Today's Verse - 1 John 1:7

If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

—1 John 1:7

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

As we seek to please God and trust in his grace, more grace is supplied. As we walk openly, transparently, and bring who we are to the Light (John 3:19, 21), we are forgiven our sins and cleansed of their stains (1 John 1:8-9). This grace gives us an ongoing relationship with each other for fellowship, encouragement, and mutual support, and it also brings us into deeper fellowship with our Father in heaven. Jesus' death was "once for all" (Hebrews 7:27, 9:12, 26, 10:10); its cleansing power goes on and on for each of us, as long as we tune our hearts to the Father's grace, we are open about our sinful failures, and our hearts return to the path that seeks the Father's will and live in the Light of Jesus.

My Prayer...

Loving Father, thank you for the gift of Jesus and the cleansing his death brings me. Help me live a more dedicated life each day. Thank you for the assurance that, as I seek your will and live your life, you are also forgiving me of my sins, cleansing me of their stains, and making me new. Through the intercession of Jesus, and in his mighty name, I offer these words of thanks. 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 41:10

"Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

—Isaiah 41:10

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Fear saps our willpower and leaves us feeling depleted and hopeless. Feeling depressed, discouraged, and dismayed saps our emotional resources and takes the passion out of our spiritual service. Yet very few of us have ever experienced a defeat so complete and bitter as the one God's people faced when Isaiah shared this message of hope. The preservation of Israel through their horrors of defeat, humiliation, and loss from their times in exile until the time of Jesus is a many-centuries-long reminder of God's miraculous and faithful fulfillment of his promises and love. Later, when all appeared lost, the ongoing survival and triumph of Jesus' disciples through centuries of persecution and opposition powerfully remind us that underneath us are the everlasting arms (Deuteronomy 33:27) of a mighty and loving God who will ultimately bring us to share in his eternal victory by the power of his "righteous right hand".

My Prayer...

Almighty and Eternal Father, we find such sweet comfort in knowing that you are always there to be with us, to sustain us, and to uphold us in your loving arms of strength and mercy. Thank you for always being present in our lives and being present in our world, guaranteeing our victory! In Jesus' name, we believe and trust in you and your "righteous right hand". 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 - Psalm 119:7

I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws.

—Psalm 119:7

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Praise is integrally connected with our character. For us to worship God properly, the intent of our hearts and the effort of our lives must show our determined desire to know and live his will as we reflect his holy character, gracious compassion, and faithful loving justice. While we will never do this perfectly, his grace covers us as we seek to live for his glory, and as the Holy Spirit is always at work transforming us into greater Christlikeness (2 Corinthians 3:18). However, we must never use God's grace as a pretense to excuse spiritual laziness, intentional weaknesses, and persistent sins. True praise comes from an upright heart and a life aligned with our Creator's loving purposes, and reflected in our knowing what he wants and obeying what he calls us to do.

My Prayer...

Holy God, I want to be more like you in character, even though I will never fully be like you in might or majesty. But, Father, I do want your values to be seen in my life. Please open my eyes and enlighten me as you transform me through your Holy Spirit. I seek to know your will in your Scriptures and live them obediently for you, and before you, in my daily life. Forgive me of my sin and please create a clean and holy heart, wholly determined to do your will. 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.