Devotions by Susan Barnes

Susan Barnes
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Inspirational and insightful devotions. Currently from the book of Psalms.

Episodes

  1. 1d ago

    Devotion#20 : I will boast in the name of the Lord

    “Some nations boast of their chariots and horses, but we boast in the name of the Lord our God. Those nations will fall down and collapse, but we will rise up and stand firm.” Psalm 20:7-8 David sees the other nations are proud of their chariots and horses. They have superior military equipment and armed forces, but David knows these are nothing compared to the might and strength of the Lord God. The Egyptians had more than 600 chariots when they chased the Israelites through the Red Sea (Exodus 14:7). The Canaanites had 900 iron chariots when Deborah was judging Israel (Judges 4:3). Both armies suffered massive defeats. Human resources and expertise are fragile things to boast about. “But those who wish to boast     should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord     who demonstrates unfailing love     and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things” (Jeremiah 9:24). Our only reason to boast is that we know the Lord who is Sovereign over all. His name speaks of his character. He is a God of love, justice and righteousness. This is good reason to be joyful and celebrate his goodness with others. When David penned his best-known psalm, he begins with what could be described as a boast, “The Lord is my Shepherd” (23:1). David is excited to proclaim that the Lord is his Shepherd. The one who provides, leads, renews, protects, comforts and blesses him, but David also calls him, “my Shepherd.” He’s a personal Shepherd who knows our name. Some may boast that they know a famous sportsperson or celebrity but we have a greater boast, we know the Lord of heaven and earth, and we are known by him. Let’s pray … Thank you Lord that your love, justice and righteousness are worth boasting about. I will boast in the name of the Lord. In Jesus’ name Amen

  2. Oct 23

    Devotion#19 : I will be rewarded

    “The instructions of the Lord … are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them.” Psalm 19:7-11 Previously, David warns us not to look to this world for our reward (Psalm 17:14). Instead we look to the Lord and know that he is the rewarder of “those who sincerely seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). Jesus often speaks of rewards in his parables (Luke 19:12-26). And Paul has the confidence to declare his troubles to be small and temporary, because of future glory (2 Corinthians 4:17). Moses also looked forward to his reward. “Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin. He thought it was better to suffer for the sake of Christ than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his great reward” (Hebrews 11:24-26). We tend to think that Christianity is completely altruistic. We don’t expect to be motivated by rewards. Yet the rewards we experience in this life, may not be what the world values. Instead, they may be deeper friendships, satisfying work, enjoyable leisure, and the sense of God’s presence in our lives. We don’t worship God for the reward. At Christmas and birthdays, many of us spend time with our parents or children, because of who they are, but we might also expect them to bless us with a gift. We would visit them regardless of whether they gave us a gift or not, but it’s a joy to receive from them. Likewise, with God, we commit our lives to him because of who he is. We enjoy the gifts he gives us and we look forward to eternal blessings. Let’s pray … Thank you Lord that you are a God who blesses his people. Right now, I acknowledge I will be rewarded. In Jesus’ name Amen

  3. Oct 16

    Devotion#18 : I am as surefooted as a deer

    “God arms me with strength,     and he makes my way perfect. He makes me as surefooted as a deer,     enabling me to stand on mountain heights.” Psalm 18:33 Psalm 18 is a song of praise to God for all he has done for David. It particularly emphasises the many ways God has blessed him. He writes it to celebrate God’s deliverance, not just over Saul but over all his enemies. This song is also recorded in the summary chapters at the end of 2 Samuel immediately before David’s final words. It’s a declaration of God’s goodness and faithfulness to him during difficult times. David acknowledges that it’s God who strengthens him and not his own stamina. For many years, he has been under constant threat from Saul who is determined to kill him. Yet time and time again, God protects him and David is never forced to kill Saul in self-defence. During this time he lives in hiding, sleeping in caves and enduring harsh conditions in the wilderness. Yet he praises God and writes of his unfailing love (verse 50). David uses the metaphor of a deer. Deers are swift, agile and surefooted which is important to him as most battles, at this time, are fought on foot. David sees this surefootedness as a God-given quality that helps him secure battle positions on mountainous vantage points. Deers are also a picture of playfulness and liveliness as they jump over rocks with full confidence in where they land. David has this kind of confidence in God’s ability to lead and guide him. Likewise, God wants us to have the same confidence in him. God can strengthen us and enable us to be like mountain deers, skipping about without fear or anxiety that we will slip or fall. Let’s pray … Thank you Lord that you strengthen me and enable me to live without fear or anxiety. Right now, I acknowledge I am as sure-footed as a deer. In Jesus’ name Amen

  4. Oct 9

    Devotion#17 : I will be satisfied

    “By the power of your hand, O Lord, destroy those who look to this world for their reward. But satisfy the hunger of your treasured ones. May their children have plenty, leaving an inheritance for their descendants. Because I am righteous, I will see you. When I awake, I will see you face to face and be satisfied.” Psalm 17:14-15 We live in a broken world, where there’s something wrong with everything. If we have perfectionist tendencies, we can walk into a room and immediately see something wrong. It may be a crooked picture or a dead fly on the window ledge. I have a friend who likes to do 2000-piece jigsaw puzzles. His wife was showing us his latest completed one, but there was a piece missing. She commented that everyone notices the one piece that is missing but ignores the 1,999 pieces that are in the right place. Our eyes and our minds seem to gravitate towards problems. It can be hard to find satisfaction. David looked forward to a time when he would be satisfied. When we see the Lord face to face we will be satisfied. Every sacrifice, every cost, and every inconvenience we ever endured for the sake of his Kingdom will be worth it, we will be satisfied. We may even wonder why we didn’t sacrifice more. We aren’t like those who look to this world for their reward since we know this world is passing. “Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone” (James 4:14). As God’s people we set our sights on the realities of heaven and keep God’s long-term purposes in mind (Colossians 3:1-2). Let’s be encouraged to continue in faith, knowing we will be satisfied. Let’s pray … Thank you Lord that the sacrifices we make now are worth it. One day we will see your face and be eternally satisfied. In Jesus’ name Amen

  5. Oct 2

    Devotion#16 : I have godly heros

    “The godly people in the land     are my true heroes!     I take pleasure in them! Troubles multiply for those who chase after other gods.     I will not take part in their sacrifices of blood     or even speak the names of their gods” (Psalms 16:3-4 NLT). David is encouraged as he sees godly people in his own land living according to their faith. They aren’t chasing after other gods or getting involved in pagan rituals. David takes pleasure in those that remain faithful and calls them his heroes. The author of Hebrews also recognises the value of the witness of God’s faithful people. “We are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith” and the author expects our response to knowing this will be a more determined attitude to follow after God. “Therefore … let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us” (Hebrews 12:1-2). Their witness inspires and motivates us. In the previous chapter, the writer has listed many of these heroes by name and though they are long dead, they still encourage us by their example of faith. Earlier in Hebrews, the author writes, “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.  And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another” (Hebrews 10:24-25). We may not feel like a good witness or anyone’s hero, but merely our presence at Christian events encourages others. Our attendance demonstrates our faith and says, this is a worthwhile way of spending our time. Not only do we have heroes but we can also be a hero to others. Let’s pray … Thank you Lord for the heroes of faith both ancient and modern. Right now, I acknowledge I not only have heroes but can be a hero to others. In Jesus’ name Amen

  6. Sep 25

    Devotion#15 : I have fellowship with God

    “Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill?” Psalm 15:1 David isn’t asking how to be saved. He’s asking who may fellowship with the Lord. Who is able to enter into a relationship where they know God’s presence in their life? We’re not worthy in our own righteousness to enter God’s presence and we’re not saved by maintaining the godly lifestyle described as, “one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous …” (v. 2-5). This is a relief since it wouldn’t be possible for us to attain this in our own strength. We begin a relationship with God when we acknowledge our faith in his capacity to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all our wrongdoing. Once this transition from sinner to saint takes place, out of gratitude for what God has done for us, we will want to live a life that’s blameless and righteous. Often we fail and God knew this would be the case. Therefore, Jesus “sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself” (Hebrews 7:27 emphasis added). His sacrifice covers all our sin, past, present and future. God will constantly restore us to fellowship as we seek to follow his ways. John wrote, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). To walk in the light, is a metaphor that describes our intention to live in a way that pleases him. God will empower us to live a godly life as we commit ourselves to live according to his ways and we will have fellowship with God. Let’s pray … Thank you Lord that your sacrifice on the cross covers all my sin. Right now, I acknowledge my desire to live in a way that pleases you so that I can have fellowship with you.  In Jesus’ name Amen

  7. Sep 18

    Devotion#14 : I will seek the Lord

    “The Lord looks down from heaven on the entire human race; he looks to see if anyone is truly wise, if anyone seeks God.” Psalm 14:2 I desire to be wise and make wise choices and decisions, but sometimes I feel indecisive. Generally, it’s because I think I don’t have enough information to make the best possible decision. Or I think I don’t have the time or resources to investigate all the different options. Or I feel overwhelmed by choice. God never has these problems! He knows all there is to know, past, present and future. He has all the necessary information to make wise decisions. Furthermore, I’m influenced by the opinion of friends and family. Sometimes I’m even influenced by promotional campaigns and advertising. This may be helpful if I’m wondering about a new brand of cereal, but not so helpful if I’m looking at purchasing something requiring a substantial investment of time or funds. God’s perspective is the only unbiased and accurate one. How exactly do we seek the Lord? We include spiritual disciplines such as reading the Bible, praying, and fellowshipping with others as part of our weekly routines. However, these things may become so routine that they no longer impact our thinking. To truly seek the Lord, we learn to pay attention. We’re expectant and receptive to his promptings that may come to us in a variety of ways or on various occasions. We trust that God is leading us so we wait for the inaudible whispers in our hearts and minds. We’re discerning, knowing that not every thought and idea that drops into our minds is from God. We’re alert to a sense of peace or a sense of discomfort as we consider different opportunities. The truly wise, seek the Lord. Let’s pray … Thank you Lord that you freely give me your wisdom when I ask. Right now, I choose to seek you.  In Jesus’ name Amen

  8. Sep 14 ·  Bonus

    My Book Launch

    On Saturday, I launched my new book, 10 Things I Hate About God And How He Won Me Anyway. I recorded my talk, which explains how I came to write the book and how I came up with the title. The story of how this book came into being began in 2005, when we moved to Gisborne. We had arranged to take six weeks' long service leave in May and travel around Australia, but we arrived in the February.  This meant I couldn’t look for a job or become overly involved in our church until we returned from our trip. I had recently completed a Diploma in Library and Information Services, and I wasn’t planning to do any more study. We left our youngest child behind when we moved, so for the first time in many years, my schedule freed up. I literally had nothing to do. So I prayed about what God wanted me to do, and the idea of writing a book came to mind, but I kept dismissing it ... To learn more, click on the podcast.

  9. Sep 11

    Devotion#13 : I will rejoice and sing

    “But I trust in your unfailing love.     I will rejoice because you have rescued me. I will sing to the Lord     because he is good to me.” Psalm 13:5-6 David begins this psalm by saying, “O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever?” (v.1) and ends with acknowledging that the Lord has been good to him. Our emotions can change overnight, over hours or in the time it takes to write six verses! Our emotions aren’t always a true gauge of our situation. A single piece of disappointing news, a discouraging thought or a disheartening conversation can cause our emotions to plummet into thinking that God has abandoned us. Since we lack physical evidence of God’s presence and we can’t see how he’s working in our lives, we quickly lose sight of his purposes and focus on our own inconveniences. We may feel like the Lord has forgotten us, but like David, we can remind ourselves of his faithfulness. When we celebrate, we remember the most dramatic demonstration of God’s goodness. He voluntarily sent his Son to die so that we might be restored to relationship with him. The Cross is the clearest indication of God’s love for us and his willingness to do whatever it takes to connect with us. Gathering with other Christians can also encourage us to remember God’s faithfulness. As we listen to others singing of God’s love and grace, we’re reminded of God’s goodness. If we allow ourselves to be immersed in their praises to God, we’re enabled to join in and rejoice also. David chooses to trust God’s unfailing love, even when he is weighed down with anguish and sorrow (v.2). Likewise when negative emotions are threatening to overtake us, we can choose to trust the Lord. Let’s pray … Thank you Lord that you never forget me or give up on me so I can sing and rejoice. Right now, I acknowledge you have been good to me. In Jesus’ name Amen

  10. Sep 5

    Devotion#12 : I can trust God's promises

    “The Lord’s promises are pure, like silver refined in a furnace, purified seven times over.” Psalm 12:6 Purified silver is untainted. Its purity can be depended upon. Likewise, I can depend on God’s promises. Sometimes though, we misunderstand his promises. God protects us from eternal harm, but not from daily difficulties. I would’ve preferred God to promise me a comfortable life! Instead, he tells me I will have trouble. Jesus said, “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). God promises his presence and his enabling in our troubles. I love the way the Amplified Bible puts Hebrews 13:5-6. “‘I will never [under any circumstances] desert you [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless], nor will I forsake or let you down or relax My hold on you [assuredly not]!’ So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently say, ‘The Lord is my Helper [in time of need], I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?’” It’s a beautiful promise but it wouldn’t be necessary if we didn’t sometimes feel deserted, helpless and abandoned. Many other promises also reassure us, such as Jesus’ words to his disciples, shortly before his crucifixion, “I am going to prepare a place for you. When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am” (John 14:2-3). His promise is “you will always be with me where I am.” This promise tells me, God wants to spend time with me and that I’m not a nuisance or unimportant. Rather I’m loved and my presence is important to him. Let’s pray … Thank you Lord for your promises that tell me I’m important and valued. Right now, I acknowledge your promises are trustworthy. In Jesus’ name Amen

  • 10 Episodes

About

Inspirational and insightful devotions. Currently from the book of Psalms.

Information

  • Creator
    Susan Barnes
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Devotions by Susan Barnes