Today's Verse - Proverbs 10:6

Blessings crown the head of the righteous, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.

—Proverbs 10:6

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Righteousness brings us great blessings. Violence becomes its own vile reward, bringing to those who use it what they have done to others (Matthew 26:52). So what's our choice? Righteousness or wickedness? Blessings or violence? Encouragement or a foul mouth? The real choice is whether or not we let God define character and not our selfish culture or our own self-interest or our desire to get even.

My Prayer...

Holy God, I want to live the kind of life that pleases you — a life of righteous character, gracious compassion, and faithful love. Father, I want to bring your Kingdom and your grace to others. I want to help others see that violence is destructive to themselves, to others, and also to the little children. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Today's Verse - Matthew 25:37-40

"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' " The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' "

—Matthew 25:37-40

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Jesus' parable challenges our frequent preconceptions about those we should help. Building on the teaching of the LORD in the Old Covenant (Deuteronomy 10:17-18; Jeremiah 7:5-7; Malachi 3:5), Jesus emphasizes the essentiality of each of us helping those truly in need. When we help those who can't help themselves — those who have gotten themselves in trouble, those who have been falsely accused, those who are facing death, widows, the fatherless — we are helping Jesus himself. We see Jesus' face in the faces of those we bless. Why? Because compassion and grace come from Jesus. He would be among us, helping others experience grace out of their hopelessness and despair.

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My Prayer...

Father, please give me wisdom to see my opportunities to serve others as I try to help them understand your incredible grace. O Holy Spirit, please stir my heart with the Father's mercy, grace, and compassion. I pray this in the name of my Redeemer, Savior, and Friend, Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God, who demonstrated the principles I want to live. Amen.

Today's Verse - Proverbs 3:25-26

Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared.

—Proverbs 3:25-26

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

What guards your heart from fear? Only one protector is sure and faithful, his name is the LORD. He is our confidence and protector. Prayer and the Holy Spirit are our assurance of God's deliverance. In our current afflictions, either we will be delivered FROM death to serve God powerfully or delivered THROUGH death to share with him in eternity (Philippians 1:18-26). Our fates and futures remain in God's gracious hands!

My Prayer...

Almighty Deliverer, please give me the courage to live for you with passion, no matter the cost. I trust, dear Father, that you are able to keep me from stumbling and will present me "before your glorious presence without fault and with great joy" (Jude 1:24)! In Jesus' name, I confidently pray. Amen.