Today’s Verse – Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. —Ephesians 2:10 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… We are not just saved by grace FROM sin, death and hell. We are saved by grace FOR God’s glory. He created us in our mother’s womb with a purpose for us (Psalm 139:13-16), and God has remade us in Christ Jesus as new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17) with something special to do for him. We are his craftsmanship, his artistry, and his masterpiece. God longs to display his goodness and grace through our actions and words. You and I weren’t just saved FROM sin, death, and hell. We were also saved FOR bringing the work of Christ to life in our world! My Prayer… O LORD, Creator and Sustainer of all things, please do your creative work in me, making me into a useful tool for your service. Please use my influence and the abilities you fashioned in me to bless my family, my friends, and those around me who need to more fully know your grace. In Jesus’ 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.
Today’s Verse – Philippians 1:21
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. —Philippians 1:21 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… The ultimate question in each of our lives is simply this: Do we have something to live for that is also worth dying for? As Paul faced possible death in prison, his answer was “Yes!” He could boldly and honestly say, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Christ was his answer, reason for living, and hope beyond death. Our faith should lead us to say something similar or we don’t have a hope that won’t perish, spoil, or fade kept for us in heaven (1 Peter 1:4). Please, dear friend in Jesus, I am praying that you and I can celebrate together in the presence of our LORD Jesus when we are made like him as we see him as he genuinely is in glory (1 John 3:1-3; Colossians 3:1-4). My Prayer… O LORD, please forgive me for the things I have done or said that made the work of Christ in me more difficult for others to see. As many years as you give me on our “tiny blue planet,” I want to be a living testimony to Jesus and his powerful grace. I look forward to the day Christ comes in victory to bring me home to you. Until that day, please use me in your service to bring others to faith in Jesus and share in his future. I am thankful that no matter what you have in store for me. I am confident you have joined my future to your victorious Son and my Savior. I pray in his name, with great expectation 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.
Today’s Verse – 1 Peter 5:6-7
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. —1 Peter 5:6-7 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… You may have had a similar experience to this one. A friend asks you how you’re doing. At first, that friend seems interested in your answer. As you begin to share the burdens of your heart, you realize they aren’t listening and don’t appear to be interested in your answer. They’re just being polite. Most people have so many burdens that they don’t know what to do with any more. However, our heavenly Father reminds us to cast all our anxieties on him because he will sustain us (1 Peter 5:7). We can share our cares on the LORD because he will sustain us (Psalm 55:22). We can joyously praise our Savior because he daily bears our burdens (Psalm 68:19). My Prayer… Father, I have been blessed in so many ways. Thank you! Dear Father, I do have some friends who carry heavy burdens. I love them, and I ask you to help me be a blessing to them as you work in their lives to lift their burdens. As I place their names before you now, please strengthen them, lift their burdens from them, heal what is broken, and strengthen their faith. (Please share your burdens and concerns for these friends with the LORD now in this period of silence.) Thank you, Father, for listening to my requests for these friends and loved ones weighed down by the burdens of life. They need to know that you care for them and will lift these burdens from them. In Jesus’ 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.
Today’s Verse – Philippians 1:19
…I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. —Philippians 1:19 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Paul is possibly facing death in a Roman prison. By faith, however, he knows that his life and future are securely in the LORD’s hands. The Holy Spirit will empower him to be what he needs to be in the face of persecution, hardship, and even martyrdom. The Spirit will also work all things together for his ultimate deliverance (Romans 8:28). He will be delivered from prison and death to serve others or delivered through prison and death into the presence of the LORD he loves. Either way, he awaits and expects deliverance! Why? Because his life and future are secure in Jesus (Colossians 3:1-4). My Prayer… O LORD, God Almighty, please give me the courage to never waver in my confidence in your deliverance. In addition, dear Father, I have several beloved friends who are fighting for their lives with physical problems. Please bless them with your deliverance, whether through your healing that restores them to full health or through your grace that ensures their future with you as they pass from this life into the presence of Jesus (Philippians 1:19-24). Either way, Father, I am confident you will deliver them through your triumphant Son, Jesus, in whose 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.
Today’s Verse – Proverbs 10:29
The way of the LORD is a refuge for the righteous, but it is the ruin of those who do evil. —Proverbs 10:29 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Answer honestly! What is your source of security, hope, and protection? The way of the LORD is a refuge, a strength, and a place of security! Let’s make sure we live our lives knowing that God’s commands and demands for our righteousness are for our protection as well as his glory. Let’s use obedience to God as our refuge and recognize that to ignore the call and word of the LORD is to invite ruin. My Prayer… Please, dear LORD, use the Holy Spirit to help me more perfectly find your will and have the courage to build my life around it. I don’t want to follow false voices, nor do I want to be tempted away from your truth and righteousness. May your will not only be my delight, but also my refuge. In Jesus’ 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.
Today’s Verse – Proverbs 3:1-2
My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity. —Proverbs 3:1-2 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Those who are older are not as respected in Western cultures today as they once were, or as the elders are in some other cultures. The Bible repeatedly reminds us of our NEED to honor those who are godly and who have gone before us. Whether the father behind this passage is the physical father of the person receiving the instruction or he was the teacher of this student seeking wisdom, either way, the principle is the same. We have much to learn and much to gain from heeding the voices of those who have served God for many years through many trials and opportunities, and have proven themselves wise and faithful. Video Commentary… ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos My Prayer… Loving God and Almighty Father, thank you for those wise people in my life who have shared your wisdom and their experience with me. Please help them know how much I appreciate their investment of love and guidance in me, and please use me to do the same for those who come after me. In Jesus’ name, I pray, and I especially thank you for those who have shared their wisdom with me. 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 – Acts 13:3
So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. —Acts 13:3 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… While fasting is not widely practiced in many churches today, it was a vital part of the early Christian church. Let’s ensure that we prepare for significant events in ministry and mission to the world with prayer and fasting, whether sponsored by our congregations or not. As we prepare to embark on God’s work in the world and our mission to the world, our preparation should include times of prayer and fasting. A mission without the Holy Spirit, prayer, and fasting is an undervalued mission and an underpowered effort. My Prayer… O LORD, I know you love all people. Please bless those on mission to cultures other than their own, seeking to lovingly share your Gospel with those who are lost. Bless their efforts with success, protect them from the evil one, and guide them in the direction they need to go to find searching and receptive hearts. In Jesus’ 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.
Today’s Verse – Acts 13:2
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” —Acts 13:2 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… When people genuinely worship, when they fast seeking God’s will, and they pray earnestly and worship, our Father calls them to his service and mission in the world. Christian worship is not an end in itself, but a launching pad to Christian mission. Please don’t get so caught up in your worship experience that you leave it at the door when you exit the building. Instead, understand that our worship together as Jesus’ family is a blessing intended to inspire us to engage in public worship and service in the world throughout our everyday lives (Romans 12:1-2; Hebrews 12:28-13:16). As we worship with our brothers and sisters, let’s also listen to the words of the songs, the message of the Scriptures, and the conviction of the Holy Spirit on our hearts. God is calling us to his special mission in our world, so that we can bring grace and hope to a lost humanity! My Prayer… Father, please help me discern your will and follow your leading as I worship you with my brothers and sisters in Christ. Use the Holy Spirit to call me into a deeper ministry, a more committed service, and a heart for mission to the lost world around me. In Jesus’ 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.
Today’s Verse – Matthew 5:14
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.” —Matthew 5:14 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Darkness dominates our world, controls much of what is said, and how most people view their reality. So, in a world dominated by darkness, light should stand out. When someone lives for Jesus, people notice. The world cannot ignore the faithfulness of Jesus’ disciples or forget their righteousness and gracious influence. The world might hate that influence, try to minimize it, or even directly oppose it. Dear friend, the evil one will try to prevent Jesus’ light from being reflected into the world by his disciples! He will try to oppose that light, dim that light, and snuff out that light. Jesus, however, is the Light that cannot be snuffed out (John 1:5). Will we be Jesus’ agents of light in the world of darkness? How will the world categorize that light? How are we going to behave toward the hostile world around us that wants to snuff out our light? Are others going to see our light and be drawn to our Father in Heaven, who sent his Son, Jesus, as the Light of the world? Or will the world reject the way of Christ because our walk is more talk and less service to the lost world that needs to see obedience to the lifestyle and character of our Savior? Let’s ensure the light we share helps others see God’s grace through our lives and then be drawn to our Savior. Let’s be Jesus’ lights on the hill, seen by all! My Prayer… Holy and Righteous Father, thank you for your grace that saved us. Please help us reflect your character and grace in all that we do, so that when people notice us and are aware of our Christian commitment, they will glorify you because of the service they have seen and the light I bring. In Jesus’ name, we 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 – Matthew 5:13
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.” —Matthew 5:13 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Jesus never wanted us to give up our moral distinctiveness, our redemptive influence, or our loving impact on those around us just so we can be liked. The purpose of our presence in the world is to be the salt that preserves our culture from further moral decay, bitterness, spite, and other degrading social problems. And, we are to be the salt that seasons the bitter, dog-eat-dog world we live in with the salt of God’s grace and mercy. We are to be the salt of the earth, disciples that prevent decay and bring the sweet taste of Jesus to a lost world. My Prayer… Dear Holy and Majestic LORD, please empower me to resist being molded into the values of the world around me. Instead, dear Father, please use my distinctiveness as a Christian, a follower of Jesus, to bless others and expand the influence and impact of your Kingdom, doing so with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15-16). In Jesus’ 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.