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.

Today's Verse - 1 Timothy 6:7-8

For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.

—1 Timothy 6:7-8

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Godliness with contentment is great wealth (1 Timothy 6:6). So, what does it take for us to be content? Jesus and Paul remind us that as long as we have food and clothing, we should be content (Matthew 6:24-25; Luke 12:23). When our desires get out of that channel of need and when covetous greed takes over, our lives go off the rails and we replace God with a repacious desire for what becomes our idol (Colossians 3:5). God wants us to let him be enough and see the rest as the overflow of his grace!

My Prayer...

Holy God, forgive me for being caught up in the lifestyle of greed and covetousness, of excess and extravagance. These values of the world around me seem to be tearing us apart. Oh, Jesus, I don't want these things to dominate my heart. Please help my heart to be content with the blessings you have so lavishly poured out on me, and for me to find my joy in you and your people whom you have put into my life. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Today's Verse - 1 Corinthians 13:6

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

—1 Corinthians 13:6

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Love does have its delights. One of those delights is in what is authentic, genuine, and true - love rejoices in TRUTH! So, as Jesus' disciples, we are not deceitful, manipulative, or coercive in our relationships. Instead, we strive to be transparent, intimate, honest, and vulnerable. Why? Because true love delights in truth.

My Prayer...

O LORD, God of love and truth, as you pour your love into my heart through your Holy Spirit,* please refine my love to be genuine and true, without guile, manipulation, and deceit. In Jesus' name, we pray, asking that we can be people of love and truth. Amen.