Week 5 September 2025, Impromptu Devotion

When I began to memorize Scriptures years ago, I skipped linking them with specific books or chapters.. Today I paid the price, but had fun finding out where I’d come from!

Your right hand, O Lord, glorious in power, your right hand, O Lord, shatters the enemy.  In the greatness of your majesty you overthrow your adversaries; you send forth your fury; it consumes them like stubble. Exodus 15:6-7 ESV

My heart exults in the Lord; my strength is exalted in the Lord. My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in your salvation. There is none holy like the Lord, for there is none besides you; here is no rock like our God.1 Samuel 2:1-2 ESV

For who is God, but the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God? The God who girded me with strength, and made my way safe  He made my feet like hinds' feet, and set me secure on the heights. He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. Psalm 18:31-34 RSV

When you go forth to war against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and an army larger than your own, you shall not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God is with you, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt... let not your heart faint. Do not fear or tremble or be in dread of them, for the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory. Deuteronomy 20:1; 3b-4 ESV

My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest. Exodus 33:14 NASB

I will bless the Lord at all times…My soul shall make its boast in the LORD...I sought the LORD and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them…Taste and see that the LORD is good, how blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him. Psalm 34:1-9

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; who pardons all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases; who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle. Psalm 103:1-5

Comment: Most often I recite these nightly texts in a soft audible voice  If I’m out of oomph, I say them in my head, knowing that God is attuned to such “inner speech.”  If the low dose of Melatonin taken with my nightly statin drug, has me nod off, I whisper “I love you, Lord,” and drift off into the shelter of the “mighty fortress of the God of Jacob,” as Psalm 46:11 avows. Higher doses of the sleep hormone, I’ve learned, make for highly vivid dreams. If any reader still awake has questions or comments for me, I’d be happy to invite you for a visit or exchange emails for mutual edification.  As our preacher has shared, strong self-discipline is a fruit of the Spirit, God’s gift to all for the taking!