Morning Prayer for Saturday, March 29, 2025

 

Praying the Scriptures

Saturday Morning Prayer

March 29, 2025

Those who love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name. When they call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honor them. With long life I will satisfy them, and show them my salvation. (Psalm 91:14-16)

Heavenly Father,

As the sun rises over the desert, painting the Florida Mountains in hues of gold and crimson, I lift my heart to You in praise. The cool morning air carries whispers of Your presence, and I am reminded of Your steadfast love that shelters me in all seasons.

You have said, O Lord, that because I love You, You will deliver me; because I know Your name, You will protect me. And so, I stand in quiet confidence, trusting in the refuge of Your wings. In this vast and rugged land, where the winds carve stories in the dust and the cacti bloom in defiance of the dry earth, I see Your faithfulness. You are my rock, my shelter, my stronghold in times of trouble.

When I call upon You, You answer. Even in the stillness of this desert morning, I sense Your nearness. You walk with me through every valley, guiding my steps along paths unknown. No trial or storm can shake the assurance of Your presence, for You have promised to be with me in trouble, to rescue and honor me.

Lord, as I go about this day, let my heart remain steadfast in You. May I serve with joy, speak with kindness, and love as You have first loved me. Satisfy me with the fullness of Your grace, that I may live not in fear, but in the abundance of Your salvation.

In the sacred quiet of this morning, I rest in Your promise. I will not be shaken, for You are my refuge, my deliverer, my God in whom I trust.

Amen.

May the Lord’s steadfast love be your shelter, His presence your guiding light, and His salvation your everlasting joy, now and always.

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The Bible passages come from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyrighted © 1989, 1993 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America and are used by permission. All rights reserved. Praying the Scriptures is penned daily by Kenny Sallee, ThM.

Verse of the Day for Saturday, March 29, 2025

 

Verse of the Day

Saturday, March 29, 2025

2 Corinthians 5:21

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Introduction

The Apostle Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 5:21 encapsulate the heart of the Gospel—Christ’s atoning work on the cross. This verse presents one of the clearest expressions of substitutionary atonement in the New Testament. It portrays the divine exchange: Jesus, though sinless, took on our sin, so that we, through Him, might receive the righteousness of God. This profound truth highlights both the depth of human sin and the immeasurable grace of God.

Commentary

Paul’s declaration in this verse follows his discussion on reconciliation in the preceding verses. He emphasizes that believers are reconciled to God through Christ, and this reconciliation is solely by God’s initiative.

1. “For our sake” – This phrase underscores God's love and the purpose of Christ’s sacrifice: it was done entirely for humanity's benefit.

2. “He made him to be sin who knew no sin” – Jesus was sinless (Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 2:22), yet God made Him “to be sin,” not in the sense that Christ became a sinner, but that He bore the penalty of sin on our behalf. This echoes Isaiah 53:6, where the prophet describes the Suffering Servant bearing our iniquities.

3. “So that in him we might become the righteousness of God” – This is the divine exchange: Christ takes our sin, and we receive His righteousness. This righteousness is not something we earn; it is imputed to us by faith (Romans 3:21-22).

Paul’s words reflect the doctrine of justification, where sinners are declared righteous before God, not by their works, but through faith in Christ (Philippians 3:9). This verse encapsulates the essence of grace—Christ bore the punishment we deserved so that we could share in the righteousness of God.

Understanding the Context

Paul is writing to the Corinthian church, a community struggling with divisions, moral failures, and misunderstandings about the faith. In 2 Corinthians 5, he speaks about the transformation that occurs through Christ. He emphasizes that believers are a new creation (v.17) and have been given the ministry of reconciliation (v.18). This verse, therefore, serves as the climax of his argument: the only way reconciliation is possible is through Christ’s sacrifice.

The Jewish understanding of sin and atonement, particularly through the sacrificial system, helps us grasp this concept. In the Old Testament, a sacrificial lamb was offered for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16:15-16). Paul presents Jesus as the ultimate sacrificial Lamb who bore sin, fulfilling the law and bringing complete reconciliation between humanity and God.

Application for Today

This verse speaks directly to the core of our faith and has several implications for believers today:

1. Our Identity in Christ – As Christians, we no longer stand condemned before God. Through Christ, we are made righteous, which means we are justified, forgiven, and accepted. This truth should shape how we see ourselves—not as failures but as redeemed children of God.

2. Living in Grace, Not Guilt – Many believers struggle with guilt and shame, feeling unworthy of God’s love. This verse reminds us that Christ has already taken our place. We are free to live in the assurance of His righteousness.

3. Extending Grace to Others – Just as God has reconciled us to Himself, we are called to be ambassadors of reconciliation (v.20). This means extending forgiveness and grace to others, just as Christ has done for us.

4. A Call to Holiness – While Christ's righteousness is imputed to us, we are also called to reflect this righteousness in our daily lives. Paul elsewhere reminds believers to "put on the new self, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (Ephesians 4:24).

Reflection

This verse invites us to pause and marvel at the depth of God's love. What Christ endured for our sake is beyond human comprehension.

• Have you fully embraced Christ’s righteousness, or are you still trying to earn God's favor?

• How does this truth shape your daily walk with God?

• In what ways can you embody Christ’s righteousness in your interactions with others?

As we reflect on 2 Corinthians 5:21, let us rejoice in the divine exchange: Christ took our place so that we might stand righteous before God. This is the Gospel—the greatest act of love in human history.

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The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Verse of the Day is a daily inspirational and encouraging Bible verse extracted from BibleGateway.com. Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM.

Daily Devotions for Saturday, March 29, 2025: Faithful to the Call: Honoring Vietnam War Veterans

 

The Daily Devotional

Saturday, March 29, 2025

Faithful to the Call: Honoring Vietnam War Veterans

No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. (John 15:13)

Introduction

March 29 is recognized as National Vietnam War Veterans Day, a time to honor those who served and sacrificed during a divisive and painful period in American history. Many veterans returned home not to parades and gratitude but to protest and rejection. Yet, their service was a testament to selfless sacrifice—a reflection of Christ’s own words in John 15:13.

Reflection

In the jungles of Vietnam, soldiers leaned on one another, understanding that their survival often depended on the man next to them. They stood in the gap, risked their lives, and carried wounded comrades through fire and chaos. Their acts of courage were not just about duty; they were about love—love for their brothers in arms, love for their country, and love that endured hardship beyond the battlefield.

A Vietnam veteran once shared a story of how his friend threw himself on a grenade to save his unit. In that moment, without hesitation, he embodied the greatest love—laying down his life for his friends. This kind of love mirrors Christ’s ultimate sacrifice on the cross. Jesus did not hesitate; He willingly gave His life so that we might live.

The Vietnam War was painful for many, but within its trials, we see a profound example of what it means to live out Christ’s words. Whether in war or in daily life, we are called to selflessness, to stand for others, and to live out the love of Christ through sacrifice and service.

Application

1. Honor a Veteran Today – If you know a Vietnam veteran, take time to thank them for their service. A simple word of appreciation can bring healing.

2. Live with Sacrificial Love – Jesus calls us to lay down our lives, not necessarily in death but in how we serve, forgive, and love others selflessly.

3. Pray for Healing – Many veterans carry unseen scars. Pray for their peace, restoration, and for those still seeking healing from the wounds of war.

Conclusion

On this National Vietnam War Veterans Day, let us remember and honor those who served. Their sacrifices remind us of the depth of love Christ calls us to. As we reflect on John 15:13, may we also be inspired to live sacrificially in our daily lives, extending grace, kindness, and gratitude to those who have given so much.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we lift up all Vietnam War veterans today, thanking You for their courage, sacrifice, and endurance. May they find peace in Your love, healing for their wounds—both seen and unseen—and the honor they deserve. Teach us to live with the kind of selfless love You demonstrated through Jesus Christ. Help us to be people of gratitude, compassion, and service. We ask this in the name of Jesus, who laid down His life for us. Amen.

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Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA

The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993, the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.