Today's Verse - Romans 8:1-2

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.

—Romans 8:1-2

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Imagine the day when we see Jesus and he says to us, "You are mine! My righteousness and glory are yours! Enter into your Father's eternal reward!"

Because we are in Christ, we don't face judgment, only welcome, with God our Father! How can we be sure this is so? Jesus promised us that our faith has moved from death into eternal life (John 5:24). God's Spirit lives in us and bubbles up with life inside us (John 7:37-39). His grace has set us free from the power of sin and death (Ephesians 2:8-9) and has given us a mission to live in this life (Ephesians 2:4-7, 10). His Son has paid the price for our sins, and our life is hidden with Christ in God, awaiting glory (Colossians 3:3-4). We are the beloved children of God; people who know they will one day be like their Father because they will see him as he truly is in glory (1 John 3:1-3).

Video Commentary...

ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos

My Prayer...

I praise you, loving and gracious Father, for your mercy and grace. Your steadfast and redeeming love never ceases.* Your mercies are endless. Your love is new and fresh every morning as your Spirit fills my life and your hope revives me to face another day. Thank you! In Jesus' name, I praise you. Amen.

---

* This prayer is adapted from the wonderful confession of home in Lamentations 3:22-23.
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 31:1

In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness.

—Psalm 31:1

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

When all the clutter is stripped away, what is your real hope?
When you push aside the diplomas, awards, accolades, and honors, what is the basis of your significance?
Only one source for hope and only one basis of significance is trustworthy. Only One endures forever! Only our Father in heaven guarantees that the significance of our life endures. So let's place our hope in the LORD. Let's see him as our refuge. Let's trust that he will deliver us because he is righteous and we have placed our hopes in him.

My Prayer...

O LORD, God and Redeemer of our Fathers, Keeper of your many promises, thank you for allowing us to place our hope, future, and significance in your hands. Please give us the courage and the confidence to know that you will not let us be put to shame, but will share with us your righteousness and claim us as your special possession on that day when we stand in your presence in glory. In Jesus' name, we anticipate that day as 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 - Matthew 7:1

Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

—Matthew 7:1

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Am I judgmental?
Can I assume I can judge another person's intent?
Am I critical and negative about the actions of others?
Jesus wants us all to realize that only he can accurately know the motivations of someone's heart. When we are harsh or bitingly critical in our judgment of others, we are setting the standard by which God will judge us. I don't know about you, but I'm not willing to exchange God's grace for my unreasonable and judgmental harshness. I'm going to work harder at viewing others with mercy and grace, just as the Savior did when he died to save me (Romans 5:6-11).

My Prayer...

O, dear God, please forgive me for the times when I have been unfairly harsh and critical with my thoughts and actions toward others. Thank you for being so rich and free with your mercy and grace lavished on me in Jesus. O, LORD, I long to be more gracious and merciful in the way I live with my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. In Jesus' name, I pray to grow and become more JESUShaped, especially in my graciousness toward others. 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.