Today's Verse - Isaiah 61:10

I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

—Isaiah 61:10

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

This is God's promise to his people after their Messiah comes with healing and power to bless them with the LORD's favor. In many ways, this is our promise as Christians. We do rejoice greatly because God has delivered us from law, sin, death, and hell through the coming of our Savior and LORD, Jesus. Because of our faith in Jesus' sacrifice for us, we are clothed with Christ (Galatians 3:26-27) and given his "garments of salvation and arrayed... in a robe of righteousness" (Colossians 1:22). Amazing. Beautiful. Blessed!

My Prayer...

Thank you, dear Father, for making me righteous by Jesus' sacrifice. Thank you LORD Jesus, for paying the price for my sins to give me life. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for cleansing me from my sins and empowering me to live for God. May I, dear God, live in such a way that those around me know that you have made me whole and holy. 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.

Today's Verse - 1 John 1:9

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

—1 John 1:9

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

When we view our sins the same way that God does and confess them, God forgives and purifies us. Honest confession opens our hearts to the flood of heaven's grace (Psalm 51:1-17; Psalm 103:11-14). God shares with us the sweet liberation from sin that Jesus purchased at Calvary (1 John 2:1-2). God not only forgives our sins but also purifies us of all unrighteousness. Think of purified this way: pure as if I had never sinned! We are no longer sinners, and the stain of our sin is removed. We are "holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation" because of God's purifying grace (Colossians 1:22). So, let's live in a way that reflects this incredible gift!

My Prayer...

Father, I confess my sins to you! Please forgive me for... (please verbalize to God specifically your sins to your Father in heaven.) Thank you for letting me be honest with you and share with you my frustration and my sorrow for my failures and flaws. Please liberate me from their power in my life and give me the confidence that you have not only forgiven my sins, but have also made me pure and holy, fresh and new as when I first came to Jesus. And it is 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.

Today's Verse - Micah 6:8

He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

—Micah 6:8

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Sometimes we need God to make what he wants from us plain and simple to understand. I need to handle those around me justly — practicing patience and dealing with others in fairness, without partiality, and treating them as I would like to be treated. I also need to practice mercy — blessing others in need with what they don't deserve but so greatly need. I need to walk humbly with my Abba Father, knowing that without his grace and help, I will fall short and fail. I need to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with [my] God." I have a sneaking suspicion you need the same.

My Prayer...

Father, please make of me what you will. As you fashion me, please bless me as I seek to be a person of justice, mercy, and humility. I know you identify yourself as the "I AM," known by your righteous character, gracious compassion, and faithful lovingkindness. In Jesus' name and through the power of the Holy Spirit, I seek to become more like you. I am thankful for Micah who made clear that this begins with me acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with you. Please help as I depend upon your grace and the power of the Holy Spirit to do just that! 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.