Today's Verse - Romans 8:31-32

What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all — how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?

—Romans 8:31-32

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

We know God paid a high price to redeem and forgive us in Jesus when we were unworthy of such grace (Romans 5:6-11). If the Father has gone to such great lengths to purchase our pardon, what will he refuse us that is good, right, and holy? Nothing! So if God answers our prayers, "No!" then it is for the good and eternal well-being of those for whom we've prayed. God intends to comfort and liberate, not wound and enslave. He desires to redeem and bless, not deny or limit his grace. His commitment is to work all things out for our ultimate good as he is transforming us to be more like his beloved Son (Romans 8:28-29). If God offered us Jesus, what will he withold?

My Prayer...

Dear Father, I confess that I am sometimes impatient and disappointed when my prayers do not seem to get the immediate response I desire. Please calm and quiet my doubting heart. Please remind my spirit of your rich grace. Bring your comfort and assurance through the ministry of your Holy Spirit to my often vacillating human spirit. I believe that you want to bring me your blessing and grace. Although I may not always understand the bad things that happen in my life or why you delay in fixing them or liberating me from them, I trust that you are at work to make them all work for my good and your glory. In Jesus' name, I wait and pray as I trust in you. Amen.

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.

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.