Today’s Verse – Isaiah 54:17
“No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the LORD. —Isaiah 54:17 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Because of the LORD God’s grace and power, we will be victors. This is the overall message of Revelation – when we are faithful, even unto death, we will be victorious and reign with God (Revelation 2:10-11, 3:21, 22:12-14). This song of victory is sung throughout the Scriptures, rooted in the promise that when Jesus comes, we will reign with him (2 Timothy 2:12; Revelation 20:6). This is the assurance that we have from God himself: because our lives are joined with Jesus and his resurrection, they will not be lived in vain and we will share in his ultimate victory over sin, death, and hell (Colossians 2:12-15, 3:1-4; Romans 8:37-39). Those who berate, belittle, and batter God’s people will be exposed and his beloved children, his saints of light, will receive vindication and salvation from the Father they love. My Prayer… We pray especially today for your servants who are sharing the Good News of Jesus in difficult places. Some of these precious ones are imprisoned. Some are facing torture and martyrdom. Others are facing ostracism. Some face firing in their workplace. Please give them strength today. Please deliver them from the evil one’s vile intent. Protect them by your mighty hand and deliver them, like Daniel, from the lion’s mouth and every human oppressor, to your glory. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. 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.
Today’s Verse – Psalm 27:1
The LORD is my light and my salvation — whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life — of whom shall I be afraid? —Psalm 27:1 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… I love the coast of Maine in the northeastern United States. I love the craggy shorelines, the crashing surf, and the lighthouses perched at strategic and well-fortified points along the coastlines. I cannot help but think of our heavenly Father when I watch the gloom gather, the fog build, and then see the violence of the impending storm noisily make its way onshore. There, in the storm – with lightning ripping through the sky, winds howling, and surf crashing – stands the light that guides the way, strong against the elements and a beacon of direction and hope. Yes, the LORD, Yahweh the God of Israel, the Almighty Creator of all things, is my light and my salvation. My life, the eternal part of me, is entrusted with him. I choose not to fear. I place my trust in him because “The LORD is my light and my salvation…!” My Prayer… Father in heaven, I praise you for your faithfulness through the ages. I thank you for your steadfast love, which has blessed each generation, giving hope in times of darkness, salvation in times of wantonness, and strength in times of weakness. Now I ask that you be with several people I love, who need your palpable presence as they fight their battles… (Please mention several of your friends and acquaintances who need the LORD’s presence at this time.) In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. 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.
Today’s Verse – Psalm 37:23-24
If the LORD delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand. —Psalm 37:23-24 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… I don’t know about you, but I’ve physically stumbled my way through much of life. I’ve tripped at some of the most embarrassing moments. I’ve stumbled over my own feet, shoelaces, curbs, and just pure air. Even my doctor says I have a problem with gravity! However, I am confident that, despite my spiritual stumbles, God has not abandoned me. When I think I’m going to plunge into the depths of an emotional abyss, the Father’s love, care, concern, Scriptures, servants, and helpers have kept me from destruction. God’s hand does uphold me. He is there in times of trial. He has been mighty to save. I do believe he delights in my journey. How about you? The question is not whether we will stumble or fall, but whether we look to God in our stumbles, sins, and failures, and then admit our failings as we ask Him to restore us and raise us back to useful service for him and to others. We can trust he will, because “the LORD … upholds” us with his mighty and gracious hand! My Prayer… O Father, thank you for your steadying influence in my life. Thank you for lifting me when I have fallen, protecting me when I have been vulnerable, and comforting me when I have been broken. I praise you for your grace, your glory, and your nearness. Through Jesus, I offer you my praise and eternal appreciation as I ask you to continue to uphold me by your mighty and gracious hand. Amen. 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.
Today’s Verse – Psalm 31:23-24
Love the LORD, all his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful, but the proud he pays back in full. Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD. —Psalm 31:23-24 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Love the LORD! Be strong because of your hope in the LORD. Admit where your strength lies. Acknowledge your source of grace. Give praise to God for his abundant mercy and power lavished upon you through his Holy Spirit. The LORD preserves his people. He honors faithfulness even if it is mocked in this world. The LORD will bless his people and deal justly with those who mock and abuse them. But we can be “strong and take heart” because we “hope in the LORD!” My Prayer… Give me strength, O LORD, for I find myself in trying times with enemies at my door and opponents on every side. Please give me wisdom to see your grace that leads me when I am under fire. Please give me the courage to stand up for what is right, pure, and holy. Please bless me with the vision to see what you want to use me to do for your glory. Please inspire me with passionate hope as I work to accomplish all the work you have given me to do for your glory. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. 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.
Today’s Verse – 2 Corinthians 7:1
Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. —2 Corinthians 7:1 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… God has blessed us with so many wonderful promises. He secured them by sending his Son “to conquer death and bring life and immortality to life” (2 Timothy 1:10). He will “transform our lowly bodies to be like his glorious body” (Philippians 3:21). He will take us home to be with him eternally, but until that day, he will live inside us, make his home in us, and reveal himself to us (John 14:20-23). He will make us more than conquerors and will not allow anything to separate us from his love (Romans 8:32-39). So what should our response be? We should offer him praise, but we must not limit our praise to just words (Colossians 3:16-17). God wants our lives to be pure, staying away from what is evil, vile, putrid, and corrupt (1 John 3:1-3). He wants us to do this, not so we can claim some moral superiority, but so that we can show him our adoration and reverence. In our desire to offer God praise, let’s not forget that one of the greatest ways to praise him is to seek him in purity and holiness! My Prayer… Forgive me, Heavenly Father, for my sins. Purify my heart and cast out any foothold the devil may have in me because of my previous sin. Empower me to holiness and accept my life as an offering of praise and thanks to you for your amazing grace. In the name of Jesus, I offer you my heart, my life, and my all. Amen. 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.
Today’s Verse – Psalm 94:19
When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul. —Psalm 94:19 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… God is our comforter, sustainer, and LORD. Only his gracious presence and tender blessings can bring consolation and comfort to our restless and discouraged souls. Let’s turn our hearts toward God, honestly confessing our sins, sorrows, and anxieties. Let’s ask him to restore our passion, joy, and confidence in our salvation. As the apostle Paul told the Philippians when he wrote them from prison: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7). My Prayer… Almighty Shepherd, I need your consolation in my soul. The noise and confusion of my thoughts weary my spirit. The burdens and concerns I feel for others weigh down my heart. Please minister to me through your Comforter, the Holy Spirit. I need your comfort and peace to quieten my anxieties and worries. I ask for your presence and your grace to restore the joy of my salvation. I invite the Holy Spirit to work your comfort, peace, and joy into the fabric of my being. In Jesus’ name, I ask for your help in finding grace in all I think, feel, and do. Amen. 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.
Today’s Verse – Romans 14:19
Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. —Romans 14:19 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… “Let us… make every effort!”That’s quite a challenge. But notice where that exertion is to be focused: peace and mutual edification. Both sides of this exhortation are two-way responsibilities. I must pursue and share peace if I am going to have it myself. I must edify, and be open to being edified, if mutual edification and encouragement are going to happen. In other words, we live with other people in God’s family. He wants us to be responsible for making relationships work in our spiritual family. He reminds us it will require strenuous effort. But, isn’t that true in every family relationship? Love means sacrifice, effort, and concern for others, as well as love, generosity, and encouragement given to others. When we share our love willingly and peacefully, we’re much more likely to see them both coming back to us more abundantly! My Prayer… Dear Heavenly Father, please forgive me for my impatience and selfishness. Defeat the bad attitude of competitiveness that I sometimes display in arguments and disagreements with others in your family. Energize me by your Spirit to see areas where I can be a blessing and an encouragement to others. In Jesus’ name, I pray to live at peace and be a blessing in your holy family. Amen. 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.
Today’s Verse – 2 Peter 3:18
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. —2 Peter 3:18 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Where do you need to grow in your walk with the LORD? How about setting the tandem goal of growing in the grace of God and knowledge of Christ Jesus, our LORD and Savior? So often we pursue one or the other, grace or knowledge. However, something comes unhinged in our soul when either of those becomes more important than the other. Let’s keep grace and knowledge together, because we see them united in the Father’s gracious sending of His Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ, who created everything and was before anything (John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:15-17) My Prayer… Holy God, I desire to grow into becoming more of JESUShaped. I know I cannot do that without the power of your Holy Spirit, and my heart desiring such growth. I also want to grow into a more gracious person as I know and experience Jesus’ presence and truth in my life. Please bless me in this holy quest and use me to help others do the same. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 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.
Today’s Verse – Zephaniah 3:17
The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing. —Zephaniah 3:17 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Isn’t it comforting, powerful, and restorative to know that God is with us! That’s the great message of the story of Jesus – Immanuel, God with us (Matthew 1:23). That’s the message of hope Zephaniah gives the defeated people of God. God is among us. He is mighty to save. He loves us. He delights in us. He stills the storms of our hearts with his loving touch and mighty voice. He sings us lullabies of joy over us. Why? Our Father longs to be close to us and invites us to draw near to him. What will our response be? Oh, I want to move closer to this God! My Prayer… Father, strengthen my resolve as I turn away from evil and draw near to experience your presence. I don’t want any imitation relationship with you. I don’t want some artificial symbol of you. I want to know YOU. I want to experience YOUR presence and for you to use me as a tool of YOUR grace in the lives of others. I need your presence to settle the disquietude of my soul and reassure me of my purpose in Jesus, in whose name I pray and thank you for your presence. Amen. 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.
Today’s Verse – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. —1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Do you want to know some things you can do to please God? Rejoice in his grace. Pray for others. Give thanks for your blessings. These are simple things God wants us to do, and doing them to honor him changes everything. Doing these things is not only spiritual, but also life-giving! My Prayer… Heavenly Father and Almighty God, I am thrilled at the very thought of being your child. Abba Father, please hear my prayer of concern for several people who are on my heart today… Loving God, thank you so much for the blessings you pour into my life each day. In Jesus’ holy name, I rejoice in your grace, pray for these others I have mentioned, and give thanks for your many blessings. Amen. 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.