Today's Verse - Proverbs 10:2

Ill-gotten treasures are of no value, but righteousness delivers from death.

—Proverbs 10:2

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Wealth, especially wealth gotten through greedy and wicked means, proves to be of no lasting value. This rancid kind of wealth rots the heart of the one who gets it. Even when we have this rotten wealth, it cannot save us from our ultimate demise. Righteousness, however, is a far more precious treasure. True righteousness comes from God as his gift to us from his grace we received through faith in Christ Jesus. This righteousness transcends our mortality, is greater than any financial wealth we could accumulate, and saves our souls from death.

My Prayer...

Holy and Righteous Father, thank you for making me righteous in your sight through Jesus' sacrifice and your grace. I want my enduring legacy to be my righteous character — character and righteousness you have given me — not my status, achievement, or wealth. I know my accomplishments will be forgotten after my earthly life is over, but I am fully convinced that the righteousness you develop in me will be a blessing and an influence for generations after I am gone and will be my accompanying treasure when I share with you in your glory. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Today's Verse - Philippians 4:19

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

—Philippians 4:19

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Throughout Scripture, God reminds us that as we trust him and share his blessings with others, he will ensure we have all we need and have even more so that we can help others. Notice what Paul told the Corinthians:

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God (2 Corinthians 9:10-11).

My Prayer...

Dear Father, please forgive me for trying to find my security and hope in things other than you. I know there is no other source of hope, freedom, and security than you. Help me tear down every idol I may have erected that dilutes or distorts my trust in you. Open my heart to recognize places and times where I trust more in my efforts and resources rather than fully trusting in you and your graciousness. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Today's Verse - Philippians 4:12-13

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

—Philippians 4:12-13

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Life is full of ups and downs, highs and lows. So much of what and who we hold dear in this world can be touched by death, disaster, and decay. What do we have that is certain? To whom can we turn for assurance? Where do we find the power to live victoriously in good times and bad? In the LORD who gives us strength! With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can do everything and endure everything, with the help of God — Father, Son, and Spirit who give us strength!

My Prayer...

O LORD God, Father of all creation, we confess that our lives and the circumstances in which we live are beyond our abilities to control. We thank you for being present to comfort, protect, guide, and empower us. Because of your presence and strength in us and with us, we believe we can face each situation with confidence and assurance. Because you are with each of us, O loving Shepherd, we know we will have all we need to live victoriously for you until the glorious day we share with you in your glory. In Jesus' name. Amen.