anguish
like a woman in childbirth.
7 God, You shattered the ships of Tarshish
with the mighty east wind.
8 As we have heard stories of Your greatness,
now we have also seen it with our own eyes
right here, in the city of the Eternal, the Commander of heavenly armies.
Right here, in our God’s city,
the True God will preserve her forever.
9 We have meditated upon Your loyal love, O God,
within Your holy temple.
10 Just as Your name reaches to the ends of the earth, O God,
so Your praise flows there too;
Your right hand holds justice.
11 So because of Your judgments,
may Mount Zion be delighted!
May the villages of Judah celebrate!
12 Explore Zion; make an accounting,
note all her towers;
13 Reflect upon her defenses;
stroll through her palaces
So that you can tell the coming generation all about her.
14 For so is God,
our True God, forever and ever;
He will be our guide till the end.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

My city. Zion. The City of God. Jerusalem. The place goes by many names, but I know it as My home on earth. The place where My Temple resided for centuries. It was the capital of My chosen people. The place I established the religion that I wanted to share My message of hope and grace. Unfortunately, My people became self-absorbed and wanted a human king like all the nations around them instead of the theocracy under which I wanted to rule them.

Under the kingship of many who failed to follow Me completely, My people no longer worshiped Me but instead worshiped the material things around them. They began to think their city more important than Me. Their material luxuries became their goal and their military prowess grew to expand their borders rather than being content with the land I gave them and the riches I placed in their hands and their hearts.

Korah sang about the strength and power of the city. Those who came after Korah forgot that its power rested solely in Me. When Nebuchannezar’s forces destroyed it and turned it to rubble, they learned a terrible lesson. All who think their power rests in the instruments and strength of man find they put their faith in the wrong thing. Nothing can stand against Me. Nor can anything stand in the way of My plans. I can heal and I can destroy, but My greatest desire is to have you follow Me.

Satan tries to tell you that your power lies within you. He tries to disguise My protection and My good gifts as his own or tell you it comes from your strength and wisdom. It does not! You can do nothing apart from Me. After all, I’m the one who gives you breath. I’m the one who allows your heart to beat each beat in rhythm. How would you accomplish anything if suddenly I decided to strip the air from the earth? What would your focus become if suddenly your heart stopped beating?

So much of what society then and now focus on is temporal. It doesn’t last. Even the ancient city of Jerusalem crumbled to nothing and has been built upon century after century. Acheologists find ruins of the old city, but most of what was there when I gave it to My people in the years of the birth of the nation crumbled to dust. What is left are long faded memories of people long dead. The only things that really last are the intangibles of life, the relationship you have with Me and those who follow Me.

I only include the group of those who follow Me as relationships that will last because in the final judgment, if banished to an eternity without Me, you will find yourself in an eternity alone. An immortal soul longing for companionship but unable to find anyone to console you. You will be isolated from Me and so isolated from those who live with Me. You’ll also be removed from any love. Completely isolated. Completely alone. I didn’t create humankind to be alone. I created you with the need for relationships. The worst part of hell will be the isolation you feel from every other person.

Don’t pay the price by failing to listen to My voice and following Me. You can choose to believe My word and obey My voice. I want you with Me. Make the right choice.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

East to west, not a very short distance (Psalm 103), July 29, 2015

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Today’s Podcast

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready -Psalms 103

Set – Psalms 103; 2 Peter 3

Go! – Isaiah 57-59; Psalms 103; 2 Peter 3

Psalms 103
1 O my soul, come, praise the Eternal
with all that is in me—body, emotions, mind, and will—every part of who I am—
praise His holy name.
2 O my soul, come, praise the Eternal;
sing a song from a grateful heart;
sing and never forget all the good He has done.
3 Despite all your many offenses, He forgives and releases you.
More than any doctor, He heals your diseases.
4 He reaches deep into the pit to deliver you from death.
He crowns you with unfailing love and compassion like a king.
5 When your soul is famished and withering,
He fills you with good and beautiful things, satisfying you as long as you live.
He makes you strong like an eagle, restoring your youth.
6 When people are crushed, wronged, enslaved, raped, murdered,
the Eternal is just;
He makes the wrongs right.
7 He showed Moses His ways;
He allowed His people Israel to see His wonders and acts of power.
8 The Eternal is compassionate and merciful.
When we cross all the lines, He is patient with us.
When we struggle against Him, He lovingly stays with us—changing, convicting, prodding;
9 He will not constantly criticize,
nor will He hold a grudge forever.
10 Thankfully, God does not punish us for our sins and depravity as we deserve.
In His mercy, He tempers justice with peace.
11 Measure how high heaven is above the earth;
God’s wide, loving, kind heart is greater for those who revere Him.
12 You see, God takes all our crimes—our seemingly inexhaustible sins—and removes them.
As far as east is from the west, He removes them from us.
13 An earthly father expresses love for his children;
it is no different with our heavenly Father;
The Eternal shows His love for those who revere Him.
14 For He knows what we are made of;
He knows our frame is frail, and He remembers we came from dust.
15 The children of Adam are like grass;
their days are few;
they flourish for a time like flowers in a meadow.
16 As the wind blows over the field and the bloom is gone,
it doesn’t take much to blow us out of the memory of that place.
17 But the unfailing love of the Eternal is always and eternal
for those who reverently run after Him.
He extends His justice on and on to future generations,
18 To those who will keep His bond of love
and remember to walk in the guidance of His commands.
19 The Eternal has established His throne up in the heavens.
He rules over every seen and unseen realm and creature.
20 Adore Him! Give Him praise, you heavenly messengers,
you powerful creatures who listen to
and act on His every word.
21 Give praise to the Eternal, all armies of heaven—
you servants who stand ready to do His will.
22 Give praise to the Eternal, all that He has made
in all corners of His creation.
O my soul, come, praise the Eternal!

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

I put the vision in the psalmist’s head about sins being cast away as far as the east is from the west. He could have said as far as the north is from the south, you know. But he didn’t. I didn’t want him to use those directions. I wanted him to use east and west. You might not have thought much about why, but I did. He might not have even thought about it at the time except that the sun rose in the east and set in the west. Maybe he thought about sins being blotted out the same way the sun is blotted out of the sky each night.

I wanted him to use those directions, though, because I knew that one day science would catch up with navigation. Men already navigated by the stars. They knew about the cardinal directions and that each of them went on endlessly. Except they don’t.

Today you know the truth. North stops at the north pole and south stops at the south pole. You can’t continue to go north or south when you’ve reach those two places respectively. As soon as you take another step, you’re headed in the opposite direction. So there is always a limit as to how far removed your sins would be if I let the psalmist use the expression “as far as the north is from the south”. The limit would be the distance from the north to the south pole, or 12,430 miles.

But how far is the east from the west? Begin traveling west and stop when you hit east. Sorry, there is no stop sign. You can circle the globe a million times and you’ll still be traveling west. It never ends when you travel east or west. The psalmist didn’t know that at the time. His concept of the world then was a flat world held up by pillars over an endless ocean. You know the earth is one of My planets circling one of billions of suns in one of billions of galaxies within this things you call a universe.

How far is east from west? You can’t get there in a million life times. That’s how far removed I take your sins when I forgive you. Come to Me and ask. I’ll do the job. Then you just follow Me and see what else I can do.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

God’s wisdom makes you sure and fearless (James 3:13-18; Psalms 46), July 19, 2015

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Today’s Podcast

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – James 3:13-18; Psalms 46

Set – 2 Chronicles 28; Psalms 46; James 3

Go! – 2 Kings 17; 2 Chronicles 28; Psalms 46; James 3

James 3:13-18; Psalms 46
13 Who in your community is understanding and wise? Let his example, which is marked by wisdom and gentleness, blaze a trail for others. 14 If your heart is one that bleeds dark streams of jealousy and selfishness, do not be so proud that you ignore your depraved state. 15 The wisdom of this world should never be mistaken for heavenly wisdom; it originates below in the earthly realms, with the demons. 16 Any place where you find jealousy and selfish ambition, you will discover chaos and evil thriving under its rule. 17 Heavenly wisdom centers on purity, peace, gentleness, deference, mercy, and other good fruits untainted by hypocrisy. 18 The seed that flowers into righteousness will always be planted in peace by those who embrace peace.

1 God is our shelter and our strength.
When troubles seem near, God is nearer, and He’s ready to help.
So why run and hide?
2 No fear, no pacing, no biting fingernails.
When the earth spins out of control, we are sure and fearless.
When mountains crumble and the waters run wild, we are sure and fearless.
3 Even in heavy winds and huge waves,
or as mountains shake, we are sure and fearless.
[pause]
4 A pure stream flows—never to be cut off—
bringing joy to the city where God makes His home,
the sacred site where the Most High chooses to live.
5 The True God never sleeps and always resides in the city of joy;
He makes it unstoppable, unshakable.
When it awakes at dawn, the True God has already been at work.
6 Trouble is on the horizon for the outside nations, not long until kingdoms will fall;
God’s voice thunders and the earth shakes.
7 You know the Eternal, the Commander of heavenly armies, surrounds us and protects us;
the True God of Jacob is our shelter, close to His heart.
[pause]
8 Come, gaze, fix your eyes on what the Eternal can do.
Amazing, He has worked desolation here on this battlefield, earth.
9 God can stop wars anywhere in the world.
He can make scrap of all weapons: snap bows, shatter spears,
and burn shields.
10 “Be still, be calm, see, and understand I am the True God.
I am honored among all the nations.
I am honored over all the earth.”
11 You know the Eternal, the Commander of heavenly armies, surrounds us and protects us;
the True God of Jacob is our shelter, close to His heart.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

James talks about wisdom, the psalmist talks about being sure and fearless when others see trouble and inescapable danger. Both speak of the same thing. Jesus said you would face trouble in the world. But He didn’t stop there. He said, “Don’t worry, I have already overcome the world.” Wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord.

When you put your trust in Me and understand who I am, you find fear slips away in every circumstance. You can laugh in the face of danger because you know I am greater than your greatest enemy. I am better than your biggest obstacle. I’m in the business of doing the impossible. I am ready to show you My care and My wisdom. Listen to Me instead of the world and you will find joy in your life. You’ll find the baubles the world offers meaningless in the greater scheme of life. You’ll find My path full of the real treasures you seek, treasures that last a life time and beyond.

When you face enemies, you will stand sure and fearless as the psalmist says because you know the battles do not belong to you, but to Me. And I cannot be defeated. In fact, I have already been victorious and just await time to catch. You must understand, time is meaningless to Me. I exist yesterday, today, and forever. I created time for your benefit, not Mine. So, I know the end and in the end, I’m victorious. I win. I cannot lose because I’m God.

James understood that and could declare that if you need wisdom to make it through this world, just ask Me and I can tell you what you need to know. I can help you make the right turns through what looks like a maze from your perspective. When you see it from My perspective, I see every turn, every bend, every obstacle, everything that needs to be done to get you to the end.

My wisdom lets you face each day sure and fearless. All you need to do is trust Me. Put your faith in Me. Listen to Me and do what I ask you to do. It’s really that simple. I won’t tell you it’s always easy to follow Me because sometimes I’ll tell you to do some things that are hard. They will test your faith. But the tasks I give you will never be things beyond your ability with Me at your side. I will always see you through them. Just trust Me. You’ll be glad you did.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

What is most important to you? (Psalms 135), May 23, 2015

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Today’s Podcast


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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Psalms 135
Set – Psalms 135; Romans 4
Go! – 2 Chronicles 6-7; Psalms 135; Romans 4

Psalms 135
1 Praise the Eternal!
Praise and glorify the name of the One who always has been and always will be;
praise Him, servants of the Eternal!
2 Join in the chorus, all you who minister in the Eternal’s temple;
in the courts of our God’s temple,
3 Glorify the Eternal, for He is good!
Sing praises, and honor His name for it is delightful.
4 For the Eternal made His choice; He selected Jacob as His own;
He claimed Israel as His possession.
5 Now I know this: the Eternal is great; His power is unmatched.
Our Master is above any so-called god.
6 He does whatever He pleases,
in heaven, on earth,
in the seas, and in all the ocean depths.
7 He draws up the clouds that rise over the whole earth,
He causes rain and the lightning to strike,
and He summons the wind from His storehouses.
8 He took the lives of Egypt’s firstborn,
human and beast alike.
9 O Egypt, He worked wonders and signs before your eyes,
signs against Pharaoh and Pharaoh’s servants.
10 He destroyed nation after nation
and killed mighty kings:
11 Sihon, the Amorite king;
Og, the king of Bashan;
and even all the kingdoms of Canaan.
12 He conquered their land and gave it as an inheritance—
an inheritance for His people, Israel.
13 Eternal One, Your name is everlasting.
Your legacy, Eternal One, will be known through all the ages.
14 For the Eternal will judge His people,
He will show compassion to those who serve Him.
15 The nations have idols of silver and gold,
crafted by human hands!
16 They shaped mouths for them, but they cannot speak;
they carved eyes into them, but they cannot see;
17 They placed ears on them, but they cannot hear;
they cannot breathe, not even a puff of air from their mouths!
18 The artisans who made them
are just like them,
and so are all who mistakenly trust in them, no exceptions.
19 House of Israel, praise the Eternal;
house of Aaron, praise the Eternal;
20 House of Levi, praise the Eternal;
all those who revere the Eternal, praise Him!
21 Blessed be the Eternal from Zion,
the One who has made Jerusalem His home.
Praise the Eternal!

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

The psalmist recognized who I am and what I do in the lives of My people. He calls the people to praise Me for it, a rational response. I want to talk about those he mentions who craft idols, though. The nations around him that craft idols of silver and gold with mouths that can’t talk and eyes that can’t see. They have ears that can’t hear and they cannot breathe. Yet the artisans and the nations that worship these metal idols believe in their power.

I wonder what happens to people’s brains to think that these objects made from their hands have any power in them. How can these pieces of wood, stone, silver, or gold molded into some image do them any good? Can sightless eyes see the trouble you have or the enemies you face? Can ears that do not hear understand the cries of your heart or hear your prayers as you plead for mercy or ask for grace in your times of trouble? Can a statue of wood or stone extend a tender heart and show compassion when you need it?

Today, you say you have become more civil, though. You no longer have idols, but don’t you? Look around and see what has replaced Me in your praise and worship. Sports fields fill with cries of praise instead of My churches being filled with praise. You sit in front of screens for entertainment instead of reading My word and learning of Me or building your relationship with Me. You walk past the hungry and the needy without thought of helping.

You let your thirst for jobs, houses, cars, clothes, money, and things become more important than your thirst for Me. All of these “things” made by man become worshipped more than Me. They replace Me in importance despite the fact they cannot see or hear or speak. You give generously to these things. You spend your time with these things. You worship these things.

When will you discover that these “things” cannot save you or give you the peace you long for in your life? When will you learn that only I can provide the contentment you seek? When will you stop and recognize that love drives the world and My commands to love Me with your whole self and love your neighbor are all you need to do to find real joy in your life?

Use your brain a little and think about what you worship. What is most important in your life? Things that cannot last but swallow your time and resources or Me?

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

God is there for you (Psalm 71), May 9, 2015

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Today’s Podcast


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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Psalms 71
Set – Psalms 71; Matthew 26
Go! – 2 Samuel 17; Psalms 71; Matthew 26

Psalms 71
1 I have found shelter in You, Eternal One;
I count on You to shield me always from humiliation and disgrace.
2 Rescue and save me in Your justice.
Turn Your ear to me, and hurry to deliver me from my enemies.
3 Be my rock of refuge where I can always hide.
You have given the order to keep me safe;
You are my solid ground—my rock and my fortress.
4 Save me from the power of sinful people, O my God,
from the grip of unjust and cruel men.
5 For You are my hope, Eternal One;
You, Lord, have been the source of my confidence since I was young.
6 I have leaned upon You since I came into this world;
I have relied on You since You took me safely from my mother’s body,
So I will ever praise You.
7 Many find me a mystery,
but You are my rock and my shelter—my soul’s asylum.
8 My mouth overflows with praise to You
and proclaims Your magnificence all day long.
9 Do not set me aside when I am old;
do not abandon me when I am worn out.
10 For my enemies often voice evil against me;
those who desire to kill me plot together in secret.
11 They say, “God has abandoned him;
let’s go after him right now and seize him.
There’s no one around to rescue him.”
12 God, stay close by me.
Come quick, O my God, and help me!
13 May my enemies be covered in shame and then die;
may those who seek to harm me
be overwhelmed with contempt and disgrace.
14 But I will keep hope alive,
and my praise to You will grow exponentially.
15 I will bear witness to Your merciful acts;
throughout the day I will speak of all the ways You deliver,
although, I admit, I do not know the entirety of either.
16 I will come with stories of Your great acts, my Lord, the Eternal.
I will remind them of Your justice, only Yours.
17 You have taught me since I was young, O God,
and I still proclaim the wonderful things You have done.
18 Now as I grow old and my hair turns gray,
I ask that You not abandon me, O God.
Allow me to share with the generation to come
about Your power;
Let me speak about Your strength and wonders
to all those yet to be born.
19 God, Your justice stretches to the heavens,
You who have done mighty things!
Who is like You, O God?
20 You have made me see hard times: I’ve experienced many miserable days,
but You will restore me again.
You will raise me up
from the deep pit.
21 You will greatly increase my status
and be my comfort once again.
22 I will praise You with music played on a harp
because You have been faithful, O my God.
I will sing praises to You with the lyre,
O Holy One of Israel.
23 I will shout for joy
as I sing Your praises;
my soul will celebrate because You have rescued me.
24 All day long I will declare how Your justice saved me,
for those who have plotted to bring me harm
are now ashamed and humiliated.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

Hard days come because you live in a sin-scarred world. I didn’t intend for the world to become as evil as it has. It’s a consequence of creating humankind with moral choice. You can choose whether you serve Me. The result of not doing so makes life harder for everyone. As I’ve mentioned before, sin reaches much farther than just the one committing the sin. It affects families, friends, co-workers, everyone the perpetrator touches.

The psalmist and many of My followers found a secret with Me, though. Despite the hardship of the days, I still provide shelter from the storms of life. I provide inner peace that those around them cannot understand or explain. But My followers understand. They know that I am with them and in the end, I will rescue them. I bring hope to the hopeless. I bring healing to the incurable. I bring peace in the storms of life. I bring calm in the midst of trouble.

I’ve noticed something missing today among many of My followers, though. In days gone by, I would hear generations telling the next generation what I had done. I heard from the lips of My followers the exploits of My mercy and grace demonstrated in their lives. I heard about My interventions at just the right time to remind them I am their God and there is no other beside Me.

Today there is silence. My stories don’t seem to get passed from generation to generation. Do you not see Me at work in your life anymore? I’m there. Are you ashamed of Me? Are you afraid? Are you embarrassed? What excuse to you give for not sharing the ways in which I aid you in life? How will your children know that I am God and your shelter when the storms of life come? Do you expect them to trust some preacher or you more? Where do you want them to go for answers to their problems? Me or the world?

It’s time to share your stories. It’s time to acknowledge Me. It’s time to stand up and be counted in a world that refuses to believe I exist. Let your children know that I am alive and care about them more than anyone else in the world. I will be with them in every circumstance. I died for them. Look for Me each day, then tell your story. 

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

The source of David’s deliverance (Psalms 31), Apr 20, 2015

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Today’s Podcast


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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Psalms 31
Set – Psalms 31; Matthew 7
Go! – 1 Samuel 23; Psalms 31, 54; Matthew 7

Psalms 31
1 You are my shelter, O Eternal One—my soul’s sanctuary!
Shield me from shame;
rescue me by Your righteousness.
2 Hear me, Lord! Turn Your ear in my direction.
Come quick! Save me!
Be my rock, my shelter,
my fortress of salvation!
3 You are my rock and my fortress—my soul’s sanctuary!
Therefore, for the sake of Your reputation, be my leader, my guide, my navigator, my commander.
4 Save me from the snare that has been secretly set out for me,
for You are my protection.
5 I entrust my spirit into Your hands.
You have redeemed me, O Eternal, God of faithfulness and truth.
6 I despise the people who pay respect to breathless idols,
and I trust only in You, Eternal One.
7 I will gladly rejoice because of Your gracious love
because You recognized the sadness of my affliction.
You felt deep compassion when You saw the pains of my soul.
8 You did not hand me over to the enemy,
but instead, You liberated me
and made me secure in a good and spacious land.
9 Show me Your grace, Eternal One, for I am in a tight spot.
My eyes are aching with grief;
my body and soul are withering with miseries.
10 My life is devoured by sorrow,
and my years are haunted with mourning.
My sin has sapped me of all my strength;
my body withers under the weight of this suffering.
11 To all my enemies I am an object of scorn.
My neighbors especially are ashamed of me.
My friends are afraid to be seen with me.
When I walk down the street, people go out of their way to avoid me.
12 I am as good as dead to them. Forgotten!
Like a shattered clay pot, I am easily discarded and gladly replaced.
13 For I hear their whispered plans;
terror is everywhere!
They conspire together,
planning, plotting, scheming to take my life.
14 But I pour my trust into You, Eternal One.
I’m glad to say, “You are my God!”
15 I give the moments of my life over to You, Eternal One.
Rescue me from those who hate me and who hound me with their threats.
16 Look toward me, and let Your face shine down upon Your servant.
Because of Your gracious love, save me!
17 Spare me shame, O Eternal One,
for I turn and call to You.
Instead, let those who hate me be shamed;
let death’s silence claim them.
18 Seal their lying lips forever,
for with pride and contempt boiling in their hearts,
they speak boldly against the righteous and persecute those who poured their trust into You.
19 Your overflowing goodness
You have kept for those who live in awe of You,
And You share Your goodness with those who make You their sanctuary.
20 You hide them, You shelter them in Your presence,
safe from the conspiracies of sinful men.
You keep them in Your tent,
safe from the slander of accusing tongues.
21 Bless the Eternal!
For He has revealed His gracious love to me
when I was trapped like a city under siege.
22 I began to panic so I yelled out,
“I’m cut off. You no longer see me!”
But You heard my cry for help that day
when I called out to You.
23 Love the Eternal, all of you, His faithful people!
He protects those who are true to Him,
but He pays back the proud in kind.
24 Be strong, and live courageously,
all of you who set your hope in the Eternal!

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

When David played the part of a mentally handicapped person to avoid punishment by the king of Gath, Achish, he feared for his life and the lives of the men who followed him. Saul hunted him to kill him. The Philistines hunted him. Everyone seemed to want him dead. But Samuel had anointed him as the next king of Israel and he was under My protection. It was difficult for David to see how the future would unfold with everyone searching for him to kill him. He was confused and afraid.

David knew where to turn, though. He called out to Me and had confidence to know I could deliver. I could deliver provisions when and where he needed them. I could deliver protection when he needed it. I could deliver comfort and security. I could deliver peace. I could deliver his enemies into his hands. There is nothing I could not do for him.

David knew when he cried out to Me I would hear him and answer his prayer. He had seen Me do it in the past and knew I would answer again. I didn’t always answer the way he wanted Me to, but I always answered him in a way that was best for him and let him and others know I was in control of the situation in which he found himself.

The same is true today for My followers. I never change. And quite frankly, people haven’t changed either. Evil still has a grip on people. Modes change, media change, methods change, but people haven’t changed. Their thoughts are continually evil…until I free them from the bondage of sin. My message to humanity hasn’t changed. I am the same yesterday, today, and forever. So is mankind. Progress has not pushed man’s selfish intentions forward. But I can help with that. Progress hasn’t changed the fact that all have sinned. But I can help with that. Progress hasn’t changed people’s hearts. But I can help with that.

David knew where to go for the answer to his greatest need. He turned to Me for deliverance. Those today who are wise still know where to go for their answers. Turn to Me and I will give you the answers you need. Try Me out and see if I don’t deliver you from your darkest enemies. 

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

Trouble comes, so does God (Psalms 34), Apr 18, 2015

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Today’s Podcast


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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready -Psalms 34
Set – 1 Samuel 21; Psalms 34; Matthew 5
Go! – 1 Samuel 20-21; Psalms 34; Matthew 5

Psalms 34
1 I will praise the Eternal in every moment through every situation.
Whenever I speak, my words will always praise Him.
2 Everything within me wants to pay tribute to Him.
Whenever the poor and humble hear of His greatness, they will celebrate too!
3 Come and lift up the Eternal with me;
let’s praise His name together!
4 When I needed the Lord, I looked for Him;
I called out to Him, and He heard me and responded.
He came and rescued me from everything that made me so afraid.
5 Look to Him and shine,
so shame will never contort your faces.
6 This poor soul cried, and the Eternal heard me.
He rescued me from my troubles.
7 The messenger of the Eternal God surrounds
everyone who walks with Him and is always there to protect and rescue us.
8 Taste of His goodness; see how wonderful the Eternal truly is.
Anyone who puts trust in Him will be blessed and comforted.
9 Revere the Eternal, you His saints,
for those who worship Him will possess everything important in life.
10 Young lions may grow tired and hungry,
but those intent on knowing the Eternal God will have everything they need.
11 Gather around, children, listen to what I’m saying;
I will teach you how to revere the Eternal.
12 If you love life
and want to live a good, long time,
13 Take care with the things you say.
Don’t lie or spread gossip or talk about improper things.
14 Walk away from the evil things of the world,
and always seek peace and pursue it.
15 For the Eternal watches over the righteous,
and His ears are attuned to their prayers. He is always listening.
16 But He will punish evildoers,
and nothing they do will last. They will soon be forgotten.
17 When the upright need help and cry to the Eternal, He hears their cries
and rescues them from all of their troubles.
18 When someone is hurting or brokenhearted, the Eternal moves in close
and revives him in his pain.
19 Hard times may well be the plight of the righteous—
they may often seem overwhelmed—
but the Eternal rescues the righteous from what oppresses them.
20 He will protect all of their bones;
not even one bone will be broken.
21 Evil moves in and ultimately murders the wicked;
the enemies of the righteous will be condemned.
22 The Eternal will liberate His servants;
those who seek refuge in Him will never be condemned.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

David found himself in trouble often. That’s the way of those who follow Me. I promised My disciples they would have trouble as long as they lived in the present world. But don’t worry about it. As David understood 1,000 years before My coming in the flesh and as I told My disciples, I have already overcome the world.

The world will never understand Me. Satan has tried his best to lure My highest creation away from Me. All of you have a choice as to whether you will follow Me and My path will always look strange to the world. It seems opposite of what the world wants because the world continually pushes a selfish agenda. I want you to live a life of servanthood.

The world thinks materialistic things are important. Money, cars, houses, jobs, things you can hold in your hand and show to others mean the most to those who follow the patterns of the world. My followers know that material things don’t last. Those things also don’t bring happiness. Everyone who seeks material things as an end finds that reaching that goal only leads to wanting more.

Every thing that comes into your life also requires time to maintain it. Whatever the thing might be, it will take time from your life. Whether a house, a yard, a gadget, a time-saver, whatever the object might be, it requires time from the set number of hours in any given day. It the intangible you want to relish, the relationships with the immortal. And the immortal are you and Me. I made you in My image so you have an eternal spirit that will either live with Me or apart from Me forever. You get to choose.

David knew the right path and chose well. He understood the world’s path is one of evil, self-centeredness, and ultimate complete and final destruction. My path is one of peace, joy, and contentment even in the middle of the trouble the world brings your way. How can peace, joy, and contentment be your in the middle of trouble? Because I am with you. You can have the confidence that I will not leave you and your ultimate success rests with Me and I never fail.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.