Today's Verse - Proverbs 18:24

A person of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother or sister.

—Proverbs 18:24

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Close spiritual friends are rare — especially friends who will hold us accountable when we need it most, build us up when we're down, and celebrate with us when we've enjoyed success. Unfortunately, many people are terribly lonely in our modern world and they don't have that kind a friend. They're lonely for something, or better yet, someone they've never experienced. In modern culture, we tend to have acquaintances and social media "friends" instead of genuine friends. When things go poorly for us or when we have nothing to offer to others, our acquaintances can run away in times of trouble or fade away if our problems are ongoing. True friends do exist. Their commitment and dedication can even run deeper than our physical family. How do I know?

God promised it!

I've seen it!

My family has been blessed by it!

So let's hear the call to be that kind of friend to others; in so doing, we will often find that kind of friend for ourselves — a friend that sticks closer than a physical brother or sister.

My Prayer...

Gracious and holy Father, thank you so much for calling me into your family. Please bless me as I seek to enter into meaningful friendships with those in your family and be a true friend to others. 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 - Ezekiel 36:23

I will show the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, the name you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am the LORD, declares the Sovereign LORD, when I show myself holy through you before their eyes.

—Ezekiel 36:23

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God can and will use us even though, at times, we are not worthy vessels for him to use. Scripture gives us many examples of people God used who did not meet his moral and holy requirements — for example, think about Samson or most of the other Judges! God will be revealed as the sacred, mighty, and awesome God that he is whether we do it or not. Let's be willing tools in his hands to do his divine work in our fallen world so the world can know his holiness revealed through us, in our lives, and our behaviors. Let's offer ourselves to him for his service and his glory.

My Prayer...

Holy Father, we ask that you purify us and make us holy — not just because of your grace but also demonstrated in our thoughts, words, and deeds. Create a clean heart in us and renew a righteous spirit in us by the power of your Holy Spirit. May our lives be holy offerings of praise to you, O, holy and mighty God. In Jesus' name, we offer ourselves and praise 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 - Galatians 6:9

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

—Galatians 6:9

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Weariness is a part of life. Weariness is a part of ministry. Weariness is often part of being in a family. Weariness often overtakes us when we set our hearts on doing good for others. However, God's wonderful blessing renews, sustains, and rekindles us. He does it through the encouraging word of a friend. He does it through his presence in us, the Holy Spirit. He does it through songs that lift our hearts. He does it through Scripture and prayer. So, while our bodies and spirits may grow weary, let's not let our hands fall idle. If we serve with faithfulness, discipline, and integrity, God's grace will empower us through the Spirit to do what he has called us to do.

My Prayer...

Dear Heavenly Father, I sometimes find myself weary and discouraged in my service to you and especially to others. Please convict me, beloved Father, when I've neglected sleep, exercise, or good eating habits. I want to live a more balanced life and have the energy and strength to better serve those who need my help. Please empower me as I seek to correct those problems in my life. Gently humble me in those times when I neglected my spiritual nourishment and sought to depend upon my own strength. I want to actively and effectively serve you, dear Father, all the days of my life. In Jesus' name, I ask this. 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.