Today’s Verse – Titus 2:11-12
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age… —Titus 2:11-12 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Grace is not about excuses for our sins, but about a deep-seated thanksgiving for pardon and a life-changing commitment to say, “No!” to all that is evil, corrupt, and wicked, no matter how alluring or how pervasive those temptations and desires may be, and no matter how prevalent they are in our culture. As Paul taught the Ephesians, we have received mercy and grace so we could be saved FROM sin, death, and hell (Ephesians 2:6-8), and so we can be saved FOR doing what is good (Ephesians 2:10). Video Commentary… ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos My Prayer… LORD, God of Jesus, my Abba Father, I praise you for your costly grace and love demonstrated to me in Jesus. Now, please galvanize my commitment to say “No!” to all those sins that required my Savior’s pain and humiliation to cleanse me and empower me to be your child. Through your Spirit, form in me a righteous lifestyle that is self-controlled and that reflects your righteous character, gracious compassion, and faithful love and justice. 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.
12 Sep 2025
God’s love for His children is immeasurable. He loves them dearly, despite their ways. He used Hosea’s marriage to demonstrate His love for His children. Purpose to walk with Him and enjoy His goodness. He has too much to offer for us to ignore. Hosea 6:1-3
Today’s Verse – Romans 6:11-12
In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. —Romans 6:11-12 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… If we have been cleansed from perversity, if we have died with Christ in baptism to our old ways of life and have been cleansed thoroughly and completely by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:9-11), then let’s live for God. Let’s resist sin and our inclinations towards evil with all our might, knowing that as we do, the Holy Spirit will empower us to a much greater righteousness than we could ever live on our own (Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Corinthians 3:18). Let’s begin each day with a conscious decision to be dead to our sinful past and alive to God the holy character the Spirit is forming in us! My Prayer… Loving and Righteous Father, Almighty God, please help my heart remain firmly committed to your will and more fully conformed to your holy character and grace as I submit myself to the work of the Holy Spirit in me. In the name of Jesus, my Savior and my LORD. 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.
11 Sep 2025
May we watch our ways and avoid what would anger the Lord. Immorality, deceit, idolatry, and shunning the knowledge of God stirred up God’s anger against His people. May we heed His voice, and may He not give up on us. Hosea 4:1-6.
Today’s Verse – Proverbs 10:9
The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out. —Proverbs 10:9 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… “Tell the truth the first time, and then you won’t have to remember what you said.” That’s a quote attributed to the famous Speaker of the U.S.A. House of Representatives, Sam Rayburn. That’s basically what God’s wisdom is trying to teach us in this passage. Be a person of integrity. Then, when someone finds out your secrets, you can feel secure knowing that you have lived for godliness. However, a perverse and deceitful person has to worry that someone will find out their duplicity and evil. There is no security or assurance in crooked paths, only the certainty of getting tripped up and caught. When the secrets of evil that have been whispered in dark places get shouted from the rooftops (Luke 12:3), those who have lived for the LORD can be secure, knowing that what gets shouted about them is said with the voice of God: “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21, 23). My Prayer… Please forgive me, dear Father, for those times that I have been secretive, sinful, and dishonest. Purify me of deceit. Help me speak only what is true, appropriate, and helpful. Transform my evil secrets, through your holy grace, into a character that is consistent in both public and private situations. In Jesus’ name, I ask for your help to grow in the grace of integrity. 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.
10 Sep 2025
Even in our deepest moments, may the love of God reach us like a warm radiant light, may His presence reassure us, and may His power deliver us. May we never doubt that He cares. May He send destiny helpers our way, people who will help us arise. May our story encourage many and may our faith in His greatness be restored. Job 42:1-6
Today’s Verse – Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” —Joshua 1:9 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… While these words were spoken to Joshua when he took over for Moses as Israel’s leader, they are also applicable to us. Take a moment and read Psalm 139 out loud and see that God’s promise to be with us is for all who truly call upon him. Listen to Jesus’ words in Matthew 28:18-20, as he promises his disciples to be with them always, even to the close of the age. Remember God’s promise, declared in an Old Testament blessing and reiterated in Hebrews 13:5: “Never will I leave you, never will I desert you!” So, let’s be strong; our God, our Father, our Shepherd is always near, even if it doesn’t seem so. We cannot go anywhere without his presence being near us and in us. We are not alone. We don’t have to be afraid. We can have great courage; not even death can separate us from his love (Romans 8:35-39). My Prayer… Be near, dear Father, not just in your promises or in your spiritual presence, but also in my awareness. I need to know you are near when I respond to the incredible opportunities you place before me. I need to be confident in your help and sustaining love as I face the rigorous challenges in my life. O, LORD, I trust in your unfailing love, so I commit to being strong and courageous because you are with me. In Jesus’ name, I declare this faith. 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.
09 Sep 2025
The love of the Lord for His people is incomprehensible. We may not fully understand how much He loves us. But may we be moved by the extent of His love for us and may our hearts respond to His love. Hosea 3:1-5.
08 Sep 2025
The ways of the Lord are sometimes strange. We often do not comprehend what He is doing, and it is only much later that we see the full picture. May He reveal to us what He is doing in and around us, and may He show us what to do. Hosea 1:2-3, 2:1-8
Today’s Verse – Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. —Hebrews 4:12 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… What is the greatest tool to repair the human heart? …by-pass surgery? …angioplasty? …artificial heart? …transplant? How about the word/Word of God? You see, while these other techniques can be of great aid to the physical hearts of people, God’s tool for spiritual heart surgery is his word (the Scriptures) and his Word (his Son). This sharp scalpel of the Scriptures can reach the soul and spirit as well as being a physical blessing. The tender touch of the Son can heal our deepest wounds. So how much of your heart are you offering to God? How frequently are you offering him your inner self to receive his powerful heart-healing touch? As you open God’s Scripture and hear the message of God preached, ask for the Holy Spirit to help you understand, apply, and put into practice what is being taught. As you deal with life’s heart-battering realities, invite God’s Word, the Son, to minister to your inner being. Let’s offer ourselves to God so that his word (the Scriptures), and his Word (the Son), can do their work in us and adjust our thoughts and attitudes to align with our Father’s. My Prayer… Holy God, I ask that as I open your Scriptures and hear your Word preached and taught, the Holy Spirit penetrate my heart and convict me of sin, discomfort me in areas where I need growth, and stir me in areas where I need motivation to be more like Jesus. I also ask that I commit to honor your Word, the Son, minister to the tender places of my heart with grace and mercy. In the name of the LORD Jesus Christ. 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.