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Psalm 107:33-37 TPT
33 
Whenever he (the Lord) chooses he can dry up a river
and turn the land into a desert.
34 
Or he can take a fruitful land and make it into a saltwater swamp,
all because of the wickedness of those who dwell there.
35 
But he also can turn a barren wilderness into an oasis with water!
He can make springs flow into desert lands
36 
and turn them into fertile valleys so that cities spring up,
and he gives it all to those who are hungry.
37 
They can plant their fields and vineyards there
and reap a bumper crop and gather a fruitful harvest.

God is guiding me to a greater understanding and revelation of his grace and how it operates in his world and in the lives of his human creation. Christ brought us grace and truth; we are delivered as we make him Lord. Grace is unmerited favor; we don’t deserve it nor can we earn it. Grace is a gift from God bought and paid for with the life of the Messiah (Eph. 2:8). The Lord smears his grace over his children who are called by his name. God is our Father and he is more loving, kind, and faithful than anyone could ever imagine. When we cry out, he rescues us from spiritual darkness and delivers us into the eternal Kingdom of light and Truth (Col. 1:13). He leads us through the dry wilderness of earthly life, so we will learn to follow his voice as he helps us cross over into the land of eternal promise and blessing.

Jesus teaches the last days on earth—before his second coming—will be difficult; no one will be able to endure unless God limits the time (Mat. 24:22). Even now we experience the effects on creation caused by wickedness in the human heart. Politicians think they can stop the cataclysmic advancement of the environmental melt down, but Creator God is actually calling for the events and only repentance can sway God’s judgment. In the meantime, God’s grace will be covering his children and there will be great courage and power emanating from every one of his sons and daughters who are led not by human might, but by God’s Spirit! Assuredly, wickedness and sin will rise up, but Grace will defeat it (Ro. 5:20). Be strong and courageous, because God’s grace is sufficient for anything we face and his power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Cor. 12:9).

Prayer: Lord, I come to your throne hungry and thirsty. Fill me from the oasis of your eternal life. I thank you for the promise of blessing and a fruitful harvest. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Proverbs 16:1-6
1
Go ahead and make all the plans you want,
but it’s the Lord who will ultimately direct your steps.
2 
We are all in love with our own opinions,
convinced they’re correct.
But the Lord is in the midst of us,[in the midst of spirits]
testing and probing our every motive.
3 
Before you do anything,
put your trust totally in God and not in yourself.
Then every plan you make will succeed.
4 
The Lord works everything together to accomplish his purpose.
Even the wicked are included in his plans—
he sets them aside for the day of disaster.

Are you in love with your own opinions? We are welcome to have them and most assuredly many times we feel we are right, but let us not forget the Lord is in the midst of our opinions and he tests our motives. God knows the truth and he wants us to face it. According to the Bible Study Tools dictionary, motives pose at least a twofold dilemma: (1) the status of a good deed done for the wrong reason or an evil deed done with good (or even without) intent; and (2) the effect of a motive (good or bad) that never has opportunity to find fulfillment. The fundamental issue prompting the dilemma is that there is not a one-to-one correspondence between a given action and the motive of its agent: the same action may be either censored or defended depending upon one’s motive.

We have recently witnessed how motives can cause people to suppress contrasting information based on their own biased opinions; social media has been found guilty of this censorship. Many times I have wanted to explore a different research or political perspective on a topic—viewing something a friend posted—only to find the content taken down by social media before I could read it. Never fear, God already knows the motives behind the actions and has a plan for the wicked. Put your trust totally in God and ask him to direct your steps, today!

Prayer: Lord, my opinions means very little to me anymore. I hunger for the Truth, because so many want to suppress it. Therefore, I will stay in your Word and remain in fellowship with the Spirit of Truth to guide my path. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Deuteronomy 10:12-13
A Call to Love and Obedience
12 “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the Lord your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul. 13 And you must always obey the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good.

In our passage today, as Moses calls to Israel—God’s chosen people of faith—the Spirit of God calls each of our hearts to fear and reverence the Lord with our very lives. As humans, we are all inclined to demand our own way—to live in a fashion that pleases our flesh and innate demands. Humans always want the power to make the rules; therefore, foolishly we can actually find ourselves fighting God for power. Study God’s Word and you will see nothing has changed with people over time. Unless Christ changes the heart, people use their power to champion what God calls sin—an evil act against God’s nature and character. Sin is evil, because humans are made in God’s image.

There is a cultural clash over such demands right now in our country. Abortion is only one example of demanding our own way. It is a choice but it is a very dangerous one, because the Lord commands we must not commit murder or shed innocent (blameless) blood (Ex. 20:13; Prov. 6:17). So, when humans demand such things, we are setting ourselves against Creator God and all creation responds and groans looking for the children of God to speak Truth (Ro. 8:22). Yet, that very example and issue divides family, friends, and has become a cultural clash in our nation. That is what sin does; it exalts human flesh rather than God and brings division.

Sin causes our hearts and souls—minds, wills, emotions—to become hardened to God’s authority, because we are more focused on pleasing ourselves and controlling our own lives. Knowing and understanding this about our human conditions is not a bad thing; in fact, it is actually a great blessing to know the Truth. Then, when we apply that understanding to our lives and choose to deny our flesh and instead obey the Lord, we step into godly wisdom. We have all sinned and fallen short of God’s glorious image; however, after repentance, grace brings forgiveness and a new way to look at life. Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it (James 4:17).

Prayer: Lord, help me to serve you with my heart and soul, today. I know my obedience to your commands is for my own good. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Psalm 119:41-48 TPT
Trust in the Lord
41 
May your tender love overwhelm me, O Lord,
for you are my Savior and you keep your promises.
42 
I’ll always have an answer for those who mock me
because I trust in your word.
43 
May I never forget your truth, for I rely upon your precepts.
44 
I will observe your laws every moment of the day
and will never forget the words you say.
45 
I will walk with you in complete freedom,
for I seek to follow your every command.
46 
When I stand before kings, I will tell them the truth
and will never be ashamed.
47 
My passion and delight is in your word,
for I love what you say to me!
48 
I long for more revelation of your truth,
for I love the light of your word as I meditate on your decrees.

In our passage today, the psalmist reminds us that honoring God’s commands of love frees us to live and be who God has designed us to be. When we honor God’s Word and allow it to be establish in our lives, our hearts and minds are changed by his love. Divine salvation and mercy comes to humanity from God through his Word and brings liberty: forgiveness from sin. The Holy Spirit destroys the power of sin over us so we can choose righteousness and godliness. When we really have an understanding of how much God has done for us and within us, we will care very little what the world says about us. We can know freedom from that fear, because we have fellowship with the Savior. Don’t allow the enemy to cause you to live in fear. Fear will hold you back from God. Live in the power and presence of God and make fear bow.

Prayer: Father, thank you for your Word and commands of love. May your Word be established in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Psalm 1, cont. TPT
4 
But how different are the wicked.
All they are is dust in the wind—
driven away to destruction!
5 
The wicked will not endure the day of judgment,
for God will not defend them.
Nothing they do will succeed or endure for long,
for they have no part with those who walk in truth.
6 
But how different it is for the righteous!
The Lord embraces their paths as they move forward
while the way of the wicked leads only to doom.

With all the outrageous accusations and condemnations being presented by the media as truth there is Someone, according to Scripture, who actually is the Truth and stands ready to be the Defender rising up in the righteous. The Lord always defends the righteous—those acting morally right according to divine law—but he never commits to defending the wicked or their actions. In fact, the Word of the Lord warns the wicked to turn from the path they are on, so they can walk in Truth. Jesus who is Truth says, “Everyone who denies me on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven” (Matt 10:33).

What else does the Bible say about wickedness and the practice of it? Wickedness reveals the corrupt disposition of the human soul—mind, will, emotions—infected by sin. In Hebrew, the word wickedness is about taking what God created as morally good and destroying it by profaning it and making it evil—disregarding justice, righteousness, truth, honor, virtue, depravity, sinfulness, and criminality. Those who do not honor God’s purpose for their lives will judge and destroy themselves as Truth is revealed. That’s why God’s Word warns humanity over and over again to live in his righteousness so he can defend us. Know and apply the righteous Word of God to your life, because this wicked world—infected with Satan’s deception—wants you to believe lies that are actually twisted truth and use it to destroy you (John 10:10).

Prayer: Lord, continue to teach me Truth according to your created plan. I want to be in harmony with your will. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Psalm Book 1
The Genesis Psalms The Tree of Life
1 
What delight comes to the one who follows God’s ways! [we choose]
He won’t walk in step with the wicked,
nor share the sinner’s way,
nor be found sitting in the scorner’s seat.
2 
His pleasure and passion is remaining true to the Word of “I Am,”
meditating day and night in the true revelation of light. [the Torah]
3 
He will be standing firm like a flourishing tree
planted by God’s design,[transplanted in Christ]
deeply rooted by the brooks of bliss,
bearing fruit in every season of his life.
He is never dry, never fainting,
ever blessed, ever prosperous.[a victorious conclusion]

Years ago, Charles Spurgeon preached a sermon on Jesus as our Tree of Life; our Life-giving Presence. Jesus—the Tree of Life—offered humanity eternal life in the Garden, but we chose sin and death and found ourselves banned from the very Tree that was created to nourish and satisfy us according to God’s righteous design. Sin does not belong in eternity, so eating further from the enteral Tree of Life was forbidden. Years later, Jesus—the Tree of Life—once again offered humanity his Life-giving Presence, but this time on the hill of Calvary. He died for our sins, so we could come to the Tree and be nourished and satisfied. This offer is still available, today. All it takes is for us to ask Jesus to forgive our sins, be willing to leave the world’s ways behind, and connect to the Tree of Life so we can flourish in righteousness.

In our passage today, the psalmist reminds us to follow God’s ways; the true revelation of light. I pray for human hearts to connect to Jesus Christ—the Word of I Am—because according to Scripture when Jesus returns for believers, those who have remained faithful to his Word and commands are given the right to eat from the Tree of Life located in the New Jerusalem (Rev. 22:14).

Prayer: Lord, help me to put down deep roots into your righteousness, so I can flourish with the fruit that brings you glory no matter what my season of life. Only you can bring the victory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Daniel 6:16,19-23 NLT

In our passage today, Daniel has been thrown into the den of lions because he has violated the law of the Medes and Persians about prayer; the law forbidding one to pray to anyone besides King Darius for thirty days. Despite the order, three times a day Daniel prays to Yahweh asking for help. King Darius truly cares for Daniel and tries his best to find a way to protect him; however, when the other administrators witness Daniel praying, they push the king to honor the law. In time, the king gives the order for Daniel to be arrested and thrown in with the lions.

16The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve so faithfully, rescue you.”
19 Very early the next morning, the king got up and hurried out to the lions’ den. 20 When he got there, he called out in anguish, “Daniel, servant of the living God! Was your God, whom you serve so faithfully, able to rescue you from the lions?”
21 Daniel answered, “Long live the king! 22 My God sent his angel to shut the lions’ mouths so that they would not hurt me, for I have been found innocent in his sight. And I have not wronged you, Your Majesty.”
23 The king was overjoyed and ordered that Daniel be lifted from the den. Not a scratch was found on him, for he had trusted in his God.

According to our Scripture, Daniel has not sinned against his God nor against his neighbor King Darius. God does not spare Daniel the experience of being thrown in the lion’s den, but he does rescue him and keep him from harm. King Darius learns that Daniel’s God is the true Living God and he sets forth a decree instructing his people to worship Yahweh. Daniel learns that God can be trusted even in the worst of circumstances. You and I can learn from this lesson, as well.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for closing the mouths of the lions for Daniel. Your Word teaches Satan prowls like a lion seeking whom he can devour, so thank you for closing the mouth of the lion for me, too. I know you have rescued me more times than I have even been aware. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Psalm 63:4-8 TPT
4 
Daily I will worship you passionately and with all my heart.
My arms will wave to you like banners of praise.
5 
I overflow with praise when I come before you,
for the anointing of your presence satisfies me like nothing else.
You are such a rich banquet of pleasure to my soul.
6–7 
I lie awake each night thinking of you
and reflecting on how you help me like a father.
I sing through the night under your splendor-shadow,
offering up to you my songs of delight and joy!
8 
With passion I pursue and cling to you.
Because I feel your grip on my life,
I keep my soul close to your heart.

In our passage today, we continue to join David in the wilderness with God. Even in this challenging place and under very difficult and emotional circumstances, David has no doubt God has a grip on his life. So, in the midst of sleepless nights, David sings praises to God in order to release the inner torment of his soul and finds great pleasure and satisfaction in the presence of his spiritual Father. David offers what Scripture calls a sacrifice of praise (Heb. 13:15).

Most of the time, praise rises up from our spirits to express our gratitude during victorious times. However, this kind of praise David demonstrates requires personal sacrifice; a sacrifice our souls will fight. When we offer God a sacrifice of praise, we place our whole being before God and trust him when life takes a turn and does not go the way we thought it would go. Our souls—minds, wills, emotions—will put up a fight if we are going to actually trust our lives to God in these moments because we are trying to figure life out in our flesh. David uses real wisdom as he turns his sleepless nights into a time of praise and worship. If you find yourself having difficulty sleeping due to the torment trying to occupy your flesh, turn your attention from the demands of your soul and reach for your Father. He alone can bring you pleasure, satisfaction, and peace for your soul.

Prayer: Lord, I place my whole being before you. May praise be released in my life during the triumphal times, as well as the challenging ones. You made a great and eternal sacrifice for me on the cross. May I turn to bring a sacrifice of praise before you when I face things that I do not understand. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Psalm 63:1-3
Thirsting for God: King David’s song when he was exiled in the Judean wilderness
1 
O God of my life, I’m lovesick for you in this weary wilderness.
I thirst with the deepest longings to love you more,
with cravings in my heart that can’t be described.
Such yearning grips my soul for you, my God!
2 
I’m energized every time I enter
your heavenly sanctuary to seek more of your power
and drink in more of your glory.
3 
For your tender mercies mean more to me than life itself.
How I love and praise you, God!

In our passage today, King David is weary of the spiritual drought and loneliness caused by a prolonged stay in the wilderness—a wild field suitable for pasturing. He is facing discomforts and feeling “lovesick” for God! Yet, David understands the same God who created the flourishing garden created the desolate wilderness; there is a divine purpose for both. Therefore, David prays and seeks to love God more; he longs to once again experience God’s love, energy, and power. When you go through difficult times (financial, mental, emotional, spiritual, physical, etc.), you must seek, actively pursue, and passionately love God more, because love brings the victory.

Scripture teaches God will lead all his beloved children to a spiritual wilderness for a time of testing. God did not spare his Son this time of testing even though he was sinless (Mark 1:12-13). In the wilderness, believers will need to stay the course, trust, and press in to find God’s peace and joy in the midst of challenging times. Our flesh will hate the wilderness, but God will use it to help us grow, think, and respond more like Christ—the Word—when we face temptations. In the wilderness, God reveals great truth; the life of the faithful is really about his powerful promises operating in and through them and not their own ability to save themselves (2 Cor. 4:7-10).

Prayer: Lord, like David, I have tasted the wilderness and made the journey through it loving you more. Please use every difficulty I face for your glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Matthew 22:15-22 The Pharisees Try to Entrap Jesus
15 Then the Pharisees came together to make a plan to entrap Jesus with his own words. 16 So they sent some of their disciples together with some staunch supporters of Herod. They said to Jesus, “Teacher, we know that you’re an honest man of integrity and you teach us the truth of God’s ways. We can clearly see that you’re not one who speaks only to win the people’s favor, because you speak the truth without regard to the consequences. 17 So tell us, then, what you think. Is it proper for us Jews to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”

18 Jesus knew the malice that was hidden behind their cunning ploy and said, “Why are you testing me, you imposters who think you have all the answers? 19 Show me one of the Roman coins.” So they brought him a silver coin used to pay the tax. 20 “Now, tell me, whose head is on this coin and whose inscription is stamped on it?”

21 “Caesar’s,” they replied.
Jesus said, “Precisely, for the coin bears the image of the emperor Caesar. Well, then, you should pay the emperor what is due to the emperor. But because you bear the image of God, give back to God all that belongs to him.”

22 The imposters were baffled in the presence of all the people and were unable to trap Jesus with his words. So they left, stunned by Jesus’ words.

As a believer in the sacrificial work of Christ on the cross, you bear the image of God to the world. Believers have dual citizenship and according to the Apostle Peter that means you, “Recognize the value of every person and continually show love to every believer. Live your life with great reverence and in holy awe of God. Honor your rulers” (1 Pet 2:17). In our passage from Matthew today, Jesus perfectly demonstrates dual citizenship. Not only are we called to honor our rulers, pay taxes to our government, and pay money for services and benefits we receive from others, we are also called to “give back to God all that belongs to him.” My friends, everything belongs to God including you! You are God’s representative of his character to the world.

Yesterday, I was listening to a bit of the Supreme Court Justice hearings; two witnesses from the ABA Standing Committee on the Federal Judiciary shared the peer evaluation of Judge Amy Coney Barrett. The intellect and the character of Judge Barrett was evaluated and presented. She professes to love God, so I sat back and listened carefully. What went through my mind was how well Judge Barrett was living her dual citizenship. These nonpartisan witnesses proclaimed her honesty, integrity, loyalty to her country, non-biased fairness, focus on justice, and authentic concern and value for everyone she met. Whether or not you or I agree with the Court appointment process has nothing to do with the point I seek to make, today. Rather, as believers we are to bear the image of God and give back to God all that belongs to him and this amazing woman is an inspiring and beautiful example of the kind of character I want to offer God since I belong to him, too.

Prayer: Lord, you are the perfect example of dual citizenship—eternal Kingdom living while in a temporal world. Help me to follow your lead and reveal your character and integrity in every aspect of my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.