Daily Devotional from Psalm 15–

Verse 1
“O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill?”

This song gives us a standard by which we may attempt to live — walking in integrity, speaking the truth, not slandering, keeping promises, not taking a bribe. But even if we were able to do all of these things, we are not worthy to be in God‘s presence. 

It’s only through the filter of Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross that the Father is able to see us as righteous, and we are worthy to come in His presence. In fact, we are invited to
come with confidence into His presence. (Heb. 4:13)
Thank you, Jesus.

Rick Bolesta

Daily Devotional from Psalm 14–

Verse 5b
...God is with the generation of the righteous.

It’s easy to read this snippet of verse 5 and think, “Whew. I’m saved. God is with me.” But we have to be careful not to develop a self-righteous attitude. We truly have to examine ourselves and ask questions. Am I walking with God daily? Am I in any way contributing to the corruption of the world? Do I have any unconfessed sin in my life? Am I walking in unforgiveness? It’s important to check our hearts constantly. Not because God’s love is conditional–it’s not. It matters because once we have been saved, we are called to walk in righteousness, pursuing God and his design and plan for our lives. 

Walking in righteousness–belonging to the “righteous generation” as the passage puts it–is not passive! It requires us to be actively seeking God and getting rid of the sin in our lives. When we run across promises like this in the Bible, rather than having a prideful attitude, we should respond in humility and gratitude that God made a way for us to walk in righteousness with him and be in his presence forever. 

Zoe Deming

Daily Devotional from Psalm 13–

Verse 1
How long, O Lord? 

Verses 1-2 contain a litany of questions that basically boil down to one big question: “How long?”

Many of my high school friends married right out of school. I headed to college, planning to wait a few years to meet my future wife. But after graduation and starting my first job at 24, nothing had happened.

As everyone wed, I waited... 25, 26, 27. By 28, a high school classmate had a 10-year-old daughter. But I didn't even have a wife, let alone a prospect! And at 29, a glimmer of hope shattered into a million pieces. 

How long, O Lord?

This year, Audrey and I celebrate 25 years of marriage. Looking back, my painful "how long?" was leading to God's "just right." If you are stuck in a waiting season today, take heart. Your breakthrough, whatever it should look like, is coming. This dark tunnel will not last forever.

Demetrius Rogers

Daily Devotional from Psalm 12–

Verse 6
The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times.

The overall tone of this psalm is somber. “The faithful have disappeared,” David bemoans. Everyone on earth speaks nothing but lies to each other. I’ll tell you what, online gossip forums provide space for exactly that today. It takes strong will to stay out of the fray, to refuse to engage in online swordfights over differences of belief or opinion.

But David finds solace in a timeless truth: GOD DOESN’T LIE. When gossip, slander and chaos swirl around you, focus on God’s words. They are pure, they are beautiful. They will refresh your soul.

Audrey Rogers

Daily Devotional from Psalm 11–

Verse 3
…if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?

When the foundations around us seem to crumble, our first instinct is often to run. Yet Psalm 11 gently redirects our gaze upward. The Lord has not stepped away from His throne, and He has not overlooked a single detail of your life. What appears chaotic to us is never outside His sovereign care. He sees, He knows, and He remains perfectly righteous. Instead of allowing fear to dictate your next step, anchor your heart in God's unchanging character. The same Lord who reigns over the nations also watches over His children with unwavering love. Today, choose faith over fear, and let the certainty of His presence become the foundation beneath your feet.

Audrey Rogers

Daily Devotional from Psalm 10–

Verses 14, 17a  
But you do see,…Oh Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear.

Have you been distressed by the seemingly endless prosperity and power of people who take advantage of others? In their greed and arrogance, they flaunt their riches and devise their schemes against the innocent and downtrodden. They say, “God doesn’t exist, and if he does, he can’t see what I do. I will never be held responsible or come to ruin.”

Psalm 10 reassures us that indeed God does see what they are doing. He does hear when we cry out to him. He responds with strength in our innermost beings. Though we may not see it happen, God brings justice in its due season. Ultimately, unrepented sin results in death (Romans 6:23). The wicked man’s wickedness will destroy him (Psalm 1:6). Acknowledge God as King, Righteous Judge, Father, Deliverer and Helper. Ours is to trust (Proverbs 3:5-6), wait (Psalm 27:14, 40:31) and pray for them (Matthew 5:44). 

Carol Wong

Daily Devotional from Psalm 9–

Verse 10 
And those who know Your Name put their trust in You. For you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.

There was a little boy who had done something he wasn’t supposed to do. When his mom asked him what they should do about his behavior, the little boy said, “Just throw me away.”

There have been days when I have done so many things wrong, I’ve felt like God should just throw me away too. Then I am reminded to: count God’s wonderful deeds; sing
praises to His name; know that my enemies perish before His presence, and let God give righteous judgment (obviously He knows more about me than I do). Even in my worst days, He has not, nor will he ever, forsake me or throw me away.

If you ever have a bad day, trust the Lord to pick you up and bring you through. Let your seeking heart run to Him for help. He always has, and He always will respond to a seeking heart. And in case you are wondering, that little boy is a 15-year-old who has become a diligent seeker of God and a powerful young man of prayer. What will the Lord do for you if you put your trust in Him, no matter what kind of day you are having?

Marci Ellis

Daily Devotional from Psalm 8–

Verses 3-4
When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? 

It is amazing to think that God would care for us. I am always astounded at just how big and how limitless our God is. And even in that vastness He decides we are worthy of attention, and not just attention, but worthy of sacrificing his son. God would come down to die for us, His creation. God misses nothing, and He walks with us, not leaving us alone. The believer lives a life of privilege; the privilege being God with them. 

Take a moment today to just really think about the gravity of your situation: if your trust is in Jesus, then the creator of the universe is on your side, and He cares about every detail of your life.

Brendan League

Daily Devotional from Psalm 7–

Oh, let the evil of the wicked come to an end, and may you establish the righteous—you who test the minds and hearts, O righteous God!

King David is asking God for justice for himself and toward his enemies. In fact, this is what he expects from a righteous God, so he gives thanks and sings praises to his name because of these attributes.

Often the unjust go unpunished. But this will not always be the case. One day when the king returns, all will be set right. Be on the lookout for that day!

Rick Bolesta

Daily Devotional from Psalm 6–

Verse 2
Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am languishing; heal me, O Lord, for my bones are troubled.

David did not hold anything back in this chapter. He came before the throne of God and laid it all out. He wasn’t scared of God’s response; in fact, he seemed pretty comfortable speaking from his heart and grieving with God. That’s because he knew that our God is a God who hears. 

What a comfort it is to know that we can be deeply honest with the Lord in our times of trouble. Sometimes it feels odd to come before God, in all his majesty and holiness, and tell him how we’re really feeling. But God’s grandeur and our ability to be honest with him are not mutually exclusive! He is mighty and personal. He is glorious and as close as the whisper of his name. 

So if you find yourself in a place of darkness or suffering, come before the Lord with utmost honesty. Share your heart with him. He wants to walk with you through your pain and be present in your time of suffering!

Zoe Deming

Daily Devotional from Psalm 5–

Verse 7
But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, will enter your house. I will bow down toward your holy temple in the fear of you.

John 3:16 says “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” It was through the abundance of his steadfast love that we are able to enter into his presence. The moment that Jesus died, the temple curtain was torn into two (Mark 15:37-38), signifying that all people now had access to God’s presence through the sacrifice of Jesus. 

Jesus said that there will be a day when people will not worship in the temple, but in the Spirit and truth (John 4:23-24), and let today be the day we bow down and worship the Father in the Spirit in holy fear of him. 
What does that look like for you? Does it look like clearing out a closet space to make yourself a prayer space? Does it look like prayer walks? Does it look like inviting friends over to pray together? How does the abundant love of God lead you to worship? What may need to change in your life because of it? 

Robin Miller

Daily Devotional from Psalm 4–

Verse 1
Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!
    You have given me relief when I was in distress.
    Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!

There are days when the noise around us is loud enough to make our hearts forget what has always been true: God is still near. In Psalm 4, David doesn't pretend life is easy. He brings his distress honestly before the Lord and finds that God's presence is greater than his problems. That same invitation is ours today. We don't have to chase the world's version of peace because the Lord gives a joy that settles deep within the soul. Lay your worries before Him, trust His faithful character, and let His peace quiet your heart. When your head rests on the pillow tonight, remember that your security is not found in your circumstances but in the God who lovingly watches over you.

Audrey Rogers

Daily Devotional from Psalm 3–

Verse 5
I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me.

In the midst of running for his life from his son Absalom, who had launched a military coup, intending to take the throne from David, it says David lay down and slept. The Lord watched over him, and let him rest.

Most of us won’t ever experience running from our lives from a violent mob, but we do go through trials and times of emotional, mental, and physical testing. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is lay down and take a nap. Our bodies and minds need that respite. They need a break from the stress. A nap can be a very spiritual thing, refreshing us inside and out.

Give yourself permission to take a nap if you need it. I guarantee you I’ll be taking a nap this afternoon!

Audrey Rogers

Daily Devotional from Psalm 2– 

Verses 4-6
He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision. Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying, “As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.” 

It’s a dangerous place to be when you are against the Lord. The pride of human hearts makes us feel like we can take God, we believe that we know more than God. But verse 4 puts things into right perspective for us: God laughs at our attempts against Him. It’s like a fly threatening a Tiger; God is not moved by human threats. 

God is gracious but He will not put up with those who have made themselves enemies forever.  Jesus is coming back and we want to see as many as possible side with the Lord. Let us recognize the gravity of the situation humanity lies in. Let’s stay faithful and keep our hands to the plow so that we can see many who were once enemies become friends of God.

Brendan League

Daily Devotional from Psalm 1–

Verses 1-2 
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law, he meditates day and night.

Here is seen the progression of decline in one’s behavior: first walking, then standing, then sitting with those who disregard the Word and ways of God. It’s a trap! 

We who love Jesus must keep our focus on him and not let ourselves listen to the useless advice of those who don’t know him. Don’t stop to consider the attraction of sinful ideas and acts. Don’t settle in with those who mock God. 
As in verse 2, delight in his Word. Think about it all the time. Walk with him, stop to listen to him and sit in his divine presence. The wonderful results are happiness, refreshment, fruitfulness, rejuvenation and prosperity! The Lord knows us, those who have been clothed with the righteousness of Christ. He wants us with him! What wondrous love!

Carol Wong

Daily Devotional from Job 42– 

Verse 12
And the Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning.
 
Many people tend to read Job 42 as a happy ending. But more than a happy ending, Job 42 is a new beginning! Quite likely, Job had more days to live after this mysterious book, than he ever did before.
 
So, the next time you go through a difficult season, just remember that your suffering isn’t designed to take you out. It’s there to set you up. Your suffering is not the finish line ribbon. It’s the starting blocks that launch you in a new direction, with a fresh vision of who the Lord is in your life.
 
Therefore, allow Job to give you a fresh perspective. God never intends to waste your sorrows.
 
Demetrius Rogers

July 14

Daily Devotional from Job 41–

Verse 1
Can you draw out Leviathan with a fish hook or press down his tongue with a cord?

What is a Leviathan? The dictionary calls him a monstrous sea creature. He is also called a crocodile, a dragon, and it is even said he had multiple heads. The question is “Can he stand up to being compared to the Almighty God?” 

What does the scripture say? Job 3:8 says you can rouse him up. Psalm 74:14 says God crushed his heads and used him for food for the creatures of the wilderness.
Psalm 104:26 says God formed him to play in the sea.
Isaiah 27:1 says the Lord will punish him with his hard, great, and strong sword. It also says the Lord will slay the dragon that is in the sea.

In the end, we see that God, who created even the Leviathan stands out. He is Powerful. Nothing, not even a sea monster, or a creature that we can’t exactly picture, will compare to God. God can’t be bought; he can’t be bribed; we can’t earn his love or his mercy. We can only repent, receive, and acknowledge that He alone stands above all.
Let’s just lift our hands to Heaven and praise the one who stands above all.

Marci Ellis

Daily Devotional from Job 40–

Verses 6-8
Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind and said: “Dress for action like a man; I will question you, and you make it known to me. Will you even put me in the wrong? Will you condemn me that you may be in the right?”  

Job has been justifiably upset over the course of this book. He has had friends try to convince him of wrongdoing, or of God’s anger toward unrighteousness, etc. But now, it has been God’s turn to speak. 

When we confront the Lord, we have to understand that God is a person and he will respond, and he will be—justifiably—confrontational too. The Scriptures are clear about this and tell us that one day we will be standing before the throne and Judgment of God. 

However— the Scripture also states that we have an advocate who mediates on our behalf (1 John 2:1; Romans 8:24), and presents us as blameless before the Father (Jude 24-25; Ephesians 1:4). So we need not worry about the Lord’s contention, because Jesus received it all in full on the cross and clothed us in his righteousness. If you have been saved by Jesus, then when God looks at you, he sees the righteousness of Jesus (2 Cor. 5:21)…and isn’t that just good news? 

Robin Miller

Daily Devotional from Job 38--

Verse 4
Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding.

Sometimes it’s easier to trust in our own understanding or the understanding of others than it is to trust God. Here God is stating that He has a higher perspective than we do. He created the earth and He continues to sustain it. Job and his friends were trying to make the situation understandable, but they didn’t have the perspective to do that.

I’m sure there are situations you’ve faced where you just wanted to make sense of it all—and so did everyone around you. Most of the time, the suffering we go through just doesn’t make any sense. Sometimes, the suffering we face is undeserved. The greatest thing we can do in tough circumstances is TRUST. Trust that God understands what you don’t, that He is with you, and that He hears your cries for both justice and peace.

Annika Sullenger

Daily Devotional from Job 37–

Verse 5
God thunders wondrously with his voice; he does great things that we cannot comprehend.

Although Elihu’s speech to Job and his friends still fell short of perfect, I just love the things he says in this chapter. He is keenly aware of God’s majesty, and he knows that it outweighs everything else. Elihu emphasizes that God is above all, and he is all-powerful, no matter the situation.

I think we can take some wisdom from Elihu. No matter what we’re going through, it does our hearts and souls good to recognize and declare God’s majesty. We can rest in the fact that he is omnipotent (all-powerful), omniscient (all-knowing), and omnipresent (ever-present)! Whenever I do this, the troubles I’m facing seem to shrink down. 

If you are suffering or facing hardship today, I encourage you to take some time and meditate on God’s majesty. Declare his goodness and his faithfulness. Proclaim who he is! Your problems won’t disappear, but you will remember who is bigger than your problems in the first place. 

Zoe Deming

Daily Devotional from Job 36—

Verses 11-12
If they listen and serve him, they complete their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasantness. But if they do not listen, they perish by the sword and die without knowledge.

Elihu is making big claims here. In a way, his logic suggests that those who were martyred for Christ died because they were outside of God’s will. That would be silly to think.

You may have heard of the (false) “Prosperity Gospel”. It suggests that God’s will for all of His followers is rich and pleasant living. It’s easy to believe when things are going good, but when hardships come like sickness or financial troubles we might think a person is out of God’s will, if we believe only good should happen to a follower of Christ. But God never promised easy living. In fact, He said life will be difficult. But if we persevere, there is a good ending: we will be united with Him and never feel the sorrows and pains of this world again. When you are going through hard times, trust God, He has not turned His eyes away from you. He is watching and He loves you.

Brendan League

Daily Devotional from Job 35–

Verse 5
Look at the heavens, and see; and behold the clouds, which are higher than you.

Elihu tells Job to look at the clouds to illustrate that God is infinitely higher than we are. Elihu claims that our actions do not affect God, but he is mistaken. Hebrews 13:16 tells us that God is pleased when we do good, and Isaiah 59:2 says our sins hide God’s face from us. 

God certainly is so much bigger than we can imagine, and it’s important to keep that perspective. But he’s also as close as your next heartbeat, always ready to redeem the repentant, and intimately desiring a relationship with us. 

God is big, and he is just, and he is loving.

Audrey Rogers

Daily Devotional from Job 33-

Verses 29-30
Behold, God does all these things, twice, three times, with a man, to bring back his soul from the pit, that he may be lighted with the light of life.

The three times with a man refers to God speaking to man through visions (Job 33:14),
through afflictions (Job 33:15-17), and through messengers (Job 33:23).

Sometimes God’s Words of wisdom are hard to see, hard to feel, and hard to hear, and
even harder to digest, but they always, without fail, have a redemptive purpose. God
restores our souls over and over again. He has many methods to bring restoration into our
lives. He always chooses what is best for each of us to bring about the best good. Our
purpose is to accept what He brings and remain unshaken in our trust and faith. We must
remember that He who began this good work in us will be faithful to complete it.

So let’s believe in His promises, trust in His faithfulness, remain unshaken through the
process, and let the light of God shine in and through us as we become the people He
created us to be.

Marci Ellis

Daily Devotional from Job 32--

Verses 19-20 (RSV)
Behold, my heart is like wine that has no vent;
    like new wineskins, it is ready to burst.
 I must speak, that I may find relief;
    I must open my lips and answer.

Have you ever been in a conversation with someone and felt like this? Like you have to say something or you will burst open? Like a volcano about to erupt?

Sometimes what we feel we need to say doesn’t necessarily need to be said. Elihu had listened to Job and his other friends and couldn’t hold in his thoughts any longer, basically calling all of them dumb--which didn’t help Job either.
 
Sometimes when someone is going through something, they just need a listening ear and a supportive shoulder. Sometimes, the more loving thing to do is to let the tension, the bursting feeling, the NEED to say something, pass. If we don’t, we might say something that is entirely unhelpful, hurtful, or untrue that may lead the other person to cease trusting us with their heart.

We want to be people who are safe and trustworthy, amen?

Robin Miller