Monday
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
New International Version
THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY'S VERSE ...
Why is it so hard to endure an unjust or unfair criticism? Why do we always have to defend ourselves no matter how ridiculous the charge? Often the problems we have with others simply escalate because we do not choose to forgive and let them go on in the Lord!
MY PRAYER ...
Precious and Holy God, help me more carefully guard my speech from things you despise, especially gossip, slander, and innuendo. Thank you. Through Jesus' grace. Amen.
Tuesday
Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.
New International Version
THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY'S VERSE ...
Praise is letting God know we recognize him for who he is, what he has done, and what he is doing. But more than informing God of his greatness, praise is rejoicing before him in his greatness and recognizing that not only is his grace without comparison, his majesty and might and holiness and faithfulness and righteousness and mercy and love and forgiveness and justice and ... are without comparison. Praise is thankful celebration that he is God, and even more importantly, that he is our God.
MY PRAYER ...
Great and Gracious God without comparison, you are truly worthy of my best words and best thoughts and best imaginings. I worship and submit to you, rejoice that you are who you are, celebrate what you have done, and long for what you are yet to do. You are magnificent, my Father and my God. Through Jesus, and because of his matchless love, I praise you. Amen.
Wednesday
Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
New International Version
THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY'S VERSE ...
While Paul's exhortation here is excellent, it is the style of the exhortation we should especially notice. We live in an age where we are constantly pressured to emphasize the novel, new, or improved versions of things. But in our lives as Christians, we need to remind each other of what we are doing right and just simply say, "Hey, you're doing well, just keep doing what you're doing!"
MY PRAYER ...
Faithful Father, thank you for noticing and keeping record of the things I've done that are good and pleasing to you. Please help me to keep doing those things that please you, only do them better, that you may be pleased and glorified. In Jesus name. Amen.
Thursday
I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
New International Version
THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY'S VERSE ...
Love that surpasses knowledge. That's very difficult to explain, but when you have loved your spouse for decades you experience what this means. When you love a child and do what you never dreamed you could do for another human being, you understand this phrase. And when you stand before God, adopted as a full heir of all his great riches, a full sibling to Jesus Christ the Lord, and know you are seen as holy, without reproach, and blameless, you begin to understand this phrase.
MY PRAYER ...
Holy and incredible God, help me to know in my soul the love that is greater than words and knowledge so that I may not only be like you, but that I may know you in experience just as I know you in faith. Through Jesus I pray. Amen.
Friday
Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. For a thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night.
New International Version
THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY'S VERSE ...
So many things about our lives are uncertain. This one thing, however, is sure: no matter where, when, or how long, God will be there and will be with us.
MY PRAYER ...
Everlasting Father, I find great comfort in knowing that I cannot be in a place or time where you are not. Stir my courage through your Spirit that I may be more bold, by your power and presence, to share the Gospel of Jesus. Through whom I pray. Amen.
Saturday
The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights.
New International Version
THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY'S VERSE ...
"The Lord is my strength!" Wow, what power we have in his abiding and empowering presence in the Holy Spirit.
MY PRAYER ...
Sovereign God and Almighty Father, be not only my strength, but the strength of those battling depression, grief and despair. I ask your blessings especially and specifically for _________ at this time of difficulty and struggle. Through Jesus I ask this. Amen.
Sunday
Jesus said, "Wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
New International Version
THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY'S VERSE ...
The world wants a Savior but not a Lord. The New Testament is clear, a Savior who is not Lord is no Savior and no friend. If the Old Testament showed us anything, it is that God's seemingly bizarre laws were written not for his fascination but for his people's preservation. Let's not only call Jesus Lord this week, let's live in a way that shows that he controls our lives and his Spirit produces our character.
MY PRAYER ...
Most Holy Lord, please take control of my life and my will so I may be wholly yours, not just in word, but in thought and in deed as well. Amen.
