Rejoice, O young man, while you are young and let your heart be glad in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart, the vision of your eyes ; Yet understand that as regards all this God will bring you to judgment. Ward off grief from your heart and put away trouble from your presence, though the dawn of youth is fleeting. Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years approach of which you will say, I have no pleasure in them; Before the sun is darkened. and the light, and the moon, and the stars, while the clouds return after the rain; When the guardians of the house tremble, and the strong men are bent, And the grinders are idle because they are few, and they who look through the windows grow blind; When the doors to the street are shut, and the sound of the mill is low; When one waits for the chirp of a bird, but all the daughters of song are suppressed; And one fears heights, and perils in the street; When the almond tree blooms, and the locust grows sluggish and the caper berry is without effect, Because man goes to his lasting home, and mourners go about the streets; Before the silver cord is snapped and the golden bowl is broken, And the pitcher is shattered at the spring, and the broken pulley falls into the well, And the dust returns to the earth as it once was, and the life breath returns to God who gave it. Vanity of vanities, says Qoheleth, all things are vanity!

My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense — Jesus Christ the Righteous One.

—1 John 2:1

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God hates sin. Don't you? I know I do. But isn't it amazing how we'll fall back into the same old traps again and again? The goal is not to sin even one sin! But knowing our struggle against flesh, John also gives assurance to those of us who are trying to live faithful and pure lives. He wants us to know that when we do sin, the sacrifice for our sins, God's Son, is also our defense attorney who proclaims us sinless before God by his blood (Colossians 1:22; 1 John 1:7, 2:2). So let's draw close to Christ. Let's invite him into our hearts each morning as we begin the day (Revelation 3:20). Let's trust in his power and grace to sustain us and carry us through. As Paul prayed for new believers in Thessalonica:

May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of the LORD Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24)

Video Commentary...

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My Prayer...

God, no one and nothing is like you - even comparable to you. I did not have to provide the sacrifice for my sins. Even though my sins broke your heart, you provided that sacrifice. So, please use me today as I try to give myself, my life, and my future back to you as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to you (Romans 12:1-2), because I want to thank you for your grace. Through Jesus, and in his name, 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.

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.

—Philippians 1:27

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Ⓒ 1996-2026 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent.

Let all that I am praise the LORD. O LORD my God, how great you are!... The winds are your messengers, flames of fire are your servant.

—Psalm 104:1, 4

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Ⓒ 1996-2026 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent.

[Jesus continued,] "I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!"

—John 14:12-14 NLT

Key Thought

Incredible! Jesus promises that his disciples will do even greater works than he did. And they did! And they still do! How is that possible? Jesus is still at work through his disciples. He has specifically told us to use prayer to release his power and bring his blessing. So often we sell both Jesus and ourselves short because we view things from only a fleshly, earthbound perspective. However, when we serve and pray in Jesus' name, incredible things happen! Jesus does greater things through us than we can imagine!

Today's Prayer

Father, I come to you praying in the name and by the authority of your Son, Jesus. I ask that you bless our congregation, and I pray that you use us in mighty ways to bless others to your glory. I pray that you stir your people worldwide so that we will live more passionately for your glory. I pray that you will use me to your glory in ways I never dreamed were possible. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

• Ephesians 3:20-21
• Acts 1:1
• 1 John 5:13-15

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Ⓒ 1996-2026 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.