Today's Verse - Psalm 9:2

I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.

—Psalm 9:2

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

When was the last time you made up a song?
When was the last time you made up a song of praise to offer to God?
Worried that you can't do it? Don't think it will be good? Don't worry, your only audience is your Abba Father, who longs to hear your heart sing regardless of your voice's perfection or your melody's tune. He wants to rejoice and be glad with you. So open your heart and raise your voice "and be glad and rejoice in" and "sing praise" to your Father, who is also God Most High!

My Prayer...

Holy and Merciful God Almighty, I praise you for the sun rising and setting in glorious splendor. I praise you for the gift of grace. I praise you for the miraculous preservation of your people through the ages, even though they have repeatedly been under attack and oftentimes lost sight of your way. I praise you for sending Jesus, the Son of Abraham and the Son of David, my Messiah and LORD. I praise you for raising Jesus from the dead. I praise you for your promise to send him back for your children. I praise you for your work in my life. I praise, O LORD, and I am glad to be your child. In Jesus' name, I offer my praise and songs to you. 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 91:1

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

—Psalm 91:1

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

During the summer's scorching heat (which is not quite ended for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere and equatorial zones), where did you find your shadow of protection and refreshment?
When life caved in and the heat of frustration, disappointment, loss, and anger blazed in your heart, where did you turn for deliverance and hope?
When we place our lives in the care of God Most High, we find that his shadow of protection and refreshment covers us. Even in times of difficulty, we know that he has protected us from the worst of Satan's withering attacks and that his presence offers us strength that we may not often see but always can trust. We live in a hard and hot world that is in decay and yearns for deliverance (Romans 8:19-20, 22-23), yet we know that our hope for the future is even greater than what is in this psalm because we will eternally live "in the shelter of the Most High" and "rest in the Shadow of the Almighty" (Romans 8:18, 21, 24-25).

My Prayer...

Give me eyes to see, O LORD, and a heart to believe that you are with me, sheltering me, and long to bless me with rest. I confess that I need this assurance in times when I cannot see any evidence of your presence, protection, or rest. Please be my protection in times of attack and my refreshment in times that bring soul-withering despair. I trust that as my LORD Jesus promised, the Holy Spirit will be my living spring bringing the cool refreshment bubbling up within me (John 7:37-39) until I come to be with you eternally. In Jesus' name, I pray this with anticipation and trust. 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 - Proverbs 3:31-32

Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways, for the LORD detests a perverse man but takes the upright into his confidence.

—Proverbs 3:31-32

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God does not like bullies, oppressors, or exploiters. Those who control by intimidation and violence are a detestable abomination to the LORD. We are not to idolize, praise, or reward those who have risen to power by exploiting and belittling others and threatening violence.

My Prayer...

Father and Sovereign LORD, please break the power of the oppressors who persecute and abuse people. Bring us leaders who display your character and bring your grace with holiness and power. In the name of Jesus, my sacrificial yet mighty Savior, I pray. 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.