Today's Verse - Proverbs 19:20-21

Listen to advice and accept instruction and in the end you will be wise. Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.

—Proverbs 19:20-21

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Long ago, Thomas à Kempis declared, "Man proposes, heaven disposes." Most of us rush to give advice and make grandiose plans. The Wiseman of Proverbs, likely Solomon, reminds us that wisdom comes from submitting to instruction and good advice - that requires discernment! Then, after a significant time of listening and considering, we can begin to align our hearts to the LORD's purposes. If you are like me, you would do much better to let your plans ripen a bit more in the light of the LORD's truth and wisdom from others before launching into living out those plans. I am comforted that James, the wisdom writer of the New Testament, reminded us that God will give that wisdom if we seek it and do not doubt (James 1:5-8). As we pray for wisdom, let's also pray for patience to listen, recognize, understand, and align our hearts with the LORD's truth, so we can recognize godly advice and good instruction as wisdom the LORD wants us to hear.

My Prayer...

Almighty God, please teach me your ways and help me discern your paths for my life. I have so many plans and schemes, but I know that if they are not from you and aligned with your will, they will not stand. Please lead me to your wisdom, and I will not only seek to know it, but also live it by the power supplied by your Holy Spirit. 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 - Deuteronomy 13:4

It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.

—Deuteronomy 13:4

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

So many people want us to follow their lead, validate their choices, approve of their opinions, and follow their voice. Only God alone has proved himself faithful and loving through the ages, worthy of our devotion as we follow and obey him. In his might, he is to be revered. But rather than seeing reverence only as a "church thing," Moses reminds us that reverence is also a daily "life thing." We are to obey and keep God's commandments. We are to serve him and depend upon him in our daily lives. We are to worship God in the way we live each day. Rather than just silence in the worship assembly, reverence must also be a committed action in our daily lives as we follow the LORD's guidance and obey his commands, while we serve others to God's glory!

Video Commentary...

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My Prayer...

Holy and Righteous Father, please help me take my worship beyond the church building and into my day-to-day life, as I try to live what I sing, practice what I say, and pursue what I pray. In Jesus' name, I ask you to demonstrate your grace as I serve others to your glory in my day-to-day living. 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 - Isaiah 43:11-12

"I, even I, am the LORD, and apart from me there is no savior. I have revealed and saved and proclaimed — I, and not some foreign god among you. You are my witnesses," declares the LORD, "that I am God."

—Isaiah 43:11-12

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Peter reminded us that we are here as God's chosen people, his witnesses, to "declare the praises of him who has called us out of darkness into his wonderful light" (1 Peter 2:9). We have experienced God's saving work in our lives. We know he is the LORD. We are the recipients of his blessings and grace. We know our God is the true God. We are the people who anticipate his mighty deliverance yet to come. Our God is the God of the first and the last, the one who is and was and is to come. So, how can we remain silent? How can we remain bitter, pessimistic, or discouraged? The God who made the tomb empty and made the corpse of Jesus our living and exalted LORD is also our Father in heaven. He is mighty to save. We are witnesses that he alone is God!

My Prayer...

O Mighty God, I confess that I slip so easily into my day-to-day rut and sometimes grow immune to the joy and excitement of your salvation. Please give me fresh eyes to see and a bold voice to declare your glorious deeds, your mighty works, and your answered promises. I believe you are leading me to glory, so help me show and share that glory with those who do not yet know you as God, Savior, LORD, and King. In the name of Jesus Christ, my Savior, 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.