Today's Verse - Psalm 68:4-5

Sing to God, sing praise to his name, extol him who rides on the clouds — his name is the LORD — and rejoice before him. A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.

—Psalm 68:4-5

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

I can't help but think of what James, Jesus' brother, said:

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world (James 1:27).

Jesus demonstrated the Father's heart for the marginalized in his ministry by making time to love, serve, heal, welcome, and bless widows (Luke 21:1-4), lepers (Mark 1:40-45), children (Matthew 19:13-15), the afflicted (John 5:3-8), and the oppressed (Matthew 4:24). Now it is up to us, his people, his disciples, to continue the work of Jesus as his people, his bodily presence in our world today.

My Prayer...

Father, may our lives, our compassion, and our ministries reflect your heart for those who need care, protection, and love. Give us eyes to see these needs more clearly and hearts that respond more certainly so that we can demonstrate your love to people more fully. We pray that as we respond, the Spirit will lead us to do things that bless others, and we ask that you give us wisdom to know how best to demonstrate your love to all people. In the precious name of Jesus, we 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 - Psalm 103:13

As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.

—Psalm 103:13

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Compassion!
Not pity, not anger, not shame, not impatience, not intolerance, not rejection, none of this is what God, our Father, longs to share with us. We know this because today's verse declares it. We know it even more by the way Jesus treated children in his busy and overly-scrutinized ministry:

• He welcomed them and placed his hands on them to bless them (Matthew 19:13-15).
• He took the children into His arms, placed His hands upon them, and blessed them (Mark 10:13-16).
• He welcomed little children, and held them up as examples for us to follow (Luke 18:15-17)

God cares for our pain, loneliness, emptiness, abandonment, and mistreatment. God cares for us when we are overlooked, neglected, minimized, and pushed aside. God loves us and longs to share his compassion with us. He chose to enter our world and demonstrate his love for us in Jesus.

My Prayer...

Father of mercies and God of all compassion, we thank you not only for knowing and caring about our struggles, but also for sending Jesus to us and for living in us through the Holy Spirit. Because of your mercies, we know your love, grace, and forgiveness. Because of your compassion, we know your might and power released to us and in us through your gentle presence. May your Spirit of compassion be found in our relationships so others can recognize that this grace comes from you. Through the intercession of the Holy Spirit, and through Jesus our Savior, we 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 23:24

The father of a righteous man has great joy; he who has a wise son delights in him.

—Proverbs 23:24

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

The greatest gift I can give my father - whether as a son or daughter - is to be like my Father in heaven, full of righteous character, gracious compassion, and faithful loving kindness. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can become people who are characterized by "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23). Such character qualities as these honor both our Father and our earthly fathers. As children of God, let's live into those qualities, asking for the Spirit's help, and use those qualities and the character of our lives to bring our earthly fathers joy and our Heavenly Father delight!

My Prayer...

Holy and righteous Father, may my life please you and bring honor to my father and his name. I know, dear Father in heaven, that if I please you, it will make my earthly father's heart glad. Please help me as I seek to know and serve you in ways that better display your character in my life. May this bring honor to my earthly father and his reputation, and bring delight to you. 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.