S – For there is no favoritism with God. 

Romans 2:11 CSB

O – “Favoritism” – prŏsōpŏlēpsia, partiality, i.e. favoritism:— respect of persons.

 The New Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew and Greek Words 

God does not have favorites.  He loves each person equally.  Those who accept Christ as Lord and Savior and pursue His truth and righteousness will find favor with Him.  No distinction (race, gender, gift, talent, etc) we make as humans will change that.

A – If God doesn’t view us any differently than others, why do we?  Everybody has value and a story.  We can value each other, even if we disagree on principles.

R – Lord, help me to work on myself first today.  Out of that, let me value others in my journey.

S – For I am not ashamed of the gospel,^, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek

Romans 1:16 CSB

O – Commentary: Paul stresses that the good news of salvation is for all peoples; if to both Jews and Greeks (Greeks were often the most anti-Jewish), then to all peoples between Jews and Greeks.

The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament,

       Commentary: “power” dunamis,  force; miraculous power — ability, abundance, might, (worker of) miracle (-s), power, strength, violence, mighty (wonderful) work.

  The New Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew and Greek Words

A – The boldness Paul is expressing is amazing.  He has the Good news of Christ the miraculous transformation of relationship with God. This message is for everyone – both ends of the spectrum.  There are so many challenges in expressing this message – culture, existing religions, physical harm, disbelief and even those close to him. The boldness isn’t to speak the message – it is the courage to take on the various forms of opposition and keep moving forward.

R – Lord, help me to keep my eyes on you today and move forward with your purposes and plans no matter how difficult.  Give me the courage to face today head-on and listen/obey your voice.

S – For the Lord is righteous; he loves righteous deeds. The upright will see his face. 

 Psalms  11:7 CSB

O –  The Lord loves being right and just.  He loves those who do right and just actions.  The “upright:”  yâshâr,  straight or even will see his face.  

A – The Lord loves those who pursue a relationship with him and align with his character. Seeing his face is synonymous with being in his presence.  Example: “The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend.” (Exodus 33:11, NIV). We should seek his presence daily.

R – Lord, help me to align with you and walk in your presence today.  Help me to align my thoughts, words and actions with your character today.

S – Lord, you have heard the desire of the humble; you will strengthen their hearts. 

You will listen carefully

Psalms 10:17 CSB

O – When we walk in humility, God hears our hearts and gives us strength.  He listens attentively.

A – The enemy wants us to walk in oppression and shame.  He uses people, situations and the past to keep us there.  We must use our voice with God to tell Him our heart’s desires.  He already knows what they are but there is something powerful in using your voice with God.  “He listens carefully” like a parent when a child is telling them their situation.  

R – Lord, I invite you into an ongoing dialogue of my heart as I walk through today.  I am an open book to you so I can walk in strength, courage and humility.  I invite you to listen and speak into my life.

S – The Lord is a refuge for the persecuted, a refuge in times of trouble

Psalms 9:9 CSB

O – Commentary: The Lord God is their Refuge and Stronghold in times of trouble. The word miśgoḇ, used twice in verse 9 and translated both “refuge” and “stronghold,” suggests security and protection in a high, safe place of retreat

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

A – Everyone gets tired.  Jesus went off alone to pray.  We all need safe places to vent and reflect on our daily challenges.  I recognize in this stage of my life the power of rest and solitude.  God is both of those  for me…along with trusted people who are walking with me as I go.

R – Lord, thank you for times of rest and reflection.  In you, I find strength, courage and hope.

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

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

      Psalms  8:4–5 CSB

O – David’s question of our significance came hundreds of years before Jesus said that God knows when a sparrow falls to the ground.  God knows everything.  God created man in his image and gave him a soul.

A – Everyone wants to be noticed and significant.  A good starting place is what God actually thinks about us and who He created us to be.  This should not give us arrogance but it should establish our confidence.  

R – Lord, let me walk confidently in the plans and purposes you have for me today.  Let me stay submitted and under the direction of the Holy Spirit to accomplish your will today.

S – I will thank the Lord for his righteousness; 

I will sing about the name of the Lord Most High. 

Psalms 7:17 CSB

O – After a whole chapter of pain, repentance and judgment conversation, David turns his attention wholly to God in gratitude.  Notice, none of the pain or repentance happened yet.  He was still being pursued and slandered.  

A – When things are bad or they haven’t changed yet, we need to come to God in worship and gratitude.  Not easy when you know His unlimited power and ability.  God is working even when we don’t see it.

R – Lord, thank you for working on my behalf.  In ALL things, I am grateful for you will and purposes being accomplished.

S – My whole being is shaken with terror. And you, Lord—how long? 

Psalms 6:3 CSB

O – Commentary:  

The words in this verse are highly emotional. The question how long? is unfinished because of his intense frustration. (Cf. “How long?” in 13:1–2; 35:17; 74:10; 79:5; 80:4; 82:2; 89:46; 94:3; 119:84.) He longed for God’s healing.

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

A – I love the relatability of this lament. This is a common part of our relationship with God.  We desire something and he doesn’t do it.  We do what the Bible says to do…and He doesn’t do it.  We see His promises and power and…He doesn’t it do it.  Even David had to wait.  I can’t give a good answer but I do know that God’s timing is perfect.

R – Lord, help me to trust in your timing.  Help my expectations to line up with your actions.

S – But I enter your house by the abundance of your faithful love; 

I bow down toward your holy temple in reverential awe of you

Psalms 5:7 CSB

O – Commentary:  God’s mercy (ḥeseḏ, “loyal love”) toward him. Another definition is favor. By this, he could approach the tabernacle to worship the Lord in reverence. The Hebrew word for bow down (often trans. “worshiped) signifies prostrating oneself, a posture that represents the proper inner attitude toward God in worship. The wicked are arrogant; a worshiper is humble before God.

The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – Any of my family can come into my house and not feel like a guest.  We are not guests in God’s house.  Or even to come into His presence.  Through the blood of Jesus, we enter into that place with him with favor, mercy and grace.  Why?  God wants a relationship as much as we do.

R – Lord, thank you for desiring time and a relationship with me today.  Let me walk in your presence and be led by your Spirit in all things.

S – Know that the Lord has set apart the faithful for himself; 

the Lord will hear when I call to him. 

 Psalms 4:3 CSB

O –  In answering his enemies, the author encourages himself with his relationship with God and what God will do.

A – What would our challenges look like to us if we saw them through the lens of how God sees us and is leading us through them?  If we saw that He sees us as strong, courageous, wise, humble, discerning and teachable?  If we knew He heard us even when we don’t see Him working?  It would change the perspective.

R – Lord, let me lead today knowing that in setting me apart, you equip me with all the resources you have to offer.  Let me walk in confidence that you are with me.