Today’s Verse – Proverbs 10:21
The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of judgment. —Proverbs 10:21 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Righteous people have a way of blessing others with their words. They may be words of encouragement, carefully chosen speech, advice full of wisdom, messages of comfort, truth in teaching, or faithfulness to their promises. Now, there are folks who think their words are wise, but they don’t match up to this promise: The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of judgment.” No matter what form, the words of righteous people are blessings to those who receive them. But fools don’t listen to the righteous. The foolish plot their own course, refusing truth, wisdom, and godliness, only to find their lives lost to meaninglessness and folly. My Prayer… Father God, Author of all truth and wisdom, please help me discern those around me who are truly righteous and wise. Please give me the wisdom to listen to what they say. Please help me avoid the pitfalls of pride and arrogance as I humbly seek to hear your truth from those whose lives are conformed to your character. Keep me from the ways of the foolish, I ask, in Jesus’ name. 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 37:5-6
Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. —Psalm 37:5-6 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… How much do we trust the LORD? How much of ourselves have we entrusted to the LORD? We focused the last several days on the promised blessings the LORD longs to give us. Yet, God sometimes chooses to release these blessings dependent upon our trust in him and our asking of him. As long as we grip the steering wheel of our lives, it is hard to let God take us in the direction of his blessings and his will. I once saw a bumper sticker that put it this way: “If God is your co-pilot, then you had better switch seats!” Committing our way to the LORD is offering our lives to him to do his work, to receive his blessing, and to know his presence. So what are we waiting for? Let’s put God in the pilot seat of our lives! My Prayer… Holy, Righteous, and Almighty God, everything is yours except the hearts of stubborn men and women who will not release their will to you. However, dear Father, we commit our hearts, lives, futures, abilities, wealth, and families — our everything — to you. All we have of value has come from you, so please use all of each of us to bring you glory. We invite you to drive the direction of our lives. We love you and thank you in Jesus’ name. 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 – Romans 8:14
…those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. —Romans 8:14 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Over the last two weeks, we have been blessed to read a number of Scriptures that speak of the Spirit’s work in our lives. Over the last several days, we’ve celebrated being God’s beloved children, with all the rights of the oldest son, full heirs of our Father’s inheritance. The two concepts come together today in our verse in one glorious declaration: we are God’s “sons,” his children with full inheritance rights. It doesn’t matter if we are men or women, young or old. It doesn’t matter our race. Because of the Holy Spirit’s work and presence in our lives, we are his children, rightful heirs. We have not only been given grace, but we also live as his children and enjoy the blessings of his eternal family. My Prayer… Dear Father in Heaven, may your name be recognized as holy in my life as your child. May your will and your reign be known in my life just as the hosts of heaven honor it. Father, I am confident that you will give me the food I need today, and I thank you. Please forgive me of my sin as I commit to forgiving those who sin against me. You are glorious, dear Father. Your Kingdom is eternal and is the goal of my heart. Your power is my source of strength. I love you, dear Father. In Jesus’ name, I pray and praise you as your beloved child. 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 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. —Isaiah 41:10 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… God’s story through the history of his people, Israel, in the Old Testament is one of triumph, protection, and faithfulness despite his people’s wayward attitude. Just as God was with Israel, so also God is with us. God cares for us. God hears our prayers. God longs to bless and protect us. God longs to strengthen and uphold us. Let’s put our hope in him and trust that he “will uphold” us with his “righteous right hand.” My Prayer… O God of creation, you are my God. I choose to put my faith in you! I long to bring you honor and glory. So, please stir my courage to live victoriously and passionately for you. I trust that as I display your character and live for your glory, you will strengthen and uphold me with your mighty presence within me and by your mighty arm of grace around me. In you, O LORD, I have placed my hope. In Jesus’ name, I declare your glory and my allegiance 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 – Proverbs 29:25
Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe. —Proverbs 29:25 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Jesus told us not to fear our human adversaries (Luke 12:4-5). When we try to please others and fear what others may say or do to us, we place ourselves in a position of unnecessary vulnerability. Our lives no longer remain our own. We become captive to what others think, want, or threaten. We are only to trust the LORD and reverence him. Actively placing our faith in the LORD crowds fear out of our hearts with our Father’s perfect love (1 John 4:18). As we deliberately put our faith in the LORD, God becomes our security, now and forevermore. Video Commentary… ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos My Prayer… Please keep me safe, O LORD, from those who oppose me and would do me harm. Give me the courage to live for Jesus and live a life of righteous character, gracious compassion, and faithful love regardless of what my adversaries say, think, criticize, or threaten. May my life be a holy praise to you. In Jesus’ name, I offer myself, my praise, and this prayer. 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 Chronicles 4:10
Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request. —1 Chronicles 4:10 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… When we tune our hearts to God’s will and we long to honor our LORD, our Father delights in blessing us in mighty ways. (See yesterday’s devotional thoughts.) So, let’s first set our hearts on doing his will. Then, let’s not be afraid to ask God to pour his blessings on others and share with the LORD the desires of our hearts. Finally, let’s not be surprised at how many ways he blesses us in response to our prayers! My Prayer… O God, please show yourself to be glorious in the ways you bless me, especially the ways you bless those I love. Help all people know that these blessings do not come from our wisdom, skill, or strength but from your grace. In Jesus’ name, I ask it. 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 37:4
Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. —Psalm 37:4 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Be careful not to misread this promise as saying that God will give us whatever we want. Notice that first emphatic phrase that qualifies this promise: “Delight yourself in the LORD…” As my heart delights in the LORD — in his will and his purposes — I find a fantastic truth at work; he fulfills those desires. When I yearn for what the LORD wants, he enjoys giving me the desires of my heart. An old hymn has us sing this prayer: “Sweet will of God, still fold me closer, till I am wholly lost in Thee.” When I lose myself in the will of God, and my heart delights to honor him, God rushes to bring us the desires of our heart and bless me with more of him! Delighting in the LORD leads to a heart full of the LORD’s delightful presence and blessings! My Prayer… Holy LORD, God of our Fathers and the Great Giver* of every good and perfect gift, thank you for longing to bless me and pour the riches of your grace upon me. Please touch my heart so it will desire your will and then boldly ask you to accomplish it to your glory. In Jesus’ name, I find my delight and joyfully pray. Amen. * James 1:17.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.
When Life Is Hard
Note from Jesus Dear Beloved, There are times when life is very hard. Remember when I fed 5,000 people out of five loaves and two fish (Matthew 14:13-21)? The people were tired, the hour was late, and My disciples were not ready to handle the problem. So I want to remind you where I was emotionally before all of this started. Herod had just killed My cousin and great forerunner, John the Baptist (Matthew 14:1-12). I felt both the personal loss of this great servant of God and also the burden of knowing that John’s fate would soon be My own (Matthew 17:10-13). I was trying to get away to a quiet place and pray when the crowd found Me. Matthew sensitively describes My situation: And so he [Herod] sent orders to the prison to have John beheaded, and there was his head, displayed on a platter, given first to Salome and then passed on to her mother. John’s disciples went to the prison, got John’s body, and buried him. Then they went to tell Jesus. When Jesus learned what had happened, He got on a boat and went away to spend some time in a private place. The crowds, of course, followed Jesus on foot from their cities. Though Jesus wanted solitude, when He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, and He healed the sick and the lame. (Matthew 14:10-14) I share this because I want you to realize that I know about life being hard — about needing to grieve and regroup by being alone, yet not being allowed to have that time. So when your life caves in around you, please don’t believe the lies of the enemy that I don’t care about your pain and that your pain doesn’t matter to the Father. There will be times when you are tempted to feel that the devil’s lie is true, but please remember the real truth. I know human anguish. I know it not just because I am God, but also because I have been mortal, God Who is one of you. I know what it’s like to face the storms of life and feel like they are going to swallow you whole. That is why what happens next is so important for you to believe. As I tried to be alone with the Father, I sent the disciples away. Soon, they were overwhelmed in their boat by a storm. What they were facing physically, I was facing emotionally. Nevertheless, I went to be with them. In the middle of My raging emotional storm, I entered into their battle with their storm. While I was approaching them in the storm, Peter did what early Peter often did: he made a bit of a mess of things by presuming to do something the others would never dream to do. But don’t miss this truth: he did it! He walked on the water to Me until he became distracted by the storm. Still, in the roiling power of the storm, this seasoned fisherman — this man so familiar with survival in the sea and her storms — didn’t try to save himself. Instead, Peter cried out to Me to save him, and I rescued him. So here’s the deal. When you are going through your own storms, call out to Me. Welcome Me into the middle of your messes, trials, struggles, and storms. When you do, I will join you in them. You will never be alone (Hebrews 13:5-6). When My arrival seems to take forever, don’t despair. I will come to you in the storm. You may not recognize My presence at first, but keep looking for me. I will be there. One way or another, I will get you to your true destination. You will find rest, hope, and peace for your soul. Don’t forget, I know what it’s like to face the worst storms of life, and I will not abandon you to fight them alone. Verses to Live Please read this account of these important events in My life. They are taken from both Matthew’s account and John’s account of these events. It is more than a story; it just may be your story or the story of a friend. Remember, I won’t abandon you in the storm. Look for Me when the storm seems most fierce and you can’t figure out how to go on — or even better, look for Me at all times and in all situations in your life and stay with Me so you will be ready for whatever comes. Immediately [after feeding the 5,000] Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on to the other side of the sea while He dismissed the crowd. Then, after the crowd had gone, Jesus went up to a mountaintop alone (as He had intended from the start). As evening descended, He stood alone on the mountain, praying. The boat was in the water, some distance from land, buffeted and pushed around by waves and wind. Deep in the night, when He had concluded His prayers, Jesus walked out on the water to His disciples in their boat. (Matthew 14:22-25) After rowing three or four miles through the stormy seas, they [the disciples] spotted Jesus approaching the boat walking mysteriously upon the deep waters that surrounded them. They panicked. Jesus (to the disciples): I AM the One. Don’t be afraid. (John 6:19-20) Peter: Lord, if it is really You, then command me to meet You on the water. Jesus: Indeed, come. Peter stepped out of the boat onto the water and began walking toward Jesus. But when he remembered how strong the wind was, his courage caught in his throat and he began to sink. Peter: Master, save me! Immediately Jesus reached for Peter and caught him. Jesus: O you of little faith. Why did you doubt and dance back and forth between following Me and heeding fear? Then Jesus and Peter climbed in the boat together,
Today’s Verse – John 14:23
If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. —John 14:23 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… This chapter, John 14, begins with Jesus’ promise to return to heaven and prepare a place for us with God (John 14:1-3). In our verse, however, the LORD wants us to know that we don’t have to wait until heaven to be in the presence of God or have his presence in us. As we love God and obey Jesus’ teaching, God comes and makes his home with us. What a fantastic and gracious promise! God, the Creator of the Universe, the Holy One of Israel, comes and makes his home in each of us. My Prayer… I thank and praise you for your abiding presence within me, O God. May my life reflect the holiness and grace of your presence in all that I think, say, and do. My heart shouts for joy as you come to me, and I say to you, dear Father, “Welcome to your home in me!” 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 5:32
We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him. —Acts 5:32 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Of all the many gifts God gives us, the gift of his presence in us through his Holy Spirit is among the most precious. The Spirit’s presence makes us God’s temple (1 Corinthians 6:19). The Spirit intercedes for us according to the will of God when we pray (Romans 8:26-27). The Spirit helps us overcome the pull of our flesh (Romans 8:13-14). The Spirit gives us strength in our inner being (Ephesians 3:16). The Spirit transforms us to become more and more like Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:17-18). The Holy Spirit is heaven’s living witness within us, given to us to help us live for God. Oh, what a great gift! Video Commentary… ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos My Prayer… Father, thank you so much for your Holy Spirit, who is now interceding for me as I pray. Please strengthen me through your Spirit as I seek to live a holy life dedicated to you. Dear Father, I yearn for the Holy Spirit to transform me daily to be more like your Son in character, compassion, righteousness, and faithfulness. 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.