With Us—Psalm 121:7-8

8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

7 The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life;

Psalm 121:7-8 (NIV)

These verses are a comforting reminder of God’s love, protection, and care for us. He will watch over our comings and goings, not just today, but forevermore. The verses affirm God’s promise to protect us from harm and to keep watch over our lives, guiding and protecting us through life’s trials. In moments of uncertainty, we can find solace in the knowledge that we are never alone; His presence surrounds us like a gentle shield.

God is with us. His continuing protection and constant presence afford us confidence; we are able to face life’s challenges, trusting in God’s supreme power. His unwavering support encourages us to face challenges with courage and faith, trusting in His divine plan.

God is faithful; as we trust in Him, we can look forward to His steadfast love and care now and forevermore. We can live without fear and worry, knowing our Almighty God is looking after us. This assurance enables us to navigate even the most turbulent times with hope and resilience.

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Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love, guidance, and protection. Help us bring our worries and troubles to You, and lead us on Your path. Remind us to reach out to You when we are troubled, knowing You are always with us and we are never alone. Just as flowers bring beauty and joy, Your protection brings us comfort and peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Call on Me – Jeremiah 33:3

2“This is what the Lord says, he who made the earth, the Lord who formed it and established it—the Lord is his name: 3‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. Jeremiah 33:2-3

During the time of the prophet Jeremiah, the nation of Judah was in turmoil. The people had turned away from God, and they were under threat of a Babylonian invasion. God chose Jeremiah to send a message of warning to the people of Judah, urging them to repent. The message was also one of hope.

For the Lord says, “Call on me in prayer, and I will answer you. God is asking us to have faith, rely on Him, and go to Him in prayer. It is an invitation to communicate with God, stating that He is willing to listen and answer you. When we rely on God and His infinite wisdom, it encourages us to open our hearts and have a deeper connection with Him.

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how fathomless his ways! Romans 11:3 (NET)

If we put our faith and trust in God, He will answer our prayers and show us things we could never imagine. God reveals wonders beyond what we can understand. Because He cares for us, when we call on Him, He gives us wisdom, guidance, and help when we need it most.

1While Jeremiah was still locked up in jail, a second Message from God was given to him: ^2-3“This is God’s Message, the God who made earth, made it livable and lasting, known everywhere as God: ‘Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.’ Jeremiah 33:2-3 (MSG)

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Our Heavenly Father, thank You for listening to and answering our prayers. Help us to grow in faith and to follow Your divine guidance. Teach us to go to You with our concerns and problems and trust in Your infinite wisdom. Like the bright, colorful vinca flowers spread and flourish on summer days, let us shine bright with Your light and flourish in Your love. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen.

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Light in the Darkness – Psalm 112:4

Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous. – Psalm 112:4 (ERV)

Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness. Those who are upright are those who are pious, compassionate, and merciful. Even in the darkness of trouble, for Christians, light arises: the light of hope, God’s light in the darkness illuminating their path.

But the path of the righteous is like the bright morning light, growing brighter and brighter until full day. Proverbs 4:18 (NET)

The upright know God is good, they have faith in Him, and trust His promises. They reflect God’s character by being gracious, merciful, and righteous, even in times of adversity. Remaining steadfast in their faith, shining in His light, they become beacons of hope for others, demonstrating that true strength lies not in the absence of trials but in unwavering trust in God.

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Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your grace and mercy toward us. You are our light in the darkness, guiding us on our path. Help us to become more Christlike in our actions. Like the sunflower blossom follows the sun, let us blossom in your love and follow Your Son. Amen.

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Lord’s Glory – Habakkuk 2:14

For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of Jehovah, as the waters cover the sea. – Habakkuk 2:14 (ASV)

The prophet Habakkuk is living in a time of turmoil and injustice. He is worried that wickedness is triumphing; the Babylonians were oppressing the people of Judah.

The glory of God refers to His majesty and holiness. The splendor of God is displayed in the earth and heaven, revealing His glory.

Praise his glorious name forever! Let the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and amen!. – Psalm 72:19 (NLT)

Habakkuk receives a vision. In this vision, the glory of God covers the earth, like water covers the sea. A vision of the future when the knowledge of the glory of God will be universally recognized and acknowledged. A world that is renewed and restored, free from sin and injustice. This vision instills a deep sense of anticipation and purpose, encouraging believers to live out their faith with confidence. As they strive to embody this glory, they become instruments of God’s love and grace, reflecting the promise of a brighter future.

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Our Heavenly Father, you are our hope and our salvation. The knowledge of Your glory, Lord, brings us hope. We are in awe of Your majesty and goodness. We give thanks to You for Your guidance, grace, and love. May we carry this spirit of love and service into every interaction, spreading kindness and understanding to those around us. Like the beautiful open blossom of the water lilies, let us open our hearts to you and blossom in faith. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen.

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The Word – Isaiah 40:8

The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”

Isaiah 40:8 (NIV)

In this verse, the prophet Isaiah contrasts the temporary nature of flowers and grass to the enduring promise of God’s word.
Earlier in verse 6, Isaiah compares people to being like grass and their love and faithfulness being as fragile as a wildflower. Which withers and falls when the wind sent from the Lord blows on it.

“All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. 7 The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass. 8 The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” Isaiah 40:6b-8 (NIV)

Permanence and stability are found in the eternal word of God, which endures forever. For God is steadfast, His promises never fail; they last forever. When we trust in God’s word and live in obedience, His word will sustain us for now and forever. The word of God stands firm; it endures forever.

“These people are nothing but grass,
    their love fragile as wildflowers.
The grass withers, the wildflowers fade,
    if God so much as puffs on them.
    Aren’t these people just so much grass?
True, the grass withers and the wildflowers fade,
    but our God’s Word stands firm and forever.” Isaiah 40:6-8 (MSG)

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Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, thank you for Your grace and love for us. Thank you for Your word and Jesus, The Word. Teach us to read Your word and follow Jesus. May Your word guide and direct us. Your word stands firm and forever, giving us hope. Though we are fragile, like dandelions and wildflowers, let us be strong and secure in our faith. Amen

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Direct My Footsteps: Psalm 119:133-135

Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me. Psalm 119:133 (NIV)

Psalm 119 is a prayer. In verse 133, the psalmist asks God to order his steps to make them firm, not halting. Let our steps follow God’s word, guide us, lead us, and teach us to walk righteously. Help us to live a life free from evil and sin, to live a life aligned with You.

Redeem me from human oppression, that I may obey your precepts. – Psalm 119:134 (NIV)

Verse 134 asks for deliverance from the dealings of wicked people. God, free us from temptation and oppression; let justice and righteousness prevail. We pray for Your divine assistance, guidance, and strength to follow You, Lord, in joyful obedience.

Make your face shine on your servant and teach me your decrees. – Psalm 119:135 (NIV)

Verse 135 is a plea for God’s approval and blessing. Let Your face shine upon me, comfort me, and illuminate the darkness around me with Your light. Direct my footsteps, Lord, teach me Your decrees, and help me grow in spirit and truth. Direct my footsteps to follow and obey Your laws and statutes.

Steady my steps with your Word of promise so nothing malign gets the better of me.
Rescue me from the grip of bad men and women so I can live life your way.
Smile on me, your servant; teach me the right way to live. Psalm 119: 133-135 (MSG)

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Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, direct our footsteps and guide us on Your path for us. Deliver us from evil, free us from temptation, and protect us from wicked people. Let Your face shine on us and help us grow in spirit and truth. Like the Bellflower, blossoms follow the light, direct our footsteps to obey your laws, and follow Your light. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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Praise His Name – Psalm 96:2

Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.

– Psalm 96:2 (NIV)

1-2 Sing God a brand-new song!
Earth and everyone in it, sing!
Sing to God—worship God!

2-3 Shout the news of his victory from sea to sea,
Take the news of his glory to the lost,
News of his wonders to one and all!

5-6 God made the heavens—
Royal splendor radiates from him,
A powerful beauty sets him apart.

7 Bravo, God, Bravo!
Everyone join in the great shout: Encore!
In awe before the beauty, in awe before the might.

Psalm 96: 1-6 (MSG)

🎶Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. 🎶

Psalm 96:2 (NIV)

Amen! 🌺

We Wait in Hope – Psalm 33:20

We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you.
Psalm 33:20–22 (CSB)

Faith teaches us to wait, for God is faithful, and to be patient with hope and accept God’s timing. God is our protector, our help, and our shield.

So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
Hebrews 4:16 (NLT)

Jesus is our advocate; He speaks to the Father for us, providing help when we need it most. Our hope is found in Jesus, who loves us and gave His life for our salvation.

My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.
1 John 2:1 (NIV)

God’s unfailing love fills our hearts with joy! We rejoice, for we trust His Holy name! Our hope is in the Lord.

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Is Your hope in the Lord?

Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, You are our help, shield, and strength. Thank you for Your faithfulness and care. Teach us to be patient in hope and steadfast in faith. Guide us on our path and open our hearts to Your love. Like the buds on the Rose of Sharon open and the tree is filled with flowers, let us be open-hearted and filled with faith and hope. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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Faith from Hearing: Romans 10:17

13For “Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.” 14But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?
Romans 10:13-14

Paul is encouraging people to spread the Good News about Christ to everyone, Jews and Gentiles.

So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.
Romans 10:17 (NLT)

Faith comes by hearing, by hearing about Christ, hearing what the Lord says through Christ.
Christians need to share Christ’s message and bring the Good News to non-believers. To believe in Him, people need to hear about Christ and His message. Faith comes from hearing and applying. How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news. (Romans 20:15b)

15And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”
Romans 10:15 (NLT)

Faith comes from hearing and sharing the gospel, by grand processions of people, telling the Good News of Christ. Sharing the gospel allows everyone who believes and calls on the name of the Lord; to be saved.

14-17 But how can people call for help if they don’t know who to trust? And how can they know who to trust if they haven’t heard of the One who can be trusted? And how can they hear if nobody tells them? And how is anyone going to tell them, unless someone is sent to do it? That’s why Scripture exclaims,

A sight to take your breath away!
Grand processions of people
telling all the good things of God!
Romans 10:14-17 (MSG)

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Faith comes from hearing the message of Christ. Have you shared Christ’s message?

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, we; thank You for your forgiveness and love. Teach us to be Your hands and feet, to be messengers telling all the good things of God. Let people grow in faith from hearing our message. Like the gazania’s bright and open flower, let us brightly shine with and be open to sharing your Word. In Jesus’ name. Amen