365 Promises

[Hosanna]

Promise #220:
If you walk in the light, the blood of My Son Jesus will cleanse you from all sin.

1 John 1:7 (WEB)
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light,
we have fellowship with one another,
and the blood of Jesus Christ, his Son,
cleanses us from all sin.

Jesus is called the Light of the World. In Him is no darkness, only brilliant, glorious light. The good news of the gospel is that when we receive the free gift of God, which is the life of His own Son, we are completely cleansed from all unrighteousness and forgiven of all our sins.

We have become children of the light because we are now joined completely into Jesus's holy life. Romans 8:1 says that because of this exchange, there is, therefore, now no condemnation for us.

Our adversary, the devil, is called the accuser of the brethren. He aims to continually bring accusations against us that would somehow cause us to feel ashamed and hide from God. When you hear these accusing voices, declare the finished work of the blood of Jesus over your life, for it is the cleansing power of Jesus' blood that keeps us walking in the light!

We do not need to hide in shame from God. Jesus Christ has secured our place in His Father's heart, and His blood has covered our past sins, our present sins, and our future sins. You can rest in the finished work of Jesus Christ. When He cried, it was finished on the cross, He meant it.

Does this mean that we can go on living a sinful life? God forbid! However, we can rest assured that if we walk in the light as Jesus is in the light, His blood cleanses us from ALL sin.

***
Responsive Prayer:

Father, thank You that the shed blood of Jesus has cleansed me from all my sin—past, present, and future. Help me to believe this is true so I don’t live my life battling feelings of shame and condemnation today. The truth is that I am a child of light because I have been forever joined with Your beloved Son.

In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

August 9

Promise #221: Trust in Me and do not be afraid of what others can do to you. Psalm 56:11 (WEB) I have put my trust in God. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? Fear of man is a powerful,...

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[Hosanna]

Promise #221:
Trust in Me and do not be afraid of what others can do to you.

Psalm 56:11
I have put my trust in God. I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?

Fear of man is a powerful, debilitating force in our world today. It prevents us from taking risks and from being the people God made us to be. If we are afraid of what others think or what they will do to us, we are kept in a prison of their control. God wants us to be free, and He does not want us to live in fear.

The only way to deal with fear is to embrace the love God has for us and allow perfect love to drive all fear away. (1 John 4:18) Trust is the key. Knowing that our God and Father always has our best interests at heart.

In this promise, the psalmist declares that he will trust in God and not be afraid of what man can do to him. May faith rise up in our hearts today as we agree with Romans 8:31, where the Apostle Paul declares, "If God is for us, who can be against us?"

May each one of us continue to grow in the incredible freedom of the children of God and not live in a place of being afraid.

***
Responsive Prayer:

Father, thank You for being there for me in every way. Help me to recognize the immeasurable power of Your great love today so that I do not fear any opposition that may come my way. The truth is that I can rest in Your protective love to shield me from all the attacks of the enemy when he tries to convince me that I am on my own. If You are for me, no one can stand against me!

In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

August 10

Promise #222: I will be your security and a safe place for your children. Proverbs 14:26 (WEB) In the fear of Yahweh is a secure fortress, and he will be a refuge for his children. The person who...

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[Hosanna]

Promise #222:
I will be your security and a safe place for your children.

Proverbs 14:26 (WEB)
In the fear of Yahweh is a secure fortress,
and he will be a refuge for his children.

The person who reveres the Lord is confident that God will be a place of safety for them and refuge for their children. God is our secure fortress. Nothing can penetrate His walls. We are safe and secure in the center of His heart. While this is good news for us, it is also a promise for our children. In a world that seems to always be on shaky ground, this is a promise that we can rely on.

For those of us who have children (and grandchildren), this is a promise that we can claim for them, too! Our own three children are adults now and are dealing with the pressures of this world just like everybody else. While sometimes I wish I could protect them like I used to when they were young, I am encouraged to think that God is still their safe place, no matter their struggles.

May each of us claim this promise for ourselves and our loved ones today!

***
Responsive Prayer:

Father, thank You for being a safe haven for me and those I love. In a world that often feels frightening, I am grateful that I can find rest in Your promise to be a refuge of security through any storm I face. Today, I choose to trust in Your loving protection for me and my family.

In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

August 11

Promise #223: I am your shield, your glory and the lifter of your head. Psalm 3:3 (WEB) But you, Yahweh, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head. The Hebrew word for...

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[Hosanna]

Promise #223:
I am your shield, your glory and the lifter of your head.

Psalm 3:3 (WEB)
But you, Yahweh, are a shield around me,
my glory, and the one who lifts up my head.

The Hebrew word for shield in this promise is a substance so thick that it is likened to the scaly hide of a crocodile. God is our shield and our protector. Nothing can get through His defenses. Our God and Father is also our glory. The Hebrew word for glory in this passage is 'kabowd', which means a weighty honor that He places on us simply because we belong to Him.

I love this verse's NLT Bible translation: ' But you, O Lord, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.' God protects us, He bestows His own glory on us, and He lifts up our head when we are discouraged.

When I think of the last part of this promise, I picture a child standing face to face with his father, his head held down in discouragement. The father, not wanting his child to be discouraged, gently puts his finger on the little boy's chin and raises his head until their eyes meet.

When we get discouraged, our God and Father is the lifter of our head. As the NLT Bible says, He is 'the one who holds my head high.’ If you are disappointed today, may you feel the loving touch of your Father raising your head so that your eyes meet His loving glance.

Responsive Prayer:

Father, thank You for being my unbreakable shield that keeps me safe from harm. Thank You for your patience with me; when I forget this truth and feel discouraged, You surround me with Your glory and gently lift my head high. Help me to rest in Your faithfulness and in this promise today.

In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

August 12

Promise #224: I will gladly give the Holy Spirit to those who will ask. Luke 11:13 (WEB) If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly...

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[Hosanna]

Promise #224:
I will gladly give the Holy Spirit to those who will ask.

Luke 11:13 (WEB)
If you then, being evil,
know how to give good gifts to your children,
how much more will your heavenly Father
give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?”

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of both God the Father and God the Son. In Matthew 10:20, Jesus tells His disciples that when they are dragged before the courts, it will not be them speaking but the Spirit of their Father. In Galatians 4:6, the Apostle Paul says that God has given us the Spirit of His Son, whereby we cry Abba Father!

The Holy Spirit is the very essence of God's heart, and in this promise, Jesus declares that His Father loves to give the Holy Spirit to those who ask! Since God's Spirit is the very core of who He is, He is giving us everything that He has when He pours out His Spirit on us! In Ephesians 5:18, the Apostle Paul instructs us not to be drunk on wine but to be continually filled with the Spirit!

The context of this verse is that being filled with the Spirit is not a one-time event but an ongoing process. We are called to continually be filled to overflow with God's Holy Spirit. So, my encouragement to you today is to ask God for a fresh infilling of His precious Spirit! Jesus says that He is a good Father, and He delights in giving us His Spirit when we ask.

***
Responsive Prayer:

So, Father, I ask for more of Your Holy Spirit today! Would You fill me anew? Would You pour more of Your love into my heart through Your precious Holy Spirit today? I open my heart to You and expect to receive because I am Your beloved child, and You delight in giving me good gifts.

In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

August 13

Promise #225: Forgiveness and healing are among My many benefits. Psalm 103:2-3 (WEB) 2 Praise Yahweh, my soul, and don’t forget all his benefits; 3 who forgives all your sins; who heals all your...

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[Hosanna]

Promise #225:
Forgiveness and healing are among My many benefits.

Psalm 103:2-3 (WEB)
2 Praise Yahweh, my soul, and don’t forget all his benefits;
3 who forgives all your sins; who heals all your diseases;

When a person is interviewing for a new job, one of the questions that they would typically ask is, "Could you tell me about the benefit package for this job?" Different jobs have different benefits, such as health care, dental plans, retirement plans, etc.

In this promise, David worships God and reminds himself not to forget the many benefits of a relationship with God. In verse 3, David declares two of these benefits: forgiveness and healing.

Interestingly, David needs to remind himself not to forget all God's benefits. The Lord exhorted the Israelites not to forget all the miraculous things that He had done for them in the past. That is why they created monuments of His goodness and annual feasts—so they would remember and not forget.

In Luke 22:14-20, Jesus shares the Passover supper with His disciples and encourages them to remember Him every time they partook of the bread and the wine. It was important to Jesus that His disciples remembered the price that He was going to pay for their salvation, for it is in the remembering of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection that we continue to partake of the fullness of His life.

My encouragement to you today is to bless the Lord with all your soul and remember all the many benefits we have received from our elder brother, Jesus Christ!

***
Responsive Prayer:

Father, thank You so much for all the wonderful blessings You have given me through my union with Your beloved Son, Jesus. You are so good and kind to me in many ways. Help me never to forget all of the benefits that are part of my eternal inheritance as one of Your much-loved children.

In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

August 14

Promise #226: If you rest in Me and wait patiently, you will inherit the land. Psalm 37:7-9 (WEB) 7 Rest in Yahweh, and wait patiently for him. Don’t fret because of him who prospers in his way,...

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[Hosanna]

Promise #226:
If you rest in Me and wait patiently, you will inherit the land.

Psalm 37:7-9 (WEB)
7 Rest in Yahweh, and wait patiently for him. Don’t fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who makes wicked plots happen. 8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath. Don’t fret, it leads only to evildoing. 9 For evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for Yahweh shall inherit the land.

This is a call to rest and wait. In our culture, these are two of the most challenging things that we can do. Hebrews 4 speaks of a Sabbath rest that God wants us to enter into, where we cease from our works and enter into His rest.

While this promise seems simple enough to accomplish, something in the human heart struggles to rest genuinely. I am not talking about having a siesta or taking a vacation, but a rest in the very core of our hearts where we cease from all striving.

When we learn to rest in the center of our being, we will cease from our own human initiatives and position ourselves to wait for the Lord to work on our behalf. This is not a place of passivity because we have to work at entering into this place of rest. We will only allow ourselves to enter into this place when we are convinced that we no longer have to strive to find acceptance in the loving embrace of our God and Father.

One of the highest forms of trust we can demonstrate is to truly learn to rest and wait patiently for the Lord. In this place, we realize that we don't have to protect ourselves, provide for ourselves, initiate for ourselves, etc., because we have a God who is head over heels in love with us and has promised to work on our behalf. All He asks is that we learn to rest and wait patiently for Him.

Today's promise says that we will inherit the land when we do! Not because of anything we do but because of the goodness of our heavenly Dad. May the Holy Spirit show each of us how to more fully enter that place of rest and trust so we can wait on the Lord and see our inheritance released.

Responsive Prayer:

Father, thank You that You aren’t seeking servants to work for You, but sons and daughters who can share in Your loving heart. During times when I forget the invitation to enter into Your rest and default to striving and performance, would You gently guide me back to the peaceful place of trust and rest as I wait for You to renew my strength.

In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

August 15

Promise #227: I will give power to the exhausted and I strengthen the weak. Isaiah 40:29 (WEB) He gives power to the weak. He increases the strength of him who has no might. We live in an...

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[Hosanna]

Promise #227:
I will give power to the exhausted and I strengthen the weak.

Isaiah 40:29 (WEB)
He gives power to the weak.
He increases the strength of him who has no might.

We live in an upside-down kingdom where the first will be last, and the last will be first. The greatest will be the least, and the least will be the greatest. In 1 Corinthians 1:26-29, the Apostle Paul says that God has chosen the world's weak things to shame the strong.

There is something in the heart of God that rushes to the defense of those who can't defend themselves and those who have no illusion of their own power. We see this at work in Paul's own life when he was struggling with a 'thorn in the flesh' that wouldn't go away (2 Corinthians 12:6-8). This is when Jesus appeared to Paul and said that God's strength is made perfect in his weakness.

So, if you are feeling powerless today, be comforted in knowing that God gives power to the weak and those who are feeling exhausted. You are in a good place for God's strength to be revealed in you and through you.

***
Responsive Prayer:

Father, thank You for giving me the power and strength I need when I am completely exhausted. Help me remember that at my weakest, the unlimited strength of Christ will be perfected in me, for when I am weak, then I am strong. So today, I lean into Your strength amid my weakness.

In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

August 16

Promise #228: If I am for you, no one can stand against you. Romans 8:31 (WEB) What then shall we say about these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? This is one of my favorite...

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[Hosanna]

Promise #228:
If I am for you, no one can stand against you.

Romans 8:31 (WEB)
What then shall we say about these things?
If God is for us, who can be against us?

This is one of my favorite promises of all time! If God is for us, who can be against us? There is nothing that I can add to this amazing promise. The God who created the universe, the Omniscient, Omnipresent, Omnipotent, Everlasting Father, is on your side. He is for you! He has placed all of heaven's resources on your side simply because you are joined to Jesus Christ and are part of His family.

Many things will oppose us in this orphan world system, but none of these things can possibly stand against our God and Father... for nothing will ever separate you from His love. Nothing! Death can't. Life can't. Angels can't. Demons can't. The present. The future.

Nothing in all creation will ever separate you from the love that God has for you in Jesus Christ! (Romans 8:35-39) May we all know this truth more deeply today than we have known it ever before… If God is for us, who can be against us?

***
Responsive Prayer:

Father, thank You for being there for me in every way. During times when I feel overwhelmed by life’s circumstances, help me remember that nothing in all creation can ever separate me from Your love in Christ. For Your exceedingly great power is working on my behalf in every situation and working in me an inheritance that will never fade.

In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

August 17

Promise #229: Though you have many plans, My purpose will be fulfilled. Proverbs 19:21 (WEB) There are many plans in a man’s heart, but Yahweh’s counsel will prevail. Over the years, I have...

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[Hosanna]

Promise #229:
Though you have many plans, My purpose will be fulfilled.

Proverbs 19:21 (WEB)
There are many plans in a man’s heart,
but Yahweh’s counsel will prevail.

Over the years, I have looked at this Bible verse many times. By nature, I am a strategist and a planner. I like knowing how to best prepare for whatever life throws at me. Unfortunately, many of the plans I have put into place have never come to pass. That is why I take great comfort in this verse. It basically says that while we have many ideas of our own, it is the Lord's purpose that will prevail in our lives.

This promise gives a planner like me great comfort in knowing that God's purpose for my life will come to pass because of His faithfulness, not because of my planning! What a relief! The old saying 'hindsight is 20/20 vision' is so true. When I look back at my life, there are so many things that I 'planned' that didn't come to pass, and I thank God that they didn't!

So today, be encouraged that our God and Father has a plan for your life that will not be thwarted by anything! You can rest in His faithfulness to fulfill your life's purpose simply because He loves you!

***
Responsive Prayer:

Father, thank You for the wonderful plan You have for my life, which will be fulfilled, sometimes despite my best efforts to assist You. I pray that I can trust in You with all my heart and not rely on my own understanding as I navigate this great adventure one day at a time. I choose to trust in Your plans and purposes for my life rather than my own.

In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

August 18

Promise #230: If two of you agree in prayer, I will do whatever you ask. Matthew 18:19 (WEB) Again, assuredly I tell you, that if two of you will agree on earth concerning anything that they...

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[Hosanna]

Promise #230:
If two of you agree in prayer, I will do whatever you ask.

Matthew 18:19
Again, assuredly I tell you,
that if two of you will agree on earth concerning anything
that they will ask, it will be done for them
by my Father who is in heaven.

In today's promise, Jesus speaks to his disciples and encourages them to pray. In the verse before this one, He tells them that whatever they bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever they loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.

I wonder how the disciples reacted to Jesus' statements. After all, they were just fisherman and common folk, yet Jesus exhorted them that they had an audience with the Creator of the universe at any time, night or day.

Reflecting on this passage in the past, I have always wondered about the words ‘anything.' Did Jesus really mean that they could have anything they asked for if there was agreement by two or more? It seems that He said what He meant because anything means anything! However, we know from other Bible verses that the things that Jesus refers to are definitely linked to the things already in God's heart.

My prayer is that this promise will encourage each one of us today! God invites us to link our hearts with other believers on earth, come before His throne room, and make our requests known to God. Don't be timid or unbelieving. Come with a heart full of faith, believing that your heavenly Father hears your requests and wants to answer your prayers!

Responsive Prayer:

Father, thank You for always hearing my prayers and for continually encouraging me to ask in faith. Help me recognize the privilege of praying with other brothers and sisters, knowing that where two or more are gathered, our Lord and Savior Jesus is in our midst. I pray for greater boldness to come into Your throne room anytime, night or day.

In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

August 19

Promise #231: I will make you fruitful in your old age. Psalm 92:13-14 (WEB) 13 They are planted in Yahweh’s house. They will flourish in our God’s courts. 14 They will still bring forth...

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[Hosanna]

Promise #231:
I will make you fruitful in your old age.

Psalm 92:13-14 (WEB)
13 They are planted in Yahweh’s house.
They will flourish in our God’s courts.
14 They will still bring forth fruit in old age.

I want to finish my life well. In Hebrews 12:1-2, we are called to throw off all the things that hinder us and the sin that so easily entangles us to run our race. I don't know how many days I have left on this side of heaven, but I want each one to mean something from an eternal perspective. I want to increase in anointing, I want to increase in effectiveness, and I want to increase in fruitfulness as I get older.

Today's promise says that fruitfulness will abound in old age for those who are sons and daughters to the Father. If you have ever visited a seniors' home, you know that is only sometimes the case. Unfortunately, as they get older, some people experience more disappointment and disillusionment about the meaning of life. Regret and bitterness can grow into a very bitter root.

But this is not so for those who are called by God to live fruitful lives! Let's all claim this promise for ourselves and our loved ones today! Father, we thank you that our fruitfulness will bring glory to you, not only today but for the rest of our lives. In Jesus' name, I pray.

***
Responsive Prayer:

Father, I thank You that my fruitfulness will bring glory to You not only today but throughout my entire life. I pray that I will have a godly expectation of finishing my race well on this side of heaven, and that my life here on earth will serve as a legacy and testimony of Your love and faithfulness all the days of my life.

In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

August 20

Promise #232: Do not despise My discipline, for in time I will heal your wounds. Job 5:17-18 (WEB) 17 “Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects. Therefore do not despise the chastening of the...

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[Hosanna]

Promise #232:
Do not despise My discipline, for in time I will heal your wounds.

Job 5:17-18 (WEB)
17 “Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects.
Therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty.
18 For he wounds, and binds up.
He injures, and his hands make whole.

You may be reading today's promise and wondering why I would have chosen a Bible passage about discipline and wounding to be part of 365 Promises. We don't hear too many sermons preached about the discipline of the Lord, and if we do, they may be skewed from the perspective of punishment from an angry God.

When many of us think of the word ‘discipline,' we think of our life experiences with our parents, teachers, authority figures, etc. This does not usually bring up warm feelings of love and tenderness but rather feelings of guilt, shame, and pain. In Hebrews 12:4-11, the writer encourages us not to despise the Lord's discipline, for God is treating us like His sons, because our heavenly Father does not discipline us in anger but in unconditional love.

Every son (or daughter) receives discipline. Receiving discipline is part of the evidence that we do indeed belong to God. The root word of discipline is disciple, which, at its heart, is training. God is training us to become like Jesus and walk in His ways. In Hebrews 12:4-11, the writer does acknowledge that no discipline is pleasant at the time, but it eventually results in a harvest of righteousness.

Today's promise assures us that though we may be enduring hardship now, there is a promise of healing for all our wounds. My prayer is that we will not see God's discipline through the lens of how we were disciplined by authority figures in our lives.

I pray that we would value God's loving discipline and gladly submit to the Father of our spirits so that we can live a full life. (Hebrews 12:9)

***
Responsive Prayer:

Father, I thank You for taking the time to train me in the way I should go. Help me to see Your discipline through the lens of Your unconditional love rather than through the broken lens of the fallen world I live in. You are indeed a good Father, and I gladly submit to Your loving correction so that my life may produce a harvest of righteousness.

In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

August 21

Promise #233: I bind up the brokenhearted and I will comfort all who mourn. Isaiah 61:1-2 (WEB) 1 The Spirit of the Lord Yahweh is on me; because Yahweh has anointed me to preach good news to the...

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[Hosanna]

Promise #233:
I bind up the brokenhearted and I will comfort all who mourn.

Isaiah 61:1-2 (WEB)
1 The Spirit of the Lord Yahweh is on me; because Yahweh has anointed me to preach good news to the humble. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to those who are bound; 2 to proclaim the year of Yahweh’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn;

This Bible passage that Jesus read in the temple affirmed His calling at the start of His public ministry in Luke 4:14-21. When you read the whole Isaiah 61 chapter in the context of Luke 4, we can read that God the Father sent His own Son into the world to proclaim the good news of the kingdom.

The message of the kingdom is simply this... Good news for the poor. Healing for the brokenhearted. Freedom for the captives. Wide open spaces for those imprisoned. Comfort for the grieving. And so much more. This is why Jesus came two thousand years ago, and it is the same reason why the Holy Spirit is with us today.

If you are hurting, open up your heart to the Holy Spirit and let the love of God bind up your broken heart. If you are grieving, let the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort bring His everlasting comfort in your time of mourning. If you are imprisoned, let the Lion of Judah set you free from all that keeps you in chains so that you can truly live a free life.

***
Responsive Prayer:

Father, I thank You for sending Your beloved Son so I can receive all the good and perfect gifts from heaven. Thank You for the beauty You provide in exchange for my ashes and for the oil of joy instead of mourning. I pray that I will walk in the full freedom and restoration of everything You have planned for me today through Christ.

In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

August 22

Promise #234: I will comfort you just like a mother would. Isaiah 66:13 (WEB) As one whom his mother comforts, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted in Jerusalem.” We all need...

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[Hosanna]

Promise #234:
I will comfort you just like a mother would.

Isaiah 66:13 (WEB)
As one whom his mother comforts, so will I comfort you;
and you will be comforted in Jerusalem.”

We all need comfort. There are times when we need a father's reassurance and times when we need a mother's comfort. When our children were little, if they got hurt playing in the backyard, they would look for their mother first before they would look for me. That is because there is something in a mother's heart that provides a reassuring comfort that is quite different from that of a father. Fathers tend to try and fix the situation, while mothers bring comfort.

In the same way that many Scriptures compare God's heart to the heart of a natural father (Psalm 103:13-14), there are also other verses that speak of a feminine expression of His love. This is one of those passages of Scripture where God is speaking to His people and telling them of His mother's heart for them.

While we know that God is our Father, we also know He is the complete expression of love. He does not just express masculine love, but feminine love as well, for He is the very essence of all love (1 John 4:16). There are times when we need the strength and exhortation that comes from a father, and there are other times when we need comfort that comes from a mother's heart.

God's love for you is so vast that it far surpasses every love you have ever known. Mother. Father. Sister. Brother. Son. Daughter. Spouse. Friend. The next time you need God's comforting embrace, be encouraged to know that He has promised to comfort you just like a mother would... but only a million times better!

***
Responsive Prayer:

Father, I thank You for loving me with every form of love I need, for You are the true embodiment of perfect love. Help me open my heart to You during times when I need comfort with a love so tender that it can bring healing and wholeness to every part of my heart, reassuring me that I am valued and accepted in Your sight.

In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

August 23

Promise #235: Your sadness may last for a night but joy will come in the morning. Psalm 30:5 (WEB) For his anger is but for a moment. His favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may stay for the night,...

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[Hosanna]

Promise #235:
Your sadness may last for a night but joy will come in the morning.

Psalm 30:5 (WEB)
For his anger is but for a moment. His favor is for a lifetime.
Weeping may stay for the night, but joy comes in the morning.

The book of Ecclesiastes says that there is a season for all things. There is a time to weep and a time to rejoice. There are times of intense hardship and times of rest and peace. Today's promise from Psalm 30:5 really speaks to those who are struggling right now. When I read this passage of Scripture, in my heart, I hear God saying, "Don't give up! Keep on going! Joy is coming soon!"

Amid any hardships you may face today, be encouraged to know that they are only temporary. Joy is coming, so don't lose heart! In these dark times, we learn just how close God really is to us. A good friend once said that the Gardener (Father God) is never closer to the branch than when He is pruning it (John 15:1-2).

My prayer for each of us today is that even amid our trials and tribulations, we will feel close to our Papa and His promise that our sadness will be gone before we know it. May each of us cling to the hope that joy is coming in the morning!

***
Responsive Prayer:

Father, I thank You for the promise of joy awaiting me, even during every challenge I encounter. Help me view my circumstances through the perspective of eternity today, so I won't be overwhelmed by my earthly struggles. Whether I feel it or not, I choose to trust that all things will work together for my good because of Your immense love for me.

In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

August 24

Promise #236: I am pleased when you share with others. Hebrews 13:16 (WEB) But don’t forget to be doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. When our children were...

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[Hosanna]

Promise #236:
I am pleased when you share with others.

Hebrews 13:16 (WEB)
But don’t forget to be doing good and sharing,
for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

When our children were younger, my heart always grieved when they didn't get along. I didn't like having to be a referee at the dinner table or break up arguments in the backyard. As a father, I wanted my children to love each other, live in harmony, share nicely, and be kind to one another.

Our heavenly Father is no different. In this passage of Scripture, the writer of Hebrews reminds us not to forget to do good and share with others because these are the things that make God happy.

In a world with many Christian denominations, I think God's kids tend to focus on the minors in our Christian walk rather than the things that really touch His heart. The sacrifices in everyday life that make Him smile are simply the good things we do for others.

I want to remember this today as I go about my daily routine because I want to make my Dad smile. How about you?

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Responsive Prayer:

Father, I thank You for Your gracious heart that has generously shared all the riches of the Kingdom with me. Help me to embody that same generosity today in my interactions with others so that I can bring You joy. You delight in seeing me reflect the kindness of Your beloved Son in a world that often struggles to be generous.

In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

August 25

Promise #237: I will keep you safe from the evil one. 1 John 5:18 (WEB) We know that whoever is born of God doesn’t sin, but he who was born of God keeps himself, and the evil one doesn’t...

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[Hosanna]

Promise #237:
I will keep you safe from the evil one.

1 John 5:18 (WEB)
We know that whoever is born of God doesn’t sin,
but he who was born of God keeps himself,
and the evil one doesn’t touch him.

I like the second part of the NIV Bible translation for this verse - the one who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him. The NLT translation says it this way - for God’s Son holds them securely, and the evil one cannot touch them.

When we are born of God, we are safe. We have no reason to fear because Jesus Himself is our protector. This Bible verse says that the evil one cannot touch us. What a promise! In our world, there is much to be afraid of, so much uncertainty that can keep people in a state of fear.

But we are not of this world; we are born of God. In John 3:9, the Apostle John says that God's seed, His very DNA, remains in us. So be of good courage today because you have nothing to fear. God has promised to keep you safe and secure in His loving embrace.

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Responsive Prayer:

Father, I thank You for Your protective love that keeps me safe from all the dark forces of this world. Help me rest in Your shelter during every storm I encounter today, so I can keep my focus on Jesus, the author and defender of my faith, and not be distracted by worldly things that seek to steal my peace and joy.

In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

August 26

Promise #238: I will show mercy to those who are merciful to others. Matthew 5:7 (WEB) Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Even in secular surroundings, there is an often quoted...

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[Hosanna]

Promise #238:
I will show mercy to those who are merciful to others.

Matthew 5:7 (WEB)
Blessed are the merciful,
for they shall obtain mercy.

Even in secular surroundings, there is an often quoted verse from Jesus called the 'golden rule'... Do unto others as you would like others to do unto you. Even the world recognizes that this is a universal principle. Mercy works the same way.

There is a promise of mercy for those who are merciful to others. It is that simple. How much mercy do I need in my life? Do I need just a little or a lot? And, of course, my answer is always... "I need as much mercy as I can get!"

The way that I can walk in mercy (for myself) every day is by simply extending mercy to those around me. The person who cuts me off when I am driving, the miserable store clerk, the friend who might have offended me somehow. If I forget that I need mercy, I may forget that I need to extend mercy to others.

Think of the areas in which you need mercy in your own life. For your shortcomings, for your failures, etc. Do you want mercy to cover every area where you fall short? Then, show mercy to others on every occasion because mercy is receiving something we don't deserve.

We know that God's love for us is unconditional, and we can't do anything to earn or deserve it. However, a principle in God's kingdom is at work every time we sow something...because what we sow, we will eventually reap. I know I need mercy today, so I pray that I will have the wisdom to sow mercy wherever I go!

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Responsive Prayer:

Father, I thank You for showing Your mercy to me in every part of my life. I pray that the mercy You constantly pour out on me will flow from me to others who desperately need to experience Your lovingkindness, even when they don’t deserve it.

In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

August 27

Promise #239: I will bless My righteous ones and shield them with My favor. Psalm 5:12 (WEB) For you will bless the righteous. Yahweh, you will surround him with favor as with a shield. When...

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[Hosanna]

Promise #239:
I will bless My righteous ones and shield them with My favor.

Psalm 5:12 (WEB)
For you will bless the righteous.
Yahweh, you will surround him with favor as with a shield.

When someone has favor from the king, everyone in the kingdom knows it! Wherever they go, the royal subjects would recognize that this special person lives under the king's blessing. What would it feel like to be shielded with favor from a king?

The truth is that we already have that kind of favor in our lives right now! The King of kings is not only our king but also our elder brother! We are part of His family and co-heirs with Him in His Father's kingdom. We are called to live a life where we look to the unseen and the eternal, not the seen and the temporal. (2 Corinthians 4:18)

If we could see into the reality of the kingdom, we would see the favor that God has already placed on us, a power that encompasses us wherever we go! According to the Scriptures, angels who are ministering servants to the heirs of salvation (Hebrews 1:14) go before us and behind us... Just because we are God's kids and part of His amazing family.

May our God and Father open our eyes today to begin to see into the unseen realm so that we can experience the tangible sense of His blessings and favor that surrounds us like a shield.

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Responsive Prayer:

Father, I thank You for surrounding me with Your favor as a shield wherever I go. Help me remember this spiritual truth during times when I feel vulnerable and unprotected in the broken world I live in. I pray that I will have eyes to see into the eternal realm today, so I may know that Your goodness and mercy follow me wherever I go.

In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

August 28

Promise #240: I will anoint you with oil so your cup overflows. Psalm 23:5 (WEB) You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil. My cup runs over. In...

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