Sep 27 2024

Today's Bible Verse

But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.

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King David writes Psalm three when he is fleeing from his son Absalom, who had rebelled against him. David encourages himself in the Lord in this time of discouragement. His words are an example of steadying ourselves in truth when our emotions threaten to undo us

He writes that the Lord is a shield. This means the Lord protects David; David knows that his life is ultimately in the hands of the Lord, not those of his rebellious son or his followers. Today, we can take heart in the fact that the Lord is our defender.

David also says that the Lord is his glory. This means the Lord is David's primary goal in life. David isn't after fame or fortune or a good reputation; he wants to know the Lord. That relationship with God is what's most important to David; everything else is ancillary. This also applies to us today: The Lord should be our main goal in life, and we can rest in Him forever, regardless of what is going on around us.

David concludes this Psalm by saying that the Lord is the lifter of his head. This means the Lord is a source of encouragement. It won't be freedom from Absalom or other circumstances that rejuvenate David's spirit but the Lord Himself. The same is true of us today; when we are downcast or discouraged, we can have confidence that the Lord will be the One to help us.

David encouraged himself by remembering who the Lord was and His place in David's life. He turned his eyes from emotion and his earthly circumstances and focused on the truth: that the Lord is his shield, glory, and encourager.

Today, we have the opportunity to do the same thing.

Today's Prayer

Lord, I thank you for always being near, always loving me, and always listening to me. Teach me to rejoice in who you are regardless of my circumstances. I exalt you, Lord, because you have been so, so good to me. Amen.

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Sep 26 2024

Yesterday's Bible Verse

Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

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Yesterday's Bible study

On the night of the crucifixion, Jesus says these words to His disciples. They are no longer mere servants of the Lord; they are friends. They, human beings, have become friends with the almighty God who created them. This is a new level of intimacy for them.

In the Old Testament, the only people ever called friends of God were Abraham and Moses. Now, Jesus is calling all of those who obey Him friends. This means you and I can be friends with Jesus—and that is no small thing!

Jesus is a friend like no other. He is always with us, especially during times when we feel like we're alone. He is always for our good. Jesus is not jealous of our successes; instead, He wants us to live the lives that He has set before us. He is a friend who will speak truth to us, offering correction that is covered in love. He is tender and kind, willingly showing us blessings at the right moments.

We can have confidence as we live distinct lives that we are friends of God because Jesus tells us we are. We do not have to be modest or shy about this. Instead, we can store it up in our hearts as a precious treasure. Claim friendship with the Lord and allow yourself to enjoy fellowship with Him. This is what we were made for.

As you draw into this friendship, think about the other people who do not yet know God that way. Ask the Lord to fill you with compassion and a desire to help them know you. He will show you your role in their salvation, whether that is being a prayer warrior or sitting with them as they surrender their lives to Jesus and become friends with the Lord Himself.

Yesterday's Prayer

Dear Lord, I am so grateful that I can call you a friend. You are so good to me, and I do not deserve your goodness at all. I thank you for your sweet goodness and kindness, and I ask that you would please help me to continue to know you better and better. Give me the heart to help bring others into fellowship with you. In Jesus' name, amen.


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