Today's Verse - Matthew 18:20

For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.

—Matthew 18:20

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

When are friends more than friends? When they gather in the name of Jesus, and he meets with them there. Matthew 18:6-25 is a powerful description of the kind of fellowship that exists when we truly follow Jesus and love our brothers and sisters as Jesus does. Forgiveness, discipline, restoration, rescue, and welcome mark such fellowship. They are also signs of Jesus' presence, because he is our great example and the power behind such fellowship. When two or three who share this kind of fellowship gather, Jesus IS present!

My Prayer...

Father, thank you for sending your Son, not just to minister on earth during his incarnation, but also to bless us with his presence during our fellowship while he is now at home with you in glory. Open our hearts to rejoice in Jesus' presence as we meet with brothers and sisters who share our faith and live in commitment to seek the best in each other's lives in fellowship and love. In the name of the LORD Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Today's Verse - Psalm 23:4

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

—Psalm 23:4

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Death is the ultimate profanity in today's world. We don't like to think about it, much less talk about it. However, death is the one reality that will not leave us alone. We must all address it! We lose friends and family members to death. At one point in our lives, we, too, will face this inevitability unless Jesus comes before our passing. So what is our assurance as we face the inescapable? Our Shepherd! The LORD, who is our Good Shepherd, will walk us through the fears and dangers of death, guiding and protecting and comforting us in our journey. And as followers of Jesus, this promise is only intensified because we know Jesus as our Good Shepherd. He has taken the walk through death's dark valley ahead of us to assure us that our walk through death's valley doesn't end in death, but in glory.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

My Prayer...

Dear Heavenly Father, my Shepherd and Savior, thank you that I do not have to face death alone. I look for your guidance and listen for your voice to lead me through death's dark valley and bring me to your holy and glorious presence in victory and with great joy. I can say this, and believe this, and pray this confidently, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Today's Verse - Proverbs 16:16

How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!

—Proverbs 16:16

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

What are the greatest riches in life? Well, surely they are not silver and gold. Of infinitely greater value is wisdom, which helps us understand what is valuable, what is true, what is worthy of our hearts, and what is not. Silver and gold can buy a lot of things, but they can't buy us favor with God, or wisdom and understanding. These only come when we seek God and rely on the gift of the Holy Spirit to give us wisdom that is spiritual and lasting, not something that is fleeting and selfish.

My Prayer...

Heavenly Father, God of the Ages and giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17), please bless me with holy and practical wisdom so that I can more fully know how you have blessed me and so that I can be the blessing to others in the ways that you want me to be. Please give me wisdom and understanding. In Jesus' name, I ask this. Amen.