Today's Verse: Psalm 68:4-5

Sunday, June 17, 2018

Sing to God, sing praise to his name, extol him who rides on the clouds — his name is the Lord — and rejoice before him. A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

I can't help but think of what James, Jesus' brother, said:
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world (James 1:27).
Jesus demonstrated the Father's heart for the marginalized in his ministry by making time to love, serve, heal, welcome, and bless widows (Luke 7:11-15, 21:1-4), lepers (Mark 1:40-45), children (Matthew 19:13-15), the afflicted (John 5:3-8; Mark 3:1-6), and the oppressed (Matthew 4:24; Acts 10:36-38). Now it is up to us to continue the work of Jesus as his people, his bodily presence in our world today (Romans 12:4-5).

My Prayer...

Father, may my life, my compassion, and my ministry reflect your heart for those who need care, protection, and love. Give me eyes to see this need more clearly and a heart to respond more certainly so that I may demonstrate your love to them more fully. I pray that as I respond, the Spirit will lead me to do things that bless others, and you give me the wisdom to know how best to demonstrate your love to them. In the precious name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

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Illustration

Illustration of Psalm 68:4-5 — Sing to God, sing praise to his name, extol him who rides on the clouds — his name is the Lord — and rejoice before him. A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.

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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.