Today's Verse - Psalm 37:23-24

If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.

—Psalm 37:23-24

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

I don't know about you, but I've physically stumbled my way through much of life. I've tripped at some of the most embarrassing moments. I've stumbled over my own feet, shoelaces, curbs, and just pure air. Even my doctor says I have a problem with gravity!

However, I am confident that, despite my spiritual stumbles, God has not abandoned me. When I think I'm going to plunge into the depths of an emotional abyss, the Father's love, care, concern, Scriptures, servants, and helpers have kept me from destruction. God's hand does uphold me. He is there in times of trial. He has been mighty to save. I do believe he delights in my journey. How about you? The question is not whether we will stumble or fall, but whether we look to God in our stumbles, sins, and failures, and then admit our failings as we ask Him to restore us and raise us back to useful service for him and to others. We can trust he will, because the "the LORD ... upholds" us with his mighty and gracious hand!

My Prayer...

O Father, thank you for your steadying influence in my life. Thank you for lifting me when I have fallen, protecting me when I have been vulnerable, and comforting me when I have been broken. I praise you for your grace, your glory, and your nearness. Through Jesus, I offer you my praise and eternal appreciation as I ask you to continue to uphold me by your mighty and gracious hand. 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 31:23-24

Love the LORD, all his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful, but the proud he pays back in full. Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.

—Psalm 31:23-24

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Love the LORD! Be strong because of your hope in the LORD. Admit where your strength lies. Acknowledge your source of grace. Give praise to God for his abundant mercy and power lavished upon you through his Holy Spirit. The LORD preserves his people. He honors faithfulness even if it is mocked in this world. The LORD will bless his people and deal justly with those who mock and abuse them. But we can be "strong and take heart" because we "hope in the LORD!"

My Prayer...

Give me strength, O LORD, for I find myself in trying times with enemies at my door and opponents on every side. Please give me wisdom to see your grace that leads me when I am under fire. Please give me the courage to stand up for what is right, pure, and holy. Please bless me with the vision to see what you want to use me to do for your glory. Please inspire me with passionate hope as I work to accomplish all the work you have given me to do for your glory. 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 - 2 Corinthians 7:1

Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.

—2 Corinthians 7:1

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God has blessed us with so many wonderful promises. He secured them by sending his Son "to conquer death and bring life and immortality to life" (2 Timothy 1:10). He will "transform our lowly bodies to be like his glorious body" (Philippians 3:21). He will take us home to be with him eternally, but until that day, he will live inside us, make his home in us, and reveal himself to us (John 14:20-23). He will make us more than conquerors and will not allow anything to separate us from his love (Romans 8:32-39). So what should our response be? We should offer him praise, but we must not limit our praise to just words (Colossians 3:16-17). God wants our lives to be pure, staying away from what is evil, vile, putrid, and corrupt (1 John 3:1-3). He wants us to do this, not so we can claim some moral superiority, but so that we can show him our adoration and reverence. In our desire to offer God praise, let's not forget that one of the greatest ways to praise him is to seek him in purity and holiness!

My Prayer...

Forgive me, Heavenly Father, for my sins. Purify my heart and cast out any foothold the devil may have in me because of my previous sin. Empower me to holiness and accept my life as an offering of praise and thanks to you for your amazing grace. In the name of Jesus, I offer you my heart, my life, and my all. 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.