S – I have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain.” I will declare the Lord’s decree. 

He said to me, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father

Psalms 2:6–7 CSB

O – Commentary:  

my son (or Son). Today I have become your Father (or Today I reveal you as my son): People in the ancient Near East commonly accepted a father-son relationship between gods and kings. In Israel, the Lord adopted kings as his sons. God set David apart as his most excellent and exalted son (89:27). All descendants of David were the Lord’s representatives or agents. As an eternal member of the Godhead (John 1:1) and a descendant of David (Acts 13:33; Heb 1:5; 5:5), Jesus is the true Son of God.

 New Living Translation Study Bible

A – God works in the present and in His plan.  In establishing David, He recognizes the King of that day but also sets up the King of the future.  God is working with us today and preparing us for the plans He has for us in the future.  And it is in a relationship, not just actions.

R – Lord, thank you for another day that we are in a relationship with you.  I pray that you would establish today to be what you want to see done in me and through me.  Also, thank you that all of it works for the good plans you have for my future.  Let me be led by Your Spirit today.

S – let a wise person listen and increase learning, 

and let a discerning person obtain guidance

Proverbs 1:5 CSB

O – Commentary: 

The experienced (the wise, ḥāḵom, and the discerning,) are reminded of their need to grow in wisdom (in learning and guidance). “Guidance” (taḥbūlôṯ), literally, “steerings” (like the tackle for directing a ship), suggests moving one’s life in the right direction. This Hebrew word is used elsewhere only in Job 37:12 (“direction”); Proverbs 11:14; 12:5 (“plans”); 20:18; 24:6.

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

A- As we start the new year, this is a great verse to lay the foundation.  Even those who have achieved wisdom need to keep growing.  It starts with listening.  Not sharing what you know but finding out what you don’t know.  When we gain discernment, we gain direction for our lives.

R – Lord, I surrender 2024 to you.  I am grateful for all that you did to bring me to this point.  Now, I look at the new year with You as my foundation, Savior and Lord.  I want to grow in my ability to know You, hear Your voice and be led by You.  Help me to grow my wisdom, empathy, discernment and courage.  Thank you for another year with You.

S – For God has not called us to impurity but to live in holiness

1 Thessalonians 4:7 CSB

O – Commentary:  

A holy life demonstrates God’s supernatural power at work overcoming what is natural, and it glorifies God

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

Impurity: 

akatharsia,  impurity (the quality), phys. or mor.:— uncleanness.

Holiness:  

hagiasmŏs,  purification, i.e. (the state) purity; concr. (by Heb.) a purifier:— holiness, sanctification.

 James Strong, The New Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew and Greek Words 

A – When the supernatural power of God is active in our lives, it transforms the natural into a life and work that glorifies Him.  It takes away the characteristics of impurity and creates a foundation of purity.  This foundation becomes the place from where we live instead of the qualities that try to define us.

R – Lord, you created my natural man with amazing gifts and talents.  It also has challenges and blind spots.  I surrender myself to walk in Your ways so I can honor You.  I ask the Holy Spirit to lead and guide me today, transforming my natural being by Your supernatural love and power.

S – For now we live, if you stand firm in the Lord

1 Th 3:8 CSB 

O – Paul is relieved and comforted knowing the people of Thessalonia are standing strong in their faith even under persecution.

A – Each of us faces trials and challenges each day.  Stay the course, and stand firm in your faith.  God’s got this.

R – Lord, I know you can do all things and your purposes will not be thwarted. (Job 42:2). There are times when that is challenged.  Give me the courage and strength to stand strong in you. Help me to walk according to Your Word and principles.  You hold it all and I surrender to you today.

S – This is why we constantly thank God, because when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you welcomed it not as a human message, but as it truly is, the word of God, which also works effectively in you who believe.

 1 Th 2:13 CSB

O – Commentary:  

The spoken Word of God has an inherent power to change. For this reason the Word of God through the Old Testament prophets was recognized as being powerful and not falling to the ground (i.e., lacking sufficient power to hit its mark and accomplish its purpose; cf. 1 Sam. 3:19). The Word of God has the creative power of God behind it and in it (Gen. 1:3). Paul credited the changes in the Thessalonians to this spoken Word of God. Not only had it effected changes in them in the past, but also it was continuing to change them since they continued to believe it. (The word believe is in the Gr. pres. tense, indicating continuing action.) The truth of God, like a good medicine, will continue to heal sin-sick souls so long as people receive it by faith.

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

A – The Word of God has the power to change us and anything or anyone we interact with today.  We should reverence God’s Word but also invite it to do its work.  Our faith and trust should be an ongoing action of belief.

R – Lord, thank you for your Word.  When we speak it, we are activating our faith to come into alignment with your plans and purposes.  Help us to walk confidently in what you have for us today so we can share a genuine faith with others as well.

S – For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, ⁵ because our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with full assurance. You know how we lived among you for your benefit

1 Thessalonians 1:4–5 CSB

O – The gospel to the church was not just eloquence but had tangible power, evidenced by the Holy Spirit and full of confidence and conviction.  

A – We as the church need to make sure we are not giving “lip service” to God and His Word.  We can know the word but we need to walk confidently in the transformation that comes in knowing Christ.  We have all the blessings at our disposal, including miracles and healings.  Our faith can walk in total conviction that God can accomplish his purpose in us.

R – Lord, I invite your Holy Spirit to move in my life today.  I surrender my will and desires for yours.  I believe in Your Word and move from understanding to faith that you can do all things.  I pray that my life will line up with those actions and convictions.  And, it will bring glory back to You.

S – Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person. 

Colossians 4:6 CSB 

O – Key Words

“gracious”. charis,  graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act; espec. the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; incl. gratitude):

The New Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew and Greek Words 

“salt” halas, hal´-as;  salt; fig. prudence:— salt.   (Prudence -diligence, discretion, wisdom)

 The New Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew and Greek Words 

A – What would our words do if they were led by the “divine influence upon the heart” and measured by diligence, discretion and wisdom?  They would be full of compassion, courage and divine insight.  People would feel valued and known.  There would be honesty and understanding.

R – Lord, I invite you into my conversations today.  I ask that my speech by gracious and measured by your wisdom.  I want all the characteristics that I listed above.  Lead and guard my tongue today.  Let my words bring honor to You!

S – And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 

Colossians  3:17 CSB

O – Commentary:  

as a representative of the Lord Jesus (literally in the name of the Lord Jesus): In the Bible, a person’s name represents that person. To do something in the name of the Lord Jesus is therefore to act in a way that is in harmony with his identity and under his authority

 New Living Translation Study Bible 

A – Any word or action should represent Jesus.  Just like my family shares a common name and that reflects on us as a whole.  Our lives are a living representation of what we believe about God.

R – Lord, I invite you into my thoughts, words and actions today.  Let me be a pleasing representation of your love and character.  Let me bring life and your love to all I interact with today.

S –  God wanted to make known among the Gentiles the glorious wealth of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory

Col 1:27 CSB

O – Commentary: 

That this mystery would be made known among the Gentiles had been prophesied (e.g., Is 66:19) and was now being fulfilled (1:25). *Old Testament writers often said that God dwelled “among” his people Israel (Num 35:34), and on a personal level, “within” some of them (Gen 41:38; Num 27:18; Dan 4:8, 18; 5:11, 14; 1 Pet 1:11; more often, “filled,” “rested on”).  But no one expected him to dwell among the Gentiles—indeed, on the personal level, within them (Col 2:12; 3:4, 16).

  The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament

“Hope of glory” – In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:3–4). 

A – Everyone has the opportunity to accept Christ as their Lord and the Holy Spirit will be in you.  We have the benefit of hindsight after Christ’s resurrection and the early church doing the hard work of this “new” message.  The hope of glory allows us to walk in the power of his resurrection today, knowing our inheritance is heaven with Him.

R – Lord, I am grateful for your love for us.  Lead us through your Holy Spirit to walk in the power of your resurrection.  We will obey your Word and demonstrate our love for You and others in a tangible way.  We will walk in compassion and courage, knowing you are in control of all things.