Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling.  But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes. (ESV)

Lord, help us to see others in your light so we will never walk in darkness. Amen

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (ESV)

Jesus, we do not fear the trials of this life because we know that you will use them to strengthen our faith in you. Our joy will then grow because it does not come from our circumstances but only from our relationship with you. Amen

And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul (ESV)

God, when you were speaking to the Israelites through Moses, we know that you were also speaking to us. Help us to walk with you, to love you and to serve you for all of our days. Amen

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (ESV)

Lord, you know all of our thoughts and intentions and we ask that you would fill our hearts today with the truth of your word. Amen

For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor? Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. (ESV)

God, everything we have is from you and everything we do is for you and your glory. Amen

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. (ESV)

Lord, we can be strong and courageous because our strength comes from you. Thank you for always being with us and never leaving us. Amen