Today's Verse - 1 Corinthians 15:51-53

Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed — in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality.

—1 Corinthians 15:51-53

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

We're going to be changed! I'm going to be changed. You're going to be changed! We're not talking about a new wardrobe or haircut. We're not talking about a new car or place to live. We are not talking about a new weight loss plan or cosmetic surgery. We are talking about an ultimate, transformational, heavy-duty, complete overhaul! We're going to be made immortal. We are going to become indestructible. We will no longer be "perishable goods"! We are bound for glory and will be like Jesus in his glorified body (Philippians 3:21), for we will see him as he is (1 John 3:2-3).

Video Commentary...

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My Prayer...

Inspire my faith, dear LORD, to trust your timing and to lean upon your grace. I believe that you know all the mysteries and hold all triumphs in your hand. Please make me victorious, O LORD Almighty, through the mighty work of your Son. 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 Corinthians 15:25-26

For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.

—1 Corinthians 15:25-26

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

How many times have you stood over the grave of a recently departed friend or loved one? It hurts! When was the last time you tasted grief and separation from someone you dearly loved? Oh, my, that hurts deeply! I don't know about you, but I am so thankful that the Bible identifies death as one of Jesus' enemies. I am grateful that Jesus hates death and the damage and separation it causes. I rejoice! The LORD hates death even more than I do and came to earth and suffered death to destroy the evil one's power over us in death. I am filled with joy to know that death ultimately will be destroyed when Jesus gives immortality and life to us so we can share in his glory forever!

My Prayer...

Holy Father, please triumph with life and mercy in the lives of those I know who are wrestling with emotional, spiritual, and physical illness and death. Triumph in their lives through your power and your grace. I look forward to the day, dear Father, when death is no more. LORD Jesus, I not only pray this in your name, but I ask you to speed this day of victory for all your disciples! 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 Corinthians 15:24

Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power.

—1 Corinthians 15:24

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Closing time! That's when everything is counted, the doors are locked, and the final tally is made. Jesus is LORD of closing time. Even though he won the victory over death and sin while on the cross and with the empty tomb (Colossians 2:12-15), we're still waiting to get swept up into his victory march. That day is coming. Every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess Jesus' power, glory, and reign (Philippians 2:10-11). Every evil power will face destruction. However, the hearts that are yielded to God will be placed into his loving and mighty hands forever and share in his glory (Colossians 3:3-4). Our LORD reigns!

My Prayer...

Almighty God, Father of grace and mercy, I appreciate your tenderness and patience with me. However, Father, I am also comforted to know your power and might will exert itself fully upon the earth and against the powers of hell. I am heartened to know that Jesus will assert his rule and destroy everything false, malicious, evil, and wicked. Maranatha!* May that day, and our LORD Jesus Christ, come soon! In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

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* In 1 Corinthians 16:22, Paul uses the Aramaic phrase Maranatha, which is translated, "Come, Lord!"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.