Today's Verse - Isaiah 41:10

"Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

—Isaiah 41:10

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Fear saps our willpower and leaves us feeling depleted and hopeless. Feeling depressed, discouraged, and dismayed saps our emotional resources and takes the passion out of our spiritual service. Yet very few of us have ever experienced a defeat so complete and bitter as the one God's people faced when Isaiah shared this message of hope. The preservation of Israel through their horrors of defeat, humiliation, and loss from their times in exile until the time of Jesus is a many-centuries-long reminder of God's miraculous and faithful fulfillment of his promises and love. Later, when all appeared lost, the ongoing survival and triumph of Jesus' disciples through centuries of persecution and opposition powerfully remind us that underneath us are the everlasting arms (Deuteronomy 33:27) of a mighty and loving God who will ultimately bring us to share in his eternal victory by the power of his "righteous right hand".

My Prayer...

Almighty and Eternal Father, we find such sweet comfort in knowing that you are always there to be with us, to sustain us, and to uphold us in your loving arms of strength and mercy. Thank you for always being present in our lives and being present in our world, guaranteeing our victory! In Jesus' name, we believe and trust in you and your "righteous right hand". Amen.

Today's Verse - Psalm 119:7

I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws.

—Psalm 119:7

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Praise is integrally connected with our character. For us to worship God properly, the intent of our hearts and the effort of our lives must show our determined desire to know and live his will as we reflect his holy character, gracious compassion, and faithful loving justice. While we will never do this perfectly, his grace covers us as we seek to live for his glory, and as the Holy Spirit is always at work transforming us into greater Christlikeness (2 Corinthians 3:18). However, we must never use God's grace as a pretense to excuse spiritual laziness, intentional weaknesses, and persistent sins. True praise comes from an upright heart and a life aligned with our Creator's loving purposes, and reflected in our knowing what he wants and obeying what he calls us to do.

My Prayer...

Holy God, I want to be more like you in character, even though I will never fully be like you in might or majesty. But, Father, I do want your values to be seen in my life. Please open my eyes and enlighten me as you transform me through your Holy Spirit. I seek to know your will in your Scriptures and live them obediently for you, and before you, in my daily life. Forgive me of my sin and please create a clean and holy heart, wholly determined to do your will. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Today's Verse - Romans 1:16

I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.

—Romans 1:16

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

For the rich and poor, young and old, weak and strong, thin and heavy, there is still just one message, one name, and one story that makes the eternal difference. It's the good news of Jesus - the gospel. That one message, story, and name are announced in the gospel - God's good news to the world in Jesus Christ. God's good news of life in Jesus Christ is the story, message, and hope for us all. As Paul the apostle tells the Galatians:

So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:26-28).

Video Commentary...

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My Prayer...

Great Redeemer, please empower me to be bolder in proclaiming your good news. Please give me eyes to see people from all walks of life and all nations who are waiting to hear about your love and grace in Jesus. Please fill me up with your Spirit so that I will not be ashamed but will gladly and effectively proclaim your gift of Jesus. Please fill my life with the assured hope of Jesus' glorious and victorious return so that I might share your message - your good news, your gospel - with passion, and others will know of your redeeming grace. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.