What Will You Do with My Grace?
Note from Jesus Dear Follower, In today’s events from My life on earth, you will meet a man who had great difficulties. But like so many who find themselves in very difficult situations, this man makes the situation worse by refusing to take responsibility for anything in his life. As you read, notice that I ask this man if he really wants to get well: Are you here in this place hoping to be healed? (John 5:6) He states the truth about his situation, and yes, it is a sad truth, but also notice that he never really answers My question. Instead, this man blames his circumstances. He never really says, “Oh yes, more than anything, I want to be healed!” When I heal the man, he gets in trouble with “the overly somber religious enforcement society” of his day for breaking one of their rules. Notice what the man does: he passes the buck and blames it on Me! (I think you will find it very helpful to compare his reaction to “the overly somber religious enforcement society” with the fellow you meet in John 9:1-41, whose actions are quite different after I healed his blindness and he was then questioned by the Pharisees!) Don’t miss two points! Point 1: You should have compassion for all people, but don’t be discouraged when some of those you help still hang on to their victim mindset. You can recognize this by their words and actions: “It’s not my fault!” “Don’t blame me; I can’t help it!” “My problems are all because nobody will help me!” “That person told me to do this, so don’t blame me; I was just doing what I was told!” As much as you want to help everyone, some folks will never assume responsibility for their circumstances or for getting better. Even in their greatest moments of joy, they refuse to celebrate and praise God — or thank you — for their blessings. Nevertheless, as My disciple, your love should still lead you to help people as I did. Point 2: Many folks don’t get what being My follower really means for them. They are caught up in the religious rules of everything. You, however, need to be guided by three calls in your life. They will keep you focused on the heart of My mission! They will also keep you from being part of “the overly somber religious enforcement society” of your day! What are those three calls? Love the Lord your God with all you are and love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:36-40). Light the way to God with your good deeds done to others (Matthew 5:14-16). Lead people to follow Me (Matthew 28:18-20). Verses to Live Ask yourself two questions as you read the scripture today. First, if you had been healed after 38 years of bondage, would you have blamed your healer or praised God no matter what anyone else said? Second, as My follower, would you be one who helped get this guy into the pool when he had no one else to help him? … Jesus led His followers to Jerusalem where they would celebrate a Jewish feast together. In Jerusalem they came upon a pool by the sheep gate surrounded by five covered porches. In Hebrew this place is called Bethesda. Crowds of people lined the area, lying around the porches. All of these people were disabled in some way; some were blind, lame, paralyzed, or plagued by diseases, and they were waiting for the waters to move. From time to time, a heavenly messenger would come to stir the water in the pool. Whoever reached the water first and got in after it was agitated would be healed of his or her disease. In the crowd, Jesus noticed one particular man who had been living with his disability for 38 years. He knew this man had been waiting here a long time. Jesus (to the disabled man): Are you here in this place hoping to be healed? Disabled Man: Kind Sir, I wait, like all of these people, for the waters to stir; but I cannot walk. If I am to be healed in the waters, someone must carry me into the pool. Without a helping hand, someone else beats me to the water’s edge each time it is stirred. Jesus: Stand up, carry your mat, and walk. At the moment Jesus uttered these words, a healing energy coursed through the man and returned life to his limbs — he stood and walked for the first time in 38 years. But this was the Sabbath Day; and any work, including carrying a mat, was prohibited on this day. Jewish Leaders (to the man who had been healed): Must you be reminded that it is the Sabbath? You are not allowed to carry your mat today! Formerly Disabled Man: The man Who healed me gave me specific instructions to carry my mat and go. Jewish Leaders: Who is the man Who gave you these instructions? How can we identify Him? The man genuinely did not know Who it was that healed him. In the midst of the crowd and the excitement of his renewed health, Jesus had slipped away. Some time later, Jesus found him in the temple and again spoke to him. Jesus: Take a look at your body; it has been made whole and strong. So avoid a life of sin, or else a calamity greater than any disability may befall you. The man went immediately to tell the Jewish leaders that Jesus was the mysterious healer. So they began pursuing and attacking Jesus because He performed these miracles on the Sabbath. Jesus (to His attackers): My Father is at work. So I, too, am working. He was justifying the importance of His work on the Sabbath, claiming God as His Father in ways that suggested He was equal to God. These pious religious leaders sought an opportunity to kill Jesus, and these words fueled their
I Bring Hidden Things into the Light
Note from Jesus Dear Faithful Follower, Hide and seek is a great children’s game. However, it is a dangerous and deadly spiritual game. If you are My follower, don’t hide your loyalty and commitment to Me from others. When you have guests in your house, you don’t hide the lamp so they can’t find their way around your house in the dark. So if your friends are lost in spiritual darkness, why would you hide My spiritual light from them? Do you want them to stumble around in spiritual darkness? Remember, I see what you do in your life. I’m not there to snoop, spy, or try to catch you doing something wrong. I’m there to strengthen, encourage, and bless. And know this: where I go, I bring true light. Hidden things are exposed. So I’m asking you to let My light penetrate deeply into your hidden places and drive out your darkness (John 3:19-21). When you let My light into your life, it will be filled with more and more light. However, if you try to keep things hidden away in the dark corners of your spirit, little by little you will lose the light you have now (Matthew 6:23). And be sure of this: even if you drive My light from most of your heart, sooner or later, everything in your heart will be revealed (Matthew 10:26-33). Finally, remember I AM the One Who can help you find truth by shining My light in all places. As you try to look through the Bible for truth, don’t forget Me. I AM here to help you make sense of it all in a way that is a blessing to all! So just ask Me to use the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth, to help you know what Scripture means and how it all points to Me. I AM the One Who brings light to dark places, the one Who exposes truth and error, the One Who gives light to those seeking light, and the One Who helps you know how to use the Scriptures to unlock the truth and find great treasures! Verses to Live I AM the light to illuminate dark places, the guarantee that everything hidden will be brought to the full light of truth. Jesus: You wouldn’t light a lamp and cover it with a clay pot. You’re not going to hide it under your bed. No, when you light it, you’re going to put it out in the open so your guests can feel welcome and see where they’re going. Hidden things will always come out into the open. Secret things will come to light and be exposed. I hope you’re still listening. And I hope you’re listening carefully. If you get what I’m saying, you’ll get more. If you miss My meaning, even the understanding you think you have will be taken from you. (Luke 8:16-18) Just like hidden things will ultimately be revealed, people will ultimately be seen for who they are and what they have done. Jesus: Or think of it this way: the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was cast into the sea, a net that caught a world of flickering fish. When the net was full, the fishermen hauled it to shore. They separated the good fish from the bad, placing the good fish in a bucket and throwing out the inedible fish. That is what the end of time will be like. The heavenly messengers will separate the good from the bad, the righteous from the wicked, the repentant from the prideful, the faithful from the hard-hearted. The bad, the wicked, the prideful, and the hard-hearted will be thrown into the fiery furnace where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth. Do you understand? Disciples: Yes, we understand. (Matthew 13:47-51) My servant, the apostle Paul, said it very well: the holy Scriptures “enable you to be wise and lead to salvation through faith in Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:15). So not only will hidden things be revealed and not only will people’s works be revealed, but the truth of the Scriptures can also be revealed to you so that you can find many treasures if you approach them through faith in Me! Just as I said in this next verse, regardless of where you are in your walk of faith you should be on the lookout for new things as well as old familiar things as you study the Scriptures. Jesus: Every scribe and teacher of the law who has become a student of the ways of the kingdom is like the head of the household who brings some new things and some old things, both out of the storeroom. (Matthew 13:52) Response in Prayer Father, help the light of Jesus to shine through everything I do and say. Please open my eyes to see Jesus and hear the voice of the Spirit in every bit of Scripture that I hear, read, and memorize. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen. ‘A Year with Jesus’ is written by Phil Ware. © 1998-2025, 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 – Psalm 37:1-2
Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. —Psalm 37:1-2 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Aren’t frustration and envy sometimes our reaction to those who are evil and yet seem to prosper? We’re reminded in this psalm not to let the apparent and short-lived successes of evil people derail our faith or dampen our spirits. Their victories are temporary. Their wealth is like a flower that will wilt. Their life is like the grass that withers and is soon blown away. We, however, are like the mighty tree planted by clear waters that grows strong, bears fruit, and endures (Psalm 1:1-4). My Prayer… LORD God Almighty, praise your holy and matchless name. You have blessed me mightily. You have protected me in the face of my enemies. You have given me life, hope, and a future with you. Now, please, dear Father, help me avoid wasting my time worrying about what others have. I invite the Holy Spirit to help me not envy the prosperity of the wicked. Please give me a heart of thanksgiving for and contentment with all you have done to bless 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.
My Plan to Train and Teach!
Note from Jesus Dear Disciple, Leadership and choosing leaders are very important in any group, but especially among My followers. Please notice two things of great importance in the verses below. They will help you have a lasting impact for Me in your world. First, I prayed all night before I chose those whom I would call to be My apostles — those who would be My special emissaries to minister and lead My movement when I was gone. I regularly withdrew to have special times of prayer with the Father to tune My heart to His mission. I also dedicated long stretches of prayer to important events in My life. Selecting My apostles was one of those watershed events. Their selection was so important that I prayed all night! My early church family dedicated themselves to worship, prayer, and fasting to choose their leaders (Acts 13:1-3; Acts 14:23). So please, don’t let choosing leaders for your group, house church, missional community, organization, or congregation become a political event. Leadership is crucial to My mission in the world. Never choose leaders without prayer! Second, no leader, no matter how faithful or influential, can lead alone or forever. I chose twelve in whom I invested My life (Mark 3:13-19). I trained them to follow in My steps (Luke 6:40; Matthew 20:25-28). If any leader among My people is following in My footsteps, that leader will choose and train other leaders to assist in his or her work and to continue that work into future generations (2 Timothy 2:1-2). You can find this principle all throughout the New Testament. A prime example is that I — the Messiah, your Lord, the Son of God — chose apostles to assist in My ministry and to continue My work. Other examples of not leading alone are Barnabas working with Paul (Acts 11:22-26), Timothy with Paul (Acts 16:1-3), and John Mark with Barnabas (Acts 15:39-40). Leaders in your day most surely need to follow the examples of My early leaders! Verses to Live Leadership is vital for the future of My work in your day. I challenge you to invest in others. Share My truth and My way of life. Then, help them invest in others just as you have invested in them. This approach was the vision I left right before I returned to the Father (Matthew 28:18-20), this was the method I used to train and teach in My ministry, and this was the method My earliest followers used to train and teach. I call on you and the leaders of your day to do the same. Around this time, Jesus went outside the city to a nearby mountain, along with a large crowd of His disciples. He prayed through the night to God. The next morning, He chose 12 of them and gave each a new title of “emissary” [or “apostle”]. They included Simon (Jesus called him Peter) and Andrew (Simon’s brother), James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, Matthew and Thomas, James (son of Alphaeus) and Simon (known as the Zealot), Judas (son of James) and the other Judas (Judas Iscariot, who later betrayed Jesus). The whole crowd of disciples (including the 12 now designated as His emissaries) came down together, and they stood on a level area nearby. They were joined by an even greater crowd of people who had come from across the whole region — from all of Judea, from Jerusalem, from the coastal areas of Tyre and Sidon. These people came to hear Jesus teach and to be healed by Jesus of their diseases. Those who were troubled by demonic spirits were liberated. Everyone wanted to touch Jesus because when they did, power emanated from Him and they were healed. (Luke 6:12-19) Response in Prayer Father in heaven, I confess that I often don’t feel like much of a leader. I am also frustrated with the lack of leadership I sometimes see among Your people and in Your church. But I know that You have given me an area of influence in the lives of others. So as I influence those I love and those who are my friends and associates, please help me see ways of involving others to do Your work in my world. In addition, I pray now for my spiritual leaders by name… Please bless them and bless us through their spiritual leadership. I pray that the Holy Spirit will stir the hearts of Your people and that we will be intentional about raising up new leaders for the future. I ask this in the powerful name of Jesus, my Lord. Amen. ‘A Year with Jesus’ is written by Phil Ware. © 1998-2025, 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 – Psalm 143:8
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. —Psalm 143:8 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… A time of loneliness and doubt slips into almost every believer’s heart at some point in their earthly journey. Our prayers seem to bounce off the ceiling and fall into lifeless detritus lying at our feet. God feels distant, hiding, asleep — or at least unsympathetic to our cries for mercy and help. Thankfully, God gives us the Psalms. In the Psalms, we find words for life’s ups and downs. It is nice when we are down to know that others have been there before us and have recovered their faith and vitality. Thankfully, the Spirit also placed reminders of God’s love and guidance in the Psalms for such moments. This psalm and these words are made for such a time. If the request does not feel relevant to you now, please pray these words for someone else. If, on the other hand, they speak to you, then please pray for them for yourself with confidence. They have sustained God’s people for generations upon generations! My Prayer… Dear Father, please make your presence undeniably known in my life and help me see your presence and mercy more clearly because I put my trust in you as I lift up my soul to you for help. I want to honor you, dear God, but please make your guidance clear so I can follow you boldly and faithfully in your will. 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 4:4
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. —1 John 4:4 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… The world can often be a hostile place for believers. God wants us, his spiritual children, to know they are never alone. God lives in us through his Spirit. We can be assured, therefore, that no matter what spirit someone else may have, the Holy Spirit of God is greater, more powerful, and more glorious. The victory is ours because God’s presence in us is greater than any force we will ever face. Our victory is assured over all forces, powers, spirits, and opponents. This is a key promise made to us in our baptism because we share with Jesus in death, burial, and resurrection, which means we share in his victory over sin, death, evil, and hell (Colossians 2:12-15; 3:1-4). Yes, the one who is in us is greater than the one who is in the world! Video Commentary… ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos My Prayer… Dear Father, please give me the confidence, boldness, and conviction of your promises. I want to live boldly for your glory and according to your will. Thank you for assuring me of your victory by allowing me to participate in Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection and assuring me of my participation in his glory. Thank you for empowering me to have this victorious life through your Spirit, who lives within me. To you belong all glory, majesty, and praise. 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 – Isaiah 41:13
For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. —Isaiah 41:13 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Life crashes in, and we wish we could be children again. Then, maybe, we would have someone to take care of us and protect us from our uncertainties and fears — let us hold their hand and lead us through the mess. Into our confused and chaotic world, God’s faithfulness comes to us as a promise. Like a loving parent with a frightened child, God reaches down and takes hold of our hand spiritually. He comforts us with his precious words, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here with you. I will help.” Even when the LORD may seem distant, the echo of this promise can remind us that we are never alone or forgotten (Hebrews 13:5-6; Romans 8:32-39). My Prayer… Abba Father, whose presence and help are always near, please help me have faith that you are there. I believe in this, but at times, dear LORD, I need your help to overcome my doubts and fears. I confess that you have seemed distant at difficult times, and I have felt alone. Please remind me through your Spirit of your nearness and your care. In my moments of struggle and doubt, please make your presence known. I believe, but please help my unbelief.* In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. * The cry of a father to Jesus as the man struggles to believe Jesus can heal his tormented son — Mark 9:24.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 41:10-11
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. All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. —Isaiah 41:10-11 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Not only does God’s blessing rest on us, but his presence also goes with us. We can never be in a place where he is not with us (Psalms 139:1-24). His presence and power will uphold us and strengthen us. No matter what may happen in our physical bodies or with our physical worlds, God has given us the ultimate triumph over every enemy and all wickedness in Jesus. Even Jesus’ doubters and enemies will worship our LORD, kneel at his feet, and recognize that our faith is not only appropriate but it is also victorious (1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Philippians 2:9-11). Hallelujah! My Prayer… Thank you, dear Father! You are not only the God of the heavens but also the God of my heart. You know me inside and out as you care for me through every step I take. You hear my cries for help and mercy. You share my struggles and burdens. You hear my thoughts, songs, and shouts of praise. Please deliver me from every physical and spiritual enemy and give me the boldness to stand firm in my faith in you. 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 – Numbers 6:24-26
The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace. —Numbers 6:24-26 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… How would you like to place the mighty name of the LORD on people you love? God promised that this priestly blessing enabled his name — his power and authority — to be placed on his people. What an incredible gift! We can bless and empower others with these faithful words of blessing! Such blessings are found throughout Scripture. Why not begin looking today for ways to pronounce these blessings of God on others? You can start with this one and then add many others as you find them in Scripture. Send them by personal note, email, mail, or an in-person, hands-on blessing spoken over someone you love! Special Note: Download Eldon Degge’s “Book of Blessings” for free. This simple text version has hundreds of simple blessings you can say and share with others! My Prayer… O LORD of every good and perfect gift, your blessings are too many and more wonderful for me to fully comprehend or count. Please use me to speak your blessings over others today. Give me eyes to see and ears to hear so I can share your blessings with others today! In the name of Jesus, your greatest blessing, 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 138:8
The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever — do not abandon the works of your hands. —Psalm 138:8 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Notice the powerful beauty of this verse from the psalm. First is conviction: “The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me.” (See also Philippians 1:6.) Second is declaration: “your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever.” (See also 1 Corinthians 13:8). Finally is supplication: O LORD“do not abandon the works of your hand.”. (See also Psalms 139:13-16). What a beautiful balance for our walk with the LORD — conviction, declaration, and supplication. The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever — do not abandon the works of your hands. For clarity, please note that the translation above blends the NIV and ESV of Psalm 138:8. My Prayer… Heavenly Father, the LORD of all, I am confident that you will accomplish your will and purpose in me. Seeing how you loved and worked through the centuries through your people, I know your love will endure long past my time on earth. However, dear LORD, I do face some struggles and difficulties in my time, so I ask you to please intervene with your grace and power in my life. Please fulfill your purpose for me. And please, do not abandon me, the work of your hands. In Jesus’ name, I confidently 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.