Today's Verse - Judges 10:15

But the Israelites said to the LORD, "We have sinned. Do with us whatever you think best, but please rescue us now." Then they got rid of the foreign gods among them and served the Lord. And he could bear Israel's misery no longer.

—Judges 10:15

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

When God's people realized the depth of their sin and their impending punishment by God, they repented and asked for his help. They didn't try to diminish the gravity of their sin. Instead, they threw themselves on the mercy of the LORD and his graciousness. Unfortunately, today, we often hide, avoid, rationalize, deny, blame, or skirt the seriousness of our sins. We don't like to admit them, much less confess them, and we sure don't seem to turn away from them. "It's not really all that bad. I know a lot of folks who do a lot worse things than I did," people often rationalize. As Jesus' followers, we must not view confession of sin as humiliation or weakness. Acknowledging our sins and asking for God's forgiveness, cleansing, and power open the door for him to use us mightily if we will look to him for our rescue and let him not only forgive us, but forgive us of all of our unrighteousness (1 John 1:8-9).

My Prayer...

Forgive me, Heavenly Father, for my sins. Please eradicate them from my life with the help of your transforming and purifying Spirit as I offer myself daily as a holy and living sacrifice to you. 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 - Deuteronomy 10:14

To the LORD your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it.

—Deuteronomy 10:14

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

It all belongs to God! The multifaceted and creative side of our heavenly Father's nature is revealed in the astounding beauty and variety in our universe. This is not our world, but our Father has chosen to share it with us as one of his many gifts to us. Our Creator chose to provide us with the changing seasons in each year and the kaleidoscope of colors in each sunset and sunrise to frame our days. These are reminders of his love for beauty and variety, for predictability and also change. In addition to all that God has made and placed before us, he has crowned us, his human children, with glory and honor. Each of us is made, even with all of our differences, in his likeness. We are bearers of his divine image. Each person and all the peoples are precious to him. All the universe is the LORD's, yet in his greatness, he chooses to know each one of us intimately. Ah, my friend, that is grace upon grace from the LORD who loves each one of us with an undying love as he sustains a universe too vast for us to imagine!

My Prayer...

LORD God Almighty, the universe is yours. You sustain it by your powerful word. All creation attests to your marvelous power and creative mastery. I pray in awe that you are also my abba Father who welcomes me into your presence. Thank you for using your majesty and might to bless us and provide such a wonderful world. In Jesus' name, I pray and praise you. 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 Corinthians 10:13

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

—1 Corinthians 10:13

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

In the face of temptation, God has promised us two things:

1. A way out.
2. The power to stand up under trial.

Can we really believe this? Yes, because Jesus demonstrated this power, God promised us this power and he is faithful, and we can look at brothers and sisters in Christ who have triumphed by this power! However, we must not think that the way out means that we will not face challenges, hardships, temptations, or difficulties. Character is produced both by refusing to give in to temptation and also by refusing to give up during the challenges we face to remain faithful. God will provide us a way out, but he is also interested in developing our holy character. Where the balance is between a way out and developing our holy character is God's work. Whether we choose to remain faithful is our work (Romans 5:1-5; 1 Peter 1:7).

My Prayer...

Thank you, dear Father, for supplying me with the way out of temptation and the power to face it victoriously. Please forgive me for the times when I succumbed to temptation and sinned. Please correct and forgive me for those times when I have chosen not to find your door of escape. Cleanse and restore me to faithful service, strengthen me for the trials and temptations ahead, and make me useful to your work in my world. In Jesus' name, I depend upon your promise and grace. 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.