Today's Verse - Proverbs 16:9

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes his steps.

—Proverbs 16:9

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

We're now a week and a half into the new year. How are you doing with those changes, commitments, and resolutions you made for this year? Don't give up or quit on them, even if you're having trouble staying on track. Remember that only one commitment is essential for this year: Asking the LORD where he wants us to go and what he wants us to do, then we go there and do it. Let's ask the LORD to lead us by his Holy Spirit and establish our steps!

Video Commentary...

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My Prayer...

Holy God, almighty LORD, my Abba Father, thank you for being wondrous, holy, and mighty. Thank you for tenderly caring about me, my life, my decisions, and my struggles. Please guide me by your Holy Spirit as I seek to understand your Scriptures and discern your will for my life. I want to have you fully establish my steps. In Jesus' name, I ask for this guidance. 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 - Isaiah 2:22

Stop trusting in man, who has but a breath in his nostrils. Of what account is he?

—Isaiah 2:22

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

"If only I had a friend."

"If only my father hadn't left."

"If only she was more supportive."

"If only..."

Even though we know deep down that people can and will often fail us, we still pin so many of our hopes on them — or excuse our failure on not having the right ones of them in our lives. However, people are fallible and mortal, just like we are. So, while we are involved in other people's lives and we're connected to other believers in Jesus, let's also remember to keep our hopes connected to the Son of God, who "destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light" (2 Timothy 2:11) and who will never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5-6; Romans 8:37-39).

My Prayer...

Dear Father, please forgive me when I have pinned my well-being and happiness on being accepted by a particular group of people or supported by another special person. Even more, dear Father, I ask for your forgiveness for excusing my weaknesses and for strength to overcome my bitterness because I blamed you for not having the right people in my life. I know my only lasting hope is in Jesus. So, I pray this in the name of the always faithful, LORD Jesus. 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 - Lamentations 3:25

The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.

—Lamentations 3:25

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Out of the ashes of Jerusalem's destruction and the disaster that befell God's people because of their repeated disobedience comes this reminder of truth. Those who wait patiently, hope fervently, and seek the LORD will find their soul's deepest needs met. So, we can wait quietly, not complaining but anticipating our salvation coming from the LORD!

My Prayer...

Give me patience and faith, please, O God, to wait quietly on your deliverance when life is hard and everything seems to be against me. I believe that you are good to those who persevere, waiting patiently in hope for your mighty deliverance. Dear Father, please give me the strength I desperately need to wait quietly in faith, trusting that I will receive your salvation and your blessing as I live to honor you. In the name of your Son, Jesus, I confidently 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.