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.