Hallelujah

August 31

Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 145 – 147

Verse of the Day: Psalm 147:1 – “Praise ye Jehovah; For it is good to sing praises unto our God; For it is pleasant, and praise is comely.”

The opening words of this song are the Hebrew expression – Hallelujah.

This song has threefold structure that offers commands to praise the Lord. The first section (verses 1 – 6)commands us to praise Him for His restorative mercies. In verses 7 – 11, we find a command to praise Him because of the joy that He finds in His people. The final section (verses 12 – 20) extolls us to praise the Lord because of His Word. And the final phrase (verse 20) says this great fiat of praise – “Praise the Lord!”

Today, take some time out of your busy schedule and seek ways that you can offer praise to God for the manifold blessings He has provided.

Prayer: Today Lord, help me to see You in every wonder that is around me. Help me to know Your Love, grace, and mercy. Amen.

Remember, meditate, and muse

August 30

Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 142 – 144

Verse of the Day: Psalm 143:5 – “I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy doings; I muse on the work of thy hands.”

Remember, meditate, muse – a trilogy of words that call us to pause. They are different ways to develop courage, faith, and dependence upon God.

Remember (zâkar) means to call to mind, to make a memorial. Today, pause and call to mind the many things that God has done for you. He has saved you, forgiven you, cleansed you, redeemed you, and delivered you. When we call to mind these things, it brings a sense of trust.

Meditate (hâgâh) and muse (śı̂yach) carry the concepts of speaking and uttering. Today, speak and utter praise for all that God has done.

Prayer: Holy and wonderful God, today remind my heart of Your great things. Call to my mind the blessings that I have been the recipient of, and help me to mutter and speak of Your great ways. Amen.

Attributes!

August 29

Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 139 – 141

Verse of the Day: Psalm 139:1 – “O Jehovah, thou hast searched me, and known me.”

This song that David wrote talks about three attributes of God – not as abstract thoughts, but as active qualities. An attribute of God is something that describes His nature, character, or shows His characteristics.

In verses 1 – 6, David speaks of God’s Omniscience. This means that He has perfect knowledge of all things both actual and potential. In verses 7 – 12, the sweet singer of Israel describes God’s Omnipresence. This characteristic shows God as being everywhere in Creation at the same time and in all of His fullness. Finally, we see His Omnipotence, or the ability to do everything in harmony with His nature and perfection.

Prayer: What a glorious God You are. You are beyond description. You are so aware of everything about me, and still care for me. Guide me today by Your hand. Amen.

What do you think?

August 28

Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 135 – 138

Verse of the Day: Psalm 135:3 – 7 – “Praise ye Jehovah; for Jehovah is good: Sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant. For Jehovah hath chosen Jacob unto himself, And Israel for his own possession. For I know that Jehovah is great, And that our Lord is above all gods. Whatsoever Jehovah pleased, that hath he done, In heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deeps; Who causeth the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth; Who maketh lightnings for the rain; Who bringeth forth the wind out of his treasuries;”

What we think about God augments our worship and draws praise out of us. How we see God encourages us to go on no matter what. What we think about God is the very foundation upon which everything else sits.

Prayer: As I ponder Your many attributes today Father, I can see how that You will take me through the valleys and the trials. I can rest assured in Your mighty arm, You are a strong tower of defense and deliverance. Amen.

Shout for Joy

August 27

Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 132 – 134

Verse of the Day: Psalm 132:9 – “Let thy priest be clothed with righteousness; And let thy saints shout for joy.”

These songs complete the songs of Ascent that we have recorded. 

The phrase “shout for joy” in today’s verse is one word in the Hebrew – rânan. The word translates directly as “to utter loudly,” and the term is connected in many places in the Old Testament with words dealing with joy.

The idea of us loudly rejoicing in the Lord is very appropriate when we base it upon His greatness and goodness to us. God has abundantly bestowed blessings upon us, and in return as we realize His great care and concern, we should naturally break out in songs, shouts, and other forms of loud praise to Him.

Prayer: Righteous and majestic God of all Creation, as I pause and consider what Your right hand has done for me, I cannot help but exclaim in the loudest voice I have of Your majesty, faithfulness, and worth. Amen.

Keeping Count?

August 26

Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 128 – 131

Verse of the Day: Psalm 130:3 – “If thou, Jehovah, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?”

Today’s readings and tomorrow’s will complete the Psalms of Ascent that we have been looking at. Our verse today comes from the 13oth Psalm. It is a song of penance before God. It is about waiting for the redemption of God.

Our verse for today is a great reminder for us if we get to thinking to much about ourselves. The writer of this song reminds us that if God kept a count of our sins, we would never be right with Him. Through the sacrifice of Jesus, we can rest assured that our sins are dismissed and God does not keep track of them.

As I sincerely look at my life, I can say that I am glad that He does not keep count. Look at your own life today – what would it be like without Jesus.

Prayer: Great God of Forgiveness and Mercy, I praise You today. Amen.

Wasted Effort

August 25

Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 124 – 127

Verse of the Day: Psalm 122:1 – “Except Jehovah build the house, They labor in vain that build it: Except Jehovah keep the city, The watchman waketh but in vain.”

This is one of two Psalms attributed to Solomon, the other being Psalm 72. It is the eighth of the Songs of Ascent that we are looking at.

This song contains an exhortation about endeavors that God is not involved in. In our verse today, the question comes up – “Is God the foundation and Builder of our house?” We must stop and muse over this question. Only God can give us the skills and abilities to be there for our family. We are really incapable of doing this on our own. Solomon reminds us here that if we work hard without God, it all comes to nothing. It is God alone who provides all that we need.

Prayer: Great Architect and Contractor of the Universe and our homes, we humbly accept Your hand in building a lasting family. Amen. 

Songs of Ascent - Glad to be in God's Presence

August 24

Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 120 – 123

Verse of the Day: Psalm 122:1 – “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go unto the house of Jehovah.”

We now enter a section of Psalms that are called the “Songs of Ascent.” They are the Psalms 122 to 134. The pilgrims who were making their way to Jerusalem to worship God during one of the three annual national feasts used them. 

Jerusalem set upon a high hill – thus you always had to go “up” to the Holy City. When the pilgrims made the demanding climb to go to the city, they would sing these songs as an encouragement. Psalm 120 was a cry of distress. This was followed by 121, which was a song of trust in God. Our verse today begins the song of joy of their arrival to worship God. After the long trip, they were filled with joy and pleasure of being in the Holy City of Jerusalem.

Prayer: With joy we seek to be in Your Presence, Mighty God, what pleasure it brings. May I daily seek to be with You. Amen.

Step into the light

August 23

Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 119:105 – 176

Verse of the Day: Psalm 119:99 – “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, And light unto my path.”

We conclude our meditation upon this beautiful song of praise about the Word of God. I pray that we seek to meditate upon His Word every day.

This verse speaks about the Word being a lamp and light. In the Psalmist’s day, traveling at night was a risky task. Thieves hid and watched for travellers. They would jump them and beat them, taking all their possessions. To make this travel a little safer, the pilgrim would carry a small lamp that only through light at their feet (making them less obvious). This meant that they walked carefully watching where they placed their feet. You could not see what was ahead unless you stepped into the light you had. Our lives are like that – step into the light God has given you to find the next step.

Prayer: Light my feet as I go for You. Amen. 

Benefits and blessings

August 22

Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 119:49 – 104

Verse of the Day: Psalm 119:99 – “I have more understanding than all my teachers; For thy testimonies are my meditation.”

As we read these verses yesterday, today, and tomorrow, we see many blessings and benefits that from following the Word of God. Our verse today speaks of our having understanding, verses 50 and 52 speak of comfort in suffering, verse 62 speaks of having a thankful heart, verse 101 gives insight into having power to resist sin, many voice the picture of joy (77, 92, and others). Some lead us to a clean life, and thus no shame, His Word will lead us to personal revival in our lives and true freedom. As you meditate upon this Psalm, see how many different blessings and/or benefits that you can find.

Prayer: O Lord God, as I meditate upon Your Word, I not only see what is wrong in my life, I also see what blessings and benefits You give me when I apply Your Word to my day-to-day walk. Thanks for them all! Amen. 

Get a grasp

August 21

Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 119:1 – 48

Verse of the Day: Psalm 119:11 – “Thy word have I laid up in my heart, That I might not sin against thee.”

For the next couple of days, we will camp in the longest section of Scripture – Psalm 119. It is an acrostic psalm – for each of the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet there is an eight verse section. The entire psalm is in praise of the Torah or what we would call the Scriptures. Eight words are used over and over again as synonyms for God’s revelation to man. As you read look carefully for the words Law, testimonies, way, precepts, statutes, commandments, judgments, and word.

Our verse today answers the question that is raised in verse 9 – “Wherewith shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word.” 

Prayer: Lord, may I realize the importance of Your Word in my life. Help me get a firm grasp on Your Word by memorizing it. Then may it get a firm grasp on me. Amen.

Haggadah - Part 2

August 20

Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 115 – 118

Verse of the Day: Psalm 117:1 – 2 – “O praise Jehovah, all ye nations; Laud him, all ye peoples. For his lovingkindness is great toward us; And the truth of Jehovah endureth for ever. Praise ye Jehovah.”

Yesterday we started the songs that are used in the haggadah – the liturgy of the Passover. Before the meal they will sing the first two psalms in the group, and after the meal they sing the final songs – Psalms 115 – 118.

They sing of the glory that belongs to God alone. Following this, in Psalm 116 they proclaim love for God and what He has done for them. In Psalm 117 (our passage above) is a call for all people everywhere to praise God. Finally in the triumphant song of praise (118), we are reminded that it is better to trust God than man (verse 8).

Prayer: Today, I will sing my praises of Your wonderful Name, O Lord. May I focus today on You and Your mercy and grace. Amen.

Haggadah - Part 1

August 19

Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 113 – 114

Verse of the Day: Psalm 114:1 – 2 – “When Israel went forth out of Egypt, The house of Jacob from a people of strange language; Judah became his sanctuary, Israel his dominion.”

Today we begin reading Psalms that are a part of the haggadah. This is a liturgy of the story of God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt. They are a part of the Passover celebration in remembrance of what God did during the Exodus.

The two psalms we read today were used before the feast. They capture in poetry the liturgy read during the Passover meal. Psalm 113 focuses on those involved upon the grace of God – He bends from heaven and redeems His people. Psalm 114 recalls their deliverance which is the central reason for the celebration.

As you read these today, recall the great grace and hand of God who has delivered you. 

Prayer: Grand and glorious God, thank You for the deliverance that only You can provide. Amen.

The Coming Priest-King

August 18

Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 109 – 111

Verse of the Day: Psalm 110:1 – “Jehovah saith unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, Until I make thine enemies thy footstool.”

Psalm 110 is on of the Royal Psalms – and it is most directly a Messianic Psalm. This psalm speaks of the coming Priest-King-Judge or Messiah. This Psalm is a conversation between God the Father and God the Son – the Father is granting to the Son both royal and priestly honors. 

We find the Son in this Psalm seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven (verse 1), and “Jehovah hath sworn, and will not repent: Thou art a priest for ever After the order of Melchizedek.” (verse 4). 

The Savior (Prophet, Priest, and King) prophesized in the Old Testament is disclosed in the New Testament as Jesus Christ, the only Son of God.

Prayer: Lord, I am so glad today that our Messiah, our Savior, the Christ has come. Our debt is paid, and our future secure. Amen.

Eternal mercy

August 17

Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 107 – 108

Verse of the Day: Psalm 107:1 – “O give thanks unto Jehovah; For he is good; For his lovingkindness endureth for ever.”

We now enter the final section of the Psalms. The last 44 songs are considered to be like the fifth book of the Law – Deuteronomy. These psalms deal with Scripture and Praise.

In our verse for today, the Hebrew word chêsêd can be translated as lovingkindness, love, mercy, goodness or devotion. Any of these translations work in this particular place. It appears in the first verse and the last verse of this Psalm. One could say that the song opens and closes with this concept.

What does this mean to us? God is always ready and willing to forgive and restore those who call upon Him. Today would be a good day to call out to Him for His mercy and goodness.

Prayer: I praise You for Your mercy, grace, forgiveness and restoration. May Your Name be praised. Amen.

Opposites

August 16

Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 105 – 106

Verse of the Day: Psalm 106:48 – “Blessed be Jehovah, the God of Israel, From everlasting even to everlasting. And let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye Jehovah.”

Once again we come to the benediction that closes the section of Psalms. 

These two Psalms are a fitting close to the section that tends to mirror Numbers. We have been through Psalms that speak of wandering and trusting. Psalm 105 today is a song of Praise to God. It focuses on Israel in their early history. It celebrates God’s faithfulness to His covenant to Abraham – calling the people to remember to be faithful to God as He has never been unfaithful to them.

Psalm 106 emphasizes the rebellion of the people during this same time period. 105 is about remembering, 106 is about forgetting. God remembers, but the people forget.

Prayer: Gracious Lord, I am so thankful that You never forget even though I do. You are faithful even when I am unfaithful. Amen.

All

August 15

Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 103 – 104

Verse of the Day: Psalm 103:1 – 3 – “Bless Jehovah, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless Jehovah, O my soul, And forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; Who healeth all thy diseases;”

I love this song of David. The idea of blessing the Lord here is a reminder that God is the source of all blessings. In fact, part of why I love this Psalm is that little word “all.” When we say that we have “all” of something, that means that there is nothing left out. Nada. Zilch. Zip.

Notice here that David lists three things that God has given us – in entirety, you know – “all.” He says for us not to forget His benefits. How many? All. How much of our sin? All. How much of my sins? All.

And in turn, there is one “all” applied to us. See it? “All that is within me.” Because of what God has done for me, I must remember and praise Him.

Prayer: Bless Jehovah, O my soul. Amen.

HALLELUJAH!

August 14

Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 99 – 102

Verse of the Day: Psalm 100:1 – “Make a joyful noise unto Jehovah, all ye lands.”

The Hebrew word form used here for “make a joyful noise,” is an electrifying command to offer public praise. This command is not directed to Israel – it is proclaimed to all the earth. 

We fall under that category today. This is a timeless, borderless command for all of Creation to follow. I get up early every morning, and as I go outside to exercise, I hear the birds declaring praise to their maker. In the evening when I sit on my porch, I hear the frogs and insects in an orchestra of sounds declaring their praise to God.

Often Creation does a better job of public praise than we do. Today, take a chance – don’t worry who is around, sound out some public praise for God.

Prayer: HALLELUJAH! May I shout praises to Your Name in this day You have given me. Amen.

Glorify

August 13

Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 96 – 98

Verse of the Day: Psalm 96:4 - 9 – “For great is Jehovah, and greatly to be praised: He is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are idols; But Jehovah made the heavens. Honor and majesty are before him: Strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. Ascribe unto Jehovah, ye kindreds of the peoples, Ascribe unto Jehovah glory and strength. Ascribe unto Jehovah the glory due unto his name: Bring an offering, and come into his courts. Oh worship Jehovah in holy array: Tremble before him, all the earth.”

There is one fundamental reason that the assembled body of believers exist today – the primary purpose is to glorify the Lord God. We can come up with a lot of reasons to assemble, but the chief reason is that we are created, saved, and sanctified to offer praise and worship to God.

Prayer: Glory and Majesty I ascribe to Your Name today, I pause to worship and praise You. You alone are the center of my life. Amen.

Royal Psalms

August 12

Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 93 – 95

Verse of the Day: Psalm 93:1 – “Jehovah reigneth; he is clothed with majesty; Jehovah is clothed with strength; he hath girded himself therewith: The world also is established, that it cannot be moved.”

Some of the most inspiring Psalms are the ones categorized as Royal Psalms. In general, they speak of God as King in three different ways. He is King over Creation – He is the Creator. He is King over the Israelites because He is their savior, and He is the Coming King that will judge everyone. We can see this pictured in that He is reigning as said in our verse for today, and He is also coming to establish His permanent rule as pictured in Psalm 24:9.

As we meditate upon the incredible truth of God’s kingship, let it sink deeply into our hearts and minds.

Prayer: Majestic King of Glory, I bow humbly before You today. Speak to your servant, make Yourself plainly known. Draw me close to You all day. Amen.

A Psalm of Moses

August 11

Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 90 – 92

Verse of the Day: Psalm 90:12 – “So teach us to number our days, That we may get us a heart of wisdom.”

We enter the fourth division of the book of Psalms. This can correspond to the book of Numbers in the Pentateuch. These songs remind us of the wandering and leading of God in that book. We are reminded that the only way to find our way through the desert is by trusting the leading of God.

This song is attributed to Moses who wrote two other poems recorded in the Bible (Exodus 15; Deuteronomy 32). This verse we read today reminds us of the importance of today. It has never been lived before, and it will never be lived again. You may never be closer to a decision you need to make than today. Whatever it is you need to do – do it. Tomorrow will have its own concerns.

Prayer: So teach us to number our days Father. Help us to see the importance of taking action today. Amen.

                   

     

I have a Complaint

August 10

Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 88 – 89

Verse of the Day: Psalm 88:1 – “O Jehovah, the God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before thee.”

Psalm 88 at first glance appears to be a Psalm of Lament, except for one difference. The Psalms of Lament always begins with the lamentation but concludes with a return to trust and praise. This Psalm does not end that way. So, it is called a Psalm of Complaint. 

What encourages me with this song is that it reminds me that when I come to God, I can come honestly. I can come with my questions and complaints. God knows me, and He already knows how I truly feel. Part of the title of this Psalm is that it is the suffering of affliction.

When we are faced with grave afflictions in our lives, God doesn’t expect us to put on a plastic smile when we come to Him, He is listening for our hurts, our needs, and our complaints.

Prayer: Father, I hurt – fix me. Amen.

Revive Me

August 9

Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 85 – 87

Verse of the Day: Psalm 85:6 – “Wilt thou not quicken us again, That thy people may rejoice in thee?”

The word translated in the American Standard Version of the Bible as “quicken” is the Hebrew word châyâh and is translated in other versions as “revive.” The word carries with it the meaning of being restored to life. 

This song is actually a prayer set to music that seeks God to restore favor to the people of Israel. They had sinned and now they were seeking God to restore them following the consequences of their sin. It is sung to encourage the heart to trust fully in God.

As we look inwardly today at our own hearts, what do we see? Are there areas of sin? Have we allowed anything to come between the Savior and us? Seek His forgiveness, and cry out for His revival and restoration.

Prayer: O Father, revive me again into a full fellowship with You. Let nothing remain between us. Amen.

Better is one day

August 8

Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 82 – 84

Verse of the Day: Psalm 84:10 – “For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, Than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.”

One of the songs that we played in our church praise band had the line – “Better is one day in Your courts.” It came directly from this song by the Sons of Korah. This 84th psalm is one of praise over the blessings and joy of dwelling with God. The songwriter expresses his exuberance at being with God. He states that he would rather have a lowly position in the presence of God than being in a welcomed leader with those who are wicked.

He closes out this song with a great reminder to us today – in verse 11b, the writer states, “No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.”

Prayer: O Lord God of Hosts, hear my prayer and help me to turn my mind, will and emotions on to You and You alone. You are the One who gives grace and mercy. Amen.

Search Me

August 7

Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 79 – 81

Verse of the Day: Psalm 81:1 – “Sing aloud unto God our strength: Make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.”

The Psalm 81 begins as a song of praise to God and shortly turns into a song that has the voice of God admonishing them for their idolatry.

Just because we smile and say all the right words does not mean that our hearts are right with God. Sometimes people know all the right things to say and do, yet they are not honoring or worshipping God. We can worship and honor ourselves, an organization, or just the very acts we do. Everything we do should be for the praise and honor and glory of God.

Today, as you go through your day, examine your heart in every action you perform. Is it for God’s glory – or for some other reason?

Prayer: Search me, O God, check my motives and make them clear to me. Amen.

Faithful protection

August 6

Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 78

Verse of the Day: Psalm 78:1 – “Give ear, O my people, to my law: Incline your ears to the words of my mouth.”

This Psalm today is the second longest in the Book. It is only surpassed by Psalm 119. The Psalmist alternates between reports of the faithfulness of God to His people and their periodic outbursts of stubbornness, willfulness and rebellion against Him.

We see how that God had been faithful in the history of Israel – even when they didn’t follow Him. It recounts His salvation provided in the Exodus and challenges the people to teach their children the truths of His wisdom and guidance.

How often today do we forget the past watchcare and protection of God in our lives? Today, pause and reflect upon His care in our past – He will continue in our future.

Prayer: O God who cares and protects, I trust You to hold and direct my life today. Amen.

Glorious

August 5

Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 75 – 77

Verse of the Day: Psalm 76:4 – “ Glorious art thou and excellent, From the mountains of prey.”

The Hebrew word ’or (translated glorious here) is the common word meaning “to give light.” In this present passage, as elsewhere in the Scriptures, the light that it refers to is the light from the glory of God’s Presence – and this light is to be reflected by His People.

Jesus spoke of being the “Light of the World” (John 8:12) and that we should reflect that Light for others (Matthew 5:14). The Scriptures tell us that there will come a day when the Sun and Moon will be replaced completely by the Light of God’s Glory (Isaiah 60:19, 20; Revelation 21:23; 22:5). 

As we consider His Glory today, see it in view of the splendor of the Sun.

Prayer: God of Splendor and Glory, I praise You that You are the true Light of the world. You provide us with the splendor and majesty that only comes from You. Amen.

God of Refuge

August 4

Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 73 – 74

Verse of the Day: Psalm 73:1 – “Surely God is good to Israel, Even to such as are pure in heart.” 

We enter into the third division of the Psalms at this point. It has been said to resemble the Book of Leviticus and focus basically on Worship and Sanctuary. This section covers the Psalms 73 to 89.

The section begins with Psalm 73 singing about the tragedy of the wicked and the blessings of trust in God. It deals with a crisis of faith – beginning with a statement of God’s goodness and quickly moves into a description of envy of the wicked. Thankfully, the writer takes us through the process and brings us out at the last verse with –“ But it is good for me to draw near unto God: I have made the Lord Jehovah my refuge, That I may tell of all thy works.”(vs. 28).

Prayer: God of Refuge, I come to You to strengthen my faith and trust in Your goodness, mercy, and grace. I hide in You today. Amen.

Amen and Amen

August 3

Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 70 – 72

Verse of the Day: Psalm 72:19 – “And blessed be his glorious name for ever; And let the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen, and Amen.”

As we mentioned earlier in our studies of these songs of Israel, there are five divisions in this book. Each division concludes with a benediction. Our verse today is the benediction of the second division in this book – the one that corresponds to Exodus. We have read about deliverance and redemption – so this is fitting praise to offer to God in conclusion.

It is noted verse 18 and 19 carry out an indication by this benediction that the Psalms preceding were used in the worship of God in His Temple.

Today, let us worship God in our bodies – the Temple of God today – and praise Him before all we come in contact with.

Prayer: Father, blessed be Your glorious name for ever; And let the whole earth be filled with Your glory. Amen, and Amen.”

God cleans up dirty kids

August 2

Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 68 – 69

Verse of the Day: Psalm 66:16 – “O God, thou knowest my foolishness; And my sins are not hid from thee.”

David in this verse reminds us that we have an omniscient God. Everything is known to Him. When we come before Him in prayer, we can try to put up a front, but God knows all there is to know about us.

The word that is translated as “foolishness” in this verse carries the meaning of one who despises wisdom, one who mocks when guilty, one who is quarrelsome, or one who is licentious. This is not the idea of acting silly – it is the concept of rebellion against God. God knows this about us, and He still meets with us. He wants us to confess and accept His forgiveness and restoration.

Prayer: Loving God, thank You that You already know all the dirt I have on me, and You want to clean it off and make me Your child. Thank You that You love to hug dirty kids, and clean them up. Amen.

Tell others

August 1

Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 65 – 67

Verse of the Day: Psalm 66:16 – “Come, and hear, all ye that fear God, And I will declare what he hath done for my soul.”

Do you have any needs today? If so, there is a solution – it is wrapped up in one word – Prayer. Tell God what your needs are. Tell Him every detail. Cry out to Him. He is waiting for you to ask.

And then, when He answers – we need to spread the word about what He has done for us. We need to give Him thanks and then tell others what He has done for us.

How often do you take time to share with somebody else what God has done in your life? It may be just what they need to hear to bolster their faith and trust. Today, try to tell at least one person what God has done for you.

Prayer: Thank You God for the wonderful answers to prayer that I have received. Help me to tell others about Your wonderful works. Amen.