Today's Verse - 1 Corinthians 15:55

Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?

—1 Corinthians 15:55

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Death has the power to end our physical, human lives in this world. Death has the power to separate our loved ones from us in this world. Death has the power to discourage and defeat us. But we know the truth: Jesus lives victoriously over death! Because he lives, we know we will live with him. We believe that his victory over death is our victory over death. So, like Jesus, we mock death and its power ultimately to destroy us. Jesus has destroyed death and brought immortality to life in us through the Gospel. So we join the angels of heaven at Jesus' resurrection and mock death: "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death is your sting?" We've triumphed over death in Jesus' resurrection power!

My Prayer...

Father, I confess that the death of those I love still hurts me. I thank you that my separation from them will be only for a short time. I thank you, however, that death doesn't separate me for long from those I love and who love you. Thank you for giving me this victory, this assurance, in Jesus. Thank you, Jesus, for defeating death. I pray in your precious and triumphant name, Jesus Christ, my Savior and LORD. 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 Corinthians 15:54

When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory."

—1 Corinthians 15:54

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

As Christians, even if our body dies, we don't! Our physical death just means that we will be given immortal bodies. Christ will raise us up and clothe us with immortality. Death will not have a hold on us because we are God's children. We will be like the glorious LORD Jesus and see him as he truly is. Victory will be ours. Death does not have the final word. Jesus does. And one day he will say to us, "Arise!"

My Prayer...

Father, I know that my physical earthly body is fragile. Dear Father, I know that no matter how good a shape I stay in or how careful I am about my health, I cannot stop the process of physical death in my body. But I am excited to know that even though my physical body will fail, you won't fail. Even though my human body is fragile, I know you are powerful and triumphant. Father, I look forward to the day of victory when death is swallowed up by the glory and power of Jesus' return for me and transformation of me. Until that day, dear God, I serve you with joy as I look forward to seeing you face to face. In Jesus' mighty name, I 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 Corinthians 15:51-53

Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed — in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality.

—1 Corinthians 15:51-53

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

We're going to be changed! I'm going to be changed. You're going to be changed! We're not talking about a new wardrobe or haircut. We're not talking about a new car or place to live. We are not talking about a new weight loss plan or cosmetic surgery. We are talking about an ultimate, transformational, heavy-duty, complete overhaul! We're going to be made immortal. We are going to become indestructible. We will no longer be "perishable goods"! We are bound for glory and will be like Jesus in his glorified body (Philippians 3:21), for we will see him as he is (1 John 3:2-3).

Video Commentary...

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My Prayer...

Inspire my faith, dear LORD, to trust your timing and to lean upon your grace. I believe that you know all the mysteries and hold all triumphs in your hand. Please make me victorious, O LORD Almighty, through the mighty work of your Son. In Jesus' name, I 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.