Today's Verse - Proverbs 8:13

To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.

—Proverbs 8:13

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

When we have a deep and reverential respect for our holy God, we will love what God loves and hate what he hates. We need to realize, however, that the word "hate" is used very carefully in Scripture. This strong verb is not used often, and when it is used with God as the subject, the object of God's hatred needs to be noticed. God hates evil. God defines evil in our verse as pride, arrogance, wicked behavior, and vile speech. These are things that followers of Jesus not only avoid but also loathe. God wants his people to be people of character — people of humility, moral behavior, and helpful speech.

My Prayer...

O holy and righteous Father, forgive me of my pride and self-interest. Forgive me for my arrogance and deceitful tongue. Remake me by your Spirit to be holy in word and deed, compassionate toward those in need, and freed from evil. To you, O LORD, be the glory in my life and in your Church, forever and ever. 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.

Today's Verse - Colossians 1:19-20

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace with his blood, shed on the cross.

—Colossians 1:19-20

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

How do you comprehend both the majesty and the sacrifice of Jesus? We've been looking at our Lord's identity all this month, and still, we find ourselves amazed, delighted, bewildered, and blessed by his glorious and humble character. The main thing, however, is that he made peace between a perfect heaven and a flawed humanity. He made this peace at a horrific cost, bearing our guilt and shame as he shed his blood on the torture tree of Calvary. Jesus did this to honor God's will and because of his love for you and me.

My Prayer...

O Father, I am sorry that Jesus had to offer such a great sacrifice to atone for my sin. I am thankful that your love led you to pay the high price of my redemption. I praise you for bridging the distance my sin created between you and me. I know that my salvation is your gift of grace given to me in Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. May you be pleased with me today and see my life as an offering of praise for your costly grace that saved me. In Jesus' name, I 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 Timothy 3:16

Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.

—1 Timothy 3:16

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Why would Jesus do it? How did he do it? How was he "God with us" and still be God in "human flesh"? We cannot fully comprehend it, but he was! The Son of God was also Jesus of Nazareth, born and placed in a manger at his birth and crucified on a cross at his death. But God raised him from the dead and presented Jesus as his Son with power. Angels on earth saw Jesus after his resurrection and now accompany him in heaven, where he now reigns. He has been preached to people worldwide, many of whom believed in him. One day, Jesus will display his glory for all to see. If you want to understand godliness, then you begin with Jesus!

My Prayer...

Holy and marvelous God, your plan to redeem and save a sinner like me is incredible. Jesus displayed your longing to see all people come to you and be saved. The love that led you to such sacrifice is beyond my comprehension. Please empower me with your Spirit, the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead. I desperately desire for the mystery of your godliness to be seen in my life today, in my family, among my friends, before my co-workers, by those with whom I attend school, and especially in the presence of my enemies. In Jesus' mighty 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.