Daily Devotions

“ Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil.” – Proverbs 3:7

This proverb teaches us a foundational truth: true wisdom doesn’t come from our own confidence or intellect, but from humility and a deep reverence for God. It challenges us to resist the temptation to rely solely on our limited perspective and to trust in God’s infinite wisdom, which guides us away from evil and toward righteousness.

There are times when what we believe is “right” may actually be wrong—especially when we prioritize being correct over showing compassion, or winning an argument over preserving a relationship. When the desire to prove ourselves right takes precedence over understanding others, it often leads to conflict, bitterness, and brokenness.

A poignant example of this is found in the story of Professor Stuart Blackie from the University of Edinburgh. During a session of oral recitations, a student stood to read, holding his book in the “wrong” hand. The professor sharply ordered, “Take your book in your right hand and be seated!” The student, however, calmly raised his arm... which ended at the wrist. He had no right hand.

A heavy silence fell over the room. Realizing his mistake, the professor walked over to the student, put his arm around him, and with tears in his eyes, said, “I didn’t know. Will you forgive me?”
That humble apology had a profound effect on the student. Years later, now a believer, he shared the story at a Christian gathering. Holding up his right arm, he said: “I was that student. Professor Blackie led me to Christ. But he never could have done that if he hadn’t made the wrong right.”

It takes courage to admit we’re wrong. But it takes divine humility to seek forgiveness, pursue peace, and shift from self-reliance to God’s wisdom.

A Prayer for Humility and Guidance
Lord,
Help me to acknowledge my limitations and guard me from pride and self-sufficiency. Teach me to lean on Your understanding, not my own, in every decision I make. Grant me the humility to admit when I’m wrong, and the grace to make things right. Above all, may I fear You and turn from anything that leads me away from Your path. Let my life reflect Your righteousness, compassion, and obedience.
Amen.

Daily Devotions

Proverbs 3:6 – "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths."

This verse is one we often encounter—found in devotional books, on bookmarks, or written on cards offering encouragement. But the comfort it offers isn’t just because it’s familiar. It carries with it a promise: when we acknowledge God, He guides our way.

But what does it mean to “acknowledge” Him?

The Hebrew word for "acknowledge" here is yada, a term that goes far beyond a simple greeting or casual recognition. Yada speaks of an intimate, deep, experiential knowledge. To acknowledge God in all your ways means more than just saying His name in passing—it means inviting Him into every corner of your life: your decisions, your values, your habits, and your relationships. It’s about living in a way that God isn’t just an afterthought but the very centre of all you do.

In other words, we don’t only turn to God in times of crisis. We walk with Him daily, seeking His wisdom, trusting His timing, and surrendering to His direction—even when it leads us in ways we didn’t expect.

One author paints a vivid picture of this by comparing it to a pilot landing an aircraft at night. In the dark, visibility is low, and the pilot has no choice but to rely entirely on the runway lights. If the lights are aligned, the landing will be safe. If they’re misaligned, the landing becomes perilous.

Anne Graham Lotz uses this imagery to explain spiritual discernment. When seeking God’s will, she suggests looking for four “runway lights” that should align before we move forward:

1. God’s Word – Does the decision align with Scripture?

2. Inner Peace – Is there a sense of peace or unease that the Spirit brings?

3. Circumstances – Are doors opening or closing around this decision?

4. Godly Counsel – What are wise, spiritually mature people saying about this?

When these lights line up, we can move forward with confidence. God may not always speak in dramatic ways—like through a burning bush or thunderous clouds—but He does speak clearly through His Word, His Spirit, His people, and His providence.

To “acknowledge” God means trusting Him, even when we can’t see the end of the road. His promise? He will make our path straight—not always easy, but purposeful. Not always quick, but sure.

Prayer:

Lord,
I want to honour You in every step I take.
Help me to acknowledge You, not just in the big decisions but in the everyday choices too.
Let Your Word be my guide, Your Spirit my peace, Your people my wisdom, and Your providence my direction.
Direct my path, Lord—not for my convenience, but for Your glory.
Keep me close to Jesus, who walks before me, beside me, and within me.
Amen.

Daily Devotions

"Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God! Let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground!" – Psalm 143:10 (ESV)

As we reflect on the theme of divine direction in the Psalms, we encounter a profound and powerful prayer from the psalmist: “Let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground.” This is more than a plea for help; it’s a heartfelt cry for steadiness, clarity, and the abiding presence of God’s Spirit.

The Hebrew word for Spirit, ruach, carries a deep richness. It refers to God’s breath—His life-giving force, His presence and power moving within and around us. This same ruach was present in the beginning, hovering over the waters of Genesis to bring order from chaos. It is this very Spirit that the psalmist longs to guide him—not just in moments of crisis, but in the steady rhythm of everyday faithfulness.

Where does the psalmist desire to be led? To "level ground." This phrase, translated in various ways—such as “land of uprightness,” “clear pastureland,” or “smooth path”—evokes the image of stable, firm ground. It’s a place free from obstacles and pitfalls, a path where one can walk without fear of stumbling.

The Christian walk is seldom about reaching the mountaintops; more often, it’s about navigating the uneven, daily terrain of life. And in this, David recognizes the need for God’s Spirit to guide him—not just through the dramatic moments, but through the steady, quiet steps of everyday obedience.

Walking alone on uneven ground is risky—both physically and spiritually. Hikers know that treacherous terrain can be dangerous, especially when navigating alone. If something goes wrong, there’s no one to help. Similarly, we were never meant to journey through life or faith in isolation. We walk together, with God and with one another, trusting the Spirit to lead, sustain, and support us along the way.

Lord,
Show us the path You would have us walk.
Teach us to follow You not only in times of crisis, but in the quiet, everyday steps.
Guide us in faithfulness when the way ahead seems unclear, and lead us by Your good Spirit onto level ground.

Strengthen our hearts to walk in community, never in isolation.
May Your Spirit steady our feet and sustain our steps as we seek to live according to Your will.
For we are Your people, and we trust in You.
Hear our prayer, O Lord. Amen.

Daily Devotions

"Let me hear in the morning of Your steadfast love, for in You I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul." – Psalm 143:8 (ESV)

In this brief yet profound verse, the psalmist offers two heartfelt requests: “Let me hear” and “Make me know.” These are not commands, but humble prayers from a soul yearning for God’s voice and direction in the quiet stillness of the morning.

Sometimes, the uncertainty we feel in our spiritual journey isn't because God has stopped speaking, but because we struggle to truly hear Him—or to hear Him clearly. Like the game of “telephone,” where a message can be distorted as it passes from one person to the next, our understanding of God’s word can get muddled. External noise and distractions often cloud our ability to listen, while at other times, the message is intentionally twisted by others.

In our faith, misinterpretation can also creep in. Some might unintentionally misunderstand the gospel, while others may intentionally alter it to fit their own agenda. The result? Confusion, misdirection, and spiritual dryness.

But David’s prayer brings us back to the essence of discipleship: a desire to hear God’s unfailing love anew each day and to be guided along the right path. It’s a posture of surrender. “I trust You… I lift up my soul,” he declares—not relying on his own wisdom, but seeking divine clarity for every step.

Imagine how our days might unfold if we began each morning with a prayer like David’s. What if our first priority wasn’t action, but listening—to hear God’s love steady our hearts and His voice direct our path?

Heavenly Father,
In the stillness of the morning, I long to hear Your voice. Remind me of Your unfailing love and grace, fresh for today. Teach me the way I should go, for I trust You and lift my soul to You. Protect me from mishearing or straying from Your truth.
In Jesus' name, Amen.

Daily Devotions

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:105 (NRSV)

Psalm 119:105 is one of the most vivid and beloved verses about divine guidance in Scripture. Different translations bring out the richness of its imagery:

• “Your words are a flashlight to light the path ahead of me and keep me from stumbling.” (The Living Bible)
• “By your words I can see where I’m going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path.” (The Message)
• “Your word is a lamp that gives light wherever I walk.” (Contemporary English Version)

Each version captures a different nuance of God’s Word as an ever-present source of illumination—giving us both clarity for the next step and vision for the journey ahead.

A pastor once told the story of a bird that occasionally finds its way into their church building. The bird doesn't want to be there—it was frightened and disoriented.

Naturally, the congregation would prefer it gone too, but they didn't panic or resort to drastic measures. Instead, they turned off every light in the sanctuary and shone a bright beam down an open hallway toward the exit. Instinctively, the bird flew towards the light—and found its way to freedom.

This simple solution speaks volumes. In the same way, when we feel lost or trapped in the darkness of life’s decisions, challenges, or confusion, God’s Word doesn’t condemn us—it leads us. It is not there to harm or shame but to release us into the freedom of His will. His Word gently lights our way, step by step, drawing us closer to the clarity and hope only He can provide.

The beauty of Psalm 119:105 lies in the imagery of the lamp and light. A lamp doesn’t always illuminate the whole road—it gives just enough light for the next step. In life, we may not see far ahead, but with God’s Word in hand, we can walk forward in confidence, trusting He sees the full path even when we cannot.

Prayer
Secure our steps, O God—
on rough terrain,
on shifting sands,
on wide roads,
on narrow paths.
Let Your Word be our steady light.
Make our footsteps firm,
and guide us safely by Your truth.
Amen.

Daily Devotions

Psalm 94:12–13 (NIV)

“Blessed is the one you discipline, Lord, the one you teach from your law; you grant them relief from days of trouble…”

In Psalm 94, we glimpse something unexpected: the blessing of God’s discipline. Not punishment or anger—but a loving correction that comes from a heart that wants the very best for us.

The Hebrew word used for “discipline” here is yasar—a word that speaks not of punishment, but of purposeful guidance. It's the kind of correction that draws us closer, not pushes us away. It’s God’s way of helping us grow—redirecting us when we’re heading off-course and steadying us so we can walk more closely with Him.

Spiritual discipline is often misunderstood. We may see it through the lens of failure or shame. But Scripture invites us to see it differently—as grace in motion. God doesn’t correct us to condemn us. He does it because He loves us too much to leave us stuck, drifting, or stagnant. His discipline realigns our hearts with His truth. It’s not rejection—it’s refinement.

John Henry Jowett, a great preacher of the past, once told a story from his early ministry. During a children’s meeting, four boys interrupted by loudly blowing penny whistles. He could have scolded them or sent them away. Instead, he smiled and said, “Can’t you fellows play those whistles any better than that? If not, Mrs. Jowett will have to give you lessons.” And she did. Not long after, those same boys played in a local concert. They weren’t silenced—they were shaped.

God’s discipline is like that. It doesn’t shame or silence—it trains and transforms. Like Jowett, God sees beyond the noise to what we could become, and He lovingly guides us there.

Henri Nouwen once wrote, “Gratitude can also be lived as a discipline.” When we begin to see God's correction through the lens of love, gratitude becomes our response. We stop resisting and start receiving, knowing that every lesson is a gift—even the hard ones.

Prayer

Lord,
Thank You for loving me enough to correct me.
When I wander, bring me back with gentleness.
When I resist, be patient with me.
Teach me through Your Word. Shape my heart through Your Spirit.
Help me see discipline not as failure, but as Your faithfulness at work in me.
Give me the courage to learn, the humility to grow,
and the grace to receive even the hard lessons with joy.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Daily Devotions

 

Psalm 37:23–24 (The Voice)

“If you are right with God, He strengthens you for the journey; the Eternal will be pleased with your life. And even though you trip up, you will not fall on your face because He holds you by the hand.”

As we reflect again on the Psalms, we come to this gentle reassurance: walking with God doesn’t guarantee an easy path—but it does promise steady companionship. God equips us for the road ahead, gives us strength when we feel weary, and holds us fast when we stumble. And stumble we will—life has its rough patches, unexpected turns, and moments of weakness. But we don’t fall flat, because God has us by the hand.

There’s comfort here for anyone feeling worn out or off-course: our missteps don’t define us. They’re not the end of the story. God’s grip is stronger than our slip.

Sometimes, a bit of humour helps drive the point home. There’s a story about a Chinese doctor who couldn’t find work in the U.S., so he opened a clinic with a sign that said:
“Treatment: $20. If not cured, get $100 back.”

An American lawyer saw an opportunity. He went in and said, “I’ve lost my sense of taste.”
The doctor told the nurse to put three drops from Box 22 into the man’s mouth.

“Ugh! That’s kerosene!” the lawyer spluttered.

“Great news,” said the doctor. “Your taste is back. That’ll be $20.”

It's a silly tale, but it reminds us: sometimes we look for answers in one direction, and God surprises us from another. We may not get what we expected, but we get exactly what we need.

And on a more serious note, many of us know what it’s like to feel we’ve failed—whether in our plans, our faith, or our relationships. But as someone once said, “Every setback is a setup for a comeback.” That’s more than a slogan—it reflects deep biblical truth. Even when we fall, we fall into grace. In God’s hands, failure becomes formation. Missteps become milestones.

Psalm 37 doesn’t promise that we won’t trip. It promises that God won’t let us fall beyond recovery. He’s shaping us—through strength and weakness, success and stumble—into people who rely on Him more deeply, praise Him more freely, and follow Him more faithfully.

And as Isaiah reminds us:

“O Lord, I will honour and praise your name, for you are my God. You do such wonderful things! You planned them long ago, and now you have accomplished them, just as you said!” (Isaiah 25:1, NLT)

Prayer
Lord, thank You that I don’t walk alone. When I trip, You steady me. When I grow tired, You strengthen me. And when I feel lost, You remain close. Help me to trust You with every step—whether it’s sure-footed or faltering. Give me grace in my setbacks, and joy in knowing that Your hand holds mine, always. In Jesus’ name, Amen.