Today's Verse - Psalm 37:6-7

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.

—Psalm 37:6-7

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

If you listen to these words carefully, heaven says, "Have a holy chill-out moment." I'm not making light of this invitation. Heaven says, "Come into God's presence with dependent yet confident patience and silence." But how can we when our world is frantic, noise is everywhere, and evil seems to abound?
We know God will do what is right for us over the passage of time and eternal time. The Bible is God's story. More than history, it is HIS-story. It is our great reminder that God is always faithful to his promises, gracious in his power to redeem, and generous with his love shared with his children. So come into God's presence and be willing to be still, patient, trusting, and hopeful! God is on his throne. We can have a holy chill-out rest in his grace as we trust in his faithfulness.

My Prayer...

Father, in the quietness of this moment, I consciously relax into your presence as I place the concerns and cares of my heart before you. I trust, dear Father, that you will act redemptively in my life. You will give me peace and I can confidently put my soul, future, and hope in your hands. In Jesus' name, I rest myself 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.

Today's Verse - Romans 8:15

For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."

—Romans 8:15

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

These simple words, "by him we cry, 'Abba, Father,'" are revolutionary! Just as Jesus prayed to God, addressing him as "Abba Father,"* we too can speak so frankly and openly with God. The simple syllables "ab-ba-ab-ba" are some of the earliest babies babble. They form the word "Abba," which was used by very young children to speak intimately, respectfully, dependently, and openly with their earthly fathers. The Holy Spirit gives us that same privilege as God's beloved children. We can call the Creator of the universe, the Great God of Israel, the Father of all peoples, the Almighty of eternity, "Abba" when we pray — just like our Savior, Jesus. Incredible!

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* Jesus used this term for God when he prayed in the Garden before his death — Mark 14:36.

Video Commentary...

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My Prayer...

Abba Father, thank you for your presence within me through your Holy Spirit. Thank you for letting me address you with such familiarity and boldness, as well as with such respect and dependency. Thank you for being my Heavenly Father for eternity and inviting me to tenderly call you "Abba"! In Jesus' name, I humbly thank 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.

Today's Verse - Isaiah 41:4

Who has done this and carried it through, calling forth the generations from the beginning? I, the LORD — with the first of them and with the last — I am he.

—Isaiah 41:4

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End (Revelation 1:8). This should be a great comfort for us. We don't have to worry about our God leaving us as prey for other gods. We don't have to worry about his truth becoming obsolete or outdated. We don't have to worry about him abandoning us. His love is faithful. He will be with us always. He is always I Am (Exodus 3:13-14), the LORD from first to last. Our end will not be a lasting end, because it will be life with him forever.

My Prayer...

Eternal Father, the great I Am, God of mercy and grace, thank you for your faithfulness. You were faithful to your promises to Israel. You were faithful in your promises to send a Messiah. You are faithful to lead and guide me by your Spirit. You will faithfully bring me into your presence at the return of the LORD Jesus. Thank you for being my stable Rock and Refuge in unstable, transient, and fickle 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.