Proverbs 3:25-26 (06-26-17)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

What guards your heart from fear? Only one protector is sure and faithful, his name is the LORD. He is our confidence and protector. As Paul said so powerfully long ago, prayer and the Holy Spirit are our assurance of God's deliverance. Either we will be delivered from death to serve God powerfully or we will be delivered through death to share with him in eternity. We will not be snared when our fate and future remain in God's hands!

My Prayer...

Almighty Deliverer, please give me courage to live for you with passion, no matter the cost. I trust in you to deliver me. In Jesus' name I confidently pray. Amen.

Matthew 6:25 (06-25-17)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Food and clothing are some of the biggest worries of our human existence. They have been for centuries. God reminds us, however, that no matter how important these may seem to be in our world, life is really much bigger than these things and God wants us to trust that he will supply them when we trust in him.

My Prayer...

Father, please help me rein in my envious and covetous heart. I know my desire for things makes me anxious and near-sighted in my faith. Give me a more expansive view of your Kingdom so I can use your blessings to help others. In the name of the Lord Jesus. Amen.

Psalm 73:23-26 (06-24-17)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

In times of confusion, we can take comfort that while we may not understand everything while here on earth (read Psalm 73:1-22), God will be faithful. Everything we have and know here on earth is subject to decay, but our relationship with the LORD is our strength forever. He will not abandon, fail, or forget us.

My Prayer...

Almighty God, thank you for being with me always, especially in those moments when life is most confusing and my fears most troubling. Please give me faith to not only ask you honest questions, but to also trust you even when things don't look like they are all that good for those who believe in you. Please help my faith hold firm as I wait for your mighty vindication of your people. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Romans 6:23 (06-23-17)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Our sin earns us death. God's grace gives us life. The difference between these two extremes? The Cross of Christ which spans the chasm of our sin and brings us to the mercy, forgiveness, and redemption of God!

My Prayer...

Holy Father, thank you for saving me through Jesus. Lord Jesus, thank you for paying the price for my sins. Blessed Holy Spirit, thank you for cleansing me and making me God's holy dwelling place. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Proverbs 18:22 (06-22-17)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Several great truths are taught us in the opening chapters of the Bible. First, we are made in God's image, both male and female. Second, we are made to be different (male and female). Third, we are made to bless each other and be complements of one another. Fourth, a husband and wife were made to leave their families of origin and build their lives together (Gen. 1:26-2:25). To find a spouse for life, one created by God in his image, is to find what is truly good and what God truly desires.

My Prayer...

Father, I thank you for your plan for my life. (for the married) I thank you for my spouse and ask for your help in blessing and fulfilling that person in every way. (for the widowed) I ask, dear Father, that you comfort my feelings of loss and grief, and that you know my thanks for this special person through whom you blessed my life. (for the single) I ask that you help me know the path for my life and use me to bless others in the way that I live with integrity and faithfulness. (for the divorced) I ask, dear Father, that you minister to my sense of loss and that you use me to serve you and bring you glory. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.