Today's Verse - Proverbs 21:21

He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity, and honor.

—Proverbs 21:21

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Isn't it sad that when we set off to find happiness, joy, significance, or meaning, we seldom find it the way we hope to find it? Instead, when we offer ourselves to serve others and give ourselves wholeheartedly to the LORD and his work, it is then that we find what we most need and what is most fulfilling. Plus, in doing this service to others, we resemble our Savior (Mark 10:43-45) and are assured that God is honored and will honor us (Philippians 2:6-11), because of how we live.

Video Commentary...

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My Prayer...

O Giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17-18), please bless me with opportunities to serve others and honor you in ways that demonstrate your grace and bring the reign of your kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. When, in the process of serving others, you choose to meet the needs of my heart, I thank you for this double opportunity to give grace and receive it. I pray this through your servant Jesus, and to be transformed by the Spirit to be evermore like him. 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 33:4-5

The word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.

—Psalm 33:4-5

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God is faithful. We can trust God to keep his promises, and his purposes for us are always for our ultimate good (Romans 8:28-29). How do we know? The sunrise each morning is a reminder that the Father of heaven and earth is at work keeping his universe in working order through Jesus (Colossians 1:17; Hebrews 1:3). Since it is true in nature, it can be true in the spiritual realm as well. Greet each sunrise as a reminder of God's faithfulness and that Jesus, who came to earth as Immanuel, God with us (Matthew 1:23; John 1:1-18), is holding us, our hopes, our futures, and our world together.

My Prayer...

O Magnificent and Majestic Creator, I greet today as your gift and a reminder of your faithfulness. Each day the sun rises, I anticipate the day you honor your promise to send your Son back to bring us home to you in the dawning of glory. Please give me a keen sense of your faithful presence today as I await this great day expectantly. I pray this through him, Jesus, the one in whom all your promises find their fulfillment, and every amen is spoken (2 Corinthians 1:20-22).

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 18:1-2

I love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

—Psalm 18:1-2

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

We sing it, and we say it in our public prayers: "Father, God, we love you." But notice the beginning phrase of our verse very carefully. "I love you, O LORD..." Even in public, community worship, we are taught the importance of a personal expression of love to God. When is the last time you told the Creator of the universe, "I love you! I love you, O Lord my strength."

My Prayer...

Father in heaven, I love you. I love you because you are more than worthy of my love. I love you because you have first loved me. I love you because you sent your son to be my big brother and friend,* who paid the price for my adoption into your family. I love you because of your faithfulness. I love you because you have permitted me in your grace to love you. In the name of Jesus, my brother and friend, I love you and thank you, and cannot wait to see you face-to-face and tell you, with all of my heart, "I love you!" Amen.

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* Jesus is referred to as our Brother in Hebrews 2:14-18 and Jesus calls us his friends in John 15:14-17.

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.