Today's Verse - Psalm 62:8

Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.

—Psalm 62:8

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Most of us find it very difficult to share the innermost secrets of our hearts with anyone. We want to keep our secret failings, worst embarrassments, and hidden sins unknown to those who know us. We fear others might reject us if they know, or think we are evil or hypocritical. We worry that we could disgrace ourselves and our families if anyone knew the secret sludge in our hearts. The truth is clear, however: Hidden sin is hidden from us only through self-delusion. It is not hidden from our Father. Hidden sin festers in our hearts and drives a wedge between us and the God who would forgive and empower us to triumph over these things. Sooner or later, the sins we have tried to keep hidden rise to the surface and become known. If only we would pour out our hearts to God, asking for his forgiveness and cleansing (1 John 1:8-9). When we pour our hearts out to our Father in heaven, we no longer fear him. We trust him with our secrets. We accept that he will forgive and cleanse. So then, God does not become our fear, but our refuge and source of acceptance and strength!

My Prayer...

Loving Father and Holy God, today I want to confess several things on my heart. Please forgive them and cleanse me as I confess them. (Confess your specific secret sins to God by name right now.) Holy God, I have sinned and ask your forgiveness and cleansing because I know that Satan uses my secrets to diminish my allegiance to you, O God. You alone are my refuge and strength. I place these confessions in your hands and ask that you strengthen me by the power of your Holy Spirit, as you forgive and cleanse me, so that I do not fall into these same traps again and again. In Jesus' name, I confess and 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 - Proverbs 19:20-21

Listen to advice and accept instruction and in the end you will be wise. Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.

—Proverbs 19:20-21

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Long ago, Thomas à Kempis declared, "Man proposes, heaven disposes." Most of us rush to give advice and make grandiose plans. The Wiseman of Proverbs, likely Solomon, reminds us that wisdom comes from submitting to instruction and good advice - that requires discernment! Then, after a significant time of listening and considering, we can begin to align our hearts to the LORD's purposes. If you are like me, you would do much better to let your plans ripen a bit more in the light of the LORD's truth and wisdom from others before launching into living out those plans. I am comforted that James, the wisdom writer of the New Testament, reminded us that God will give that wisdom if we seek it and do not doubt (James 1:5-8). As we pray for wisdom, let's also pray for patience to listen, recognize, understand, and align our hearts with the LORD's truth, so we can recognize godly advice and good instruction as wisdom the LORD wants us to hear.

My Prayer...

Almighty God, please teach me your ways and help me discern your paths for my life. I have so many plans and schemes, but I know that if they are not from you and aligned with your will, they will not stand. Please lead me to your wisdom, and I will not only seek to know it, but also live it by the power supplied by your Holy Spirit. 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 - Deuteronomy 13:4

It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.

—Deuteronomy 13:4

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

So many people want us to follow their lead, validate their choices, approve of their opinions, and follow their voice. Only God alone has proved himself faithful and loving through the ages, worthy of our devotion as we follow and obey him. In his might, he is to be revered. But rather than seeing reverence only as a "church thing," Moses reminds us that reverence is also a daily "life thing." We are to obey and keep God's commandments. We are to serve him and depend upon him in our daily lives. We are to worship God in the way we live each day. Rather than just silence in the worship assembly, reverence must also be a committed action in our daily lives as we follow the LORD's guidance and obey his commands, while we serve others to God's glory!

Video Commentary...

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My Prayer...

Holy and Righteous Father, please help me take my worship beyond the church building and into my day-to-day life, as I try to live what I sing, practice what I say, and pursue what I pray. In Jesus' name, I ask you to demonstrate your grace as I serve others to your glory in my day-to-day living. 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.