Today's Verse - 1 Timothy 4:15-16

Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

—1 Timothy 4:15-16

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

"Be diligent!" That's not a phrase, a command you hear much about these days. We want things to come easily. Sweat in the world of pseudo-faith is frowned upon. But Paul wanted Timothy (and us) to know that maturity in Christ requires genuine effort — as Paul said, "give yourself wholly to them" and "persevere in them." Having a redemptive influence on others is hard work. While it is God's power that transforms, our efforts are also required if others are going to see our progress and follow our examples. God assures us that our efforts will bear fruit in our lives and lead others to salvation.

My Prayer...

Abba Father, please stir my confidence, courage, diligence, and determination so that I can share the salvation you have lavished on me can be shared with others through my teaching and my example. 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 - 1 Thessalonians 4:14

We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.

—1 Thessalonians 4:14

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

As horrible as the Cross was, it wasn't the final chapter of the Jesus' story. Jesus died and then rose again. We can believe two things because of Jesus' resurrection:

1. That Jesus will return in glorious victory for those who have believed in him.
2. That we will be with those we love who have fallen asleep in Christ when Jesus comes again and brings resurrection and reunion.

These two truths allow us, dear friends in Jesus, to have confident hope for our future no matter where we find ourselves or what our present circumstances may be.

My Prayer...

Holy and Almighty Father, thank you for raising Jesus from the dead and assuring us of eternal life with you and with those we love who have already passed from this life into the presence of Jesus. We look forward to the day Jesus returns in glory with the angels of heaven, bringing us complete victory over death and reunion with Jesus and all who have believed in him. Thank you, dear Father, for the victory we have in Jesus. 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 - Philippians 4:13

I can do everything through him [Christ] who gives me strength.

—Philippians 4:13

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

I don't know about you, but I know I've grown soft and spoiled because of all the conveniences I have allowed into my life. If these conveniences were to vanish suddenly, could I, would I, honor God with my praises and thanksgiving? I sure hope so. I am committed to doing so. I want to be like Paul and live with the assurance that I can withstand any situation with the help of Christ Jesus — even if it is imprisonment and the abandonment of friends as Paul was facing.

My Prayer...

O God, my strength would fade without you, and my confidence would fail. Thankfully, I will never have to worry about this because your grace, your Spirit, and your Son. These strengthen me and help me weather any storm. I believe you will never abandon me. 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.