Today's Verse - Psalm 121:1-2

I lift up my eyes to the hills — where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

—Psalm 121:1-2

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

In a world of startling beauty and a universe of dazzling diversity, our hearts are to be drawn back to the One who made it, now sustains it, and reveals part of himself in his creative genius (Romans 1:19-20; Psalm 8:1, 3-4). Our God has revealed himself as our Abba Father (Romans 8:15-16), who knows us, will help us, and lives in us (John 14:18, 21, 23). We can look on the created beauty of our universe and say with confidence, "My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth," who is also my Abba Father.

Video Commentary...

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My Prayer...

Almighty Creator, Incredible Architect and Majestic Engineer, your creative work absolutely bewilders and delights us. Being so beyond us, you astound us even more when we realize that you care for each of us individually, knowing us intimately from our conception to old age. With all the things of such vast importance, we find your desire to know and love us both humbling and reassuring. Today we will worship, work, and witness to your greatness before others, aware of your constant presence, help, and care. Thank you, dear Father, for being glorious and also near us. In Jesus' name. 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 - Isaiah 46:4

Even to your old age and gray hairs, I AM he, I AM he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.

—Isaiah 46:4

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

This promise was originally made in Isaiah's day to the faithful remnant of God's people living among their corrupted and poisonous neighbors. God wanted them, in their day, just as he wants Jesus' disciples in ours, to realize that he knows us, gave birth to us through his Spirit (John 1:12-13, 8), and will never leave us or forsake us (Romans 8:37-39; Hebrews 13:5-6). God will not forget us when we're in trouble or when we are old. We may outlive our friends and be forgotten by those who know us. God, however, will sustain, carry, protect, and rescue us (Isaiah 46:3). And when our earthly journeys come to their end, the Father will send Jesus to rescue us, and "we will always be with the LORD. Therefore encourage one another with these words" (1 Thessalonians 4:17-18).

My Prayer...

Thank you, our Father, for promising never to forget us. Because of your faithfulness to your children of old, we know we can trust your promises never to leave or abandon us, even when we are old. We trust that no matter where we are or where we go, you will go with us, sustain us, lead us, and carry us. In Jesus' name, we offer our heartfelt thanks as we anticipate our journey with you until we are home in your presence. 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 - Titus 2:2

Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love, and in endurance.

—Titus 2:2

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

"Worthy of respect": What a goal for our lives, whether we are a man or a woman!
Don't you want your life to reflect the character of God because your faith expresses itself in a life that is temperate (reverent), self-controlled, faithful, loving, and steadfast? Paul wants Timothy to urge the older men to genuinely display these character qualities as they live in the presence of and have influence over others in the family of God. Such character is the work of the Spirit in our lives (Galatians 5:22-23) and manifests only as we dedicate ourselves to pursuing Christ-likeness and offering ourselves to the Holy Spirit for God's transforming work in us (2 Corinthians 3:18). As we grow older, we often worry about securing our financial investments so we can live comfortably in our older years. The apostle Paul's concern as we age is that we are yielded to Jesus, so that God's transformative work in us makes us more valuable for his service and for those around us!

My Prayer...

Father, please strengthen my faith in Jesus as the Holy Spirit does your transforming work in me. Please help me gain better control of my passions, speech, example, temper, kindness, and habits. Help me put to death the things that would rob me of my spiritual passion and poison my influence for good for those around me. Please strengthen my faith as I seek to treat others lovingly and persevere in faith through difficult times. In Jesus' name, and for my transformation to be more like him, 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.