Not Getting Side-Tracked

Philippians 2:12-13, “Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.”

Despite difficult circumstances, Paul was such a strong Christian who maintained joy in the Lord no matter what he was dealing with. He stated in Philip. 1:19, the Holy Spirit would be helping him as the people in the church prayed for him. It was due to their prayers for Paul that those prayers, along with the Holy Spirit, helped Paul see his difficulties in prison through new eyes. He didn’t then resent accepting his current situation, that of being in prison. Paul is a lesson and example of how God wants us to serve him faithfully and joyfully wherever we are until he decides it is time to move on to his next service assignment.

Paul’s entire letter to the Christian church in Philippi always focused on sacrificial love and humility. He taught that they must have the same attitude Christ Jesus had (2:5). Throughout chapter two, Paul is teaching about having the attitude of Christ and what that looks like.

Joseph’s dream came to pass, and his vision is described in Genesis 37:5-7, where his brothers bowed down to him in his dream. They eventually did (Gen. 42:6), but it didn’t happen until after he was thrown into a pit and tossed into prison. Then we have Abraham, who finally received the promise after he patiently endured (Heb. 6:15). He waited 25 years from when God promised him a son, and Isaac was born. Through our faith and patience, we believers can receive the promises of God he has for us, but it may take a while. Patience often brings rewards.

The question is, are we (am I) learning that what we (I) really want, that what we (I) truly desire, is God’s will? Or do we allow ourselves to be side-tracked from our own irritations and frustrations? It takes a submitted mind to put into practice 1 Cor. 15:58, which declares, “Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the LORD [always doing your best and doing more than is needed], being continually aware that your labor [even point of exhaustion] in the Lord is not futile nor wasted [it is never without purpose].” AMP. There it is. That is how to “work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” Philippians 12:13. It involves God’s grace and moral effort in our Christian life.

Listen to We Are Messengers – A Thousand Times featuring Cochren & Co. (Official Lyric Video).

Thlipsis – Crushings

Woman feeling free in a beautiful natural setting.

Romans 5:1-3, “Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.”

Exercising our faith in Christ is a life-long necessity and learning experience. Even though we have been made right in God’s sight – justified by our faith in Christ positionally, we keep growing in our faith, which is called progressive sanctification, which is a continuous process throughout our lifetime.

Paul always had hope. He never had uncertainty in his faith in Christ despite being put in jail unjustly. The words “problems and trials” are used in the NLT. The ESV uses the word “sufferings.” The NKJV uses the word “tribulations.” Regardless, this doesn’t refer to minor inconveniences. Paul knew this better than anyone. Problems and tribulations fall on both the saved and unsaved (Matt. 5:45). So perhaps God wants to teach us how to be a light before our co-workers, friends, or family when we are undergoing these situations.

“Most every Christian wants to develop character and have more hope. These qualities spring out of perseverance, which comes through tribulation. We may wish to have better character and more hope without starting with tribulation, but that isn’t God’s pattern and plan.” Blue Letter Bible Commentary. David Guzik. Don’t we all wish God would just sprinkle us with character, hope, and perseverance? But that is not how it works. It takes a deep awareness of God’s love for us, which will then give us hope when undergoing trials, as He is doing His finishing work on us (process of progressive sanctification). Paul was a prime example as he very well knew about difficulties.

“Tribulations” or thlipsis in Greek, means “crushings” – a word that describes the process of crushing an olive with heavy rocks in order to extract oil. Paul says we glory not only in what we’re going to be, or who we are positionally, but also in the tribulations which happen constantly.” Jon Courson’s Application Commentary, page 912. It is during those times I realize I am nothing. How about you? At Gethsemane, Jesus Christ experienced “thlipsis” – crushing – the place of the olive press when He sweat significant drops of blood for our sins and submitted to God the Father (Matthew 20:39-42) on the cross. What has God been extracting in your life recently? Think about that the next time you reach for that bottle of olive oil and relate it to your character, hope, and perseverance being developed by our holy and just and loving God for greater purposes you don’t even know about right now. He knows the whole story. Trust Him.

Listen to Mix – Hallelujah, (Official Music Video) – Charly Perry.

Attitudes That People Don’t See

Matthew 5:22, “But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.” NLT

“But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother [some manuscripts insert without cause] will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.” ESV

I have asked myself this week if I think like Christ does or how I can better think like He does. Jesus pointed out in Matthew 5 six ways to think like Christ. One was where Jesus interprets the law against murder and the sin of anger and hatred in verses 21-22 where Jesus brings the law of Moses, back to the intentions of the heart. “Barclay, commenting on the specific ancient Greek word translated angry: “So Jesus forbids forever the anger which broods, the anger which will not forget, the anger which refuses to be pacified, the anger which seeks revenge.” Blue Letter Bible Commentary, David Guzik.

When God has shown us such great mercy, why is it so easy to fall into the temptation of anger when someone breaks a promise, offends us, or doesn’t fall in line with the values we hold dear, the temptation of anger mightily roars in arrogant contempt? I admit I am guilty. Yet Jesus pulled the disciples aside and warned them about the sin of anger and other temptations in the Sermon on the Mount, in Matthew 5. It was a code of ethics and standard of conduct for all believers to live by Jesus’ words.

Did you ever consider purposefully not choosing an angry response to someone, that God will bless you for that? James 2:10;12-13 warns us, “For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God’s laws. So whatever you say or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law that sets you free. There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.” As Christians, we are saved by faith, through God’s free gift of grace, not by keeping any law. But we also are required to obey Christ. So James is teaching, understanding, and appreciating God’s mercy He has shown toward us with forgiveness is essential. Matthew 6:14 & 15 warns us, “For if you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” We all are ordinary sinners in need of God’s forgiveness.

“We should be just as concerned about our attitudes that people don’t see as about our actions that are seen by all.” Life Application Study Bible NLT, note. Matthew 5:20.

God sees our hearts. He knows our thoughts and attitudes. God, may your thoughts be my thoughts today (Isaiah 55:8).

Listen to Matthew West – Unashamed (Music Video).

Consistency Is The Key

Psalm 15:2, “Who may worship in your sanctuary, LORD? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts.”

David gives us a description in Psalm 15 of the requirements of living a blameless life and being morally upright in having close fellowship intimately with God through Jesus Christ. Reflecting on God’s standards in my daily life and remembering I am a citizen of Heaven (Philippians 3:20) should affect my words because words are powerful, David states in Psalm 15. When treated unjustly and unfairly, it would be good to read over again Psalm 15 because David states what those who lead blameless lives do no matter what:

  • Controls their speech – speaking the truth but refusing to slander. Verse 3.
  • Keeping promises. Verse 3 & 4.
  • Keep your word. Be truthful, have a blameless character, and righteous conduct. Verses 2-3.
  • Righteousness should be shown in one’s character when being amongst difficult people. Verses 4-5a.
  • Use your money wisely in a way that honors God. Don’t let money be an idol. Verse 5.

God cares and knows about the situations in our lives and when we question His ability to handle circumstances beyond our control (Jeremiah 23:23-24) He is close at hand and cares. Reviewing the attributes of God will help us remember God and His Word are sufficient for every need we have before us. Some of His attributes to remember are: God’s holy wrath, mercy, holiness, omnipotence (having unlimited power-all powerful), omniscience (all-knowing), and omnipresence (capable of being everywhere at the same time). I need to remember and dwell on these more often in striving to live a blameless life before others.

God has no limits. Remember, you are a citizen of Heaven. What you believe, what I believe in the gospel of Christ, should affect our (my) reactions to my (our) current circumstances, good or bad. God knows our motives and actions. God is greater than our feelings because He knows everything and has holy wrath, mercy, holiness, omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence. He is more than capable of working out our frustrations as the Psalms are filled with godly people who cried out to God with the same feelings, you may be experiencing right now. Stand firm in God’s presence – He is right beside you.

Proverbs 22:11 states “He who loves purity of heart, and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend.” Don’t get sidetracked because “God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.” Philippians 2:13. “The greatest weapon against the Devil is a godly life.” Warren Wiersbe. Consistency is the key.

Listen to Casting Crowns – Desert Road (Official Music Video)

When Sleep Does Not Come Easily

Psalm 3:5; 8, “I lay down and slept, yet I woke up in safety, for the LORD was watching over me. Victory comes from you O LORD. May you bless your people.”

When I get out of bed each morning, I have an app on my iPhone connected to our bed that gives me my SleepIQ score that I check to see the results. It tells me the following: 1) How many minutes it took to fall asleep; 2) Restless sleep minutes; 3) Restful sleep hours and minutes; 4) Bed exit time. Then, the bio signals of heart rate, heart rate variability, and breath rate are presented. This morning, it says that my restful sleep was right around my average and is great for my well-being and overall sleep health. But it cannot know what external circumstances disturb my sleep when the ratings show it has gone below my average. Sleep does not come quickly during trials and times of crisis. We have David, in Psalm 3, who was running for his life and had a crisis. His son Absalom led a conspiracy of traitors that was growing in momentum against him (2 Sam. 15:12). Many said God would not help him. However, David believed in God’s presence (doctrine of God’s omnipresence) and that God was a shield around him (Ps.3:3). Therefore David’s confidence was not shaken that God would give him a blessing, that he would be aware of His presence, and that God would protect him despite 10,000 enemies that may have been surrounding him (verse 6). As David declared in Psalm 16:11,You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.”

The assurance of God’s watchful care and protection over David gave him a restful sleep. He knew that God was in control and left the destiny of God’s kingdom to God. No obstacle would prevent the all-powerful (omnipotent) God from accomplishing His purposes and divine will. God is in control of all things as Isaiah 14:27 declares,” The LORD of Heaven’s Armies has spoken – who can change his plans? When his hand is raised, who can stop him!”

When carrying a heavy burden and you rest your head on your pillow, remember Genesis 18:13 and Jeremiah 32:27, “Is anything too hard for God?” Nothing is too complicated for God. Matthew 19:26 states, “With God all things are possible.” Paul teaches us in Ephesians 3:20 that “God is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think.”

God has made us in such a way that gives us mental abilities and persuasive power capabilities to produce results with His guidance. Still, the use of that power has to be in ways pleasing to God. It brings glory to His character for others to see in our single-mindedness and humble-minded faith that Christ is our source of power and guide no matter what. He will develop our character to be more Christ-like through our growth of self-discipline and obedience to God’s Word, so our light shines brightly for His glory. So, sleep well tonight, my friend. The LORD is watching over you. God is omnipotent, which means all-powerful, and He has no restraining limits on what He can do even when we sleep at night. He is right beside you (omnipresent). He will bring the needed victory, which will come in the end.

Listen to I Believe (Charity Gayle) Lyric Video.

Never Forget

brown gift box
Photo by Porapak Apichodilok on Pexels.com

Psalm 103:2, Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me.”

I have a gift box on our mantel that contains written answers to prayers I have recorded on 3 X 5 cards that God has answered. I just added another card to the box this past week, not wanting to forget the good things God has done for me. The purpose is to have reminders of past blessings of answers to prayers God has provided, so I don’t forget them whenever I am tempted to be discouraged or distraught as life happens. When I feel like nothing is going right, I open this box and read the cards of past and present blessings; therefore, God has more to offer me in the future as well. Psalm 103 is a psalm of praise to God, written by David, describing God’s great love for us and what God is really like.

David lists reasons in Psalm 103, to praise God because of his repentance and received forgiveness. Which ones would you identify with the most?

  1. Forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. Verse 3.
  2. Redeems us from death. Verse 4.
  3. Crowns us with love and tender mercies. Verse 4.
  4. Fills our life with good things. Verse 5.
  5. Gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly. Verse 6.
  6. Merciful and gracious. Verse 8.
  7. Compassionate and merciful. Verse 8.
  8. Slow to anger and filled with unfailing love. Verse 8.
  9. He does not punish us for all our sins, does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. Verse 10.
  10. Steadfast love – unfailing love. Verse 11.
  11. Removes our sins as far as the East is from the West. Verse 12.
  12. He knows how weak we are because He knows we were formed from dust. Verse 14.
  13. The steadfast love of the LORD remains forever. Verse 17 (2nd statement of this of the character of God).

Psalm 11:4-5, is another verse that is good to remember when discouraged, which says, “But the LORD is in his holy Temple; the LORD still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth. The LORD examines both the righteous and the wicked. He hates those who love violence.” We have a lot of violence throughout the world today, but God sees and examines it all. Their day of punishment is coming because God has said it so. God sees it all and examines it all.

When you feel distraught and discouraged, take a break and read over the list in Psalm 103 of what to praise God for and read it out loud to yourself. May you then say, “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.” Psalm 23:1 NLT. Yes, never forget the good things God has done for you. God sees it all and knows you better than you know yourself. Bless and praise his holy name! Psalm 103:1.

Listen to Leanna Crawford – Every Day Here. Music Video.

Lessons To Be Learned From a Horse or Mule

Psalm 32:8-9, “The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.”

A horse or mule are examples of animals that are not easily guided, as shown in Psalm 32:9. I found some interesting information regarding these two animals in my research. In Biblical times, horses were often associated with strength in warfare. There are 14 instances in the Old Testament where mules are mentioned. It has been said that horses and mules are trainable and have deep emotional intelligence. Mules are bright and desire to take charge and learn things independently. However, they have a strong-minded will that makes them inclined to resist and want their own way. If they cannot see the point of doing something, they won’t. They evaluate conditions before acting, so they may refuse to go further if unsure of their footing. They can be unforgiving due to their long memory. I can see similar traits at times in myself in all of these. How about you?

Horses’ personalities are kind, and they generally have a calm temperament. However, they have a short attention span but are loyal and people-pleasers. Due to their sensitivity, they can become irritable, which can mean trouble, especially if they pick offense quickly. When undergoing training, it is vital to establish boundaries and let the horse understand they are not in control – the trainer is. This requires the use of bits and reins to keep them under control during their training process just as David refers to in this Psalm.

“Like the horse, David rushed ahead impetuous, and like the mule, he was stubborn and tried to cover his sins. The only way to control animals is to break them and harness them, but God didn’t want to do that to His beloved servant David. Instead, He would teach him His word and keep His eye upon him, surrounding him with mercy (Ps. 23:6).” [1]

Psalm 25:8 promises, “The LORD is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray.”

Psalm 33:18 states, “But the LORD watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love.” Throughout our day-to-day situations, we must have hope, faith, and trust in God, our loving and righteous advisor, who will direct and nimbly guide us along the best life pathway. The Message version says Psalm 32:9 this way, “Don’t be ornery like a horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to stay on track.” I am now understanding there are challenging lessons to be learned from a horse or a mule in reading and applying Psalm 32:8-9 in one’s life. We must learn and soak up God’s Word for it has the power to transform and revive one’s soul, make one wise, bringing joy to the heart, giving insight for living, warns us and rewards us (Psalm 19:7-9). God’s Word reveals His greatness and sufficiency, as David proclaimed in Psalm 19:11,They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey him.” I will be thinking more about the characteristics of mules and horses now in light of Psalm 32:8-9.


[1] Be Worshipful. Glorifying God For Who He Is. Psalms 1-89. Warren W. Wiersbe, page 124.

Listen to Songs of Wisdom – His grace will carry you/Official Lyric Video

Not Held In Hostage

Freedom through faith in Jesus who is the Son of God.

1 John 5:4-5, “For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.”

Abiding in Christ needs to be the goal and mindset for every combative conflict we face when we feel trapped and burdened, but when challenged, do we stand the test? Does the gospel of Jesus Christ take priority? How does one strive for victory in achieving harmony? The conflict must not hold one hostage. That is when we prepare through prayer with an ongoing reliance and trust in Jesus Christ. After all, as born-again Christians our position in Christ gives us the victory as children of God. But the key to our victory is our faith and obedience in trusting in Christ to help bear our load (Matthew 11:28-30).

Some people are enslaved by what they have won and are absorbed in winning awards. “On the other hand, I conquer it when I lay my hand upon it and force it to help me to get nearer Him, to get liker Him, to think more often of Him, to do His will more gladly and more constantly. The one victory over the world is to bend it to serve me in the highest things – the attainment of a clearer vision of the Divine nature, the attainment of a deeper love to God Himself, and of a more glad consecration and service to Him. That is the victory – when you can make the world a ladder to lift you to God. That is its right use, that is victory, when all its tempting voices do not draw you away from listening to the Supreme Voice that bids you keep his commandments. When the world comes between you and God as an obscuring screen, it has conquered you. When the world comes between you and God as a transparent medium, you have conquered it. To win victory is to get it beneath your feet and stand upon it, and reach up thereby to God.” Alexander MacLaren’s Expositions Commentary 1 John. As 1 John 5:21admnishes, “Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts.” Take God as His Word promises and act on it.

May we not forget that the one thing we must live for is to know the truth of God’s Word for our life, to love and obey Him, to hear Him speak to us through His Word, and to be more Christ-like. Jesus said in John 16:33, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” Jesus summed up all He had told His disciples in that upper room when the world was about to kill Him, yet He said He had overcome the world and, at thirty-three, was about to be murdered. That is a reminder to keep one’s eyes, heart, and mind on Jesus and not be held hostage by our conflict, which has turned into a storm, because Jesus rose again from that grave and sits on the throne at the right hand of God.

Be uplifted by God’s power of protection, grace, presence, comfort, shield, and defender, and prepares a feast for you in the presence of your enemies (Psalm 23:5). “No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.” Romans 5:37. In Jesus Christ resides victory. Believe in the power of the Son of God that has overcome the world, and don’t allow any conflict to hold you hostage. Ask Him to increase your faith and let Him take captive any attacks against you. Jesus Christ has full accessibility – you are good to go!

Listen to Hymn of Heaven (Hebrew – Arabic – English) Worship from Jerusalem).

Health Benefits of Praying

Psalm 125:1, “Those who trust in the LORD are as secure as Mount Zion; they will not be defeated but will endure forever.”

Charles Stanley said he read Psalms 125 – 128 and 133 every day. These Psalms talk about putting one’s trust in the Lord because He has His sovereign plan (Ps. 125:1). These Psalms speak about the eventual end of our burdens and the blessings from following God.

When burdened by sorrow, know that grief will end, as it says, “Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest.” Ps. 126:5-6. It is hard to have patience during times of suffering, but praising God despite the circumstances will lift one’s heart’s emotions and give the brain a boost. It is said that prayer changes the cingulate cortex part of the brain. This part of the brain manages feelings, emotions, and emphatic thinking. It is said to help decrease blood pressure and heart rate, as well as depression and anxiety. I could use more brain growth! How about you? Prayer will open doors of opportunity we never realized before besides receiving the health benefit of peace and rest by trusting solely on the Lord.

Psalm 127 states that life without God is senseless. Without God as one’s foundation, all of life’s work and establishing a home will lack the spiritual bond God brings to those relationships. Psalm 127:1 states, “Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted.” Hard work is essential, but maintaining a healthy balance and trusting in God to provide the necessary results is also needed.

Psalm 128 has been called the marriage prayer. The word joyful is used two times in this Psalm, attributing it to following God’s ways by one’s obedience. It ends with verse 6, “May you live to enjoy your grandchildren. May Israel have peace!” David Guzik’s commentary in the Blue Letter Bible states, “The psalm ends with this happy and confident declaration. The psalmist understood that if the people of Israel did fear the Lord, this blessing of shalom would be evident in their community, in their family, and in the kingdom as a whole.”

Psalm 133’s theme is about harmony in relationships. We are all marred sinners who have received salvation through Jesus Christ, saved by grace. David sang about harmony, being wonderful, pleasant, precious, and refreshing. We will have conflicts with each other but keeping the goal to serve Christ in humility and love for each other needs to be our intention, as it will reflect our relationship with the Lord and put Him first in our lives, as verse 3 declares, “Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from mount hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion. And there the LORD has pronounced his blessing, even life everlasting.”

There will be an ending to your times of grief and burdens. So, how does one move from hectic to heavenly? By spending time in prayer, having the mind of Christ (Philippians 4:6-7), and reading and obeying His Word. Then, receiving the health benefits of having one’s brain rewired by prayer is a remarkable finding for me, as reported by a study by radiologist Andrew Newberg. May your prayer be today that of Psalm 125:1,Those (put your name there) who trust in the LORD are as secure as mount Zion; they (put your name there) will not be defeated but will endure forever.”

Listen to Natalie Grant – My Weapon (Sacred Version) – (Official Music Video).

No Broken Promises

Psalm 145:13-15, “For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule throughout all generations. The LORD always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does. The LORD helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads. The eyes of all look to you in hope; you give them their food as they need it.”

Some weeks are easier than others, wouldn’t you agree? But we all have times when we are carrying our burdens, and maybe no one else is aware of them or sees them. But the LORD knows, and He sees it all. He understands because, as verse 3 declares, “No one can measure his greatness.” It is beyond our understanding; therefore, it gives us hope by reading His Word and reading what He wants to tell us in reviving our lost hope, heavy disappointments, failures of our own, or someone else breaking a promise to us. In Jewish practice Psalm 145 was recited twice in the morning and once in the evening. I can see the value of doing just that to get my mind back on thinking about God’s everlasting kingdom we (I) will be joining soon.

David wrote this psalm as a praise to God. David knew influential people, but he saw them as inadequate saviors, as he states in Psalm 146:3,Don’t put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there.” Some people in high positions make promises they cannot deliver or keep, which is what David experienced. In contrast, we have a God who will supply all our needs as Philippians 4:19 is one of 46 verses in the Bible that tells us this and states, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” ESV. That is a promise to hold onto. Our God has no financial limitations or lack of warehouse space.

At the end of each day, think about how God has helped you through that day and praise Him for His faithfulness, mercy, grace, provision, and presence. Psalm 145 exemplifies how, where, and why to praise and glorify God. Take notice of how your mood changes when you spend a few minutes thanking God for what He has done for you. Note how weaknesses, mess-ups, mistakes, and inadequacies do not dominate your thoughts as much, although they may still be there. But focusing more on God and not ourselves changes our minds and hearts.

One of God’s promises is found in 2 Corinthians 9:8, which states, “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” ESV. Note the word “all” means all, and I love the word “sufficiency.” God’s favor is upon His children. Ask the LORD to bless and make you “abound in every good work” you do. You are part of the “all” so don’t forget that. Then Psalm 145:18 promises, “The LORD is close to all who call on him, yes to all who call on him in truth. He grants the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cries for help and rescues them.”

So, the next time you are deeply disappointed in someone who broke their promise to you, remember that you are a child of the living God who never breaks His promises and protects you (Psalm 145:20). Read through Psalm 145. Share with someone how God has helped you through your day. Then be determined to live out as David did and sang in Psalm 145:2, “I will praise you every day; yes I will praise you forever.” You have no broken promises from our great and mighty God!

Listen to How Great (Psalm 145) – Sovereign Grace Music (Lyrics).