S – But look, the Lord keeps his eye on those who fear him—those who depend on his faithful love 

¹⁹ to rescue them from death and to keep them alive in famine.

Psalms 33:18–19 CSB

O – God sees those who have reverence for him and have a relationship with him.  He acts on their behalf when facing challenges.

A – In all situations, we have hope in God.  Whether we feel he is near or far, nothing escapes his observation.  He is ready to step in and act on our behalf.  The challenge for us is when he “doesn’t” act.  Will we still love him?  Absolutely, yes!

R – Heavenly Father, you are sovereign and holy.  Nothing is too big or small for you.  We invite your Holy Spirit to be in every aspect of our day.  Give us the courage to face all of our challenges with full assurance of your presence and power.

S – Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that “we all have knowledge.” Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. ² If anyone thinks he knows anything, he does not yet know it as he ought to know it. ³ But if anyone loves God, he is known by him.

1 Corinthians 8:1–3 CSB

O – Commentary:

It is those who truly love God—not just those who know all the answers—who are acknowledged by God as his own (see 13:12; Gal 4:9). • the person who loves God is the one whom God recognizes: Some manuscripts read the person who loves has full knowledge

 New Living Translation Study Bible 

A – Knowledge is good.  Used correctly, it keeps us teachable, humble and we continue to grow. Incorrectly, it makes us arrogant or condescending. Knowledge leading to God moves us to love. When we do this, we reflect him.  This makes our knowledge complete.  We should humble ourselves in our desire to grow and live humbly today.

R – Heavenly Father, You are the creator of all things.  We recognize your greatness and humble ourselves before you.  We desire knowledge and wisdom that come from you.  Let it be the foundation of loving others.  We want them to see your character and love in us today.

S – From that day on, half of my men did the work while the other half held spears, shields, bows, and armor. The officers supported all the people of Judah, ¹⁷ who were rebuilding the wall. The laborers who carried the loads worked with one hand and held a weapon with the other.

Nehemiah 4:16–17 CSB

O – Commentary:

We must watch always against spiritual enemies, and not expect that our warfare will be over till our work is ended. The word of God is the sword of the Spirit, which we ought to have always at hand, and never to have to seek for it, either in our labours, or in our conflicts, as Christians. Every true Christian is both a labourer and a soldier, working with one hand, and fighting with the other. Good work is likely to go on with success, when those who labour in it, make a business of it. And Satan fears to assault the watchful Christian; or, if attacked, the Lord fights for him.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary 

A – Each day we must do the work set before us physically and spiritually.  There are no days off.  Also, we must put on the armor of God knowing there will be spiritual warfare.  The image of tool in one hand and sword in other is a great snapshot of our approach.  

R – Heavenly Father, you alone are worthy of the highest praise.  Equip us today with the tools and weapons to serve and fight.  Give us the discernment to be led by your spirit and the tenacity to stand strong in spiritual warfare.  You already assured us the victory – let us do all today from that vantage point.

S – Love the Lord, all his faithful ones. The Lord protects the loyal, 

but fully repays the arrogant. Be strong, and let your heart be courageous, 

all you who put your hope in the Lord

Psalms 31:23–24 CSB

O – Commentary:

The psalmist closes by encouraging the faithful to love Yahweh. He assures them that Yahweh preserves the faithful and ultimately punishes the prideful. He encourages other sufferers by telling them to remain strong and wait for Yahweh’s deliverance.

Faithlife Study Bible

A – The Christian walk is not easy.  There are seasons of good and challenge.  The desire is to be faithful in both.  When it feels like God is most distant, our faith is usually the strongest because it is so reliant on what we believe and not what we see.  Stay the course!

R – Heavenly Father, we worship and surrender to you.  Strengthen us in our faith.  Every day presents new victories and challenges.  We want to be faithful in both.  Let our walk with you be evident to all who we encounter today.

S – Doing what is righteous and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. 

Proverbs 21:3 CSB

O – Commentary: 

God is not pleased with worship unless godly actions flow from a godly heart (see Ps 40:6–8; Mic 6:6–8).

 New Living Translation Study Bible 

* Our outward actions must line up with our inner hearts.  If not, it is hypocrisy and done for impure motivations.  We cannot align with God’s will and purpose saying and doing with opposing hearts and actions.

A- Start with ourselves.  Each day, we are responsible to examine our own lives first.  We should do a “heart check” to ensure it is healthy and aligned with God’s word and truth.  The outflow of that are healthy actions that embody the heart’s motivations and desires.

R – Heavenly Father, you are the only God and we give you the highest honor in our lives.  Help our hearts and actions to align today.  We want to be known as faithful and true in both.  We want to impact others with your love in a genuine and authentic way today.

S – A king’s heart is like channeled water in the Lord’s hand: He directs it wherever he chooses

Proverbs 21:1 CSB

O – Commentary:

A king was the most powerful individual in an ancient nation, and it seemed that he could do as he pleased. However, God directs the heart of the king.

 New Living Translation Study Bible 

A – God has given each of us “free will” to do as we please.  God’s sovereignty intersects with our desires and will and he leads us.  Ultimately, we have choices to make between his will and our own.  It is better to seek his will and align with it.  This comes through faith and obedience.

R – Heavenly Father, you are God and your ways are higher than ours.  We want to know you will in our lives so we can choose you and your ways.  There are many distractions; help us to navigate those to get to the essence of your heart and love.

S – Now, brothers and sisters, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying: “Nothing beyond what is written.” The purpose is that none of you will be arrogant, favoring one person over another. ⁷ For who makes you so superior? What do you have that you didn’t receive? If, in fact, you did receive it, why do you boast as if you hadn’t received it

1 Corinthians 4:6–7 CSB

O – Commentary:

Now Paul and Apollos would serve as curative examples of men under authority who did not go beyond what was written. They obeyed the Word of God, not their own inclinations or worldly opinions. From the example of their lives Paul hoped the Corinthians would learn the lesson of humility. (The verb “learn” is mathēte, and the related noun mathētēs is translated “disciple,” or “one who practices what he is taught.”) This was a difficult lesson, for the Greeks believed humility was a despicable trait of a slave, a sign of weakness, not a characteristic of great men (Plato Laws 6. 774c).

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

A –  God’s word is our source of instruction on how to live.  We naturally will “add” to that through our beliefs and interpretations.  That is why we have denominations of Christianity.  That isn’t bad unless we become arrogant in our beliefs to judge or condemn others.  We work out our salvation with “fear and trembling,” which results in healthy humility.

R –  Heavenly Father, you are Lord above all.  We humble ourselves before you and worship you.  Help us to walk in humility before you today and express your love for others.  We do not want to judge others but demonstrate grace and mercy in conversations and situations.  

S – I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. ⁷ So, then, neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. ⁸ Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his own reward according to his own labor

1 Corinthians 3:6–8 CSB

O – Commentary:

Apollos and Paul were given their ministries by Christ (Eph. 4:11). They were the means, not the cause, whereby the Corinthians believed (cf. 1 Cor. 2:4–5). God alone produced results. God made the seed grow (3:6). Therefore God alone should get the credit (v. 7). As servants, Paul and Apollos were not competing against each other but were complementing each other’s ministries

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

A – Every person is vital in ministry. Each part contributes to the message of the gospel being shared.  One is not greater than the other.  All work together to bring people to God.  It is imperative that we minister as a team in unity, with one purpose.  All glory goes to God!

R – Heavenly Father, we love you and are grateful that you loved us first.  As we work together in ministry, help us to be unified in our hearts and minds.  We give you all the glory for lives being changed by your love.

S – “For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but it is the power of God to us who are being saved.”

1 Corinthians 1:18 CSB

O – Commentary:

“The message of the Cross” is the message of self-renunciation, of obedience to God which may lead as it did in Jesus’ case to humiliation and death, but which ultimately leads not to self-destruction but to preservation (Mark 8:34–35) and exaltation 

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

A – I love the commentary – “leads not to self-destruction but to preservation.”  What some people would call as foolish, makes sense in God’s perspective and is powerful.  We need to be strong in our convictions and tap into the power that God makes available to us.

R – Heavenly Father, we submit to your power, presence and authority.  Help us to see with discernment and understanding in all situations.  We are not afraid to look foolish to some as we honor you in obedience and humility.

S – Whoever curses his father or mother—his lamp will go out in deep darkness

Proverbs 20:20 CSB

O – Aligning with the fifth commandment, a person who did not honor their father and mother committed a capital offense in the OT.  It is so important, the proverb states their life will be shortened or come to an end.

A – Relationships are hard and messy.  Foundationally, it is important to honor our parents.  No matter your situation as a child, this is a biblical principle that honors God.  As a parent, I have made mistakes.  Those instances will never surpass the love I have for my children and their children.  Forgiveness is imperative to build healthy relationships with your parents or children.

R – Heavenly Father, we worship and surrender to you today.  Give us the desire and courage to honor our parents.  Help us to extend forgiveness and allow relationships to grow.  We desire to honor you and them.