Today's Verse - Titus 2:13-14

We wait for the blessed hope — the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

—Titus 2:13-14

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

We haven't arrived at our destination (Philippians 3:12-14). We are a people "in waiting" - saved and redeemed but awaiting the full realization of these at the "glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ"! Jesus, who offered his own life for our redemption, will gloriously return to take us home. During our time of waiting, let's not waste our time. Instead, let's be eager to do what is right, good, and holy, showing that we are God's very own people.

My Prayer...

Father, please continue your work of transformation and sanctification in me. Holy Spirit, make me eager to be transformed to become like my Savior. Jesus, make me eager to do what is good and bless others. Please do these things for your praise and for the blessing of those who need to know you better. I am not seeking my own glory, but yours, dear Father. Please forgive me for the times I have settled for mediocrity and stir me to a holy passion to belong to you and be more like you in the life I live here. In Jesus' name and until he returns, I ask for your help and grace to be more like my Savior. Amen.

Today's Verse - Titus 2:11-12

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age...

—Titus 2:11-12

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Grace is not about excuses for our sins, but about a deep-seated thanksgiving for pardon and a life-changing commitment to say, "No!" to all that is evil, corrupt, and wicked, no matter how alluring or how pervasive those temptations and desires may be, and no matter how prevalent they are in our culture. As Paul taught the Ephesians, we have received mercy and grace so we could be saved FROM sin, death, and hell (Ephesians 2:6-8), and so we can be saved FOR doing what is good (Ephesians 2:10).

Video Commentary...

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My Prayer...

LORD, God of Jesus, my Abba Father, I praise you for your costly grace and love demonstrated to me in Jesus. Now, please galvanize my commitment to say "No!" to all those sins that required my Savior's pain and humiliation to cleanse me and empower me to be your child. Through your Spirit, form in me a righteous lifestyle that is self-controlled and that reflects your righteous character, gracious compassion, and faithful love and justice. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Today's Verse - Romans 6:11-12

In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.

—Romans 6:11-12

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

If we have been cleansed from perversity, if we have died with Christ in baptism to our old ways of life and have been cleansed thoroughly and completely by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:9-11), then let's live for God. Let's resist sin and our inclinations towards evil with all our might, knowing that as we do, the Holy Spirit will empower us to a much greater righteousness than we could ever live on our own (Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Corinthians 3:18). Let's begin each day with a conscious decision to be dead to our sinful past and alive to God and the holy character the Spirit is forming in us!

My Prayer...

Loving and Righteous Father, Almighty God, please help my heart remain firmly committed to your will and more fully conformed to your holy character and grace as I submit myself to the work of the Holy Spirit in me. In the name of Jesus, my Savior and my LORD. Amen.