Today's Verse - Proverbs 3:21-22

My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck.

—Proverbs 3:21-22

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God used his wisdom to create the cosmos and all that is in it. Through his discernment, he appointed to each being and each item its place in his dazzling display of diversity. He has chosen to share that wisdom and discernment with those who reverence him and search for HIS wisdom. If we use that wisdom and discernment, we will possess the greatest of all jewels - "an ornament to grace your neck" - and a blessing that will enrich our lives.

My Prayer...

Father, I know that you will bless me with wisdom if I ask for it (James 1:5-8). So, dear Father, I am asking for that wisdom in faith. I want to live a holy life that is a clear reflection of your character and brings honor to your holiness, compassion, and faithfulness. Please bless me with wisdom and discernment as I face the day-to-day decisions that I must make that impact my life and the lives of others. In Jesus' name, I ask for this grace. 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 - Ephesians 2:19-20

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.

—Ephesians 2:19-20

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

"We belong!" That's what the apostle Paul is telling those of us who are not biologically children of Abraham but have come to the only true and living God through faith in Jesus. Paul said it this way:

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ (Ephesians 2:13).

We're no longer outsiders or second-class citizens or a "Johnny come lately" disciples of Jesus! We are full children of God because Jesus tore down all barriers between us and God (Ephesians 2:14-18). Because of grace, we belong! We are part of God's household! The foundation of our house of Jesus is made up of the apostles and prophets. The cornerstone of that house is Jesus himself. We are also a part of this holy house of God. Praise God, because of Jesus, we belong as God's beloved children!

My Prayer...

El Shaddai, God of the mountains and LORD God Almighty, the covenant God of Israel, from age to age, your steadfast love has blessed your people with your promises, your grace, and your future. Thank you for bringing me into your family, into your people, by grace through faith in Jesus.* Thank you for making me a vital part of your house. Forgive me for the times that I have doubted my importance to your cause and awaken in me the realization that I belong to you and to your household. In Jesus' name, I thank you. Amen.

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* Emphasized by Paul earlier in Ephesians 2:1-10.
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 - 1 John 4:19

We love because he first loved us.

—1 John 4:19

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

John wants us to realize that our love doesn't originate in us. We love others because God has first loved us in Jesus. Oh yes, God has loved us in many other ways, but loving us in Jesus is the ultimate love. Our Heavenly Father taught us how to love by sending Jesus. Our Abba Father has given us security and confidence with his love for us so that we can love others more fully, with greater openness. Our Holy and Almighty God has loved us boldly and sacrificially so that we can more fully understand and define true love. We are not the source of love: God is. We are not the great example of love: Jesus is. We tend to be careful and share our love only with those we feel safe to share it with; God's love, however, is expansive and open to all. We know and share love because God loved us first. And because he loved us, we must love others.

My Prayer...

Forgive me, Righteous Father, for the times that I have been careful and guarded with my love for others. Please help me to love others as you have loved me. I ask especially for today, that I might touch someone's life with love that especially needs it, whether they respond favorably to that love or not. And then, after I do it today, in Jesus' name, I pray for your help to do it again and again and again - to love others more fully as you have fully demonstrated your love to me. 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.