Today's Verse - Psalm 149:4

For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation.

—Psalm 149:4

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Jesus left heaven and made himself a servant. No wonder God could say to him, "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased" (Luke 3:22). God expressed his delight to his Son as he lived as an example of a servant (Mark 10:45). He did so to enable the last of this world to be counted as first in the Kingdom of God (Matthew 20:16). Jesus declared that the servant of others is greater than those who are served (Luke 22:25-27). Jesus demonstrated that those often considered the least important in our world are the most important to him (Matthew 25:40, 45). The arrogant, the abusive, and the parading powerful have found it easy to reject the call of Christ for centuries - after all, Jesus died for the sinful and the weak. They consider themselves "important" and feel that they do not need a Savior. However, those who are humble find Jesus to be Savior, Conqueror, King, and Deliverer. The LORD delights in such people and is glad to share his salvation with them. "You are my children," he says to the servants, "you bring me delight!"

My Prayer...

Precious Servant and Almighty King, Jesus, thank you for serving us at great cost and showing us that the humble will one day reign with you. I look forward to the day every other knee will join mine as I bow before you as my LORD because you were first a servant of all (Philippians 2:6-11). Until that day, I pray that you will use me to bless those so often forgotten by our busy and glamour-intoxicated world. In the holy name of Jesus, I offer you my praise and thanks. 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 33:22

The LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; it is he who will save us.

—Isaiah 33:22

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

When we think about God as our Judge, we normally think of falling under judgment and receiving punishment. Isaiah reminds us that God's being our Judge means he will judge us according to his will, rule, and grace. He is on our side and is looking to save us, not condemn us (John 3:16-17). His commands are rightfully given as our Creator and King, yet given to us to protect us and bless us. Using the New Testament idiom, when we stand before our Judge, we see our loving Father, and at his right hand is our Savior, who gave his life for us (Hebrews 1:3). As Paul so beautifully told us:

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back in fear, but you received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, "Abba! Father!" it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God (Romans 8:14-16).

We don't obey out of fear, we don't fear the judge, but we obey because of loving appreciation for all that our Father has done to save us!

Video Commentary...

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My Prayer...

Holy and Righteous Judge, I am glad that my fate, my future, and my life are in your hands. I know about your love for me because of the gift of Jesus. I know about your desire to save me because of your loving grace. I know your demand for holiness in me is met by the sacrifice of your Son. So God, I gladly and willingly trust my life, my soul, and my eternal future to you. I offer you my obedience in humble appreciation for all you have done for 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 - Psalm 119:160

All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.

—Psalm 119:160

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

The requirements of morality and holiness are not temporary or fleeting because they reflect the nature of our Holy God, who is eternal. They don't shift with the wishes of culture or the trends proposed by the so-called enlightened. God's truth is true across cultures, times, and wishes. We do not adapt God's will to our times, but we redeem our times by adapting our wills to his truth.

My Prayer...

Righteous God Almighty, may my life reflect your righteous character, gracious compassion, and faithful love and justice. You, your nature, and your values are forever, and I want to invest my life in what endures and is eternal. Please give me wisdom to see through the fleeting temptations of today, the fads of culture, and the degradations of morality, as I seek to do what honors you. 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.