Today's Verse - Psalm 62:7

My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.

—Psalm 62:7

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Who we are, what becomes of us in life, and what we accomplish of significance are all in God's hands. We cannot achieve lasting honor for ourselves without his blessing. We cannot secure our future or our safety without his protection and blessing. The basis of all achievement and glory is dependent upon our willingly placing our lives in his care because he alone is permanent, eternal, and offers us life that is unending, with our future secure.

Video Commentary...

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My Prayer...

O God, you are my Rock, the Fortress of my life. I place myself in your care, willingly and dependently. Please take charge of my future and use me for your glory in that future. In you I take refuge, and on your strength I rely to make my days worthwhile and my life to make a difference in the world for Jesus. I seek you and your Kingdom above all other entanglements, distractions, or goals. In the precious name of Jesus, I pray this. Amen.

Today's Verse - Philippians 1:29

For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him.

—Philippians 1:29

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

When we read the book of Acts, we find the disciples were "rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name" (Acts 5:41). Since Jesus has already victoriously passed through the horrible ordeal of his crucifixion for us, we should consider it a privilege, not a hardship, to share in his sufferings. The truth of our commitment is often best shown to the skeptical when we are "under fire." So let's keep our character when under attack and rejoice because we've seen in Jesus what happens when God's children are faithful even at the cost of their lives.

My Prayer...

What a precious name you have given to your son, O LORD. May it be exalted in all the earth and throughout all the heavens, until every heart knows that Jesus the Messiah is the Son of God and LORD of the universe. May my life bring you glory regardless of comfort or pain, celebration or suffering, strength or weakness, joy or sorrow. In Jesus name, and for his glory, I pray. Amen.

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...

We can be forgiven of our sins, all of them, forever. That's great news, but there's even better news. We can be purified of any stain or residue from our past sins. You and I can say, "I am forgiven and purified" - pure as if I had never sinned!" That's incredible: not only am I forgiven, but I'm also made clean and new again! Not only can I have a fresh start, but I can also have a clean slate. This gift is ours when we are honest with ourselves and with God by confessing our sins and turning from them. The word "confess" our sins means to share our sins with another believer and call what we've done by the same name God does. We recognize our sin and turn from it! When we do, new life awaits; let's refuse to hesitate!

My Prayer...

Forgiving Father, please forgive me today of my sins. I confess them to you freely and honestly. I hold nothing back from you. I refuse to rationalize away or dismiss any of those sins. Now, please Father, create in me a pure heart - faithful, forgiving, gracious, and filled with only holy intentions.

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23-24)