Psalm 16:11 NIV — You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Join us on our YouTube channel as we wrap up the week by sharing on our words of the year for 2024!

Psalms 34:8 NIV — Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

I love the variety of teas at a tea party. My favorite is black tea and I love chai too. More recently I started drinking green tea. As a tea bag emerges in hot water, the tea leaves are triggered to move and start the diffusion process. It is fascinating to watch the water as it changes till it’s rich in color, taste, and aroma. 

Are you a tea lover? A coffee lover? Each one of them goes through a process to taste good. Notice in today’s key verse from Psalms that we have “good” and “refuge” in the same verse. Our Christian walk is not promised to be easy but God is good and He is faithful. Just like the tea bag, we are often emerging through the waters of life. We know that we can find refuge in Him.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for Your goodness and Your faithfulness. As I taste and see that You are good, help me remember to also lean into You when I need a time of refuge. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Psalm 16:11 NIV — You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

We have 55 days till the new year. Every year Deborah and I pick a word of the year. We have been practicing this since 2017. I usually select a mantra to continually reflect on throughout the year as well. Over the next couple months we will reflect on those words. It is so important to journal and write down key verses, blessings, joys, and disappointments, especially when selecting your word of the year. I love looking back and reflecting on previous years as I am making visions for the new year to come.

In 2017 my word was flexibility because I struggled with joy. If my to do list didn’t get done or if plans changed I would get so upset. I made a mantra that would help me remember to be flexible. It was to “Dance through life, seek joy in His presence.” 

Looking back over the years, I am so thankful that we have adopted this practice. It really helps me to keep my focus on God and specific areas of my life. Do you have a practice that helps you focus on God?

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for encouraging me to remain faithful in my word of the year practice. Guide me in finishing out the year strong. May I be in tune for what my word and mantra need to be for next year. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Matt‬hew ‭27:51‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split.

The veil being torn symbolizes you and I having a direct connection with Jesus. There are many crosses displayed throughout churches. A barren cross symbolizes that Jesus is alive. All barriers, including the veil, have been broken.

I don’t know about you but I want an encounter with God. I want to be available to Him and for Him. I want to say yes to His love and His will for my life. I desire to surrender anything that would compromise that encounter. How about you? Will you be available for God?

Let’s pray. Dear God, as I enter into Your presence, I desire an encounter with You. I desire to surrender anything that would put a veil between You and I. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

2 Cor‬inthians ‭4:7-8‬ ‭NIV — But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair.

Just like the coffee being expressed, we too are hard pressed. The yummy aroma and flavor lingers as I taste each sip. I have fallen in love with espresso. It is a coffee brewing method in which a small amount of nearly boiling water is forced under 9–10 bars of pressure (expressed) through finely-ground coffee beans. The good news, God does not leave us in despair. His Grace abounds and his love lingers, even when we think our cup is empty.

Let’s allow God to make something beautiful out of our hard pressed areas so that others will see Him through you and I in all His glory. Let’s be intentional by tasting and seeing the goodness only God can provide.

Let’s pray. Dear God, mold me and make me beautiful in Your sight so that others see Your light through me. Make something beautiful out of my hard pressed areas. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

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@biblegateway

Psalm 73:26 NIV — My flesh and heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

2 Cor‬inthians ‭4:7-8‬ ‭NIV — But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair.

Matt‬hew ‭27:51‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split.

Psalm 16:11 NIV — You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Psalm 34:8 NIV — Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

@biblegateway

@youversion