Today's Verse - Isaiah 61:1-2a

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn...

—Isaiah 61:1-2a

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Jesus read this passage at a synagogue in Nazareth to define his ministry (Luke 4:14-19). He came to preach good news for the poor, to bind up the broken, to announce freedom for those who were captives, to bring deliverance from the powers of darkness to the prisoners of addiction and evil, to proclaim grace because of God's favor, and to offer comfort to those grieving. Jesus also made clear God had a sharp edge to his justice, settling the score with those who were exploiters and abusers of the powerless. Since Jesus has sent us into the world as the Father sent our Savior (John 20:21-23), shouldn't our mission be to do something similar to what our LORD did?

My Prayer...

Through the power and wisdom of your Holy Spirit, who longs to work powerfully in and through us, please open my eyes, dear LORD. Help us see those you put in our paths with whom you want us to share your grace, deliverance, and comfort. Use us to speak up for those who are exploited, mistreated, and abused. In Jesus' name, we ask for your power and strength to bring redemption and hope to the lost around us. 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 8:1-2

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.

—Romans 8:1-2

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Imagine the day when we see Jesus and he says to us, "You are mine! My righteousness and glory are yours! Enter into your Father's eternal reward!"

Because we are in Christ, we don't face judgment, only welcome, with God our Father! How can we be sure this is so? Jesus promised us that our faith has moved from death into eternal life (John 5:24). God's Spirit lives in us and bubbles up with life inside us (John 7:37-39). His grace has set us free from the power of sin and death (Ephesians 2:8-9) and has given us a mission to live in this life (Ephesians 2:4-7, 10). His Son has paid the price for our sins, and our life is hidden with Christ in God, awaiting glory (Colossians 3:3-4). We are the beloved children of God; people who know they will one day be like their Father because they will see him as he truly is in glory (1 John 3:1-3).

Video Commentary...

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My Prayer...

I praise you, loving and gracious Father, for your mercy and grace. Your steadfast and redeeming love never ceases.* Your mercies are endless. Your love is new and fresh every morning as your Spirit fills my life and your hope revives me to face another day. Thank you! In Jesus' name, I praise you. Amen.

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* This prayer is adapted from the wonderful confession of home in Lamentations 3:22-23.
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 31:1

In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness.

—Psalm 31:1

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

When all the clutter is stripped away, what is your real hope?
When you push aside the diplomas, awards, accolades, and honors, what is the basis of your significance?
Only one source for hope and only one basis of significance is trustworthy. Only One endures forever! Only our Father in heaven guarantees that the significance of our life endures. So let's place our hope in the LORD. Let's see him as our refuge. Let's trust that he will deliver us because he is righteous and we have placed our hopes in him.

My Prayer...

O LORD, God and Redeemer of our Fathers, Keeper of your many promises, thank you for allowing us to place our hope, future, and significance in your hands. Please give us the courage and the confidence to know that you will not let us be put to shame, but will share with us your righteousness and claim us as your special possession on that day when we stand in your presence in glory. In Jesus' name, we anticipate that day as 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.