Today's Verse - Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

—Romans 6:23

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Our sin earns us death. God's grace gives us life. What determines the difference between these two extremes? The Cross of Christ, the empty tomb, and the faith that Jesus did it for us! That cross spans the chasm of our sin and brings us to God's mercy, forgiveness, redemption, and purpose in life (Ephesians 2:1-10). That empty tomb gives us hope that our life doesn't end in death, but in life with Jesus forever!

My Prayer...

Holy Father, thank you for saving me through Jesus. LORD Jesus, thank you for paying the price for my sins. Blessed Holy Spirit, thank you for cleansing me and making me God's holy dwelling place. Thank you that I am not destined to pay the wages for my sins but will receive the gift of eternal life in Jesus, in whose 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 - Proverbs 18:22

He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.

—Proverbs 18:22

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Several great truths are taught us in the opening chapters of the Bible (Genesis 1:26-31). First, we are made in God's image, both male and female. Second, we are made to be different, male or female. Third, we are made to bless each other and be complements of one another in our marriages. Fourth, a husband and wife were made to leave their families of origin and build their lives together. To find a spouse for life, someone created by God in his image, is to find what is truly good and what God desires. Such a gift is a blessing! But we also remember that Jesus and Paul taught that some are gifted to be fulfilled and single (Matthew 19:10-11; 1 Corinthians 7:6-9, 17, 20, 24). So, we should respect each other regardless!

My Prayer...

Father, we thank you for your plans for each of us.
For the married among us, we thank you for our spouse as we seek to live in holiness and honor.
For those widowed among us, dear Father, we ask that you comfort their feelings of loss and grief, and that you help them give thanks for the ways their departed loved one has blessed their lives.
For the single among us, we ask that you help them find fullness in your presence and use them to bless others in the way they live with loving integrity and faithfulness.
For the divorced, separated, and hurt among us, we ask dear Father for you to please minister to their wounds and sense of loss as they seek to use their lives and experiences to bless others and bring you glory.
O, dear Father, we ask that you enable us to live fulfilled lives as we seek to live in the center of your will so we can honor you with our lives. In Jesus' name, we 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 - Proverbs 6:20

My son, keep your father's commands and do not forsake your mother's teaching.

—Proverbs 6:20

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

So often today, we discount the wisdom of those who have come before us and want to share with us the collective wisdom handed down to them by their faithful predecessors. Over the next few weeks, we should be especially attentive to older people, especially those who have proven themselves faithful. At the same time, let's remind our children and our grandchildren how important obedience is to God, especially the obedience of children to their parents. We want the Holy Spirit to help us train our children and grandchildren in godliness so that they may honor, not only us, but our Heavenly Father!

My Prayer...

Dear heavenly Father, I ask your forgiveness for the times that I have not properly respected my parents' words and wisdom. I thank you for their love for me and their desire to guide me in your path. Please bless them with your grace and bless me as I seek to be more obedient to your will. Help me bless my children and grandchildren so I can steer them so their hearts are open to you and they obey you as their Heavenly Father! 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.