Today's Verse - Romans 8:32

He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all — how will he not also, along with him, give us all things?

—Romans 8:32

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

If God gave up his Son to save us, what will he not do to bless, guide, and keep us? That's Paul's point in our verse today. God bought us out of bondage to sin, death, and hell so that now we are holy to him (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Paul was telling the Corinthians that God's overflowing grace should motivate us toward holiness, living wholeheartedly and unabashedly for God while using our bodies to glorify him as a temple to God in the Holy Spirit. In our verse for today, Paul is seeking to motivate us to live for God while also giving us assurance. God was gracious to redeem us when we were undeserving (Romans 5:6-11). Now that we are his children and seeking to honor him, we can trust that he is doing everything to bring his salvation in us to completion! God's initial grace saves us while his ongoing grace blesses us continuously. Isn't it amazing how God's grace is such a multifaceted and ongoing blessing to us?!

My Prayer...

Almighty God, I am overwhelmed by your sacrificial love offered to me in Jesus. As your Spirit comforts, encourages, and moves me toward holiness, I revel in the assurance of your continual outpouring of grace as you lead me toward the full realization of salvation, a salvation you long to grace me with your continuous blessings in my life. In Jesus' glorious name, I pray and thank 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 - Psalm 42:8

By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me — a prayer to the God of my life.

—Psalm 42:8

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

I have always loved music. To this day, songs help unlock the part of me that is most open to God. Songs help me declare my love for him and offer my praise to him. But as the psalmist said so many centuries ago, and I find it is still true for me today: his song is with me at night, especially on those nights when sleep is hard to find and I need reassurance of his love. Even when I can't remember what I dreamed the previous night, I often awaken to a praise song that had been sung over me (Zephaniah 3:17), with me, and by me in my sleep - "...at night his song is with me - a prayer to the God of my life ... the LORD [who] directs his love" to me!

Video Commentary...

ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos

My Prayer...

O God of my life, thank you for music and song. Thank you for giving me so many good things to sing joyfully to you, about you, and with you. Thank you for hearing my heart when I sing, not just my words or the song's melody, but my heart. I long, dear Father, for the day I get to hear you sing over me personally, and as I join the heavenly chorus around your throne praising you. Until then, please fill my life, and especially my nights, with your songs. Through Jesus, I ask and pray for this grace to continue. 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 16:8

I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

—Psalm 16:8

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Many things can trouble our lives, but none can shake us loose from the grip of God's grace as our hearts remain pointed at Jesus as our LORD and our hope remains focused on the LORD's return. If Jesus is our LORD, then all of life's greatest blessings lie ahead of us, and he will let nothing rob us of this coming glory! We have confidence as believers because each of us can say:

I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

So, dear friend in Jesus, let's not just say it; let's passionately live it!

My Prayer...

Holy LORD, you are worthy of majesty, honor, and praise. I lift your name, O God, and place it above every name. As I look to the future, I want to honor you and journey with you, knowing you are with me. Since I believe you will never leave or forsake me (Romans 8:37-39), I will always look ahead with anticipation, knowing that you are leading the way. Through Jesus, I anticipate and 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.