Today's Verse - 1 Timothy 5:10

No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband, and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the Lord’s people, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.

—1 Timothy 5:10

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

This devotional falls near Mother's Day for many in the Western Hemisphere. For all of us, however, it is a great time to honor our godly mothers, especially widows. To our shame, many modern churches have copied the leadership roles (or at least the leadership names) listed in the New Testament. We have bishops, elders, shepherds, pastors, ministers, deacons, ministry leaders... Why have so few churches had a "Widows List"? Why have we seldom recognized and valued godly women like the early church leaders did? Paul said that the women on the "Widows' List" had proven their godliness in lives well lived with genuine character. Paul emphasized that the Church should help support and care for them so they can continue their lives of ministry unworried by their essential needs. In a time when the world honors mothers, let's make sure our godly women, especially godly widows, are honored for their good deeds and service to God's people. Let's ensure they receive the love, support, and respect God wants them to have in the Church!

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Notice that this year we are using the date to be a selection tool for our verses — May 10 (5/10) for 1 Timothy 5:10 — which challenges us to consider overlooked verses like this one!

Video Commentary...

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My Prayer...

O Father, thank you for those women among us who have been faithful to their husbands, loving to their children, and hospitable to your people. Forgive our churches for not valuing these godly examples and resources of inspiration and ministry more. During this challenging time, open our eyes to those godly women among us whom we need to serve, support, and bless. 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 - 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10

For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.

—1 Thessalonians 5:9-10

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God didn't save us to condemn us (John 3:17). No, he saved us so we could come home to him and enjoy his gracious presence for all eternity. God wants us in his presence; that's what salvation is all about. He is not about to let anything keep us from that presence when our hearts belong to him. We are all headed home to our Father so that "we may live together with him" — whether we are awake (by that he means alive) or whether we have fallen asleep in Jesus (by that he means dead in Christ) — we're going to live together with him, forever!

My Prayer...

Loving Father, thank you for my confidence in Jesus! I know that whether I live till Jesus comes or if I were to die this very day, I can have confidence that my future is with you because it is tied to Jesus' victory over sin, death, and hell. Thank you for giving me a home with you as my ultimate future. In Jesus' name, I thank and praise 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.

Today's Verse - Romans 5:8

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

—Romans 5:8

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God didn't wait till we were "good enough" to bring us his salvation. Notice the words in this context (Romans 5:6-10) to describe us without grace: powerless, ungodly, sinners, and enemies. God sent Jesus when we were lost and desperately needed his grace. But then, that's what love really means by God's definition and chosen actions (1 John 3:16). It's more than something declared or felt; it's something radically demonstrated!

My Prayer...

Holy and loving Father, thank you for demonstrating your love in such powerful and sacrificial ways through Jesus, in whose 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.