Today's Verse - Proverbs 31:10, 27-28

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies ... She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.

—Proverbs 31:10, 27-28

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Give honor to whom honor is due is what Paul commanded the believers in Rome to do (Romans 13:7). Giving proper honor is important. We must give godly women the honor they are due, and doubly so to those who are godly mothers, whether their motherhood is physical or spiritual. Proverbs demonstrates this by devoting an entire chapter to the principle of honoring godly women (Proverbs 31:1-31). Paul also emphasized the vital role women played among the believers in Rome as he closed his letter to them, and dedicated much of chapter 16 to honoring them. He named ten women who made significant contributions in leadership and service to the Kingdom of God that are worthy of respect and honor (Romans 16:1-16). Paul also emphasized to his apprentice, Timothy, the vital role his mother and grandmother played in shaping him to become a man of God with sincere faith (2 Timothy 1:5). So, dear friends, let's make sure we praise the key women in our lives, families, and congregations today!

My Prayer...

Father, I want to thank you for the women of character and grace, tenderness and fire, love and tenacity, who have helped shape my life. Thank you for the ways they helped me know your Scriptures, know Jesus, demonstrate faithfulness, and find, follow, and faithfully serve you. Please bless them this day. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Today's Verse - Colossians 4:5-6

Make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

—Colossians 4:5-6

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

When presented with an opportunity, we choose to do and say kind things because Jesus has called us to that. He challenged us to be salt that adds savor and preservation to the world's hopelessness and decay (Matthew 5:13). He called us to be light that casts out the world's darkness (Matthew 5:14-16). We are committed to acting in ways that are kind and beneficial to others, especially with our speech. We pray for opportunities to be kind and encouraging because we want what we say to benefit others (Ephesians 4:29). This verbal kindness is an indication of the Holy Spirit's presence (Galatians 5:22-23) as the Spirit conforms us to our Savior's kindness and character (2 Corinthians 3:18). This kind of salty speech - not the profane, crude, and coarse speech often identified as salty talk - is an intentional effort to treat others with gentleness and respect because we want them to know our hope in Jesus (1 Peter 3:15-16). Let's make the most of every opportunity to say good words that bless others and lead them to Jesus!

Video Commentary...

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My Prayer...

Father, please forgive me for the careless words I have uttered this week. I understand that these careless words are sins in two ways. First, it is a sin because I said unkind and hurtful things. And second, it is a sin because I wasted an opportunity to be redemptive and helpful with my speech. Open my eyes, dear LORD, so that I can better see those people you have placed in my path to bless and encourage. Through the blessed name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Today's Verse - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

—1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Where does your heart live? That's what these verses remind us to ask ourselves. They challenge us to notice where we spend the most time and what we focus on most in our hearts. Is there a constant awareness in our lives that God is present? Is he the unseen but always present companion in all our ups and downs? Or is God with us when it is convenient and gone when things are busy, or you feel that everything is going well? Joy comes from knowing we are never alone. Prayer is the ongoing conversation we have, spirit to Spirit, child to Abba, human with God. Thanksgiving and joy are great reminders that we have been lavishly blessed, regardless of what our temporary outward circumstances suggest. Being joyful, praying continually, and giving thanks in all situations is God's will for us. Why? Because practicing these three things orients us away from the momentary challenges that don't compare to the glory that he in us with Jesus (Romans 8:18-19).

My Prayer...

Precious and Righteous Father, thank you for being with me, always. Please, dear Abba, use the Spirit to nourish in me a deeper appreciation and a more profound awareness of your presence. May my life reflect the joy you have given me by saving me through your grace. And may my heart always give thanks for my home with you in anticipation of the day when that home is fully realized. Through the name of Jesus, my Savior and friend, I pray. Amen.