God * opens the eyes of the blind, frees the captives, and releases those who sit in darkness * has summoned us by name – we are His * blots out our transgressions and remembers our sins no more.

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Jesus lived out what He saw and heard in the Father’s presence. Challenge question: do you spend enough time soaking up the character of God through study of His Word and prayer to be known by your actions as His follower? - TV

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In Revelation 1, God was about to reveal images and messages that would help His people to know and understand His plan for the future and for the reign of His Son Jesus. He chose John – “the one Jesus loved” – to present the message. John was a faithful scribe in recording the life of Jesus. Now he had the privilege of recording “what must soon take place.” The blessing would be for all who would read John’s words, hear them, and “take them to heart.” The critical piece was to “take them to heart” – to internalize the identity and character of God, to be encouraged by the hope of Christ’s return, and to be strengthened in their faith for the adversity they would face. To read and hear God’s Word is vanity if we fail to “take it to heart.” Ask God to help you apply all that you learn to enjoy His blessing over your life. - TV

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When you find yourself alone on stormy seas, don’t be surprised to see Jesus walking on the water toward you. Let His words calm and comfort you: “It is I; don’t be afraid.” You weren’t made to weather this world by yourself. Welcome the Savior into your boat. No matter what happens, you’ll face it together – with the One Who is able to still those stormy seas. – TV

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Lord, thank You that I, like Paul and every other believer for all of history and eternity, have been “set apart for the gospel!” With the eyes of my heart sharply focused on the redemption of my own soul by my Savior Jesus, I’ll never lack purpose. You’ve entrusted me with a mission – to be recklessly abandoned to the spread of the good news. There is hope in Jesus! To live a meaningless life and to die in our sins is not the only option. Jesus has made a way for us to be reconciled to You through His willing sacrifice on the cross and His triumph over death in the resurrection! May my life be all about this beautiful proclamation! Yes, my life should reflect Your righteousness. Yes, my deeds should be full of grace and kindness. Yes, my words should be seasoned with salt. But these are fruits – not the Root! “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Isaiah 52:7) I trust You, my King, to keep me mission-true. In the beautiful Name of Jesus, amen.

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“We’re told in Psalm 46:10 to ‘be still,’ or to ‘cease striving,’ and know that He is God. Some people are familiar with this verse but not the larger context, which is that of someone looking over the remains of a battlefield. The original Hebrew is suggestive of stopping the fight, letting go, and relaxing. God wants us to drop our arms. No more defensiveness. No more taking things personally. He’ll handle it. Really.” – Brant Hansen

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“Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces but He will heal us; He has injured us but He will bind up our wounds. After two days He will revive us; on the third day He will restore us, that we may live in His presence. Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge Him. As surely as the sun rises, He will appear; He will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.” – Hosea 6:1-3