Today's Verse - Psalm 23:1-3

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.

—Psalm 23:1-3

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

"He restores my soul."
My, that sounds so good, doesn't it? But David's shepherd psalm (Psalm 23:1-6) and Jesus' promises as our Good Shepherd (John 10:14-15) are far more than sweet religious talk. When we've reached that point where we don't think we can continue, our Shepherd blesses us with the strength so that we can keep on walking. When we're in a struggle and things are tough, his power upholds us, so we run and not grow weary. When we're winning victories in his name, we can soar on wings like eagles because he supports and sustains (Isaiah 40:28-31). God the Son is our good Shepherd who loves us, sustains us, nourishes us, stills us, and restores us.

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.

My Prayer...

O Gentle yet mighty Shepherd, please bless me with rest tonight, strength today and for tomorrow, perseverance for my times of trial, and confidence that you are nearby with grace and power to sustain me. In the name of Jesus, my Good Shepherd, 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 - Colossians 3:12

As God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

—Colossians 3:12

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

"I wonder what we should wear to that meeting?" This is an expected question when we are invited to an event or an occasion of great honor. In this passage, Paul reminds us to put on the set of clothing that is always in style, especially with God. We should clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience! We wear this clothing because we are special. We are God's chosen people who are holy and dearly loved. This clothing is from the Ultimate Designer's "Godly Character Collection." We should best wear it when with other people, and when we are alone by ourselves, and we think no one is looking. These qualities are hard to wear, but always a blessing to those who meet us when we're decked out in this wardrobe. Our prayer is that when we put on these clothes, others will not notice us, but the gracious God who chose us, loves us, and made us his holy children!

My Prayer...

Abba Father, thank you for bringing me into your family. May I never disappoint you in the way I treat others. May they see in me the qualities of character that they can only attribute to your presence and grace in my life. To you be the glory and the honor, forever and ever, in the name of Jesus and in the compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience in my life by your 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 - Acts 4:10-12

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: "... It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. ... Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved."

—Acts 4:10-12

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

"Jesus! Jesus! Jesus! There's just something about that name!"* The words to the song are right. Salvation from our broken world and our warped nature is found in no one else except Jesus. He is our Savior because he was willing to come to this world, bear our limitations, endure the shame of the cross, carry the weight of our sin, and then triumph over all of it to bring us grace (Philippians 2:6-11). We wholeheartedly agree: "Salvation is found in no one else"!

My Prayer...

Through the precious name of Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ, my LORD, I thank and praise you, God Most High. Your love provided the sacrifice for my sin. Your power guaranteed my resurrection from the dead. Your Son's willingness to spend a lifetime with us has given me a Great High Priest who intercedes with empathy for my struggles (Hebrews 2:14-18; Hebrews 4:14-16). His example shows me your great love. Thank you, O Father! Thank you for being so gracious and giving me such a wonderful Savior. Even the very name of Jesus is precious to me! O praise his name and thank you for his grace. Amen.

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* From the Bill and Gloria Gaither song "There's Just Something About That Name"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.