Today's Verse - 1 Timothy 6:9

People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.

—1 Timothy 6:9

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

This is not a message for folks who are already financially rich. No, this is for all of us who WANT to have that wealth. Craving it, coveting it, and going in pursuit of earthly wealth exposes us to many grave dangers. In a world so prodded and lured by advertising and social media messages that lead us to want all we see, we must remember, "You shall not covet..." is still one of God's Ten Commandments. Jesus reminded us of the positive command to help prevent this coveting: "Seek first God's Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33).

My Prayer...

Thank you, dear Father, for your many blessings. Please help me to be satisfied and generous with the blessings you have already given me. Please help me keep my focus on you and your Son and allow you to make me a conduit of your blessings to others! I pray in the name of your Son and my Savior, Jesus. 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 - Genesis 6:8

But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.

—Genesis 6:8

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

This statement reminds me of what God told Jesus at his baptism — "... in you I am well pleased" (Luke 3:21-22). Even in the middle of a culture steeped in sin when Noah lived, Noah was blessedly different! God found Noah's heart loyal to him and suitable for Noah and his family to be a blessing and to provide the world with a future. Living with righteous character, gracious compassion, and faithfulness to God is hard in a world in rebellion to him and his ways. "But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD." May the same be said of each of us in our day as we live for God in a world so devoid of his light. Let's be that light in our jobs, schools, neighborhoods, friendships, and recreation. Can you imagine the difference we would ultimately make if each of us decided to be like Noah?

My Prayer...

Loving Shepherd and Holy God, please bless me as I seek to passionately live a life that pleases you and brings you joy. Please use me and my church family to make a difference in the world for good. In the name of the LORD Jesus, 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 - Galatians 6:7

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.

—Galatians 6:7

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

We're not going to fool God. We will not escape a fundamental principle on which our world works. While we might put up a facade for others, God knows our hearts. What our hearts invest in our lives will ultimately display. We reap what we sow! So, if we spend our wealth, time, and interest in other things for ourselves and only give God the crumbs, we need to know that we will not reap a bounteous spiritual harvest. What we do to others is equally vital in sowing what is good. We must love our neighbors as we love ourselves, doing good to them because each person matters to God, and each should matter to us. Let's sow the seed that God loves so we can harvest what blesses us and those around us!

Video Commentary...

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My Prayer...

O LORD God Almighty, who sees all things and knows all hearts, please give me the wisdom to see the people in whom I need to invest myself and help them find your grace. Help me, O LORD, to seize the opportunities you place before me to do good to others and sow love and grace into their lives. I ask for this help, in Jesus' name, and to honor Jesus as I serve others. 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.