Today’s Verse – Ephesians 5:1-2
Be imitators of God as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. —Ephesians 5:1-2 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery. So, if we are to sincerely flatter* God, we must choose to have the righteous character, gracious compassion, and faithful love and justice of God in our daily actions. Such imitation may be the most costly form of flattery as well. You see, love for God is never something that occurs just in our minds or our hearts. Love is something we do for another – love demonstrates itself by its actions. John said that we must love in both our deeds and our words (1 John 3:16-18). Love means to give ourselves up – what we want, our rights, our desires – to honor God and serve others (1 John 4:7-10; Philippians 2:1-10). This sacrificial love can change a marriage, a family, a friendship, a fellowship of God’s people, and ultimately the world! as dearly loved children, let’s live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us! * You may feel as I do that our goal is to honor, praise, and love God more than flattering Him. My Prayer… Abba Father, I will never fully understand how you could love me so much that you would allow your son to die for me, as the sacrifice for my sins against you. Please help me love others sacrificially. I know the power to do this is not within me, so please pour your love into my heart through your Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5) so that I can share your love with others. Through Jesus, my brother, my sacrifice, my Savior and my LORD, 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 1:13
Prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. —1 Peter 1:13 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… When Jesus came the first time, he came to reveal God (John 1:18; Hebrews 1:1-3). As wonderful, powerful, and gracious as he was in his earthly ministry, he did not fully reveal all of who he is. Our hope is tied to his return. When he comes this time, he won’t come to reveal God, but to reveal himself – the conquering LORD, the Rider on the white horse, our eternal Savior. Every knee will bow. We will get to see him as he really and fully is – Immanuel in power and grace, triumphant in every way. When we set our hope on Jesus’ grace at his return, we can be confidently ready for active service to our king today. We can live under his leadership with obedience and praise today because we know that great tomorrow is coming! My Prayer… O Almighty God, I long for the day when I get to see Jesus face to face, coming with the angels in power. Until that time, please fasten my heart in hope to the glory Jesus will share with me on that day, and please empower me to live as one who knows that victory is mine in Jesus beginning today. Jesus, through your powerful 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 – Isaiah 1:16-17
Stop doing wrong, learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. —Isaiah 1:16-17 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Do you find it easy to replace service to those in need with religious rituals? I know many sure seem to do so. However, God wants us not to get so caught up in talking about him and celebrating his deeds that we forget we’re supposed to provide hands-on care for others. God loved us so much that he wasn’t content just to send us words in a holy book; he also came to us personally as the Word incarnate in Jesus, Immanuel, God with us (John 1:1-18; Hebrews 1:1-3; Matthew 1:23). In Jesus, God cared for people face-to-face with hands-on in love (Mark 1:40-42). Whether it is Jesus defining his ministry (Luke 4:18-19) or James talking about the kind of piety that pleases God (James 1:26-27), we must realize that true faith always involves treating others as God would treat them (1 John 3:16-18). Today’s verse defines what God does and how God feels (Deuteronomy 10:16-18) by instructing us to live as his presence in our world today (John 20:19-22). My Prayer… O Great God of all comfort, please open my eyes today to see those who need your love and please give me the heart to do so attentively, investing in them personally and giving my time compassionately to serve them. May Jesus’ heart be seen in the work of my hands and bring glory to you, O God. 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 – Psalms 90:12
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. —Psalms 90:12 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… So often we can look up and time has passed us by. The things we promised ourselves we’d accomplish and the deeds we told others we’d do, well, they get left undone or forgotten. Before we know it, days have become weeks, weeks have become months, and months have become years. We find ourselves unable to do what we once assumed we could do whenever we wanted. So, let’s ask the LORD to use the Holy Spirit to help us see and seize the opportunities he places in our path, and let’s embrace them with a sense of urgency that today is a day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). Video Commentary… ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos My Prayer… Father, I confess that too often I leave undone what needs to be done, forget the commitments I have made, and lose track of people I intended to bless. Please help me see your plans for each day and live in a way that not only honors you but also blesses those you want me to reach. As your servant Moses prayed so many years ago: Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. 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 – John 3:3
In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” —John 3:3 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… “Fast away the old year passes…” But we can be new and fresh and clean in Jesus (2 Corinthians 4:17). Kingdom people are those who have been born fresh and new through the power of the Spirit and the grace of God ( John 3:3-7; Titus 3:3-7; John 1:11). So as we close out the old year, remember its good things and bad, achievements and failures, successes and disappointments, let’s approach the New Year as Kingdom people. God’s mercies are new every morning, and our lives can be made new every day by the Holy Spirit who lives in us. Because we are the Father’s born-again children, each sunrise offers us the opportunity to greet life as a gift. The Father’s grace can rekindle our hope as the Holy Spirit makes us new, trusting in Jesus our LORD. Our God is the God of new things, and we will celebrate that today even though it is the theme of tomorrow! My Prayer… Heavenly Father, you are holy and righteous. I confess that, as hard as I have tried and as much as I have wanted to be righteous, without your grace and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, I know I will fail. Thank you for your forgiveness. Please make me new. As I stand on the threshold of a new year, please empower me beyond my weaknesses and besetting sins. Please open my eyes to your work in the world around me and use me in your work of grace in fresh ways. Fire my passion to live fully for your Kingdom and my King, Jesus Christ, in whose 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 – John 1:12
Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God… —John 1:12 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Isn’t it incredible that we are called children of God!? But that is precisely who we are (1 John 3:1-3): God’s children! Our Father created the universe with its billions and billions of stars and planets. Our Father paints a new sunset every evening and chases away the darkness every single morning. Our Father not only loves us; he also claims us as his own and will bring us to his eternal home. Why? Because we heard God’s message to us in Jesus. Because we received God’s grace offered to us in his Son. Because we trust that God’s grace is received and made real to us through our faith in Jesus. Incredible! Glorious! Grace! Adoption! My Prayer… Abba Father, thank you for claiming me as one of your children because of your grace and through my faith in Christ Jesus. I praise and thank you in his 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.
Today’s Verse – John 1:11
He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. —John 1:11 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Jesus came to his own things – the world he had created and the land God had promised his people – and his very own people didn’t receive him. Sometimes we are misled by OUR desires and OUR dreams for what Jesus will do for us that we miss what God wants for us and from us. Let’s not let the following be true in our lives. “Jesus came to me, but I wasn’t ready to receive him. I had other things I wanted to do and other things I wanted to experience before I fully surrendered my heart to him.” Each time we put off surrendering our will to Jesus, each time we push him away as LORD, we allow our hearts to harden, and it becomes easier and easier to push him away. Now, while our hearts are still attentive to his grace, let’s renew our commitment to him, wholly and afresh, offering Jesus our hearts and lives to be used for his glory and grace. Let’s not put it off. It may be too late for us if we do! My Prayer… Holy God, I surrender my heart to your will. Precious Jesus, now more than ever, I recognize you as my LORD. I want to serve you and honor you in all areas of my life. Please forgive me for resisting your guidance or turning away from your commands. I know you left everything and gave up everything to save me. So now, dear LORD, please mold me into the person you want me to be and use me in ways that bless others and bring you glory. 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 – John 1:18
No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only [Son], who is at the Father’s side, has made him known. —John 1:18 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Jesus IS God’s greatest message. He not only proclaims and declares God’s love, mercy, and grace, but he has also made them known to us. Only Jesus can display God to us fully, for he is one with the Father. When we “see” Jesus ministering in the Gospels, we “see” God ministering. If we want to know how God feels about us, all we have to do is look at how Jesus ministers to others. If we want to know what God would do for us, we can notice what Jesus does to bless others. Jesus is our window to the Father’s heart. So, as this year winds down, and as you stand in the afterglow of Christmas, why not make a commitment to get to know Jesus better in this coming year by spending more time with him in the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). If you read one chapter a day, you can go through all four gospels four times in the coming year – and have a day or two left over. When you do, you will not only better know Jesus, but the Holy Spirit will also help you better know the heart of the Father! My Prayer… Thank you, Father, for giving me a window to your heart through the life and ministry of Jesus. Please bless me as I seek to know you better by knowing, understanding, and following Jesus more passionately. O Father, please make me more JESUShaped* as I seek to know him more completely. I pray in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, my LORD and Savior. Amen. * JESUShaped is being transformed by the Holy Spirit to more closely resemble Jesus in word, thought, and deeds (Luke 6:40; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Colossians 1:28-29).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 – Luke 2:20
The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. —Luke 2:20 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Can you imagine the shepherds returning to their flocks after the night they had? They had seen God’s glory. They had experienced the presence of the angel of the LORD. They had seen the newborn King, the promised Messiah, the Savior of the world. It was just as they had been told by the holy heavenly messenger. As amazing as the angel’s words of announcement had been, they were gloriously fulfilled. Jesus the Christ was newly born; he was also the absolute answer to God’s greatest promises and the greatest assurance that God keeps his word. Incredibly, God had chosen shepherds, unnamed to us and unimportant to their peers, to be the first human witnesses and participants in God’s glorious story of salvation in sending his Messiah. I believe Luke wanted to remind us that no matter who we are or where we seem to be on the social pecking order, Jesus came for us. Joseph and Mary were peasants. The shepherds were young and outcasts. Simeon and Anna were old and devout frequenters of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. The Magi were foreigners from Persia. The coming of Jesus to our world tells us immediately that Jesus came for all people – young and old, insider or outsider, powerful or powerless, influential or inconsequential in influence. Jesus came for us… for you… for me! My Prayer… LORD God Almighty, I can only imagine what it was like for those shepherds who experienced your glory. However, dear Father, I do know how much Jesus means to me. I praise you for loving me and reaching my heart with your grace. In Jesus’ glorious name, I offer you my life and praise. 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 – Luke 2:14
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” —Luke 2:14 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… There is only one proper response for God’s gift of Jesus – our praise and adoration. Heaven’s angels worship with praise and adoration at Jesus’ birth. So should we! God’s love, grace, favor, blessing, forgiveness, mercy, and salvation come to us through the incredible gift of Jesus’ coming to earth. How can we not praise him? How can our hearts remain still and voices remain silent before such an amazing and gracious God? They can’t, or at least they shouldn’t, at least right now! Let’s see our joyous worship of Christ our King as the reminder that we need to reach as many other people as possible so they can join our chorus of praise. One day, every knee will bow and every tongue confesses that Jesus is LORD to the glory of the Father (Philippians 2:10-11)! Those who welcome that day of salvation will do so because they had bowed and confessed Jesus before his glorious return. So, let’s say it loudly: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace on those on whom God’s favor rests.” Amen. Hallelujah! Video Commentary… ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos My Prayer… Father, you are glorious. Your grace is marvelous. Your gift of Jesus is magnificent. We give you all of our praise for sharing your glory and grace with us by sending Jesus to earth. Now, we offer our prayer to him who intercedes at your right hand (Romans 8:34), and we offer you and him our praise. 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.