Today's Verse - Romans 5:8

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

—Romans 5:8

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God didn't wait till we were "good enough" to bring us his salvation. Notice the words in this context (Romans 5:6-10) to describe us without grace: powerless, ungodly, sinners, and enemies. God sent Jesus when we were lost and desperately needed his grace. But then, that's what love really means by God's definition and chosen actions (1 John 3:16). It's more than something declared or felt; it's something radically demonstrated!

My Prayer...

Holy and loving Father, thank you for demonstrating your love in such powerful and sacrificial ways through Jesus, in whose name 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.

Today's Verse - 1 Peter 5:7

Cast all your anxiety on [God] because he cares for you.

—1 Peter 5:7

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Isn't it absolutely wonderful that the God who made the universe cares about us and our needs, hurts, anxieties, and fears?! So let's trust that he will do what is best for us and show that trust by living for him, loving him, and seeking to live out his purpose in our life (Romans 8:28-29).

My Prayer...

Loving Father and Almighty God, I consciously place all my anxieties, worries, cares, and frustrations into your hands. I will need the Holy Spirit's help as I do my best not to dwell on them and seek to trust that you will do what is best for me and for those I love. In Jesus' name, I thank you for this promise and ask for your help in receiving this grace. 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 - Deuteronomy 5:6-7

[The LORD said to Israel,] "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me."

—Deuteronomy 5:6-7

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God had delivered his people from Egypt through the Red Sea, the ten plagues, and led them to this mountain, where he came down to give Moses and his people his Ten Commandments. They didn't earn God's presence, deserve his deliverance, and certainly had not earned his affection. However, God had blessed them with deliverance because of his grace and to honor his promises to Abraham. As God, the LORD, is Sovereign, all-powerful, and without rival. Amazingly, throughout the Scriptures, God follows this same pattern. He repeatedly blesses his people with grace; only then does he call his people to worship and obedience. The gods of other religions demanded adherence, sacrifice, and obedience BEFORE they would bless people with their favor. As the LORD, the great "I Am," revealed to Moses (Exodus 3:4-13), he is worthy of being recognized as God. Having demonstrated his grace, love, mercy, and incomparable glory to Israel, he now calls on them to have no other gods; he alone is to be worshiped!

My Prayer...

Almighty God, you alone ARE worthy of all honor, worship, and praise. I want my heart always to revere you, respect your glory, and appreciate your grace. Please don't let me outlive my love and allegiance to you. I pray this in Jesus' name with all my love and respect. 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.