Category: Daily Word

Let’s read the Bible!

Daily Word

Psalm 37

judyinthesky91

Read Psalm 37 -God’s got this – do not fret! Why we humans are prone to fretting is a mystery. God’s Word tells us over and over not to fret, worry or be anxious. Our Psalm freely acknowledges that there are evil folks in this world, but do not fret. Acknowledging that evil exists is better than pretending it doesn’t and being overwhelmed. Evil is here for a season, but it will wither away and be gone forever. We can trust in the LORD; the best is yet to come!

“Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.” :3-7

Those are words to rest in, to trust, to fill one with hope and direction. And yes, rotten people will do rotten things and seem to get away with it… but it is only for a time. “The LORD laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming.” :13

There are so many power verses in our psalm. Will you ask the Holy Spirit to plant one in your heart to meditate on today?

Daily Word

Psalm 36

judyinthesky91

Read Psalm 36 – If they only knew…. Beloved, do you remember the old you, prior to Salvation? The old me was guilty of the :1-4 accusations. On the outside I was a nice person, but on the inside there was no fear of God, I was prideful about my sin and did not reject the things that were wrong to God.

There is an analogy about sheep standing on a vibrant green hillside. They look so white and pristine, but then the snow fell and their filth was apparent in contrast to the pure white snow.

Owning who we were apart from Jesus is essential to our surrender, Salvation, and celebration of who God is… Then the snow continued to fall, and the dirty fleece was covered in pristine white… as we emerge, clothed in Jesus Christ – hallelujah!

Verses :5-9 is a shift of focus from the wicked to the glory of God. There is a song by the band, THIRD DAY, and they sing these verses. If you know it you might find yourself reading to the tune.

“Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the highest mountains. Your justice like the great deep.” :5-7

Do you feel the change in your heart as you read these verses of adoration? Do you feel the weight of this world lighten as you turn your focus to Jesus?

“How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. ” :7

God bless your day.

Daily Word

Psalm 35

judyinthesky91

Read Psalm 35 – It all comes down to relationship, not religion. This Psalm felt somewhat like I was eavesdropping on David’s lunch date with God. He is so transparent in his need and desired outcome.

The Lord is teaching us about the relationship he longs for in this Psalm. Notice how specific David is. He asks the LORD to contend with those who contend with him in verse :1. That is somewhat general, but he goes on to say, “Take up shield and armor; arise and come to my aid. Brandish spear and javelin against those who pursue me.” :2-3. That is quite specific.

Beloved, when you pray be specific. If you pray vague prayers, how will you even know if they’ve been answered?

We had quite an adventure landing in Costa Rica on Monday. There was a heavy rain cloud over the airport forcing us to circle for a bit in hopes of it moving on. This monster cloud was so low and treacherous that the runway was too dark and slippery to safely set down our plane. David prayed that against his enemies, “May their path be dark and slippery, with the angel of the LORD pursuing them.” :6 (side note, we did land safely about 30 minutes late… praise God, no need to divert to San Jose for fuel!)

David goes on in his petition then says something curious. “Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD and delight in His salvation.” :9 The way I relate to this is how much sweeter our landing was, knowing God answered many prayers and showed us favor. An uneventful landing would not have stirred the round of joy and delight this one did. My pilots are extremely talented, but they cannot move the weather.

As you consider David needs, consider your own. What is the last answered prayer you can recall? Are you aware of who you are praying to? Words of praise and adoration will get your heart in a right place, and your words will be a light for others.

“My tongue will proclaim your righteousness, your praises all day long. ” :28

Daily Word

Psalm 34

judyinthesky91

Read Psalm 34 – The first thing we are told is that this was written as a praise to God right after David pretended to be insane before Abimelech…. And that is a grand adventure covered in 1 Samuel 21 if you are stirred to know more.   Suffice to say, it was an ‘only God’ kind of escape from certain death, and David is quick to respond in praise and encouragement for others to do the same.  

“I sought the LORD and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. ” :4-5

Have you seen that?   Who comes to mind when you think of someone who walks closest to Jesus? What about their countenance stands out? You can see it,  right?   Jesus offers this to all who seek him, including and especially you!   (I say that because this is one gift each person must say yes to personally. )

“The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. ”  :7

Will you strive to carry that thought with you? In Christ, you do not walk alone. 

“The LORD is close to the broken hearts and saves those who are crushed in spirit. “:18

The life preserver is right there in Jesus. Take hold and rejoice! 

Daily Word

Psalm 33

judyinthesky91

Read Psalm 33 – Eternity will not make sense without an understanding of God.  As humans, we want to feel some measure of control – yet it is a world we did not create.  As we allow for awe, reverence and fear of God, even the most difficult things of this life can be entrusted to Jesus.  

My heart is aching for a loved one today.  She is facing something I fear, yet here is God’s Word, waiting for me… as if knowing all along I would need this Psalm today.  Verse :1 seemed too hard at first look, “Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him.”  But as I read on, my focus shifted to our Father’s glory, and the ache began to fade into trust, and my ability to sing joyfully came alive.

“By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.  He gathers the waters of the sea into jars; he puts the deep into storehouses.” :6-7 That makes me feel small in the very best way – like the view of the world out of my airplane window, or the feeling of standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon.  This world is such a simple thing to God.

“We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.  In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.  May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you.” :20-22

Daily Word

Psalm 32

judyinthesky91

Read Psalm 32 – Guilt is heavy and pride is a liar. Pride says, “Shhhh… no one has to know.” David says, “When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.” :3 That is heavy; that is guilt, and God does not want that for his children.

But God is a good Father. He will be a stern presence that does not let you off the hook for harboring sin, but he will not pretend with you that the sin is no big deal. “For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.” :4

This is where a choice must be made. One can ignore the LORD until their heart is hardened. One can keep listening to pride and seek more sin to try to hide from the Holy Spirit. One can get used to that weight on the shoulders to the point that living without it seems scarier than freedom. Or one can confess and know the blessed life David speaks of, “Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit.” :1-2

Were you able to picture Jesus speaking in verses :8-10? Maybe go back to that section, listen to your Heavenly Father as he tells you he will instruct you, counsel and watch over you. Listen as he warns you not to be a mule. Examine your life and see where you fit in verse :10.

And best of all, Beloved, celebrate! “Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!” :11

Daily Word

Psalm 31

judyinthesky91

Read Psalm 31 – Beloved, I cannot begin to tell you what a strength this psalm has been to me.  I was in a season of trial a few years back.  It was a time so heavy from many directions that I did not know how I would survive. It was a time of my deepest despair.  Can you recall a time like this?  If not, be ready.  Trials come upon all of us.

God knows there is something about seeing the perseverance of another and the faithfulness of the LORD that gives us strength.  David cries out, “Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief.”

This is a season, and David graphically pours it out to the LORD… sometimes we need to get it all out.  And then we see a shift beginning in verse :14, and these are the words that I hold close in my heart:

“But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, ‘You are my God.’  My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me.  Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.” :14-16

And from there, beginning in verse :19 David can’t stop talking about the goodness of God.  When you feel yourself sinking, try shifting your focus from your troubles to the goodness of God, who he is, past answered prayers, his love, glory, faithfulness and so on.  

David closes with a call to action, “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.” :24

Daily Word

Psalm 30

judyinthesky91

Read Psalm 30 – Joy comes in the morning – My bible gives a notation that this psalm was written for the dedication of the temple of David.  It was a song.  

David has known battles, sin, forgiveness, and the joy of belonging to the LORD.  “Sing to the LORD , you saints of his; praise his holy name.  For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” :4-5

Troubles come and some we bring on ourselves, but for those who remain with the LORD, there is a steady foundation.  They can look ahead with hope, faith and joy.  David’s faith holds on tight, “What gain is there in my destruction, in my going down into the pit?  Will the dust praise you?  Will it proclaim your faithfulness?” :9  David always comes back to praise.

Perhaps you are in a trial right now.  Will you come back to praise?

“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent.  O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.” Psalm 30:12

Daily Word

Psalm 29

judyinthesky91

Read Psalm 29 – Now that’s a leader!  “Ascribe to the LORD, O mighty ones, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.  Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.” :1-2

Could you imagine your father, your boss, your political representative, even your president making these statements?  How great would life be if those in the lead had it right?  

But we are not here for what if’s.  Each of us is the leader of their own life; may it start with us.  May we be the ones to call out for glory, honor, worship and praise to the LORD.  Perhaps you are in need of a reminder.  Our psalm is a good one to go back to anytime life feels off balance.  

Try this, re-read it aloud.  Imagine you are reading this to a crowd with dramatic authority in your voice.  Yes.  Now, have an amazing day!

Daily Word

Psalm 28

judyinthesky91

Read Psalm 28 – Beloved, may you be overflowing with reverence and awe of God!  Some like to say that Jesus is their BFF, but I caution you – that is not enough.  Yes, He is a friend to sinners; yes, He is kind and merciful; yes, you can trust Him with all of your worries.  BUT don’t mistake that for equality.  Stand in awe of the one who knit you together in your mothers womb, and knows every hair on your head, and saves your tears.  Be reverent to the LORD, whose ways and thoughts are higher than ours.  Marvel at His glory.  Delight in the LORD on a grand scale.

When David speaks about those who do not belong to God (:1-5), he concludes with, “Since they show no regard for the works of the LORD and what his hands have done, he will tear them down and never build them up again.”  :5  

Yesterday, one of my friends posted a video of lightning, taken from the vantage point of 40,000’ during her cross country flight.  It was marvelous, like a visual symphony as the cloud lit up with explosions of colors.  It was taken during the day, so all sorts of clouds were in the vicinity, but only this one held the lightning.  I could not help but be drawn closer to Jesus by the power and artistry.  The works of the LORD are wonderful.

“The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.  My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.” :8  

This world can get rather heavy, so look up in awe!  And may you find yourself singing a song of thanks as your heart leaps for joy today!