Today's Verse - Psalm 28:9

Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.

—Psalm 28:9

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Most of us are familiar with the very personal declaration about God as the great Shepherd in Psalm 23. This Psalm is a plea for God to shepherd us and carry us into His future for us. This short prayer is also a great reminder of how important it is for us to pray for God's presence in the lives of his children, wherever and whenever they are! This is one of the reasons we see the picture of heaven in the book of Revelation with those who have come out of the great tribulation holding on to this promise:  

"For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their Shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes" (Revelation 7:17).  

Yes! God WILL be the great Shepherd of his people, both now and forever!

My Prayer...

Eternal Father, the great "I AM," please bless me as I seek to pass on faith to my children. Bless them and their generation, and lead them in your truth so they may pass on a vibrant and passionate faith to their children. May all of our generations find great joy in you as our Shepherd! In Jesus' name, 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.

Today's Verse - 2 Thessalonians 1:11

We constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.

—2 Thessalonians 1:11

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Paul prays for God to be active in the lives of these new Christians in Thessalonica. He asks that God maximize the good they intend to accomplish and fully bless every good deed they do out of their commitment to their faith. What new believer needs to know that you are praying this prayer for them? Pray it for them and let them know you did! Let's also find ways to affirm and encourage other believers seeking to honor the Lord with their intentions and actions. In our divided and hyper-critical world, let's help each other know our efforts are appreciated and that we have brothers and sisters who lovingly and prayerfully support each other.

My Prayer...

Strong and mighty Father, please bless several new Christians on my heart today. Help them recognize your presence in their lives. Please maximize the good in every effort they make and every intention they have to honor you and bless your people. Protect them from the evil one. In Jesus' name, I ask for this blessing. 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 - Romans 10:14

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?

—Romans 10:14

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Since "calling on the name of the Lord" is essential for salvation (Acts 22:16; Romans 10:9-13), then what is going to happen if we don't speak about Jesus with those who do not know him? We must share Jesus with everyone who will listen. That "someone preaching to them" must be us — you and me! Plus, we do not want to miss out on the promise the LORD made to us:  

"So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven..." (Matthew 10:32 ESV).

My Prayer...

Concerned and loving Father, I know the people in my life were put there by you. Please make me bolder and more respectful in my witness to others about Jesus and his sacrifice. Please give me the wisdom to know when to speak to them about the Gospel. In Jesus' name, 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.