Today's Verse - Philippians 4:12-13

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

—Philippians 4:12-13

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Life is full of ups and downs, highs and lows. So much of what and who we hold dear in this world can be touched by death, disaster, and decay. What do we have that is certain? To whom can we turn for assurance? Where do we find the power to live victoriously in good times and bad? In the LORD who gives us strength! With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can do everything and endure everything, with the help of God — Father, Son, and Spirit who give us strength!

My Prayer...

O LORD God, Father of all creation, we confess that our lives and the circumstances in which we live are beyond our abilities to control. We thank you for being present to comfort, protect, guide, and empower us. Because of your presence and strength in us and with us, we believe we can face each situation with confidence and assurance. Because you are with each of us, O loving Shepherd, we know we will have all we need to live victoriously for you until the glorious day we share with you in your glory. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Today's Verse - 1 Corinthians 15:19

If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.

—1 Corinthians 15:19

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Wow! What a powerful and sobering thought. Our faith in Jesus' resurrection and being joined with him forever is so crucial that all else pales in comparison. Our hope in Christ is not just for the here and now but also a hope that transcends life and breaks the shackles of death. If it doesn't offer us this hope, then there is no hope. We have no good news to share. The world is lost in its morass of selfishness and sin. We are deluded and to be pitied. But then, because of grace, I do believe! I trust that you also believe! And that, dear disciple of Jesus, changes everything!

Video Commentary...

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My Prayer...

Father God, the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, we believe your victory over sin and death through Jesus' resurrection also means our victory over sin, death, and hell! We trust that Jesus will raise us from the dead to share eternal life in your presence. We cannot fully put into our meager human words how much we look forward to being with you face to face, sharing in your glory, and praising your name forever. So, we entrust our hearts' joyous thanksgiving to the Holy Spirit as your heavenly gift intercedes for us in groans, sighing, and emotions "too deep for words." (Romans 8:26-27). In Jesus' name, we praise and thank you for our hope. Amen.

Today's Verse - 1 Corinthians 15:3-5

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve.

—1 Corinthians 15:3-5

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Some truths are "first importance" truths. They are the heart of the matter, foundational, and immutable truths. We don't have to doubt what those "first importance" things are as Jesus' disciples. The Gospel of our salvation is built on the testimony of eyewitnesses to the historical events: Jesus died, Jesus was buried, Jesus rose from the grave, and Jesus appeared to his disciples, who were never the same after witnessing their resurrected Savior. Let's not let anyone distract us from these core truths or crowd out their simplicity with other matters that some falsely claim to be essential. Our salvation is rooted in our faith and our participation in this simple yet powerful Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:3-7; Romans 6:3-7).

My Prayer...

Dear God, I confess my faith in your saving work for me accomplished by Jesus. I believe that your Son and my Savior, Immanuel, Jesus of Nazareth, my LORD, was crucified by wicked men just as you had foretold long ago in the Scriptures. I believe Jesus' dead and lifeless body was placed in a borrowed tomb. I believe you brought him back to life on the third day, just as you promised. I believe that those most destroyed by his death, those who knew him best, saw him alive again. I believe their lives were never the same. I believe, dear Father, that as I have confessed my faith in Jesus and shared with him in his death, burial, and resurrection through baptism, my life is caught up with him in your salvation and victory over sin, death, and hell. I praise you for this grace. I thank you for this assurance. So, dear Father, I look forward to sharing in your glory when he returns for me. Thank you for my salvation. In Jesus' name I live, rejoice, and wait in hope. Amen.