Today’s Verse – Exodus 15:6
“Your right hand, O LORD, was majestic in power. Your right hand, O LORD, shattered the enemy. “ —Exodus 15:6 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… One of the great images of the Old Testament is God stretching out his right hand with power and doing mighty things for his people. So often, Israel faced a larger and more experienced foe. When his people fully trusted in him, God gave them great victories. In this victory song, Moses and Miriam praised God for defeating Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea. Moses praised God as the provider and power behind this miraculous victory and refused to take that honor for himself. Praising God in our times of success and victory reminds us where our true victory originated and was sustained: The LORD, whose right hand shatters the enemy! My Prayer… Father, you are great in holiness and majesty. You are incomparable in power. I ask, O God, that you please uphold and strengthen me with your power and grace. Thank you for shattering the power of my greatest enemy by the power of your right hand. Please give me the courage to live for you as I trust in the power of “your right hand”. In Jesus’ name, I praise you, mighty LORD and God. 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 – Hebrews 10:24-25
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching. —Hebrews 10:24-25 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… We need each other. We cannot make it on our own. God calls us to get together regularly to encourage and motivate each other in Christ to live vibrant lives of service to each other and faith in him. With the day of Jesus’ return and our ultimate victory on the horizon, we should be even more motivated to help and encourage each other. And as the Spirit of God reminds us in our passage today, we need to consider and plan how best to help spur each other along to love and good deeds. My Prayer… LORD God, thank you for giving me a Christian family to encourage and motivate me to serve others. Please use me to bless others when we gather in Jesus’ name and praise you. I ask for the Holy Spirit’s help to know how best to encourage and inspire my brothers and sisters in Christ to join me in doing good deeds and loving each other. In the name of the LORD Jesus, I pray to be a more encouraging person, one known for building others up in Jesus. It is in his name, and for his glory I live and 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 – Isaiah 30:18
Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him! —Isaiah 30:18 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… God is slow to exercise his justice when that justice demands his people’s punishment. “Gracious and slow to anger” is a phrase repeatedly used to describe God in the Old Testament in relationship to his people. God longs to be gracious and bless his people. He extends the time for us to have opportunities to repent and turn to him. In Jesus, God even gave us his own Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sins so we could have the opportunity to come home to him. Let’s hear the heart of God and respond by turning our lives and hearts to our Father in heaven, who loves us and longs for us to come home to him! Video Commentary… ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos My Prayer… Almighty God and Abba Father, how can I ever thank you for your love and mercy demonstrated so overwhelmingly in the sacrifice of your Son for my sin? Please forgive me for those times when I have not intentionally and wholeheartedly shown my appreciation for your grace. I deeply appreciate your graciousness toward me. Please perfect me by your Spirit just as you have forgiven and cleansed me by your grace. In Jesus’ name, I thank you for being my gracious heavenly Father. 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 18:24
A person of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother or sister. —Proverbs 18:24 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Close spiritual friends are rare — especially friends who will hold us accountable when we need it most, build us up when we’re down, and celebrate with us when we’ve enjoyed success. Unfortunately, many people are terribly lonely in our modern world and they don’t have that kind a friend. They’re lonely for something, or better yet, someone they’ve never experienced. In modern culture, we tend to have acquaintances and social media “friends” instead of genuine friends. When things go poorly for us or when we have nothing to offer to others, our acquaintances can run away in times of trouble or fade away if our problems are ongoing. True friends do exist. Their commitment and dedication can even run deeper than our physical family. How do I know? God promised it! I’ve seen it! My family has been blessed by it! So let’s hear the call to be that kind of friend to others; in so doing, we will often find that kind of friend for ourselves — a friend that sticks closer than a physical brother or sister. My Prayer… Gracious and holy Father, thank you so much for calling me into your family. Please bless me as I seek to enter into meaningful friendships with those in your family and be a true friend to others. 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 – Ezekiel 36:23
I will show the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, the name you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am the LORD, declares the Sovereign LORD, when I show myself holy through you before their eyes. —Ezekiel 36:23 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… God can and will use us even though, at times, we are not worthy vessels for him to use. Scripture gives us many examples of people God used who did not meet his moral and holy requirements — for example, think about Samson or most of the other Judges! God will be revealed as the sacred, mighty, and awesome God that he is whether we do it or not. Let’s be willing tools in his hands to do his divine work in our fallen world so the world can know his holiness revealed through us, in our lives, and our behaviors. Let’s offer ourselves to him for his service and his glory. My Prayer… Holy Father, we ask that you purify us and make us holy — not just because of your grace but also demonstrated in our thoughts, words, and deeds. Create a clean heart in us and renew a righteous spirit in us by the power of your Holy Spirit. May our lives be holy offerings of praise to you, O, holy and mighty God. In Jesus’ name, we offer ourselves 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.
Today’s Verse – Galatians 6:9
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. —Galatians 6:9 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Weariness is a part of life. Weariness is a part of ministry. Weariness is often part of being in a family. Weariness often overtakes us when we set our hearts on doing good for others. However, God’s wonderful blessing renews, sustains, and rekindles us. He does it through the encouraging word of a friend. He does it through his presence in us, the Holy Spirit. He does it through songs that lift our hearts. He does it through Scripture and prayer. So, while our bodies and spirits may grow weary, let’s not let our hands fall idle. If we serve with faithfulness, discipline, and integrity, God’s grace will empower us through the Spirit to do what he has called us to do. My Prayer… Dear Heavenly Father, I sometimes find myself weary and discouraged in my service to you and especially to others. Please convict me, beloved Father, when I’ve neglected sleep, exercise, or good eating habits. I want to live a more balanced life and have the energy and strength to better serve those who need my help. Please empower me as I seek to correct those problems in my life. Gently humble me in those times when I neglected my spiritual nourishment and sought to depend upon my own strength. I want to actively and effectively serve you, dear Father, all the days of my life. In Jesus’ name, I ask 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 – Isaiah 54:5
For your Maker is your husband — the LORD Almighty is his name — the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth. —Isaiah 54:5 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… When I read the phrase “he is called the God of all the earth” in today’s verse, several other Bible passages came to mind: “For God so loved the world…” (John 3:16). “The God who made the world and everything in it is the LORD of heaven and earth…” (Acts 17:24). “The Father, from whom every family on earth derives its name…” (Ephesians 3:15). God is not just the God of Israel or any particular nation, race, tradition, or culture. The LORD God, ruler of heaven and earth, is the God of all nations. As a follower of the Christ, I believe all people will one day recognize God for what he did in Jesus: [A]t the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:10-11 NASB). The Holy One of Israel, the Redeemer and God of all the earth, has extended his grace through Jesus to draw all peoples to himself. And as the apostle Paul said: “From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth… God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us” (Acts 17:26-27). My Prayer… Great Redeemer and the Father of all nations and peoples, I humbly come before you to offer my thanks and praise for all you have done to bless us. Guide me as I seek to know you fully and be more aware of your daily presence in my life. 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 – Galatians 5:6
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. —Galatians 5:6 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Have you ever noticed how we get to fussing and fighting about things that we think are significant, but in reality, these issues don’t pertain to the central matters of our faith? Too often, we fuss and fight over tangential issues and lose the most essential thing to Jesus — our love for each other. In the first century, this fight often involved Jew/Gentile issues — racial and cultural practices and prejudices. While race, culture, and heritage are important, what is most important is showing the world that we can value cultural and racial diversity in each other and still find our unity in Christ. In today’s high-tech and AI-focused world, isn’t it interesting that the essential human issue is the same as it was two thousand years ago — faith displaying itself in loving action? My Prayer… Dear LORD, please help us tear down every wall that divides and separates your people. Forgive us, for our prejudice toward and against each other can dissolve in your grace. Stir a deep yearning in our hearts to share the unity of heaven* in our world today. In the name of Jesus, the atoning sacrifice for all the peoples of the world, I ask this. Amen. * Notice the unity of heaven, where folks from every nation, tribe, people, and language worship together in joyous praise (Revelation 7:9-12). 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 1:3
I thank my God every time I remember you. —Philippians 1:3 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Certain people are such special blessings. It doesn’t matter if we visit with them on the phone, receive an encouraging email, receive a handwritten letter, or see them face to face. Any time we remember these kinds of people, we thank God for them. So, let’s follow Paul’s example and let them know they give us reasons to give thanks! I thank my God every time I remember you. Video Commentary… ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos My Prayer… Loving LORD, thank you for the following precious people you have brought into my life… (Place the names of several people who have blessed your life here). They have blessed my life and done it in so many ways. Please bless their lives with your grace, power, and Spirit. In Jesus’ name, I thank you for these precious people. 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 John 4:20
If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. —1 John 4:20 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Singing “O how I love Jesus!” and “I love you, Lord, and I lift my voice to worship you, O my soul rejoice…” sounds great. However, Jesus responds to us singing these words by asking us a simple and clear question: How well are you doing with loving your brothers and sisters? We can’t love God, we can’t appreciate Jesus, and we can’t be filled with the Holy Spirit if we won’t love those around us. My Prayer… Forgive me, dear Father, for the times I have harbored pettiness in my heart or been unforgiving to those who needed my grace. I recognize that when I am unloving to my brothers and sisters in Christ or even unloving to my neighbors, I am unloving to you. Please bless me as I work to reconcile some recent unresolved Christian relationships, remove long-held bitterness, and offered genuine love toward those who have wounded me. Help these mended friendships bring glory to you and vitality to your Church. 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.