Today's Verse - 1 Corinthians 15:25-26

For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.

—1 Corinthians 15:25-26

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

How many times have you stood over the grave of a recently departed friend or loved one? It hurts! When was the last time you tasted grief and separation from someone you dearly loved? Oh, my, that hurts deeply! I don't know about you, but I am so thankful that the Bible identifies death as one of Jesus' enemies. I am grateful that Jesus hates death and the damage and separation it causes. I rejoice! The LORD hates death even more than I do and came to earth and suffered death to destroy the evil one's power over us in death. I am filled with joy to know that death ultimately will be destroyed when Jesus gives immortality and life to us so we can share in his glory forever!

My Prayer...

Holy Father, please triumph with life and mercy in the lives of those I know who are wrestling with emotional, spiritual, and physical illness and death. Triumph in their lives through your power and your grace. I look forward to the day, dear Father, when death is no more. LORD Jesus, I not only pray this in your name, but I ask you to speed this day of victory for all your disciples! 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 15:24

Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power.

—1 Corinthians 15:24

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Closing time! That's when everything is counted, the doors are locked, and the final tally is made. Jesus is LORD of closing time. Even though he won the victory over death and sin while on the cross and with the empty tomb (Colossians 2:12-15), we're still waiting to get swept up into his victory march. That day is coming. Every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess Jesus' power, glory, and reign (Philippians 2:10-11). Every evil power will face destruction. However, the hearts that are yielded to God will be placed into his loving and mighty hands forever and share in his glory (Colossians 3:3-4). Our LORD reigns!

My Prayer...

Almighty God, Father of grace and mercy, I appreciate your tenderness and patience with me. However, Father, I am also comforted to know your power and might will exert itself fully upon the earth and against the powers of hell. I am heartened to know that Jesus will assert his rule and destroy everything false, malicious, evil, and wicked. Maranatha!* May that day, and our LORD Jesus Christ, come soon! In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

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* In 1 Corinthians 16:22, Paul uses the Aramaic phrase Maranatha, which is translated, "Come, Lord!"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 15:20

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

—1 Corinthians 15:20

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

The angels at the empty tomb of Jesus asked the women (Luke 24:5), "Why do you look for the living among the dead?" These words are also the angels' words to us. Jesus is risen, and one day, so will we be raised from the dead:

Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep (1 Corinthians 15:20, 23).

He guarantees that God's harvest of all people will one day occur. He is our assurance as believers and disciples that we, too, will be raised from death and death will no longer have a hold on us! We are God's eternal children, and death cannot separate us from his presence or love (Romans 8:37-39).

My Prayer...

Father God, I praise you for your redeeming grace. I rejoice in your conquest over Satan and over his power to wound and destroy through death. I thank you for your power over the grave. Thank you for raising Jesus from the dead and giving me the assurance of life forever with you. Please bless me, dear Father, with a life that reflects the power that you have now working in me. In Jesus' name, I pray this. 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.