Today's Verse - Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

—Jeremiah 29:11

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Jeremiah was telling God's people that 70 years after the devastation they were facing because of their rebellion and sins, God would deliver and restore them. Even though they had repeatedly abandoned God, he would not abandon them or his promises to them. He would be faithful (2 Timothy 2:13). In fact, God was planning and preparing a brighter future for them than they could imagine. This promise also reminds us that no matter how deep our own personal gloom feels, God does have wonderful plans for us that include giving us a prosperous hope and a glorious future. God will keep his promises to us. He will deliver and bless us. We have a vibrant hope and a bright future because of his faithfulness and our trust in his Son, Jesus, who delivers us from every foe and brings us into his presence with great joy (Jude 1:24).

My Prayer...

Give me faith, O LORD, during the times I'm weary, discouraged, and beaten down. Inspire me to trust in your great promises. Please give me courage, O LORD, when my faith wavers. Help me obey your word no matter how challenging it may seem or how discouraged I feel. Thank you for giving me a bright future in Jesus. Please help me live more consciously aware of this great gift. 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 - Isaiah 61:10

I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

—Isaiah 61:10

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

This is God's promise to his people after their Messiah comes with healing and power to bless them with the LORD's favor. In many ways, this is our promise as Christians. We do rejoice greatly because God has delivered us from law, sin, death, and hell through the coming of our Savior and LORD, Jesus. Because of our faith in Jesus' sacrifice for us, we are clothed with Christ (Galatians 3:26-27) and given his "garments of salvation and arrayed... in a robe of righteousness" (Colossians 1:22). Amazing. Beautiful. Blessed!

My Prayer...

Thank you, dear Father, for making me righteous by Jesus' sacrifice. Thank you LORD Jesus, for paying the price for my sins to give me life. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for cleansing me from my sins and empowering me to live for God. May I, dear God, live in such a way that those around me know that you have made me whole and holy. 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 - 1 John 1:9

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

—1 John 1:9

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

When we view our sins the same way that God does and confess them, God forgives and purifies us. Honest confession opens our hearts to the flood of heaven's grace (Psalm 51:1-17; Psalm 103:11-14). God shares with us the sweet liberation from sin that Jesus purchased at Calvary (1 John 2:1-2). God not only forgives our sins but also purifies us of all unrighteousness. Think of purified this way: pure as if I had never sinned! We are no longer sinners, and the stain of our sin is removed. We are "holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation" because of God's purifying grace (Colossians 1:22). So, let's live in a way that reflects this incredible gift!

My Prayer...

Father, I confess my sins to you! Please forgive me for... (please verbalize to God specifically your sins to your Father in heaven.) Thank you for letting me be honest with you and share with you my frustration and my sorrow for my failures and flaws. Please liberate me from their power in my life and give me the confidence that you have not only forgiven my sins, but have also made me pure and holy, fresh and new as when I first came to Jesus. And it is 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.