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.

Today's Verse - Mark 12:30-31

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."

—Mark 12:30-31

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Sometimes the most important things are not hard to understand. However, we must not treat these clear commands as simple. They challenge us to honor God with all we have, are, and dream. God wants us to love him with every fiber of our being and also to love those around us. All of his demands on our character boil down to honoring these two great principles that transcend law and bring the character of God to hearts. It all comes down to loving God and others with love that has hands and feet - it's something we not only feel, but we actively and sacrificially live in our daily lives.

My Prayer...

Almighty God, my heavenly Father, I love you. I love you for your plan to send your Messiah as a descendant of Abraham and David. I love you for your unfailing love. I love you for your listening grace that hears my humble prayers. I love you for sending Jesus and for starting your church. I love you, Almighty God, for your steadfast presence and love in my life. Now I ask the Holy Spirit to show my love for you by loving my neighbors. I love you, dear God, in the name of Jesus. 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.