Today's Verse - Psalm 1:1-2

Blessed is the one... whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night.

—Psalm 1:1-2

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Delight! Ah, what a wonderful word and an even more meaningful experience. But do you find delight in the truth and law of the LORD? What holy things of the Father in heaven hold your thoughts throughout the day? Why not join me in putting more of God's word into your head through memorization and hiding it in your heart through prayerful Bible contemplation? During those sleepless moments in the night, those restless concerns during traffic jams or lines, and those anxious moments waiting to see someone special or deal with something important, we can meditate on the words and truth of God. With the Holy Spirit's help, we can even find delight in what can be troublesome times!

My Prayer...

Father in heaven, you are holy and righteous in all of your ways. I confess, dear LORD, that I do not always make the most of my thought time. I often let my mind drift away into areas I shouldn't explore. I will occasionally get too focused on inconsequential things. I allow my thoughts to drift into anxious worries about things I cannot control. I want my mind and heart to be tuned by the Holy Spirit to your truth by using your Word to help me know your will and find your way to your peace. Give me true wisdom, enlightened by your Spirit, to see, know, absorb, and contemplate the things closest to your heart and found in your holy Scriptures. 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 - Psalm 1:1

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers.

—Psalm 1:1

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Too often, sin and ungodly living are portrayed as glamorous. These are marketed through previews in the media and championed on social media. The way to true blessings, however, is the way of God. His will is for our good, his commands spring from his mercy and protection, and his way is the path of true life. When we look beneath the thin veneer of those lauded in pop culture, we can see the mess they have made of life for themselves and others. However, we can be blessed to walk with God, do his will, and keep our sights set on our blessings when we go home to the Father in heaven, who sees what we do and appreciates our hearts' desire for him!

My Prayer...

Forgive me, please, Father, for believing the lies of the world trying to deceive and entice me with the lies and temptations of Satan. I know that sin brings heartaches, complications, problems, and, ultimately, spiritual death. I also know that choosing the right things, standing up for truth, and living faithfully for you are often difficult. Please use the Holy Spirit to speak to my heart so I can recognize your truth and trust that walking in your will brings me true life — life both now and forevermore. In Jesus' name, I ask for grace to walk in your way, not the ways of this world. 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 29:2

Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.

—Psalm 29:2

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Giving glory, ascribing the glory God is due, is not easy for us with our mortal limitations and self-focused ambitions. Let's admit it: We are self-focused and limited compared to God's glorious limitlessness! We're much more accustomed to asking for things for ourselves from God that we think we need than we are focused on praising and thanking God while inviting others to join us in adoring him. Let's use the rest of this week to pray with thanksgiving and praise, glorifying God's holy name while not asking for things for ourselves. Let's try it together! We can choose a day this week and spend an hour praising, adoring, reverencing, and thanking God for who he is, what he has done, and his promises to us. We won't ask for anything from God during this time. We want this hour to focus on God and what He has done, ascribing to him the glory due him while worshiping him in the splendor of his holiness!

Video Commentary...

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My Prayer...

Father, we praise you. You are marvelous and magnificent beyond the power of my earthbound words to describe and praise. Despite my human limitations, you have loved me as I am and are transforming with increasing likeness to be like your Son.* Thank you for sending him to help me glimpse your glory and anticipate seeing you face to face in eternal glory. Thank you for living inside me through your Holy Spirit and doing your work in me. I praise you for sustaining me and those I love with your grace. I thank you, dear LORD, in Jesus' name. Amen.

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* 2 Corinthians 3:17-18.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.