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.

Today's Verse - Matthew 7:7-8

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."

—Matthew 7:7-8

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Ask! So often, we're afraid to ask. To do so means we have to admit that we don't have all the answers and need someone else's help.
Seek! Searching with effort, interest, and perseverance is necessary, and often difficult for us.
Knock! In an era of doorbells, front door cameras, and instant access, this personal effort is a forgotten action.
You see, God wants us to use the A.S.K. principle and bring our hearts before him and pursue him and his will. So let's not whine, complain, desire, and hope. Let's A.S.K. - ASK, SEEK, KNOCK - our Father for help and pursue his answers by asking, seeking, and knocking!

My Prayer...

Waiting Father, I am sorry that too often you only hear my whines, complaints, and concerns because that is all I share with you. You have been so generous with your love, mercy, and grace. Help me to keep my heart set on you and your will today as I ask you to minister to the things on my heart. As I A.S.K. you for them, in Jesus' name. Amen.