Today's Verse - 1 John 5:14-15

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us — whatever we ask — we know that we have what we asked of him.

—1 John 5:14-15

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Confidence before God. That's a bit of an oxymoron if you meditate upon it. Yet through the presence of Jesus at the Father's right hand (Hebrews 2:14-18; 1 Timothy 2:5) and the intercession of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26-27), we can have confidence and come boldly before the Creator of the universe. Because of Jesus and the Holy Spirit's mediation and intercession for us, we know that God not only hears us, but that he also cares for us. Wow, what an audience! What confidence! Oh, and one final thing, he also ACTS on what we ask. The Holy Spirit shares this beautiful promise with us in Hebrews 4:16:

Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

My Prayer...

Abba Father, I thank you more than words can say for the grace of your listening ear and loving heart. Through the authority of Jesus, my brother, and through the grace of your interceding Holy Spirit, I offer you my thanks and love this day. 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 - Hebrews 11:6

Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

—Hebrews 11:6

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

I believe!
I believe that God not only knows me, but cares about me.
I believe that God not only created the universe, but he also knows the number of hairs on my head. I believe that God not only sent his Son to save the world, but that he's sending him back to bring me home.
What's more, I believe that God is pleased by my belief. And even on my worst days when it is hard, I pray, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief" (Mark 9:24).
I believe, and I know that pleases God!

Video Commentary...

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My Prayer...

Almighty God, most holy LORD, I thank you for your steadfast love and enduring faithfulness. I thank you for your grace and mercy. I thank you for your might and power. I thank you for your awesome holiness. I thank you for being you and choosing to reveal yourself to mortals like me. I believe in you, dear Father, and in those times of deepest struggle, I still believe but ask for your grace and help to overcome my unbelief. Through Jesus, your final Word, I believe and 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 - Ephesians 4:15

Speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.

—Ephesians 4:15

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Speaking the truth is hard enough. You mean we have to do it in love? Yes, if we are to be Jesus' women or men, we must speak to others as he did. As the Spirit grows us up to become more like Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18), we will share our hope in Jesus with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15-16), just as Jesus spoke to the lost who were seeking him. Our goal in speaking with others is not to win arguments, but to win hearts to the Savior.

My Prayer...

Father, forgive me for the bitterness in my heart and unfairness on my lips. Through your Spirit, help me better use my speech to bless others and glorify you. May I speak your truth with your love today in all my conversations. Through him who is Truth and Love 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.