Today's Verse - 1 John 4:7

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.

—1 John 4:7

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

The old song from the musical "Oliver" asks, "Where, oh where, is love?"

This is an excellent question! Where does love come from? How is love defined and truly known?

Love is with God. Love comes from God. Love is the key attribute of God. Love is from God. Love is of God. Do you want to be more loving? Do you want to find greater intensity in your love? Do you want to know how to love others who are hard to love? Look to God. And where do we see God's love most clearly? Jesus! Look at how God demonstrates his love for us through Jesus. Over and over in the past and now even in our lives today. Once we notice how God loves, we can commit to loving others as God has loved us!

My Prayer...

Holy God, I want to show that you are my Father by loving others more perfectly. Please bless me as I seek to follow Jesus' example in treating others with love. In the name of the LORD Jesus I ask for your grace to be loving like you, my Father. 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 84:11

For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.

—Psalm 84:11

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Isn't it wonderful that God doesn't hold back on his goodness? The Father loves to give his children gifts. These gifts are all-encompassing. These gifts are gladly given. How do I know? Three ways:

1. God has repeatedly blessed us.
2. We can see what God has done to bless his people throughout the centuries.
3. God's Scriptures promise this to be true.

God does not withhold from us! But what happens if we are not blameless? None of us are blameless on our own, yet in Christ, God sees us as his blameless children if we keep pursuing Jesus. As we do, the LORD blesses us with grace upon grace (John 1:16)

Video Commentary...

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My Prayer...

Father, thank you for the many blessings you have poured into my life. I want to list several that are on my heart today. (Make a list of things you are thankful for and share them with God as we pray.) Most of all, Father, thank you for the gift of your Son and my Savior who allows me to come before you "holy in [your] sight, without blemish and free from accusation."* I get to come before you confidently, knowing I will receive your gracious gifts and loving promises. In Jesus' name, I rejoice as I pray to you. Amen.

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* Colossians 1:22-23.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 19:21

Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.

—Proverbs 19:21

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

What are your plans for today?

If you are like me, you prayerfully plan your day. You make appointments with people for the future to address their needs, hear their concerns, or discuss issues and projects involving them or you. But we must always live humbly, recognizing that none of our plans will be valuable unless they come from the Father!

My Prayer...

Holy God and righteous Father, please bless me as I seek to discern your will for my plans and decisions. I recognize that each breath I take is a gift and that each success I enjoy is because of your grace. Please use me to bring you glory and help me find your path for my life. In the name of Jesus, 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.