I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
Thoughts on Today’s Verse…
Do you have long-term spiritual goals that align your daily behaviors with your faith? Paul certainly had at least these two: “I don’t want to be ashamed but courageous” and “I want Christ to be exalted in my body, by life or by death.” What are your long-term spiritual goals? Could you join Paul in his ultimate goals? How are these ultimate goals good for all of us? What makes it hard to live with these ultimate goals? I don’t know about you; I don’t want to be ashamed, I want to be courageous, and I want Christ to be exalted in my body, whether by life or death.
My Prayer…
Sacrificial and all-powerful God, forgive me for my sins, especially the sin of living with improper priorities. I want your grace and loving-kindness to be seen in how I conduct my life and treat those around me. In addition, please give me the courage to communicate in word and deed what exalts you, brings you praise, and encourages others. In Jesus’ name, I ask this. 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.