Category: Uncategorized

FEBRUARY 17

Psalm 34

Psalm 34:3, “Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!”

At Emmanuel Bible Baptist Church in Plymouth, Maine, a dedicated group of women comes together to craft something far more profound than mere fabric—they create a message. In making banners, these faithful hands stitch together words of hope and praise in a language not their own, declaring the greatness of God. This labor of love has persisted for years, driven by a singular purpose: to invite others into the worship of the God they love.

Hope and Mercy Mission, a ministry focused on serving rural Ugandans, transports these banners across the globe. Mission teams journey to Uganda, carrying with them, on the banners, the message of Psalm 34:3 in Lugandan: “Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.” The words are woven not only into cloth but into their hearts, echoing the invitation to join in worship.

In keeping with the message on the banners, the scope of the mission itself has grown. What began as an effort to minister to a relatively small group of pastors has blossomed into a regional effort, involving hundreds of pastors and churches across that region of Uganda. In many of the churches, you’ll find displayed the banners the women made.  More importantly, you’ll find thousands who’ve made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ.

The banners—simple yet powerful—make a journey that transcends distance, uniting two communities: one in Maine and one in Uganda. Both share a love for worship, and together, they are bound by the same desire to magnify the Lord. What began with humble stitches now resonates throughout villages, churches, and hearts, drawing believers together in the joy of shared praise.

You don’t need to create a banner or travel halfway across the world to join in the psalmist’s plea. The longing for others to worship God resides in the heart of every believer. Your words, your actions, and the example you set can contribute to this cause—spreading the invitation to magnify and exalt His name, wherever you are.

There’s nothing done together of greater import than to exalt the name of God.

Application Questions: Does your heart long for others to join in the worship of God?  Do your words and deeds reflect upon that desire?  Imagine yourself to be a banner. What message is your life declaring?

FEBRUARY 14

Psalm 33

Psalm 33:13, “The Lord looks down from heaven; he sees all the children of man.”

Human institutions are entrusted with the responsibility of watching over others—parents over their children, governing authorities over their citizens, and pastors over their flocks. Yet, no human is perfect, and all have limitations in what they can see and how much they can do.

But God holds a higher vantage point. Enthroned in heaven, He sees all the children of men. Let that thought sink in for a moment. “He looks out on all the inhabitants of the earth” (Psalm 33:14). This includes every person—regardless of age, race, sex, or creed. God knows them all intimately. It is He “who fashions the hearts of them all and observes all their deeds” (Psalm 33:15).

We have a tendency to look to human institutions for help, and sometimes we should. But we are frail creatures, with needs and wounds too deep for human eyes to see or hands to heal. Even a king is not saved by his great army, nor a warrior by his great strength (Psalm 33:16).

How reassuring, then, to know that our lives and actions are under the watchful eye of our Creator. With righteousness and justice, He rules over all. In love, He invites us to trust Him with our lives. His “eye is on those who fear him” (Psalm 33:18). He is able to deliver us from even the most desperate of situations (Psalm 33:19). No matter where we are on this planet, God knows us, and He is able to intervene in our lives for our good. He hears our prayers.

“It is one of our choicest privileges to be always under our Father’s eye, to be never out of sight of our best friend.”-Charles Spurgeon

Application questions:  Some suppose God to be distant and aloof from this world.  But what does this verse say?  God not only sees, but He also intimately knows each of us.  Why is this important to understand?  Prayerfully thank God for His watchful care over you.

FEBRUARY 13

Psalm 32

Psalm 32:1, “Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven.”

It is commonly believed that Psalm 32 follows David’s profound confession in Psalm 51. After committing grave sins—adultery and murder—and attempting to cover them up, David found himself in turmoil. Only after confessing his sins to God did he experience the blessings described in this psalm.

We all sin, and it is up to us whether we try to hide, deny, or ignore it—or whether we bring it before God in confession. There is a temptation to conceal our wrongdoings, but that will never cleanse us. As Charles Spurgeon wisely said, “While we smother our sin, it rages within, swelling like a gathering wound, tormenting us horribly.” In his attempt to cover his sins, David sacrificed his health and vitality (Psalm 32:3-4).

David, however, eventually chose to confess his sin (Psalm 32:5), and with that confession came forgiveness. To confess is to agree with God about the gravity and vileness of our sin. The Greek word for “confess” in 1 John 1:9 literally means “to say the same thing.” In sinning, we ignored God’s truth. In confession, we humbly and heartily agree with God about the wrongness of our actions and align ourselves with His righteous judgment.

Confession leads to freedom. When we confess, iniquity is covered, guilt is absolved, hope is restored, and vitality is renewed. The prodigal son returned to his father’s embrace and a joyous celebration. Similarly, confession is met with the abundant mercy and forgiveness of God. There is a blessedness in forgiveness that can only come from Him.

“Pardoning mercy is of all things in the world most to be prized, for it is the only and sure way to happiness.” – Charles Spurgeon

Application Questions: What are some of the wrong ways of dealing with sin?  What does it mean to confess your sin?  Do you have any sin that you need even now to confess to God?  Do so, keeping the promise of 1 John 1:9 in mind.

FEBRUARY 12

Psalm 31

Psalm 31:7, “You have seen my affliction; you have known the distress of my soul.”

Two deaths in one week in one home demanded my attention. The passing of the hospice patient was anticipated, but the other was not. Such sorrow in a household—two losses in quick succession—is a heavy burden. As I made my way to visit, these thoughts consumed my mind. Whom am I to offer comfort? How can I? I prayed for God to lead me, realizing that some depths of pain and sorrow are beyond human understanding—only the God of all comfort can truly attend to them (2 Corinthians 1:3).

God, the Creator, knows us intimately. In His omniscience, He understands us completely. It was He who knit us together in the womb (Psalm 139:13). He is acquainted with all our ways (Psalm 139:2-3), and He knows what we will say before we speak (Psalm 139:4). He ordained the number of our days before our first (Psalm 139:16). Nothing in our lives surprises Him. This is a comfort, especially in times of distress.

But God’s knowledge goes beyond mere awareness—He also cares. In love, He sent His Son, who endured unimaginable suffering. “Because He Himself has suffered when tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted” (Hebrews 2:18). As our High Priest, He “can sympathize with our weaknesses,” having been tempted in every way we are, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:16). He is the expert in affliction, and we can bring our troubles to Him with the assurance that He understands and knows how best to handle them. With this knowledge, we are encouraged to approach the throne of grace with confidence, seeking help in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16).

I often say: No one knows us better, cares more deeply, or is more capable of intervening than God. While others may not grasp the specifics of our pain, He does. While it may seem that no one else cares, God does. And when earthly resources fall short, God is more than capable of turning things around (Romans 8:28). Therefore, we do well to place our trust in Him, always.

It is God, who knows me intimately and loves me intentionally, who is best able to help me in times of trouble!

Application Questions: Do you sometimes feel as if no one understands what you are going through?  The hymn says, “Jesus knows all about our struggles.”  Why is it important to keep that truth in mind?  He knows and cares—pray accordingly.

FEBRUARY 11

Psalm 30

Psalm 30:5, “Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.”

If you′ve knelt beside the rubble of an aching broken heart
When the things you gave your life to fell apart
You’re not the first to be acquainted with sorrow, grief, or pain
But the Master promised sunshine after rain
Hold on, my child
Joy comes in the morning
Weeping only last for the night
Hold on, my child
Joy comes in the morning
The darkest hour means dawn is just in sight.
-Writers: William and Gloria Gaither

Sorrow in this life is no surprise, for we live in a broken world. We sin or are wronged, and sorrow finds its way to us. Personal loss, especially the death of a loved one or friend, is particularly hard. Sorrow and grief are inseparable, yet they are not our friends. Like uninvited guests, they are often difficult to evict. Their dark and foreboding presence weighs heavily on us—emotionally, spiritually, and even physically. And there are tears, the loss of hope, and even despondency.

Were there no God of hope, there would be no hope of joy. But it is God who created both night and day, and each new morning brings with it the promise of fresh mercies, from the One who is rich in mercy (Lamentations 3:23; Ephesians 2:4). Life can be harsh, and Jesus Himself lived among us as a “Man of Sorrows… acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3). But for “the joy that was set before Him, He endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:2). A cruel cross paved the way for an empty tomb and the promise of renewal to all who trust in Him.

Though sorrow may come as an unwelcome guest, joy and the promise of joy remain enduring companions. As Scripture tells us, “the anger of the Lord is but for a moment… His favor is for a lifetime” (Psalm 30:5). No loss or sorrow, no matter how cruel or heartbreaking, can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:39). Just as night gives way to day, and winter to spring, the God of renewal births joy in the hearts of His children through His presence. One day, a broken world will give way to a new creation, where sorrow will be no more (Revelation 21:4).  In God’s presence and promise, there’s always good reason to praise and thank God (Psalm 30:4).

“Now, see, the morning breaks! Who is this hurrying up the hill, and knocking at the door? Hark to his joyous shout! Who is this? Ah! It is Joy. The child of the morning light!” – F. B. Meyer

Application Questions: Think back to the last time you were sorrowful.  What worked to turn your emotions around?  How important is this promise of joy in times of sorrow?  What means does God use to restore joy?

FEBRUARY 10

Psalm 29

Psalm 29:2, “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.”

The term “voice” occurs seven times in this short psalm.  The psalmist, David, describes a thunderstorm gathering over the Mediterranean, and passing by in its fury until it dissolved in floods in the fields of Bashan and Gilead.  David watched and listened and ascribed what he witnessed to the voice and glory of God. 

Meteorologically speaking, thunder happens when the temperature of the air surrounding a lightning bolt is super-heated, and then quickly cools and contracts.  The rapid expansion and contraction creates the sound wave we hear as thunder.  It’s the lightning that causes the thunder, but what causes the lightning? Lightning happens when updrafts carry positively charged droplets to the top of the cloud, while downdrafts carry negatively charged droplets to the bottom.  The separation of charges creates the electrical fields that are then discharged via lightning.  But what is the ultimate cause of all this?

The glory of God is clear in all his creation—the sky, the sea, and the land.  David attributed the power of a thunderstorm to the majesty and power of the creator of all things.  He heard the thunder and ascribed glory to God. 

In quoting an ancient Greek poet, the Apostle Paul said, “For in him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28).  Not only do we owe our existence to our Creator, but all that which we witness in His creation speaks to His glory and strength.  We do well to practice the presence of God by tracing the wonders we witness to the Architect of all that exists, as did David. 

Trace the thunder that shakes the sky back to the One who spoke all things into being.

Application Questions: Are you in the habit of tracing the beauty you witness in this world to the One who is at the source of it all?  Does the glory of creation work to move you to ascribe glory to God?  What steps can you take to better practice the presence of God in ongoing awareness of Him?

FEBRUARY 7

Psalm 28

Psalm 28:2, “Hear the voice of my pleas for mercy, when I cry to you for help.”

Psalm 28:6, “Blessed be the Lord!  For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy.”

The psalmist, David, faced many challenges.  Amid those challenges, the Lord was his “rock” (Psalm 28:1), and his “strength and shield,” a Shepherd in whom he could always trust (Psalm 28:7).

He understood the Lord to be One who cares.  We all need someone who cares, be it a parent, a spouse, or a friend.  Our hospice team does a wonderful job of caring for patients and their families by providing medical, physical, and spiritual help.  We’ll often ask, “Do you have any unmet needs?” But human care has its limits, for there are troubles too big and hurts and scars too deep for human hands to reach.

David cried out to God for help.  The Hebrew term translated “mercy” is the plural of a term meaning “womb” and speaks to a deep, motherly compassion, thus conveying the idea of God’s tender care and love.  Even if no one else cares, there is a God who cares.  When our troubles transcend the limits of earthly help, there is a God who knows better, loves more, and cares with more tenderness than even one’s mother (Isaiah 49:15).

David cried out to God for help, and the Lord heard his cry.  God hears and God cares.  1 Peter 5:7 exhorts you to cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.  The God who cares, hears, and in hearing he responds.  “Blessed be the Lord!”

“Oh, yes, He cares, I know He cares
His heart is touched with my grief
When the days are weary
The long night dreary
I know my Savior cares.”
“Does Jesus Care;” J. Lincoln Hall / Frank E. Graeff

Application questions:  Have you been in David’s shoes, pleading to God for mercy and crying out to Him for help?  David believed and understood that God could be counted on to care for him.  Do you think that way too?  What is one trouble in your life you can even now entrust to Him?

FEBRUARY 6

Psalm 27

Psalm 27:4, “To gaze upon the beauty of the Lord.”

What is the last beautiful thing you gazed upon?  A beautiful building or work of art or some other creation of man?  A beautiful sunrise or sunset, mountain or landscape, or some other part of God’s creation?  Has something of beauty so caught your attention that your eyes could not look away, as you gazed with wonder or deep appreciation?

The psalmist, David, was not ignorant of the ugliness that exists in this sin-cursed world.  Evildoers sought to do him harm.  False witnesses conspired against him.  Throughout his troubles, he looked to the Lord, his stronghold, to protect and shelter him.  It was in the Lord that he found confidence and was not afraid!

But he looked to the Lord not just because he needed help, he understood something of the beauty of the Lord.  Is He beautiful?  Nothing can surpass His beauty!  Set apart in His holiness, He is beautiful in all his ways.  He is beautiful in each of His attributes.  As a rainbow derives its beauty in the combination of its colors, the beauty of the Lord stands in the summation of all His perfections.  If there is beauty in this world and in the heavens, how much more beauty is possessed by the One who created it all! 

Scripture speaks to the fact that no one has seen God, but Jesus has made him known (John 1:18).  The disciples beheld the glory of Jesus and devoted their lives to serving Him (John 1:14).  The Holy Spirit opened your eyes to the glory of Jesus in the face of Jesus, and you put your trust in Him (2 Corinthians 4:6).  One day, when you enter His presence, and you’ll marvel at him (2 Thessalonians 1:10).  It is a work of the Spirit to unveil to us the beauty of the Lord even now (John 16:14).  For now, we seek to know Him better (Philippians 3:10).  We do well to do as the hymn says: “Turn 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” (Hymn, “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”)!

“Thou hast bid me gaze upon Thee, and Thy beauty fills my soul!” –“Jesus, I Am Resting, Resting;” Jean S. Pigott

Application questions: Think back to some beautiful thing that captivated your attention.  What made it beautiful?  What makes Jesus beautiful?  By what means does the Spirit work to open our eyes to Him?  Someday you’ll see Him face-to-face, how much thought and anticipating do you give to that day?

FEBRUARY 5

Psalm 26

Psalm 26:7, “Singing God-songs at the top of my lungs.” (The Message Bible)

At the 2025 Golden Globe Awards, comedian Nikki Glaser drew attention to a notable trend: none of the acceptance speeches in the first half of the ceremony included a mention of God. While delivering a “mid-show recap,” Glaser humorously pointed out that, in terms of gratitude, fellow cast members and crew were first, with eleven mentions, followed by mothers, who were thanked three times. God, however, came in last with zero mentions. Glaser joked that this absence of God was “no surprise in this Godless town.”

Such is the state of things in this broken world. Although humanity was created by God, most refuse to honor Him or offer thanks (Romans 1:21). Rebel hearts and darkened minds lack both the understanding and the will to fulfill the purpose for which they were made. Despite God’s immense love and mercy, shown through the sending of His Son to save sinners, this priceless gift is often met with rejection and scorn.

For the redeemed, however, the perspective is different. A key example can be found in the context of our verse, where the psalmist publicly thanks God at the altar—an altar that looked forward to the future sacrifice of God’s Son for the forgiveness of sins. This act of thanksgiving is rooted in the incredible gift of salvation extended to every sinner. Through God’s Word, the Holy Spirit continually instructs and reminds us of the immense blessings we’ve received (Ephesians 1:3). It is not enough for us to remain silent in our gratitude. The church exists to proclaim the excellencies of the One who has called us out of darkness and into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9). We have a song of thanksgiving to share with the world.

I’ve sat with hospice patients in their final days and have heard some thanking God amid their afflictions. God put a song of thanks in their heart that they’ve sung ’til their last breath. Many of them have asked why God has kept them here when they were ready to pass on. The answer, I responded, is that God still has a purpose for them: a heart and voice to witness to others amidst their affiliations. What about you? It’s easy to complain—any child can do that. But to walk with Jesus in such a way that genuine thanksgiving flows from the heart and is expressed through our words—that is a “God-song” bearing a powerful testimony!

“Come Thou Fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing Thy grace.”—Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing; Robert Robinson

Application Questions: When’s the last time you publicly expressed thanksgiving for something God has done?  How much freedom does the Spirit have in your heart to publish the “God-songs” that will proceed through your lips? 

FEBRUARY 4

Psalm 25

Psalm 25:4, “Teach me your paths.”

“Teach me thy way, O Lord; teach me thy way!
Thy guiding grace afford; teach me thy way!
Help me to walk aright, more by faith, less by sight;
lead me with heav’nly light; teach me thy way!”
–Teach Me Thy Way, O Lord; Author: B. Mansell Ramsey (1919)

Years ago, I taught a beginning algebra class at a community college.  The class was a prerequisite for most students, and some, having little appetite for math, took it only because they had to.  You’ve no doubt attended such classes.  There’s another course of study that is of much greater value, for it holds benefit both for now and eternity.  And it has the best of teachers, God Himself.

The twenty-two verses of this psalm begin consecutively with letters from the Hebrew alphabet, which is why it is referred to as an “Alphabetic” psalm. It is believed that David wrote this psalm later in life, driven by sorrow over his sin to seek God’s guidance and wisdom.

All sinners need to be taught by God. In His goodness, He instructs those who humbly recognize their need for Him (Psalm 25:8). While learning from wise and godly individuals is important, ultimately, everyone needs to be taught by God Himself. Proverbs 14:12 reminds us that the way that seems right to a man leads to death. This is the path we are naturally inclined to follow, but God’s ways are infinitely higher and better than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). To walk in His ways, we must first long to be taught by the Creator, who knows us intimately.

The believer in Christ hosts, in the Holy Spirit, a teacher who is preeminently qualified (1 John 2:27). There’s no need to travel to a distant school because the Spirit resides in the heart of every Christian. Day by day, He patiently reveals the truth of God’s Word, guiding us in matters of godliness. Regardless of our earthly education or intellectual ability, the Spirit’s capacity to teach surpasses all our limitations. All that is required is a Bible and a heart that desires the truth.

Sin teaches us that we need God to save and transform us. The prayer to “teach me Your paths” arises from a recognition of both our sin and God’s holiness. Is God your teacher? Are you seeking to know and walk in His ways? There is no more vital education than this.

“Until the race is run, until the journey’s done, until the crown is won, teach me thy way!”—B. Mansell Ramsey

Application Questions: A good student possesses a teachable spirit.  How teachable are you when it comes to the things of God?  Do you even now yearn for the truth as a newborn babe longs for its mama’s milk (1 Peter 2:2)?  Ask God to grant you such a desire.