Passing Along God’s Wisdom
What if the choices you make today could shape someone else’s life for years to come?
Proverbs 22:6 says, “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.”
It reminds us that our actions don’t just affect us—they also act as an example, guiding and directing others, whether we realize it or not. And which direction we guide others… matters.
When you trust Him, God can use your consistent acts of faithfulness over time to plant His wisdom deep in a person’s heart.
The book of Proverbs is a powerful collection of wisdom meant to teach people how to live well and thrive according to God's values. Throughout Proverbs, parents are encouraged to pass that wisdom on to their children. It’s one of the clearest examples of the Bible telling us exactly what Scripture is for. The goal is not simply to pass on rules to follow, but to train others to see clearly so they can recognize the difference between the path of wisdom and the path of foolishness.
Proverbs 22:6 isn’t saying that parents can control the choices their children make. Instead, it points to the lasting influence of faithful, consistent guidance.
This kind of influence takes time and genuine care. It happens through repeated conversations, everyday choices, Scripture, prayer, correction, encouragement, and setting an example. If you’re not sure where to start, consider inviting a child, friend, or family member to begin a simple practice with you: reading one chapter of the book of Proverbs each day. It is full of God’s powerful wisdom for a thriving life.
Whether you’re guiding a child, mentoring someone younger, or simply trying to live faithfully before others, remember this: you may not see the results of your faithfulness today. That doesn’t mean you aren’t making an impact. Keep going. Trust God with what you cannot see. Trust that when you plant God’s wisdom, over time, it will take root and grow.
How Can I Help?
How Can I Help?
Think about the last time someone was kind to you. Kindness is one of the most powerful forces on earth, and serving other people can transform someone’s life for good.
All of us have the ability to do good for someone, and God has gifted each of us with special abilities and talents that can be used to serve the people in our lives. Whether it’s a spiritual gift or a learned skill, you have unique opportunities to show kindness to those in need.
Paul, the writer of the letter to the Galatians, is careful to note that we won’t always have the opportunity to do good for others. We can't know how many days we have left on earth, and we certainly don’t know how long certain people will be in our lives. That’s why we should use every opportunity to encourage and help others.
Serving and helping others is a form of love. When we take the time to help someone, we allow them to experience Jesus's love through us. Doing good for someone opens the door to conversations about the love that Jesus has for them.
Paul also says that we should help those who are believers. That is because those who are believers are our spiritual family. Just as we ought to care for our relatives, we should also look for opportunities to love those who are a part of the Church.
How has God gifted you with talents and abilities to serve others?
Take some time to think about a few people in your life that you can help. Maybe it’s letting someone know you’re thinking of them, or perhaps it’s helping someone with a need they have. In any case, be on the lookout for ways to do good to all people as you go about your day.
Keep Practicing...
Keep Practicing
In Philippians 4:9, Paul tells the Philippians to model his behavior by putting everything they have learned, received, heard and seen from him into practice. There are at least three benefits to this approach.
First, it’s effective. We learn best through imitation. We would never just tell a child how to kick a football. We would show them. A carpenter wouldn’t take up their trade by reading a manual. They would apprentice under a master.
Likewise, we shouldn’t just read about what our faith should look like. We should seek out mature believers who, like Paul, put it on display. Because although we can certainly read about selflessness, humility, forgiveness and compassion, we get a stronger sense of what those qualities look like when we see them lived out in fellow brothers and sisters.
Second, it’s relational. In 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7, Paul reveals how this process plays out. He imitates Christ. Believers imitate him. And then other believers imitate them. It’s a chain reaction. As we model faithful believers, we become models ourselves.
Third, it’s attached to a promise. This is the best part. Paul tells us that if we put these things into practice, the God of peace will be with us. And not just any peace — a peace that Paul says surpasses all understanding.
So, ask yourself who in your life models the faith and what would it look like to start living like them?
The Best Plans
The Best Plans
Jeremiah 29:11 is a popular verse that’s often slapped onto journals, etched into coffee mugs, and printed on t-shirts.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
And God does have a plan for you.
God does want to bless you.
God does want to give you hope and a future.
But—we should also pay attention to the original context …
In this case, God was speaking through the prophet Jeremiah to the people of Judah—people who’d recently been exiled to Babylon for 70 years.
The Jewish people were banished to a foreign land because of their insatiable appetite for sin. In fact, for 23 years Jeremiah had been warning them to stop rebelling against God or prepare to face the consequences.
God is patient, but He is also just.
In other words, the Jews were sent to timeout. And as you can read in the preceding chapters, God made a case against His beloved people …
They’d exploited foreigners, orphans, and widows. They’d denied the rights of the poor. They’d refused to stand up for truth or obey God’s instructions. They’d murdered the innocent and committed adultery. They’d rejoiced in doing evil and their lives were ruled by greed. They’d even built pagan shrines, sacrificing their sons and daughters in the fires. It was a dark time. And yet, somehow, God’s mercy always extends to the darkest places on earth.
That’s why, just a few verses later, God said they could seek Him and find Him, and He’d bring them back from captivity (Jeremiah 29:13-14).
That’s why he encouraged them—while in exile—to build houses, plant gardens, get married, have babies, and work for the peace and prosperity of their temporary home (Jeremiah 29:5-7).
He wanted them to know: He hadn’t forgotten them. He still wanted good for them. He still had plans to restore them.
God is serious about sin, but He’s just as passionate about redemption.
Though Jeremiah 29:11 was meant for a specific people at a specific time, God’s heart for the restoration of broken people is generationally timeless.
Even when we feel stuck in the process, God still has a plan.
We can put our trust in the God whose goal is always redemption.
Want a Clean Heart?
Want a Clean Heart?
King David made some great decisions, but he also made some terrible ones.
During his reign, David chose to abuse his power by sleeping with the wife of one of his military leaders, and then arranging for him to be pushed to the front lines of battle—where he was killed. For someone who was considered “a man after God’s own heart,” David really messed up.
In 2 Samuel 12:13, we see David confess his sin against the Lord and in Psalm 51, we see his prayer to be made new:
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”
Psalm 51:10 ESV
David failed, but God redeems. God restores. David still had to face the consequences of his decisions, but in that journey, God met him there.
If you want to be made new by God but believe that your past is too messed up, you can follow the path David showed us—confess, repent, and ask God to make you new. You can even use David’s exact words as you pray: "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me."
When we seek God, we realize that He’s already been seeking us.
God is faithful. He loves you. He can make your heart clean. In Him, you can become a new creation.
A Way for Us to Rest
A Way for Us to Rest
It feels intimidating to start something new without knowing how it will work out—whether a new relationship, job, project, or even traveling to a new place. We never know what challenges we might face along the way.
After God met the people of Israel at Mount Sinai, He gave them a new identity (people belonging to Him), new values (the Ten Commandments), and a new destination (the Promised Land). They had no idea where to go or how long it would take. As God led them further into the wilderness, He also gave these desert-weary people a promise to be with them and give them rest.
They had a lot of questions—about everything! Would they be able to find food and water? Would they meet enemies on their journey? How would they live their lives?
Anytime we find ourselves in a new season, place, or situation, we cannot anticipate what we will need, and we get to benefit from the same promise God made to Israel then: His presence is enough, and we can trust Him.
No matter what happens or where we go, He will be with us, and He makes a way for us to rest.
You can trust that God will lead you into a future where rest is possible. Just as He provided Israel with manna to eat when they needed food, He provides for you, too. He is with you. He is for you.
Plant Generously...
Plant Generously
In his second letter to the believers in Corinth, Greece, the apostle Paul expressed His gratefulness for their commitment to generosity before challenging them with this statement:
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”
2 Corinthians 9:6 NIV
Paul knew that God had established some common-sense principles when it came to generosity. All throughout Scripture, we see both natural and spiritual implications of this cycle.
Natural: If you plant a few seeds in the ground, you will reap a small harvest. If you plant hundreds or thousands of seeds in the ground, you will reap a large harvest.
Spiritual: If you spend your time, money, talents, or energy investing in a friend, a stranger, a ministry, or the next generation, God can certainly multiply those efforts.
But Paul also makes it clear in the surrounding verses that you shouldn’t just give to get. If you do give, you should do so willingly and cheerfully—not begrudgingly.
What we sow with the right heart, God will surely multiply.
Proverbs 11:18 says, “…the one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.” Hosea 10:13 says, “You have planted wickedness, you have reaped evil, you have eaten the fruit of deception...”
Instead of seeds of selfishness, anger, or pride, let’s plant seeds of selflessness, peace, and humility.
Ask yourself: How am I investing my life? What types of seeds am I planting? Am I trusting that God will multiply my efforts when invested with the right heart?
Take some time to reflect on what you’re planting and reaping today, and ask God to direct your steps.
Who Are You Living For?
Who Are You Living For?
Saul had it all. He knew the right people, had the right job, and came from the right place. Only one problem—He was a violent opponent to the followers of Jesus. He would specifically seek them out to imprison them, or have them killed.
One day, Saul was traveling to the city of Damascus to arrest followers of Jesus and bring them to Jerusalem. Suddenly, a bright light appeared before Saul. Falling to the ground, he heard Jesus ask, “Why do you persecute me?” After this encounter, Saul was blind for three days. God instructed Ananias to restore Saul’s sight.
Saul’s encounter with Jesus began a radical transformation in His life. No longer was he interested in making life difficult for followers of Jesus, but he was eager to join them! Eventually, Saul became known as the Apostle Paul—who traveled great distances to share the Gospel. He also wrote a large portion of the New Testament.
Paul’s new life was very different from the one he left behind. Instead of holding an important religious position, he became a wandering street preacher. Instead of being highly regarded by important people, he was often falsely accused and sent to prison.
God’s transforming power took a strong opponent of Jesus and made him a strong advocate for the Gospel! Paul no longer cared about gaining the approval of important people or being highly regarded. In fact, he wrote, “I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done” (Philippians 3:7 NLT).
Do you ever feel like you struggle to change? Today, remember that the same God who transformed Saul into Paul is alive and active! And, He wants to help you. Bring the areas where you’re seeking others' approval before Him in prayer—and watch God work!
From Promises to Fulfilled Covenants...
From Promises to Fulfilled Covenants
God made promises to Abraham in Genesis about his lineage, and He gave the Ten Commandments to Moses in Exodus. He made a covenant to David in 2 Samuel, and declared a New Covenant to come in the book of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 31:31-34).
All of those stories point to the arrival of Jesus Christ—where all God's covenant promises are fulfilled (2 Corinthians 1:20).
These stories remind us of God’s faithfulness (Romans 15:4). We don't have to look very far to see:
"That the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments."
Deuteronomy 7:9
God's love is faithful; it's constant. It endures through the generations. In a world where love is often conditional and transactional, given and withdrawn based on our actions, God's love stands apart. It's not tethered to the ups and downs of our circumstances. It doesn't waver with our feelings. And it certainly doesn't hinge on our performance.
God's love is firmly rooted in His unchanging character.
So even if you're on the highest mountaintop of success or in the deepest valley of despair, His love remains constant—an ever-present source of strength for those who love Him.
Today, let the words of Deuteronomy 7:9 sink deep into your soul and remember: Our God is not distant or indifferent. He is near, and His love is faithful—enduring through a thousand generations.
The Spiritual Habit of Remembering
The Spiritual Habit of Remembering
Throughout the Old Testament, God delivers the people of Israel from many different situations. He acts miraculously in bringing them out of foreign nations. He even provides water and bread for them in the wilderness.
However, the nation of Israel grew disobedient and distant from God and His law. They ended up turning away from God, and part of the reason was because they failed to remember.
They failed to remember the great acts of deliverance God did for them. They failed to remember the miracles that He performed in their midst. They failed to remember that He was good and present and loving towards them.
But thankfully, there were also people throughout Scripture who developed a spiritual habit of remembering God’s work from the past. When times became difficult, or when things seemed dark, they took the time to remember how God had previously acted toward them.
The writer of Psalm 9 was one of them. The Psalmist begins this song by doing two things. First, the writer gives thanks to God, and expresses gratefulness for God.
Second, the writer recounts God’s wonderful deeds. Recounting these deeds from the past helped the Israelites remember His faithfulness and goodness toward them even in difficult times.
And the same is true for us.
We are commanded many times in God’s Word to remember what God has done, because remembering what God has done fuels our hope for what He will do.
So take some time today to remember what God has done for you. Think about a season of your life where you knew God’s goodness and love. Tell Him how grateful you are for His goodness and love in your life. Begin to let those memories of God’s love shape your hope for the future.
How to Cultivate Healthy Relationships
How to Cultivate Healthy Relationships
Imagine planting a seed. If you want the seed to grow into a flower, you have to care for it properly by giving it enough of what it needs to live.
Now think of the people who are there for you during hard times. The ones who listen and encourage you, and the people you enjoy experiencing life with. These relationships are much like seeds—we need to care for them properly if we want them to not only grow, but thrive.
"I thank my God every time I remember you."
Philippians 1:3 NIV
In the Bible, we learn that Paul started a church in Philippi. While he lived with the church, the people were generous and kind to him, partnering with Paul to share the Gospel. But even when Paul eventually continued on with his travels, the Philippian church continued to support him.
And so, after he was put in prison, Paul wrote them a letter. He could have chosen to write about his troubles, but instead, Paul prayed for his friends, and encouraged them to continue to live God-honoring lives in the face of hardships and persecution. Paul recognized the sacrifices they were making, and chose to appreciate and encourage them.
In a similar way, we can help our relationships grow by expressing gratitude and appreciation for the people who impact us.
This could look like praying for them, giving them a word of encouragement, or going out of our way to serve them. It could mean slowing down to truly listen to them, or expressing thanks for something that might otherwise go unnoticed.
God gave us the desire to pursue relationships with people around us. This means that, like Paul and the Philippians, we have an opportunity to encourage one another and pursue God together. But in order to do this, we have to be willing to care for our relationships and be intentional about helping them grow and remain healthy.
One of the best ways we can do this is by pausing to appreciate the people who support and encourage us. So today, take some time to thank God for the people who’ve poured into you. Then, consider how you can encourage someone else.
Think About What You Think About
Think About What You Think About
What you tell yourself every day matters. If you believe something about your identity that isn’t true, then you will struggle to believe what God says about you.
But, when you root your identity in God and allow His Spirit to shape your life, you will begin to see yourself the way He sees you—and this will influence the way you treat people, situations, opportunities, and events around you.
So, here are three ways you can guard your thoughts and declare God’s truth over your life:
1. Identify the lies you tell yourself.
Your words and actions reveal the narratives you tell yourself. To figure out if a narrative is false, ask yourself: Is this thought marked by fear, insecurity, pride, bitterness, or a lack of confidence? Is this thought leading me to cynical or self-serving behavior? If you can answer “yes” to either of those questions, then the narrative you’re telling yourself probably needs to be addressed and adjusted.
When you can identify where and when you began believing a lie, it’ll be easier to change the way you think.
2. Shift your perspective.
For every lie, there is a truth that can replace it—and those truths can be found in the Bible. Look over your list of lies, and ask God to show you in His Word what His truth is. Create mental space for the Holy Spirit to clearly show you how He sees you.
3. Declare what’s true.
Turn the truths from Scripture into specific, intentional statements you can declare over your life each day.
Here are some declarations to get you started:
- I am enough because I am a child of God.
- I rejoice in suffering because Christ suffered for me.
- I am not ashamed of Jesus because His sacrifice changes lives.
- I am greatly loved, and so I love others like I have been loved.
- Nothing can separate me from God’s love.
As you practice these steps, keep in mind that if God—whose Word is truth—says something about you, then it must be true. So allow His Holy Spirit to transform the way you think. Let His thoughts about you become your thoughts about you.
Calm in the Storm...
Calm in the Storm
One of the most well-known stories in Jesus' life is the calming of the storm (Matthew 8:23–27, Mark 4:35–41, and Luke 8:22–25).
Think about the disciples hanging out on a boat with Jesus when a life-threatening storm erupts on the water. They’re unprepared to face it. Panicking, they realize they might die. The entire time this is happening, Jesus is sleeping peacefully.
Instead of looking at Jesus’ reaction to their situation, the disciples allowed their situation to dictate their reactions.
After begging Jesus to do something, He calms the storm … but not before asking them, “Why are you afraid?”
His gentle rebuke wasn’t because they didn’t believe Jesus could save them from the storm, but because they struggled to believe He would see them through it.
They knew Jesus was in their boat, they just didn’t understand what He was fully capable of doing.
Jesus was their strength through the storm and over the storm.
Jesus was their provider, protector, healer, and leader.
Jesus was their source of peace and power.
And the same God who was with the disciples in the boat is with us. No matter what your current storm looks like—Jesus is near. There is not a situation you have gone through that Jesus hasn’t endured beside you.
Jesus was, and is, and is to come. He was there at the beginning of time, and He will be there at the end of it. He has seen every event in human history, and He has not forsaken anyone who cries out for Him and trusts in Him.
Nothing is impossible for God, and His character never changes. He is for you, and not against you—that’s why you have nothing to fear. And that is why today, you can make Isaiah 41:13 your own personal promise:
“For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”
New Mercies...
New Mercies
Your eyes opened this morning. The sun has risen again. Your heart is still beating. Your lungs are inhaling fresh oxygen. You are here, you are alive, and your life has intrinsic value.
It’s true.
But this fractured world tries to beat us down, which can feel all-consuming at times. Our relationships are far from perfect, our desires are bent toward selfishness, and sometimes the everyday grind can feel like too much.
The author of Lamentations, traditionally identified as Jeremiah (though His name isn’t stated explicitly), is known as the “weeping prophet”—constantly undone because of the heartbreaking sin of his people and their open disregard for their Creator. The book is full of grief, distress, and lament. But still, he confidently writes:
“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Lamentations 3:21-23 ESV
Even though God’s people had rebelled, even though the strength of Israel was gone and they were facing the consequences of their idolatry, even though their unfaithfulness was making their lives fall apart…
God still poured out His steadfast love. God still showed off His endless mercy. God still lavished His people with His constant faithfulness.
That is why they were not consumed. And that is why we still have hope.
If you’ve run from God, ignored His good design, disregarded His warnings, purposely rebelled against Him, or simply chose to forget His existence all together, it’s not too late to turn back.
God doesn’t ignore those who come to Him. He doesn’t dismiss those with a humble and repentant heart. He is patiently and faithfully waiting for those who will return to Him.
The Support You Need
The Support You Need
Everyone carries burdens. The things we go through shape the way we view the world, and ourselves. But we weren’t meant to carry our burdens alone.
In Matthew 11:28-30 NLT, Jesus says to the people following Him...
"Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light."
A yoke is a heavy wooden beam that lies across a pair of oxen, evenly distributing the weight of the loads they carry. But the term was also used by Jewish Rabbis. “The yoke of the law” symbolized complete submission to God’s law, and Rabbis taught that becoming yoked to it would free the Jews from enslavement to the world.
Jesus is using a phrase that His Jewish followers would have easily understood, but then He flips the illustration. He tells the crowd that they must yoke themselves to Him—because He is the fulfillment of their law.
When they do this, the burdens they carry won’t be heavy at all—because He will bear the weight of their burdens. Paul references this teaching in his letter to the Galatian Christians:
“Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.”
Galatians 6:2 NLT
The law of Christ is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love others as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-40). But the only way we can fulfill the law of Christ is if we bind ourselves to Him.
When we are yoked to Jesus, He becomes our source of strength. He helps us endure hard situations and enables us to walk away from poor decisions. He fills us up with His love so that we can spill His love out onto others. He gives us the capacity to support other Christ-followers just like He supports us.
Just as Jesus bore our sins and suffering, we are called to bear the suffering of others. In this way, we show them the love of Christ and guide them toward Jesus.
Right now, spend a few minutes talking to God about the burdens you need help carrying, and then allow Him to show you the people in your life He wants you to support.
Breaking Hard Ground
Breaking Hard Ground
Imagine yourself as a farmer, and your life is a vast field. You sow seeds on soil sparingly, and these seeds represent your intentions, choices, and actions.
Hosea uses a similar analogy in Hosea 10:12 to describe God’s people. Israel had sown seeds of sin and unrighteousness, causing the soil of their hearts to become unreceptive to God's commands. And right as God's people were about to reap a harvest of God’s judgment, the prophet Hosea spoke with urgency:
"Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD until he comes and showers his righteousness on you."
Hosea 10:12
Just as a farmer reaps far more than they sow, our God promises that we, too, will reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7-9). But, this verse also shows us it’s not enough to sow righteousness. We must also break up the uncultivated ground (Hosea 10:12).
Our hearts become like idle ground when we allow it to grow hard and stubborn—resisting God's Word and work in our lives. But God wants His people to prepare the soil of their hearts to receive the seed of His Word by seeking Him. Seeking the Lord is like the early rain in farming season; it’s that essential ingredient that softens the soil and readies it for growth.
Do you desire to grow spiritually?
"It is time to seek the Lord."
"It is time to seek the Lord."
"It is time to seek the Lord."
Don't wait. Seek Him eagerly and expectantly today. Meditate on Hosea 10:12; let it move you to examine your own life: Are you sowing seeds of righteousness and reaping the fruit of unfailing love?
It is never too late to seek the Lord—turn your heart to the One who promises to shower His abundant mercy and grace upon you.
How to Share About Jesus
How to Share About Jesus
If you’re a procrastinator, you’re not alone. We struggle, too. And most of the time, procrastinating is pretty harmless. Like, when we avoid a homework or work assignment, laundry, or calling a distant relative we’re forced to talk to once a year… I mean, we still manage to get it done eventually.
But with some things, procrastinating might not be the best thing.
Conversations about God can be super awkward and scary, making them really easy to put off. But the Gospel is called the Good News for a reason. And, if you’ve experienced the power of Jesus’s sacrifice for us, then you know why. Life is still hard, but living for Jesus unlocks a whole new love, purpose, and joy in life, even during difficult times.
Knowing this doesn’t necessarily mean awkward conversations get any less so, but it makes those awkward moments feel more worth it. What’s one minute of awkwardness if it means another person experiences the love of God?
It can be intimidating to know how to share Jesus with others, especially if you’re worried about seeming pushy or saying the wrong thing. But, if it’s God’s timing, the Holy Spirit will give you the right words and the right circumstances—you don’t have to force anything on your own.
So many people are ready to hear the Gospel, and God has tasked us with sharing his love. Yes, it’s scary, but we have a Counselor to lean on, helping us not waste a second.
The Truth of God
The Truth of God
What is truth? Various generations have had different ways of answering that question. It's a popular belief in today’s culture that truth can be whatever you want it to be. This is the idea that truth is relative and unique to every individual person.
But if everyone lives their own truth, then nobody can truly know which one is right. And if one person’s truth contradicts another person’s truth, one of them must be wrong.
Scripture tells us that there is an objective truth available; a truth that we can live by. Rather than truth being grounded in the individual, it is grounded in something much bigger than ourselves.
Truth is sourced from God.
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe and everything that exists, and the one from whom truth and beauty come. God’s Word contains the truths that He has spoken to us—so that we might live according to His truth and His ways.
Jesus says that His teachings are true because they come from God. He goes on to say that anyone who knows the truth of God will be set free in their life.
When we know the truth, we are no longer living according to a lie. God’s Word tells us the truth and leads us to life. This is why Jesus says that the truth will set us free. That's when we become truly free to live according to how God designed us to live.
An important part of learning what's true and what isn’t is reading God’s Word. He has spoken to us through His Word, and all that He has spoken is true. When we read and memorize God’s Word, we learn more and more about God.
Take some time today to thank God for revealing Himself to us through His Word, and for illuminating our lives with His truth.
God Our Rock...
God Our Rock
There are hundreds of different names and titles for God throughout Scripture. And since the Psalms are written from various seasons of life, there are many different perspectives of how God acts within those seasons.
Psalm 18 is written at a time when the author, King David, was delivered from his enemies by God. In this Psalm, David almost immediately calls God his rock, because God was dependable and stable. There was nothing that could overtake God or move Him. And this truth wasn't just for David, but for anyone who relies on God.
When we belong to God, He is a rock and a fortress for us as well. Everything in the world is constantly shifting, but we belong to a God who never changes. He is our protection from things that might seek to harm us.
We belong to a God who can protect us throughout our lives. Even if we don’t have physical enemies, we can run to God when life gets difficult. That’s why, like David, our response to God should be filled with praise. We need to remember what God has done—so we can praise Him for who He is.
Take some time today to thank God for how He has led and protected you so far in your life. And if you’re currently in a difficult season, run to God and ask Him for help. He is able and willing to be your rock.
Standing for God...
Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian king, believed that the gods of his nation were greater than Israel's God, the God Daniel served, and the God who calls us by name.
But just because Judah fell to Babylon doesn't mean that God was powerless to stop it. It meant that He allowed it to happen.
For nothing is outside of God's control.
When Nebuchadnezzar commanded that all the vessels from the temple and all the nobility be brought to Babylon, it was a power move. He was asserting his dominance over everyone. He sought to re-educate Daniel, his friends, and the young princes from all the other nations he conquered. He wanted to remake them in his own image.
He took the best and decided he would make them better. Or so he thought.
It was politically savvy. By making the best and brightest from all the other nations forget their homelands and give them the resources and pleasures of Babylon, they'd forget their homelands and have no desire to return. As a result, Nebuchadnezzar's power would last. That was the plan.
But he'd never met someone like Daniel, or his friends Hananiah, Mishael, or Azariah, before.
Daniel and his friends resolved not to defile themselves. They refused the royal rations of food and wine, rejecting the meat offered to idols (and its protein-infused nutrition). They opted for a simple diet of vegetables and water.
The secret to their success and elevation wasn't a meal plan or a fitness routine, however. It was faithfulness and trust in God.
God advanced them. God saw their act of faith and humility to honor Him. And God responded.
Today's passage highlights that God allowed Daniel and his friends to receive favor and compassion from the master of the palace. Their act of resistance could have ended their lives on the spot. But they were given time to be tested and, as a result, show God's power.
They stood for the truth. They stood firm in their belief that there is one God and He alone should be honored, no matter what.
Reflection
Are there any messages or beliefs that are being pushed on me by others that don't reflect who God says I am or line up with what He has asked me to do?
How can I stand for truth in this area today?
Prayer
Thank you, God of heaven and earth, that You are in control. I trust You where I am. I trust that I am in Your will. I choose to honor You and ask for Your favor in my circumstances. Give me courage to stand for truth and to be faithful to You today.