Today's Verse - 1 Corinthians 15:20

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

—1 Corinthians 15:20

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

The angels at the empty tomb of Jesus asked the women (Luke 24:5), "Why do you look for the living among the dead?" These words are also the angels' words to us. Jesus is risen, and one day, so will we be raised from the dead:

Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep (1 Corinthians 15:20, 23).

He guarantees that God's harvest of all people will one day occur. He is our assurance as believers and disciples that we, too, will be raised from death and death will no longer have a hold on us! We are God's eternal children, and death cannot separate us from his presence or love (Romans 8:37-39).

My Prayer...

Father God, I praise you for your redeeming grace. I rejoice in your conquest over Satan and over his power to wound and destroy through death. I thank you for your power over the grave. Thank you for raising Jesus from the dead and giving me the assurance of life forever with you. Please bless me, dear Father, with a life that reflects the power that you have now working in me. In Jesus' name, I pray this. 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 - Proverbs 10:2

Ill-gotten treasures are of no value, but righteousness delivers from death.

—Proverbs 10:2

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Wealth, especially wealth gotten through greedy and wicked means, proves to be of no lasting value. This rancid kind of wealth rots the heart of the one who gets it. Even when we have this rotten wealth, it cannot save us from our ultimate demise. Righteousness, however, is a far more precious treasure. True righteousness comes from God as his gift to us from his grace we received through faith in Christ Jesus. This righteousness transcends our mortality, is greater than any financial wealth we could accumulate, and saves our souls from death.

My Prayer...

Holy and Righteous Father, thank you for making me righteous in your sight through Jesus' sacrifice and your grace. I want my enduring legacy to be my righteous character — character and righteousness you have given me — not my status, achievement, or wealth. I know my accomplishments will be forgotten after my earthly life is over, but I am fully convinced that the righteousness you develop in me will be a blessing and an influence for generations after I am gone and will be my accompanying treasure when I share with you in your glory. 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 - Philippians 4:19

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

—Philippians 4:19

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Throughout Scripture, God reminds us that as we trust him and share his blessings with others, he will ensure we have all we need and have even more so that we can help others. Notice what Paul told the Corinthians:

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God (2 Corinthians 9:10-11).

How can we be sure? Look at Jesus — his ministry, his life, and his provision.

My Prayer...

Dear Father, please forgive me for trying to find my security and hope in things other than you. I know there is no other source of hope, freedom, and security than you. Help me tear down every idol I may have erected that dilutes or distorts my trust in you. Open my heart to recognize places and times where I trust more in my efforts and resources rather than fully trusting in you and your graciousness. 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.