Today's Verse - Romans 8:18

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

—Romans 8:18

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Paul didn't make this statement lightly. He knew hardship! Take a look at the list of just some of the painful challenges the apostle endured in his letter to the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 11:22-33). His "present sufferings" make most of our difficulties seem tame by comparison. However, Paul could say confidently that the glory he would have with Christ would be so incredible, with blessings so fantastic, that his hardships in this life would pale in comparison to that glory. Paul was not only confident that he would share in that glory, but he was confident that it would be ours as well! And how can we be sure? Because the resurrected Jesus, who has ascended to the Father, holds us close to him and our future is bound up in his glory (Colossians 3:1-4)!

My Prayer...

Holy and Almighty God, you are awesome, glorious, and majestic. I praise you for reaching down and saving me by your grace. Father, most of the time, my faith is strong and I feel confident about my future. However, at times my faith can waver when I'm confronted with grave difficulties. Please give me courage and boldness, dear Father, to face those challenges with the conviction that these sufferings are minor in comparison to the glory you will share with me when Jesus returns and brings me to you. In Jesus' name, I wait expectantly for that day as I pray. Amen.

Today's Verse - John 15:16

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit — fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.

—John 15:16

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Were you ever the last one chosen at recess when kids were dividing up teams? Were you ever the one no one wanted on your team? Ouch. That hurts deeply. So, isn't it remarkable that God, the Creator of the universe, chose us in Jesus Christ, even before the beginning of the world (Ephesians 1:4)? Isn't it amazing that we are loved and desired by the King of the Ages and his Son, Jesus Christ! Not only that, we weren't chosen out of pity, but chosen to make a difference for the Kingdom of God by bearing fruit that will endure. To help ensure our fruitfulness, Jesus promised that we can ask for God's blessing on our work for His Kingdom, and God will bless us with it. Incredible!

My Prayer...

Give me a heart, O God, that is open to your work and a vision that is as expansive as your grace. May my prayers ask for things that bring you glory, expand the borders of your kingdom, and reach beyond the limited things that so often distract me. I invite you to do great things for your Kingdom through me as I remain connected wholeheartedly to Jesus, to your glory. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Today's Verse - Psalm 31:16

Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.

—Psalm 31:16

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Can your faith remain strong during trying times? I hope mine can! This is a Psalm written during trying times. However, no matter how difficult the situation seemed, the Psalmist still knew who God is and believed what God can do when he decides to do it. Even in trial, the psalmist doesn't lose sight of the blessings that come from the LORD being present. So, he says that the LORD's presence and love will be with him and save him. Let's choose to pray that same prayer:

Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your unfailing love.

My Prayer...

Father, please make your presence known in my life. I am confident you are there; I just need to experience your presence in a tangible way and receive your salvation in all of its fullness, with confidence. So in Jesus' name, I expectantly pray that you will grant the prayer of the psalmist, which is also my prayer, today. Amen.