Today’s Verse – Revelation 3:14, 20
These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. … “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” —Revelation 3:14, 20 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… It has always fascinated me that this verse is often cited by those calling others to conversion when it is written to a lukewarm church and her members. These disciples, like many of us, need to rekindle their love-relationship with the LORD and demonstrate it by living passionately for Jesus. Along with those believers centuries ago, we need to ask the LORD Jesus into our hearts, lives, and churches today. It’s not that he’s not there; it’s just that he awaits our invitation to enter and take the lead. He will not barge in and dominate, but enters when we invite him into our lives and welcome him to take control. So, dear friend in Jesus, the LORD inhabits hearts into which he has been invited, so let’s open the door and invite him into our hearts and lives! Video Commentary… ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos My Prayer… Holy LORD and Savior, I know you long to share your presence and fellowship with me. I know you are nearby (Philippians 4:5), as I draw each breath. But I confess that I am often unaware, and sometimes even unappreciative, of your presence. I ask you this day to come into my heart and fill my life with your presence, comfort, guidance, holiness, and power. I want my life to be lived for you and with you. Thank you for providing Jesus as my LORD and Savior. In his name, I offer my thanks and praise. 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 – Psalm 119:14
I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. —Psalm 119:14 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Our treasure and our truth come from God’s holy Scriptures. The Scriptures are God’s guidance for us and his treasures, given to us as the Holy Spirit leads us to understand and apply them as we reach to become more like Jesus (1 Corinthians 2:10-12). They teach us how to avoid the evil one’s harmful traps and to live God’s blessed life (2 Timothy 3:14-17). Rather than seeing God’s Scriptures as limiting us in this life, we need to see them as a gift of love to bless us, to prevent us from falling into the traps of this life, and to lead us into life forever with God. We can come to value them more highly than riches, for in them we will find our great reward, both in this life and the life to come (Psalm 19:11). My Prayer… Holy God, thank you for your written Word, the Scriptures, and your “living” Word (Hebrews 4:12), also the Scriptures when used by the Holy Spirit. May your truth come alive in my life just as it does in my heart and mind. In the name of your Son Jesus, your living Word who fulfilled the Scriptures, 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.
1 Peter 3:15 – Verse for Aug. 11th
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. —1 Peter 3:15 Ⓒ 1996-2026 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent.
Colossians 4:5 – Verse for Aug. 10th
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. —Colossians 4:5 Ⓒ 1996-2026 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent.
Today’s Verse – Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. —Psalm 46:1 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Where can we go when it seems as if all our walls have fallen, all the protection we have has vanished, and our hearts feel as if all hope is lost? We can go to the eternal God, who is also our Abba Father (Romans 8:15-17). He preserved ancient Israel miraculously through their most difficult times in their history, protected the Scriptures from hordes of those who tried to eradicate them, and has led his Church victoriously through all her troubles, trials, and triumphs throughout the centuries. He will do the same with us until he brings us home to himself. For “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” My Prayer… My Rock, My Hope and My Protector, I thank you for preserving my life. I thank you for hearing my cries for help and healing. I thank you for guiding my feet into ways that have been a blessing. Please, O God, stay close by as I face the stresses and challenges in my life. Through your Holy Spirit, enable me to grow and be an example to others as I pass through life’s storms. In the name of Jesus, my Savior and LORD, I ask for your presence and blessing. 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 – Luke 12:6-7
Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. —Luke 12:6-7 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… In a universe so vast, what is our little planet? On a planet so diverse and so full of life, what are simple, ordinary, and everyday people? Among all the billions of people alive and all those who have lived before us, what significance do I have among so many others? Jesus reminds us that our significance is great-not because we are so important, but because we are known personally by God, who created us, has known us, and has had a purpose for us from the time of our conception (Psalm 139:13-16). We don’t have to be afraid; we are known and loved by the One who is and who was and who is to come! As born-of-God believers, we are God’s precious children (John 1:11-13, 3:3-7). He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5-6; Romans 8:38-39). My Prayer… Eternal God, Almighty Father, Tender Shepherd, and Abba Father, you already know my heart. You know where I struggle with sin. You know my struggles in life. You know my fears; please encourage and strengthen me. You know my immaturity; please nurture and mature me. You know my weakness and disease, please comfort and heal me. You also know my strengths, gifts, passions, and value. So, dear Father, please empower me, forgive me, and complete your transformation in me through the blessed Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18). Holy God, I am both awed and comforted that you know me and love me. Thank you! 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.
Matthew 6:19-21 – Verse for Aug. 9th
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. —Matthew 6:19-21 Ⓒ 1996-2026 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent.
Today’s Verse – Psalm 149:4
For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation. —Psalm 149:4 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Jesus left heaven and made himself a servant. No wonder God could say to him, “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased” (Luke 3:22). God expressed his delight to his Son as he lived as an example of a servant (Mark 10:45). He did so to enable the last of this world to be counted as first in the Kingdom of God (Matthew 20:16). Jesus declared that the servant of others is greater than those who are served (Luke 22:25-27). Jesus demonstrated that those often considered the least important in our world are the most important to him (Matthew 25:40, 45). The arrogant, the abusive, and the parading powerful have found it easy to reject the call of Christ for centuries – after all, Jesus died for the sinful and the weak. They consider themselves “important” and feel that they do not need a Savior. However, those who are humble find Jesus to be Savior, Conqueror, King, and Deliverer. The LORD delights in such people and is glad to share his salvation with them. “You are my children,” he says to the servants, “you bring me delight!” My Prayer… Precious Servant and Almighty King, Jesus, thank you for serving us at great cost and showing us that the humble will one day reign with you. I look forward to the day every other knee will join mine as I bow before you as my LORD because you were first a servant of all (Philippians 2:6-11). Until that day, I pray that you will use me to bless those so often forgotten by our busy and glamour-intoxicated world. In the holy name of Jesus, I offer you my praise and thanks. 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.
1 Peter 2:12 – Verse for Aug. 8th
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. —1 Peter 2:12 Ⓒ 1996-2026 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent.
Today’s Verse – Isaiah 33:22
The LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; it is he who will save us. —Isaiah 33:22 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… When we think about God as our Judge, we normally think of falling under judgment and receiving punishment. Isaiah reminds us that God’s being our Judge means he will judge us according to his will, rule, and grace. He is on our side and is looking to save us, not condemn us (John 3:16-17). His commands are rightfully given as our Creator and King, yet given to us to protect us and bless us. Using the New Testament idiom, when we stand before our Judge, we see our loving Father, and at his right hand is our Savior, who gave his life for us (Hebrews 1:3). As Paul so beautifully told us: For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back in fear, but you received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, “Abba! Father!” it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God (Romans 8:14-16). We don’t obey out of fear, we don’t fear the judge, but we obey because of loving appreciation for all that our Father has done to save us! Video Commentary… ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos My Prayer… Holy and Righteous Judge, I am glad that my fate, my future, and my life are in your hands. I know about your love for me because of the gift of Jesus. I know about your desire to save me because of your loving grace. I know your demand for holiness in me is met by the sacrifice of your Son. So God, I gladly and willingly trust my life, my soul, and my eternal future to you. I offer you my obedience in humble appreciation for all you have done for me. In Jesus’ name, I thank you. 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.