S – Lord, who can dwell in your tent? Who can live on your holy mountain? 

² The one who lives blamelessly, practices righteousness, and acknowledges the truth in his heart—

 Psalms 15:1–2 CSB

O – Commentary:

The question is concerned with who was eligible to be a “guest” of the Lord and live in the place where His presence rested. It was a spiritual question: who can draw near to God and worship in His dwelling place?

B. The answer: The righteous may abide (15:2–5)

15:2a–b. The question in verse 1 is answered in summary fashion first (v.2a–b) with two descriptions, and then delineated (vv. 2c–5) with an additional eight. The acceptable person is one whose walk is (a) blameless. Also his actions are (b) righteous. The metaphor of the “walk” is used throughout the Bible for one’s pattern of life and conduct (cf. 1:1). “Blameless” (tāmîm) means complete, sincere, or perfect. A blameless person lives in obedience to God and maintains a life of integrity.

His activities are in harmony with God’s standards, that is, they are righteous.

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

A – God desires a relationship with us.  So much that he doesn’t require perfection.  Gratefully, He looks at our hearts as we grow in the attributes of forgiveness for sins, righteousness and knowing Christ.

R –  Heavenly Father, there are many days I do not measure up to Your Word.  I am grateful for Christ’s blood that takes away my sins.  I  am growing in these attributes.  I invite your Holy Spirit to lead me in all areas of my life today.

S – The Lord founded the earth by wisdom and established the heavens by understanding. 

Proverbs 3:19 CSB

O – Commentary:  

When God created the world, He used wisdom … understanding, and knowledge. If God needed these, then certainly people need them. The relationship between God and wisdom in His Creation is discussed in more detail in 8:22–31.

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

A – I need wisdom, understanding and knowledge every day. Period.

R – Lord, I invite your Holy Spirit to be with me today.  I ask for wisdom, understanding and knowledge to be a vital part of my day.  Let them guide me in all situations and conversations.  Thank you for your presence today.

S – Jesus replied to them, “Go and report to John what you hear and see: ⁵ The blind receive their sight, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor are told the good news, ⁶ and blessed is the one who isn’t offended by me.

Matthew  11:4–6 CSB

O – Commentary: “Offended by me” – 

The works listed in 11:5 were intended to drive John and his disciples to a decision regarding Jesus. Jesus was aware, however, that certain unexpected elements of his ministry would cause some to reject him.

 New Living Translation Study Bible 

Jesus was rejected by the Pharisees initially because he didn’t their customs of obeying the law.  John isn’t sure whether to believe him because he wasn’t bringing judgment and a new physical kingdom for Israel.   Jesus was following God and His plan.

A – We need to be in tune with God through the Holy Spirit.  We can let our own ways and desires cause us to miss God.  

R – Heavenly Father, thank you for a new day.  Lead us by your Holy Spirit so we can be attuned to You.  There are many distractions, including our own opinions and thoughts.  Help us to sift out the bad and keep what is from You.  Let today be a day where you are glorified through us.

S – May the Lord cut off all flattering lips and the tongue that speaks boastfully. 

⁴ They say, “Through our tongues we have power; our lips are our own—who can be our master?” 

 Psalms 12:3–4 CSB

O – We are accountable to the Lord for our words.  He will take action based on people’s speech.

A – There is power in our words.  They are a reflection of our hearts and thoughts.  Once we move through both of those and we say it, everyone can see hear it.  The Bible also says that “life and death” are in our words.  We need to be aware of both principles each day.

R – Lord, you spoke and all creation came into being.  Help us recognize the power of what we say.  It is an indicator of what is going on inside of us.  Work on us first today.  If you continue to grow us, the other things in our lives will align with you as well.  

S – When he saw the crowds, he felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dejected, like sheep without a shepherd. 

Matthew 9:36 CSB

O –  Commentary on Compassion:

Jesus is frequently described as one who “had compassion.” This expression is used of Jesus in complex situations where (1) distress is expressed and Jesus remedies the distress, (2) Jesus shows deep emotion or (3) there is a contrast with those who are not compassionate. The phrase “had compassion” refers only to Jesus, except when used in parables where it refers either to God the Father or to Jesus (18:27; Luke 10:33; 15:20).In the OT, the term “compassion” is used for God’s covenant love for Israel. God withdrew this compassion to judge Israel’s obstinate unfaithfulness. God restored his compassion when Israel repented. The OT often describes the messianic age as a time of God’s compassion  The resurgence of this term in the Gospels reflects this, as the messianic age has dawned and God’s covenant love is once again active in Israel.

 New Living Translation Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2008), Mt 9:36.

A – Great dive into the concept of compassion.  It all revolves around the Messiah.  We need to align our hearts with Jesus to grow our empathy and compassion.  When we are led by the Holy Spirit, we can show compassion as situations arise.

R – Lord, I invite you Holy Spirit to lead me today.  Each thought, conversation and situation is Yours to lead and guide me.  I want to grow in my compassion for others.  Help me to see them through your “eyes” and follow your lead.  I want to be more like Jesus.

S – Now when he heard this, he said, “It is not those who are well who need a doctor, but those who are sick. ¹³ Go and learn what this means: I desire mercy and not sacrifice.^, For I didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners.” 

Mathewt 9:12–13 CSB

O – Commentary: 

The Lord’s response demonstrated that His ministry is directed toward those who realize they have a need: Only sick people need a doctor. The Pharisees did not think they were sinners (sick) so they would never have sought out the Lord (the Physician). The Pharisees always brought the proper sacrifices, but they were totally lacking in compassion toward sinners. When mercy is lacking, then religious formalities are meaningless (cf. Hosea 6:6

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

A – We can do the “right things” and still not do it from the “right heart.”  Man looks at the words or actions and we esteem the person’s character.  God looks at the inside and judges the heart.  We need to make sure both sides align.  Especially, they should align with our relationship with God.

R – Lord, I surrender to you today and desire to align with You.  Let my heart and thoughts be the foundation of knowing and following you.  Let it result in an outward demonstration of love, courage and empathy as I interact with others today.

S – But you yourself have seen trouble and grief, observing it in order to take the matter into your hands. The helpless one entrusts himself to you; you are a helper of the fatherless.

Psalms 10:14 CSB

O – Commentary:

you have noted trouble The confidence of the wicked is unfounded. The psalmist expresses trust that God not only sees their actions, He will act to deliver the helpless.

for the orphan Referring to orphans, who were counted among the most vulnerable in ancient Israel. The Law included special provisions designed to protect them (Exod 22:22–24; Deut 24:19–21). The Psalms describe God as the protector of the fatherless (Pss 68:5; 146:9).

Faithlife Study Bible 

A – There are times we experience tough times or people pass away.  These are tremendously stressful and difficult.  God sees it and allows it.  That in itself is challenging – God in his sovereignty

 didn’t stop it and even watched it unfold in our lives.  It demonstrates great trust and faith in Him to do this when it is happening to us.

R – Lord, there is trouble and challenges that I will face today.  I might not “see” You in it but I can be confident that you are going to work it for my good.  Help me continue to grow in my faith that trusts you in these times. You are limitless and big.  I want to step toward You today in full confidence in what You are doing.

S – Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding;

in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5, 6 CSB

O – Trusting God can be challenging because we live in the physical realm and He operates in the spiritual realm.  We recognize and honor Him when we move through what we know into what we believe in Him.

A – The choice to trust Him is ours.  Many things demonstrate who God is and His power.  In the context of all creation, He still knows us and wants what is best for us.

 We must choose daily whether we are going to honor Him or take things into our control.

R – Lord, I surrender to You today.  I choose to trust and believe in You, Your Word and Your promises.  I may not see it but I know You are good and want what is best for me.  Thank you for loving me and being in relationship with me today.

S – So follow the way of the good, and keep to the paths of the righteous.

For the upright will inhabit the land, and those of integrity will remain in it;

Proverbs 2:20,21

O – Commentary:  Doing the “way of the good” and following “righteousness” is not exciting or something people flock to.  Culture wants excitement and new things.  God’s ways are steady and many times require perseverance.  But the fruit is remarkable – ownership, long-standing and honor.

A – Life will have its times of excitement. Situations that require courage, tenacity and “let’s go” attitudes.  We need to be led by the Holy Spirit in those times to move under His direction.  More often, we need to commit to the long race of obedience and doing what God’s Word tells us to do.

R – Lord, we invite you into today to lead us in all situations.  Help us to be faithful to your Word in our daily tasks.  What seems routine is building the foundation of our faithfulness.  When a challenge comes our way, help us to be decisive, courageous and move quickly in Your leadings. Our trust is in you in all situations.

S –  What is a human being that you remember him, a son of man that you look after him? 

⁵ You made him little less than God^, and crowned him with glory and honor.

Psalms  8:4–5 CSB

O – Commentary:

The rhetorical questions in verse 4 emphasize that man is an insignificant creature in the universe (cf. 144:3). Yet God cares for him immensely. It amazed David that the Lord of the universe even thinks about man.

Man was created as God’s own representative on earth, over the Creation, but lower than God. David was amazed that God should exalt finite man to such a place of honor.

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

A – In the expanse of all that is created, humans are a small part of the whole picture. Yet, we are made in God’s image and the one creation God chose to be in a relationship with intimately.  We need to desire God as much as He desires us.

R – Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us enough to create us in Your likeness.  Thank you for desiring a relationship with us.  We invite you today to lead us to walk with You and in your purposes.  Reveal more of your character so we may know You more and take on those same qualities.