Today's Verse - Psalm 94:19

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.

—Psalm 94:19

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God is our comforter, sustainer, and LORD. Only his gracious presence and tender blessings can bring consolation and comfort to our restless and discouraged souls. Let's turn our hearts toward God, honestly confessing our sins, sorrows, and anxieties. Let's ask him to restore our passion, joy, and confidence in our salvation. As the apostle Paul told the Philippians when he wrote them from prison:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).

My Prayer...

Almighty Shepherd, I need your consolation in my soul. The noise and confusion of my thoughts weary my spirit. The burdens and concerns I feel for others weigh down my heart. Please minister to me through your Comforter, the Holy Spirit. I need your comfort and peace to quieten my anxieties and worries. I ask for your presence and your grace to restore the joy of my salvation. I invite the Holy Spirit to work your comfort, peace, and joy into the fabric of my being. In Jesus' name, I ask for your help in finding grace in all I think, feel, and do. Amen.

Today's Verse - Romans 14:19

Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.

—Romans 14:19

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

"Let us... make every effort!"
That's quite a challenge. But notice where that exertion is to be focused: peace and mutual edification. Both sides of this exhortation are two-way responsibilities. I must pursue and share peace if I am going to have it myself. I must edify, and be open to being edified, if mutual edification and encouragement are going to happen. In other words, we live with other people in God's family. He wants us to be responsible for making relationships work in our spiritual family. He reminds us it will require strenuous effort. But, isn't that true in every family relationship? Love means sacrifice, effort, and concern for others, as well as love, generosity, and encouragement given to others. When we share our love willingly and peacefully, we're much more likely to see them both coming back to us more abundantly!

My Prayer...

Dear Heavenly Father, please forgive me for my impatience and selfishness. Defeat the bad attitude of competitiveness that I sometimes display in arguments and disagreements with others in your family. Energize me by your Spirit to see areas where I can be a blessing and an encouragement to others. In Jesus' name, I pray to live at peace and be a blessing in your holy family. Amen.

Today's Verse - 2 Peter 3:18

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

—2 Peter 3:18

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Where do you need to grow in your walk with the LORD?
How about setting the tandem goal of growing in the grace of God and knowledge of Christ Jesus, our LORD and Savior?
So often we pursue one or the other, grace or knowledge. However, something comes unhinged in our soul when either of those becomes more important than the other. Let's keep grace and knowledge together, because we see them united in the Father's gracious sending of His Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ, who created everything and was before anything (John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:15-17)

My Prayer...

Holy God, I desire to grow into becoming more of JESUShaped. I know I cannot do that without the power of your Holy Spirit, and my heart desiring such growth. I also want to grow into a more gracious person as I know and experience Jesus' presence and truth in my life. Please bless me in this holy quest and use me to help others do the same. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.