Today's Verse: Zechariah 7:9-10

Thursday, October 19, 2023

This is what the Lord Almighty says: "Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other."
— Zechariah 7:9-10
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Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Do you want a clear, simple, straightforward word from the Lord today? That's what Zechariah gives us. He reminds us that God wants us to be fair, compassionate, caring, without prejudice, and tenderhearted to those in need and to give each other the benefit of the doubt. In other words, he wants us to treat each other like Christ treated people. Why? Because we can't be right with God and be wrong with people! This reminds me of Micah's inspired word:
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:8).

My Prayer...

Loving Father, please forgive me for the times I've gotten bogged down with hard-to-understand verses in Scripture and ignored your clear teaching on how to live with others. Please give me the opportunity this week to live what you have commanded me today. In the future, when my heart grows cold or my response to others is not what it should be, please use your Spirit to help me remember this passage so that I might live it to your will for my life and bring you glory. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

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3 Related Resources by Heartlight

True Justice
Illustration of Zechariah 7:9-10
Inspirational illustration of Zechariah 7:9-10 -- This is what the LORD Almighty says: "Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil
The Mercy Bank
Article by Mike Barres
How well do you show genuine mercy toward those who let you down? We have to show mercy to others when they let us down because we need mercy for our mistakes and mess ups!
Generous Like Our Father
Virtual Worship by Demetrius Collins & Phil Ware
'Keep on helping the poor...' was a core commitment that came out of this history-changing moment in Jesus' church! Demetrius Collins and Phil Ware lead us in an online, DIY, worship through words and music using YouTube videos to celebrate our blessings in Christ and our need to reflect our Father's values by being generous and gracious ourselves.

Illustration

Illustration of Zechariah 7:9-10 — This is what the Lord Almighty says: "Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other."

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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.

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