Today's Verse - Proverbs 29:25

Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.

—Proverbs 29:25

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Jesus told us not to fear our human adversaries (Luke 12:4-5). When we try to please others and fear what others may say or do to us, we place ourselves in a position of unnecessary vulnerability. Our lives no longer remain our own. We become captive to what others think, want, or threaten. We are only to trust the LORD and reverence him. Actively placing our faith in the LORD crowds fear out of our hearts with our Father's perfect love (1 John 4:18). As we deliberately put our faith in the LORD, God becomes our security, now and forevermore.

Video Commentary...

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My Prayer...

Please keep me safe, O LORD, from those who oppose me and would do me harm. Give me the courage to live for Jesus and live a life of righteous character, gracious compassion, and faithful love regardless of what my adversaries say, think, criticize, or threaten. May my life be a holy praise to you. In Jesus' name, I offer myself, my praise, and this prayer. 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 8:11

And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.

—Romans 8:11

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

If we belong to Christ, we know the Spirit of God lives in us (Romans 8:9). Because of the Spirit's presence, we know that we are eternal! The Spirit is God's down payment, guaranteeing that our future is with him (2 Corinthians 1:21-22; 2 Corinthians 5:5). What's more, even while we're living for Christ now, the Spirit gives life to our physical bodies as we use them for God's glory (Romans 12:1). He will do this until the time the Spirit raises us from our physical death and brings us into the eternal presence of God in our immortal bodies (1 Corinthians 15:50-58).

My Prayer...

Father, please animate my physical body with your Spirit so that what I do not only brings you glory but also reflects your character and grace. Please empower and transform me with your Spirit until you raise me with my immortal body to be with you forever. To you, O Father, be all the glory for your presence and power at work within me, your child. 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.

Today's Verse - 1 Chronicles 4:10

Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request.

—1 Chronicles 4:10

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

When we tune our hearts to God's will and we long to honor our LORD, our Father delights in blessing us in mighty ways. (See yesterday's devotional thoughts.) So, let's first set our hearts on doing his will. Then, let's not be afraid to ask God to pour his blessings on others and share with the LORD the desires of our hearts. Finally, let's not be surprised at how many ways he blesses us in response to our prayers!

My Prayer...

O God, please show yourself to be glorious in the ways you bless me, especially the ways you bless those I love. Help all people know that these blessings do not come from our wisdom, skill, or strength but from your grace. In Jesus' name, I ask it. 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.