Today's Verse - Matthew 4:4

Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.' "

—Matthew 4:4

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Like Esau, we get so diverted, distracted, and disturbed by the mundane things of life - things like growling bellies and petty jealousies. The evil one uses these to lead us to forget the longer-range view of things and the important promises of God's Scriptures. God's incarnate Word (Jesus), his written Word (the Scriptures), and his proclaimed Word in the Gospel are what can sustain us eternally. These are the nourishing sustenance of God's living bread we seek, the true daily bread we need God to supply (Matthew 6:11).

My Prayer...

True and Faithful God, please create in me a hunger for your true and enduring Word, your living Bread. Please help me recognize that your Bread is much more necessary for my life than any physical food. I confess that at times I have been distracted by mundane things in my life and have not sought your Word, your Living Bread, to nourish my soul. Please forgive me as I recommit myself to be more attentive to your leading and your truth in your Word, as I am led by your Spirit. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray and make this commitment. 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 - Jeremiah 32:17

Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.

—Jeremiah 32:17

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

In the immense expanse of our universe with its billions upon billions of stars, we recognize that Earth is just a tiny blue planet in the great expanse of all that is. We are little more than a speck of sand on an inestimable seashore we call the universe. Yet God, the Creator, has chosen to know each of us personally and created each of us for a specific purpose (Psalm 139:13-16). Such a lovingly knowledgeable Creator may seem too wonderful to be true; it may feel impossible, yet he is that and more! God has shown his love for us in Jesus. Jesus is God's reminder that he not only knows us as our Creator, but also knows us as we are in human flesh - existentially, empathetically - because he came to us in human flesh as Jesus (John 1:14-18). The Sovereign LORD loves us, and his great power and outstretched arm are working for our eternal good (Romans 8:28).

My Prayer...

Great God of creation, thank you for caring for me even though I am such a small part of your great work in our vast universe. Your love is beyond my comprehension, yet it thrills me to know that you know me and are working to bring me home to you so I can see you face-to-face, know you intimately, and see you as you truly are (1 John 3:1-3). In Jesus' name, I praise 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 - Philippians 1:6

He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

—Philippians 1:6

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God finished his work of creating our world in six days. The LORD continues to sustain it with his powerful word (Hebrews 1:3). He is still working on us, in us, and through us. He will continue to work his will in us till we fully share in his glory (Philippians 2:12-13) and Christ comes to take us home to be with him forever (1 Thessalonians 4:15-18). And this promise isn't just for us personally, but for us as part of Jesus' people, his church, his bodily presence in the world. As Paul says to the Philippian believers:

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed - not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence - continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose (Philippians 2:12-13).

Video Commentary...

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My Prayer...

Thank you, Father, for being at work in my life and in the lives of my brothers and sisters. We confess that at times we neglect our faith, and you seem distant and unreachable to us. However, looking back over the crucial moments of our lives, we can see your fingerprints on us and your grace leading us to where we are today. Dear Father, please make your presence even more powerfully known in our lives as we seek your will and commit to live to your glory. In the name of Jesus, our LORD and Savior, we 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.