Today's Verse - Ezekiel 36:23

I will show the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, the name you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am the LORD, declares the Sovereign LORD, when I show myself holy through you before their eyes.

—Ezekiel 36:23

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God can and will use us even though, at times, we are not worthy vessels for him to use. Scripture gives us many examples of people God used who did not meet his moral and holy requirements — for example, think about Samson or most of the other Judges! God will be revealed as the sacred, mighty, and awesome God that he is whether we do it or not. Let's be willing tools in his hands to do his divine work in our fallen world so the world can know his holiness revealed through us, in our lives, and our behaviors. Let's offer ourselves to him for his service and his glory.

My Prayer...

Holy Father, we ask that you purify us and make us holy — not just because of your grace but also demonstrated in our thoughts, words, and deeds. Create a clean heart in us and renew a righteous spirit in us by the power of your Holy Spirit. May our lives be holy offerings of praise to you, O, holy and mighty God. In Jesus' name, we offer ourselves and praise you. 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 6:9

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

—Galatians 6:9

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Weariness is a part of life. Weariness is a part of ministry. Weariness is often part of being in a family. Weariness often overtakes us when we set our hearts on doing good for others. However, God's wonderful blessing renews, sustains, and rekindles us. He does it through the encouraging word of a friend. He does it through his presence in us, the Holy Spirit. He does it through songs that lift our hearts. He does it through Scripture and prayer. So, while our bodies and spirits may grow weary, let's not let our hands fall idle. If we serve with faithfulness, discipline, and integrity, God's grace will empower us through the Spirit to do what he has called us to do.

My Prayer...

Dear Heavenly Father, I sometimes find myself weary and discouraged in my service to you and especially to others. Please convict me, beloved Father, when I've neglected sleep, exercise, or good eating habits. I want to live a more balanced life and have the energy and strength to better serve those who need my help. Please empower me as I seek to correct those problems in my life. Gently humble me in those times when I neglected my spiritual nourishment and sought to depend upon my own strength. I want to actively and effectively serve you, dear Father, all the days of my life. In Jesus' name, I ask this. 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 54:5

For your Maker is your husband — the LORD Almighty is his name — the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth.

—Isaiah 54:5

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

When I read the phrase "he is called the God of all the earth" in today's verse, several other Bible passages came to mind:

"For God so loved the world..." (John 3:16).
"The God who made the world and everything in it is the LORD of heaven and earth..." (Acts 17:24).
"The Father, from whom every family on earth derives its name..." (Ephesians 3:15).

God is not just the God of Israel or any particular nation, race, tradition, or culture. The LORD God, ruler of heaven and earth, is the God of all nations. As a follower of the Christ, I believe all people will one day recognize God for what he did in Jesus:

[A]t the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:10-11 NASB).

The Holy One of Israel, the Redeemer and God of all the earth, has extended his grace through Jesus to draw all peoples to himself. And as the apostle Paul said:

"From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth... God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us" (Acts 17:26-27).

My Prayer...

Great Redeemer and the Father of all nations and peoples, I humbly come before you to offer my thanks and praise for all you have done to bless us. Guide me as I seek to know you fully and be more aware of your daily presence in my life. 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.