Today’s Verse – Romans 5:6-7
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. —Romans 5:6-7 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Christ died for the ungodly. That’s us! We were included in this reality before Jesus! Christ died for me, you, those you love, and even those who do not love you. Without Jesus’ sacrificial death and God’s amazing grace, we could never save ourselves by our deeds or make ourselves fully righteous. Jesus did for us what we could not do: he lived a perfect life and died a horrible death to pay off the debt of our sin — something we did not have the power or resources to pay. He did it for us, not because we were good enough to be worthy of his sacrifice, but BECAUSE WE COULD NOT BE WORTHY WITHOUT HIM! My Prayer… Loving God, we thank you. Sacrificial Savior, we praise you. Holy Spirit, we live through your power. Words cannot adequately and fully express our thanks for the gift of your grace that cost you so much yet means so much to us. We give all honor, glory, and praise to you, GOD, our Father who sits on the throne, the LORD Jesus Christ who went to the cross, and the Holy Spirit who empowers us to live transformed lives. We pray this based on the authority of Christ Jesus, whose grace makes us worthy to come into your presence, dear Father, and through the intercession of the Holy Spirit. 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.
People Count Most!
Note from Jesus Dear Disciple, I want you to see My example and hear My words in the verses below. They coalesce into one, simple, clear message: People count most! You find Me at a dinner in the house of a leader of the Pharisees, My most vocal opponents. Why? Why go to a meal with people who are hounding Me and trying to trap Me? Because I love them! They matter to Us — Father, Son, and Spirit. Their hearts need the opportunity to be exposed to My truth, and seeds need to be planted in their hearts, seeds that can blossom into faith and bear fruit after these people see My passion and hear about My resurrection. The Father, the Spirit, and I want all people to have an opportunity to change their hearts and come to faith in Me. I go to the house of this leader and a dinner with his friends, people who hold Me as their enemy, for one simple reason: People count most! I challenge this leader and his Pharisee and scholar friends to see this same truth in their own religious understanding. They help their children who are in trouble on the Sabbath. They help their animals that are in distress on the Sabbath. They do not see these gracious actions as a violation of their traditions of the Sabbath rest. When they have the ability and opportunity to help, comfort, encourage, or ease a brother or sister’s distress or trouble, the Pharisees and scholars must come to see that a person in trouble must be helped regardless of the day. People count most! And you, dear disciple, please notice this truth as you seek to apply My teaching — this principle that I taught and lived as an example for you to follow. People count most! I came to seek and to save lost people, to ransom you and others like you from the grip of sin and death on your lives, and to bring My grace to all. That is why I went to the house of those who wanted to get rid of Me. That is why I emphasized the need to help people on the Sabbath even if it violated the tradition of the Pharisees. And most of all, that is why I AM headed to Jerusalem to die as the Lamb of God Who will take away the sins of the world. People count most! Verses to Live As you read these verses that follow, ask the Holy Spirit to help you visualize the scene. What are the expressions on the people’s faces? What are the smells in the room as we get ready to share this meal? Can you feel the tension between these leaders and Me? Can you feel their discomfort? Now join Me in noticing the man with the problem. What is My expression as I see him? What do you think My tone was as I discussed this man with the leaders? Was My tone harsh or pleading with these leaders as I asked about healing the man? Remember the point: People count most! And after you finish reading, I want you to ask for the Spirit to help you answer the following questions you need to ask yourself: “What does Jesus want me to know from this event?” “What does Jesus want me to feel about what happens here?” “What does Jesus want me to do as a result of experiencing these events from His ministry?” Another Sabbath Day came and Jesus was invited to an official’s home for a meal. This fellow was a leader of the Pharisees, and Jesus was still under close surveillance by them. Jesus noticed a man suffering from a swelling disorder. He questioned the religious scholars and Pharisees. Jesus: Is it permitted by traditions and the Hebrew Scriptures to heal people on the Sabbath, or is it forbidden? They didn’t reply. Then Jesus healed the man and sent him on his way. Jesus: Would any single one of you leave his son or even his ox in a well on the Sabbath if he had fallen into it, or would you pull him out immediately? They still didn’t reply. (Luke 14:1-6) Response in Prayer Almighty God, I believe Your words of Scripture are true and bring life, and I want to understand and apply those words of truth based on the teaching and example of Your greatest Word, Jesus. Help me filter my application of biblical truth through Jesus’ words and actions. Dear Father, I ask for the Spirit to open my heart so that in my words, my thoughts, and my actions I will live out the truth of Jesus as revealed in the verses I have just read. Give me Your heart for people, O God, I pray 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.
20 Jan 2025
Just like in days gone by, let us trust the Holy Spirit to alert us about false teachers and anyone who would mislead us through false teaching. Through prayer, meditation, godly company, and His power, may we identify errant teaching. 2 Peter 2:1-10.
Daily Prayer for January 20
Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10, RSV Dear Father in heaven, we thank you that you are our Father and that we may have you with us. We thank you that we can know you are leading us by your hand. Give us your Spirit of understanding so that we may always see your mighty and powerful hand guiding us on all our ways. Help us where we fall short. Help us, for we are weak and are often in situations where we cannot help ourselves. But you are strong. You give light to our hearts. Through the Savior, Jesus Christ, we can direct our lives cheerfully, joyfully, and patiently toward the great goal set before us your children, and before the whole world. Amen. Recent articles on Plough The Jakob Hutter Story Jason Landsel, Sankha Banerjee and Richard Mommsen In this excerpt from By Fire, a radical reformer risks everything for a cause. Read now Iron Sharpens Iron Johann H. Huleatt Real friendship is the most powerful education. Read now Where Is the Kingdom of Heaven? Dorothy L. Sayers Jesus said the kingdom of heaven is among us, or even within us. Why, then, does it remain so elusive? Read now Lernvergnügenstag: A Day for the Joy of Learning Patrick Tomassi Once a year, I get to teach my students whatever inspires me. Read now The Catholic Worker Pushes the Limits Laurie M. Johnson Still going strong after nine decades, a radical movement of sharing and caring proves it’s possible to escape and resist capitalism, to a point. Read now
Cry for Jerusalem
Note from Jesus Dear Friend, What will you do when you see death closing in on you? Will you fight it? Will you resent it? Will you fear it? Will you resign yourself to its inevitability? Or, if you are faced with the same circumstances that I am about to face in Jerusalem — rejection, ridicule, abuse, humiliation, and death — will you mourn for those who reject you, grieve for those who want to do you harm, and ask forgiveness for those who will take your life? When I was suffering on the cross in Jerusalem, I petitioned: “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing” (Luke 23:34). I came for this purpose: to give My life as a ransom for sinners, including those in Jerusalem who rejected Me, who plotted My crucifixion, and who incited the crowd to cry out against Me. Jerusalem, the holy city of My great ancestor, King David, will reject Me even though I AM the city’s only hope for deliverance. My people will plot against Me, their only source of salvation. As you read the verses below, notice how I speak from My heart, feeling sadness, anguish, and pain as I think of the heartbreaking situation in Jerusalem and all that will happen to Me as I go there. Even before I came to the earth, I longed over the centuries for My people of Jerusalem to give themselves (heart, soul, mind, and strength) to Us — Father, Son, and Spirit. I yearned to gather up Jerusalem’s many people under My protection and care, but most of the people of this great city would have none of it. In fact, on this day that you read about below, I know that I AM going to Jerusalem for a head-on collision with the rulers of the people and for My rejection and crucifixion. Yet I do not mourn for Me, but I mourn for My people of My City who reject Me. Remember this, dear friend: My heart breaks when you choose to ignore, reject, or turn away from Me. I came and died to win your heart and bring you grace. Please don’t treat My love and sacrifice for you lightly! Verses to Live Herod and the Pharisees were not friends. They didn’t get along. However, they found common ground on one thing. They both wanted to be rid of Me. In the verses below, the Pharisees’ warning to Me about Herod’s plot was not to benefit Me, but rather to let Me know these rival parties were closing in on Me — that the time of My arrest was approaching. However, the Pharisees’ warning, Herod’s plot to murder Me, and the Pharisees plans to get rid of Me would not deter Me from My ministry to the people or stop My love for the city of Jerusalem. I know that I go there to bless and redeem even though death awaits Me. Right then some Pharisees came and warned Him [Jesus]. Pharisees: You’d better get out of here because Herod is plotting Your murder. Jesus: You can give that sly fox this message: “Watch as I cast out demons and perform healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I’ll reach My destination. But for today and tomorrow and the next day, I have to continue My journey, for no prophet should perish outside of Jerusalem.” O Jerusalem! O Jerusalem! You kill the prophets and you stone the messengers who are sent to you. How often I wanted to gather in your children as a hen gathers in her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing to come to Me. Look now, your house is abandoned and empty. You won’t see Me until you welcome Me with the words of the psalms, “Anyone who comes in the name of the Eternal One will be blessed!” (Luke 13:31-35) Response in Prayer O God in heaven, my heart is struck with the love of Jesus for these people and for the city of Jerusalem that will reject Him. Part of me is angry at the murderous plans that Herod and the Pharisees and the other religious leaders carry out to kill Jesus. At the same time, I’m convicted that I have often forgotten the cost of my salvation. Temptation has distracted me from the love of the Lord Jesus for me and the sacrifice He made to redeem me. Forgive me for the times I’ve chosen sin rather than Jesus. Also, dear Father, I ask for more grace so that I can passionately love the people around me who reject Jesus and reject me because of my love for Him. In Jesus’ name, I pray. 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.
Daily Prayer for January 19
But you are our Father, though Abraham does not know us or Israel acknowledge us; you, O Lord, are our Father, our Redeemer from of old is your name. Isaiah 63:16, NIV Lord God, we thank you as we look back to the times throughout the ages when your servants lifted a voice to witness that you are our Father, that you lead the peoples to their true goal. However long it may take, we thank you for allowing us to be part of this witness. We thank you that so much love and goodness still shine into our time as a light to the nations. Watch over us. May your Spirit grow stronger and stronger within us. Bring the redemption proclaimed by your servants, and let your light dawn over all lands to the honor of your name. Amen. Recent articles on Plough Iron Sharpens Iron Johann H. Huleatt Real friendship is the most powerful education. Read now Where Is the Kingdom of Heaven? Dorothy L. Sayers Jesus said the kingdom of heaven is among us, or even within us. Why, then, does it remain so elusive? Read now Lernvergnügenstag: A Day for the Joy of Learning Patrick Tomassi Once a year, I get to teach my students whatever inspires me. Read now The Catholic Worker Pushes the Limits Laurie M. Johnson Still going strong after nine decades, a radical movement of sharing and caring proves it’s possible to escape and resist capitalism, to a point. Read now The Three Questions Leo Tolstoy What is the right time, who are the right people, and what is the most important thing to do? Read now
Today’s Verse – Romans 5:3-4
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. —Romans 5:3-4 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… What are you living to produce with your life? Wealth, fame, status, significance, legacy? How about character? Isn’t having the character of God our real goal in life? Perseverance, character, and hope can help us forge a stronger faith as we live for Jesus under the pressure and heat directed at us from the evil one and his demonic forces of evil. Even in our suffering, hardships, and persecution, nothing can steal our desired goal from us — developing the character of God as we live for Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit are transformed to become JESUShaped (2 Corinthians 3:17-18). My Prayer… Dear Father, please empower us as we seek to live consistently with your holy character in our fallen world. Please give us hearts of courage and compassion so we can more clearly demonstrate your grace and power as you transform us into disciples of courage, honor, and compassion. In Jesus’ name, 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.
Don’t Miss My Invitation
Note from Jesus My Dear Disciple, Listen to My words for you today. They come out of the crucible of My conflict with the religious leaders and their humiliation with trying to embarrass Me. My words have power. I was heading toward Jerusalem and the horrors that were waiting for Me there. Along the way, people were fascinated by what I said, and they celebrated the wonderful things, the miraculous things, that I was doing. I planted a promise in the people’s hearts to help them understand that the power they were experiencing with My physical presence was not going to go away after My mission in Jerusalem was accomplished, and I returned to the Father. That power was part of a new order of things in the world. It was part of My Father’s kingdom — the people, their actions, and their attitudes — where God’s will reigns over their hearts, and they find joy in the Father’s presence. The kingdom power available to them might look small at the beginning of things — no bigger than a tiny mustard seed or a little bit of yeast. But, all the great things that the people were experiencing right then with My presence, My miraculous deeds, and My powerful teaching were just a small glimpse of the greatness and gloriousness that were to come. Their power may seem small, but it will grow and permeate and bring great blessing to many. So don’t miss My great offer of the kingdom. When I return, I will bring together all peoples from all places in the world who have come to believe in Me. That, dear friend, is a celebration you definitely don’t want to miss! Verses to Live While the religious leaders had done all they could to wall off My teaching from others, the sheer power of the kingdom that was behind My words could not be contained. My blessing, My power, My kingdom would not be based on religious pedigree or social acceptance, but upon people surrendering their hearts to Me and giving their lives to be My disciples. The old order of power and position has been reversed, and those who follow Me will be exalted, not mocked, belittled, ridiculed, or persecuted. So don’t miss My invitation to follow Me! As the impact of His [Jesus’] words settled in, His critics were humiliated, but everyone else loved what Jesus said and celebrated everything He was doing. Jesus (explaining): Do you want to understand the kingdom of God? Do you want Me to tell you what it’s like? It’s like a single mustard seed that someone took and planted in his garden. That tiny seed grew and became a tree so large that the birds could fly in and make their nests in its branches. Do you want Me to tell you what the kingdom of God is like? It’s like some yeast which a woman hid within a huge quantity of flour; soon the whole batch of dough was rising. He was pressing toward Jerusalem, His journey taking Him through various towns and villages. In each one, He taught the people. Once a person asked this question: Inquiring Individual: Lord, will only a few people be rescued? Jesus: Strive to enter through the narrow door now, because many people — hear Me on this — will try to enter later on and will not be able to. Imagine you want to enter someone’s home, but you wait until after the homeowner has shut the door. Then you stand outside and bang on the door, and you say, “Sir, please open the door for us!” But he will answer, “I don’t know where you’re from.” Then you’ll say, “Just a minute. We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.” But he’ll say, “Sorry, I have no idea where you’re from. Leave me, all of you evildoers.” Then you’ll see something that will make you cry and grind your teeth together — you’ll see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves will be on the outside looking in. And then you’ll see people streaming in from east and west, from north and south, gathering around the table in the kingdom of God, but you’ll be on the outside looking in. That’s how it will be; some are last now who will be first then, and some are first now who will be last then. (Luke 13:17-30) Response in Prayer O Father, there are times when Your kingdom way of life does not seem to get much respect. As I open my heart to Jesus each day, I invite the Holy Spirit to strengthen my faith, my hope, and my desire to live your character and compassion in a world that feels so devoid of both. I believe, but please strengthen my belief. I hope, but stir my heart to a great anticipation of the day when my faith becomes sight. I trust in your mustard-seed promise and the power of your holy work like yeast, but please help me see glimpses of Your coming glory as I serve you in the grittiness of my everyday world. In Jesus’ name, I pray. 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.
Daily Prayer for January 18
Count it all joy, my brethren, when you meet various trials…Blessed is the man who endures trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:2,12, RSV Lord our God, be with us. Touch us with your Spirit so that our hearts may receive something from you. Let us find joy even in a life of struggle and temptation. Let us find joy in every need we face, even in the agony of death. Protect us through your Word, and let it always be a light to us so that we can follow you and do your will. Be with us on all our ways. Guide everything with your hand until the goal for all humankind is reached and we may rejoice over all the trials and testing because in the end the glorious prize can be won. Amen. Recent articles on Plough Where Is the Kingdom of Heaven? Dorothy L. Sayers Jesus said the kingdom of heaven is among us, or even within us. Why, then, does it remain so elusive? Read now Lernvergnügenstag: A Day for the Joy of Learning Patrick Tomassi Once a year, I get to teach my students whatever inspires me. Read now The Catholic Worker Pushes the Limits Laurie M. Johnson Still going strong after nine decades, a radical movement of sharing and caring proves it’s possible to escape and resist capitalism, to a point. Read now The Three Questions Leo Tolstoy What is the right time, who are the right people, and what is the most important thing to do? Read now Deerassic Park Tim Maendel A high-school science teacher and his students practice conservation in the woods and ponds of upstate New York. Read now
Today’s Verse – Romans 5:1-2
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. —Romans 5:1-2 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Justified, peace, access, grace, hope, and glory are wonderful gifts! Each of these gifts is ours because of One — One reason, One person, and One LORD: Jesus Christ, the Son of God and our Savior. Our faith in Jesus opens the door for us to rejoice in our assured hope of sharing in God’s glory. In troubling times, this hope is precious. In good times, this hope promises us even greater things. In every circumstance, this assured hope can empower us to live for Jesus to the glory of God! Video Commentary… ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos My Prayer… We praise you, LORD Jesus, for all you’ve done to bless us with your salvation. We praise you, dear LORD, for your promise to return and invite us to share in your full, unveiled glory. We pray that you speed that day to come soon. As we wait, Father, please purify and make us useful for your service, to the glory of Jesus, by the power of the Holy Spirit. In the name of Jesus, our mediator, 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.