Today's Verse - Philippians 1:29

For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him...

—Philippians 1:29

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Suffer! How is suffering a privilege?

It's not unless it is for Jesus or to help redeem others with Jesus. Remember how the early apostles were joyful because they were counted worthy to suffer for the name (Acts 5:41). Let's reawaken ourselves to Jesus' reminder that if we follow him, we will likely suffer for him at some time in our lives (Mark 10:29-30). Many believers around the world are actually suffering, are persecuted, and even martyred today. So, let's realize that while God IS working things out for our good and his glory (Romans 8:28), part of that work means our being conformed to the likeness of his Son, the Suffering Servant (Romans 8:29; Mark 10:45). Jesus suffered for us so that we could be saved. Now, when we face suffering for the cause of Christ and his Kingdom, we can help inspire others to live faithfully in adversity and show to all, even those who hate us, the genuineness of our faith. So few in the world today have anything worth living for, dying for, or suffering for. We, however, have many reasons to live, die, and suffer in honor of Christ. Our lives will be caught up in Jesus' victory because we have shared in his trials (Romans 8:17)!

My Prayer...

Please grow our courage, LORD! Help us, your people, O God, to be faithful in times of trouble, strong in times of persecution, and steadfast in times of suffering and martyrdom. May the world see our faith under fire and be drawn to our hope in Jesus, in whose name 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.

Today's Verse - Proverbs 31:28-29

Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."

—Proverbs 31:28-29

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

When's the last time you praised a godly woman for her life of faith, noble deeds of love, and her demonstrations of grace?

Why not take time to write a note or two of appreciation and share your thanks with several of these godly women today?

Where would we be today without the faithfulness of the godly women in our lives?
Where would we be today without the ministry of women in the ministry of Jesus or the early church?

I can't imagine, and don't want to! Let's tell them today how precious they are to us, our faith, and the work of the Kingdom of God!

Video Commentary...

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My Prayer...

Father, we thank you for the following godly women who have shaped our lives and helped us have genuine faith... (Please pray for several of these women by name!)
God, I thank you for the great women of faith in Scripture who did so much for your people. Help us, your Church, your children of faith, to find every way possible to show these great ladies of faith, courage, giftedness, intellect, and good deeds how much they mean to us and to you. In Jesus' name, 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.

Today's Verse - Philippians 1:27-28

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved — and that by God.

—Philippians 1:27-28

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Let's live as if we've been redeemed because we have been! Let's show God's love and character in our daily lives. Let's especially work together, with one voice and Spirit, making a vigorous effort to share the Gospel with those who have never heard of the grace of God in the life and ministry of Jesus. In the face of opposition, let's not be deterred or divided. Instead, let's work hand in hand for the cause of the Gospel as we live for God and give thanks for his amazing grace!

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My Prayer...

O LORD, please give us greater unity of purpose and greater courage in the face of opposition so that we can show the world that we are your children and Jesus' disciples. May our thanksgiving for your grace show up in the way we live among others, especially those who need to know Jesus, our Savior. We pray this in his name. 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.