Today's Verse - Romans 14:8

If we live, we live to the Lord: and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

—Romans 14:8

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

One of the incredible realizations we have as Christians is that our relationship with the LORD is eternal. As we seek after him, he is always there, and no one can separate us from his love (Romans 8:38-29). Even when we die, we go to be "with the LORD" (Philippians 1:23-24). When we sleep in death, we are still "in the LORD" (Revelation 14:13). When he returns in glory, we will go to "be with the LORD forever" (1 Thessalonians 4:17-18). Everything we have on earth is temporary except our love for the LORD Jesus, our praise of God through him, and our friends with whom we share that love and praise!

My Prayer...

Almighty God, thank you so much for binding yourself to our world in Jesus and binding me close to you through his lordship in my life. I look forward to the day when the LORD I kneel to worship today will be recognized by all those living and those who have died as the One True LORD (Philippians 2:9-11). I commit to live this day to honor him, and I know, dear Father, that by honoring him I honor you. I praise and thank you for the gift of Jesus' eternal and abiding lordship in the name of the Christ, my LORD. 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 - Revelation 3:14, 20

These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. ... "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me."

—Revelation 3:14, 20

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

It has always fascinated me that this verse is often cited by those calling others to conversion when it is written to a lukewarm church and her members. These disciples, like many of us, need to rekindle their love-relationship with the LORD and demonstrate it by living passionately for Jesus. Along with those believers centuries ago, we need to ask the LORD Jesus into our hearts, lives, and churches today. It's not that he's not there; it's just that he awaits our invitation to enter and take the lead. He will not barge in and dominate, but enters when we invite him into our lives and welcome him to take control. So, dear friend in Jesus, the LORD inhabits hearts into which he has been invited, so let's open the door and invite him into our hearts and lives!

Video Commentary...

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My Prayer...

Holy LORD and Savior, I know you long to share your presence and fellowship with me. I know you are nearby (Philippians 4:5), as I draw each breath. But I confess that I am often unaware, and sometimes even unappreciative, of your presence. I ask you this day to come into my heart and fill my life with your presence, comfort, guidance, holiness, and power. I want my life to be lived for you and with you. Thank you for providing Jesus as my LORD and Savior. In his name, I offer my thanks and praise. 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 - Ephesians 2:10

We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

—Ephesians 2:10

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

The Psalmist reminded us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made, and that God created us with something definite planned for us to do with our lives (Psalm 139:13-15). We display his craftsmanship, his artistry, his skill when we intentionally live for him and not like the rest of the world. Paul deepens this truth in our verse today as he writes about being saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-10). We have been recreated in Christ Jesus to continue the good work of Jesus as we become more and more JESUShaped (Colossians 1:28-29) and as the Holy Spirit continues God's transformative work in us, making us more and more like Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). So, let's get about doing the work of Christ the Father created us to do!

My Prayer...

Master, Father, and LORD, please teach me to recognize your opportunities and your will when they come into my life. I want to live for you without reservation, doing the good work you created me to do. I pray for boldness to not be shy in sharing my faith. I pray for patience as I wait before I respond. I pray for your protection for those close to coming to Christ. I pray not for me but for your Kingdom to be displayed in my life by the way I live and the good things I do to your glory. In the name of Jesus, 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.