For You, but More than Just You!
Note from Jesus Dear Beloved, John wrote the truth powerfully and simply in his short little letter you call 1 John: You are my little children, so I am writing these things to help you avoid sin. If, however, any believer does sin, we have a high-powered defense lawyer — Jesus the Anointed, the righteous — arguing on our behalf before the Father. It was through His sacrificial death that our sins were atoned. But He did not stop there — He died for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 2:1-2) I gave My life for you! I was crucified for your sins! I came to bring you salvation and new life. I did what I did for you, but this wasn’t just for you! My Father’s love encompasses “every nation and tribe, people and language” (Revelation 7:9). As John said it in one of the most famous passages of Scripture: For God expressed His love for the world in this way: He gave His only Son so that whoever believes in Him will not face everlasting destruction, but will have everlasting life. Here’s the point. God didn’t send His Son into the world to judge it; instead, He is here to rescue a world headed toward certain destruction. (John 3:16-17) So when Pentecost came, I poured out the Holy Spirit upon those who were already My disciples and those who became My disciples. Then Peter reminded everyone present that My love is for all nations, which means all people, male and female, and all races, nationalities, social levels, and cultures. The salvation from sin and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit that occurred on the day of Pentecost were just the beginning, a mere foretaste of what will happen throughout the world and throughout time. So remember this: My grace includes you, but it is also bigger than just you… and those like you. My grace and the gift of the Holy Spirit are for everyone who responds to My call to follow Me! Verses to Live Pentecost is often called the birthday of the church. With the coming of the Holy Spirit, My disciples proclaimed My death, burial, and resurrection as the message of salvation. A new era began with the baptism of over 3,000 people in response to the apostles’ preaching. I want to impress two things about this message upon you. First, this message and this salvation are for you! Second, this message and this salvation are for everyone who is willing to respond! Notice both the words Peter says to the crowd and also the response of this crowd. This message is for you and for all who will listen to the Father’s call to their hearts. When the people heard this [the Spirit-inspired message about Jesus as Messiah and the One Whom they had crucified], their hearts were pierced; and they said to Peter and his fellow apostles: Pilgrims: Our brothers, what should we do? Peter: Reconsider your lives; change your direction. Participate in the… washing of baptism in the name of Jesus God’s Anointed, the Liberating King. Then your sins will be forgiven, and the gift of the Holy Spirit will be yours. For the promise of the Spirit is for you, for your children, for all people — even those considered outsiders and outcasts — the Lord our God invites everyone to come to Him. (Acts 2:37-39) Response in Prayer Father in heaven, I realize that Jesus died for all people. Forgive me for the times when I have been short-sighted and didn’t reach out to all kinds of people. I confess that I sometimes assume I know who will respond to Your invitation of grace and who will not. Help me, O Lord, to see people through the eyes of Jesus. Help me as I seek to share Your grace with all people. I pray this 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.
10 Jun 2025
And as the Lord works in us to do His will and imparts knowledge and wisdom, as He does amazing things in our lives for His glory and fills us with His power, may we be faithful to our calling in Him. As those who are entrusted with His presence, may we conduct ourselves in a dignified manner, befitting sons and daughters of the most high God. 1 Corinthians 4:1-2.
Today’s Verse – 1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. —1 John 1:9 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… When we view our sins the same way that God does and confess them, God forgives and purifies us. Honest confession opens our hearts to the flood of heaven’s grace (Psalm 51:1-17; Psalm 103:11-14). God shares with us the sweet liberation from sin that Jesus purchased at Calvary (1 John 2:1-2). God not only forgives our sins but also purifies us of all unrighteousness. Think of purified this way: pure as if I had never sinned! We are no longer sinners, and the stain of our sin is removed. We are “holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation” because of God’s purifying grace (Colossians 1:22). So, let’s live in a way that reflects this incredible gift! My Prayer… Father, I confess my sins to you! Please forgive me for… (please verbalize to God specifically your sins to your Father in heaven.) Thank you for letting me be honest with you and share with you my frustration and my sorrow for my failures and flaws. Please liberate me from their power in my life and give me the confidence that you have not only forgiven my sins, but have also made me pure and holy, fresh and new as when I first came to Jesus. And it is 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.
Sharing My Mission
Note from Jesus My Beloved Disciple, I came to earth for a divine purpose, on a mission from the Father. I was determined to complete that mission. I was committed to finishing the work the Father sent Me to do (John 4:34; 19:30). I was so passionate about My mission that I was willing to sacrifice everything to accomplish it (Philippians 2:5-11). I entered your world because I love the people of your world (Romans 5:6-11). I came to liberate people from the power of sin, death, and hell (Hebrews 2:14-15). My passionate desire is for each person to discover the grace We (Father, Son, and Spirit) long to share with them. I want each of them to find a life in Me — a life that is full of grace and rich in love (John 10:10). Before I returned to the Father, I told My disciples to embrace this same mission, My mission, as well. I sent them to reach all the people of the world (Matthew 28:18-20). Just as the Father had sent Me, I sent them, and I am now sending you (John 20:21). As you live this mission, please remember: it is a mission of love. Your mission is to save the people of your world by sharing My love for them and demonstrating that love before them (John 13:35). No matter how they receive you or treat you, don’t view the people of your world as your enemy! Liberating lost people from sin, death, and hell is your mission just as it was My mission (Luke 19:10). Always be ready to share My grace with the people of your world. Let them know the reason for your hope in Me, but do this respectfully, gently, and lovingly (1 Peter 3:15-16). Verses to Live While I could point you to many passages of Scripture that talk about your mission, I want to remind you of a very familiar one. Its truth is the foundation of My mission and must be the foundation of your mission. For God expressed His love for the world in this way: He gave His only Son so that whoever believes in Him will not face everlasting destruction, but will have everlasting life. Here’s the point. God didn’t send His Son into the world to judge it; instead, He is here to rescue a world headed toward certain destruction. (John 3:16-17) Your mission is not an obligation, a duty, you must do to fulfill some arbitrary obligation. Your mission is rooted in and empowered by love. I invite you to love the lost of this world. Follow My example in doing everything you can to help lost people find their way to the Father’s grace. I demonstrated that love through My sacrifice at Golgotha. I demonstrated that grace and power through My victory over sin, death, and hell in the resurrection. My mission was a mission of love. The apostle Paul described My love this way: When the time was right, the Anointed One died for all of us who were far from God, powerless, and weak. Now it is rare to find someone willing to die for an upright person, although it’s possible that someone may give up his life for one who is truly good. But think about this: while we were wasting our lives in sin, God revealed His powerful love to us in a tangible display—the Anointed One died for us. As a result, the blood of Jesus has made us right with God now, and certainly, we will be rescued by Him from God’s wrath in the future. If we were in the heat of combat with God when His Son reconciled us by laying down His life, then how much more will we be saved by Jesus’ resurrection life? In fact, we stand now reconciled and at peace with God. That’s why we celebrate in God through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed. (Romans 5:6-11) Response in Prayer O Lord, my God, my Savior, and my Redeemer. Thank you for calling me to participate in your divine mission to reawaken the world to your love and grace. Thank you for calling me to the people of the world the way Your Son did. I ask this 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.
09 Jun 2024
Are you in transition or in the middle of a season? Whatever the circumstances, I pray that we shall remain in God’s will. I pray against anything that would seek to destroy our destinies. May the Lord’s plan for our lives prevail, and may He accomplish that which He wants to do in us and through us. Isaiah 46:9-11.
Daily Prayer for June 9
The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17, NIV Lord our Savior, you are our Lord and our Helper. Show yourself again and again in our hearts as the Savior who is strong to help us even in difficult times. Remember the many people who sigh to you. Guide them into the protection of the almighty God. Even if they suffer pain and distress and have to go through fear and anxiety, even if they die, Lord Jesus, you are comfort and help. In everything life brings us you will show yourself as the One who does the will of God and who carries it out for us on earth. Amen. Recent articles on Plough The Explosive Imagination of Dickens Gina Dalfonzo Peter Conrad’s Dickens the Enchanter paints a portrait of the great storyteller in all his bizarre glory. Read now The Vaccine Wars Brian Volck A pediatrician attempts to break the impasse between parents skeptical of vaccination and those seeking to prevent deadly disease outbreaks. Read now Sunday Source God’s New Language Stanley Hauerwas At Pentecost, God created a community of people whose very differences contributed to their unity. Read now The Anabaptist Vision of Politics John D. Roth What have we learned from five hundred years of Anabaptist understandings of church and state? Read now Wonder Woman Versus Hummel Dori Moody Who is a better role model for my teenage daughter: Wonder Woman or a Franciscan nun? Read now
Today’s Verse – Micah 6:8
He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. —Micah 6:8 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Sometimes we need God to make what he wants from us plain and simple to understand. I need to handle those around me justly — practicing patience and dealing with others in fairness, without partiality, and treating them as I would like to be treated. I also need to practice mercy — blessing others in need with what they don’t deserve but so greatly need. I need to walk humbly with my Abba Father, knowing that without his grace and help, I will fall short and fail. I need to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with [my] God.” I have a sneaking suspicion you need the same. My Prayer… Father, please make of me what you will. As you fashion me, please bless me as I seek to be a person of justice, mercy, and humility. I know you identify yourself as the “I AM,” known by your righteous character, gracious compassion, and faithful lovingkindness. In Jesus’ name and through the power of the Holy Spirit, I seek to become more like you. I am thankful for Micah who made clear that this begins with me acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with you. Please help as I depend upon your grace and the power of the Holy Spirit to do just that! 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.
Daily Prayer for June 8
The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing. Proverbs 10:28, NIV Lord our God, we wait for you night and day. We believe in you and we long for your righteousness. You will answer our prayer. Bless us, we pray. May your name be kept holy and your kingdom come. O Lord our God, may your will be done among the nations. May your will be done in each of us and be plainly seen, as it is in heaven. Look upon the nations. Watch over all humankind. Let a new path be broken so that a peace that passes all understanding may come, a peace from you, the Lord our God. Amen. Recent articles on Plough The Vaccine Wars Brian Volck A pediatrician attempts to break the impasse between parents skeptical of vaccination and those seeking to prevent deadly disease outbreaks. Read now Sunday Source God’s New Language Stanley Hauerwas At Pentecost, God created a community of people whose very differences contributed to their unity. Read now The Anabaptist Vision of Politics John D. Roth What have we learned from five hundred years of Anabaptist understandings of church and state? Read now Wonder Woman Versus Hummel Dori Moody Who is a better role model for my teenage daughter: Wonder Woman or a Franciscan nun? Read now What Happened at Pentecost? Eberhard Arnold What was the all-important event that took place in Jerusalem at Pentecost? Read now
Today’s Verse – Matthew 7:7
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. —Matthew 7:7 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… God wants us to seek his blessings. This is not because he wants to manipulate our lives, but because he longs to bless us and have us know the gifts in our lives come from him. So let’s seek his presence, his grace, and his blessing. As we do, let’s remember this promise is in a section of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount where he clearly states that a disciple obeys what God, the Scriptures, and Jesus command. In that context, we can be sure we have what we seek, ask, and knock to receive. When we love and live according to his purposes (Romans 8:28), Jesus’ promise is our assurance of the Father’s blessing and our Savior’s delight as we are empowered by the Holy Spirit. My Prayer… Dear Father, I yearn for your blessing and guidance. I need your presence and blessing in several specific areas of my life that weigh heavily on my heart… (share with God some things that are on your heart). In addition, dear Father, I need your wisdom in the following matters… Finally, dear God, please make your presence in my life very clear to me this week. I don’t doubt your love for me, but I sometimes need reassurance of your nearness as I face the challenges that lie before me. Please hear me asking for your nearness, see my search for your way in this world, and open the door to my knocking on your door of grace as I seek your blessing. 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.
The Pentecost Challenge
We long for the day when we know fully, even as we are fully known! Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you (Ephesians 4:29-32). MO is at Black Rifle Coffee, Beyond Black is in the cup, silence is on the playlist, and God is in the room preparing for Pentecost this Sunday. We sat in the conversation collective, talking about life and lessons learned. It was relaxing, comfortable, and intoxicating. In the middle of what seemed like a serious discussion about the Holy Spirit, one of the guys announced, “You know, after you’ve been around someone for almost a year, you’d like to think they know your name.” I listened to his distress and then broke in, “Has he EVER called you by name?” “NO! Yesterday, I asked him, kinda jokingly, if he knew my name. His answer, ‘I know exactly who you are,’ but still didn’t call me by name, not even then.” Ummmmmm. He continued, “You’d think pastors would be the best at calling people by name, that the Spirit would make it so. But for some of us, we never ask God for help. This Sunday is the birthday of the church — Pentecost — a celebration of the Holy Spirit. It’s a good day for shaking things up a bit, to enlist the Spirit’s help. “Get in your pastor’s face,” he suggested, “tell him your name… ask him to say it! Give him a Pentecost challenge! Let’s learn everybody’s name, even the janitor’s name, by the end of the year. With the Spirit’s help, we can do it together. “The Pentecost Challenge can be a game changer!” We sat in silence for a time, then I asked, “Remember the theme song from Cheers?” “Oh yeah, who doesn’t?” he responded. “A whole generation doesn’t, but they are recklessly looking for a place like it, a place where misfits, old farts, weirdos, young whippersnappers, and the boring people know each other’s names… a place like Cheers Bar. I think for its time, it was perfect. And, I loved the theme song… still do.” We sang it together… sort of: Sometimes you wanna goWhere everybody knows your nameAnd they’re always glad you came.You wanna be where you can seeOur troubles are all the sameYou wanna be where everybody knows your name! “The church is supposed to be THAT place… the Spirit must be really sad to show up and be ignored,” he said. We talked for a couple of hours, telling stories, laughing, and calling each other by name. By the way, his name is Danny. Danny decided to take the Pentecost Challenge, whether his pastor does or not. Don’t you think Abba has given us all this Pentecost Challenge? Oh, and I just met Gabe. He’s a Black Rifle Coffee Company early-morning barista. He even asked me, “Is your name Ron Rose?” You know, I really liked hearing my name. Ummmmm. I believe we all “wanna be where everybody knows your name!” For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. (1 Corinthians 13:12). About the author: Ron Rose has been a unique minister and friend, but he is also a noted author and leader of several ministries. Ron now makes himself available as a listener and friend as he spends time with people on the go and in coffee shops and shares grace and a listening ear connecting them with God who is always in the room!