Vickie Winans - Joy to The World (2024)

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Today's Verse - Romans 8:18

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

—Romans 8:18

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

"Life is pain... Anyone who says differently is selling you something." This line from the movie "Princess Bride" is poignantly accurate. However, it is not eternally accurate! Better days are ahead for those of us who follow Jesus, and these better days are far better than anything we can begin to imagine. As the old song says, "O that will be, glory for me... when by Thy grace I shall look on His face, that will be glory, be glory, for me."

My Prayer...

Please, Almighty God, give me the courage and vision to anticipate from afar the ultimate realization of grace that you have waiting for me. I want to fully believe that you are working to bring me home to you and to that glory — a glory that makes all present sufferings insignificant compared to what you will reveal to me and in me. In Jesus' name, I anticipate this day 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 - Deuteronomy 8:17-18

You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me." But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.

—Deuteronomy 8:17-18

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

What do we have that wasn't given to us? Nothing. It came either by God's generous grace, an unexpected blessing, a disciplining hardship, a providential opportunity, or our good health. And when we stand before the throne of judgment, what will be our claim to grace? Only God's generous and loving gifts to us through Jesus. This grace has made us pure, holy, and whole! Nothing we possess, accomplish, or buy can give us such a claim. Only God's generosity, grace, mercy, and love can bring heaven's greatest gifts to us. As the famous Doxology leads us to sing, "Praise God from whom all blessings flow!"

My Prayer...

We thank you, dear Father, for your wonderful and extravagant blessings. All that we have, all that we are, and all that we ever hope to be exists only because of the mercy and grace you have lavished upon us. We thank you 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 - Matthew 8:16-17

When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to [Jesus], and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: "He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases."

—Matthew 8:16-17

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

How does Jesus feel about us when we feel tormented by evil and unfairness? Does he really long to touch our broken bodies when we are sick or have problems? First, when we look at Jesus in the dusk of early evening as he touches the untouchable, we know! Second, when we look to the cross and see Jesus in anguish, we can be confident that he knows and cares about our pain, death, and humiliation. There is also a third place to look: The future when we see him, and he touches and wipes away every tear from our eyes and ends sorrow and death forever. We will then share in his glory and joy for all eternity. We trust Jesus' grace in our earth-bound existence as mortals, but we know it only in parts and pieces. However, the Day will come when we will know it fully and will experience the ultimate healing and deliverance of Jesus in our immortal bodies (1 Corinthians 13:9-12; 1 Corinthians 15:35-58).

Video Commentary...

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My Prayer...

Holy and Righteous Father, until I realize and experience your Day of ultimate grace, I trust your love and mercy will sustain me through the grace of Jesus, my Savior, and your Son. In his name, Jesus of Nazareth, I pray and hope. 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.

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