Today's Verse - Matthew 7:13-14

Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

—Matthew 7:13-14

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

"Majority rules!" That's the edict of democracy. This has been a blessed political philosophy for so many people over the course of history. However, "majority rule" doesn't apply to the Kingdom of God or the will of God. God sets the standards, not us. God's holiness is the goal, not just trying to be better than someone else. Regretably, most will never find the way of the LORD by following the majority's morality; this is the wide way that leads to destruction. One crucial problem with wanting things our way, the majority way: it leads away from God and to ultimate disaster. God, the Creator and Sustainer of all life, is the only one who can set life's agenda and can guide us on the path of true and eternal life. Let's ask for his help and guidance on our way in our confusing and lost world!

My Prayer...

Father, have your way with my heart, thoughts, words, time, job, family, and life. I want to live in a way that pleases you and join you on the way of righteousness, even though most will not choose to walk that way. In Jesus' name, I pray for your help, guidance, and wisdom to walk in your way of life. 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 16:20

Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.

—Proverbs 16:20

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Those who seek the instruction of God's wisdom and who truly trust in God for their life's blessings and values will find joyful prosperity. That's his promise. That's embedded in Scripture. While this philosophy doesn't play well in the world of today's commercials designed to appeal to our covetousness, pride, and greed, this biblical and godly understanding is vital to a truly blessed and prosperous life!

Video Commentary...

ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos

My Prayer...

Wise and eternal God, please open my mind to your wisdom and my heart to your gracious presence. I trust my future with you and want to live in obedience to your will and response to your truth and instruction. 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 - Philippians 4:11

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

—Philippians 4:11

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Paul tells Timothy that one of life's greatest treasures is to find contentment in godliness (1 Timothy 6:6). With this treasure, our physical circumstances become far less important to us than the character we display in all of life's circumstances. Our bottom line becomes far less important than loving God wholeheartedly. Those who are wealthy and show godliness — a very difficult challenge according to Jesus (Mark 10:23-27) — have demonstrated that they are content to be godly and will be that kind of person with or without wealth. Those who are poor and are godly have shown the same ability. So the bottom line is not how rich we are in money, but how rich we are in faith and grace!

My Prayer...

Steadfast and faithful Father, please calm my restless and sometimes covetous heart and help me find my contentment in your presence and character in my life. I want my "great gain" to be godliness and for that to be enough for me in every situation. In the name of Jesus, I ask for the Holy Spirit's help in making this true in 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.