Today's Verse - Hebrews 11:6

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

—Hebrews 11:6

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

And why do we serve God? Fear? A sense of obligation? Because our parents did?

How about because we want to please God and bring the Father joy?

How about because we believe in what God has done and will do for us?

We believe that God sent his Son Jesus to die for our sins so we can be forgiven, cleansed, and adopted as his children into his forever family. What's more, we believe that God longs to share his blessings with us and loves to reward those who believe in his grace and love. We believe! So, we earnestly, diligently, and passionately seek him!

My Prayer...

Dear Father, thank you for my faith and all those who helped me come to know you and your grace. Please bless me as I seek to share this faith with my family and friends. Thank you for the confidence that my life is secure in your love and victorious because of your power demonstrated in Jesus' resurrection. And it is in his name, Jesus, that I offer you my thanks, praise, and 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.

Today's Verse - Matthew 11:5

"The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor."

—Matthew 11:5

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

The clear sign of the Messiah's presence was a time of true blessedness for all who knew and followed him. His actions — his miracles and compassion shared with others — gloriously displayed the anticipated Messiah's coming. If this was true with his first coming to earth, imagine how much more gloriously blessed the LORD's people will be when he returns in his glory! The good news preached by Jesus is the anticipation of even more fantastic news when he returns to take his disciples home to the Father!

My Prayer...

LORD God Almighty, I praise you for the time of blessing that accompanied Jesus' first coming to earth. I anticipate even greater rejoicing at his return and the glorious blessings that await his disciples, my brothers and sisters in Christ, when our Savior returns in glory. In anticipation of that Day, I thank and praise you in the name of Jesus, my Savior, King, Friend, and LORD. 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 - Proverbs 11:4

Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.

—Proverbs 11:4

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

What is your primary investment? Only righteousness offers a truly long-term benefit! That's why Jesus said:

"So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:32-33).

My Prayer...

Holy God, thank you for valuing what is good, holy, and righteous. I praise you for empowering me through the Holy Spirit to develop those qualities I see in Jesus, have them formed in my character, and invest my life in what matters eternally. I thank you, in 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.