Author: Norm

There are two readings for today. SCRIPTURE: Psalm 113 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: The LORD is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens. Who is like the LORD our God, the One who sits enthroned on high, who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth? [Psalm 113:4-6] To appreciate these words, we have to…

There are two readings for today. SCRIPTURE: Psalm 112 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous. Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice. [Psalm 112:4-5] The psalmist is comparing the life of the upright with the…

There are two readings for today. SCRIPTURE: Psalm 111 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Praise the LORD. I will extol the LORD with all my heart in the council of the upright and in the assembly. [Psalm 111:1] God inspires us to extol His Name in public by the amazing ways He works in our lives. We cannot help ourselves, “He…

There are two readings for today. SCRIPTURE: Psalm 110 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: The LORD says to my lord: “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” [Psalm 110:1] This is a royal psalm, where David celebrates God’s grace in appointing his family line to the throne of God’s kingdom. But who is…

SCRIPTURE: Joel 3 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Let the nations be roused; let them advance into the Valley of Jehoshaphat, for there I will sit to judge all the nations on every side. [Joel 3:12] Joel’s prophecy shows how God will punish His people, if they do not repent. He will use the neighbouring nations to punish His people, but…

SCRIPTURE: Joel 2 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: “Even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” [Joel 2:12] Joel announces the impending judgment that hangs over Israel’s head, but then adds that there is still the opportunity to repent and experience God’s grace and mercy. Repent, return to the Lord, and…

SCRIPTURE: Joel 1 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly. Summon the elders and all who live in the land to the house of the LORD your God, and cry out to the LORD. [Joel 1:14] Joel is speaking against the people of Judah and Jerusalem, telling them of the serious crisis that is coming…

There are two readings for today. SCRIPTURE: Hosea 14 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Like a cedar of Lebanon he will send down his roots; his young shoots will grow. His splendor will be like an olive tree, his fragrance like a cedar of Lebanon. People will dwell again in his shade; they will flourish like the grain, they will…

There are two readings for today. SCRIPTURE: Hosea 13 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: When I fed them, they were satisfied; when they were satisfied, they became proud; then they forgot me. [Hosea 13:6] Hosea outlines the problem with Israel (called Ephraim, then Samaria, referring to the ten northern tribes): they received God’s blessings but forgot about God. God positioned them…

There are two readings for today. SCRIPTURE: Hosea 12 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Ephraim feeds on the wind; he pursues the east wind all day and multiplies lies and violence. He makes a treaty with Assyria and sends olive oil to Egypt. [Hosea 12:1] Have you ever tried to catch the wind with your hands – good luck! It is…