Today's Verse - Galatians 3:28

There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

—Galatians 3:28

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Wouldn't it be great if we could tear down all the walls that divide us - racial, social, economic, gender, and political. The apostle Paul spent his entire life trying to do just that: to tear down the walls that divided people by bringing them to Jesus and the cross. In fact, Paul emphatically proclaimed that Christ "has made us ... one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility" (Ephesians 2:13-14 ESV). There are no positions of superiority or inferiority at the foot of the cross; only a place for those who discover God's might displayed in sacrifice and God's love displayed even when under attack at the hands of human cruelty. While the forces of culture and human selfishness are always trying to divide us, we can remember that in Jesus, and only in Jesus, we can all be truly one.

My Prayer...

Forgive me, O God, for the times when I have let prejudice and suspicion keep me from fully enjoying fellowship with those whom you have claimed as your children. I pray that my life will be an example of redemption and unity as I seek to love your children as you do. In the name of Jesus, whose dying prayer was for unity among his followers (John 17:20-21), I pray. Amen.

Today's Verse - John 6:29

Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: To believe in the one he has sent."

—John 6:29

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Do you believe in Jesus - not just "kinda believe" in Jesus, but do you really believe? Years ago, shortly after Max Lucado came back from his mission work in Rio, Brazil, he shared with a group of his closest friends that his theology was pretty simple. He didn't have a handle on a lot of the big, difficult theological problems that divide folks. However, Max said he came to the firm and deep conviction that God loves us, and he showed that love by really sending Jesus to live among us, to die for us, and to be raised from the dead so that we could be raised from death, too. This is the work of God - amazingly simple and awesomely powerful. I believe in Jesus. I pray that you believe in Jesus. While we may be uncertain about many specific details of complex doctrinal issues, the work of God we need is to genuinely "believe in the one he has sent."

Video Commentary...

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My Prayer...

Holy God, I do believe that Jesus came to earth, died, and was raised from the dead. Please help me show and share that message with those around me who are looking for hope and help. Holy Spirit, open my eyes to those around me who are searching for Jesus, and please give me the courage and sensitivity I need to share Jesus effectively with them, with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). Father, I want so much to share in your work of both believing in Jesus personally and also helping others to believe in him. I rededicate myself to this gospel message today. In the name of Jesus, my Savior, I pray. Amen.

Today's Verse - Isaiah 26:3

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.

—Isaiah 26:3

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

It is naive, on one hand, to think that trusting in God makes all of our problems go away. Christians have many of the same problems that unbelievers do because they share the same mortal flesh and live in the same broken world (Romans 8:18-21). Some of our brothers and sisters are suffering hardship and persecution because of their faith. However, there is also a sense that trusting in God does make our problems go away - or at least helps us put those problems into perspective. Because we trust in God, our work stands or falls in his hands. Either way, we know that we will share in his victorious and glorious presence forever (Colossians 3:1-2). Our lives are not lived in vain. That's not just confidence; it's the foundation of true peace. We can live our lives to their fullest, knowing that every moment matters. We don't need to be anxious about the results when we rest our lives in the hands of our living and victorious LORD, in whom we trust!

My Prayer...

Almighty Father of peace, thank you for the assurance that my life will not be lived in vain and will end victoriously in your presence with the return of Jesus (1 Thess. 4:16-18). May I share this sense of peace with others. In the name of Jesus, my Prince of Peace, I pray with confidence and assurance. Amen.