Today's Verse - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

—2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

The Father of compassion comforts us because we are heartbroken
The Father of compassion comforts us because we need a blessing.
The Father of compassion comforts us because God loves us.
The Father of compassion comforts us so we can comfort others.

While each of the above statements is true, the last one is the most crucial. We cannot fully realize true comfort until we receive it and then share it with someone else. Sharing the comfort we have received is that final step in the healing process of grief, disappointment, hurt, and loss. Until we share the comfort we have received, until we pass it on to others, our understanding of God's comfort is incomplete, shallow, selfish, and limited. We have a Father of compassion and comfort. He wants us, as his children, to pass that comfort to others!

My Prayer...

O LORD, God of heaven and earth, Creator of the universe, thank you for knowing my heart, caring about my concerns, and comforting me when I am wounded. Please help me share your grace, mercy, and comfort with someone who needs it today. 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 - Psalm 34:22

The LORD redeems his servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him.

—Psalm 34:22

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God not only buys out our bondage and debt to sin, but he also assures us that he will provide refuge for those who trust in him. Our future is tied to God and not to our ability to provide and protect what we need. He is our refuge and strength, our ever-present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1, 11).

My Prayer...

O LORD, God of heaven and earth, I place my life and my future in your hands. Please use me to bless others and help them find refuge in your gracious love. 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 - Psalm 34:21

Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned.

—Psalm 34:21

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God has promised a closing time for everyone who has ever lived. It will be a reckoning where human power and influence cannot blot out the truth and where each person who has ever lived will have to face what they have done, whether good or evil. Evil will overtake those who have been partnered with evil. Their hatred and wickedness will come back upon them. God will not allow righteousness, truth, and justice to be short-circuited, perverted, or forgotten! "Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned."

My Prayer...

Father, thank you for making me clean and whole by the purifying work of your Holy Spirit. Please train me to live righteously. Help me develop a revulsion for what is sinful and evil. Use me, please, to help others caught in the evil one's work to escape and find deliverance in the LORD Jesus. In the name of my Savior, the one who died for all people to be able to come to you, 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.