Today's Verse - Romans 6:13

Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness.

—Romans 6:13

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

We come to today's message after this past week of verses about being forgiven, purified, cleansed, and made holy. This long verse boils down to a very simple message: We are to glorify God through what we do with our bodies. We were dead in our sins, but God has made us alive through our participation with Jesus in his saving death, burial, and resurrection. How can we go back to the hideous sins that mastered us and led us to death? We shouldn't! We mustn't! And by God's gracious help, we won't. Our commitment to live for his glory and the power of the Holy Spirit will help us live for him and transform us with increasing glory to be like our Savior, Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Video Commentary...

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My Prayer...

Father, God of grace, please forgive me for the times in my past when I flirted with sin. I know how much you paid to redeem me from my sin. I know the power of Satan to use sin to entrap and enslave me. Bless me as I commit to living for you, with Jesus as my LORD, and the Spirit as your empowering presence within me. I ask for this grace, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Today's Verse - Psalm 103:12

As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

—Psalm 103:12

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Let's praise and thank God our Father. He doesn't just forgive our sins; he removes them from us completely. Hallelujah!

My Prayer...

Loving and merciful Father and holy God, thank you for giving me the great gift of your unfathomable forgiveness. Now, dear LORD, please help me to pass it along to others as I seek to be a conduit of your grace. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Today's Verse - Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

—Jeremiah 29:11

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Jeremiah was telling God's people that 70 years after the devastation they were facing because of their rebellion and sins, God would deliver and restore them. Even though they had repeatedly abandoned God, he would not abandon them or his promises to them. He would be faithful (2 Timothy 2:13). In fact, God was planning and preparing a brighter future for them than they could imagine. This promise also reminds us that no matter how deep our own personal gloom feels, God does have wonderful plans for us that include giving us a prosperous hope and a glorious future. God will keep his promises to us. He will deliver and bless us. We have a vibrant hope and a bright future because of his faithfulness and our trust in his Son, Jesus, who delivers us from every foe and brings us into his presence with great joy (Jude 1:24).

My Prayer...

Give me faith, O LORD, during the times I'm weary, discouraged, and beaten down. Inspire me to trust in your great promises. Please give me courage, O LORD, when my faith wavers. Help me obey your word no matter how challenging it may seem or how discouraged I feel. Thank you for giving me a bright future in Jesus. Please help me live more consciously aware of this great gift. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.