S – Every word of God is pure;^, he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. 

⁶ Don’t add to his words, or he will rebuke you, and you will be proved a liar

Proverbs 30:5–6 CSB

O – Commentary:

…Verses 5–6 show how God may be known: through His Word, which is flawless (lit., “purified” like the smelting of silver; cf. Ps. 12:6). Man can know God only because He has revealed Himself through the written Word, the infallible Scriptures. Those who trust in God have a personal relationship with Him; they are shielded by Him. Proverbs 30:5 is almost identical to Psalm 18:30. The warning not to add to His words may refer to the danger of adding human speculation to divine revelation. Man should derive his understanding of God (his theology) not from human ideas but from God’s Word. God rebukes those who think they can know more of God than what He has revealed about Himself. In fact they are often so far off base that God calls them liars.

 “Proverbs,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A—It is essential for us to spend time with God daily. His Word is one of the best ways to learn God’s character, heart, and love for people.  He continues to reveal more of who He is through his word, worship and prayer.

R – Heavenly Father, your word is true and stands forever.  Give us fresh revelation and anointing today as we spend time with you.  Allow both to permeate all of our thoughts, words and actions.

S – Now bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord who stand in the Lord’s house at night! 

² Lift up your hands in the holy place and bless the Lord! ³ May the Lord, Maker of heaven and earth, 

bless you from Zion. 

Psalms 134:1–3 CSB

O—The Psalmist asks the Priests to bless (adore, kneel) God, lifting their hands as a form of adoration and surrender. Then, he asks God to bless them.

A – How often do we take time to “adore” God instead of working through our lives with him?  With all our challenges, do we intentionally “bless” God for who He is and what he has done in our lives?  We need to do this.

R – Heavenly Father, we bless and adore you.  You are the Lord of all who created everything. You alone are God and you have no limits.  We worship and surrender to you today!

S – How delightfully good when brothers live together in harmony! ² It is like fine oil on the head, 

running down on the beard, running down Aaron’s beard onto his robes. ³ It is like the dew of Hermon falling on the mountains of Zion. For there the Lord has appointed the blessing—

life forevermore.

Psalms 133:1–3 CSB

O – When we are in unity, an anointing and blessing come with it.  

A—We are all different. We must value each other’s differences while adhering to our own convictions and beliefs.  This makes us stronger together.  God blesses unity.

R – Heavenly Father, we worship you and thank you for your blessings.  Forgive us for allowing strife or differences to depict our relationships.  Please help us to fight for unity.  We desire whole relationships with others and with you.

S – The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe. 

Proverbs 29:25 CSB

O – Commentary:

To fear (“tremble,” not the word for reverence before God; e.g., 1:7; 8:13; 9:10) man ensnares in the sense that one’s actions are controlled or confined by the person who is dreaded. It is far better to trust in the Lord because that brings safety (cf. 18:10; 28:18, 26). The words is kept safe are from the verb śāḡaḇ, “to be inaccessibly high or to be exalted.” Security in the Lord removes intimidation by man

 “Proverbs,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A—Each of us has our own challenges in our lives. When you bring that into life and relationships, it makes sense that we will hurt and ensnare others in crisis.  We need to forgive and value others but our trust needs to be in the Lord.  God does not change, and we know he will guide us in our relationships and challenges.

R – Heavenly Father, we exalt you.  Please help us today as we navigate all the relationships in our lives.  Give us the ability to forgive and value others while keeping our trust in you.  We will not be intimidated by the enemy’s work or a person’s own shortcomings.

S – I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot. ¹⁶ So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of my mouth

Revelations 3:15–16 CSB

O – Commentary:

The hot springs in Hierapolis were famous for their healing qualities. Colosse was equally famous for its cold, refreshing springs. In contrast, the water available in Laodicea was smelly and lukewarm. Such water is distasteful; Jesus was saying that the church’s indecisive commitment to him was revolting.

 New Living Translation Study Bible 

A – This is one of a couple examples where the Bible talks about “indecisiveness.”  James 1:6 NLT -“But when you ask him, be sure your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea blown and tossed by the wind.”  We must be firm and resolute in our faith and walk with Christ.  There is one God and one path (Jesus).  

R – Heavenly Father, we revere you as the one and only God.  Help us to set our thoughts, words and actions on you today.  Give us strength and resolve to be single-focused in our relationship.  We may stumble but we will rise up to walk with you.

S – If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, 

so that we can, with reverence, serve you.

Psalms 130:3–4 NIV

O – Commentary:

iniquities The Hebrew word used here, awon, can refer to a misdeed itself, the guilt caused by the misdeed, or even the punishment for the misdeed. Here, the term is plural and likely refers to the guilt that misdeeds accrue.

who could stand The psalmist is aware that no one lives perfectly before Yahweh and that no one can withstand close scrutiny by Yahweh for misdeeds and mistakes.

130:4 is forgiveness This type of pardon goes beyond a strictly legal context to include the general stance of trust in Yahweh (compare Num 14:19–20

  Faithlife Study Bible 

A – God forgives.  The one who is perfect and without sin forgives those who cannot stop themselves from sinning.  None of us are worthy to stand before God.  Yet, forgiveness allows us to not only come into his presence; it will enable us to have a relationship with Him.  The foundation of awe and honor builds our faith in Him.

R—Heavenly Father, we honor and revere you today. Thank you for forgiving our sins. We do not deserve it, but we need it. You created a bridge to us through Jesus. We accept your forgiveness and step toward you to know you more and serve you today.

S – I know that you have persevered and endured hardships for the sake of my name, and you have not grown weary. ⁴ But I have this against you: You have abandoned the love you had at first

Revelation 2:3–4 CSB

O – Commentary:

In spite of the many areas of commendation, the church in Ephesus was soundly rebuked: Yet I hold this against you: you have forsaken your first love. The order of words in the Greek is emphatic; the clause could be translated, “Your first love you have left.” Christ used the word agapēn, speaking of the deep kind of love that God has for people. This rebuke contrasts with what Paul wrote the Ephesians 35 years earlier, that he never stopped giving thanks for them because of their faith in Christ and their love (agapēn) for the saints (Eph. 1:15–16). Most of the Ephesian Christians were now second-generation believers, and though they had retained purity of doctrine and life and had maintained a high level of service, they were lacking in deep devotion to Christ.

“Revelation,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – Our relationship with God is similar to our relationship with our spouse.  There is a time when we cannot be with them enough and our thoughts are consumed with them.  Regular time together deepens the love and bond but the outer actions can become “familiar.” Our expression of that deep love can be routine.  We cannot do this with God.  We need a fresh infusion of his love and Spirit daily resulting in a genuine expression of our love for him.

R – Heavenly Father, we love you today.  We know this in our hearts and minds but want to express this in a way that is fresh and genuine.  Help us to do this from an authentic heart.  We desire greater intimacy and understanding with you.

S – When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man. He laid his right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid. I am the First and the Last, ¹⁸ and the Living One. I was dead, but look—I am alive forever and ever, and I hold the keys of death and Hades

Revelation 1:17–18 CSB

O – John recognizes Jesus from their times on the earth together.  Yet, this is Jesus transformed into his spiritual body and it overwhelms John to the point that it is too powerful for him to bear. Jesus affirms he is God and came to earth as a man.  He was crucified and yet he lives and won the victory over death and hell.

A – John experienced the promise of what Jesus taught him as a disciple.  Jesus is God in human flesh; he was crucified, resurrected and is in heaven until he returns.  We need to live our lives in a holy fear of who God is.  We should live our lives like he is returning today.  That keeps us close to him and our hearts in an attitude that desires to honor and revere him.  There should be a fear of awe and reverence but not terror – we want to be close to our Father.

R – Heavenly Father, we worship and surrender to you.  You are the one, true God who is holy and worthy of all praise.  You are the creator of all and the judge of all.  We ask you forgiveness for our sins and shortcomings in our walk with you.  We desire intimacy and relationship with you today.

S – Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! 

He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. 

Psalms 127:3–5 ESV

O – Commentary:

Children, the psalmist wrote, are some of the Lord’s providential blessings (see blessed, v. 5). They are a reward from the Lord. Sons help defend the family for they are like weapons (arrows) in the hands of a mighty man. Sons are capable of defending the family in civil cases (at the gate civil cases were discussed and decided).

The imagery of arrows and of defense “in the gate” was natural for a nation endangered from without and within.

“Psalms,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A—Children and grandchildren are a gift. They are part of a person’s legacy. We must pour our knowledge and love of God into them. History shows that where there isn’t investment in spiritual understanding and growth, generations fall away from God.  We must not let this happen.

R – Heavenly Father, you are the creator of all.  Please give us the strength and understanding to invest in our children and grandchildren.  We want them to know you personally and to walk in your truth.  Give them receptive hearts to your Word and presence in their lives daily.

S – A king who judges the poor with fairness—his throne will be established forever.

Proverbs 29:14 CSB

O – Greek word for “poor:” 

dal, dal; from 1809; prop. dangling, i.e. (by impl.) weak or thin:— lean, needy, poor (man), weaker.

The New Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew and Greek Words 

A—When someone is dangling, it doesn’t matter their title, position, or wealth—they are hanging by a small tether and don’t have the ability to find security. We as believers need to go beyond ourselves to serve and help those who are in this position. Christ is our role model—he brought dignity and value to those who were dangling.

R—Heavenly Father, we worship and adore you. Please give us your understanding to perceive people as you do in the physical and spiritual realms. Give us the courage to take a step toward them in their need, knowing that we are deficient as well.  We desire to build relationships today that honor you.