“As I look back, I am amazed at the grace that our Lord Jesus gave me to complete the one-year daily devotions. God willing, I will write more in the future. God has given me the burden of writing more and more as the need is much greater than we think.”
-Arputharaj Samuel
Quiet Time Meditation
A daily devotional to walk through the pages of the Bible within a year.
Quiet Time Meditations in August 2026
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27July 27, 2026●(1 event)
July 27, 2026
Did you receive the Holy Spirit?
Read: Nehemiah 7,8; Psalm 26; Acts 19
Scripture: Acts 19: 1 While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples 2 and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?”“John’s baptism,” they replied.
Observation: In Acts 19:2-3, we see two surprising and significant questions: “Did you receive the Holy Spirit,” and “What baptism did you receive?” It is surprising because these questions were posed to “some disciples.” It is significant because receiving the Holy Spirit and Baptism are essential in the Christian life. If somebody asks us to answer these two questions, our answers will reflect the beliefs of the Church we attend or our Church’s denomination. However, looking at the scriptural context may help us to understand why Paul asked these questions. As the quoted verses suggest, they knew John’s baptism and had no idea about the Holy Spirit. It seems they did not know about the Gospel of Jesus but had some idea about Jesus. They were disciples who knew only the baptism of John, like Apollos (Acts 18:24-26). They were not aware of the personhood of the Holy Spirit.
Then, Paul asked them about Baptism. Many Christians misunderstand or become confused when they read about the baptism in Jesus’ name. We may wonder whether the apostles’ practice of baptism was against the teaching of Jesus (Mt.28:19). Non-trinitarians claim that even the apostles gave baptism in Jesus’ name to prove their point. However, we must know that there are logical problems in believing such claims. In the book of Acts, “baptized in Jesus’ name” does not refer to a formula of baptism. Instead, it indicates the open confession of faith of the persons who were baptized.
In those days, Jews were familiar with different baptisms: John’s baptism, Gentiles’ baptism to accept Judaism, and baptism for the dead (1 Cor.15) are some of them. Therefore, when a person is baptized in Jesus’ name, it differentiates him/her from other baptisms and expresses their faith in Jesus Christ. They confirmed their commitment to follow Jesus Christ and his teachings through baptism. Significantly, they received the Holy Spirit after their baptism. Our baptism is a public expression of our faith and commitment to follow Jesus Christ. When we receive the Holy Spirit, he gives us the strength to follow Jesus and practice our faith in him. Jesus promised us about the Holy Spirit (John 14:16,17; 15:26; 16:13). We need Holy Spirit in our daily walk with Christ to lead a godly life. The question is, have we received the Holy Spirit? Let us not limit the power and works of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Application: Every day, I need to be filled with the Holy Spirit to walk in the truth of God. He reminds me of Jesus’ teachings and empowers me to live as a witness of God. God the Father has generously poured the Holy Spirit on me through Jesus Christ. To live a life that pleases God, I must walk by the Spirit.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Jesus, thank you for the promise of the Holy Spirit. Help me always to be filled with the Holy Spirit and live for your glory. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 208
Scripture: Psalm 27: 4 One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.
Observation: Our life needs are dynamic and keep changing every day. Something that we deem as precious today may become a nuisance tomorrow. Many things we craved to have in our lives may become undesirable once we received or achieved them. So we may not be able to give a precise answer concerning the one thing we want to ask the Lord. Our responses vary depending on our life circumstances. But David, in Psalm 27, confidently expresses the one thing he wants to ask the Lord. We do not know when David wrote Psalm 27. Verses 2, 3, 10, and 12 allude to some of the challenges David went through in his life. Regardless of the place, whether in the palace or the wilderness, we can be sure that David would ask the same thing from the Lord. His life testifies that he sought nothing else other than God (1 Sam. 13:14).
David wanted to live in the house of the Lord throughout his life. He was regular to seek God. David desired “to gaze on the beauty of the Lord,” not his enemies or opposing situations. David knew that the Lord is his light; the Lord’s light will remove all the darkness in his life. He found that the presence of the Lord or being in his presence and protection is a safer place from his enemies. Dwelling in the house of the Lord is indeed a great blessing (Ps.23:6; 26:8; 91:1). Assuredly, David would have had various responsibilities and works in his life. However, his top priority or heart’s longing was to be with the Lord and seek him.
Let us remember what Jesus told Martha: “You are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10: 41, 42). Our worries bring no benefits or changes. But God can change anything. When we seek God, he gives us the confidence to face our problems and enemies. Do we still ask for worldly things and babble many things in our prayers? (Mt.6:5-8). Let us seek God, God alone, in our lives.
Application: Whether facing challenging situations or living in abundance, I should remember that my ultimate need is God. No worldly things can give me the joy, peace, and security I enjoy in the Lord; God dispels my fears and fills my life with his light. God is my first need; I should seek the Lord regularly. I must seek first God’s kingdom and his righteousness. My eyes should be on the Lord and the splendor of his holiness, not on my enemies.
Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the light you have given in my life. You deliver me from my enemies. My God, help me keep my eyes focused on you and seek you always. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 209
Scripture: Psalm 28: 9 Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.
Observation: Psalm 28 starts with David’s desperate prayer for deliverance from the deadly dangers that he faced in his life. David asks for God’s help and pleads for his mercy to save his life (v.1,2). However, in verses 6-7, David expresses his joy and confidence in God since God answered his “cry for mercy.” His cry for help turned out to be a cry of praise. When he explains why God responded to his prayers, he says, “My heart trusts in him, and he helps me.” A heart that trusts God rejoices and is filled with songs of praise. After receiving answers to his prayers, David now prays for his people (v.9). He asks God to be the shepherd of his people to save and bless them. God saves his people whenever they are in distress.
God is the savior and shepherd of his people (Ps.23; Is.40:11; 63:9). God protects and guides his people and meets all their needs. God leads his people like a shepherd leads his flock (Ps.23; 78:52; 80:1). God’s blessings are upon his people; He blesses their lives every day. When deadly diseases or dangers surround us, we can trust God. He is our strength and shield. Jesus, our Good Shepherd, provides deliverance from all the deadly dangers and blesses us (Jn.10:10,11).
Application: The Bible says, “Blessed is the people whose God is the Lord” (Ps.144:15). When I trust God, he saves and blesses me. “The Lord is my strength and my shield” (Ps.28:7). Since God is with me, “I will fear no evil” (Ps.23:4). He saves me “from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence”; He answers my prayer and blesses me with every blessing and eternal life (Ps.91:3,15, 16). I will trust God always.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for your salvation and blessings. Jesus, I am a sheep in your flock; I want to follow you diligently. Carry me in your hands and protect me from all dangers today and forever. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 210
Scripture: Acts 19: 1 While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples 2 and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?”“John’s baptism,” they replied.
Observation: In Acts 19:2-3, we see two surprising and significant questions: “Did you receive the Holy Spirit,” and “What baptism did you receive?” It is surprising because these questions were posed to “some disciples.” It is significant because receiving the Holy Spirit and Baptism are essential in the Christian life. If somebody asks us to answer these two questions, our answers will reflect the beliefs of the Church we attend or our Church’s denomination. However, looking at the scriptural context may help us to understand why Paul asked these questions. As the quoted verses suggest, they knew John’s baptism and had no idea about the Holy Spirit. It seems they did not know about the Gospel of Jesus but had some idea about Jesus. They were disciples who knew only the baptism of John, like Apollos (Acts 18:24-26). They were not aware of the personhood of the Holy Spirit.
Then, Paul asked them about Baptism. Many Christians misunderstand or become confused when they read about the baptism in Jesus’ name. We may wonder whether the apostles’ practice of baptism was against the teaching of Jesus (Mt.28:19). Non-trinitarians claim that even the apostles gave baptism in Jesus’ name to prove their point. However, we must know that there are logical problems in believing such claims. In the book of Acts, “baptized in Jesus’ name” does not refer to a formula of baptism. Instead, it indicates the open confession of faith of the persons who were baptized.
In those days, Jews were familiar with different baptisms: John’s baptism, Gentiles’ baptism to accept Judaism, and baptism for the dead (1 Cor.15) are some of them. Therefore, when a person is baptized in Jesus’ name, it differentiates him/her from other baptisms and expresses their faith in Jesus Christ. They confirmed their commitment to follow Jesus Christ and his teachings through baptism. Significantly, they received the Holy Spirit after their baptism. Our baptism is a public expression of our faith and commitment to follow Jesus Christ. When we receive the Holy Spirit, he gives us the strength to follow Jesus and practice our faith in him. Jesus promised us about the Holy Spirit (John 14:16,17; 15:26; 16:13). We need Holy Spirit in our daily walk with Christ to lead a godly life. The question is, have we received the Holy Spirit? Let us not limit the power and works of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Application: Every day, I need to be filled with the Holy Spirit to walk in the truth of God. He reminds me of Jesus’ teachings and empowers me to live as a witness of God. God the Father has generously poured the Holy Spirit on me through Jesus Christ. To live a life that pleases God, I must walk by the Spirit.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Jesus, thank you for the promise of the Holy Spirit. Help me always to be filled with the Holy Spirit and live for your glory. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 208
Scripture: Psalm 27: 4 One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.
Observation: Our life needs are dynamic and keep changing every day. Something that we deem as precious today may become a nuisance tomorrow. Many things we craved to have in our lives may become undesirable once we received or achieved them. So we may not be able to give a precise answer concerning the one thing we want to ask the Lord. Our responses vary depending on our life circumstances. But David, in Psalm 27, confidently expresses the one thing he wants to ask the Lord. We do not know when David wrote Psalm 27. Verses 2, 3, 10, and 12 allude to some of the challenges David went through in his life. Regardless of the place, whether in the palace or the wilderness, we can be sure that David would ask the same thing from the Lord. His life testifies that he sought nothing else other than God (1 Sam. 13:14).
David wanted to live in the house of the Lord throughout his life. He was regular to seek God. David desired “to gaze on the beauty of the Lord,” not his enemies or opposing situations. David knew that the Lord is his light; the Lord’s light will remove all the darkness in his life. He found that the presence of the Lord or being in his presence and protection is a safer place from his enemies. Dwelling in the house of the Lord is indeed a great blessing (Ps.23:6; 26:8; 91:1). Assuredly, David would have had various responsibilities and works in his life. However, his top priority or heart’s longing was to be with the Lord and seek him.
Let us remember what Jesus told Martha: “You are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10: 41, 42). Our worries bring no benefits or changes. But God can change anything. When we seek God, he gives us the confidence to face our problems and enemies. Do we still ask for worldly things and babble many things in our prayers? (Mt.6:5-8). Let us seek God, God alone, in our lives.
Application: Whether facing challenging situations or living in abundance, I should remember that my ultimate need is God. No worldly things can give me the joy, peace, and security I enjoy in the Lord; God dispels my fears and fills my life with his light. God is my first need; I should seek the Lord regularly. I must seek first God’s kingdom and his righteousness. My eyes should be on the Lord and the splendor of his holiness, not on my enemies.
Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the light you have given in my life. You deliver me from my enemies. My God, help me keep my eyes focused on you and seek you always. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 209
Scripture: Psalm 28: 9 Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.
Observation: Psalm 28 starts with David’s desperate prayer for deliverance from the deadly dangers that he faced in his life. David asks for God’s help and pleads for his mercy to save his life (v.1,2). However, in verses 6-7, David expresses his joy and confidence in God since God answered his “cry for mercy.” His cry for help turned out to be a cry of praise. When he explains why God responded to his prayers, he says, “My heart trusts in him, and he helps me.” A heart that trusts God rejoices and is filled with songs of praise. After receiving answers to his prayers, David now prays for his people (v.9). He asks God to be the shepherd of his people to save and bless them. God saves his people whenever they are in distress.
God is the savior and shepherd of his people (Ps.23; Is.40:11; 63:9). God protects and guides his people and meets all their needs. God leads his people like a shepherd leads his flock (Ps.23; 78:52; 80:1). God’s blessings are upon his people; He blesses their lives every day. When deadly diseases or dangers surround us, we can trust God. He is our strength and shield. Jesus, our Good Shepherd, provides deliverance from all the deadly dangers and blesses us (Jn.10:10,11).
Application: The Bible says, “Blessed is the people whose God is the Lord” (Ps.144:15). When I trust God, he saves and blesses me. “The Lord is my strength and my shield” (Ps.28:7). Since God is with me, “I will fear no evil” (Ps.23:4). He saves me “from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence”; He answers my prayer and blesses me with every blessing and eternal life (Ps.91:3,15, 16). I will trust God always.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for your salvation and blessings. Jesus, I am a sheep in your flock; I want to follow you diligently. Carry me in your hands and protect me from all dangers today and forever. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 210
Scripture: Acts 19: 1 While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples 2 and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?”“John’s baptism,” they replied.
Observation: In Acts 19:2-3, we see two surprising and significant questions: “Did you receive the Holy Spirit,” and “What baptism did you receive?” It is surprising because these questions were posed to “some disciples.” It is significant because receiving the Holy Spirit and Baptism are essential in the Christian life. If somebody asks us to answer these two questions, our answers will reflect the beliefs of the Church we attend or our Church’s denomination. However, looking at the scriptural context may help us to understand why Paul asked these questions. As the quoted verses suggest, they knew John’s baptism and had no idea about the Holy Spirit. It seems they did not know about the Gospel of Jesus but had some idea about Jesus. They were disciples who knew only the baptism of John, like Apollos (Acts 18:24-26). They were not aware of the personhood of the Holy Spirit.
Then, Paul asked them about Baptism. Many Christians misunderstand or become confused when they read about the baptism in Jesus’ name. We may wonder whether the apostles’ practice of baptism was against the teaching of Jesus (Mt.28:19). Non-trinitarians claim that even the apostles gave baptism in Jesus’ name to prove their point. However, we must know that there are logical problems in believing such claims. In the book of Acts, “baptized in Jesus’ name” does not refer to a formula of baptism. Instead, it indicates the open confession of faith of the persons who were baptized.
In those days, Jews were familiar with different baptisms: John’s baptism, Gentiles’ baptism to accept Judaism, and baptism for the dead (1 Cor.15) are some of them. Therefore, when a person is baptized in Jesus’ name, it differentiates him/her from other baptisms and expresses their faith in Jesus Christ. They confirmed their commitment to follow Jesus Christ and his teachings through baptism. Significantly, they received the Holy Spirit after their baptism. Our baptism is a public expression of our faith and commitment to follow Jesus Christ. When we receive the Holy Spirit, he gives us the strength to follow Jesus and practice our faith in him. Jesus promised us about the Holy Spirit (John 14:16,17; 15:26; 16:13). We need Holy Spirit in our daily walk with Christ to lead a godly life. The question is, have we received the Holy Spirit? Let us not limit the power and works of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Application: Every day, I need to be filled with the Holy Spirit to walk in the truth of God. He reminds me of Jesus’ teachings and empowers me to live as a witness of God. God the Father has generously poured the Holy Spirit on me through Jesus Christ. To live a life that pleases God, I must walk by the Spirit.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Jesus, thank you for the promise of the Holy Spirit. Help me always to be filled with the Holy Spirit and live for your glory. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 208
Scripture: Psalm 27: 4 One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.
Observation: Our life needs are dynamic and keep changing every day. Something that we deem as precious today may become a nuisance tomorrow. Many things we craved to have in our lives may become undesirable once we received or achieved them. So we may not be able to give a precise answer concerning the one thing we want to ask the Lord. Our responses vary depending on our life circumstances. But David, in Psalm 27, confidently expresses the one thing he wants to ask the Lord. We do not know when David wrote Psalm 27. Verses 2, 3, 10, and 12 allude to some of the challenges David went through in his life. Regardless of the place, whether in the palace or the wilderness, we can be sure that David would ask the same thing from the Lord. His life testifies that he sought nothing else other than God (1 Sam. 13:14).
David wanted to live in the house of the Lord throughout his life. He was regular to seek God. David desired “to gaze on the beauty of the Lord,” not his enemies or opposing situations. David knew that the Lord is his light; the Lord’s light will remove all the darkness in his life. He found that the presence of the Lord or being in his presence and protection is a safer place from his enemies. Dwelling in the house of the Lord is indeed a great blessing (Ps.23:6; 26:8; 91:1). Assuredly, David would have had various responsibilities and works in his life. However, his top priority or heart’s longing was to be with the Lord and seek him.
Let us remember what Jesus told Martha: “You are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10: 41, 42). Our worries bring no benefits or changes. But God can change anything. When we seek God, he gives us the confidence to face our problems and enemies. Do we still ask for worldly things and babble many things in our prayers? (Mt.6:5-8). Let us seek God, God alone, in our lives.
Application: Whether facing challenging situations or living in abundance, I should remember that my ultimate need is God. No worldly things can give me the joy, peace, and security I enjoy in the Lord; God dispels my fears and fills my life with his light. God is my first need; I should seek the Lord regularly. I must seek first God’s kingdom and his righteousness. My eyes should be on the Lord and the splendor of his holiness, not on my enemies.
Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the light you have given in my life. You deliver me from my enemies. My God, help me keep my eyes focused on you and seek you always. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 209
Scripture: Psalm 28: 9 Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.
Observation: Psalm 28 starts with David’s desperate prayer for deliverance from the deadly dangers that he faced in his life. David asks for God’s help and pleads for his mercy to save his life (v.1,2). However, in verses 6-7, David expresses his joy and confidence in God since God answered his “cry for mercy.” His cry for help turned out to be a cry of praise. When he explains why God responded to his prayers, he says, “My heart trusts in him, and he helps me.” A heart that trusts God rejoices and is filled with songs of praise. After receiving answers to his prayers, David now prays for his people (v.9). He asks God to be the shepherd of his people to save and bless them. God saves his people whenever they are in distress.
God is the savior and shepherd of his people (Ps.23; Is.40:11; 63:9). God protects and guides his people and meets all their needs. God leads his people like a shepherd leads his flock (Ps.23; 78:52; 80:1). God’s blessings are upon his people; He blesses their lives every day. When deadly diseases or dangers surround us, we can trust God. He is our strength and shield. Jesus, our Good Shepherd, provides deliverance from all the deadly dangers and blesses us (Jn.10:10,11).
Application: The Bible says, “Blessed is the people whose God is the Lord” (Ps.144:15). When I trust God, he saves and blesses me. “The Lord is my strength and my shield” (Ps.28:7). Since God is with me, “I will fear no evil” (Ps.23:4). He saves me “from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence”; He answers my prayer and blesses me with every blessing and eternal life (Ps.91:3,15, 16). I will trust God always.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for your salvation and blessings. Jesus, I am a sheep in your flock; I want to follow you diligently. Carry me in your hands and protect me from all dangers today and forever. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 210
Scripture: Acts 19: 1 While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples 2 and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?”“John’s baptism,” they replied.
Observation: In Acts 19:2-3, we see two surprising and significant questions: “Did you receive the Holy Spirit,” and “What baptism did you receive?” It is surprising because these questions were posed to “some disciples.” It is significant because receiving the Holy Spirit and Baptism are essential in the Christian life. If somebody asks us to answer these two questions, our answers will reflect the beliefs of the Church we attend or our Church’s denomination. However, looking at the scriptural context may help us to understand why Paul asked these questions. As the quoted verses suggest, they knew John’s baptism and had no idea about the Holy Spirit. It seems they did not know about the Gospel of Jesus but had some idea about Jesus. They were disciples who knew only the baptism of John, like Apollos (Acts 18:24-26). They were not aware of the personhood of the Holy Spirit.
Then, Paul asked them about Baptism. Many Christians misunderstand or become confused when they read about the baptism in Jesus’ name. We may wonder whether the apostles’ practice of baptism was against the teaching of Jesus (Mt.28:19). Non-trinitarians claim that even the apostles gave baptism in Jesus’ name to prove their point. However, we must know that there are logical problems in believing such claims. In the book of Acts, “baptized in Jesus’ name” does not refer to a formula of baptism. Instead, it indicates the open confession of faith of the persons who were baptized.
In those days, Jews were familiar with different baptisms: John’s baptism, Gentiles’ baptism to accept Judaism, and baptism for the dead (1 Cor.15) are some of them. Therefore, when a person is baptized in Jesus’ name, it differentiates him/her from other baptisms and expresses their faith in Jesus Christ. They confirmed their commitment to follow Jesus Christ and his teachings through baptism. Significantly, they received the Holy Spirit after their baptism. Our baptism is a public expression of our faith and commitment to follow Jesus Christ. When we receive the Holy Spirit, he gives us the strength to follow Jesus and practice our faith in him. Jesus promised us about the Holy Spirit (John 14:16,17; 15:26; 16:13). We need Holy Spirit in our daily walk with Christ to lead a godly life. The question is, have we received the Holy Spirit? Let us not limit the power and works of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Application: Every day, I need to be filled with the Holy Spirit to walk in the truth of God. He reminds me of Jesus’ teachings and empowers me to live as a witness of God. God the Father has generously poured the Holy Spirit on me through Jesus Christ. To live a life that pleases God, I must walk by the Spirit.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Jesus, thank you for the promise of the Holy Spirit. Help me always to be filled with the Holy Spirit and live for your glory. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 208
Scripture: Psalm 27: 4 One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.
Observation: Our life needs are dynamic and keep changing every day. Something that we deem as precious today may become a nuisance tomorrow. Many things we craved to have in our lives may become undesirable once we received or achieved them. So we may not be able to give a precise answer concerning the one thing we want to ask the Lord. Our responses vary depending on our life circumstances. But David, in Psalm 27, confidently expresses the one thing he wants to ask the Lord. We do not know when David wrote Psalm 27. Verses 2, 3, 10, and 12 allude to some of the challenges David went through in his life. Regardless of the place, whether in the palace or the wilderness, we can be sure that David would ask the same thing from the Lord. His life testifies that he sought nothing else other than God (1 Sam. 13:14).
David wanted to live in the house of the Lord throughout his life. He was regular to seek God. David desired “to gaze on the beauty of the Lord,” not his enemies or opposing situations. David knew that the Lord is his light; the Lord’s light will remove all the darkness in his life. He found that the presence of the Lord or being in his presence and protection is a safer place from his enemies. Dwelling in the house of the Lord is indeed a great blessing (Ps.23:6; 26:8; 91:1). Assuredly, David would have had various responsibilities and works in his life. However, his top priority or heart’s longing was to be with the Lord and seek him.
Let us remember what Jesus told Martha: “You are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10: 41, 42). Our worries bring no benefits or changes. But God can change anything. When we seek God, he gives us the confidence to face our problems and enemies. Do we still ask for worldly things and babble many things in our prayers? (Mt.6:5-8). Let us seek God, God alone, in our lives.
Application: Whether facing challenging situations or living in abundance, I should remember that my ultimate need is God. No worldly things can give me the joy, peace, and security I enjoy in the Lord; God dispels my fears and fills my life with his light. God is my first need; I should seek the Lord regularly. I must seek first God’s kingdom and his righteousness. My eyes should be on the Lord and the splendor of his holiness, not on my enemies.
Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the light you have given in my life. You deliver me from my enemies. My God, help me keep my eyes focused on you and seek you always. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 209
Scripture: Psalm 28: 9 Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.
Observation: Psalm 28 starts with David’s desperate prayer for deliverance from the deadly dangers that he faced in his life. David asks for God’s help and pleads for his mercy to save his life (v.1,2). However, in verses 6-7, David expresses his joy and confidence in God since God answered his “cry for mercy.” His cry for help turned out to be a cry of praise. When he explains why God responded to his prayers, he says, “My heart trusts in him, and he helps me.” A heart that trusts God rejoices and is filled with songs of praise. After receiving answers to his prayers, David now prays for his people (v.9). He asks God to be the shepherd of his people to save and bless them. God saves his people whenever they are in distress.
God is the savior and shepherd of his people (Ps.23; Is.40:11; 63:9). God protects and guides his people and meets all their needs. God leads his people like a shepherd leads his flock (Ps.23; 78:52; 80:1). God’s blessings are upon his people; He blesses their lives every day. When deadly diseases or dangers surround us, we can trust God. He is our strength and shield. Jesus, our Good Shepherd, provides deliverance from all the deadly dangers and blesses us (Jn.10:10,11).
Application: The Bible says, “Blessed is the people whose God is the Lord” (Ps.144:15). When I trust God, he saves and blesses me. “The Lord is my strength and my shield” (Ps.28:7). Since God is with me, “I will fear no evil” (Ps.23:4). He saves me “from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence”; He answers my prayer and blesses me with every blessing and eternal life (Ps.91:3,15, 16). I will trust God always.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for your salvation and blessings. Jesus, I am a sheep in your flock; I want to follow you diligently. Carry me in your hands and protect me from all dangers today and forever. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 210
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We all can experience God speaking to us as we read and meditate on the Bible. Although there are different methods available to write daily meditations, these meditations are based on the SOAP method.
SOAP is an acronym for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. SOAP method is a simple way to meditate on the Word of God by reading the Scripture portion for the day to contemplate the verse that God highlights, observing what God wants to tell us, and applying it in our lives with a prayer. Watch this short video to see an example of a Quiet Time Meditation!
Scripture: Acts 19: 1 While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples 2 and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?”“John’s baptism,” they replied.
Scripture: Psalm 27: 4 One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.
Scripture: Psalm 28: 9 Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.
