Today's Verse - 1 Chronicles 4:10

Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request.

—1 Chronicles 4:10

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

When we tune our hearts to God's will and we long to honor our LORD, our Father delights in blessing us in mighty ways. (See yesterday's devotional thoughts.) So, let's first set our hearts on doing his will. Then, let's not be afraid to ask God to pour his blessings on others and share with the LORD the desires of our hearts. Finally, let's not be surprised at how many ways he blesses us in response to our prayers!

My Prayer...

O God, please show yourself to be glorious in the ways you bless me, especially the ways you bless those I love. Help all people know that these blessings do not come from our wisdom, skill, or strength but from your grace. In Jesus' name, I ask it. 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 37:4

Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.

—Psalm 37:4

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Be careful not to misread this promise as saying that God will give us whatever we want. Notice that first emphatic phrase that qualifies this promise: "Delight yourself in the LORD..." As my heart delights in the LORD — in his will and his purposes — I find a fantastic truth at work; he fulfills those desires. When I yearn for what the LORD wants, he enjoys giving me the desires of my heart. An old hymn has us sing this prayer: "Sweet will of God, still fold me closer, till I am wholly lost in Thee." When I lose myself in the will of God, and my heart delights to honor him, God rushes to bring us the desires of our heart and bless me with more of him! Delighting in the LORD leads to a heart full of the LORD's delightful presence and blessings!

My Prayer...

Holy LORD, God of our Fathers and the Great Giver* of every good and perfect gift, thank you for longing to bless me and pour the riches of your grace upon me. Please touch my heart so it will desire your will and then boldly ask you to accomplish it to your glory. In Jesus' name, I find my delight and joyfully pray. Amen.

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* James 1:17.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 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

—Galatians 5:22-23

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

When the Holy Spirit is alive in our hearts, the character of God comes to life in us as the Spirit conforms us and transforms us with ever-increasing glory to become like Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:17-18). This transformation occurs as we focus on Jesus and pursue knowing him, following his example, and living daily for him. This transformation is the goal of our lives as a disciple of Jesus, a genuine follower of Jesus (Colossians 1:28-29; Luke 6:40). As we become more and more like Jesus, we display his character, these nine qualities that are the fruit of the Spirit — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

My Prayer...

Thank you, dear Father, for your Spirit within me. I consciously and intentionally yield my will and heart to your Spirit's transforming work. Please produce the fruit you desire in me — the fruit that pleases you reflects your character and brings you glory. I ask for this grace in the authority of Jesus' name. 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.