Day 76 - March17, 2025

Scripture: Psalm 89:1-18

O Lord, I will always sing of your constant love;
    I will proclaim your faithfulness forever.
2 I know that your love will last for all time,
    that your faithfulness is as permanent as the sky.
3 You said, “I have made a covenant with the man I chose;
    I have promised my servant David,
4 ‘A descendant of yours will always be king;
    I will preserve your dynasty forever.’”

5 The heavens sing of the wonderful things you do;
    the holy ones sing of your faithfulness, Lord.
6 No one in heaven is like you, Lord;
    none of the heavenly beings is your equal.
7 You are feared in the council of the holy ones;
    they all stand in awe of you.

8 Lord God Almighty, none is as mighty as you;
    in all things you are faithful, O Lord.
9 You rule over the powerful sea;
    you calm its angry waves.
10 You crushed the monster Rahab and killed it;
    with your mighty strength you defeated your enemies.
11 Heaven is yours, the earth also;
    you made the world and everything in it.
12 You created the north and the south;
    Mount Tabor and Mount Hermon sing to you for joy.
13 How powerful you are!
    How great is your strength!
14 Your kingdom is founded on righteousness and justice;
    love and faithfulness are shown in all you do.

15 How happy are the people who worship you with songs,
    who live in the light of your kindness!
16 Because of you they rejoice all day long,
    and they praise you for your goodness.
17 You give us great victories;
    in your love you make us triumphant.
18 You, O Lord, chose our protector;
    you, the Holy God of Israel, gave us our king.

Observation:

Today’s Psalmist is happy in The Lord of Hosts. He writes: “How powerful you are! How great is your strength! Your kingdom is founded on righteousness and justice; love and faithfulness are shown in all you do. How happy are the people who worship you with songs, who live in the light of your kindness!” (Psalm 89:13-15) The psalmist is joyful in justice, love and faithfulness of the Lord who is powerful beyond all power.

Application:

We should be like today’s psalmist, singing praises to our God whose kingdom is founded on righteousness, justice, love and faithfulness. Our God is worthy of our constant praise, and as we praise and trust in our Lord, we become joyful in all circumstances. because the joy of the Lord is our strength.

Prayer:

Lord, we will sing praises to you in the heights; we will sing praises to you in the valleys. we will sing praises to you in times of trouble because you are strength, our ever-present help in times of trouble. Because you are our Lord, our joy is complete in You who is trustworthy in all circumstances. Let your presence in our lives be our joy. Amen.

Day 75 - March 16, 2025

Scripture: Psalm 88

Lord God, my savior, I cry out all day,
    and at night I come before you.
2 Hear my prayer;
    listen to my cry for help!

3 So many troubles have fallen on me
    that I am close to death.
4 I am like all others who are about to die;
    all my strength is gone.
5 I am abandoned among the dead;
    I am like the slain lying in their graves,
those you have forgotten completely,
    who are beyond your help.
6 You have thrown me into the depths of the tomb,
    into the darkest and deepest pit.
7 Your anger lies heavy on me,
    and I am crushed beneath its waves.

8 You have caused my friends to abandon me;
    you have made me repulsive to them.
I am closed in and cannot escape;
9     my eyes are weak from suffering.
Lord, every day I call to you
    and lift my hands to you in prayer.

10 Do you perform miracles for the dead?
    Do they rise up and praise you?
11 Is your constant love spoken of in the grave
    or your faithfulness in the place of destruction?
12 Are your miracles seen in that place of darkness
    or your goodness in the land of the forgotten?

13 Lord, I call to you for help;
    every morning I pray to you.
14 Why do you reject me, Lord?
    Why do you turn away from me?
15 Ever since I was young, I have suffered and been near death;
    I am worn out from the burden of your punishments.
16 Your furious anger crushes me;
    your terrible attacks destroy me.
17 All day long they surround me like a flood;
    they close in on me from every side.
18 You have made even my closest friends abandon me,
    and darkness is my only companion.

Observation:

There are many psalms of lament where the psalmist cries out to God because of either a physical condition or circumstance the psalmist is in. Most of those psalms conclude with a statement of trusting in God while still in the midst of the trouble. This psalm is different in that respect. Here the psalmist seems to be saying that his only companion is darkness. The Psalmist seems to be without hope, and yet still cries out to God. He writes: “Lord, I call to you for help;   every morning I pray to you.” (Psalm 88:13)

The psalmist knows even with seemingly unanswered prayer, that his only help comes from God. Look at verses 1 and 2 where he begins: “Lord God, my savior, I cry out all day, and at night I come before you.
Hear my prayer; listen to my cry for help!” (Psalm 88:1-2)

Application:

There are times in our lives where it seems our prayers do not reach God’s throne of grace. We may feel shut out and maybe even abandoned. In those times, let us be like the writer of Psalm 88 who continues to pray unceasingly. Sometimes in our own prayers, our answers come in the prayer itself. Whatever befalls us and no matter what circumstances in which we might find ourselves, our help is only from the Lord. So keep on praying day and night. Our God is a God of grace, even when we can not discern it.

Prayer:

Dear Lord our God, there are times in our lives that you seem so far away. In those times, help us to remember who moved. You are a God of love, peace, mercy, and provision. Our very lives are a result of your love, creating us in your own image and likeness. Help us then in times of trouble to continually turn towards you. Help us to praise you no matter what our circumstance. Amen.

Day 74 - March 15, 2025

Scripture: Psalm 84

1 How lovely is your dwelling place,
    Lord Almighty!
2 My soul yearns, even faints,
    for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and my flesh cry out
    for the living God.
3 Even the sparrow has found a home,
    and the swallow a nest for herself,
    where she may have her young—
a place near your altar,
    Lord Almighty, my King and my God.
4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house;
    they are ever praising you.

5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
    whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.
6 As they pass through the Valley of Baka,
    they make it a place of springs;
    the autumn rains also cover it with pools.
7 They go from strength to strength,
    till each appears before God in Zion.

8 Hear my prayer, Lord God Almighty;
    listen to me, God of Jacob.
9 Look on our shield, O God;
    look with favor on your anointed one.

10 Better is one day in your courts
    than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
    than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
    the Lord bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold
    from those whose walk is blameless.

12 Lord Almighty,
    blessed is the one who trusts in you.

Observation:

The Psalmist writes about his desire to be in the house of the Lord. He writes: “Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold. Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you.” (Psalm 84:10-12)

Application:

At the time when the Psalms were being written, the Holy Spirit would inspire the writings. Today, that same Holy Spirit is with every professing believer in the Son of God, Jesus Christ. Therefore, like the psalmist we should yearn for God’s presence. Yet often times, even as believers, we can ignore the Holy Spirit in our lives. What would the Psalmist say to us regarding that? The Psalmist has already given us this council, when he says, “Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.” (Psalm 84:10)

Since as believers, the Holy Spirit is with us as promised in the scriptures, we are already in the House of the Lord, here on earth as it is in heaven. So, we should live our daily lives in thankfulness of that reality. We should live our lives in reflection of the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, as the Psalmist reminds us, “Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere.” Help us through your Spirit to be ever mindful of your presence in our lives. Help us to grow in wisdom and knowledge of you that we might walk in your ways and allow the others in our lives to recognize your presence in us, all to your glory. Amen

Day 73 - March 14, 2025

Scripture: Psalm 82

A Psalm of Asaph

82 God presides in the heavenly council;
    in the assembly of the gods he gives his decision:
2 “You must stop judging unjustly;
    you must no longer be partial to the wicked!
3 Defend the rights of the poor and the orphans;
    be fair to the needy and the helpless.
4 Rescue them from the power of evil people.

5 “How ignorant you are! How stupid!
    You are completely corrupt,
    and justice has disappeared from the world.
6 ‘You are gods,’ I said;
    ‘all of you are children of the Most High.’
7 But you will die like mortals;
    your life will end like that of any prince.”

8 Come, O God, and rule the world;
    all the nations are yours.

Observation:

Who is this ruling council that the Psalmist Asaph writes about? There seems to be "gods" or “sons of God” to describe a group of beings, either heavenly or divine, who are under God's authority and are called to judge justly. Asaph was a Levite and worship leader who wrote twelve Psalms during the time of David and Soloman. He served in the tabernacle choir singing and playing before the Ark of the Covenant. The Psalmist Asaph calls upon God saying: “Come, O God, and rule the world; all the nations are yours.” (Psalm 82:8) Asaph recognizes there is only One Supreme Being, The Lord of Hosts, Our God.

Application:

There is only One God who is ruler of all and our God desires mercy and justice. God wants us to care for the helpless and to take up the cause of the orphans.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, we admit that we do not always know how to interpret your word. But we know that you are God and you are God alone. There is no one like You, The Creator and Ruler of All. Help us to have a right spirit as we approach your throne of grace. Help us to realize that we have much to learn from you every day of our lives. Fill us with your Holy Spirit and give us hearts to love as you love. Amen.

Day 72 - March 13, 2025

Scripture: Psalm 77

1 I cried out to God for help;
    I cried out to God to hear me.
2 When I was in distress, I sought the Lord;
    at night I stretched out untiring hands,
    and I would not be comforted.

3 I remembered you, God, and I groaned;
    I meditated, and my spirit grew faint.
4 You kept my eyes from closing;
    I was too troubled to speak.
5 I thought about the former days,
    the years of long ago;
6 I remembered my songs in the night.
    My heart meditated and my spirit asked:

7 “Will the Lord reject forever?
    Will he never show his favor again?
8 Has his unfailing love vanished forever?
    Has his promise failed for all time?
9 Has God forgotten to be merciful?
    Has he in anger withheld his compassion?”

10 Then I thought, “To this I will appeal:
    the years when the Most High stretched out his right hand.
11 I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
    yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
12 I will consider all your works
    and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”

13 Your ways, God, are holy.
    What god is as great as our God?
14 You are the God who performs miracles;
    you display your power among the peoples.
15 With your mighty arm you redeemed your people,
    the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.

16 The waters saw you, God,
    the waters saw you and writhed;
    the very depths were convulsed.
17 The clouds poured down water,
    the heavens resounded with thunder;
    your arrows flashed back and forth.
18 Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind,
    your lightning lit up the world;
    the earth trembled and quaked.
19 Your path led through the sea,
    your way through the mighty waters,
    though your footprints were not seen.

20 You led your people like a flock
    by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

Observation:

The Psalmist laments seeking God’s help and not being comforted. He speaks of continually seeking God’s help without receiving any peace. His soul is restless and without sleep. He writes: “Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again? Has his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time? Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?” (Psalm 77:7-9)

Then the psalmist turns to remembering all of God’s mighty acts of deliverance and begins to rest in the God who delivered the people of Israel, as God led both Moses and Aaron as they followed the footprints of God which were unable to be seen. The psalmist receives his peace in remembering who God is and what God has done.

Application:

There are times when it seems that our prayers do not even reach the ceiling of our homes, let alone make it to the throne of God’s mercy. Yet, we should remember that God’s promises never fail; and we should remember the times in our own lives that God has clearly provided for us with unseen hands and footprints. Trust in God in all the circumstance of our lives for God has our eternity in the grip of his grace.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, today’s reading from Psalm 77 reminds us that you are not a magic wand which we are able to wave, but that you are Creator God, Sovereign and Ruler of all Creation. Help us to have a right perspective as we approach your throne of grace. Help us to remember that you are always with us; and you never leave us or forsake us. Your grace and your Spirit in us alone are sufficient for all of our needs. Help us to rest in your promises as we make requests of you. Help us to walk humbly before you with contrite hearts and minds. Shape us as your people, that others might see your presence in our lives. Amen.

Day 71 - March 12, 2025

Scripture: Psalm 76

1 God is renowned in Judah;
    in Israel his name is great.
2 His tent is in Salem,
    his dwelling place in Zion.
3 There he broke the flashing arrows,
    the shields and the swords, the weapons of war.[b]

4 You are radiant with light,
    more majestic than mountains rich with game.
5 The valiant lie plundered,
    they sleep their last sleep;
not one of the warriors
    can lift his hands.
6 At your rebuke, God of Jacob,
    both horse and chariot lie still.

7 It is you alone who are to be feared.
    Who can stand before you when you are angry?
8 From heaven you pronounced judgment,
    and the land feared and was quiet—
9 when you, God, rose up to judge,
    to save all the afflicted of the land.
10 Surely your wrath against mankind brings you praise,
    and the survivors of your wrath are restrained.

11 Make vows to the Lord your God and fulfill them;
    let all the neighboring lands
    bring gifts to the One to be feared.
12 He breaks the spirit of rulers;
    he is feared by the kings of the earth.

Observation:

The Psalmist describes the righteous judgement of God in which the unrighteous can-not stand. He warns the righteous reminding them to: “Make vows to the Lord your God and fulfill them; let all the neighboring lands bring gifts to the One to be feared. He breaks the spirit of rulers;  he is feared by the kings of the earth.” (Psalm 76:11-12

Application:

We should all have a righteous fear of the living God who gave us life and invests his life in us. We should all be careful to keep our promises to God, for God will not be mocked. Who can escape God’s righteous judgement? But praise be to God for we have a living hope in our Lord and Savior, Jesus, who has atoned for our own unrighteousness. Therefore, we should live our lives in gratitude and righteous fear of the God who holds his our eternity in the grip of his grace.

Prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, we thank you for the grace you have given us to believe in you as our Lord and Savior. Help us to live our lives in gratitude of your grace. Help us to live in a righteous fear of you, being careful to keep our promises and vows to you that others might come to know your saving grace and love. Amen.

Day 70 - March 11, 2025

Scripture: Psalm 71

1 In you, Lord, I have taken refuge;
    let me never be put to shame.
2 In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me;
    turn your ear to me and save me.
3 Be my rock of refuge,
    to which I can always go;
give the command to save me,
    for you are my rock and my fortress.
4 Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked,
    from the grasp of those who are evil and cruel.

5 For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord,
    my confidence since my youth.
6 From birth I have relied on you;
    you brought me forth from my mother’s womb.
    I will ever praise you.
7 I have become a sign to many;
    you are my strong refuge.
8 My mouth is filled with your praise,
    declaring your splendor all day long.

9 Do not cast me away when I am old;
    do not forsake me when my strength is gone.
10 For my enemies speak against me;
    those who wait to kill me conspire together.
11 They say, “God has forsaken him;
    pursue him and seize him,
    for no one will rescue him.”
12 Do not be far from me, my God;
    come quickly, God, to help me.
13 May my accusers perish in shame;
    may those who want to harm me
    be covered with scorn and disgrace.

14 As for me, I will always have hope;
    I will praise you more and more.

15 My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds,
    of your saving acts all day long—
    though I know not how to relate them all.
16 I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign Lord;
    I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone.
17 Since my youth, God, you have taught me,
    and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.
18 Even when I am old and gray,
    do not forsake me, my God,
till I declare your power to the next generation,
    your mighty acts to all who are to come.

19 Your righteousness, God, reaches to the heavens,
    you who have done great things.
    Who is like you, God?
20 Though you have made me see troubles,
    many and bitter,
    you will restore my life again;
from the depths of the earth
    you will again bring me up.
21 You will increase my honor
    and comfort me once more.

22 I will praise you with the harp
    for your faithfulness, my God;
I will sing praise to you with the lyre,
    Holy One of Israel.
23 My lips will shout for joy
    when I sing praise to you—
    I whom you have delivered.
24 My tongue will tell of your righteous acts
    all day long,
for those who wanted to harm me
    have been put to shame and confusion.

Observation:

The Psalmist understands that not only is God his rock and fortress, but it is incumbent upon him to profess and proclaim God’s mighty acts of salvation for the rest of the world to see and hear. He writes: “Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come. (Psalm 71:17-18)

Application:

It is important for us to recognize God’s provision and salvation in our lives, but we are also responsible for spreading the faith to the next generation. We should live our lives as a faithful witness to Jesus Christ that others may see that our God really is God and come to a saving faith in Christ Jesus.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ, allow us to be faithful followers of you. Help us to study your word and allow your Holy Spirit to remind us of everything that you have taught us. Help us to live faithful lives, professing and proclaiming your saving grace and sharing your mercy, forgiveness and love with those who need it most, allto your glory. Amen.

Day 69 -March 10, 2025

Scripture: Psalm 64

A Psalm of David

1 Hear me, O God, as I voice my complaint: the threat of the enemy. 2 Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked, from the plots of evil doers. 3 They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim cruel words like deadly arrows. 4 They shoot from ambush at the innocent; they shoot suddenly without fear. 5 They encourage each other in evil plans, they talk about hiding their snares; They say “Who will see it?” 6 They plot injustice and say, “We have devised a perfect plan!” Surely the human mind and heart are cunning. 7 But God will shoot them with his arrows; they will suddenly be struck down. 8 He will bring their own tongues against them and bring them to ruin; all who see them will shake their heads in scorn. 9 All people will fear; they will proclaim the works of God and ponder what he has done. 10 The righteous will rejoice in the Lord and take refuge in him; all the upright in heart will glory in him!

Observation:

People can make all the evil plans they want but their own plans will bring them down. David writes: “They plot injustice and say, “We have devised a perfect plan!” …But God will shoot them down with his own arrows; they will be suddenly be struck down.He will bring their own tongues against them and bring them to ruin.” (Psalm 64:6-8)

Application:

Do not fear when people plot against you. Maintain a righteous attitude, pay no attention to their evil plans and watch how God will take care of your enemies.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, when people plot against me, I will trust in your help. I will maintain a righteous attitude and be confident that you not only have my back but my fiuture. I am in your hands and as David says, “The righteous will rejoice in the Lord and take refuge in him; all the upright in heart will glory in him!” Amen.

Day 68 - March 9, 2025

Scripture: Psalm 63

A Psalm of David when he was in the Desert of Judah.

1 You, God, are my God,
    earnestly I seek you;
I thirst for you,
    my whole being longs for you,
in a dry and parched land
    where there is no water.

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

6 On my bed I remember you;
    I think of you through the watches of the night.
7 Because you are my help,
    I sing in the shadow of your wings.
8 I cling to you;
    your right hand upholds me.

9 Those who want to kill me will be destroyed;
    they will go down to the depths of the earth.
10 They will be given over to the sword
    and become food for jackals.

11 But the king will rejoice in God;
    all who swear by God will glory in him,
    while the mouths of liars will be silenced.

Observation:

David the Psalmist is praising God in the middle of a dry and waterless land. He writes: “Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. (Psalm 63:3-4)

Application:

Like in Psalm 61 and Psalm 62 David continues to place his reliance upon the Lord even in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water. It is not water that David longs for, but for God. David describes his longing for God as a thirst for God.

Do we thirst for God in our every day lives.? Do we thirst for God when we have plenty to eat and drink? We like David should have a healthy thirst for God and God’s love. Let us thirst for God in our lives no matter what the circumstances might be.

Prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, we are so thankful for your saving and birthing love. For you have not only saved us from our sins but you have placed within us your own Spirit, the Spirit of God that proceeds from the Father and the Son. May your Spirit lead us to the well of your love to satisfy our thirst for you. Help us to remember your love every moment of our lives for as David writes, “your love is better than life.” Help us to praise you with our lips and our whole beings as we walk in the light of your Word, and as we live New Lives in Your Name. Amen.

Day 67 - March 8, 2025

Scripture: Psalm 62

1 Truly my soul finds rest in God;
    my salvation comes from him.
2 Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
    he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

3 How long will you assault me?
    Would all of you throw me down—
    this leaning wall, this tottering fence?
4 Surely they intend to topple me
    from my lofty place;
    they take delight in lies.
With their mouths they bless,
    but in their hearts they curse.

5 Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
    my hope comes from him.
6 Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
    he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
7 My salvation and my honor depend on God;
    he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
8 Trust in him at all times, you people;
    pour out your hearts to him,
    for God is our refuge.

9 Surely the lowborn are but a breath,
    the highborn are but a lie.
If weighed on a balance, they are nothing;
    together they are only a breath.
10 Do not trust in extortion
    or put vain hope in stolen goods;
though your riches increase,
    do not set your heart on them.

11 One thing God has spoken,
    two things I have heard:
“Power belongs to you, God,
12     and with you, Lord, is unfailing love”;
and, “You reward everyone
    according to what they have done.”

Observation:

“Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress; I will never be shaken.” (Psalm 62:1-2)

Application:

Since God is our rock and our salvation, what can harm us for God is our ever-present help in times of trouble. We will never be shaken.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, let us rest in your care and understand that we are always in the grip of your grace. Help us to be confident in your love and in your salvation. Amen.

Day 66 - March 7, 2025

Scripture: Psalm 61

For the Director of Music, with Stringed Instruments. A Psalm of David.

1 Hear my cry, O God;
    listen to my prayer.

2 From the ends of the earth I call to you,
    I call as my heart grows faint;
    lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
3 For you have been my refuge,
    a strong tower against the foe.

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

6 Increase the days of the king’s life,
    his years for many generations.
7 May he be enthroned in God’s presence forever;
    appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him.

8 Then I will ever sing in praise of your name
    and fulfill my vows day after day.

Observation:

David, the Psalmist knows that God has always been David’s true help. He writes: “Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. (Psalm 61:1-3)

Like David, our God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.

Application:

Like David, we should be ever thankful to our Lord for our salvation and our rock. May we always praise our Lord and God that the others in our lives will hear and see our praises and be enticed to seek the Lord for their own salvation and strength.

Prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for your sacrifice that makes us whole in you. May we be ever thankful to you, singing your praises and witnessing to our friends and family that they also might seek your forgiveness and the new life that you promise all of your children. Amen.

Day 65, 2025 - March 6, 2025

Scripture: Psalm 40:1-11

1 I waited patiently for the Lord;
    he turned to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
    out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
    and gave me a firm place to stand.
3 He put a new song in my mouth,
    a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear the Lord
    and put their trust in him.

4 Blessed is the one
    who trusts in the Lord,
who does not look to the proud,
    to those who turn aside to false gods.
5 Many, Lord my God,
    are the wonders you have done,
    the things you planned for us.
None can compare with you;
    were I to speak and tell of your deeds,
    they would be too many to declare.

6 Sacrifice and offering you did not desire—
    but my ears you have opened—
    burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require.
7 Then I said, “Here I am, I have come—
    it is written about me in the scroll.
8 I desire to do your will, my God;
    your law is within my heart.”

9 I proclaim your saving acts in the great assembly;
    I do not seal my lips, Lord,
    as you know.
10 I do not hide your righteousness in my heart;
    I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help.
I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness
    from the great assembly.

11 Do not withhold your mercy from me, Lord;
    may your love and faithfulness always protect me.

Observation:

“ I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.” (Psalm 40:1-3)

David extols the virtue of waiting upon the Lord and writes about standing on the firm foundation of God’s love and provision. The Lord puts a new song in our mouths and a trust in our hearts that continually sings praises to God for God’s faithfulness and enduring love.

Application:

Therefore, we can rest in the Lord who sets our feet on a firm foundation of his love and faithfulness. As we place our trust in our Lord, we will not be disapointed.

Prayer:

Lord, let our mouths and our hearts continually sing your praises for you are our Rock and our Firm Foundation and we can trust in you. Allow others in our lives to see and hear our praises that they might draw close to you and be captured by your saving love. Amen.

Day 64 - March 5, 2025

Scripture: Psalm 51

For The Director of Music. A Psalm of David, When the Prophet Nathan came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba.

1 Have mercy on me, O God,
    according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
    blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash away all my iniquity
    and cleanse me from my sin.

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.
6 Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb;
    you taught me wisdom in that secret place.

7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
    wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
8 Let me hear joy and gladness;
    let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
9 Hide your face from my sins
    and blot out all my iniquity.

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

13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
    so that sinners will turn back to you.
14 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God,
    you who are God my Savior,
    and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.
15 Open my lips, Lord,
    and my mouth will declare your praise.
16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
    you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
17 My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit;
    a broken and contrite heart
    you, God, will not despise.

18 May it please you to prosper Zion,
    to build up the walls of Jerusalem.
19 Then you will delight in the sacrifices of the righteous,
    in burnt offerings offered whole;
    then bulls will be offered on your altar.

Observation:

David is consumed with guilt after the prophet Nathan confronted him regarding his adultery with Bathsheba, and his premeditated murder of Bathsheba’s husband Uriah. In this tremendous guilt, David writes Psalm 51 saying: “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.” (Psalm 51:1-3)

David had enjoyed God’s favor and now he feels the loss of that relationship. His sin is so great yet he focuses on his first sin against God. David also knows that he had sinned against Bathsheba, Uriah, and the nation of Israel, of which he is the king. Yet his confession to God is for God to wipe away his iniquities and to blot out his transgressions. He wants God to restore to him the joy of his salvation and to give him a clean heart.

Application:

The truth of the matter is that everyone of us has fallen far short of the Glory of God, and each one of us, your pastor included, needs to pray the prayer of confession to God. Each one of us needs to have broken and contrite hearts before our God that he may restore us to a right relationship with our Holy God.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, our God, when we measure our lives against your Word and your Ways, we find ourselves wanting, for we have all fallen short of your best intentions for our lives. Help us to approach the throne of your grace with broken and contrite hearts. Create in us clean hearts and a spirit that is steadfast in following your ways, and your truth, and your life. Thank you for sending your son, our Lord, Jesus as an atonement for our sins, and help us with the gift of your Spirit to follow Jesus in the ways that lead to life eternal. Amen.

Day 63- March 4, 2025

Scripture: Psalm 33

1 Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous;
    it is fitting for the upright to praise him.
2 Praise the Lord with the harp;
    make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.
3 Sing to him a new song;
    play skillfully, and shout for joy.

4 For the word of the Lord is right and true;
    he is faithful in all he does.
5 The Lord loves righteousness and justice;
    the earth is full of his unfailing love.

6 By the word of the Lord the heavens were made,
    their starry host by the breath of his mouth.
7 He gathers the waters of the sea into jars[a];
    he puts the deep into storehouses.
8 Let all the earth fear the Lord;
    let all the people of the world revere him.
9 For he spoke, and it came to be;
    he commanded, and it stood firm.

10 The Lord foils the plans of the nations;
    he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.
11 But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever,
    the purposes of his heart through all generations.

12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,
    the people he chose for his inheritance.
13 From heaven the Lord looks down
    and sees all mankind;
14 from his dwelling place he watches
    all who live on earth—
15 he who forms the hearts of all,
    who considers everything they do.

16 No king is saved by the size of his army;
    no warrior escapes by his great strength.
17 A horse is a vain hope for deliverance;
    despite all its great strength it cannot save.
18 But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him,
    on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,
19 to deliver them from death
    and keep them alive in famine.

20 We wait in hope for the Lord;
    he is our help and our shield.
21 In him our hearts rejoice,
    for we trust in his holy name.
22 May your unfailing love be with us, Lord,
    even as we put our hope in you.

Observation:

Our God created the heavens and the earth and knows all things and the mind of every person. Nothing is beyond the Lord’s sight. “Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere him. For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.” (Psalm 33:8-9)

Application:

Knowing that God is aware of all things, we should have a righteous fear of the Lord, submitting ourselves to God’s Lordship. When we work against the Lord’s purposes, we labor in vain because the “…Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.” (Psalm 33:10-11)

Prayer:

Look upon our lives Lord and guide our paths. Lead us into righteous and joyous living as we place our trust in you daily. For we wait in joyful hope for the Lord because he is our constant help in all circumstances. May we live in a righteous fear of you as we trust in your Holy Name. Amen.

Day 62 - March 3, 2025

Scripture: Psalm 31

1 In you, Lord, I have taken refuge;
    let me never be put to shame;
    deliver me in your righteousness.
2 Turn your ear to me,
    come quickly to my rescue;
be my rock of refuge,
    a strong fortress to save me.
3 Since you are my rock and my fortress,
    for the sake of your name lead and guide me.
4 Keep me free from the trap that is set for me,
    for you are my refuge.
5 Into your hands I commit my spirit;
    deliver me, Lord, my faithful God.

6 I hate those who cling to worthless idols;
    as for me, I trust in the Lord.
7 I will be glad and rejoice in your love,
    for you saw my affliction
    and knew the anguish of my soul.
8 You have not given me into the hands of the enemy
    but have set my feet in a spacious place.

9 Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am in distress;
    my eyes grow weak with sorrow,
    my soul and body with grief.
10 My life is consumed by anguish
    and my years by groaning;
my strength fails because of my affliction,[b]
    and my bones grow weak.
11 Because of all my enemies,
    I am the utter contempt of my neighbors
and an object of dread to my closest friends—
    those who see me on the street flee from me.
12 I am forgotten as though I were dead;
    I have become like broken pottery.
13 For I hear many whispering,
    “Terror on every side!”
They conspire against me
    and plot to take my life.

14 But I trust in you, Lord;
    I say, “You are my God.”
15 My times are in your hands;
    deliver me from the hands of my enemies,
    from those who pursue me.
16 Let your face shine on your servant;
    save me in your unfailing love.
17 Let me not be put to shame, Lord,
    for I have cried out to you;
but let the wicked be put to shame
    and be silent in the realm of the dead.
18 Let their lying lips be silenced,
    for with pride and contempt
    they speak arrogantly against the righteous.

19 How abundant are the good things
    that you have stored up for those who fear you,
that you bestow in the sight of all,
    on those who take refuge in you.
20 In the shelter of your presence you hide them
    from all human intrigues;
you keep them safe in your dwelling
    from accusing tongues.

21 Praise be to the Lord,
    for he showed me the wonders of his love
    when I was in a city under siege.
22 In my alarm I said,
    “I am cut off from your sight!”
Yet you heard my cry for mercy
    when I called to you for help.

23 Love the Lord, all his faithful people!
    The Lord preserves those who are true to him,
    but the proud he pays back in full.
24 Be strong and take heart,
    all you who hope in the Lord.

Observation:

David the Psalmist reflects on times when his enemies surrounded him and plotted against him. Yet David was able to call upon the Lord and seek shelter in God’s protection and strength. David concludes Psalm 31 saying: “ Love the Lord, all his faithful people! The Lord preserves those who are true to him, but the proud he pays back in full. Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” (Psalm 31:23-24)

Application:

When all else fails, take refuge in God your Rock and your Redeemer. God is always there for God’s people, in the good times and in the bad. So take refuge in the Lord and allow him to be your source of strength.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, you are our Rock and our Redeemer, an ever-present help in all circumstances in life. Help us to remain faithful and unwavering in our trust of you. Help us to seek your guidance in all circumstances. Amen.

Day 61 - March 2, 2025

Scripture: Psalm 27

The Lord is my light and my salvation—
    whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
    of whom shall I be afraid?

2 When the wicked advance against me
    to devour me,
it is my enemies and my foes
    who will stumble and fall.
3 Though an army besiege me,
    my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
    even then I will be confident.

4 One thing I ask from the Lord,
    this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
    all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the Lord
    and to seek him in his temple.
5 For in the day of trouble
    he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent
    and set me high upon a rock.

6 Then my head will be exalted
    above the enemies who surround me;
at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy;
    I will sing and make music to the Lord.

7 Hear my voice when I call, Lord;
    be merciful to me and answer me.
8 My heart says of you, “Seek his face!”
    Your face, Lord, I will seek.
9 Do not hide your face from me,
    do not turn your servant away in anger;
    you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
    God my Savior.
10 Though my father and mother forsake me,
    the Lord will receive me.
11 Teach me your way, Lord;
    lead me in a straight path
    because of my oppressors.
12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
    for false witnesses rise up against me,
    spouting malicious accusations.

13 I remain confident of this:
    I will see the goodness of the Lord
    in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the Lord;
    be strong and take heart
    and wait for the Lord.

Observation:

David, the Psalmist writes about his reliance upon the Lord for salvation and strength. “The Lord is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life- of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1) if the Lord is for us who can be against us?

Application:

Like David, the Lord is also our salvation and our strength.. When we are living in God’s will, God is in us and with us through every trial and circumstance. We then are in the grip of God’s amazing grace and we have nothing to fear.

Prayer:

Lord help us to walk in the light of your word and be confident in our path. For you are our Rock and our Redeemer, our ever present help in all times and places. Amen.

Day 60 - March 1, 2025

Scripture: Psalm 25

1 In you, Lord my God,
    I put my trust.

2 I trust in you;
    do not let me be put to shame,
    nor let my enemies triumph over me.
3 No one who hopes in you
    will ever be put to shame,
but shame will come on those
    who are treacherous without cause.

4 Show me your ways, Lord,
    teach me your paths.
5 Guide me in your truth and teach me,
    for you are God my Savior,
    and my hope is in you all day long.
6 Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love,
    for they are from of old.
7 Do not remember the sins of my youth
    and my rebellious ways;
according to your love remember me,
    for you, Lord, are good.

8 Good and upright is the Lord;
    therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.
9 He guides the humble in what is right
    and teaches them his way.
10 All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful
    toward those who keep the demands of his covenant.
11 For the sake of your name, Lord,
    forgive my iniquity, though it is great.

12 Who, then, are those who fear the Lord?
    He will instruct them in the ways they should choose.
13 They will spend their days in prosperity,
    and their descendants will inherit the land.
14 The Lord confides in those who fear him;
    he makes his covenant known to them.
15 My eyes are ever on the Lord,
    for only he will release my feet from the snare.

16 Turn to me and be gracious to me,
    for I am lonely and afflicted.
17 Relieve the troubles of my heart
    and free me from my anguish.
18 Look on my affliction and my distress
    and take away all my sins.
19 See how numerous are my enemies
    and how fiercely they hate me!

20 Guard my life and rescue me;
    do not let me be put to shame,
    for I take refuge in you.
21 May integrity and uprightness protect me,
    because my hope, Lord, is in you.

22 Deliver Israel, O God,
    from all their troubles!

Observation:

David, the Psalmist is asking God to show him all of God’s ways. We too need to learn from the God who created us and loves with an everlasting love. “Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” (Psalm 25:4-5)

Application:

When we turn to the Lord for wisdom and walk in the ways that he has set for us, we find out that God’s will for our lives is far superior to the will we have for our own lives. There is no better satisfaction for our lives than being in God’s will. For he knows the plans he has for us, plans to prosper us, to give us a hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Prayer:

Lord, teach us your ways that we might walk in them. Show us your unconditional love that we might love like you. Amen.

Day 59 - February 28, 2025

Scripture: Romans 8:18–39

Present Suffering and Future Glory

18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.

22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

More Than Conquerors

31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long;
    we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”[c]

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Observation:

The Spirit of God is always there to help us and when we do not know what to pray for the Spirit prays for us in groanings that we do not understand. Yet it is the perfect prayer for us because “…he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.” (Romans 8:27)

Application:

As the Spirit of God is in us as believers in Jesus Christ, we have an internal guide to keep us in God’s love and God’s purpose for our lives. Therefore, we should cooperate with the leadings of the Spirit in our lives for “…we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” (Romans 8:28-29)

Prayer:

Lord your word today is packed with such good news. Because you are in us and with us, nothing then can separate us from your Love. Amen.

Day 58 - February 27, 2025

Scripture: Psalm 138

Psalm 138

1 I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart;
    before the “gods” I will sing your praise.
2 I will bow down toward your holy temple
    and will praise your name
    for your unfailing love and your faithfulness,
for you have so exalted your solemn decree
    that it surpasses your fame.
3 When I called, you answered me;
    you greatly emboldened me.

4 May all the kings of the earth praise you, Lord,
    when they hear what you have decreed.
5 May they sing of the ways of the Lord,
    for the glory of the Lord is great.

6 Though the Lord is exalted, he looks kindly on the lowly;
    though lofty, he sees them from afar.
7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
    you preserve my life.
You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes;
    with your right hand you save me.
8 The Lord will vindicate me;
    your love, Lord, endures forever—
    do not abandon the works of your hands.

Observation:

David, the Psalmist is thankful to the God who created him and gave him life and a purpose. “I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; before the “gods” I will sing your praise. I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your unfailing love and your faithfulness…” (Psalm 138:1-2a)

Application:

When we praise our God, it should be completely - with all of our hearts. Because God is all good and is worthy of all of our praise, love, and obedience. Gord is our ever-present help in times of trouble.

Prayer:

Let us praise and thank you with all of our hearts for you are always there for your people. Help us to walk in newness of life with your Spirit guiding our steps and our activity. Let us look to you for the direction in which we should go. Amen.

Day 57 - February 26, 2025

Scripture: Psalm 136

Psalm 136

1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.

4 to him who alone does great wonders,
His love endures forever.
5 who by his understanding made the heavens,
His love endures forever.
6 who spread out the earth upon the waters,
His love endures forever.
7 who made the great lights—
His love endures forever.
8 the sun to govern the day,
His love endures forever.
9 the moon and stars to govern the night;
His love endures forever.

10 to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt
His love endures forever.
11 and brought Israel out from among them
His love endures forever.
12 with a mighty hand and outstretched arm;
His love endures forever.

13 to him who divided the Red Sea asunder
His love endures forever.
14 and brought Israel through the midst of it,
His love endures forever.
15 but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea;
His love endures forever.

16 to him who led his people through the wilderness;
His love endures forever.

17 to him who struck down great kings,
His love endures forever.
18 and killed mighty kings—
His love endures forever.
19 Sihon king of the Amorites
His love endures forever.
20 and Og king of Bashan—
His love endures forever.
21 and gave their land as an inheritance,
His love endures forever.
22 an inheritance to his servant Israel.
His love endures forever.

23 He remembered us in our low estate
His love endures forever.
24 and freed us from our enemies.
His love endures forever.
25 He gives food to every creature.
His love endures forever.

26 Give thanks to the God of heaven.
His love endures forever.

Observation:

The Psalmist continues indefinitely about why we should give thanks to the Lord, for everything in our lives. He writes: “Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:1) When we reflect upon the creation and all the events in our lives, what is most important to recognize is God’s amazing love that endures forever.

Application:

It is important to start our day every day with the understanding of God’s eternal love, a love that endures forever. When we reflect upon God’s love, we begin to see things from a more eternal perspective and we can begin to see God’s activity in our own lives. When we realize that God is love and that we were created out of God’s love, we will begin to trust more the circumstances of our lives and we can be appreciative of God’s love even in times of trial.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, help us to remember and reflect upon your amazing love. Help us to see everything in our lives through the lens of your eternal love. As we do this we will rest in your love and be confident in all things, because your love is a conquering love and your love endures forever. Amen.