Today's Verse - Hebrews 11:1

Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

—Hebrews 11:1

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

While the road ahead of us may be clouded with questions and concerns, we can look back and see the many ways God has acted on our behalf in the past to get us to the places we need to be today. But beyond us, we also see his work throughout history, as he has provided guidance and protection to his people, Israel, throughout the Old Testament, and to his people in the early church, the disciples of Jesus in those early days in the book of Acts. We can take assurance that God's promises are true and our victory is certain in him because we have seen him act in the past. We can be sure of what we hope for, and we can be certain of what we do not yet see because of our faith!

My Prayer...

Almighty God, we believe that before there was a world, you existed. We trust that even now you sustain our world with your words of grace. We are confident that before the future arrives, you are already there preparing it for us. We ask that you help us, in those moments when we are less confident, to remember your faithfulness and to press on, trusting that you are there, waiting with your grace for us in what appears to us to be our uncertain future. 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 - Psalm 119:60

I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands.

—Psalm 119:60

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Obedience is faith put into practice. Without actions and good deeds, Jesus' brother James reminds us that our faith is not genuine - it is false faith (James 2:14, 17, 26). So, without arguing or procrastinating, let's quickly obey - let's "hasten and not delay to obey" - even when we don't fully understand why. We've seen God's love demonstrated to us in Jesus, so we should obey because we know he loves us. Most of us have also seen the blessings that flow from obeying him. So, let's "hasten and not delay to obey" God's commands!

My Prayer...

O God, please give me a heart that is quick to obey and a faith that hastens to express itself in loving actions to you through obedience. I want to please you with my words and thoughts, but even more, dear Father, I want to live a life full of your character, wisdom, grace, and generosity. Help me to obey your voice quickly. In the name of Christ Jesus, 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 112:5

Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice.

—Psalm 112:5

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Generosity is love expressed in practical ways with joy. Generosity and justice are two character traits more needed in our selfish world - and these are also traits of God who characterized himself as having righteous character, gracious compassion, and justice with faithful lovingkindness (Exodus 34:6-7). Generosity and justice are traits that come into our world from hearts touched by our Father. They are people who have been transformed to more nearly reflect the nature of God. We see this in the Gentile Macedonian believers, who sacrificially and graciously helped their fellow believers in Jerusalem, who were Jewish. Paul describes it this way:

Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord's people. And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us (2 Corinthians 8:3-5).

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My Prayer...

Loving Father, I know you will lead me to people today who need me to be generous with my love, time, forgiveness, and money. Please help me to treat them generously, fairly, and lovingly, just as you have treated me. May my life reflect your grace to others who need your 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.