Today's Verse - Isaiah 25:1

O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago.

—Isaiah 25:1

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God's actions are not reactions to current situations, but part of his long-term plan to bring redemption. Yes, he has done marvelous things, both in history and also in our personal histories. God transformed the vile intentions of a mob urged on by evil men and made it into the atoning sacrifice for our sins to display his love, mercy, and grace (Acts 2:22-24; 1 John 2:1-2). He changed the hearts of people who cried "Crucify him!" into people who believed in Jesus, repented of their evil, and were baptized, in faith, at Pentecost (Acts 2:36-41). He turned the ugliness of the cross into an opportunity to fulfill the prophets and redeem us through the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago. We join Isaiah to say in reverent admiration: "O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago."

Video Commentary...

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My Prayer...

Holy God, you surprise me with new wonders and new things daily. Yet deep in my heart, dear Father, I know they are not new to you. Thank you for not making life boring or predictable, so I might thirst after you, the only true and living God, forever fresh, new, exciting, and marvelous. In the name of my Savior, Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Today's Verse - Deuteronomy 6:6-7

These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

—Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

We are to begin each day with God. Every breath we take should be a powerful reminder that our Father has granted us another day of life to serve him and bless others. Each heartbeat is God's drumbeat of love, reminding us that we are blessed with another minute to offer him our best. This blessing is so easily forgotten. We best remember these truths when we teach, demonstrate, and live them with and before our families, children, and grandchildren. We should also teach, demonstrate, and live these with our spiritual friends. But, let's not leave their learning these truths to our example alone. Let's find teachable moments to explain our faith to them, praise our Heavenly Father with them, and to teach God's truths to them. We should do this with them when we sit at home... walk along the road... lie down and... get up." What's the point of all of this? So our lives can "be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea" (Habakkuk 2:14).

My Prayer...

Almighty God, Gracious Sustainer, and Undeserved Friend, thank you! Thank you for this breath I take and for the heartbeat that sustains my life. Please make me aware, as I travel and talk, rest and work, that you are there every moment, and that you are worthy of my awareness, love, and reverence. Please help me share your greatness and nearness with those whom I love. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Today's Verse - Joshua 1:9

Have not I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

—Joshua 1:9

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Never forgotten!
Never abandoned!
Never alone!
What a promise. God promised Joshua that he would go with him into the unknown future. The Father has promised us that he will go with us through all the seasons of life. He was there at our conception, molding us, and he will be with us through all our ups and downs, through temptations and triumphs, even through death (Psalms 139:1-24). Nothing can separate us from the love of God we have through Christ Jesus our LORD (Romans 8:35-39). So we can believe God's promise, feel his strength, and launch into our unknown future with courage. We are not, nor will we ever be, alone, abandoned, or forgotten!

My Prayer...

O God, the one who is and was and is to come, thank you for being with me and staying near me when all others forsake and leave me. You are the one constant in my life, a life so full of change. Help me be steadfast and faithful in my commitments and relationships. May those commitments and relationships all honor you. Through the intercession and by the authority of Jesus, who will never forget or leave me, I pray. Amen.