S – Do you see a person skilled in his work? He will stand in the presence of kings. 

He will not stand in the presence of the unknown

Proverbs 22:29 CSB

O—Although gifting comes naturally, a person’s skill comes from intentionality and diligence. The Hebrew word for “presence” is pâneh, paw-neh’, the face (as the part that turns). That person doesn’t just stand near them; he speaks into the process and helps direct the leader’s vision.

A—We need to be diligent and intentional about our gifts. At the right time, they will be magnified and used to further our pursuits and God’s purpose.    

R – Heavenly Father, we praise your Holy Name today.  Thank you for the gifts and talents you gave us.  We are committed to honing them to the highest level.  Use them according to your purposes so more people will come to know you. 

S – For although we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh, ⁴ since the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but are powerful through God for the demolition of strongholds. We demolish arguments ⁵ and every proud thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to obey Christ. 

2 Corinthians 10:3–5 CSB

O – Commentary:

The weapons Paul used were the proclaimed Word of God and prayer (Eph. 6:17–18), weapons with divine power. In dependence on God (1 Cor. 2:4–5) these weapons, frail by worldly standards, are able to demolish the arguments and every pretension of the gospel’s foes. Neither the god of this Age (2 Cor. 4:4) nor his henchmen (11:15) could oppose the knowledge (or power) of God on which Paul relied. No thought (noēma; cf. 2:11), including those of his opponents, is beyond the reach of the One who “catches the wise in their craftiness” and “knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile”

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

A – There is a spiritual battle we encounter daily.  The enemy comes at us with temptation, accusation and schemes to bring distance between us and God.  We have God’s word, prayer, faith and the Holy Spirit to combat those.   It is our responsibility to actively use these gifts to resist the devil.

R – Heavenly Father, we worship and surrender to you alone today. Give us courage and strength in the spiritual battle we face.  We want to defeat the enemy’s plans.  Thank you for already securing victory through the blood of Jesus on the cross.

S – God, create a clean heart for me and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 

¹¹ Do not banish me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 

¹² Restore the joy of your salvation to me, and sustain me by giving me a willing spirit.

Psalms 51:10–12 CSB

O – Commentary:

As a corrective for his sinful nature, David petitioned God for inward renewal of his heart attitude (v. 10), preservation in service (v. 11), and restoration of joy (v. 12). He was aware that he had become indifferent in his attitudes so he needed renovation. He was also aware that Saul was removed from the kingship for his sin (signified in the OT by the departure of the Holy Spirit), so David asked that God not take away His Spirit and depose him too. In the New Testament the Spirit does not leave believers; at the moment of salvation He indwells them (cf. John 14:16; Rom. 8:9). But a Christian may be cast aside from service because of sin (cf. 1 Cor. 9:27). David was also aware that in order to experience the joy he once had in his salvation, he needed God’s inner spiritual renewal.

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

A – In any relationship, there are times of distance and disappointment.  We will go through those times in our relationship with God where He doesn’t meet our expectations or we don’t meet his.  In both situations, we need to move toward him.  It’s tough. We start by searching our hearts and resolve to act in faith and trust.  Restoration will come and joy will be restored.

R – Heavenly Father, you are all powerful, knowing and able to accomplish your will today.  We invite your Holy Spirit to search our hearts, motives and expectations.  Any place with distance, give us the courage to close the gap.  We desire to walk in unity with you today.

S – The Mighty One, God, the Lord, speaks; he summons the earth 

from the rising of the sun to its setting.

Psalms  50:1 CSB

O – The Supreme God, God, Yahweh The psalmist uses three consecutive Hebrew names for God: el, elohim, and yhwh. Taken together, the names emphasize God’s supremacy as Creator of the earth and God of Israel

Faithlife Study Bible 

A—God is the one, true God. His various names demonstrate his character and love in multifaceted ways. In this verse, it says He is above all gods, he is God, and he is the God of Israel. He calls out to all the earth, including mankind.  Amazing that as big as He is he desires to know each of us.

R – Heavenly Father, all of the names of God create a mosaic of your magnitude and character.  Thank you for loving us and walking with us in our relationship.  We invite your Holy Spirit to work in us today so we may be more like you. 

S – When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: fear God and keep his commands, because this is for all humanity.

Ecclesiastes 12:13 CSB

O – Commentary:

the final conclusion The book reaches its conclusion. The definiteness of this advice contrasts with the unending, wearisome, and ultimately futile search for wisdom of the previous verse.

Fear God and obey his commandments In light of humanity’s limitation and God’s supremacy as seen throughout the book, the only proper attitude in life is one of trust and obedience to God. See note on Eccles 3:14.

the whole duty of man Fearing God and keeping His commandments are the duties of all people.

Faithlife Study Bible

A – The end of the book brings the ultimate conclusion – Fear and Reverence God.  Recognize His unlimited power in awe and faith of who He is.  He is the one, true God – the only God.  While he can do anything, he desires a relationship with you.  Reciprocating His love toward us is seen in our obedience, faith and relationship with him.

R – Heavenly Father, you are the one, true God.  You have no peer or equal – you alone are God.  We desire a strong relationship with you.  Help us to be obedient to your leading and faithful to your promises.  We love you today!

S – Listen closely, pay attention to the words of the wise, and apply your mind to my knowledge. 

¹⁸ For it is pleasing if you keep them within you and if they are constantly on your lips. 

¹⁹ I have instructed you today—even you—so that your confidence may be in the Lord

Proverbs 22:17–19 CSB

O – Commentary:

The exhortations in verse 17 to pay attention (cf. 4:1, 20; 5:1; 7:24), listen (cf. 1:8; 4:1, 10, 20; 5:1, 7; 7:24; 8:32–33), and apply your heart (cf. “applying your heart,” 2:2) are calls to pursue and obey what is presented in the 30 sayings. Reasons for the exhortation are given in verses 18–19: it is pleasing to memorize the sayings (keep them in your heart) and to be able to quote and talk about them (have … them … on your lips) because they encourage people to trust … in the Lord.

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

A – We need to apply the exhortations of the scripture today to God’s Word today.  If we want to grow our trust and faith in him, we need to know his character and love.  The Bible is one of our greatest resources and tools.  

R – Heavenly Father, you are Lord of all and none is greater.  Give us a love for your word.  Help us to pay attention, listen and apply all that is held in scripture as we grow closer to you.  Thank you for giving us your word as a way to know you more.

S – And if someone overpowers one person, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not easily broken. 

Ecclesiastes 4:12 CSB

O – Commentary:

Continuing to show the benefits of companionship (vv. 9–11), the author highlights the protection enjoyed by numbers. While one person might be overcome, two people can withstand an attack, and a group of three is stronger still

Faithlife Study Bible 

A – We were not created to do life alone.  Finding a group of people you can do life with regularly is necessary for relationships, support and accountability.  God created us to be relational beings.  These interactions and bonds are vital for our well-being.

R – Heavenly Father, we exalt your name above all names.  Thank you for the relationships you give us in our lives.  They can be messy and challenging.  Yet, they also give us so much more and help us to grow.  Help us communicate, listen and stay united as we live together.

S – There is nothing better for a person than to eat, drink, and enjoy^, his work. I have seen that even this is from God’s hand, ²⁵ because who can eat and who can enjoy life apart from him?

Ecclesiastes 2:24–25 CSB

O – Commentary:

In view of the impermanence of the fruits of a man’s toil, Solomon recommended that a man enjoy its fruits (eating and drinking are only metaphorical for partaking of all its fruits) and find satisfaction in his work (cf. 3:13; 5:18; 8:15) as he himself had done (2:10). However, he warned that this was possible only if God enabled one to do so: without Him, who can eat or find enjoyment? Moreover, he warned that God only enables those who please Him to do so

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

A – Solomon’s journey reveals the presence of God in all that we do.  It reminds us to be grateful for all God gives us because it all comes from Him. 

R – Heavenly Father, you are my God and my Lord.  Thank you for all that you provide for me and my family today.  Without you, my life has no meaning and purpose. With you, I am empowered to be who you created me to be and gifted to accomplish your will.

S – Then Job replied to the Lord: I know that you can do anything and no plan of yours can be thwarted.

Job 42:1–2 CSB

O – Commentary:

In Job’s first response (40:3–5) he admitted his finiteness in the face of God’s display of numerous wonders of nature above, on, and under the earth. But he did not admit to God’s sovereignty or to his own sin of pride. Job now confessed those two things in his second reply. Overwhelmed by the strength and fierceness of the behemoth and the leviathan, Job sensed his own inadequacy to conquer and control evil, which they represented. He therefore saw anew the greatness of God’s power and sovereignty. Job’s words I know that You can do all things point up the folly of his questioning God’s ability to govern the universe. Job’s efforts to thwart (lit., “cut off”) God’s plan were now seen as futile.

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

A – The understanding of God’s sovereignty and unlimited power in contrast to our finiteness and pride is a constant battle.  Who will stand before the one who created us and knows us best?  Yet, this tension is constant.   We enjoy that enjoy the benefits of God but want our independence too.  Job models the right answer – surrender and humility to God.

R – Heavenly Father, we surrender and worship you as our one, true God.  Forgive us for our attitudes and actions that show our desire for independence.  We cannot do this without your love for us.  In humility, we recognize that you can do all things and we submit to you.

S – Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm. He said: “Who is this that obscures my plans 

with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me.

Job 38:1–3 CSB

O – Commentary:

Then God told Job to get ready for His questions. (Brace yourself like a man; cf. 40:7, is lit., “gird up your loins like a man,” geḇer, “strong man,” that is, tuck your outer robe-like garment into your sash-belt as a man does before taking on a strenuous task such as running or fighting in a battle, Ex. 12:11; 1 Kings 18:46.) Job was to be alert so he could answer God intelligently. This is a striking reversal of Job’s words to God, “Let the Almighty answer me” (31:35). Job the plaintiff had now become the defendant!

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

A – We all have times of challenge with God.  He doesn’t meet our expectations,  answer our prayer or his presence is unfelt. Job has been through a tremendously difficult journey.  God’s questions require Job to “man up” and defend his challenges.  We must do the same with our own lives and attitudes towards God.  There will be a day of “accounting.”  

R – Heavenly Father, you are Jehovah – the one true God.  Our lives are surrendered to you.  Whether victory or challenge, we recognize that you hold all of it in your hands.  We trust that you are leading us to a deeper, stronger relationship with you.  Thank you for your grace and mercy as we purpose to do your will today.