There is no hope when you are condemned. The Christian, of all people, has hope for the future, regardless of their station in life.

The Psalmist said, “No one who takes refuge in Him (The Lord) will be condemned.” [Ps. 34:2}

Paul said the same thing in Romans 8 … “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

We have HOPE, the Blessed Hope, Jesus.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, forgive us for doubting You and displaying a lack of faith by laboring under the condemnation our enemy would heap upon us. We are free in YOU.

DAILY READING: Ps. 33-38

The Psalmist called the Lord, “My Hiding Place.” It’s as if we are actually hidden from our enemies.  He shelters us from the storms of life that others who don’t know Him must endure.

Jesus said, “Apart from Me, you can do nothing.” I’ve often said, “Why try?”

Remain in the Lord and enjoy the protection and provision He provides.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, Whom have I in earth but You, and there is nothing nor anyone I desire besides You. You are my portion in this life and the one to come.

DAILY READING: Ps. 28-32

The Psalmist said he would keep his eyes upon the Lord rather than look at his affliction … that his help came from the Lord alone.

When our focus is on our problem, we don’t see solutions. Keep your eyes upon Jesus, look full in his wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, we look to You today. Guide us in paths that lead to righteousness rather than discouragement. We wait for the solutions ONLY YOU can bring.

DAILY READING: Ps. 24-27

There will be a day when EVERY KNEE shall bow, and EVERY TONGUE confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. As Christians, we have the privilege of having this Master of the Universe be not just our potentate, but our loving and caring Shepherd. Because the Lord is our Shepherd, we shall not want for any good thing.

I have proved Him for the 67 years I have lived on this earth. He has NEVER failed me.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, I have failed You, but You have never failed me. Grace me today to be a diligent servant in Your Kingdom.

DAILY READING: Ps. 19-23

… people. Too often we get worked up with people, but the spirit behind them is the real enemy.

Paul said, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” [Eph. 6:22]

DAILY PRAYER: Father in heaven, forgive us for targeting flesh when our true enemy is satan and his imps. We come against him in the name of Jesus.

DAILY READING: Ps. 11-18

The Psalmist begged the Lord not to chasten him in anger, yet he turned around and requested God strike his enemies in anger. He knew the damage anger inflicts.

Don’t chasten your children when you’re angry. Don’t try to have a fruitful conversation when you’re angry. Don’t try to heal a relationship when you’re angry. It comes across as a vicious attack and others adopt a protective, survival mode that won’t allow them to hear what you are actually saying.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, forgive me for selfish anger that wounds those around me. Give me the fruit of Your Spirit today.

DAILY READING: Ps. 6-10

David’s son, Absalom, was out to kill him. The shepherd king made the above statement while being pursued by his son. He even declared that he would not fear even if tens of thousands were after him.

What is your Absalom today? Trust in the Lord to deliver and protect you.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, You hear the taunts of my enemies. Protect me and hush their voices.

DAILY READING: Job 42; Ps.. 1-5

Pride essentially puts itself above God and says, “I am self-sufficient.” The humble acknowledges his need of God.

God brings the pride of man low and reveals its error whereas He lifts the humble and entrusts grace to them.

Political candidates would be wise to embrace the posture of humility when stating their platform. “Blessed is the people whose God is the Lord.” [Ps. 144:15]

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, guide our nation in selecting elected officials. Forgive us for pride and self-sufficiency. We need YOU.

DAILY READING: Job 38-41

Elihu also responded to Job’s plight. He, however, was not ultimately rebuked by God like the other three “friends?!” Interestingly, he spoke from a youthful,burning heart. He is to be commended for his passion and understanding of God, no doubt gained through seeking to know the greatness and nature of God.

God’s Spirit scans the earth, looking for seekers who want to know Him and His ways. Jesus said, “Ask and it will be given, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened for you.” With a promise like that, what hinders?

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, I seek You and Your wisdom. Jesus, reveal Yourself to me so I have the mind of Christ.

DAILY READING: Job 32-37

One of the errors Job made was to blame God for his misfortune. He thought God had afflicted him when in fact the devil had. True, God had reluctantly allowed it to happen, but ultimately rectified every misconception and rewarded Job for his misery.

We are permitted the questions, but supreme trust in God’s plan for our lives is the safest posture we can embrace. Don’t blame God for misfortune. Rather, declare your trust and wait for His deliverance and reward.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, now we see through a glass dimly, but one day all will be revealed. We trust You. We wait for You. Give us grace to endure.

DAILY READING: Job 29-31