Today’s Verse – Revelation 21:2-4
I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride, beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. —Revelation 21:2-4 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… I don’t know about you, but I’m kind of ready for that old order stuff to go away. The end of tears, death, mourning, crying, violence, abuse, suffering, war, divisive politics, and pain sounds pretty good to me! No wonder the early Christians would say, “Maranatha. Come, O LORD” (1 Corinthians 16:22). They couldn’t wait. How about us? How about you? What is keeping you from saying, “LORD Jesus, please come, and come soon? I urge you to put it aside, or put it under the lordship of Jesus, and use those moves to make you ready to receive the glory yet to be revealed in us (Romans 8:18; Colossians 3:3-4). Let’s make ourselves ready for the time when: He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. Hallelujah! My Prayer… Holy God, please help me as I try to serve you faithfully and yearn for Jesus’ return. I desire to be steadfast in my love, living for you until the glorious day that so many of your children have longed to experience over the centuries. I long to see you in your glory, to share in your presence, and to join with the saints of all ages praising you around your glorious throne. And yes, dear Father, I long for you to wipe away all my tears and welcome me home. Because of Jesus’ victory, and by his authority, I offer my prayer in holy expectation. 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 Thessalonians 4:16-17
The Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. —1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… What do you have that is forever? Most of what we have in this world falls apart, breaks, or wears out quickly. But we have three things that last forever: God (Father, Son, Spirit), our Christian friends, and our praise of God. These are eternal. The glorious truth is that Jesus is going to return, the dead who died in him will be raised to receive their eternal bodies, and those living at his return will have their bodies changed into their immortal bodies. The best part of all of this is we will be reunited with all the faithful of all the centuries, and we all will be with the Lord forever. As the old hymn says it, “One day He’s coming, O glorious day.” My Prayer… God, I look forward to the day of your next great surprise, the return of Jesus in glory. I join the angels in standing on tiptoe as I look to the clouds to see my LORD and your Son return in glory and receive the welcome and honor he deserves. I praise you for that day now, even though I only see it by faith. Until I see you on that day, please know my heart’s desire is to serve you, even when my weakness gets in the way of showing it as fully as I should, and my heart loses touch with the promise of Jesus’ return. I offer you my sincerest thanks 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 – Psalm 56:4
In God, whose word I praise — in God I trust, and I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me? —Psalm 56:4 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… One of the powerful things about having a Bible as a repository of God’s words is that its age and influence across diverse countries and cultures remind us how enduring God’s truth is. Still, we remember that it is God in whom we put our trust! His enduring presence across cultures, centuries, and countries reminds us that eternity is beyond our grasp. Still, the Eternal One holds us in his hands as we journey toward the destination he has for us. Our lives, with our future secured, are hidden with Christ in God and are destined for his glory (Colossians 3:1-4). Our worst days, months, and years of suffering, hardship, difficulty, and challenges cannot compare to the glory that is yet to be revealed in us (Romans 8:18-21). Our trust is in our eternal Savior, so let’s keep our eyes focused and our hopes centered on him and the glory that awaits us (Colossians 3:2; Hebrews 12:1-2). In God I trust, and I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me if God is my God! My Prayer… O Great and Eternal God, thank you that you are more stable than the ground on which I stand, more enduring than the mountain peaks I admire, and more constant than the waves upon the oceans that I love. I trust my life, future, and soul with you. I want to please you in the way I live. I want my life to be marked by consistent faithfulness to you, for in you I trust. In the name of Jesus, I ask for the Spirit’s help to keep my focus on 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 103:17-18
But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children — with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts. —Psalm 103:17-18 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Forever love is sometimes talked about in dime store novels, but this kind of love is only found in God’s faithful lovingkindness. Thankfully, we can tap into that reservoir of eternal and divine love through the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus pours into our hearts to help us both receive that kind of forever love and share it with others (John 7:37-39; Romans 5:5). Importantly, our verse emphasizes how God’s kind of love is multigenerational – generations before us passed it along to us, and we must pass it on to the generations that come after us. This multigenerational principle is not just a practice of celebrating God’s love and our love for others found under the Old Covenant; it is also one that the apostle Paul taught Timothy to pass on to Jesus’ disciples (2 Timothy 2:1-2). Ours is a multigenerational celebration of the goodness of God – “from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children.” We must celebrate the goodness and love of our God so that our grandchildren can know God and celebrate his goodness in their day and share it with their children, and children’s children! Video Commentary… ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos My Prayer… O God of glory and grace, thank you for your promises, your covenants, and your love. May I live in such a way that others, especially those who come after me in my family and church family, know that your love is from everlasting to everlasting. 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 20:24
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given to me — the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace. —Acts 20:24 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… How important is grace? Paul said that sharing the good news of God’s grace was more important to him than his life! In fact, that was his life after his conversion to Jesus. The wonderful thing for Paul is that he aligned his life’s mission to be an expression of God’s grace. That’s why he could tell the Philippians: I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain (Philippians 1:20-21). The challenge for us is to find out where we fit in God’s story of unfolding grace and live into that role as our life’s mission. We don’t have to be a missionary, preacher, pastor, or evangelist to have such a mission. God longs for each of us to see living for him and sharing his mercy, grace, and love in Jesus as essential – as our life. No matter what we do to earn a living, lead a family, live as a single for Jesus, or influence others as a teen, God has a mission for us in who we are and where he has placed us. In whatever place we find ourselves, let’s live as Jesus’ salt and light in a world of decay and darkness so that others can discover grace and glorify our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:13-16). My Prayer… Almighty God, thank you for your lavish grace, demonstrated and fully expressed in sending Jesus to save us and give meaning to our lives. As your children, and in thanks for your sacrificial gift, we pledge to you our lives, our love, and our all. We ask for the Holy Spirit’s help to know and complete the mission you have for each of us. In the name of Jesus, 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 – James 1:19
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. —James 1:19 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Let’s just put this in cornbread English: “We must pump the brake on our speech and hit the throttle for our ears.” When possible, we should let our emotional temperature cool for a few days before responding, pray to determine whether we need to respond, craft a response (written or verbal) with care, and then carefully edit and filter it before delivering our message – especially when we’ve had a zinger come our way. We keep our mouths shut, our hearts pure, and our ears open. Now, if we would all obey what James 1:19-21 teaches in this whole passage, we’d all be more blessed: My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. My Prayer… Mighty and Holy God, you are incredible – beyond my comprehension. How you put up with all the drivel, senseless verbal barbs, gossip, and hurtful speech that your other children spew out is beyond my understanding. I ask you, dear Father, to release the Holy Spirit to convict my heart and guard my lips from any form of hurtful speech. So, dear Father, we ask that you develop the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and a genuine Christ-likeness in us (2 Corinthians 3:18) so that our words and hearts reflect you and bless others in the ways you desire. We pray this to treat others more as Jesus did. 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 15:2
Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. —Romans 15:2 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Being disappointed and dissatisfied with life can stem from a myriad of problems. For many of us, however, these disappointments are symptoms that we have focused too much on ourselves and have allowed ourselves to become angry with life. We have forgotten to count our blessings, neglected to give thanks to God, grown silent in our praise to our Father, and quit helping those around us. Thinking of others is how Christ lived, and we are going to live for others if we are going to have a JESUShaped life. When we follow his example, our actions make a difference in the lives of those we bless, and we find ourselves immensely blessed as well. Let’s get our focus off ourselves and look to bless our neighbors! As the ancient Christian hymn Paul quoted reminds us: In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:6-8) My Prayer… Holy and matchless God, help me see the brokenness, hurt, and difficulties in the lives around me. Please also help me see the blessings, joys, and reasons to give thanks that you have placed in my life. I ask for the Holy Spirit’s help to humble myself and find ways to bless others who so desperately need to experience the joy of your love and grace. 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 5:13
You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. —Galatians 5:13 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Our freedom as followers of Jesus, the freedom to live by the power of the Spirit and not by law (Romans 8:1-4; Galatians 5:1), is a wonderful gift, especially when it is handled with responsibility and grace (Romans 14:13; 1 Peter 2:16). Not being under law is such a sweet grace, but we want to pass that sweetness on to each other through service, kindness, and care (Romans 13:10). Just because we are free to do something doesn’t mean doing it is beneficial to our brothers and sisters in Christ or to those we are trying to influence toward Jesus. Freedom gives us the opportunity to do things in love, not just because we are commanded to do them. Love should be, could be, and must mean more than law. Video Commentary… ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos My Prayer… O Great God of Deliverance, thank you for rescuing Israel from Pharaoh’s grasp, David from the sword of Goliath, and Daniel from the mouths of lions. But O Great Deliverer, thank you most of all for the triumph of Jesus over sin, hell, and the law at Calvary. Thank you for his victory over death at the empty tomb. I long to see you face-to-face and thank you for my freedom, won by Jesus and fulfilled in me through the transformation of the Holy Spirit at work within me (2 Corinthians 3:17-18). May my love for others and for you mean more than any law could mean toward me being a blessing. Until the day Jesus returns, please Father, guide me as I use this gift of freedom to serve your children and live for you. 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 Corinthians 1:10
I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought. —1 Corinthians 1:10 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… If people in our congregations are ever going to get along, the leaders of those churches must remind God’s people of the importance of unity. Shortly before facing his passion, Jesus’ prayer was that we would be one (John 17:1-26). Why? If the world knows we are Christians because of our love for one another (John 13:34-35), then the world needs to see our loving unity so that the lost can know that the Father has sent Jesus to save them (John 17:20-21, 23). When we are divided, we tell the world we’re not offering them something the world doesn’t have on its own. All we have is just a religious message that doesn’t produce consequential changes. So, unity is not only important; it is also essential. It’s not just a theory or a test of theology, but a daily practice among the people who claim Jesus as LORD. If we love Jesus and move closer to him, we’ll be brought closer to each other (1 John 1:1-4). We are called to be “perfectly united in mind and thought” because we love Jesus and the people he died to save. My Prayer… LORD Jesus, I believe you have presented all of my prayers to our Father. And Father, I thank you for the grace of Jesus, who lives to make intercession for me at this moment (Hebrews 7:25). I promise, dear Father, to do all I can to bring you glory, and to live at peace with my brothers and sisters in Christ, and to serve in unity with those who belong to you. Please bless our church family with more passion for the unity that you desire as we focus more on leading those who do not know Jesus into a saving relationship with him. In Jesus’ name, and through the blessed Holy Spirit, 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 – Romans 15:5-6
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. —Romans 15:5-6 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Unity comes from God’s Spirit as we all draw closer to Jesus (John 17:20-21). As we are drawn to Jesus through the Spirit, we immediately find ourselves drawn closer to one another (1 John 1:1-4). Unity also has a purpose much deeper than our getting along with each other. Jesus prayed we would be one so that the world would know that God sent him into the world as the Son to save the world (John 3:16-17, 17:21, 23). We want to be united so that our praise can bring glory to God and lead others to him. Unity is far more than a goal; it is a process through which the world learns of Jesus. At the same time, we glorify the Father who sent Jesus to save us when we live together in unity. Leading others to Jesus and glorifying God are what living for Jesus is all about! Let’s make unity one of our deepest passions. My Prayer… Great and Almighty God, you are the eternal strength for all who call on your name. I apologize and ask your forgiveness for everything I’ve done and every word I’ve spoken that has hurt others in your family. I do not want to cause a wound to the unity of your Body, the church. So please, bless my efforts as I seek less of my will, long to live for your glory, and seek to draw close and encourage others. In the name of Jesus, 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.