Today's Verse - Psalm 34:7

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

—Psalm 34:7

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God is present with us through the Holy Spirit and through his protecting angels. We don't always see him, but we can know he is with us! He has promised never to leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5-6). He knows us inside and out and chooses to be with us in every situation (Psalm 139:1-23). Not only is our heavenly Father present with us, the angel of the LORD, who destroyed many enemies of God's people in ancient times is now fighting to win the spiritual battles raging around you and me. God's angels are servants sent to bless us (Hebrews 1:13-14). Along with the Holy Spirit, they help us overcome the evil one, empowering us through our struggles and past those struggles (Ephesians 3:14-21). Through their help, our LORD will bring us his deliverance! We know that the " angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them."

My Prayer...

Give me faith, dear Father, to believe that your heavenly messengers are around me to deliver me to you with glory and great joy. Help me persevere because I know you are with me and are empowering me through the Holy Spirit's presence within me. Thank you, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

Today's Verse - Psalm 34:6

This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles.

—Psalm 34:6

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

So few hear the cry of the poor or respond to the plight of the disadvantaged. If we are going to be true children of our Father, his values must become our own values (James 1:9-10, 2:1-9). The Father's lost sheep must become our quest (Matthew 18:12-14; Luke 15:4-7). The Father's wounded, broken, and impoverished sheep must be our priority for love (1 John 3:16-18). Let's help those around us who are in need of finding God's generous grace. They desperately need to know that when they call upon God, they are not forgotten. Let's be our Father's delivery system of grace and his partners in keeping this promise: "This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles."

My Prayer...

Gracious and Holy Father, please use me to be a delivery system for your grace to others. Give me a heart for the kinds of people Jesus welcomed and a willingness to help them generously in their times of need. I pray this in the name of Jesus, your lavish gift of grace. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

Today's Verse - Psalm 34:5

Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.

—Psalm 34:5

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

We are like the moon; the glory we show is the reflection of the LORD's greater glory in our lives. The brightness of our light does not originate in us. This radiant light of God's glory is a blessing to others as it is reflected from us and through us. Let's look to God for our hope, our strength, our values, our foundation, our security, and our light. When we do, we will shine like the brightest stars in the night sky (Philippians 2:14-16).

My Prayer...

Father, I look for you and to you in my life today. Be near me as I face challenges and temptations. Don't let the evil one bring me shame because of my past sins and my present weaknesses. Please triumph over evil in my life for your glory. As I look to you, please reflect your radiant glory through me, and from me, to others who need to know you. In Jesus' name, I ask expectantly. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.