Worthy
Note from Jesus Dear Precious Disciple, The world can be a confusing place. You love and adore the Father. You recognize the sacrifice I made for you. I know that you believe that I rose from the dead to give you victory. I know you trust that the Holy Spirit is at work in you. But, there are real problems in your world that are hard to reconcile with your glorious idea of Who I AM and how We — Father, Son, and Spirit — work in your world. During times of severe persecution, as some of your Christian brothers and sisters are facing right now, the persecuted can wonder where We are and if We are going to do anything to help them. They long for us to say something substantive to give them hope. I gave John a vision of Me. He was caught up in the Spirit so that he could see what lies ahead for My churches and for his dear family of faith in Asia Minor. However, before I revealed to John what lay ahead for My church, I reminded him of the Father’s glory. I showed him the place of all creation in the Father’s presence. All created beings bowed in reverence, prostrate before the throne of the One Who is worthy of all glory and honor. In the vision, the Father was surrounded by amazing beauty and glory beyond description. All present recognized the Father’s holiness. They praised Him for being the one true and living God, the great I AM — the One “Who was, and Who is, and Who is coming.” In this image I gave to John, the Father held in his hand the full and complete message of what lies ahead for My people. However, this message was sealed. Only the One Who is worthy could open the seals and reveal that message. No one in heaven or earth, no one among the heavenly messengers or heavenly beings or humanity, was found who was worthy. Then at the moment of great desperation, John saw Me in his vision. I alone was found worthy to reveal the future for My people. I alone am fully One with the Father, yet I offered Myself to be killed as the perfect Lamb of sacrifice for the sins of the people, including you. In a moment of joyous hope, all in heaven erupted in praise to Me. They used almost identical words to praise Me as they did the Father — they recognized that We are One and that We alone are worthy of their adoration and praise. Just as I did not escape persecution because of My commitment to the Father, you and other disciples may also have to suffer persecution. The vision for John was to tell both My early disciples and you that a glorious future awaits for those who remain faithful to Me no matter what they face. As Paul wrote to the Roman Christians: If we are God’s children, that means we are His heirs along with the Anointed, set to inherit everything that is His. If we share His sufferings, we know that we will ultimately share in His glory. Now I’m sure of this: the sufferings we endure now are not even worth comparing to the glory that is coming and will be revealed in us. (Romans 8:17-18) Verses to Live As the One Who has borne humanity in Myself, I AM worthy to reveal to My church, My people, what the future holds. This revelation of heaven’s glory — of the Father and His glory and Me in My glory — sets the stage for what unfolds in the rest of the Revelation to John. For today, however, I want you to say out loud the words of praise to the Father. Praise the One Who sits on the throne. Worship the Father with your physical posture as the host of heaven did. Worship Him in your physical posture and actions as illustrated in the following verses. Physically worshiping Him in this way helps you recognize His glory. Now use the words of praise said to Me in the second part of your readings today. Follow the lead of the host of heaven and worship Me in this way. Open your heart to praise. Too often in your dignified world, you hold back on praise and on demonstrating your worship through your physical posture. But, in times of need, you are willing to do anything to “get God’s attention”; don’t wait for desperation. Praise the Father as he deserves. As you do, realize how much you are loved, known, and valued. As you do, realize that you will never face a day alone. We will never leave or forsake you. We will work in history to preserve the church and deliver our people. I AM both the conquering Lion of the tribe of Judah Who has won the victory for you, and I AM also the Lamb Who was slain to redeem you. Your praise provides Me the dwelling place on the throne of your heart. After I [John] wrote down these messages, I saw a door standing open in heaven and heard again the first voice that sounded like a trumpet. A Voice: Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after this. Immediately I was caught up in the Spirit, and I saw a throne that stood in heaven and One seated on the throne. The One enthroned gleamed like jasper and carnelian, and a rainbow encircled the throne with an emerald glow. Encircling that great throne were twenty-four smaller thrones with twenty-four elders clothed in white robes with wreaths fashioned of gold on their heads. Out of the great throne came flashes of lightning, sounds of voices, and peals of thunder. In front of the great throne, seven torches were ablaze, which are the seven Spirits of God. Also in front of the throne was a glassy sea
To Philadelphia: ‘I Possess the Key’
Note from Jesus Dear Faithful One, My letter to My followers in the ancient city of “brotherly love” — the meaning of the word Philadelphia — is for you as well as for them! You see, this group of disciples faced opposition from several different groups who hated them. The ever-present emperor cult was one source of haters in Philadelphia. Ironically, the people of Philadelphia had a love/hate relationship with the emperors. Rome kept trying to impose its will and change the name of the city to match the latest family of the emperors. Those in politics in the city curried favor with Rome and the emperors. Many commoners didn’t. However, My disciples in Philadelphia faced opposition similar to the earlier disciples that you read about in the book of Acts. Those earlier disciples encountered bitter hatred from some in the Jewish community. Misunderstanding fueled this hatred. Christians had left Jerusalem before the Roman army destroyed it. I had warned My disciples to leave when they saw Jerusalem surrounded by armies (Luke 21:20-24). They did. Unfortunately, many of their Jewish friends considered this treason and betrayal. Hatred settled into their attitude toward Christians. Not all descended from Israel are true Israelites (Romans 2:28-29; Romans 9:6-8). However, some Israelite people did not share this hatred of Christians. When hatred fuels any people, even those who claim My name, they are self-deluded and make themselves a “congregation of Satan” rather than My people! I reminded My disciples that as Son of God, I was to them speaking as God in human flesh (John 1:14-18; John 5:18). As God, I am “the holy One” (Revelation 3:7; 2 Kings 19:22; Job 6:10; Isaiah 1:4) and “the true One” (Revelation 3:7; Jeremiah 10:10). These two titles describing Me vibrate with a depth of meaning rooted in the Torah, Prophets, and Writings — the three divisions that Jews applied to what you call the Old Testament. These titles for Me reminded these believers that as Son, I spoke to them as the Lord. As their Lord, I know all about what is going on in their lives. I know their struggles. I know their deeds. I know who opposes them. However, I not only know about them, but I also have the power to guarantee them victory. I can make this guarantee because I have the power over death; death can no longer threaten Me and it cannot defeat My church (Matthew 16:18). As I reminded them at the beginning of Revelation, I declare to you: “This is not the time for fear; I am the First and the Last, and I am the living One. I entered the realm of the dead; but see, I am alive now and for all the ages — even ages to come. Amen. I possess the keys to open the prison of death and hades.” (Revelation 1:17-18) You live in uncertain times, times when many of My own are being persecuted, executed, and sold as slaves by those claiming to act for God. But as I told My disciples in Philadelphia, remain faithful. I own and control “the key of David”; therefore, death and hades cannot contain you. Instead of holding you, death brings you fully into My presence with the Father. While the world will face a “time of trial,” you do not belong to the world. “Your new life is now hidden” and joined with Me in God. When I appear, you will accompany Me and share in My glory (Colossians 3:3). My key opens up your future to life beyond death. My key also opens the door of possibility for you in the nearer future. Be faithful. Continue to do your good deeds. Persevere in sharing My grace. Doing so will keep anyone or anything from taking the “victor’s wreath” from you. My promise of your victory is sure and certain. I used an image to remind My followers in Philadelphia of this certainty. You see, they were accustomed to frequent earthquakes that necessitated their frequent rebuilding. Many residents had moved out of the city to avoid the falling masonry during these earthquakes. My faithful ones, however, will be firmly planted as a stable and immovable “pillar in the temple of My God” and will never have to leave the presence of the glory, joy, and security of the Father! Verses to Live Read carefully My promises to this group of believers who felt weak as they faced hardship. Notice that I do not criticize them. I offer them My promises of power over death, opportunity over futility, and influence in the face of opposition. My promises are sure, and their victory awaits them. These promises and assurances are equally sure for you, My faithful one, and I AM so certain of it that I AM sharing My name and the name of your victorious destination with you! The One [Jesus]: Write down My words, and send them to the messenger of the church in Philadelphia. “These are the words of the holy One, the true One, and the One Who possesses the key of David, which opens the possibilities so that no one can shut them. The One Who closes all options so that no one can open: “I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door, which no one can shut. I have done this because you have limited strength, yet you have obeyed My word and have not denied My name. Watch, and I will make those of the congregation of Satan — those who call themselves “Jews” but are not because they lie — come before you penitent, falling at your feet. Then they will know how much I have loved you. Because you have obeyed My instructions to endure and be patient, I will protect you from the time of trial which will come upon the whole earth and put everyone in it to the test. I will soon return. Hold tight to what you have
To Laodicea: Lukewarm and Pathetic
Note from Jesus Dear Follower, Be true to Me with all your heart (Matthew 22:37-38). Fence-straddling half-hearted efforts reveal that a person is double-minded and offensive to your Father in heaven (James 1:5-8 NIV; James 4:8; 2 Peter 1:5-9). I AM the One Who lived to please the Father when I was on earth (John 4:34; John 6:38). I lived the truth no matter the consequences (John 14:6). I AM the one in Whose name you say “Amen!” (2 Corinthians 1:20). I lived in such a way that I completed My mission (John 19:30). Many people who claim to follow Me don’t know My teaching and don’t obey the Father’s will. They live to please themselves. We — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — are treated by these people as good luck charms Whose only role is to endorse their immoral lifestyles and grant their selfish wishes uttered in prayer. I know this sounds harsh. Sometimes the truth has to be said clearly. Our love is not love if it lets people throw their lives away chasing after the things of the world while claiming to live for Us. The water brought to the city of Laodicea originated from the springs where it bubbled to the surface. However, after a long trip down the aqueduct to the city, the water was lukewarm. It wasn’t good for a warm bath. Those who drank it considered it awful as drinking water. Over time, the fresh, passionate, and vibrant faith of My disciples in Laodicea had become like their water. Laodicea was a “lukewarm” church. Laodicea was a wealthy church in a city known for wealth. Living at the intersection of three major roadways and being a major center for textiles, especially black dyed wool, they found their security in their wealth. They felt as if they needed nothing. Their dependence was more rooted in themselves than in relying on Me as their Lord. Despite the fact that their city was famous for an eye salve, they needed spiritual eye ointment to remove their blindness to their spiritual condition. As you read My letter to them, you will notice that I tell them that they are “miserable, pathetic, poor, blind, and naked.” You will notice that I do not compliment anything about their lives as My disciples. Their lukewarm hearts, their arrogant self-dependence, and their compromise with the worldliness made Me want to vomit. Rather than depending on their financial wealth, they needed to have lives purified and refined into the gold of holy character (1 Peter 1:7). Rather than depending on their lovely garments for which their city was so famous, they needed the white robes of purity and faithfulness (Revelation 7:13-14; Revelation 19:8) to cover their spiritual nakedness. Rather than looking down their noses at others because they felt financially secure, they needed spiritual eye salve to open their eyes that had grown blind to what matters most (John 9:39-41). I didn’t say any of this to My beloved disciples to be mean. I said these words because they were true. The Laodicean disciples were undisciplined and disloyal — not brazenly sinful, but not passionately faithful. They kept up the facade of their faith without the substance and structure underneath the appearance. Verses to Live I promised to come and discipline these disciples. This act of love was needed. So I stood at the door waiting for them to open and welcome Me into their lives. Notice that these words of both promised discipline and gracious fellowship are not said to unbelievers — the way some use them. This invitation to welcome Me is for believers who are lukewarm, double-minded, and blind to their compromises. I want to come to them and reignite our relationship and restore their passion. Maybe that is what you need, too. My promise is still true: “Those I love I also correct and discipline. Therefore, be shamelessly committed to Me, and turn back. Now pay attention; I am standing at the door and knocking. If any of you hear My voice and open the door, then I will come in to visit with you and to share a meal at your table, and you will be with Me.” Please take My words to Laodicea seriously. I long for your walk of faith to be filled with passion, focus, and commitment! The One [Jesus]: Write down My words, and send them to the messenger of the church in Laodicea. “These are the words of the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of God’s creation: “I know your works. You are neither cold with apathy nor hot with passion. It would be better if you were one or the other, but you are neither. So because you are lukewarm, neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. You claim, ‘I am rich, I have accumulated riches, and I need nothing’; but you do not realize that you are miserable, pathetic, poor, blind, and naked. So here is what I suggest you do: buy true gold from Me (gold refined by fire so that you can be truly rich), white garments (to cover you so that you can keep the shame of your nakedness from showing), and eye ointment (to treat your eyes so that you may see clearly). “Those I love I also correct and discipline. Therefore, be shamelessly committed to Me, and turn back. Now pay attention; I am standing at the door and knocking. If any of you hear My voice and open the door, then I will come in to visit with you and to share a meal at your table, and you will be with Me. “The one who conquers through faithfulness even unto death I will place next to Me on My throne, just as I Myself conquered and took a place of honor with My Father on His throne. “Let the person who is able to hear, listen to and follow what the Spirit proclaims
To Sardis: ‘I know the things you do.’
Note from Jesus Dear Precious Friends, As pointed out yesterday, My words to some of the disciples in Thyatira were harsh. However, My strongest words were reserved for My church in Sardis: “I know all the things you do, and that you have a reputation for being alive — but you are dead.” A church’s reputation can be deceiving. However, I know what is going on in a congregation, and I know the hearts of her people. I know the truth about a congregation’s faithfulness. Sardis was once a great military city. It had the reputation of being an impenetrable citadel. That citadel fell three times over the years because of carelessness. Rather than posting guards, the people slept in their beds thinking they were safe. While they slept, the enemy scaled their walls and overran their city. The community of Jews built an impressive and influential synagogue that gave the city a reputation for being very religious with people dedicated to the Father. However, a closer look revealed that they had sold out to the culture around them, mixing elements of idolatrous religions with their faith. They lost their single-minded devotion to truth and holiness. Unfortunately, these flaws in their city’s past — a lack of wakefulness and a willingness for spiritual compromise — seeped into and permeated the heart of My people in Sardis. Their heart disease killed authentic and vibrant faith. A little life remained, but not much. They urgently needed to repent. They didn’t need just to feel sorry regarding their sin, but instead they needed to turn truly from their sinful behaviors and give their hearts back to Me. Sometimes change comes from the inside out. For healthy disciples, this is the way the Holy Spirit transforms them (2 Corinthians 3:18). However, when a person’s heart is dying (Hebrews 3:12-14), emergency measures must be taken, and immediate changes must be made in medication, diet, and exercise if the heart is to heal. Notice the five commands that I gave My disciples in Sardis to correct their spiritual heart disease: Wake up! Strengthen what little you have left of your faith. Return to what you first believed. Hold firmly to that first faith. Turn your heart back to Me. While many were spiritually dead in Sardis and received My harshest rebuke, some of My disciples received My highest words of praise. Notice how they were: Unsoiled: “don’t have the stain of evil works on their clothes.” Pure: “will walk alongside Me in white.” Worthy: “they have been proven worthy.” Alive: “I will certainly not erase that person’s name from the book of life.” Praised: “I will acknowledge this person’s name before My Father and before His heavenly messengers.” Rather than just having a reputation for being alive, these disciples were fully and wholeheartedly alive in Me! Verses to Live Which of the two lists above is applicable for you? As you read My letter to the disciples at Sardis, the Spirit will help you know. Either you need a work plan to restore your heart and to come back to Me, or you are walking in the life that I give and that no one can take from you. I urge you to make sure the latter list is true of you! The One [Jesus]: Write down My words, and send them to the messenger of the church in Sardis. “These are the words of the One Who has the seven Spirits of God, the Perfect Spirit, and the One Who holds the seven stars: “I know the things you do — you’ve claimed a reputation of life, but you are actually dead. Wake up from your death-sleep, and strengthen what remains of the life you have been given that is in danger of death. I have judged your deeds as far from complete in the sight of My God. Therefore, remember what you have received and heard; it’s time to keep these instructions and turn back from your ways. If you do not wake up from this sleep, I will come in judgment. I will creep up on you like a thief — you will have no way of knowing when I will come. But there are a few in Sardis who don’t have the stain of evil works on their clothes. They will walk alongside Me in white, spotless garments because they have been proven worthy. “The one who conquers through faithfulness even unto death will be clothed in white garments, and I will certainly not erase that person’s name from the book of life. I will acknowledge this person’s name before My Father and before His heavenly messengers. “Let the person who is able to hear, listen to and follow what the Spirit proclaims to all the churches.” (Revelation 3:1-6) Response in Prayer O righteous Father, purify My heart. Strengthen my will as I seek to live wholeheartedly for Jesus, in Whose name I pray. Amen. ‘A Year with Jesus’ is written by Phil Ware. © 1998-2024, Heartlight, Inc. ‘A Year with Jesus‘ is part of the Heartlight Network.All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Voice™. © 2008 by Ecclesia Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Today’s Verse – John 11:26
“Whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” —John 11:26 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… These were Jesus’ words to Martha when her brother had died. She still hoped Jesus would intervene and do something about her brother’s death. What Jesus says here fits well with something we emphasized several days ago. Christians who die physically are never really separated from their relationship with God’s loving presence in Jesus (Romans 8:32-39). Their life is joined with Jesus, and that relationship is not severed by death (Philippians 1:18-23). In today’s passage, Jesus challenges us to believe a similar truth: “Whoever lives and believes in me will never die.” Do you believe the genuine living part of you made by God in your mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13-16) will never die? Even though your physical body dies, do you believe you are still alive in Jesus? I hope so because this is an incredible thought! We are eternal, immortal, and joined with Jesus. His future is joined with us because of him (Colossians 3:1-4)! So, will we live believing this powerful truth? My Prayer… Almighty God, I do believe that because of Jesus, I will never die, that I am never separated from you because my life and future are joined to Jesus. Please bless me, dear Father, so that I can make every minute count while I am here in this life. At the same time, dear God, I look forward to seeing you face to face. In the meantime, please help me live by faith and not fear. 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.
Every Babylon Must Fall
Note from Jesus Dear Precious Follower, Over the centuries, one powerful nation after another — often symbolized by a powerful city — has arisen. Many of these nations, represented by their dominant cities, have oppressed My people. Each of these cities accumulated power and wealth. They attracted the world’s attention. Those in commerce bowed to the city’s financial power and markets. Those who dealt in trade depended upon the city’s ability to provide networking and trade partners. Those who moved the commerce delighted in the city’s power to connect them to clients and bring them wealth. They often grew rich on the stability, transportation hub, and network of clients provided by the city. Many of these people prostituted themselves to these cities and nations. They were involved with an evil city for their benefit. They loved that the city provided the infrastructure, networks, and currency for them to get rich. But, so many of these cities over history oppressed, persecuted, and murdered My people. Among My people, the ancient city of Babylon became a powerful symbol of such evil cities. Babylon was ruthless as a city, nation, and army against those it conquered. Babylon felt unconquerable, invulnerable, and unstoppable. So throughout history, Babylon has been a symbolic term for evil political, military, or financial powers that seemed unstoppable. However, in a mere seventy years from the time Babylon conquered the chosen people (Israel), completely destroyed the chosen city (Jerusalem), and the chosen place (the Temple) of the Father, she was conquered. The arrogance, brutality, and raw power of Babylon rapidly came crashing down at the hands of the Persians. The Persians then allowed My people, Israel, to return home and rebuild. In today’s verses, you will be reading about a new “Babylon.” At one level, it was the “Babylon” that oppressed My people in the first century. At another level, the principles that you read in these verses from Revelation 18 apply to every Babylon. No city, no human power, no financial center, no religious perversion, and no center of world trade will stand when it oppresses My people. Although a city may appear for a time to be impossible to stop and too strong to defeat from a human standpoint, I will make sure it will not last long as a powerful presence of evil. No city or nation that oppresses, persecutes, or martyrs My faithful witnesses will stand. This fateful downfall has been true throughout history. It was true for the people who received this Revelation that John recorded. It will be true until I return in final victory. So do not despair. Every Babylon will fall. Justice will be enacted for the evil perpetrated against My people. Verses to Live As you read these verses, remember that the first recipients of the Revelation given to John were being persecuted. Some were even facing martyrdom. They faced a military power — Rome — that seemed invincible. But the malicious, capricious, and vicious powers that held sway in Rome were stopped. The same was true for the powers in Asia Minor that were allied with Rome and that were determined to eradicate My disciples. Nevertheless, Christianity thrived and would soon become the primary faith associated with the Roman Empire. The same has been true down through the centuries and has been true even in your day. So as you read these verses, remember the words of hope from a dark time in the Old Testament: The deepest pains may linger through the night, but joy greets the soul with the smile of morning. (Psalm 30:5) Remember, every Babylon will fall. No power can prevail forever against Me and those who are Mine! Next I [John] saw another messenger descending from heaven. I knew he possessed great authority because his glory illuminated the earth. Heavenly Messenger (with a powerful voice): Fallen, fallen, is Babylon the great city! It has become a habitat for demons, A haunt for every kind of foul spirit, a prison for every sort of unclean and hateful bird. For all the nations have drunk deeply from the wine of the wrath of her immorality, And the kings of the earth have disgraced themselves by engaging in gross sexual acts with her, and the merchants of the earth have grown fat and rich, profiting off the power purchased with her luxury. Then I heard another voice from heaven urge, A Voice: My people, get away from her — fast. Make sure you do not get caught up in her sins. Put some distance between you so that you do not share in her plagues, For her sins are higher than the highest mountain. They reach far into the heavens, and God has not forgotten even one of her missteps. Deal out to her what she has dealt out to others, and repay her double according to her deeds. In the cup where she mixed her drink, mix her a double. Whatever glory she demanded and whatever luxury she lived, give back to her the same measure in torment and sorrow. Secretly she says in her heart: I rule as queen; I am not like a widow; I will never experience grief. Because of this arrogance, in a single day, plagues will overwhelm her. Her portion will be death and sorrow and famine, And she will be incinerated with fire, for mighty is the Lord God Who exacts judgment on her. … Then a mighty messenger picked up a huge stone — it looked like a great millstone — and he cast it into the sea. Mighty Messenger [an angel of God]: Watch and see. This is how Babylon, the great city, will be thrown down; violently will she go down, and they will search for her in vain. Never again will the sound of music grace your streets. The melodies and harmonies of the harpists and musicians and flutists and trumpeters will never be heard again. And never again will an artisan of any craft be
Today’s Verse – Mark 11:25
“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” —Mark 11:25 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… This passage is one of the most challenging reminders of God’s will in Scripture. I MUST forgive others! When I refuse to forgive, I build a dam, stopping the stream of forgiveness God longs to give me. Forgiving others is seldom easy. It is often quite difficult and painful. However, God has commanded us to do it and given us his Son as an example of how to forgive (Luke 23:34). Jesus has promised to empower us to do his will by the power of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 3:14-21) as we are transformed to become like him (2 Corinthians 3:18). The real issue: Will I let go of my bitterness toward those who have wounded me? Yet when we harbor bitterness and unforgiveness, we hold ourselves hostage to our hate and resentment. As the saying says, “Forgiveness is setting the captive bird free, then realizing you were the captive bird!” My Prayer… Dear God, I confess this is a hard command. But, dear Father, I want to forgive these people (please add the names you are committing to forgive) of the sin they have committed against me. Please block cynicism and bitterness from my heart. Please empower me to forgive as Jesus did. Please pour your Holy Spirit into my heart and fill me with love and forgiveness. In addition, dear Father, please teach me what my commitment to forgive means for the genuine life changes I need to make. 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 11:24
He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. —Acts 11:24 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… As this scripture talks about Barnabas, Luke reminds us just how good a man Barnabas was! Why would we consider Barnabas to be such a good man? For many reasons. Primarily, Luke wants us to recognize that Barnabas was full of faith and the Holy Spirit. Barnabas’ goodness shouldn’t surprise us. When the Holy Spirit lives in us, he is at work producing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and conforming us to the character of Jesus Christ our LORD (2 Corinthians 3:18). No wonder Barnabas’ influence was so significant on the lives of those who lived in Antioch (Acts 13:1-3). No wonder God chose him to mentor the apostle Paul and show him how to serve in ways that multiplied disciples. Barnabas was a good man because his life was under the influence of God’s Spirit! My Prayer… Dear Heavenly Father, I want my life to be influential in spreading the good news of Jesus and growing your Kingdom. I offer myself to you as a living sacrifice, asking that you conform me to the nature of your Son Jesus and bring forth the fruit of your Spirit in me as I seek to influence others to 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 – 1 Corinthians 11:23-24
For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” —1 Corinthians 11:23-24 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Remember Jesus! Remember his great sacrifice. Remember his incomparable love for you! Remember him through his Supper! Remember Jesus! My Prayer… O Father, thank you so much for Jesus! Thank you for blessing me with a spiritual meal that reminds me and helps me proclaim that Jesus died, offering his body and blood as the atoning sacrifice for my sins. Thank you for giving me the day of his resurrection, Sunday, the first day of the week, as a day I can powerfully remember this great sacrifice and anticipate the great day of reunion that his resurrection has secured for your children. I remember him and thank you, dear Father, until I share the Holy Supper with Jesus in glory. 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 11:22
Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion. —Proverbs 11:22 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… To take what is physically beautiful and then profane it with sin is to waste a great gift. It is sinfully sharing with someone who is clueless why God gave the blessing of physical beauty in the first place. It is debasing to the person given the beauty to waste it in what and on what is sinful. No matter what gifts we have been given, whether physical beauty, athletic talent, keen intellect, charming personality, or anything else, we must remember that God blessed us with these gifts so we could bless others, honor the LORD, and lead others closer to him! Video Commentary… ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos My Prayer… Dear God, please forgive me for the times that I have not used my gifts and abilities to bless others, honor you, and bring them closer to Jesus. Please give me a renewed sense of purpose as I seek to live for your glory and to bless others with 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.