Feel like crap? Here's the answer. Overwhelmed with happiness? This is for you too. “Cry out to the Lord.” God speaks to us through the Holy Bible! Maybe He created the smartphone so we can have His Word at hand all the time. (Bible Gateway link below)

Psalm 142:1-5

With my voice I cry out to the Lord; 

  with my voice I plead for mercy to the Lord. 

I pour out my complaint before him; 

  I tell my trouble before him. 

When my spirit faints within me, 

  you know my way! 

In the path where I walk 

  they have hidden a trap for me. 

Look to the right and see: 

  there is none who takes notice of me; 

no refuge remains to me; 

  no one cares for my soul. 

I cry to you, O Lord; I say, 

“You are my refuge, 

  my portion in the land of the living.”
Psalm 142:1-5

Bible Gateway link 

     

My life is about failing and picking myself up again, over and over. Why do I even try? Because I couldn’t live with myself. Without God’s promise of forgiveness and salvation I wouldn’t live at all.

“But if a wicked person turns away from all his sins that he has committed and keeps all my statutes and does what is just and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die. None of the transgressions that he has committed shall be remembered against him; for the righteousness that he has done he shall live.

Ezekiel 18:21-22

I've been moving and it is clear, hoarding is no good. It signals such a lack of faith in God's promised provision. There is an exception. Because I have hoarded His word, my heart is overflowing with gratitude and humility.

I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

Psalm 119:11

Is it hopeless? Our country is such a mess. But this is an old story and the verses below, an old promise. It remains God’s promise to us. Redemption. Rescue.

And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh, that they may walk in my statutes and keep my rules and obey them. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God.

Ezekiel 11:19-20

We’re overwhelmed by talk of violence, hate and incivility. Everyone is crying out "What can we do?" What are YOU willing to do?

For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,

Bible Gateway link: Titus 3:3-5 (ESV)

And yet, we can hold it in our hands and not be burned and not be broken. Through the Bible, God’s word enlightens us and make us whole.

Jeremiah 23:29

Is not my word like fire, declares the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?

Bible Gateway link: Jeremiah 23:29 (ESV)

Ever notice that no matter what we have, or how right we are, we are never satisfied. That’s because we’re terrible at running our own lives. Know God and let him guide your life. At least He knows what he’s doing.

Jeremiah 9:23-24

Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches,

but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”

Bible Gateway link: Jeremiah 9: 23-24 (ESV)

It all seems like gobbledygook! If that’s how you feel about the Old Testament, there’s hope! I recommend a study that puts the Old Testament, in fact the whole Bible, in perspective. It’s ‘The Epic of Eden” by Sandra L. Richter. It's a study, it's work, it's worth it..

"Epic of Eden" link

Jeremiah 4:2
and if you swear, ‘As the Lord lives,’ in truth, in justice, and in righteousness, then nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory.”

Bible Gateway link: Jeremiah 4:2 (ESV)

My heart was so hard after many years of working as a journalist in Washington. Late in my career I found this verse and put it in my top desk drawer to guide me when I was angry and disheartened by all I saw. It helped greatly, but it was also one of the things that spurred me to retire early.

Philippians 4:8-9

Fox News Washington Bureau Chief
Circa 2005

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Bible Gateway link: Philippians 4:8-9 (ESV)

Millions of Americans might benefit from this verse today, or any day. When I am dismayed, confused and heartsick with the ways of the world, the Bible always has the answer.

Ephesians 4:31-32

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, with all malice,
and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Bible Gateway link: Ephesians 4:31-32 (RSVCE)

I think of the slavery of addiction, the yoke is horrible but at least it is familiar. Against all reason, it takes courage to act on the advice in this verse.

Galatians 5:1

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

Bible Gateway link: Galatians 5:1 (ESV)

Here's a metaphor for your soul! I just visited the foundation of an old school in Detroit being renewed for a Cornerstone charter school. It had been an abandoned, neglected, vandalized, flooded mess. Soon it will serve God's children again. If you want this restoration for your soul, Christ the promised cornerstone is there for you.

Isaiah 28:16-17

therefore thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: ‘Whoever believes will not be in haste.’

And I will make justice the line, and righteousness the plumb line; and hail will sweep away the refuge of lies, and waters will overwhelm the shelter.”
Bible Gateway link: Isaiah 28:16-17 (ESV)

Whatever you are enduring it is worth it if you find God on the other side. If it worked for me it can work for anybody.

1 Corinthians 10:13

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

Bible Gateway link: 1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV)

I am so guilty of this. Really, I have no idea what I’m talking about most of the time. I am a fool, but at least I’m God’s fool.

1 Corinthians 3:18-20

Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise.

For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their craftiness,”

and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.”

1 Corinthians 3:18-20 (ESV)

Read this!

https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/your-life-is-not-boring

Now here’s a guy with really effective priorities. Lucky he had that book. We have it too! It’s the Holy Bible.

2 Chronicles 34:31

And the king stood in his place and made a covenant before the Lord, to walk after the Lord and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes, with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of the covenant that were written in this book.

Bible Gateway link: 2 Chronicles 34:31 (ESV)

I’ve read the Bible a bunch of times but can honestly say I don’t remember this verse. I made my peace with drink, but not food. It’s insane to think overeating is a better choice than the taste of peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Romans 14:17

For the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Bible Gateway link: Romans 14:17 (NRSVCE)

I suffered a lot of shame even after God intervened to save me from myself. He forgave me right away. It took many years for me to forgive myself.

Romans 10:11

The scripture says, “No one who believes in him will be put to shame.”

Bible Gateway link: Romans 10:11 (NRSVCE)

Who am I? When I start hating myself for the way I am, this verse reminds me that I am who God made me and He loves me. Do I really think I know more than He does?

Romans 9:20

But who indeed are you, a human being, to argue with God? Will what is molded say to the one who molds it, “Why have you made me like this?”

Bible Gateway link: Romans 9:20 (NRSVCE)

“Some assembly required.” If you ever tried to put something together using unclear instructions you know how it turns out. Frustration leads to half-assedness, which leads to eventual failure. Here are some clear instructions from God and some even clearer promised results.

2 Chronicles 7:14

if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Bible Gateway link: 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NRSVCE)

There's nothing new under the sun. So I guess we've been here before! The apostle Paul quotes ancient scripture in these verses, true in those times, true in Paul’s time, true in our times. Being close to God is our protection.

Romans 3:10-13

as it is written: 

“There is no one who is righteous, not even one;

      there is no one who has understanding, 

            there is no one who seeks God.

All have turned aside, together they have become worthless; 

      there is no one who shows kindness, 

            there is not even one.”

“Their throats are opened graves; 

            they use their tongues to deceive.” 

“The venom of vipers is under their lips.”

Bible Gateway link: Romans 3:10-13 (NRSVCE)

Watching fireworks July 4th, I was caught between hope and dismay for my country. Luckily I have the Psalms to remind me where to find optimism and answers.

Psalm 3:3-4

But you, O Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head.

I cry aloud to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy hill. Selah

Bible Gateway link: Psalm 3:3-4

Smack in the middle of a long and tedious genealogy in the Old Testament one finds this miracle of an answered prayer. It sticks out like a sore but beautiful thumb in 1 Chronicles. This is why I read the Holy Bible from cover to cover over and over. It's worth it for gems like this.

1 Chronicles 4:10

Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from hurt and harm!” And God granted what he asked.

Bible Gateway link: 1 Chronicles 4:10 (NRSVCE)

If those protecting the status quo resort to violence to silence the messenger, God knows there must be powerful truth in the message. An indication of that power and truth is that Paul’s message lives on.

Acts 21:35

When Paul came to the steps, the violence of the mob was so great that he had to be carried by the soldiers.

Bible Gateway link: Acts 21:35 (NSRVCE)

Let’s not give up now, we need the word of the Lord more than ever.

Acts 19:20
So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.

Bible Gateway link: Acts 19:20 NRSVCE

I find it takes no effort or courage to do what God asks of me. What’s hard is getting out of my own way long enough to hear the message in the first place.

Acts 18:9

One night the Lord said to Paul in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak and do not be silent;

Bible Gateway link: Acts 18:9 (NRSVCE)

I was humbled to go to Charles Krauthammer's funeral yesterday where the Cantor sang Psalms as we settled for worship. Beautiful. Our God is a great God. To Him "I lift up my soul." To Charles, thank you for so generously sharing your gifts with all of us.

Psalm 143:8

Psalm 121 sung at Charles Krauthammer's funeral
Psalm 121 (KJV)

Let me hear of your steadfast love in the morning, for in you I put my trust. Teach me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.

Bible Gateway link: Psalm 143:8 from today's Bible reading. (NRSVCE)

How does anyone cope without faith in a loving God? When I cry out, I am ALWAYS granted peace while I wait for guidance.

Psalm 102:1-2

Hear my prayer, O Lord; 

  let my cry come to you.

Do not hide your face from me 

  in the day of my distress. 

Incline your ear to me;

  answer me speedily in the day when I call.

Bible Gateway link: Psalm 102:1-2 (NRSVCE)

Do we really enjoy stumbling around in our self-made mess? There’s a way out, it is written in red letters.

John 16:1

“I have said these things to you to keep you from stumbling.

Bible Gateway link: John 16:1 (NRSVCE)

So much divisiveness, intolerant language, pit-of-the-stomach anger and dismay in our country today. Have we forgotten this red letter command?

John 13:34-35

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.

By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Bible Gateway link: John 13:34-35 (ESV)

As a sophisticated worldly woman, it embarrassed me to talk about my growing faith. What would people think? By grace, my priorities are so much clearer now.

John 12:43

for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.

Bible Gateway link: John 12:43 (ESV)

This is a story that ends well. It’s my story.

Psalm 118:13
I was pushed hard, so that I was falling, but the Lord helped me.

Bible Gateway link: Psalm 118:13 (ESV)

Sometimes it is so simple it is profound. Stop stumbling around, walk in the light of the world.

John 11:9-10

Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world.

But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.”

Bible Gateway link: John 11:9-10 (ESV)

Of course it is all about me! I wasn’t much of a Jesus person until I noticed He and His red letters had completely transformed my life. Go figure.

John 10:37-38

If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me;

but if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.”

Bible Gateway link: John 10:37-38 (ESV)

This is how it works. I read the words. The spirit informs, encourages, and gives me life. I share my life and the words and the spirit.

John 6:63

It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.

Bible Gateway Link: John 6:63 (NRSVCE)

This seems so simple. It is.

John 6:28-29

Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?”

Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.”

Bible Gateway link: John 6:28-29 (ESV)

I sometimes forget that it is not my job to run my own life. When I don't wait for counsel I inevitably make a mess.

Psalm 106:13

But they soon forgot his works; they did not wait for his counsel.

Bible Gateway link: Psalm 106:13 (ESV)

When my husband sings in church, it is a joyful noise! It doesn’t have to be in key or tuneful, just joyous. Even if you can’t sing, who cares? Let go, don’t deny yourself the joy.

Psalm 98:4-6

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; 

  break forth into joyous song and sing praises!

Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre, 

  with the lyre and the sound of melody!

With trumpets and the sound of the horn 

  make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord!

Bible Gateway link: Psalm 98:4-6 (ESV)

Well this is reassuring! One of the many things my study of the Bible has confirmed for me, God keeps his promises.

Psalm 91:14-16

“Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;

   I will protect him, because he knows my name.

When he calls to me, I will answer him; 

   I will be with him in trouble; 

   I will rescue him and honor him.

With long life I will satisfy him 

   and show him my salvation.”

I find myself a little jaded. If there is to be a second coming, it hasn’t happened yet and it is unlikely to happen in my lifetime, right? And yet, here in red letters, I’m reminded I don’t have a clue. What in life has weighed me down? Would I escape the trap?

Luke 21:34

“But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap.

Bible Gateway link: Luke 21:34 (ESV)

Looking for a little recognition, a little reward as you slog through life? Maybe something more substantial than a glass of wine or a chocolate chip cookie? Here’s your answer: Have a servant’s heart, you will be rewarded in ways you can’t even imagine.

Joshua 22:5

Only be very careful to observe the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, to love the Lord your God, and to walk in all his ways and to keep his commandments and to cling to him and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.”

Bible Gateway link: Joshua 22:5 (ESV)

Feeling lost? As mission statements go, this is a red-letter world rocker.

Luke 19:10
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Bible Gateway link: Luke 19:10 (ESV)

No sense trying to fool Him. Sometimes you just have to get right with God before begging for His help.

Joshua 7:10

The Lord said to Joshua, “Stand up! Why have you fallen upon your face?

Bible Gateway link: Joshua 7:10 (NRSVCE)

This is just contrary to human nature! And yet it is the red letter explanation that shows us the way to peace and strength and reliance on God. With that we can overcome anything that life throws us.

Luke 14:11

For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Bible Gateway link: Luke 14:11 (NRSVCE)

No matter how broken we are, or how we are broken: physically, mentally, spiritually or emotionally, he says here in red letters, he can set us free. He can heal us.

Luke 13:12

When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, “Woman, you are set free from your ailment.”

Bible Gateway link: Luke 13:12 (NRSVCE)

If you need encouragement, or just plain courage, the Holy Bible is full of it.

Deuteronomy 31:8

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It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

Bible Gateway link: Deuteronomy 31:8 (ESV)

What is the point? More than once I've been on my knees asking God if I have to go on. I get the same answer every time: choose life.

Deuteronomy 30:19

I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live,

Bible Gateway link: Deuteronomy 30:19 (ESV)

Oh no, we have to listen AND keep the word of God? This is in red letters, from the source Himself. I need every blessing I can get, I’m going to continue to give it my best shot.

Luke 11:28

But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”

Bible Gateway link: Luke 11:28 (ESV)

Out of a cloud, a voice from on high? Really? Yes, really. I get this message every time I open the Holy Bible. "Listen to him.!" Life is better when I listen.

Luke 9:35
Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!”

Bible Gateway link: Luke 9:35 (NRSVCE)

My family is in a quiet crisis: my brother assaulted by illness and fear of death. Dread barely describes it. Yet a promise is a promise. God is present.

Deuteronomy 7:21

Have no dread of them, for the Lord your God, who is present with you, is a great and awesome God.

Bible Gateway link: Deuteronomy 7:21 (NRSVCE)

I have an inordinately high opinion of my own strength. Nothing could be more counter-productive. I’m so relieved when I return to God and heed Him. He's mercifully there to show me that pushing the rock up the hill is not my job.

Deuteronomy 4:29-31

From there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find him if you search after him with all your heart and soul.

In your distress, when all these things have happened to you in time to come, you will return to the Lord your God and heed him.

Because the Lord your God is a merciful God, he will neither abandon you nor destroy you; he will not forget the covenant with your ancestors that he swore to them.

Bible Gateway link: Deuteronomy 4:29-31 (NRSVCE)