Nov 23 2024

Today's Bible Verse

For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel.

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In today's verse, the Apostle Paul writes to the church in Colossae. He reminds them of the hope that they have in Heaven, which they learned about when they heard the Gospel. Today, we'll consider how the Gospel brings us hope, wherever we are in life.

Why does the Gospel bring you hope? For me, I'm reminded that I don't need to have my whole life figured out, that the Lord is trustworthy, and that I am loved for reasons that will never change. These truths comfort and assure me that even when things get difficult, the Lord is always with me. There is nothing I can face or experience that will take Him away from me. Regardless of what happens, my hope in Jesus will never let me down. All of these are reasons to find hope in the Gospel today.

Paul assured the Colossians of hope laid up for them in Heaven, and the same is true for us today. We know that God will be in Heaven; that there will be no sin, pain, or suffering; and that it will last for all eternity. Heaven is a place of eternal peace, an active place where people work for the glory of God; a place without the contamination of all the sin in today's world. When you feel yourself becoming discouraged about the world, sin, or suffering, try to remember the promises of God that tell us a better day is coming.

Having hope for better days also gives us strength to carry on right now. We do not have to wait until Heaven to enjoy its pleasures; we can take advantage of the hope it gives us today! When we are discouraged, for instance, we can remember God. When we are tired, or sick, or afraid, we can turn to God. We can think about the future we are promised and live each day in anticipatory hope of the many good things to come for those who love the Lord.

Today's Prayer

Dear Lord, I am so grateful for the hope that is laid up for me in Heaven. Thank you for all of the great promises that bring me comfort and security in you above all else. Thank you for the truth of the Gospel, which fills me with hope and assurance of your great love for me. In Jesus' name, amen.

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Nov 22 2024

Yesterday's Bible Verse

Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. amen.:

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Yesterday's Bible study

In this final verse of Ephesians, Paul sums up the Gospel: Grace is with all who love Jesus Christ. Today, let's think about this truth and how it changes eternity, as well as our daily walk with Jesus.

The Lord has shown each of us immeasurable grace. Think about what your life was like before you met Jesus. If you have known Him since you were a young child, think about how He has moved in your heart and matured your faith. Every part of ourselves that reflects Jesus shouts to the reality of the grace of God in our hearts and minds. It can be easy to take this for granted, especially when we form good habits. But pausing to reflect on how God has transformed us can help us realize the grace He has shown us. It was not inevitable for us to live in God's grace. Jesus had to make a way for us—and He had the option not to. He could have called angels to rescue Him from the cross. He could have succumbed to the enemy's temptations in the desert. He could have gotten weary with people's unbelief. Instead, He chose grace every single time. And every single time we come to Him feeling sorrow for our sin, He casts our troubles away and embraces us, seeing us not as helpless sinners, but as holy sons and daughters.

The only response to grace is love. When we have insurmountable debts lifted, we cannot help but love the one who showed mercy. In the same way, we love Jesus Christ. When He died on the cross for us, He made it possible for us to come before a holy God who loved justice. He made it possible for us to pray to Him, to see Him even when we are suffering, and to love one another with selfless love.

Because we have experienced grace, we can give it to other people. We can make an effort to love them when no one else would. We can be like Jesus because Jesus lives in us.

Yesterday's Prayer

Dear Lord, I thank you so much for the grace and love that I have found in Jesus Christ. Thank you for saving me when I was desperate and for moving in my heart when everything felt hopeless. You are so good to me, and I love you. In Jesus' name, amen.
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