Today's Verse - 1 Thessalonians 4:14

We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.

—1 Thessalonians 4:14

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Jesus' resurrection was just the beginning! His resurrection means that those of us who have faith in him and trust the testimony of the first-generation eyewitnesses to his resurrection can have confidence in our future. Those who belong to Jesus, whether they are living or dead when he comes, will share in his victory over death and will be with the LORD forever! For us, when our bodies die, we are with Jesus (Philippians 1:19-24). While it may appear that our bodies are sleeping (1 Corinthians 15:51), we are always alive in Jesus, and our future with him is guaranteed!

My Prayer...

Loving Father in heaven, thank you for giving me the victory over sin and death in Jesus. I know that just as you raised him from the dead, you will also raise me up at the great day of Jesus' return. Please use that resurrection power in me to help me live more victoriously today, knowing that my future is secure with you, and I will rejoice and share in the glory of Jesus' coming. 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 - Romans 8:3-4

For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.

—Romans 8:3-4

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Jesus did what we could not do; he lived perfectly before God. He showed that sin isn't a necessity in our lives and that it does not have to hold us captive. He not only obeyed the Law, but he fulfilled it in every way (Matthew 5:17-21). Then, after he was crucified, buried, and raised from the dead, he poured out his Spirit on us so that we could not only share in his forgiveness and cleansing grace, but also have his power to live in ways that please God and have his power over the grave when we die. Jesus is our sin offering and our Savior, he poured out the spirit to transform us to be even more like him. So, let's seek to live "according to the Spirit" (Romans 8:1-39).

My Prayer...

Thank you, Father, for providing the sacrifice for my sin. Thank you, LORD Jesus, for being willing to pay the awful price to ransom me from that sin. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for living in me, empowering me to live for God, and transforming me to become more like my Savior. Thank you, O God - Father, Son, and Spirit - for your salvation and power to live a saved life! All glory and praise to you, LORD, 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 91:2

I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."

—Psalm 91:2

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

"In God we trust." That's the phrase written on much of the money in the United States. It's a great reminder. The global financial climate is inherently vulnerable to instability, as it is prone to fluctuations and susceptible to chaos and political turmoil. Only God is our refuge and fortress during the storms of life - whether they be health, financial, relational, or emotional storms. He is steadfast. He is God, the forever "I AM" and LORD. He is eternal. He desires to bless us and promises to never leave us or forsake us. He has repeatedly demonstrated his love for us. He has earned our trust. So, let's say of the LORD"He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."

My Prayer...

Heavenly Father, I am so thankful that I can trust my life and future with you. Mold me and use me in ways that are a blessing to others, as I make you the source of my security and strength. Please continue to make your presence known in my life, helping me to maintain my trust in you as my refuge from life's storms and my fortress when the evil one and my adversaries attack. In Jesus' name, O LORD, I place my trust and hope in 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.