Today's Verse - Psalm 23:4

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

—Psalm 23:4

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Death is the ultimate profanity in today's world. We don't like to think about it, much less talk about it. However, death is the one reality that will not leave us alone. We must all address it! We lose friends and family members to death. At one point in our lives, we, too, will face this inevitability unless Jesus comes before our passing. So what is our assurance as we face the inescapable? Our Shepherd! The LORD, who is our Good Shepherd, will walk us through the fears and dangers of death, guiding and protecting and comforting us in our journey. And as followers of Jesus, this promise is only intensified because we know Jesus as our Good Shepherd. He has taken the walk through death's dark valley ahead of us to assure us that our walk through death's valley doesn't end in death, but in glory.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

My Prayer...

Dear Heavenly Father, my Shepherd and Savior, thank you that I do not have to face death alone. I look for your guidance and listen for your voice to lead me through death's dark valley and bring me to your holy and glorious presence in victory and with great joy. I can say this, and believe this, and pray this confidently, in Jesus' name. 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 16:16

How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!

—Proverbs 16:16

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

What are the greatest riches in life? Well, surely they are not silver and gold. Of infinitely greater value is wisdom, which helps us understand what is valuable, what is true, what is worthy of our hearts, and what is not. Silver and gold can buy a lot of things, but they can't buy us favor with God, or wisdom and understanding. These only come when we seek God and rely on the gift of the Holy Spirit to give us wisdom that is spiritual and lasting, not something that is fleeting and selfish.

My Prayer...

Heavenly Father, God of the Ages and giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17), please bless me with holy and practical wisdom so that I can more fully know how you have blessed me and so that I can be the blessing to others in the ways that you want me to be. Please give me wisdom and understanding. 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 - Romans 6:15

What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means!

—Romans 6:15

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

This matching verse to Romans 6:1-2 serves as a great reminder that sin is no longer our master and no longer our choice (Romans 6:14). We choose to live for God with every fiber of our being and loathe the life of sin that once held us in bondage to defeat. So, with the Holy Spirit's power at work in us, our lives are being transformed to become like Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18).

My Prayer...

Dear God, my Father; precious Jesus my LORD; Holy Spirit, my inner companion and holy fire; please stir in me a holy passion to be the person of righteous grace you have created me and redeemed me to be in Jesus. I refuse to go back to the old way of sin. I choose to live in grace, by faith, empowered by the Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name, I rejoice in 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.