Today's Verse - Proverbs 31:8

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.

—Proverbs 31:8

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God's people in every era are called to defend the rights of the weak, speak up for the disenfranchised, and protect the life of those who are vulnerable — born or unborn, regardless of race or nationality, similar to us or different, and whether they are in their right mind or emotionally disturbed. This comprehensive call is God's great reminder that the blessings, rights, wealth, and power we have are not ours; they are gifts on loan from God to be used to bless those who have no power to speak, defend, or protect themselves. We as God's people are to be conduits of grace, mercy, and redemption (1 Peter 2:8-11). Yes, I know this is not a popular point of view or a particularly comfortable one for many of us — and I include myself in that group. But the second commandment that sums up all of God's desires for us is to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:36-40; Galatians 5:14; James 2:8). The parable of the "Good Samaritan" reminds us that this means being a neighbor to someone who might make us uncomfortable but needs our help (Luke 10:25-27).

My Prayer...

Father, please rouse in your people, rouse in me, a holy passion to stand up for those who are vulnerable to abuse, caught in abandonment, and under unfair attack. Please use us, and especially use me, Father, to be a redemptive force in the time and the circle of influence in which I live and to the people you place in my path. 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 - Isaiah 40:28-29

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

—Isaiah 40:28-29

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God is eternal. He has unlimited power. His supply of strength is limitless. He blesses and shares his grace without growing tired. Most importantly, he longs to share his power and grace with you and me daily.

My Prayer...

Almighty and eternal God, loving and generous in your mercy, thank you for giving me strength in my weariness, guidance in my confusion, and hope in my despair. Please bless me with the courage to follow your will and trust in your presence through the 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 - Jeremiah 33:3

"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."

—Jeremiah 33:3

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

These words were spoken initially to Jeremiah about the fate of Jerusalem. However, this promise is true in special ways for us as well. God wants us to call to him. God often waits for us to ask before he blesses us with what he longs to give us. We cannot comprehend and receive all the incredible truth about God. He is too big and glorious for us to apprehend him in all his grace and glory fully. So, what do we do? We keep seeking the LORD and asking him to reveal things we do not know as he draws us closer into his presence. You see, he made us to seek after him, find him, and know him (Acts 17:27-28).

My Prayer...

Father and Almighty God, you are breathtaking. You are beyond my ability to comprehend. Yet, Abba Father, I believe you are near, so I offer you my heart as I worship you in your majesty and might as well as your grace and mercy. I long to know you better, dear Father, so I seek you, call out to you, and praise you. In Jesus' name. 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.