Today’s Verse – 1 Corinthians 15:19
If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. —1 Corinthians 15:19 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Wow! What a powerful and sobering thought. Our faith in Jesus’ resurrection and being joined with him forever is so crucial that all else pales in comparison. Our hope in Christ is not just for the here and now but also a hope that transcends life and breaks the shackles of death. If it doesn’t offer us this hope, then there is no hope. We have no good news to share. The world is lost in its morass of selfishness and sin. We are deluded and to be pitied. But then, because of grace, I do believe! I trust that you also believe! And that, dear disciple of Jesus, changes everything! Video Commentary… ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos My Prayer… Father God, the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, we believe your victory over sin and death through Jesus’ resurrection also means our victory over sin, death, and hell! We trust that Jesus will raise us from the dead to share eternal life in your presence. We cannot fully put into our meager human words how much we look forward to being with you face to face, sharing in your glory, and praising your name forever. So, we entrust our hearts’ joyous thanksgiving to the Holy Spirit as your heavenly gift intercedes for us in groans, sighing, and emotions “too deep for words.” (Romans 8:26-27). In Jesus’ name, we praise and thank you for our 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 Corinthians 15:3-5
For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. —1 Corinthians 15:3-5 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Some truths are “first importance” truths. They are the heart of the matter, foundational, and immutable truths. We don’t have to doubt what those “first importance” things are as Jesus’ disciples. The Gospel of our salvation is built on the testimony of eyewitnesses to the historical events: Jesus died, Jesus was buried, Jesus rose from the grave, and Jesus appeared to his disciples, who were never the same after witnessing their resurrected Savior. Let’s not let anyone distract us from these core truths or crowd out their simplicity with other matters that some falsely claim to be essential. Our salvation is rooted in our faith and our participation in this simple yet powerful Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:3-7; Romans 6:3-7). My Prayer… Dear God, I confess my faith in your saving work for me accomplished by Jesus. I believe that your Son and my Savior, Immanuel, Jesus of Nazareth, my LORD, was crucified by wicked men just as you had foretold long ago in the Scriptures. I believe Jesus’ dead and lifeless body was placed in a borrowed tomb. I believe you brought him back to life on the third day, just as you promised. I believe that those most destroyed by his death, those who knew him best, saw him alive again. I believe their lives were never the same. I believe, dear Father, that as I have confessed my faith in Jesus and shared with him in his death, burial, and resurrection through baptism, my life is caught up with him in your salvation and victory over sin, death, and hell. I praise you for this grace. I thank you for this assurance. So, dear Father, I look forward to sharing in your glory when he returns for me. Thank you for my salvation. In Jesus’ name I live, rejoice, and wait in 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 Corinthians 15:2
By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. —1 Corinthians 15:2 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… What saves us? What God did for us in Jesus! Let’s commit to let nothing make us relinquish our trust and dependency upon that hope, that Gospel by which we are saved (1 Corinthians 15:3-7). No name, person, or message can bring us true salvation other than the person, work, and Gospel of Jesus (John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Galatians 1:3-9). We don’t need to add anything else to it. We must never let anyone take anything from it. Let’s hold firmly to this faith as trust in God’s grace in Jesus! My Prayer… Father, I trust in no other god for you alone are God.. I trust in no other Gospel but the story of your love and grace in Jesus. There is no other Savior and LORD other than Jesus. As the old hymn so beautifully prays, “Lord, let me never, never, outlive my love to Thee.” In Jesus’ name, I fervently pray this. 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 15:1
Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. —1 Corinthians 15:1 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… The pure Gospel of Jesus Christ is our hope, salvation, and foundation for faith. The first century apostles passed on this Gospel to early believers as eyewitnesses of Jesus. Many backed up their testimony with their lives. We must regularly remind ourselves of this early faith centered on Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-7). With such a pure and clear Gospel, we can joyously live the words of the old hymn, Rock of Ages: “Nothing in my hands I bring, Simply to Thy Cross I cling.” We take our stand with the apostle Paul when he stated to the Corinthians: For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born (1 Corinthians 15:3-7). My Prayer… Almighty and Precious Father, I love you. I cannot begin to thank you enough for your love and grace, which you displayed so powerfully to me in Jesus. I know the basis of my hope and the foundation on which I build my life is the Gospel of your dear Son. Thank you for giving me something so simple, steadfast, and sure based on the eyewitness testimony, people willing to back up their words with their lives. 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.
Today’s Verse – Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. —Philippians 4:7 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… What can genuinely guard our hearts? What can authentically protect our minds? Did you know God wants his peace to guard our hearts and minds? That’s the apostle Paul’s promise to us in this passage. If we present our requests to God, always with thanksgiving, God’s peace is more significant than any explanation, it transcends our ability to comprehend it, and it will stand sentry over our hearts and minds. Do you want an example of how this is true? Look at the book of Job. All that befalls him. All that wounds him. Yet, still, he doesn’t become hard of heart or go insane. What is the key to his survival? His ongoing conversation with the LORD — his open recognition of the LORD’s presence. Job will not relinquish his relationship with God no matter how badly he hurts, how much he is confused, or how badly he is ridiculed. Amid all of his life’s uncertainties, losses, and wounds, Job holds onto God’s presence (Job 19:25-26). My Prayer… Father, I need you and the peace of your abiding presence. Wounds pierce my heart, but I don’t want my heart to become hardened and callused. At times, my mind is so confused that I fear I may lose my rationality. Dear Father, I trust that as I cling to Jesus and speak openly with you about my life and your grace, I believe you will bless me with your peace and protect my heart and mind from destruction. Thank you, dear Father, for the reminder that even as I struggle with my troubles, I also need to thank you for all the good things you have done to bless my life in my walk with you! In Jesus’ name, I pray 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.
Today’s Verse – Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. —Philippians 4:6 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Anxiety is worrying about things that we cannot control and worrying over things that we cannot remove from our thoughts. Anxiety dominates and controls a passive mind and a troubled heart, filling both with doubt, fear, and dread. The truth is clear. Anxiety cannot be removed; it must be replaced. We replace our anxieties by giving our concerns and worries to the LORD, trusting him to care for us. Then, as we thank him for what he has done and what he is doing in our lives, we replace those concerns and worries with a genuine sense of his presence through our thanksgiving. As a result, our confidence in his future for us can return to us, leading to even more reduction of anxiety and a greater anticipation of joy. My Prayer… Father, I know you love me. You have done so much to bless and save me. I deliberately place the worries and concerns of my heart in your hands… (Let’s each take a moment and specifically mention what burdens our hearts today and give them to the Father.) Father, I also want to thank you for the many ways you have blessed me over my life… (Let’s specifically mention blessings we have received from God). Now, dear Father, please fill my heart with your Spirit and my mind with the sense of your presence and peace. 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 4:5
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. —Philippians 4:5 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Extravagant over-reaction! That’s what we’re programmed to seek and to display in our modern world of sound bytes, social media “likes,” and the over-hyped cult of personality. But gentleness, the moderating grace amid chaos and conflict, is vital to bringing God’s peace to conflict-laden churches, families, relationships, and our troubled world. How can we be gentle? How can we restrain from over-reacting to the wounds, offenses, and slights that come our way? The LORD is near! He is our vindication. He is our example. He is our comfort. He is our hope. He is our strength. He is near. We are not alone and our destiny, reputation, and value are not up to us others to decide. He claims us! We are his, and, he is near. My Prayer… O LORD, my Father God, please be ever near me as I seek to be your person of character and gentleness in the middle of the chaos and conflict around me. I ask that your presence be made known and that my character reflect that presence in all that I do and say, especially with gentleness. In Jesus’ name and for his sake, 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 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! —Philippians 4:4 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Sometimes, the squabbles among church folk can discourage us and lead us to lose sight of our incredible blessings in God’s family. We have many reasons to rejoice in the LORD. Let’s not lose sight of those reasons, especially when those around us get caught up in pettiness, division, and rivalry. Let’s not let discouragement, grief, or danger wear us down and make us lose our joy. Our joy is in Jesus, an eternal, glorious, and victorious joy . Let’s remember our hope is in our resurrected Jesus, our LORD and ever-present Savior. Paul wants us to know that it is time to reclaim our joy! Video Commentary… ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos My Prayer… Father, thank you for the joy I have in knowing Jesus. I rejoice in the salvation you have brought me through his death and resurrection. With joy, I anticipate the day of glorious celebration when he returns to share your glory with me and all those who long for his coming. Even in my darkest moments of despair, I thank you for the flame of hope and the assurance of victory that sustains my deep and abiding joy of being your child. In the name of my Savior, the LORD Jesus, I rejoice as 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 1:30
It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God — that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. —1 Corinthians 1:30 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… God’s grace has brought us into a saving relationship with Jesus as our LORD and Savior. As believers, we recognize that Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross was much more than a terrible miscarriage of justice and the murder of a good and decent man. Jesus is God’s Son. He is Immanuel, God with us. He is God’s lovingly wise way to show us of his love. Jesus is our righteousness. He took our sins upon himself and made us righteous through his death, the shedding of his blood. Jesus is our ongoing holiness. His blood cleanses us at the beginning of our salvation and continues to do so as we live for him. Jesus is our hope. His death means our atonement for our sins and our reconciliation with God. Jesus is our ransom. He paid to redeem us from sin, death, and hell. Jesus is our everything! My Prayer… Almighty and Abba God, thank you for your holiness. Thank you for your righteousness. Thank you for your gracious forgiveness. Mold in me a heart like your Son’s heart. Make from me a more usable vessel for your Kingdom work. Make me more JESUShaped. It’s 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.
Today’s Verse – 1 Corinthians 1:27
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. —1 Corinthians 1:27 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… The Cross is such an offensive symbol when viewed in its most basic and raw form (1 Corinthians 1:18-24). For God to allow himself to become human flesh and live among us is unbelievable enough. For God to be willingly subjected to the vagaries and rigors of mortality and human needs in Christ is unthinkable. For God in Christ to endure the indignities and inhumanities of the Cross is preposterous. That, however, is the gospel truth! What appears to be foolish, weak, and offensive has the power to remake us and inspire us to unparalleled faith in Christ. When we come to the Cross and Resurrection of Jesus, we come to the impossible, which was made possible and accomplished by God’s grace for us, and in us, in Jesus and his death on the Cross. Only God would bring us salvation in such a way. My Prayer… Holy and gracious Father, I know that the Cross may seem silly and foolish to some people. I know some people who wear the Cross as a symbol don’t honor Christ for what he did upon the Cross. But Father, I confess that for me, Jesus’ willingness to go to the Cross is powerfully convicting and amazingly reassuring. You have captured my heart with your sacrificial love in sending Jesus to redeem me. Thank you for your gift of grace and Jesus’ willingness to endure and suffer for me. In his name, I thank, pray, and praise 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.