Today's Verse - Romans 12:2

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is — his good, pleasing, and perfect will.

—Romans 12:2

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Don't let the world mold you. Wow, isn't that a tough command to obey? It reminds us that what we allow into our minds makes it a place of spiritual warfare. Sloppy thinking is more than sloppiness; it's dangerous because the world feeds us messages that constantly distort God's truth and the holy values he calls us to live. Rather than being incensed by the world acting like the world, let's be transformed by renewing our minds and by doing what Paul said he did - "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5). Let's not let our minds be molded and conformed to the world, but let them be renewed as we are transformed by the power of God's Spirit.

My Prayer...

O LORD, please guard my soul from pride, my heart from callousness, and my mind from too much focus on unimportant or selfish things, and not enough on your things. Please teach me in my heart what it means to be about my Father's business, especially in the world of my thoughts! In the name of Jesus, my greatest example of one who knew and lived your will, I pray. Amen.

Today's Verse - Jeremiah 29:11

"I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

—Jeremiah 29:11

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

When Israel lay devastated in the face of a ruthless enemy that would rob them of all their glory and strip bare the very soul of God's people, God issued his promise. While the destruction visited upon them was in response to their rebellion and sin, God's punishment wasn't punitive alone; it was also redemptive. In their destruction, God promised prosperity, hope, and a future. That future was in him, not their worthiness or deservedness. Just as a doctor must sometimes cause pain when he or she sets a broken bone so it may heal properly, God's discipline is not capricious but curative and ultimately life-giving. If you are dealing with a hard time when God may be disciplining you, please remember this promise from Jeremiah 29, which is also reflected in Paul's famous promise in Romans 8:

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).

My Prayer...

In my struggles, O LORD, please help me find your grace - not just in my relief from struggle and pain, but also in the redemption and change of my heart and my habits to conform me to your will and bring me to your glory. By your grace and in the name of my Savior Jesus, I trust in your promises. Amen.

Today's Verse - Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

—Proverbs 3:5-6

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

When things are tough, I call on the LORD and lean on his mercy and grace. Deep in my heart, however, I fear I may have made him into my rip-cord Savior - the one I go to only in times of trouble. When I'm reveling in my blessings and things are going well, I am much like the Israelites. I forget to acknowledge that all my blessings and opportunities have come because of the LORD's grace. In my joy and success, I must learn to acknowledge him and not rely on my own wisdom and strength. The wisdom of Proverbs challenges me to honor God and acknowledge him "in all my ways," not just call on him in hard times. I must trust in the LORD and acknowledge my need for him in the good and the bad times, the easy and the challenging circumstances. I invite you to join me in committing to trust the LORD and acknowledge him "in all your ways".

My Prayer...

Gracious Father, every good thing I have in my life has come because of you. The family I am blessed with, the protection I have received, the values that I hold, the successes I have enjoyed, the hope I have, the salvation I have received, and the future I anticipate are all mine because of your grace and not my goodness or wisdom. I need you, I trust you, and I acknowledge you as my God in all of my ways. In the name of Jesus, I thank you for being my LORD. Amen.