Your Daily Worship
Note from Jesus Dear Beloved, In yesterday’s note, I urged you to display your Father’s righteous character and gracious compassion. Today, I apply that principle more fully to your personal daily life. Follow My example in living out the Father’s character and compassion in your daily work, in your other activities, and in your relationships with friends and family — in all that you do. I submitted Myself to your needs and to the needs of the lost world (Philippians 2:5-11). I submitted to your needs to serve you and redeem you (Mark 10:45). Similarly, I want you to commit to a life of submission to redeem those in the world around you. Much of what Paul wrote to the Ephesians in today’s verses centers on seeing your daily life, including with those closest to you, as worship. Paul wanted the Ephesians to know, and I want you to know, that proper living in a Christian household, in Christian relationships, and in whatever a Christian does ultimately comes back to Me, Who I AM, what I have commanded, and the manner in which I did what I did. (In the verses below, the bold text highlights implications that your commitment to Me has on how you live and how you interact with others.) Many documents that were written by the apostle Paul’s contemporaries on virtue and proper living concluded with what were called “household codes” or “household rules.” The important standard household in Paul’s day consisted of husband and wife, parents and children, and often slaves (including household servants) and masters. Paul used this familiar form and filled it full of new meaning. He used this format to focus on Me as the motivating center, the key example, and the moral authority for the behaviors he commanded. My disciples were to follow My example, were to be moved by My sacrifice to do the right thing, and were to honor Me by obeying My will. This focus elevated Paul’s words from admonitions to live the cultural norm to living a life of submission and worship empowered by the Holy Spirit. Also, Paul added another principle to his household rules, the principle of reciprocal submission. The flow of responsibility went both ways in Paul’s teaching: Wives to husbands and husbands to wives. Children to parents and parents to children. Slaves to masters and masters to slaves. Those in the stronger position (husband, parent, master) were given specific instructions to live out their form of submission in challenging ways, just as I lived Mine as the Son of God (Philippians 2:5-11). This reciprocal submission was unheard of in Paul’s culture. Culturally and legally in these three relationships, the husband, parent, and master had all the authority. The “lower” person in their culture and in their laws — the wife, the child, or the slave — had all the responsibility to submit, obey, and serve. Not so with Paul or with Me. The point of all of these principles, My beloved disciple, is that you must learn to live for others. I AM calling you to serve others before you benefit yourself. Follow My example of submission to the Father’s will. Be willing to submit even at great cost. Learn to live this way depending upon the Holy Spirit for your power. Seek to follow My example as you obey My will. Offer the way you live and the way you consider and serve others as your worship to the Father (Romans 12:1-2). As you do, you begin to redeem the very situations in which you live these principles. Verses to Live What Paul wrote to the Ephesians in the verses below was said in the language of worship: “submit humbly to one another out of respect [holy fear or reverence] for the Anointed,” Christ Jesus — Me. Early in this section, Paul gave the command “let God fill you with the Holy Spirit.” Then Paul gave five ways the Holy Spirit is energized in the life of My disciple as that disciple lives a life of worship: “speak to each other in the soulful words of pious songs.” “sing.” “make music with your hearts attuned to God.” “give thanks to God the Father.” “submit humbly to one another.” In this way, Paul moved the way My disciples were to relate to their families and others from a set of rules into making their home life and interpersonal relationships part of their worship. In other words, Paul gave much more to the Ephesians than a standard set of household rules. He called on My disciples (1) to follow My example in these daily relationships, (2) to live by the power of the Holy Spirit in these relationships, and (3) to recognize that the way they lived in their relationships was an important aspect of their worship. I hope you recognize these same truths as well! So be careful how you live; be mindful of your steps. Don’t run around like idiots as the rest of the world does. Instead, walk as the wise! Make the most of every living and breathing moment because these are evil times. So understand and be confident in God’s will, and don’t live thoughtlessly. Don’t drink wine excessively. The drunken path is a reckless path. It leads nowhere. Instead, let God fill you with the Holy Spirit. When you are filled with the Spirit, you are empowered to speak to each other in the soulful words of pious songs, hymns, and spiritual songs; to sing and make music with your hearts attuned to God; and to give thanks to God the Father every day through the name of our Lord Jesus the Anointed for all He has done. And the Spirit makes it possible to submit humbly to one another out of respect for the Anointed. Wives, it should be no different with your husbands. Submit to them as you do to the Lord, for God has given husbands a sacred duty to lead as the Anointed
My Promises for You!
Note from Jesus Dear Precious One, The events that led to Paul’s journey to Rome and his shipwreck and other problems along the way began in Jerusalem. Some Jews from Asia Minor stirred up the crowd: “Help! Fellow Israelites! This man is an enemy of our people, our religion, our law, and this temple! He travels around the world subverting our holiest customs! He is at this moment desecrating this holy temple by bringing outsiders into this sacred place.” (Acts 21:28) The crowd went berserk, seizing and beating Paul until a Roman commandant intervened. Paul asked the commandant if he could speak to the crowd. Paul gave his testimony about becoming My follower. His testimony included My commissioning him to go to the Gentiles. That part further incensed the crowd and it went into another frenzy (Acts 22:1-23). The crowd was so angry that Paul had to be rescued from them once again. The commandant then took him into protective custody after being told by Paul that he was a Roman citizen (Acts 22:24-30). This citizenship gave him special rights and privileges under the Roman law. The commandant arranged for a legal hearing for Paul before the Jewish ruling council called the Sanhedrin. This time, Paul capitalized on differences within the Sanhedrin and caused such a stir the commandant had to intervene again and have his soldiers rescue Paul from the hostile leaders’ fits of anger (Acts 23:1-10). Paul faced intense conflict after he was arrested. His enemies planned a murderous ambush during his transfer as a prisoner (Acts 23:12-35). So I came near Paul during the night and spoke to him to give him courage and remind him that I would not forsake him or abandon him. I assured Paul that he would reach his goal: “Keep up your courage, Paul! You have successfully told your story about Me in Jerusalem, and soon you will do the same in Rome.” (Acts 23:11) Paul would fulfill My purposes for him in Rome! After a series of trials before different government officials (Acts 24:1-27; Acts 25:1-27; Acts 26:1-32), these officials honored Paul’s appeal to Caesar (Acts 25:10-12; Acts 26:32). They sent Paul to Rome as a prisoner to stand trial. Paul then began his incredible journey to Rome (Acts 27:1-44). This voyage included terrible storms, mutinous actions by the crew, Paul’s redemptive influence, and eventually a shipwreck. Paul spent the winter season on the small island of Malta with the crew, the Roman soldiers, and other prisoners before sailing on to Rome (Acts 28:1-11). As Paul’s journey to Rome neared its end, believers along the way began to join his group as they traveled to the capital city (see the verses below). They were not afraid to be identified with Paul even though he was a prisoner! They offered hospitality to him and his entourage. They came at personal risk to support, encourage, and accompany My passionate apostle on his journey to Rome. Their hospitality, fellowship, and accompanying him were sources of needed encouragement for Paul as he reached the city of Rome: We set sail from Malta and stopped first at Syracuse. After three days, we weighed anchor and came to Rhegium. We waited there a day, and then a south wind sprang up and sped us to Puteoli. We found some believers there, and they invited us to stay with them for seven days. Then we reached Rome. The believers from Rome heard we were coming, so they traveled out to meet us at the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns. Paul thanked God and felt encouraged to see them. Once inside the city, Paul lived under house arrest by himself, with only one soldier to guard him. (Acts 28:12-16) Please notice four realities of discipleship that I demonstrated during Paul’s trip to Rome. These four realities will also help sustain you in difficult times. My enduring presence in your life to bring you home to Me. My willingness to be near you and to hear your prayers. My encouragement to you through the partnership and presence of other believers. My work in your life to bless and empower you. Just as I sustained Paul, I will sustain you! Verses to Live I will provide you these four realities of My grace if you look for them and seek them. Notice how these four are emphasized in Paul’s letter to the Philippian Christians: Reality 1: My enduring presence in your life to bring you home to Me. Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am certain that God, Who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. (Philippians 1:3-6 NLT) Reality 2: My willingness to be near you and to hear your prayers. Most of all, friends, always rejoice in the Lord! I never tire of saying it: Rejoice! Keep your gentle nature so that all people will know what it looks like to walk in His footsteps. The Lord is ever present with us. Don’t be anxious about things; instead, pray. Pray about everything. He longs to hear your requests, so talk to God about your needs and be thankful for what has come. And know that the peace of God (a peace that is beyond any and all of our human understanding) will stand watch over your hearts and minds in Jesus, the Anointed One. (Philippians 4:4-7) Reality 3: My encouraging you through the partnership and presence of other believers. Whenever you cross my mind, I thank my God for you and for the gift of knowing you. My spirit is lightened with joy whenever I pray for you (and I do constantly) because you have partnered with me to
Filled with the Holy Spirit
Note from Jesus Dear Child of Glory, The world is filled with many beautiful and precious people. Unfortunately, so many of them miss their greatest opportunities. Many miss these great opportunities because they do not have their lives tuned to the Holy Spirit. We — Father, Son, and Spirit — want you to “Make the most of every living and breathing moment because these are evil times.” So much of the world is held in the grip of the evil one. Under the premise of “fun” and “freedom,” the evil one gains hold of people little by little. He snuffs out the life that We intended for them; he addicts them to what is fleeting and cannot provide meaningful fulfillment. As Paul wrote in Ephesians: As for you, don’t you remember how you used to just exist? Corpses, dead in life, buried by transgressions, wandering the course of this perverse world. You were the offspring of the prince of the power of air — oh, how he owned you, just as he still controls those living in disobedience. (Ephesians 2:1-2) However, when you are filled with the Spirit, you experience the delight of the Father. You live the life that reflects and shares My grace. In the verses below, Paul ties five spiritual blessings to being filled with the Spirit. These activities are the result of the Spirit’s presence. They are also the way you can release the power of the Holy Spirit into your lives. (See the verses below and Ephesians 5:15-21 in the NIV as an alternative translation.). Notice these traits — these five blessings and activities — that both fill you with the Spirit and are also a result of being filled with the Spirit: “Speak to each other in soulful words of pious songs, hymns, and spiritual songs.” “Sing.” “Make music with your hearts attuned to God.” “Give thanks to God the Father every day through the name of our Lord Jesus”, i.e., through My name. “Submit humbly to one another out of respect for the Anointed”, i.e., out of respect for Me, your Lord and Christ. The Holy Spirit gives you the power to enjoy life as you were intended to live it. The “law of the Spirit of life” means that you are not under condemnation, but the Spirit “breathes into you and liberates you from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:1-4). This same Spirit works to transform you, day-by-day, to be more and more like Me (2 Corinthians 3:17-18). These are exactly the opposite effects of living under the false freedom of the world. You were filled with My spirit from the moment you were born from above (John 3:3-7; Titus 3:3-7). And you can seek to be filled ever more completely with the Spirit (Luke 11:13; Acts 4:29-31). The Spirit will guide you as your dance of life keeps in step with Me (Galatians 5:18; Galatians 5:25-26). The Spirit helps you put to death the vestiges of the flesh. The Spirit empowers you to get out of the evil one’s life-sapping grip on your life. The Spirit enables you to live fully as the Father’s beloved child and My co-heir of all the blessings of the Father’s grace (Romans 8:13-17). Verses to Live The following words are from the apostle Paul. They were written to people living in a place fascinated with spiritual power. They are a great reminder of the Spirit’s importance to you. As you read these verses, intentionally submit your heart to Me. Ask for the presence and power of the Holy Spirit to fill you and transform you. So be careful how you live; be mindful of your steps. Don’t run around like idiots as the rest of the world does. Instead, walk as the wise! Make the most of every living and breathing moment because these are evil times. So understand and be confident in God’s will, and don’t live thoughtlessly. Don’t drink wine excessively. The drunken path is a reckless path. It leads nowhere. Instead, let God fill you with the Holy Spirit. When you are filled with the Spirit, you are empowered to speak to each other in the soulful words of pious songs, hymns, and spiritual songs; to sing and make music with your hearts attuned to God; and to give thanks to God the Father every day through the name of our Lord Jesus the Anointed for all He has done. And the Spirit makes it possible to submit humbly to one another out of respect for the Anointed. (Ephesians 5:15-21) Response in Prayer Abba Father, I thank You for not only adopting me as Your child but also for filling me with the Spirit. I thank You that I live in the Spirit to experience Your true freedom of grace. As I am led by Your Spirit and filled with Your Spirit, bring Your righteous character and gracious compassion to life in Me. Transform me to be like Jesus as I wait for my full adoption as Your child and as a full heir with Jesus to all that You intend for Your children of grace. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. ‘A Year with Jesus’ is written by Phil Ware. © 1998-2024, 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 – Proverbs 10:17
He who heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray. —Proverbs 10:17 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… God has given each of us a circle of influence, a place where our lives impact others for either good or ill. In much the same way, each of us is also influenced by others, some of whom can help us see and overcome our problems and shortcomings, while others seem to only drag us down into the mire of sin. However, if we reject or snub discipline and correction, we not only harm ourselves but also lead others astray — we drag others down with us into the mire of sin. Our choices don’t just determine our destination; they also significantly impact others for good or evil! My Prayer… Dear God, please forgive my times of foolish arrogance and lazy indifference to your truth, correction, and wisdom. You have humbled me by the realization that you have made my life a significant influence on others. So, please empower me, dear Father, to use that influence to gently and humbly lead others in the way of your 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.
Focus on What Is Core
Note from Jesus Dear Beloved, I walked the streets and footpaths of Galilee, Samaria, and Judea two thousand years ago. I came as God incarnate and gave Myself as a sacrifice for your sins and everyone else’s sin (1 John 2:1-2). The ultimate validation of Who I AM and of the efficacy of My sacrifice was My resurrection (Acts 13:26-33). Through the years, those who believe in Me and commit themselves to Me have come together to form My church. However, Satan has consistently used a tried and proven method to sabotage My disciples’ work to build My church. The evil one gets people arguing about religious things that are not that important. If he can distract My followers with useless, foolish, and selfish arguments, he knows that they will lose their focus on the core truths of their faith. Paul’s letters of 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus, as well as the letters of 2 Peter and Jude, speak directly to these problems. In today’s verses from 1 Timothy and Titus, Paul addressed similar issues with Timothy who was in Ephesus and with Titus who was in Crete. Paul spoke in lofty words about “God’s family” to remind My leaders and those to whom they ministered that My church is precious. My church is not just a thing or an idea. The church is the blood-bought family of people who have the purpose of being My blessing and bringing My redemption to their lost world. However, to do the work of redemption, the people of My family have to remain focused on the core truths of the gospel. Without this focus, their fellowship can devolve into personality clashes. If this primary focus is lost or if there are arguments over inconsequential semi-religious issues, My people can be trapped by immorality in all of its forms. In today’s verses, you see Paul as he addressed the issues that were distracting My beloved disciples in Crete (where Titus ministered) and in Ephesus (where Timothy served). He pointed these disciples away from the distracting issues of false teaching, “worldly fables,” and “sensual cravings and pleasures.” Paul encouraged Timothy and Titus to point My beloved disciples in Crete and Ephesus in the direction of the core gospel and the life-change that true faith puts in place of the world’s foolish and destructive counterfeit approaches to life. Notice that some of the core teachings involve the following subjects: My identity as the Christ, Son of God, and Savior God’s promises about Me and My fulfillment of My mission on earth The validation of My resurrection and return to glory The proclamation of the gospel all over the world The importance of godliness in all things My return to completely redeem and save you The Father’s great grace, mercy, and loving-kindness toward you when you were living in sin Your rebirth through faith and the power of the Holy Spirit The significance of baptism The importance of living a humble and holy life full of good deeds Verses to Live My beloved disciple, I want you to focus on the core things of your faith. To the delight of the evil one, many people want to distract you from these core things. You can always find a way to argue about religious ideas. Instead, stick to what is core. Refuse to get distracted by what is not essential, by false teaching, or by the lure of immorality. I called you to be salt in a world of decay and light in a world of darkness (Matthew 5:13-16). Paul urged Timothy and Titus to teach the people to whom they ministered to be the same! I [Paul] am writing all this to you, hoping I can come to you before too long; but in case I am delayed, you will know how one ought to behave as a member of God’s family — the assembly of the living God, the pillar and foundation that support the truth — and I think you will agree that the mystery of godliness is great: He was revealed in the flesh, proven right in the Spirit; He was seen by the heavenly messengers, preached to outsider nations. He was believed in the world, taken up to the heavens in glory. But even so, the Spirit very clearly tells us that in the last times some will abandon the true faith because of their devotion to spirits sent to deceive and sabotage, and mistakenly they will end up following the doctrine of demons. They will be carried away through the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences have been branded with a red-hot iron, saying, “Don’t marry. Don’t eat such-and-such foods.” But God created all these to be received with gratitude by people who hold fast to the faith and really comprehend the truth. For everything God made is good. That means nothing should be rejected as long as it’s received with a grateful heart, for by God’s word and prayer, it is made holy. Place these truths before the brothers and sisters. If you do, you will be a good servant of Jesus the Anointed, raised and fed on words of true belief, trained in the good instruction you have so clearly followed. Reject worldly fables. Refuse old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself toward godliness. Although training your body has certain payoffs, godliness benefits all things — holding promise for life here and now and promise for the life that is coming. This statement is worthy of trust and our full acceptance. This is what we work so hard for! This is why we are constantly struggling: because we have an assured hope fixed upon a living God Who is the Savior of all humankind — especially all of us who believe. (1 Timothy 3:14-16; 1 Timothy 4:1-10) Be ready to do what is good and honorable. Don’t tear down another person with your words. Instead, keep the peace, and be considerate. Be truly humble toward everyone because there was a
Today’s Verse – 1 Corinthians 10:16
Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? —1 Corinthians 10:16 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… The Apostle Paul makes clear, as Jesus earlier made certain when he instituted the LORD’s Supper, that believers anchor the heart of the Gospel in the death, burial, resurrection, and resurrection appearances of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:1-8). The LORD’s Supper, sometimes called Holy Communion, is vital to our walk with Christ. It is a time when we proclaim the story of the Gospel as we share in remembering it (1 Corinthians 11:26). However, Communion is more than a time of proclamation; it is a time of participation. We share in the Supper with each other and with Christ. We are united with Jesus in his death so that we can leave our worship gathering to live his life in the world. This participation revitalizes our walk with the Savior and helps us re-live his saving death and resurrection, so that we can continue his work in the world. My Prayer… Holy God and loving Father, thank you for giving us the LORD’s Supper. It is such a beautiful and convicting reminder of the tremendous cost Jesus paid for our sins. The Supper is also a powerful reminder of your love for us and the ransom paid to free us from sin and death. Thank you for inviting us to share in the gift of your Son and our Savior. May we never take his sacrificial love for granted or misuse your precious gift of grace in Jesus. In the name of our LORD 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 – Judges 10:15
But the Israelites said to the LORD, “We have sinned. Do with us whatever you think best, but please rescue us now.” Then they got rid of the foreign gods among them and served the Lord. And he could bear Israel’s misery no longer. —Judges 10:15 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… When God’s people realized the depth of their sin and their impending punishment by God, they repented and asked for his help. They didn’t try to diminish the gravity of their sin. Instead, they threw themselves on the mercy of the LORD and his graciousness. Unfortunately, today, we often hide, avoid, rationalize, deny, blame, or skirt the seriousness of our sins. We don’t like to admit them, much less confess them, and we sure don’t seem to turn away from them. “It’s not really all that bad. I know a lot of folks who do a lot worse things than I did,” people often rationalize. As Jesus’ followers, we must not view confession of sin as humiliation or weakness. Acknowledging our sins and asking for God’s forgiveness, cleansing, and power open the door for him to use us mightily if we will look to him for our rescue and let him not only forgive us, but forgive us of all of our unrighteousness (1 John 1:8-9). My Prayer… Forgive me, Heavenly Father, for my sins. Please eradicate them from my life with the help of your transforming and purifying Spirit as I offer myself daily as a holy and living sacrifice to 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 – Deuteronomy 10:14
To the LORD your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it. —Deuteronomy 10:14 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… It all belongs to God! The multifaceted and creative side of our heavenly Father’s nature is revealed in the astounding beauty and variety in our universe. This is not our world, but our Father has chosen to share it with us as one of his many gifts to us. Our Creator chose to provide us with the changing seasons in each year and the kaleidoscope of colors in each sunset and sunrise to frame our days. These are reminders of his love for beauty and variety, for predictability and also change. In addition to all that God has made and placed before us, he has crowned us, his human children, with glory and honor. Each of us is made, even with all of our differences, in his likeness. We are bearers of his divine image. Each person and all the peoples are precious to him. All the universe is the LORD’s, yet in his greatness, he chooses to know each one of us intimately. Ah, my friend, that is grace upon grace from the LORD who loves each one of us with an undying love as he sustains a universe too vast for us to imagine! My Prayer… LORD God Almighty, the universe is yours. You sustain it by your powerful word. All creation attests to your marvelous power and creative mastery. I pray in awe that you are also my abba Father who welcomes me into your presence. Thank you for using your majesty and might to bless us and provide such a wonderful world. In Jesus’ name, I pray 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 – 1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. —1 Corinthians 10:13 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… In the face of temptation, God has promised us two things: A way out. The power to stand up under trial. Can we really believe this? Yes, because Jesus demonstrated this power, God promised us this power and he is faithful, and we can look at brothers and sisters in Christ who have triumphed by this power! However, we must not think that the way out means that we will not face challenges, hardships, temptations, or difficulties. Character is produced both by refusing to give in to temptation and also by refusing to give up during the challenges we face to remain faithful. God will provide us a way out, but he is also interested in developing our holy character. Where the balance is between a way out and developing our holy character is God’s work. Whether we choose to remain faithful is our work (Romans 5:1-5; 1 Peter 1:7). My Prayer… Thank you, dear Father, for supplying me with the way out of temptation and the power to face it victoriously. Please forgive me for the times when I succumbed to temptation and sinned. Please correct and forgive me for those times when I have chosen not to find your door of escape. Cleanse and restore me to faithful service, strengthen me for the trials and temptations ahead, and make me useful to your work in my world. In Jesus’ name, I depend upon your promise and grace. 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 – Hosea 10:12
Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers righteousness on you. —Hosea 10:12 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… In the middle of God’s rebuke of his people through Hosea the prophet, God gives his people this beautiful challenge: “Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love.” God promises to help us break up the “unplowed” and hardened ground in our hearts as we seek him. As our hearts soften to God’s loving grace, he promises to shower his blessing of righteousness on us as we pursue him and his ways. So, rather than seeing God’s call for us to be righteous as a hard goal to pursue, let’s see it as a great blessing to receive as we seek him and open our softened hearts to him! My Prayer… O LORD Most High, use your Holy Spirit to purify and cultivate my heart so that it is soft and receptive to your will and compassionate to those in need. Please make it a holy place for your Spirit to live as you shower your righteousness on 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.