Today's Verse - 1 Timothy 2:5-6

For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men — the testimony given in its proper time.

—1 Timothy 2:5-6

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

We do not need to have another human, no matter how mighty, pious, or special, to intercede for us before God. As God's children, we can go freely, knowing that God himself has provided the perfect mediator and intercessor between himself and us. That mediator is the Son, who is head of the Church, one with God himself, and our High Priest interceding before God on our behalf. His name is the man, Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah, the Son, and our LORD, Savior, and brother, who ransomed us through the cross and who now lives to make intercession for us (Hebrews 2:11-14, 4:14-15, 7:25; Acts 3:6).

My Prayer...

O God, you are my God, and I praise you for making access to you so freely available. I know that if left to my own worthiness, I would have no strength or righteousness with which to approach you. Yet in your grace, you not only provided a ransom for my sin that makes me holy, but you also provided a mediator for my approach to you. Jesus, I thank you for paying the price on earth and now at the Father's side to intercede and speak for me! Thank you, Jesus, for making this prayer known to the Father, as I pray in your 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 - Psalm 62:7

My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.

—Psalm 62:7

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Who we are, what becomes of us in life, and what we accomplish of significance are all in God's hands. We cannot achieve lasting honor for ourselves without his blessing. We cannot secure our future or our safety without his protection and blessing. The basis of all achievement and glory is dependent upon our willingly placing our lives in his care because he alone is permanent, eternal, and offers us life that is unending, with our future secure.

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My Prayer...

O God, you are my Rock, the Fortress of my life. I place myself in your care, willingly and dependently. Please take charge of my future and use me for your glory in that future. In you I take refuge, and on your strength I rely to make my days worthwhile and my life to make a difference in the world for Jesus. I seek you and your Kingdom above all other entanglements, distractions, or goals. In the precious name of Jesus, I pray this. 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 1:29

For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him.

—Philippians 1:29

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

When we read the book of Acts, we find the disciples were "rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name" (Acts 5:41). Since Jesus has already victoriously passed through the horrible ordeal of his crucifixion for us, we should consider it a privilege, not a hardship, to share in his sufferings. The truth of our commitment is often best shown to the skeptical when we are "under fire." So let's keep our character when under attack and rejoice because we've seen in Jesus what happens when God's children are faithful even at the cost of their lives.

My Prayer...

What a precious name you have given to your son, O LORD. May it be exalted in all the earth and throughout all the heavens, until every heart knows that Jesus the Messiah is the Son of God and LORD of the universe. May my life bring you glory regardless of comfort or pain, celebration or suffering, strength or weakness, joy or sorrow. In Jesus name, and for his glory, 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.