Today's Verse - John 17:3

Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.

—John 17:3

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Eternal life begins now! That is one of Jesus' messages in the Gospel of John (John 5:24). Sure, we don't get to enjoy all of the blessings that await us when we go home to the Father quite yet, but Jesus wants us to know and to experience his love and the Father's presence in our lives, NOW! He even prayed this for us in today's verse! So let's seek the Father, not just to know about him, but to authentically know and experience him! He longs to draw near to us, make his home in us, and reveal himself to us (John 14:21, 23). He promises to do so as we draw near to him (James 4:8). He is at work in us, so the real issue isn't his nearness, but our awareness of his presence and work. So, let's open our eyes and hearts to our Father and ask him to reveal his presence to us as he makes his home in us and we experience the beginnings of eternal life now!

My Prayer...

It amazes me, Heavenly Father, that you let me approach you, the Almighty and Holy God. I am humbled by your promise to be at work in my life. Forgive me for the times I have been so full of myself that I have not acknowledged your presence and grace. Make me more aware of your providential care and your daily presence in me through your Holy Spirit. Open my eyes and heart, dear LORD, that I may know you more fully. In the name of Jesus, I pray.

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 - 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.

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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.