S – How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! 

² It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. 

Ps 133:1–2 CSB

O – It is good when people can live in unity.  It brings an anointing and consecration that is shared and foundational to the strength of the group.  

A – Unity is imperative to the success of the individual and to the group.  We must start with ourselves and examine our hearts, motives and expectations.  When those are healthy, we can be part of a group with a common purpose.  Unity doesn’t mean 100% agreement.  There are differences that actually make the team stronger.  It does mean there is agreement on the overall purpose and goal.

R – Heavenly Father, we want to be in unity with You and others.  Please help our hearts align with yours.  Even when we don’t understand, we know that your plan is for our good.  We want to be in unity with others as well.  Show us what we need to change in ourselves so we can be a healthy part of the team.

S – Grandchildren are the crown of the elderly, and the pride of children is their fathers

Proverbs 17:6 CSB

O – Commentary:

A crown (cause for joy and dignity) of older people (cf. 16:31) is their grandchildren. Also children should be proud of their parents. These expressions of joy and pride depend, of course, on the family members being properly related to God (Deut. 6:2) and to each other

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

A – As a grandparent, I understand this verse.  There is truly a joy that comes from seeing your child raise their child.  It allows you to enjoy the expression of that child’s love, gifts and talent in a special way.  You never stop parenting.  We need to continue to grow in God so our children have a role model to emulate.

R – Heavenly Father, we honor you above all names.  We surrender and worship you.  Help us to live today in a way that honors you and helps us grow.  We have generations to build behind us.  Give us your insights and wisdom today.

S – Ananias went and entered the house. He placed his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road you were traveling, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit

Acts 9:17 CSB

O –  Ananias obeyed God and prayed for Saul, even though he was dangerous.  His conversion led to Paul becoming an evangelist and author of two-thirds of the New Testament.  

A – Thirty-two words spoken by Ananias changed the world.  Can you imagine if he hadn’t been courageous enough to go to Saul and talk to them?  We need to be brave and do what God asks us to do.  We will certainly change our world and maybe those around us.

R – Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit to lead us daily.  We want to hear your voice and obey.  Please give us the courage and strength to follow your instructions.  We want to see people come to know you in a relationship.  We love and honor you today!

S – Lord, if you kept an account of iniquities, Lord, who could stand? 

⁴ But with you there is forgiveness, so that you may be revered

Psalms 130:3–4 CSB

O – Commentary:

The psalmist recognized that no one could stand if God dealt with sinners according to what they deserved. To “mark” (keep a record of) sins means to hold one accountable for his sins.

The comfort is that with God there is forgiveness (selîḥâh, “pardon,” also used in Neh. 9:17; Dan. 9:9 [niv, “forgiving”]). This is the reason for the Lord’s not keeping records of sins; He forgives. Believers throughout all ages have rejoiced over this fact, for apart from this, none could endure His judgment!

God forgives so that the forgiven will fear Him. This general word for fear often includes the ideas of worship and obedience. The Scriptures state that many results come from fearing the Lord; the most notable is that the person keeps himself from sin. The forgiveness of God cannot be treated lightly. It turns sinners into saints, people who follow Him in obedience

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

A – Forgiveness is foundational to the Christian walk.  Receiving it from God, we are no longer bound to our sins.  We must extend forgiveness to others when they sin against us.  A holy fear and reverence should be part of our relationship with God.  It will not drive away away from God, but draw us closer.  

R – Heavenly Father, you are worthy of all praise and honor.  We reverence you as the one, true God. Thank you for your forgiveness of our sins and we choose to forgive others today.  We stand in awe and respect of who you are. We step closer to you today to know you more.

S – They were attentive to him because he had amazed them with his sorceries for a long time. ¹² But when they believed Philip, as he proclaimed the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.

Acts 8:11–12 CSB

O – Commentary:

Simon’s magic means his sorcery, his demonic powers (the Gr. words for “practiced sorcery” and “magic” are related). When Philip came to Samaria, he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name (cf. 3:16) of Jesus Christ. The term “the kingdom of God” refers to the coming kingdom (cf. 1:3, 6). “The name of Jesus Christ” looks to His position as Messiah (cf. 8:5, “the Christ,” lit., the Messiah). In other words, the message meant that some Samaritans would become heirs of the Millennium by faith in Jesus, the Messiah.

As an evidence of their faith the Samaritans were baptized, both men and women (cf. “men and women” in v. 3). The contrasts and comparisons between Simon and Philip are striking. Both performed miracles, Simon by demonic power and Philip by divine power. Simon boasted and welcomed acclaim to himself, but Philip proclaimed Christ. People were amazed at Simon’s magic, but people were converted to Christ by Philip’s ministry

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

A – There are a lot of “false teachers and signs.”  They will amaze you.  When you are confronted with the truth of God’s love and plan for you, you will make a choice.  Even these Samaritans saw the truth and chose to go God’s way.  

R – Heavenly Father, we exalt you as the one, true God.  We invite your Holy Spirit to lead us today.  Give us discernment to know your truth and to obey your Word.  We desire only your will and want to avoid all distractions from your purpose.

S – ¹ How happy is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways! 

² You will surely eat what your hands have worked for. You will be happy, 

and it will go well for you. 

³ Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house, your children, like young olive trees 

around your table. 

⁴ In this very way the man who fears the Lord will be blessed. 

Ps 128:1–4 CSB

O – You will receive blessings from your work when you obey God.  You will be satisfied and fulfilled.  Your spouse is productive and flourishing.  Your children, full of potential, grow and mature. Your home is growing, empowered and joyful.

A – What a tremendous blessing from serving and loving God daily! Our faithful obedience and desire relationship allows Him to work in and through us.  The blessing is growth, fulfillment and peace.  

R – Heavenly Father, thank you for our relationship with you.  Jesus paid the price on the cross so we could enjoy all the benefits of doing life with you.  We are grateful.  We invite your Holy Spirit to lead us today to grow in your ways.

S – Unless the Lord builds a house, its builders labor over it in vain; 

unless the Lord watches over a city, the watchman stays alert in vain

Ps 127:1 CSB

O – Commentary:

Builders work on a house … in vain unless the Lord builds it, watchmen … guard in vain unless the Lord watches, and being anxious over one’s labor for food and working long hours is in vain (cf. 128:2). The point is that work done independently of God will be futile. But a person who trusts in the Lord will find rest. Without the Lord, all domestic work is in vain.

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

A – We must invite the Lord into all aspects of our life.  Whatever we are “building” – work, relationships, areas of interest, our relationship with Him – all are part of the growth process. When we invite Him in, He takes us beyond our gifts, abilities and talents into the unlimited realm where He works.

R – Heavenly Father, you know every area we are building today.  We invite you into all of it.  We desire for your presence and power to be evident in all we are working on and for growth to be desired.  Help us work hard and have a peaceful rest.

S – I will therefore do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has never been anyone like you before and never will be again. 13 In addition, I will give you what you did not ask for: both riches and honor, so that no king will be your equal during your entire life. 14 If you walk in my ways and keep my statutes and commands just as your father David did, I will give you a long life.” 

 1 Kings 3:12–14 CSB

O – Commentary:

Therefore God promised to give him what he requested. He would possess a wise … heart (v. 12) and be able to discern and render fair judgments (v. 11). Since Solomon sought what was most important God also promised to give him what was of secondary importance, riches and honor, to further enable him to govern God’s people effectively. Solomon was to be the richest and most honored king of his day. If Solomon remained faithful to pursue the will of God, obeying the Law of Moses, God promised he would also live a long life.

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

A – The Bible tells us that we should seek wisdom.  When we do that, it pleases God and it opens the door for subsequent blessing.  It is foundational to leading and living in a way that honors God.

R – Heavenly Father, you are Lord of all.  Today, we ask that your Holy Spirit empower us with the Spirit of Wisdom and understanding in all conversations and situations.  Walking in your wisdom keeps us aligned with You.  Give us the courage to pursue both You and your purposes.

S – So in the present case, I tell you, stay away from these men and leave them alone. For if this plan or this work is of human origin, it will fail; ³⁹ but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even be found fighting against God.

Acts 5:38–39 CSB

O – Commentary: 

Here is the conclusion and main thrust of Gamaliel’s speech. Seeing what would come of this movement would tell them if it were of human origin or from God. Interestingly this speech was, in one sense, an apologetic for the church of Jesus Christ given by a representative of the church’s enemies: to try to stop God’s work would be like fighting against God!

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

A – The truth will be made known, even by those who “don’t know.”  As believers, we must ask God for the wisdom to see things through His lens.  God wants to reveal things to us so we are equipped and ready in all situations.

R – Heavenly Father, you hold the past, present and future.  Give us insights into your plans and purposes so we can hear and do what you say.  Reveal to us the truth.  We honor and praise you in all things.

S – There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved.”

Acts 4:12 CSB

O –  Commentary: 

The word salvation goes back to Psalm 118 which Peter had just quoted, for it is a prominent theme there. Verses 22–29 in that psalm anticipate millennial deliverance. In Acts 4:12 Peter was speaking not only of individual justification, but also of national salvation, predicted in Psalm 118.

The rulers were thus put on the defense! They had rejected the only Savior of Israel and they were preventing the completion of God’s building. Thus no other way of salvation is available to people 

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

A – Salvation only comes through Jesus Christ.  Nothing else or no entity will save us.  People today have the same choices that religious leaders and other people made at this time.  Will you accept or reject Jesus?  Looking at the thought processes by the leaders, people are affected by their own ego and what other people think.

R – Heavenly Father, you are the one, true God and there is no other.  Help us to be your ambassadors today demonstrating your love for all people.  Please continue to help us grow in our ego and view of others.  You alone are worthy of praise and honor.