Today's Verse - Matthew 5:14-16

"You are the light of the world. Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

—Matthew 5:14-16

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

These words of Jesus from the Sermon on the Mount remind us that our lives must not be allowed to be simply neutral. We will either point others away from God or show them that allegiance to God is essential. We must have a passion for walking in God's light. If we are going to reflect his light, we must live in that light. Let's make an intentional effort today to shine the light of God's holiness, love, and grace in all we do and say around others so they can find their way to the one who is truly the Light of the World (John 8:12).

My Prayer...

O God, may the words of my mouth, the actions of my life, and the influence of my deeds show others your holiness, love and grace. May my influence lead others to Jesus so they can find your life and come to know Jesus as their true Light of life (John 1:4). In Jesus' name, I pray that my life will shine so others may see Jesus. 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 119:93

I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life.

—Psalm 119:93

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Much like the rules parents have for young children - don't drink what's under the cabinet, don't play in the street, don't walk out from behind parked cars - God's guidance is not to restrict us, but to protect us. His commands, his principles, his precepts, both the positive and prohibitive ones, are for our protection and perfection. By them we find life and have it preserved.
The Old Testament Law had all sorts of cleanliness laws that did not make any sense at all until thousands of years later, when modern science taught us about bacteria and viruses. All through these years, the Israelites were preserved by God's commands when they had no real understanding of why God had given the laws in the first place. God's precepts bring us protection and natural rewards that go with living a wholesome and wise life (Deuteronomy 6:1-3; Psalm 19:7-8, 11).

My Prayer...

Holy LORD, please help me see your words as life-giving and protective. I know you have given your commands, your will for holiness, to guide me to your blessings and provide me with your protection. Please use your Holy Spirit to make my heart less stubborn and my life more aligned with your will and guidance so I can step into the blessings of living according to your precepts. In Jesus' name and by his power, I ask this. 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 - Philippians 3:14

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

—Philippians 3:14

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

I've been told that the way to walk a tightrope is to keep one's eyes focused on the goal, never looking down at the ground or over one's shoulder at what lies behind. I know that is a pretty good way to live life - to keep our eyes focused on Jesus and his victory, which awaits us when he returns. We must not allow ourselves to look over our shoulder, focusing on our past successes or failures. Our goal must be to keep walking toward Jesus until we are transformed to be like him, and then walk with him into glory (Colossians 3:2-3; 1 John 3:1-3).

My Prayer...

Glorious and gracious LORD, I look forward to the day when you call me by name, as I see you face-to-face, and as you walk hand in hand with me in glory. Until that day, I ask the Holy Spirit to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus and what you want me to do and become. By your grace and in the holy name of Jesus, I ask this. 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.