Today's Verse - Psalm 84:11-12

For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. LORD Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you.

—Psalm 84:11-12

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

These promises are made to the true worshiper of God (Psalm 84:1-10). This worshiper delights to be in the presence of God and yearns to be with God in worship. This worshiper trusts fully in God as the source of strength, hope, victory, and joy. For this kind of worshiper, God has left an incredible set of promises! Very similar to Romans 8:32-39, and its hallmark passage in Romans 8:28, God promises to work out things for good and bless those who "love him and are called according to his purpose". Paul goes on to say that God will "graciously give us all things" in Christ (Romans 8:32). Notice how this is very similar to our Psalm today: "...no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless." Why these lavish promises? Because God is for us! He is our sun and shield. He lavishes his grace and glory upon us. He will not withhold any good thing from us as we seek to have a walk that is blameless.

My Prayer...

O dear Father, how can I thank you? You have lavished your grace upon me in Jesus. You have promised me victory and heaven. I praise you for your grace. I thank you for sharing your glory with me. I rejoice knowing that you long to bless me. Now, dear Father, help me through your Holy Spirit to be the faithful person you long for me to be. "Make my life a holy praise unto you."* In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

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* From the song, "On Bended Knee" by Robert Gay and Jimmy Orr.
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 103:8

The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.

—Psalm 103:8

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God is holy, righteous, and just. As important as these qualities are, he reveals them within his compassion, graciousness, and patience with overflowing mercy and love. We can obey, worship, and show reverent respect to God. We can also love, appreciate, and adore our Father in heaven for his loving grace! Then, we can lean into his challenge to reflect his righteous character, gracious compassion, and faithful lovingkindness! We can be "compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love," like our Father!

My Prayer...

LORD God Almighty, I not only trust in you, but I appreciate your faithfulness, your mercy, your love, your graciousness, and your patient compassion. Please help me display each of these virtues you regularly share with me to others more perfectly. In the name of the LORD Jesus, I ask for your help to reflect your nature to those who need to see your love and 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 - Proverbs 10:8

The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin.

—Proverbs 10:8

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

When you hear a command from Scripture, do you wince? Do you try to rationalize it away? Do you try to transfer the responsibility of obedience to someone else? Or, do you commit to obey that command as part of your worship and efforts to honor the Father? A wise heart accepts the commands of God as a blessing and a safeguard. A fool finds a way to circumvent the personal application of God's commands. Let's ask ourselves honestly, "Am I quick to obey or quick to avoid obedience?" Jesus made this choice crucial in our relationship with him at judgment:

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' " (Matthew 7:21-23)

Video Commentary...

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My Prayer...

Precious and Gracious God, my Heavenly Father, thank you for loving me enough to show me your truth through your commands. Please, dear Father, I ask that the Holy Spirit use my commitment to obey your commands as the opportunity to form your character in me. Please make me a humble and godly example to those you have placed in my life. 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.