Today's Verse - Psalm 149:4

For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation.

—Psalm 149:4

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Jesus left heaven and made himself a servant. He did so to enable the last to be first, the servant to be the greatest, and the least to be the most important. The arrogant, the abusive and the powerful have found it easy to reject the call of Christ for centuries — after all, Jesus died for the sinful and the weak and they're "important" and have no need for a Savior. However, those who are humble find Jesus to be Savior, Conqueror, King, and Friend. The Lord delights in such people and glad to share his salvation with them.

My Prayer...

Precious Servant and Almighty King, thank you for serving us at great cost and showing us that we can reign with you. I look forward to the day every other knee will join mine as I bow before you as my Lord. Until that day, I pray that you will use me to bless those so often forgotten by our busy and glamour-intoxicated world. To our God be glory and praise for sending you, Jesus my Lord. In the holy name of Jesus I offer my 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 - Isaiah 33:22

The Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king; it is he who will save us.

—Isaiah 33:22

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

When we think about God's being our judge, we normally think of falling into judgment. Isaiah reminds us that God's being our judge means that he will be there to judge us based on his will, his rule, and his grace. He is on our side and is looking to save, not condemn. Using the New Testament idiom, when we stand before our Judge we see instead our Father.

Video Commentary...

ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos

My Prayer...

Holy and Righteous Judge, I am glad that my fate, my future, and my life is in your hands. I know about your love for me because of the gift of Jesus. I know about your desire to save me because of your loving grace. I know your demand for holiness is met by the sacrifice of your Son. So God, I gladly and willingly trust my life, my soul, and my eternal future 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 - Psalm 119:160

All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.

—Psalm 119:160

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

The requirements of morality and holiness are not temporary or fleeting because they reflect the nature of our Holy God who is eternal. They don't shift with the wishes of culture, but are true across cultures and times and wishes. We do not adapt God's will to our times, but we redeem our times by adapting our wills to his truth.

My Prayer...

Righteous God Almighty, may my life reflect your character and nature in compassion, holiness, and justice. I know you are forever and I want to invest my life in what lasts. Give me wisdom to see through the fleeting temptations of today and to do what honors you beyond my lifetime. In Jesus' 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.