Today's Verse - Psalm 119:1

Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD.

—Psalm 119:1

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

As Christians, we hear this passage a little differently than those who lived under the Torah, the Law of Moses. We recognize that our blamelessness comes as a gift because of Jesus' sacrificial death on the Cross (Romans 5:6-11; Colossians 1:19-22). We are not justified by working hard to keep the Law (Romans 3:28; Galatians 2:16, 3:11, 24, 5:4). Instead, we are doing our absolute best to walk in the will of the LORD, but do so out of our appreciation for God's grace and by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:1-4). We do by the power of the Holy Spirit what we could never do under the law. Doing the will of God brings us many blessings. Those blessings are not just for us in the future; they begin right now as we live for God's glory, obey God's will, and walk under his protection.

My Prayer...

Father, thank you for blessing me so graciously. As I seek to live according to your will, I know I experience the blessing of your presence and the power of the Holy Spirit in my life. Please bless me with wisdom to understand your will and the courage to live that will faithfully. 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 8:1-2

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...

The law of Spirit and life is built on the work of our great liberator, Jesus the Messiah! We are set free from the law of sin and death. Death has no mastery over us because of Jesus' resurrection. Sin has no claim on us because Jesus paid off our debt to sin on the Cross. We each stand before God as his righteous child, free at last because of the work of our mighty LORD Jesus Christ. There is no condemnation in our future, only glory! Plus, Jesus gave us this promise about his abiding presence that brings us life through the Spirit:

"Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them." By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive (John 7:37-39).

My Prayer...

Thank you, Almighty God, for your plan to pay my ransom and liberate me from sin and death. Thank you for the confidence I have because of your incomparable grace. Thank you, Jesus, for pouring the Holy Spirit into my heart and ensuring that your life springs up within me. I praise you, God, in Jesus' name. 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 - Acts 2:38

Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off — for all whom the Lord our God will call."

—Acts 2:38

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Peter makes a promise for everyone everywhere who turns their hearts to God and submits themselves to him in baptism, fully trusting Jesus Christ as their LORD and Savior! They will be filled with God's Spirit and forgiven of their sins because of the mighty name and gracious work of Jesus Christ. This passage (Acts 2:33-47) demonstrates that Peter and the apostles had begun fulfilling Jesus' Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20): they made disciples by going, baptizing, and teaching people to obey what the LORD commanded. Like those early disciples, let's share this grace so that the world can know that Jesus is not only LORD but also Savior and King for all who hear God's call and trust in him.

My Prayer...

I praise you, Almighty and gracious Father. You have given me hope when there was none. You have given me strength when my resolve was gone. You have blessed me with grace and poured your love into my heart through your Holy Spirit, your gift from above. I praise you for your love, grace, forgiveness, salvation, and Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name, I rejoice and praise 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.