Today's Verse - Luke 19:10

The Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.

—Luke 19:10

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Jesus' opponents said that he was "a friend of tax collectors and sinners" (Luke 7:34). Of all the things people called Jesus, I believe that was one of his favorites. Come to think of it, I believe it's my favorite, too! Jesus came to seek and save all of us who are lost because God wanted us to find salvation in Jesus (John 3:16-17). He did this when we were "powerless," "ungodly," "sinners," and "God's enemies" (Romans 5:6, 8, 10). So, let's praise God that Jesus is not only "a friend of tax collectors and sinners,", but he also came to be our friend, to save us, and to bring us back to God (Romans 5:10; 2 Corinthians 5:20),

My Prayer...

Almighty God, while I know you hate sin and the havoc it creates in our lives, I am so thankful that when you came to earth as Jesus, Immanuel, God with us, you were not our judge but our Savior. You came to make us your friends and family. I promise to live today more aware of your love for the lost because I know what it means to be found by you. Thank you! Praise you! I pray in deep appreciation for all you have done and by the power of Jesus' name. 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 - Hebrews 7:25

Jesus is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

—Hebrews 7:25

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Jesus didn't just come and die for us. Jesus wasn't just raised from the dead to give us life. As incredible as those gifts are, Jesus adds another blessing to all he has done and is doing for us: he lives for us in the Father's presence, interceding for us. Jesus, as our intercessor, knows what it is like to be mortal and to face the struggles we face. So, dear friend in Jesus, until Jesus returns to take us home to our Father in heaven, know that Jesus is in the Father's presence in heaven for our good, always there to ask God for grace to help us in our times of need. Jesus is not only our Savior; he is also our defender, intercessor, friend, brother, and constant presence at the Father's side (Hebrews 2:10-11, 14-18, 4:14-16).

My Prayer...

Precious Savior, LORD Jesus, O how I love you. You sacrificed heaven for me. You gave up dignity to redeem me on the cross. You destroyed death to assure me of my life with you forever. Today, dear LORD, I am most thankful and deeply aware that with every prayer I offer and every step I take, you are in the Father's presence, for me. Thank you for your constant intercession so I can pray in the authority and grace of your name. 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 - Colossians 1:27-28

God has chosen you to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.

—Colossians 1:27-28

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Christ lives in us and wants to transform us into people who live, love, and serve as he did (Luke 6:40). Jesus remains alive in us as the Holy Spirit's work of glorious transformation continues in us (2 Corinthians 3:18). It will continue in us, until we see the LORD face-to-face in glory and are fully conformed to be like him (1 John 3:1-3). Until we go home to be with him, he promises to live in us through his Spirit, to show himself to us, and to make his home with us (John 14:15-23). Everywhere we go and everything we do, we can trust that he will never leave or abandon us (Romans 8:32-39). Jesus' goal for us in this life is for the Holy Spirit to transform us more perfectly into Jesus' likeness. Let's live into that great expectation!

My Prayer...

O God, may the presence of Jesus within us stir us to do your work today, knowing that as we focus on Jesus, the Holy Spirit is transforming us to become like him. May your abiding grace, through the presence of your gracious Son and the power of the Holy Spirit, call us to your character, your life of love, and your concern for others. O Jesus, please use the Holy Spirit to conform our hearts to be more like our Father's heart. 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.