Today’s Verse – Psalm 107:9
For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. —Psalm 107:9 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… The Bible cries out with an essential and recurring truth: God quenches the thirst and satisfies the hunger of those who genuinely seek him. Jesus even said in his Sermon on the Mount: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” (Matthew 5:6) We try to soothe the ache in our souls and fill the emptiness in our hearts with what is only a temporary satisfaction – an ache and emptiness that only God’s presence can fill. Let’s refuse every false satisfaction and tempting distraction and truly seek the LORD who alone can satisfy our spiritual thirst and fill the emptiness and hunger of our hearts. There IS a God-shaped hole in all of us that only he can fill! My Prayer… Forgive us, dear Father, for trying to find the satisfaction for our souls’ hunger in what is not truly sustaining or satiating. We confess the areas of temptation that most often leads us to stumble into false satisfaction – sex, status, possessions, economic security, chemical dependency, busyness, abusing food, buying new stuff, body identity, or a host of other possible vulnerabilities – are all too true in us. As we seek you, dear LORD, please make your presence known as you satisfy our spiritual thirst and satiate our souls’ deep hunger. In the name of Jesus, our LORD, 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 – Psalm 23:2-3
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. —Psalm 23:2-3 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Some of us won’t slow down for anything! Sadly, when we become overly self-assured and get too caught up in our plans, we tend to press on until we crash from exhaustion, make mistakes due to weariness, or sin because we are spiritually vulnerable. The LORD, our good Shepherd, slows us down, has us lie down, and brings restoration to our souls. Our Shepherd knows we need rest, nourishment, and refreshment. He helps us, and even makes us lie down in “green pastures” and walk beside “still waters.” Once our Shepherd restores our souls, he leads us in the paths of his righteousness. Part of God’s grace to us is his leading and guidance, enabling us to find rest, be restored, and walk in the right paths for our lives. Jesus, as our good Shepherd, did the same with his disciples when he said to them: “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” (Mark 6:31) My Prayer… Thank you, dear Father, for slowing down my frantic life and leading me to times of refreshment, rest, and nourishment. Please forgive me for the times I have been too busy to hear your voice or respond to your call to rest. I trust that you will lead me to what I need as you mature me to have more and more of your righteous character. To do that, I know that I need to rest in you and with you in “green pastures” and “quiet waters.” O, God, I need your tender but firm guiding hand in my life as my Shepherd. In Jesus’ name, I confess 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 – Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. —Psalm 119:105 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… So often, those of us who have received the blessings of faith and the guidelines of the word of God don’t fully appreciate them. Can you imagine what it would be like to try to define your worth, clarify your values, or establish your sense of purpose without a standard of truth? Imagine what it would be like to be lost without a map, without a compass, or without GPS? Remember what it was like to wake up in an unfamiliar place as a child in the pitch black darkness, totally disoriented? We don’t have to worry about that now, do we? God’s word – both the Scriptures and the Son – light our dark paths and show us the way home! Video Commentary… ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos My Prayer… O LORD, my Abba Father, thank you for not leaving me in darkness. Your Word, the Scriptures, lights my path, and your Word, the Son, is the Light of the World and enlightens my life. Thank you for not leaving me alone in darkness to try and find my way through life. In Jesus’ name, I thank you for your Word in the Scriptures and your Word, the Son who lights my way. 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 92:4
For you make me glad by your deeds, O LORD; I sing for joy at the works of your hands. —Psalm 92:4 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Gaze into the heavens on a dark night away from the lights of the city. Then gaze at the innumerable wonders and starry hosts in the vastness of God’s cosmos. Think of the incredible diversity of Earth’s wonders. Look at your own life and see the fingerprints of God’s work in your own experience (Romans 8:28). As Jesus said, our Father is working still (John 5:17). To this very day, your Father is at work in you, our world, and his people. Yes, it does make us glad to know that we are not alone in working our own lives (Psalm 139:1-24; Philippians 2:13). There is a deep-seated joy in trusting that the LORD, Creator of the universe, is at work in us and for us. No wonder singing praise is such a natural response for many of us! My Prayer… Dear Heavenly Father, I praise you for your power and glory revealed in the majesty of your creation. I thank you for your work in transforming and recreating me, as well. Please, dear Father, continue your transforming work in me through the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18). Fashion me into a useful life of praise that brings you glory. In Jesus’ name, “I sing for joy at the works of your hands.” 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 23:1
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. —Psalm 23:1 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… A sheep is only as good as its shepherd. We are incredibly blessed because God is our Shepherd. Our God shepherded his people through the times of the Old Testament. Jesus came and he cared for people because they were like sheep without a shepherd (Matthew 9:36; Mark 6:34). Then, as LORD and Messiah, he identified himself as the good Shepherd of Psalm 23:1-6, and promised even more attentive care as our Shepherd (John 10:11, 14-16). With even deeper emotion and promise, we can say as disciples of Jesus, “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.” My Prayer… O good Shepherd, please carry me like a lamb. Let me tenderly rest in your arms and close to your heart. My life, my future, and my strength depend upon you being my Shepherd. I rely upon you, as my Shepherd, for your correction, leading, and care. Please help me hear your voice above the confusing distractions around me. Under your care, I have no fears. Thank you for being my Shepherd through this 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 – Psalm 9:2
I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. —Psalm 9:2 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… When was the last time you made up a song? When was the last time you made up a song of praise to offer to God? Worried that you can’t do it? Don’t think it will be good? Don’t worry, your only audience is your Abba Father, who longs to hear your heart sing regardless of your voice’s perfection or your melody’s tune. He wants to rejoice and be glad with you. So open your heart and raise your voice “and be glad and rejoice in” and “sing praise” to your Father, who is also God Most High! My Prayer… Holy and Merciful God Almighty, I praise you for the sun rising and setting in glorious splendor. I praise you for the gift of grace. I praise you for the miraculous preservation of your people through the ages, even though they have repeatedly been under attack and oftentimes lost sight of your way. I praise you for sending Jesus, the Son of Abraham and the Son of David, my Messiah and LORD. I praise you for raising Jesus from the dead. I praise you for your promise to send him back for your children. I praise you for your work in my life. I praise, O LORD, and I am glad to be your child. In Jesus’ name, I offer my praise and songs to 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 – Psalm 91:1
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. —Psalm 91:1 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… During the summer’s scorching heat (which is not quite ended for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere and equatorial zones), where did you find your shadow of protection and refreshment? When life caved in and the heat of frustration, disappointment, loss, and anger blazed in your heart, where did you turn for deliverance and hope? When we place our lives in the care of God Most High, we find that his shadow of protection and refreshment covers us. Even in times of difficulty, we know that he has protected us from the worst of Satan’s withering attacks and that his presence offers us strength that we may not often see but always can trust. We live in a hard and hot world that is in decay and yearns for deliverance (Romans 8:19-20, 22-23), yet we know that our hope for the future is even greater than what is in this psalm because we will eternally live “in the shelter of the Most High” and “rest in the Shadow of the Almighty” (Romans 8:18, 21, 24-25). My Prayer… Give me eyes to see, O LORD, and a heart to believe that you are with me, sheltering me, and long to bless me with rest. I confess that I need this assurance in times when I cannot see any evidence of your presence, protection, or rest. Please be my protection in times of attack and my refreshment in times that bring soul-withering despair. I trust that as my LORD Jesus promised, the Holy Spirit will be my living spring bringing the cool refreshment bubbling up within me (John 7:37-39) until I come to be with you eternally. In Jesus’ name, I pray this with anticipation and trust. 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 – Mark 12:30-31
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” —Mark 12:30-31 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Sometimes the most important things are not hard to understand. However, we must not treat these clear commands as simple. They challenge us to honor God with all we have, are, and dream. God wants us to love him with every fiber of our being and also to love those around us. All of his demands on our character boil down to honoring these two great principles that transcend law and bring the character of God to hearts. It all comes down to loving God and others with love that has hands and feet – it’s something we not only feel, but we actively and sacrificially live in our daily lives. My Prayer… Almighty God, my heavenly Father, I love you. I love you for your plan to send your Messiah as a descendant of Abraham and David. I love you for your unfailing love. I love you for your listening grace that hears my humble prayers. I love you for sending Jesus and for starting your church. I love you, Almighty God, for your steadfast presence and love in my life. Now I ask the Holy Spirit to show my love for you by loving my neighbors. I love you, dear God, in the name of Jesus. 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 14:29
A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly. —Proverbs 14:29 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Responding to aggravation, threat, insult, irritation, and difficulty requires patience – great patience. Responding hastily out of anger is foolish. A hasty, unfiltered response seldom produces our desired long-term effect. This quick-tempered kind of response nearly always compounds the problems that need to be addressed. Patiently dealing with frustrating and painful situations shows our understanding and is nearly always more fruitful in the long run. Plus, the patient and wise approach can prevent the unnecessary loss of friendships, integrity, and respect. Video Commentary… ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos My Prayer… Father, I ask for patience and self-control. I know these virtues are part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit’s presence in my life. I am inviting the Holy Spirit to have more impact on my heart as I look to how Jesus handled difficult situations in his life and ministry. Please give me the understanding and wisdom to keep my mouth shut until I have had an opportunity to pray and think about the issues and people involved, and only answer then. 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 – 1 John 2:27
As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit — just as it has taught you, remain in him. —1 John 2:27 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… When we became Christians, we were not only cleansed by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:9-11), but the Holy Spirit filled and indwelled us (Acts 2:38-39; Romans 8:9). John speaks of receiving and having the Holy Spirit as “his anointing” – Jesus poured the Holy Spirit out on and into us, when we came to Christ (Titus 3:3-7). The Spirit helps us hear the truth about Jesus (1 John 2:20-21). Our anointing keeps us from surrendering that truth to false teaching that would diminish (1 John 2:23) either side of Jesus’ identity – Jesus as God with us and God like us. We remain in Jesus when we hold on to both of these incredible truths. As we remain in Jesus, the Spirit – “his anointing” – we have all that we need to know about Jesus as our Savior, LORD, and Messiah (1 John 2:24, 27). My Prayer… Holy and Righteous Father, thank you for sending Jesus to save me. May I never surrender my sense of wonder or my deep feelings of appreciation for all who Jesus was, is, and will be. Thank you for sending me your Spirit as your anointing to help me safeguard the truth about your Son and my Savior, in whose name I pray and give you 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.