Today’s Verse – 1 Corinthians 2:9
However, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.” —1 Corinthians 2:9 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Kids look forward to Christmas, Disneyland, and summer vacations. They imagine how great those things could be. Christians look forward to heaven and dream of seeing the LORD face to face, reuniting with those we love that have gone home to the LORD before us, and sharing in the glory of Jesus and his angels. But we can’t begin to imagine the great things that God has prepared for us without the Spirit’s help. They are far more glorious than anything we can dream or imagine. So let’s anticipate being surprised with glory and live until then with passion for the cause of the Kingdom. We know that any loss, any wound, any trouble, will not be worth comparing to the glory to be revealed in us (Romans 8:18). And, because we do have the Holy Spirit, let’s ask the Spirit who helps understand glimpses of this glory, we can anticipate what glorious things are actually coming us (1 Corinthians 2:10). Because of the Holy Spirit in us, the meaning of this Scripture is changed for us who have the Holy Spirit. It focuses us on the anticipation and understanding of the future by the power of the Spirit, who gives life to our mortal body (Romans 8:11). My Prayer… Thank you, Father, for preparing a place of glory for me with you — whether it is in the new heavens and earth, or in the throne room in heaven with you, or being with Jesus, or seeing you in your glory in heaven.* I believe it is far greater than anything I could ever imagine, but I do ask the Spirit to give me glimpses of this glorious future with you. Thank you, Jesus, for returning to heaven to prepare a place for me with you in glory. In your name, LORD Jesus, I praise and thank you. Amen. * New heavens and new earth — 2 Peter 3:12-15; the throne room of heaven — Revelation 7:7-11; being with Jesus — 2 Corinthians 5:6; Philippians 1:19-25; seeing Christ as he is in his exalted glory — 1 John 3:2-3.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 – James 3:13
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. —James 3:13 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Wisdom isn’t shown by our book learning, street smarts, intellectual comments, or arrogant boasting. True wisdom demonstrates itself through the godly character of our lives as we live with humility and are generous with kind deeds. My Prayer… O Father, make me wise like Jesus. Please help me know your will more fully and live it more faithfully with kindness and humility, especially toward the lost, outcast, stumbling, broken, forgotten, and alone. May the words of my mouth and the actions of my life please you and bring your grace to others. In Jesus’ name, I ask for your help in being your kind of person. 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 – Proverbs 3:7
Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. —Proverbs 3:7 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Let’s keep this simple today. First, we need to admit that with the complexities and perplexities of life, even the smartest of us is not all that brilliant. Second, the LORD our God is awesome in holiness, majesty, power, wisdom, and grace. Our God is far beyond us. All we can truly grasp of him is the smallest of glimpses of glory — “but the outskirts of his ways” (Job 26:14 ESV). Finally, let’s stay away from anything that hints of evil, knowing that evil infects and confuses us, as well as separates us from God. My Prayer… All wise and gracious Heavenly Father, your wisdom is matchless, your grace unfathomable, your holiness incomparable, and your love beyond comprehension. Thank you for all of your many blessings and gifts, but most of all, I thank you for your gift of accessibility. Your grace has given us access to your presence and grace because of your loving mercy. Please strengthen my will to withstand temptation and deepen my wisdom to see evil for what it is. Please empower me with a spiritual desire to stay far away from evil and its influence as I draw near to you and your love and your grace. 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 – Psalm 139:23-24
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. —Psalm 139:23-24 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Most of us don’t like being scrutinized or tested, especially not the motives and thoughts behind our actions. However, God knows us thoroughly. He has been with us from our conception (Psalm 139:13-16) and will work with us through the grave and beyond (Psalm 139:7-12; Romans 8:38-39). So let’s invite him into our interior world to search us, test us, and even scrutinize our anxious thoughts. He is not with us to condemn or punish, but to cleanse and redeem so we can find his everlasting way of life! My Prayer… Search me, O God. I know that my heart is not always pure, and my ways are far from perfect. Search me, O God, for I need your purifying presence. Search me, O God, for I want you to set my life’s course and destination. With the psalmist, David, I continue my prayer: Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. 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 – James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. —James 1:5 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… So often, we act out of ignorance and face grave consequences for our hasty and unguided actions. God longs to grant us spiritual wisdom that not only helps us make wise choices but also gives us the ability to act and react with grace and wisdom. Before we face a new day with its challenging situations and decisions, let’s seek God’s face and ask for his gift of wisdom. My Prayer… Holy Father, I need your wisdom to help me make the right decisions in the challenges and situations that will confront me today. Please pour your wisdom into my heart so that my actions, words, and choices will please you and bless those around 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.
Today’s Verse – Acts 1:14
They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. —Acts 1:14 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Jesus’ resurrection changed everything! “The women,” as the gospel writers referred to them, were faithfully present with Jesus throughout his crucifixion and resurrection. After the LORDs ascension, they were still present, obediently praying in expectation with the leading disciples. As we might expect, Jesus’ mother is there praying as well. Look carefully at Luke’s description (Acts 1:14-16) and notice that even Jesus’ brothers, once doubting and ridiculing of him (John 7:1-7), now praying in expectation of their risen brother’s release of power through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Yes, they are waiting, but not idly waiting. Yes, they are praying, but they are also expecting the great work of the risen Jesus, which he would do through them! God does amazing things when people who love the risen Jesus pray with expectation. So what are you waiting for? Get with a group of those who love Jesus, and pray with expectation for Jesus to accomplish his work through you! My Prayer… Almighty and All-powerful God, please bless my efforts as I seek to encourage others to join me in fervent prayer. I pray that you will bring revival among those who call on your name and a stirring among those who are hungry, but don’t yet recognize their hunger is for Jesus. Please bring revival to your people and an outpouring of grace to those who need to know Jesus as their Savior. In Jesus’ name, I pray with expectation. 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 – Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs. —Proverbs 10:12 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Our worst tendencies want to repay evil with evil, spite for spite, pettiness with pettiness, and hatefulness with hatefulness. God has always wanted his people to be his redemptive influence in their world, society, and relationships. Paul reminded the Christians in Rome to “not repay evil with evil” (Romans 12:17). Jesus said: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:44–45) The apostle Paul also taught Christians in Rome: If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:18-21) Love removes the teeth from difficult situations while hatefulness only stirs up bitterness and spite. God’s wise Old Covenant king shares a similar truth in our verse today. We are called to be a different kind of people, a JESUShaped people who leave the world a different and better place than we found it. It isn’t always easy, but Jesus’ way is powerful and redemptive in a world where most people expect the worst! Video Commentary… ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos My Prayer… Father, I confess that when I’m wronged, I become angry and am often tempted to strike back in kind of try and get even. Please, remove the baser, self-serving side of my character through your Holy Spirit’s cleansing and redeeming influence on my heart. May the love your Spirit inspires in me be seen in how I treat others. 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 – 1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect… —1 Peter 3:15 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… How do we effectively share our faith, especially in situations hostile to us and our faith? First, we consciously submit our hearts to Christ as LORD. Second, we prepare a presentation — or several presentations, depending upon the circumstances — that focuses on the hope we have in Jesus. Finally, when we share our reason for hope, we do it with respect, gently sharing our faith with others. Of course, we will never have an opportunity to share our faith if we don’t live a life of faith that impacts those around us with God’s goodness, holiness, and grace. My Prayer… Holy God and loving Father, please use my influence and the quality of my life to bring others to Jesus. Please give me wisdom as I seek to lead the following friends to Christ… (Please specifically mention several of these precious people by name!) May my words and actions lead them closer to you and show them my respect and the love you have for them as your creations. 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 – Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things. —Philippians 4:8 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Let’s get our minds out of the gutter and get our hearts focused on God’s glory. Let’s get our minds out of the focus on problems, difficulties, and horrible things we see in our world today and remind ourselves of God’s goodness and the glorious things that pertain to him. If “we become what we behold,” then let’s choose to focus our gaze on: …whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things. My Prayer… Righteous and Holy God, you are marvelous and glorious, perfect in every way and beyond my comprehension. Please awaken the character of your holiness within me through the power of your Holy Spirit. I don’t want minor changes, but the Spirit’s transformation to become more like Jesus. Please help me see and focus upon the good and glorious things that reflect your nature and not the divisiveness, sleeze, and fluff of my world. In Jesus’ name, I pray for your help to rise above the meaningless, vain, and nasty things of my world and focus on you and your glory so I can bring others to 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 – Psalm 85:6
Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? —Psalm 85:6 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Our Father, God, loves his children even when they are rebellious. However, God showed Israel that their rebellion would drive his presence and blessing from them. But with their genuine repentance and their confession of sin, God joyously promises to bring revival, renewal, and restoration. He gives them, and gives us as Jesus’ disciples, this very prayer as we turn our hearts to God, repent of our past sins, and return to His ways of living: Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? And the Father will answer, “YES!” My Prayer… Father and Almighty LORD, please forgive me for my sins. I confess them freely to you now… (Be specific about the sins you want to confess.) Having you in my life, honoring your Kingdom with my behavior, and honoring your love with my graciousness toward others are very important to me. Please revive me again and empower me to love, do good deeds, and live a holy life so that you will be praised. 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.