Today's Verse - 2 Timothy 1:13-14

What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you — guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

—2 Timothy 1:13-14

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

We live in a world of keys, locks, alarms, passwords, passkeys, and security systems. Paul's words shouldn't surprise us. We protect the things that are most valuable to us. So ask yourself, "What is more precious to me than the truth of God's saving grace in the Gospel, in faith?" Nothing. So thankfully, God has pre-wired each of us with a security system to help protect that incredibly precious hope. This security system lives in us and has given us God's Scriptures by inspiration. This security system is the Holy Spirit, given to us when we were born into God's family through the Spirit's work. So, let's value the Spirit's presence more. Let's ask for the Spirit's help more proactively as we pray and open the Scriptures. Let's listen and watch for the Spirit's gentle leading and nudges to help us find our way. And let's ask for the Holy Spirit's help in safeguarding what God has entrusted to us.

Video Commentary...

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My Prayer...

Please help me, O God, not to compromise your truth. I don't want to stray into legalism or license. I want to live, and show others how to live, a holy life while trusting in the Holy Spirit's help to guide me, reveal your truth in Scripture, produce fruit consistent with your character, transform me to become more like Jesus, and open my eyes to your will. Please empower me by your Spirit to see through falsehood and error so I can safeguard, share, and live your truth. 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.

Today's Verse - Isaiah 48:17

This is what the LORD says — your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I AM the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go."

—Isaiah 48:17

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Don't you sometimes long for the pillar of fire at night and the cloud by day to guide us as we make our way through life? God gave these blessings to the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings (Exodus 13:21-22; Nehemiah 9:19-21). They never had to doubt God's presence was with them and his care was over them. Then I remember God's promised and abiding presence with us as followers of Jesus. This abiding presence is the Holy Spirit (John 7:37-39; Romans 8:14). The Spirit's presence is coupled with the promise that God will never leave or forsake us (Romans 8:38-39; Hebrews 13:5-6). As we seek God's presence and honor his character, he will get us where we need to be to do his will. We can be assured that he will work in our lives what is most beneficial for us in this life and the next (Romans 8:28). Yes, the LORD is our God and Redeemer, and he directs us in the way we should go!

My Prayer...

O heavenly Father, please guide each of us to the places you want us to be, to the ministries in which you want us to serve, and to the people you most want us to touch and influence. Please, dear Father, capture each of our hearts to do your work and help us never lose sight of your abiding presence now, and the future we have with Jesus when he comes in glory.* In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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* Colossians 3:2-3 & 1 John 3:1-2.
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 119:64

The earth is filled with your love, O LORD; teach me your decrees.

—Psalm 119:64

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Sometimes we get so caught up in the loving wonders of God's creation and the marvelous blessings of "the work of his hands" (Psalm 19:1, 111:7) that we forget to ask him to teach us his truths, help us understand his will, and give us the grace to live out his word in our daily lives. Let's not only worship God in awe for his majestic creation; let's also worship him by learning his will and living it in our daily lives (Romans 12:1-2).

My Prayer...

Holy and Precious Father, please teach me your truth. Lead me to your will. Guide me in your wisdom. I want my life and my choices to reflect your plan for me when you made me in my mother's womb.* I desire for my life to display your righteous character, gracious compassion, and faithful lovingkindness. In the name of Jesus I ask these things. Amen.

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* Psalm 139:13-16.
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.