Today's Verse - Philippians 4:4

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

—Philippians 4:4

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Sometimes, the squabbles among church folk can discourage us and lead us to lose sight of our incredible blessings in God's family. We have many reasons to rejoice in the LORD. Let's not lose sight of those reasons, especially when those around us get caught up in pettiness, division, and rivalry. Let's not let discouragement, grief, or danger wear us down and make us lose our joy. Our joy is in Jesus, an eternal, glorious, and victorious joy . Let's remember our hope is in our resurrected Jesus, our LORD and ever-present Savior. Paul wants us to know that it is time to reclaim our joy!

Video Commentary...

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My Prayer...

Father, thank you for the joy I have in knowing Jesus. I rejoice in the salvation you have brought me through his death and resurrection. With joy, I anticipate the day of glorious celebration when he returns to share your glory with me and all those who long for his coming. Even in my darkest moments of despair, I thank you for the flame of hope and the assurance of victory that sustains my deep and abiding joy of being your child. In the name of my Savior, the LORD Jesus, I rejoice as 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.

Today's Verse - Philippians 4:9

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me — put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

—Philippians 4:9

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

As we seek to pass on the faith to our children, friends, and younger spiritual "children" in Jesus' family, we would do well to remember Paul's example: Paul...

• Taught the truth.
• Passed on the truth that had been revealed and passed on to him.
• Displayed that truth in his life.
• Called on the people he was mentoring to put this truth into practice in their daily lives.

Paul's life enabled the Philippians to fully experience God's presence and find the peace God longed to give them. May our words and examples do something similar in the lives of those we long to influence!

My Prayer...

Father, help me be a better teacher in word and deed as I seek to influence those around me to become more JESUShaped. May my words and example bless those who need my help in their Christian walk and those in my family seeking to grow in your grace. In Jesus' name. 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 - 1 Corinthians 1:30

It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God — that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.

—1 Corinthians 1:30

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God's grace has brought us into a saving relationship with Jesus as our LORD and Savior. As believers, we recognize that Jesus' sacrifice on the Cross was much more than a terrible miscarriage of justice and the murder of a good and decent man. Jesus is God's Son. He is Immanuel, God with us. He is God's lovingly wise way to show us of his love. Jesus is our righteousness. He took our sins upon himself and made us righteous through his death, the shedding of his blood. Jesus is our ongoing holiness. His blood cleanses us at the beginning of our salvation and continues to do so as we live for him. Jesus is our hope. His death means our atonement for our sins and our reconciliation with God. Jesus is our ransom. He paid to redeem us from sin, death, and hell. Jesus is our everything!

My Prayer...

Almighty and Abba God, thank you for your holiness. Thank you for your righteousness. Thank you for your gracious forgiveness. Mold in me a heart like your Son's heart. Make from me a more usable vessel for your Kingdom work. Make me more JESUShaped. It's in his 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.