Today's Verse - Proverbs 9:10

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

—Proverbs 9:10

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

We pursue so many things, but only one pursuit brings true wisdom: a reverent awe and appropriate respect for the holiness and greatness of God. The apostle Paul reminded the Athenians, who always wanted to appear wise, that God made us to seek him, find him, and discover that true wisdom is in him (Acts 17:24-27). The wisdom of Proverbs keeps leading us back to knowing God and having deep, reverent awe of him. This is where wisdom begins! This is where true understanding finds its source. We can only understand life's priorities, purposes, goals, and directions when we recognize who the LORD is, walk with him in our day-to-day lives, and live before him with reverence and awe at his greatness and his grace!

My Prayer...

Holy, majestic, righteous, and eternal God, we confess that we know you so much less than you know us. That also means we have far less wisdom than you do! Still, your faithfulness to us, your power displayed in history, your grace shared with us through the cross of Christ, and your promises to bring us home to you sustain us. We want to know you better. We want to honor you more, so that our lives can be caught up in your will and wisdom - not for our glory or gain, but for your praise. We ask that you make yourself known to us as we reverently approach you with thanksgiving for who you are, what you have done, and what you will do in the future with us. In the name of Jesus, we 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 - Proverbs 15:23

A man finds joy in giving an apt reply — and how good is a timely word!

—Proverbs 15:23

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Knowing the right word at the right time is a great gift to have and a great blessing to those with whom we share that apt word. However, even the best wordsmiths among Jesus' people admit that their words are not nearly as good as those the Spirit gives them to share at just the right time. Nevertheless, we must not excuse ourselves for insensitive speech, unkindness, or harsh silences that miss opportunities to bless others. Not paying attention to what was said is no excuse. Not being spiritually in tune with others' needs is a cop-out - it's a failure of our hearts. Not knowing Scripture well enough to bless others with gracious speech at the right time is self-deception and laziness. Listening to others after having listened to God in his Word and seeing the example of Jesus should tune our hearts to hear and bless others. When we do, our well-timed, appropriate replies bring joy to both us and those with whom we share them. Yes, indeed: "how good is a timely word!"

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My Prayer...

Loving Shepherd, I will spend much of my time today with people who need a blessing. Some of them know you, but many of them do not. Please give me wisdom to say what leads people closer to you. Please give me apt words of help and hope for the broken, discouraged, and fainthearted. Please bless me with tender words for the hurting. Empower me with words of direction for the confused. Father, I pray that whatever words I share today reflect your will and grace. 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 - Galatians 6:2

Carry each other's burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

—Galatians 6:2

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Sometimes I let myself feel so burdened by my problems that I don't even see others' struggles, trials, and hardships. But Jesus reminds me that if I am to be like him, truly JESUShaped, I will be a burden-bearer for others. This principle is implicit in the second greatest commandment: "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:39), and it's made clear by the example of Jesus! Jesus became one of us to lift our heaviest burdens. The LORD died and rose again to free us from the weight of sin, the fear of death, and the threat of hell. Jesus blessed us by carrying our heaviest burdens and now calls us to lighten the load of those around us.

My Prayer...

Compassionate Father, help me see the burdens weighing down those around me. Give me wisdom to know how best to respond with help and courage not to put off that help. I want to be a blessing to the broken and discouraged, so please help me find my place and my way of bearing burdens for others, to your glory. In 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.