Psalms 139:23, 24 NLT

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. (Psalms 139:23, 24 NLT)

Open To God's Surgery

From today's devotional

David asked God to search for sin and point it out, even to the level of testing his thoughts. This is exploratory surgery for sin. How are we to recognize sin unless God points it out? Then, when God shows us, we can repent and be forgiven. Make this verse your prayer. If you ask the Lord to search your heart and your thoughts, and to reveal your sin, you will be continuing on God's "path of everlasting life."

James 1:12 NLT

God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12 NLT)

Psalms 138:8 NLT

The lord will work out his plans for my life— for your faithful love, O lord, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me. (Psalms 138:8 NLT)

Plans and Dreams

From today's devotional

Every person dreams and makes plans for the future. Then they work hard to see those dreams and plans come true. But to make the most of life, we must include God's plan in our plans. He alone knows what is best for us; he alone can fulfill his purpose for us. As you make plans and dream dreams, talk with God about them.

John 14:21 NLT

(Jesus) Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.” (John 14:21 NLT)

Psalms 130:3, 4 NLT

“Lord, if you kept a record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive? But you offer forgiveness, that we might learn to fear (revere) you.” (Psalms 130:3, 4 NLT)

Breaking Down the Wall

From today's devotional

Keeping a record of sins (or holding a grudge) is like building a wall between you and another person, and it is nearly impossible to talk openly while the wall is there. God doesn't keep a record of our sins; when he forgives, he forgives completely, tearing down any wall between us and him. Therefore, we fear (revere) God, yet we can talk to him about anything. When you pray, realize that God is holding nothing against you. His lines of communication are completely open.

Galatians 5:22, 23 NLT

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! (Galatians 5:22, 23 NLT)

Psalms 127:2 NLT

It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones. (Psalms 127:2 NLT)

Balance Work and Life

From today's devotional

God is not against human effort. Hard work honors God. But working to the exclusion of rest or to the neglect of family may be a cover-up for an inability to trust God to provide for our needs. We all need adequate rest and times of spiritual refreshment. On the other hand, this verse is not an excuse to be lazy. Be careful to maintain a balance: work while trusting God, and also rest while trusting him.

Isaiah 40:31 NLT

But those who trust in the lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31 NLT)

Psalms 122:1 NLT

I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the lord.” (Psalms 122:1 NLT)

Worship

From today's devotional

Going to God's house can be a chore or a delight. For the psalmist, it was a delight. As a pilgrim attending one of the three great religious festivals, he rejoiced to worship with God's people in God's house. We may find worship a chore if we have unconfessed sin or if our love for God has cooled. But if we are close to God and enjoy his presence, we will be eager to worship and praise him. Our attitude toward God will determine our view of worship.

Hebrews 11:6 NLT

And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. (Hebrews 11:6 NLT)

Psalms 119:165 NLT

Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble. (Psalms 119:165 NLT)

Great Peace

From today's devotional

Modern society longs for peace of mind. Here is clear-cut instruction on how to attain this: if we love God and obey his laws, we will have "great peace." Trust in God, who alone stands above the pressures of daily life and gives us full assurance.

Psalms 119:93 NLT

I will never forget your commandments, for by them you give me life. (Psalms 119:93 NLT)

Psalms 119:125 NLT

Give discernment to me, your servant; then I will understand your laws. (Psalms 119:125 NLT)

The Bible Is A Prescription

From today's devotional

The psalmist asked God for discernment. Faith comes alive when we apply Scripture to our daily tasks and concerns. We need discernment so we can understand, and we need the desire to apply Scripture where we need help. The Bible is like medicine-it goes to work only when we apply it to the affected areas. As you read the Bible, be alert for lessons, commands, or examples that you can put into practice.

Psalms 84:10 NLT

A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else! I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked. (Psalms 84:10 NLT)

Psalms 119:105 NLT

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. (Psalms 119:105 NLT)

The Bible As A Flashlight

From today's devotional

To walk safely in the woods at night we need a light so we don't trip over tree roots or fall into holes. In this life, we walk through a dark forest of evil. But the Bible can be our light to show us the way ahead so we won't stumble as we walk. It reveals the entangling roots of false values and philosophies. Study the Bible so you will be able to see your way clear enough to stay on the right path.

John 1:9 NLT

The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. (John 1:9 NLT)

Psalms 119:27, 28 NLT

Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds. I weep with sorrow; encourage me by your word. (Psalms 119:27, 28 NLT)

God's Lesson Book

From today's devotional

Our lives are cluttered with rule books, but the authors never come with us to help us follow the rules. But God does. That is the uniqueness of our Bible. God not only provides the rules and guidelines, but comes with us personally each day to strengthen us so that we can live according to those rules. All we must do is invite him and respond to his direction.

Ephesians 6:10, 11 NLT

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. (Ephesians 6:10, 11 NLT)

Psalms 119:9 NLT

How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word. (Psalms 119:9 NLT)

How Do We Stay Pure In A Filthy Environment?

From today's devotion

We are drowning in a sea of impurity. Everywhere we look we find temptation to lead impure lives. The psalmist asked a question that troubles us all: How do we stay pure in a filthy environment? We cannot do this on our own, but must have counsel and strength more dynamic than the tempting influences around us. Where can we find that strength and wisdom? By reading God's Word and doing what it says.

Revelation 3:20 NLT

(Jesus) Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. (Revelation 3:20 NLT)

Psalms 118:24 NLT

This is the day the lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalms 118:24 NLT)

Tell God How You Truly Feel

From today's devotional

There are days when the last thing we want to do is rejoice. Our mood is down, our situation is out of hand, and our sorrow or guilt is overwhelming. We can relate to the writers of the psalms who often felt this way. But no matter how low the psalmists felt, they were always honest with God. And as they talked to God, their prayers ended in praise. When you don't feel like rejoicing, tell God how you truly feel. You will find that God will give you a reason to rejoice. God has given you this day to live and to serve him-be glad!

Galatians 5:13 NLT

For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. (Galatians 5:13 NLT)

Psalms 117:1, 2 NLT

Praise the lord, all you nations. Praise him, all you people of the earth. For his unfailing love for us is powerful; the lord ’s faithfulness endures forever. Praise the lord ! (Psalms 117:1, 2 NLT)

What Has God Done For You Lately?

From today's devotional

Have you ever said, "I can't think of anything God has done for me. How can I praise him?" This psalm gives two reasons for praising God: His great love toward us, and His faithfulness that endures forever. If He did nothing else for us, He would still be worthy of our highest praise.

1 Timothy 4:8 NLT

“Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” (1 Timothy 4:8 NLT)

Psalms 116:1, 2 NLT

I love the lord because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath! (Psalms 116:1, 2 NLT)

God Is Listening

From today's devotional

God is so responsive that you can always reach him. He bends down and listens to your voice. This writer's love for the Lord had grown because he had experienced answers to his prayers. If you are discouraged, remember that God is near, listening carefully to every prayer and answering each prayer in order to give you his best.

John 14:23 NLT

Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. (John 14:23 NLT)

Psalms 115:1 NLT

Not to us, O lord, not to us, but to your name goes all the glory for your unfailing love and faithfulness. (Psalms 115:1 NLT)

God's Name

From today's devotional

The psalmist asked that God's name, not the nation's, be glorified. Too often we ask God to glorify his name with ours. For example, we may pray for help to do a good job so that our work will be noticed. Or we may ask that a presentation go well so we will get applause. There is nothing wrong with looking good or impressing others; the problem comes when we want to look good no matter what happens to God's reputation in the process. Before you pray, ask yourself, "Who will get the credit if God answers my prayer?"

Colossians 1:28 NLT

So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ. (Colossians 1:28 NLT)

Psalms 112:5 NLT

Good comes to those who lend money generously and conduct their business fairly. (Psalms 112:5 NLT)

Generosity

From today's devotional

Generosity will cure two problems that money can create. The rich man may abuse others in his desire to accumulate wealth. Generosity will eliminate that abuse. Also, the fear of losing money can be a snare. Generosity and respect for God places our trust in him, not our money, for justice and security.

Philippians 4:9 NLT

Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:9 NLT)

Psalms 109:4 NLT

I (David) love them, but they try to destroy me with accusations even as I am praying for them! (Psalms 109:4 NLT)

Being Slandered

From today's devotional

David was angry at being attacked by evil people who slandered him and lied. Yet David remained a friend and a man of prayer. While we must hate evil and work to overcome it, we must love everyone, including those who do evil, because God loves them. We are called to hate the sin, but love the person. Only through God's strength will we be able to follow David's example.

James 3:13 NLT

If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. (James 3:13 NLT)

Psalms 108:13 NLT

With God’s help we will do mighty things, for he will trample down our foes. (Psalms 108:13 NLT)

Don't Forget Victory

From today's devotional

Do our prayers end with requests for help to make it through stressful situations? David prayed not merely for rescue, but for victory. With God's help we can claim more than mere survival-we can claim victory! Look for ways God can use your distress as an opportunity to show his mighty power.

Psalms 143:10 NLT

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing. (Psalms 143:10 NLT)