Today's Verse - Galatians 5:1

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

—Galatians 5:1

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Paul wrote to help the new believers keep their true freedom in Christ. Their faith in Jesus had liberated them from trying to earn their righteousness through law-keeping (Galatians 3:1-29, 4:1-20). No law could justify them before God. Only faith in the finished work of Jesus as LORD and Savior offered them freedom to be all Christ had re-created them to be (Galatians 2:14-16; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18, 5:17). They were God's children through faith, now led by the Holy Spirit to take on the character of Jesus (Galatians 5:16-27). We, too, must realize that as God's children, we have been freed from law-keeping and sin because of our faith in Jesus and our participation with him in baptism through faith in the power of God (Galatians 3:26-29; Romans 6:3-14; Colossians 2:12-15). We must never return to justifying ourselves through works of any law, set of rules, or someone's religious expectations for us. To do so is to give up our freedom and return to bondage by trying to keep on trying to earn our salvation. Paul begs us to rely on what Jesus did for us, not our adherence to any law. It is our faith in the work of Christ on the cross and the empty tomb that liberates us from sin, death, and slavery to what cannot save us.

Video Commentary...

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My Prayer...

Holy and Righteous God, my Abba Father, thank you for freeing me from the guilt and power of sin! Thank you for liberating me from trying to earn my salvation through law-keeping. I trust that you will empower and transform me by your Holy Spirit. By the Spirit's power, I know I can now leave my sinful past behind. I want to honor your grace by living a life of character and blessing in my family, in my work, and in your world. In the name of Jesus, I pray this. 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 10:21

The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of judgment.

—Proverbs 10:21

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

I have several friends who are wise in thinking, speaking, and living. When they speak up, everyone listens attentively because their words are always wise, well-timed, worthwhile, and backed up by their life's witness. Their righteous lives and careful use of words bless and nourish all who choose to listen. I want to be like them! Others, however, constantly talk about everything and spend little or no time practicing what they preach. Their words are discounted by almost everyone who hears them. People assume their words are little more than their desire to hear their opinions about matters they know very little about. Let's seek to have "the lips of the righteous" so that our words may "nourish many."

My Prayer...

Holy and wise God, please give me wisdom and self-control to keep my mouth shut unless what I say can benefit those who listen.* Please help my words be helpful, encouraging, and true. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

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* Ephesians 4:29
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 - John 17:1

After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you."

—John 17:1

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

John 17:1-26 is one of the most moving chapters in the Bible. Jesus knows he is going to die. He knows he is spending his last few hours before his death on a cross with disciples. These disciples do not understand what he is about to do and why he is about to do it. Jesus has two key goals in mind as he prepares himself and his disciples for their life ahead without him:

1. Jesus wants his disciples to be one so they can remain strong and influence the world that the Father sent Jesus to show the world his love.
2. Jesus wants what he is about to do on the cross to bring glory to the Father, unite his disciples, and reach the lost world with the love of God.

As Jesus faced humiliation and abandonment, his chief concern and focus were to bless others. Yes, he was in agony, but he desired to honor the Father and bless others. We will also face hardships, trials, and persecutions (John 15:20). What will be our goal when we face these difficulties? Hmm? No wonder the Holy Spirit reminded us to fix our eyes on Jesus and follow his example (Hebrews 12:1-3), as we yearn to bless those who persecute and mistreat us so they can come to know our Savior (Matthew 5:10).

My Prayer...

Loving Father, I cannot fathom the mysteries of anguish and grace that touched your heart as Jesus made his way to the Cross with such honesty and selflessness. LORD Jesus, I cannot thank you enough for leaving me a powerful example of how to endure life's heaviest burdens. Holy Spirit, please use me so my life can be a blessing to others, and I can live with courage to serve and bless even in hard times. 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.