Today’s Verse – James 1:19
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. —James 1:19 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Let’s just put this in cornbread English: “We must pump the brake on our speech and hit the throttle for our ears.” When possible, we should let our emotional temperature cool for a few days before responding, pray to determine whether we need to respond, craft a response (written or verbal) with care, and then carefully edit and filter it before delivering our message – especially when we’ve had a zinger come our way. We keep our mouths shut, our hearts pure, and our ears open. Now, if we would all obey what James 1:19-21 teaches in this whole passage, we’d all be more blessed: My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. My Prayer… Mighty and Holy God, you are incredible – beyond my comprehension. How you put up with all the drivel, senseless verbal barbs, gossip, and hurtful speech that your other children spew out is beyond my understanding. I ask you, dear Father, to release the Holy Spirit to convict my heart and guard my lips from any form of hurtful speech. So, dear Father, we ask that you develop the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and a genuine Christ-likeness in us (2 Corinthians 3:18) so that our words and hearts reflect you and bless others in the ways you desire. We pray this to treat others more as Jesus did. 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 – Romans 15:2
Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. —Romans 15:2 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Being disappointed and dissatisfied with life can stem from a myriad of problems. For many of us, however, these disappointments are symptoms that we have focused too much on ourselves and have allowed ourselves to become angry with life. We have forgotten to count our blessings, neglected to give thanks to God, grown silent in our praise to our Father, and quit helping those around us. Thinking of others is how Christ lived, and we are going to live for others if we are going to have a JESUShaped life. When we follow his example, our actions make a difference in the lives of those we bless, and we find ourselves immensely blessed as well. Let’s get our focus off ourselves and look to bless our neighbors! As the ancient Christian hymn Paul quoted reminds us: In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:6-8) My Prayer… Holy and matchless God, help me see the brokenness, hurt, and difficulties in the lives around me. Please also help me see the blessings, joys, and reasons to give thanks that you have placed in my life. I ask for the Holy Spirit’s help to humble myself and find ways to bless others who so desperately need to experience the joy of your love and 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 – Galatians 5:13
You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. —Galatians 5:13 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Our freedom as followers of Jesus, the freedom to live by the power of the Spirit and not by law (Romans 8:1-4; Galatians 5:1), is a wonderful gift, especially when it is handled with responsibility and grace (Romans 14:13; 1 Peter 2:16). Not being under law is such a sweet grace, but we want to pass that sweetness on to each other through service, kindness, and care (Romans 13:10). Just because we are free to do something doesn’t mean doing it is beneficial to our brothers and sisters in Christ or to those we are trying to influence toward Jesus. Freedom gives us the opportunity to do things in love, not just because we are commanded to do them. Love should be, could be, and must mean more than law. Video Commentary… ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos My Prayer… O Great God of Deliverance, thank you for rescuing Israel from Pharaoh’s grasp, David from the sword of Goliath, and Daniel from the mouths of lions. But O Great Deliverer, thank you most of all for the triumph of Jesus over sin, hell, and the law at Calvary. Thank you for his victory over death at the empty tomb. I long to see you face-to-face and thank you for my freedom, won by Jesus and fulfilled in me through the transformation of the Holy Spirit at work within me (2 Corinthians 3:17-18). May my love for others and for you mean more than any law could mean toward me being a blessing. Until the day Jesus returns, please Father, guide me as I use this gift of freedom to serve your children and live for you. 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 Corinthians 1:10
I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought. —1 Corinthians 1:10 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… If people in our congregations are ever going to get along, the leaders of those churches must remind God’s people of the importance of unity. Shortly before facing his passion, Jesus’ prayer was that we would be one (John 17:1-26). Why? If the world knows we are Christians because of our love for one another (John 13:34-35), then the world needs to see our loving unity so that the lost can know that the Father has sent Jesus to save them (John 17:20-21, 23). When we are divided, we tell the world we’re not offering them something the world doesn’t have on its own. All we have is just a religious message that doesn’t produce consequential changes. So, unity is not only important; it is also essential. It’s not just a theory or a test of theology, but a daily practice among the people who claim Jesus as LORD. If we love Jesus and move closer to him, we’ll be brought closer to each other (1 John 1:1-4). We are called to be “perfectly united in mind and thought” because we love Jesus and the people he died to save. My Prayer… LORD Jesus, I believe you have presented all of my prayers to our Father. And Father, I thank you for the grace of Jesus, who lives to make intercession for me at this moment (Hebrews 7:25). I promise, dear Father, to do all I can to bring you glory, and to live at peace with my brothers and sisters in Christ, and to serve in unity with those who belong to you. Please bless our church family with more passion for the unity that you desire as we focus more on leading those who do not know Jesus into a saving relationship with him. In Jesus’ name, and through the blessed Holy Spirit, 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 – Romans 15:5-6
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. —Romans 15:5-6 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Unity comes from God’s Spirit as we all draw closer to Jesus (John 17:20-21). As we are drawn to Jesus through the Spirit, we immediately find ourselves drawn closer to one another (1 John 1:1-4). Unity also has a purpose much deeper than our getting along with each other. Jesus prayed we would be one so that the world would know that God sent him into the world as the Son to save the world (John 3:16-17, 17:21, 23). We want to be united so that our praise can bring glory to God and lead others to him. Unity is far more than a goal; it is a process through which the world learns of Jesus. At the same time, we glorify the Father who sent Jesus to save us when we live together in unity. Leading others to Jesus and glorifying God are what living for Jesus is all about! Let’s make unity one of our deepest passions. My Prayer… Great and Almighty God, you are the eternal strength for all who call on your name. I apologize and ask your forgiveness for everything I’ve done and every word I’ve spoken that has hurt others in your family. I do not want to cause a wound to the unity of your Body, the church. So please, bless my efforts as I seek less of my will, long to live for your glory, and seek to draw close and encourage others. 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.
Today’s Verse – James 3:17-18
The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. —James 3:17-18 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Now I know why righteousness is so hard to find these days. We don’t have many in our world who are full of heavenly wisdom – if that means being considerate, submitting to others’ needs, living with mercy toward those who are different, bearing good fruit, treating others with impartiality, and demonstrating genuine concern for our neighbors. These traits of wisdom are hard to find in our world, probably because they are often associated with weakness. And, while many claim to love peace, so few are willing to make peace and to sow peace into the lives of others. Heavenly wisdom is full of sacrificial earthly action. That’s a powerful reminder to me that wisdom is not what we know but what we sow! We don’t produce “a harvest of righteousness” by spewing hate and seeking our own way at the expense of others. My Prayer… Holy and Wise Father, thank you for demonstrating purity, peace-making, impartiality, submissiveness, mercy, good fruit, and sincerity in the life of Jesus. I ask for the power and courage to demonstrate these Christlike qualities as I seek to live a more JESUShaped life. In the name of Christ Jesus, 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 – Hebrews 6:10
God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. —Hebrews 6:10 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… The Holy Spirit offers us great assurance in today’s verse! God is not unjust. Oh, that is such an understatement: God furnished the atoning sacrifice for our sins by sending Jesus (1 John 2:1-2). When we seek after him, Jesus promised we could find him (Matthew 7:7-8; Acts 17:27). God will not forget the work and love we share with others. God has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:10-12). He chooses to keep an eternal record of the good we have done. We are his people. He claims us. He is gracious and loving, remembering the good we have done to others while forgiving and forgetting our sins. Wow! What great motivation for us to keep maturing into the likeness of Jesus Christ as we become more JESUShaped (2 Corinthians 3:18). My Prayer… God, you are so gracious. Thank you. Words cannot express my joy at hearing such a simple and profound statement describing your virtues: God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. I am so glad, dear Father, that I am your child. Through my gracious brother, Jesus, I thank 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 – Romans 11:33
Oh, the depth and riches of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out. —Romans 11:33 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… God’s plan to save us is incredible. His blueprints for the creation of our universe are beyond our imagining. He is so rich in wisdom and knowledge that we cannot even imagine his greatness. What else can we do but go to him and ask him to open our minds to his work, will, and presence in our lives? God is far greater than our minds can comprehend. His judgments are not fully comprehensible to us, and ways beyond us, but we do know this: What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all – how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:31-32) “Oh, the depth and riches of the wisdom and the knowledge of God!” And on top of his greatness, he loves us and has great plans for us. Oh, yes; God is gracious and good. My Prayer… Precious and Almighty Father, thank you for reawakening me each spring to the power of your sustaining presence in the world and in my life. I see the beauty of creation reemerge, and it reminds me of your goodness, creativity, colorfulness, and grace. As I seek to put you first in all I do, please use me to bring you glory, and please, bless others through my thoughts, words, and deeds. In Jesus name, I thank you and praise 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 – Ecclesiastes 11:5
As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things. —Ecclesiastes 11:5 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… “I don’t know!” This sure seems to be one of the hardest phrases for us to say. When thinking about God and his ways, especially his work on us and plans for us made when we were in the womb, that’s really all we can say. “I don’t know!” The truths we know about God and his ways with us when we were in the womb are only what he has chosen to reveal to us. He is the Mystery of mysteries. He is the supreme unknowable Knowable. Yet what we do know of him, what he has revealed to us in Jesus, is not only mighty and awesome, but loving, tender, and merciful. We know his love is willing to sacrifice for us, so we could seek after him and find his grace. So in reverence, we kneel to pray to the Father we cannot fully know – at least not yet, but will one day (1 John 3:1-3) – but can be fully assured that he loves us and wants us near to him. Video Commentary… ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos My Prayer… To you, O LORD God, I offer my wonder and awe. When I consider the vastness of the universe in which our tiny blue planet spins through its existence, I am humbled by your wonderfully complex and expansive sovereignty, often expressed in tender mercy. As I ponder your greatness, dear Abba Father, I also treasure your nearness. You are the good Father who transcends space and time, yet you also are the almighty God who is ever near. Thank you for being accessible while being sovereign, available while not controllable. I thank you and praise you in the name of Jesus as I draw near to experience you more fully. 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 139:13-14
You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. —Psalm 139:13-14 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… You are made by God. Just as surely as ANYone has been made by God, we have been made by God. He knew us before anyone knew we were in the womb. He knew us before our mother had even felt our flutter inside of her. God had plans for us before anyone even planned our arrival. He fashioned us for his purpose with plans for our lives. He made us purposely, faithfully, and he made us wonderfully. We are wonderfully made by a loving Creator! My Prayer… God Almighty, my Savior and Redeemer, thank you for knowing me before I was able to know. Thank you for choosing my life and giving it to me. Thank you for giving me the gifts, abilities, and talents that you have given me. Now, dear Father, please help me to live with a reverential awareness that you fashioned me and knew me before my mother knew I was in her womb. O, Father, and please reawaken me to the sanctity and sacredness of every other person I meet, realizing that you fashioned and knew them from their conception, too! Through Jesus, I pray and thank you that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. 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.