Today's Verse: Proverbs 31:9

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

"No room in the inn!" "Placed him in a manger!" So often we play favorites with the rich, beautiful, powerful, and prestigous. Isn't it interesting that God revealed himself as the defender of the widow, the orphan, and the alien and then entered the world as the child of a Jewish carpenter and a young virgin from a small town. God wants us to notice those in need around us. He wants it to be more than an annual good gesture at Christmas. He wants us to be advocates for the folks like Joseph, Mary, and Jesus. We're not just told to be fair; we're told to defend and to plead the rights of those in need. When we do, we do it for him (see Matthew 23).

My Prayer...

Make me more aware, Holy Father, of those around me who need your love and grace. Make me your instrument to defend them and to serve them. Open my eyes to see Jesus in the faces of those in need. In the name of my Savior, Jesus, Savior of all peoples, I pray. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

1 Related Resource by Heartlight

Illustration

Illustration of Proverbs 31:9 — Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, December 18, 2013

A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
"Praise the Lord with melodies on the lyre; make music for him on the ten-stringed harp. Sing a new song of praise to him; play skillfully on the harp,..."
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
"At the foot of the mountain [after the Transfiguration], a large crowd was waiting for [Jesus and the disciples]. A man came and knelt before Jesus..."
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
"For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. "
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
"Our Father dwells in tents as well as in temples, but His favorite abiding-place is in the hearts of mankind."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

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.