Today’s Verse – 1 John 4:13
We know that we live in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. —1 John 4:13 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Our sign of authenticity, showing we are truly God’s children, is the Holy Spirit who lives in us. The Spirit helps bring forth the character of God in our lives (Galatians 5:22). The Spirit helps us when we pray (Romans 8:26-27). The Spirit empowers us to overcome sin (Romans 8:13) and gives us the strength to do things we never imagined possible (Ephesians 3:20-21). The Spirit comforts us in our brokenness and makes God’s presence real in us (John 14:15-26). The Spirit continually pours God’s love into our hearts (Romans 8:5). The Spirit is the most accurate sign that we are God’s children (Romans 8:9) because the Spirit helps us display what helps others know that we are God’s children — our love for each other (John 13:34-35). Thank God for the blessed Holy Spirit! [As God’s children, the Holy Spirit does many other vital things in our lives. Check out God’s Holy Fire, our free daily devotional on the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, available online and by email.] Video Commentary… ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos My Prayer… Father, I praise you for your holiness, majesty, and power. I thank you for your loving grace. I am humbled by your sacrificial love that has saved me. But today, dear Father, I thank you most for your Holy Spirit, who lives in me and empowers, cleanses, and comforts me as the Spirit makes your fatherhood accessible and real to me. Thank you, in the name of Jesus, from the bottom of my heart, for the gift 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.
07 Feb 2025
The Lord is pleased with a genuine sacrifice of praise. A sincere heart attracts His mercy. May we never get tired of adoring and praising God. May those around us also do the same. May we not idolize our possessions. He has simply made us custodians of them. 1 Chronicles 29:10-20.
Daily Prayer for February 7
But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13b-14, NIV Dear Father in heaven, living source of all that is eternal in us, we come to you and plead with you to strengthen the gifts you have given us. Grant us the light of life in which we can walk in spite of the many burdens and uncertainties of our earthly life. Protect us from deception and disappointment. Strengthen our hope for your steadfast, firm, and eternal rule in us, in many others, and finally in all people. Amen. Recent articles on Plough Timber Framing with Teenagers Clem Robertshaw Why a history teacher believes in training students to use hand tools. Read now Brother Roger of Taizé Ben Cribbin He devoted his life to reconciliation and drew in thousands who otherwise might have abandoned church. His journals show it wasn’t always easy. Read now Obstacles to Christian Community Eberhard Arnold What are the biggest obstacles to community? And how can they be overcome? Read now God Made Us Curious Sally Clarkson As a precocious child, I vowed that when I became a teacher I would never stifle my students’ curiosity and enthusiasm. Read now The Anabaptist Community Bible Bonnie Kristian The Anabaptist Community Bible project marks Anabaptism’s 500th anniversary, once again gathering Christians to discuss what the Scriptures demand. Read now
Today’s Verse – 1 John 4:12
No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. —1 John 4:12 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… What an incredible thought! God can be seen in my home when I love those in my family. The Father of the universe lives in my church, and his presence can be recognized when I love those in my church family. Almighty God’s love is recognizable in my life when I love those around me and when we choose to be loving instead of petty, unforgiving, critical, and harsh to our brothers and sisters in Christ. God reveals his presence, power, and perfection in us! God is love; we reveal his presence when we do love each other. My Prayer… O Father, please make your presence, power, and perfection known through my love for your children and our love for each other. 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.
06 Feb 2025
The Lord deserves our adoration and praise. He is mighty and just. His greatness is unfathomable. Let us exalt the Lord, for He delights in the praises of His people. He is our provider and defender. He is the lifter of our heads. He us faithful and merciful. He is our deliverer. Psalm 111:1-10.
Daily Prayer for February 6
I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul. Psalm 31:7, NIV Dear Father in heaven, we come before your presence with thanksgiving and rejoice that you are with us on earth. Even though we have many struggles and temptations and even though problems crowd in upon us, we know that we are in your hands and that everything must go according to your will. Hold us securely in your hand. Help us to bear all that we find hard, for we know you are in control and you lead everything to a good end. The darker and more difficult it may seem, the more clearly your hand will reveal the victory in those whose lives are founded in eternity, whose lives cannot end in sorrow but will end in your glory. Amen. Recent articles on Plough Brother Roger of Taizé Ben Cribbin He devoted his life to reconciliation and drew in thousands who otherwise might have abandoned church. His journals show it wasn’t always easy. Read now Obstacles to Christian Community Eberhard Arnold What are the biggest obstacles to community? And how can they be overcome? Read now God Made Us Curious Sally Clarkson As a precocious child, I vowed that when I became a teacher I would never stifle my students’ curiosity and enthusiasm. Read now The Anabaptist Community Bible Bonnie Kristian The Anabaptist Community Bible project marks Anabaptism’s 500th anniversary, once again gathering Christians to discuss what the Scriptures demand. Read now Warning: The Bible Is Not Just a Book Alastair Roberts You can’t read the Bible like a novel. It’s not just words on a page. Read now
Today’s Verse – 1 John 4:11
Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. —1 John 4:11 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… The Creator of the Universe loves us personally. He knows us and made us intentionally. Our Heavenly Father cares about us tremendously. Although God knew about our weaknesses and sinfulness, he was willing to pay a terrible and outrageous price to redeem us. Even though we are sometimes weak or rebellious, he still loves us, forgives us, and welcomes us back when we are willing to confess our sins, turn from them, and come home to him. So if God has consistently, faithfully, and graciously loved us, how can we not share that love with each other? My Prayer… Thank you, Abba Father, for your awesome and gracious love. Please continue to pour your love into my heart through your Holy Spirit. Help me be more forgiving, patient, and sacrificial in my love with your children. 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.
05 Feb 2025
Our priority should be to worship the Lord. Placing Him first entails allowing Him to direct our lives. His word should be our compass. Prayer, meditation, and fellowship should feature prominently. Then, living an exemplary life should be dependent on His help. Mark 11:11-18.
Daily Prayer for February 5
I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. Psalm 9:1–2, NIV Lord our God, keep us in your Spirit. Surround us with your protection, so that in body and soul we may praise your might and be joyful even in a world full of evil. Shine into our hearts, that we may discern what is right and good and eternal. May you do more than we can ask or understand for those who still walk in darkness far away from you. May your eternal mercy enfold them, and may the earth be filled with thanks to you, the Creator and Father of us all. Amen. Recent articles on Plough Obstacles to Christian Community Eberhard Arnold What are the biggest obstacles to community? And how can they be overcome? Read now God Made Us Curious Sally Clarkson As a precocious child, I vowed that when I became a teacher I would never stifle my students’ curiosity and enthusiasm. Read now The Anabaptist Community Bible Bonnie Kristian The Anabaptist Community Bible project marks Anabaptism’s 500th anniversary, once again gathering Christians to discuss what the Scriptures demand. Read now Warning: The Bible Is Not Just a Book Alastair Roberts You can’t read the Bible like a novel. It’s not just words on a page. Read now Meditation on the Lord’s Prayer Alfred Delp Humans must have something holy to worship, or we find substitutes far more autocratic and demanding than the living God himself. Read now
04 Feb 2025
May we worship the Lord only and focus on Him. May we shun evil and dedicate our lives to Him. May we rejoice in Him and find favour in His sight. May He be pleased with our dedication to Him and bless us. Psalm 97:10-12.