Today's Verse - 1 Chronicles 16:10

Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.

—1 Chronicles 16:10

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

What brings you joy? What is your source of personal glory? Do you glory and rejoice in your accomplishments, your wealth, your status, your looks, your piety, your humility, your...? In the old hymn "Beneath the Cross of Jesus," we each confess, "My glory, all the Cross." That's what Christians mean when we "Glory in his holy name." Our full understanding of God's holy name has dramatically been expanded by Jesus. He taught us to not only reverence the name of God but also call him "Abba" Father. Any other cause of joy and basis for boasting are merely passing illusions. For those whose hearts seek the LORD, glory is found in reverencing the holy name of the Father who gave up his precious Son so we could be his children. He loves us that much, and more: we will one day share in his glory (Colossians 3:1-4). Incredible!

My Prayer...

You have blessed me in many ways, Abba Father. How can I ever begin to thank you properly? I confess that I sometimes seek notoriety and glory even though I know such notoriety is fleeting and often only the false flattery of those who want something from me. But deep in my heart, dear God, I know my true glory is rooted in the adoption covenant you signed by your grace. Thank you! Words cannot capture my appreciation, but I look forward to being eternally grateful in your presence for all that you have done. May all glory be yours in heaven, throughout the earth, and in my life, now and forever. In the name of Jesus, I praise 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 - 1 Peter 3:18

For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.

—1 Peter 3:18

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

It sounds so simple and straightforward, doesn't it? Kinda like the newspaper headline about someone dying that we don't know. Just cold, hard facts! But we know differently. Underneath this statement of grace lies the broken heart of God, the sacrifice of heaven, the brutality of supposedly religious men, and the searching love of our Father who would not abandon us to the cruel "Deathmaster" — Satan, the murderer from the beginning (John 8:44-45) For those who had once experienced animal sacrifice with its high personal cost and animal sacrifices, this verse is more than a headline: it is a "graceline." Jesus' "once for all" sacrifice meant that no more animal sacrifices would ever be needed (Hebrews 7:25-27, 9:11-14). It came with the promise that Jesus would "bring" all to "to God" who relied on Jesus' sacrifice — no more distance between God and us, no intermediaries between God and us. Jesus is heaven's open door and God's open heart saying, "Come home; I've been waiting for you."

My Prayer...

What words, O gracious Father, can I use to express my appreciation for your sacrifice and grace? I have none sufficient to say what I feel. But even in this realization, I know the gift of your Spirit ensures that you hear my words and my heart. Every good and lasting thing I have comes from your grace. Please receive my undying love and heartfelt praise for all you are, for all you have done, and for all you will be. In Jesus' precious 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 - Zechariah 8:21

The inhabitants of one city will go to another and say, "Let us go at once to entreat the LORD and seek the LORD Almighty. I myself am going."

—Zechariah 8:21

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

This Messianic message from Zechariah anticipates the day of the LORD's redemption. Many different people from all over the world will come looking for God's great mercy. God's people will have one key phrase on their hearts: "Let's go seek the presence of God. I'm going; why don't you join me?" As believers, we know Jesus has come, died, and was raised from the dead. We know Jesus is returning with salvation for all who truly know and follow him. Let's ask others to join us to go and share the great celebration of grace and salvation at Jesus' return!

My Prayer...

Loving Father, I seek your presence daily in my life. I would be lost and confused without your guidance, love, holiness, and truth. Knowing that my destiny is with you, I look forward to seeing you face-to-face as your child. Please lead me to those who do not know you but are seeking you. Give me eyes to see them, ears to hear their cry, and wisdom to know how to share your grace. Use me to prepare them to meet you at the great Day of Redemption coming with your Son. In the name of Christ Jesus, 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.