Today's Verse - Philippians 4:8

Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.

—Philippians 4:8

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Our actions follow our thoughts like a heat-seeking missile follows the exhaust of a jet fighter's engine. So, in a day when so much around us trains us to find the negative in life, and especially in others, we must aggressively pursue the character, the qualities, and the things of God's goodness. Social media drowns us in negativity, spite, division, ugliness, and hostility. God gives us these things in our verse today to remind us of goodness, nobleness, rightness, and purity. God gives us admirable things, things that are excellent and praiseworthy. So, let's think about these things in a world that is drowning in negativity, futility, and loss.

My Prayer...

Holy and Magnificent God, thank you for being better than anything my world can offer me. Thank you for calling me to a higher standard than the world accepts. Thank you for giving me the promise of a better future than any human can imagine. Thank you for giving me a high calling to live up to you and your will. So now, I ask, dear Father, for the Holy Spirit to help imprint what is lovely and admirable, excellent and praiseworthy, into my character as I focus on them in my thoughts. In Jesus' holy name, I offer my thoughts and focus to you. Amen.

Today's Verse - Galatians 6:1

If someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.

—Galatians 6:1

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

In a day when intervening in someone's life is no longer politically or socially correct, these verses ring out like a gunshot on a still night. Sin is still real and is just as deadly as ever. Yet because we fear being branded judgmental and self-righteous, we let many trapped in sin progress to their spiritual death (Hebrews 2:1-3; 3:12-13; James 1:14-15). Paul calls us to nonjudgmental, gentle intervention because we recognize the gravity of sin and the sinner's need, without feeling arrogant about our righteousness. We approach the situation humbly because the phrase, "There but for the grace of God go I," applies to us. Nevertheless, love doesn't remain silent when someone's behavior is self-destructive, evil, and taking them to "hell in a handbasket," as the old saying goes. Instead, genuine love intervenes humbly, gently, and graciously to redeem.

My Prayer...

Father, please forgive my sins as I forgive those who have sinned against me. Father, please also help my heart to be gripped by the gravity of sin's effects and to be stirred into action to help those trapped in their sins. Through Jesus, who came to rescue all of us from our destructive sins, addictions, and evil habits, I pray. Amen.

Today's Verse - James 1:5

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

—James 1:5

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Wisdom is that elusive quality we respect in others but find so difficult to develop in ourselves. Yet God promises wisdom to those of us who genuinely ask for it. But remember the secret of A.S.K. asking we learned yesterday - asking, seeking, and knocking. Or better yet, check out what Solomon says about wisdom (Proverbs 2:1-22). Wisdom is ours only if we seek it above all other possessions and value it above all other diversions. God longs to impart it, but there is something about spiritual wisdom that demands we value it before we can receive it.

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My Prayer...

Gracious giver of all good gifts, please bless me with wisdom today. Let me reflect your will and live for your glory in all my decisions - not just today, but moving forward in my life. Let your Kingdom guide my heart as I make my choices and have your Spirit lead me in your ways. I confess, Father, that I cannot guide my own steps without your wisdom and your Holy Spirit to guide me. So grant me wisdom this day. I pray, in Jesus' name. Amen.