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.

Today's Verse - Luke 6:38

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

—Luke 6:38

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Our God is the God of all grace (1 Peter 5:10). He loves giving, blessing, and empowering! One of God's chosen ways to do these three things is through us. Our Father in Heaven wants us to be conduits of his blessings. Like the faithful stewards in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), when we are faithful and generous in using what he has given us to administer, he blesses us with more to use to help others and bring him glory. As we provide, share, and encourage others, God continues supplying us with more than we can imagine to bless even more (2 Corinthians 9:6-11 & Ephesians 3:20-21).

Video Commentary...

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My Prayer...

Father, please open my heart and help me be a more generous person. I want to use the many blessings and resources you have entrusted to me to bless others and bring you glory. Please give me the courage to use what you have given me in bold and extravagant ways in your service, to benefit others. I know that as my heart is pure and cheerful, I can keep sharing your grace, because I will never be able to outdo your extravagance! In Jesus' name, I praise and thank 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.