Today's Verse - Proverbs 6:20

My son, keep your father's commands and do not forsake your mother's teaching.

—Proverbs 6:20

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

So often today, we discount the wisdom of those who have come before us and want to share with us the collective wisdom handed down to them by their faithful predecessors. Over the next few weeks, we should be especially attentive to older people, especially those who have proven themselves faithful. At the same time, let's remind our children and our grandchildren how important obedience is to God, especially the obedience of children to their parents. We want the Holy Spirit to help us train our children and grandchildren in godliness so that they may honor, not only us, but our Heavenly Father!

My Prayer...

Dear heavenly Father, I ask your forgiveness for the times that I have not properly respected my parents' words and wisdom. I thank you for their love for me and their desire to guide me in your path. Please bless them with your grace and bless me as I seek to be more obedient to your will. Help me bless my children and grandchildren so I can steer them so their hearts are open to you and they obey you as their Heavenly Father! In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

Today's Verse - Luke 6:38

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

—Luke 6:38

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Our God is the God of all grace (1 Peter 5:10). He loves giving, blessing, and empowering! One of God's chosen ways to do these three things is through us. Our Father in Heaven wants us to be conduits of his blessings. Like the faithful stewards in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), when we are faithful and generous in using what he has given us to administer, he blesses us with more to use to help others and bring him glory. As we provide, share, and encourage others, God continues supplying us with more than we can imagine to bless even more (2 Corinthians 9:6-11 & Ephesians 3:20-21).

Video Commentary...

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My Prayer...

Father, please open my heart and help me be a more generous person. I want to use the many blessings and resources you have entrusted to me to bless others and bring you glory. Please give me the courage to use what you have given me in bold and extravagant ways in your service, to benefit others. I know that as my heart is pure and cheerful, I can keep sharing your grace, because I will never be able to outdo your extravagance! In Jesus' name, I praise and thank you. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

Today's Verse - Psalm 31:19

How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you.

—Psalm 31:19

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

This psalm begins with God's people in desperation, but as it progresses, it crescendos with faith. While things may seem bleak, God will not abandon his children. Those who reverence God — fear him with awe and love — will not be forgotten. Far from ignoring his children, God has stored up his goodness, which he will generously pour out on them to show that they are his. Those who take refuge in him will be protected and blessed. For those on this side of Jesus' resurrection, this promise of blessing and vindication takes on added depth, meaning, and assurance because of Jesus' empty tomb and his promise to return to take us home with him in glory!

My Prayer...

O LORD, God of Abraham, Moses, Ruth, David, and Esther, I praise you for your proven faithfulness through the centuries. Thank you for the great heritage of faith that shows me I can trust you to remember me with your grace. So, please protect me by your power, and bless me with your goodness. As I approach you with reverent awe and loving respect, please give me the courage to hang on to my faith no matter my trials and temptations. In Jesus' name, I pray and place my trust in you. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.