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)

Today's Verse - Romans 6:23

The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

—Romans 6:23

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

When we face death because of sin, we're only being paid what we've earned. Sin is rebellion against God - the Father who loves us and the Son who gave up glory to endure the cross to redeem us from sin! Praise God, the Father's gift of eternal life is a free gift offered to us by grace, which we accept through faith in Jesus as our Savior and LORD! We could not earn it, deserve it, or demand it. God not only provided us with this gift, but also offered it to us in love. For us to spurn it or not receive it with passionate faith is to choose to receive what we've earned:

The wages of sin is death..., but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

My Prayer...

Thank you, God, for loving me when no one else could or would. Thank you for sacrificing the most precious gift of heaven so I could join you there as your child, your beloved child, just like my Savior Jesus. Of all the gifts I've ever received, yours is the best. I offer this praise in the name of one whose gift has given me life! Amen.