Today’s Verse – Luke 12:23
Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. —Luke 12:23 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… In the rush of the holiday season and the grab at getting and giving gifts while eating good food, it is very important to remember that life is much more than the most basic things we think we need — like food and clothing. If we lose sight of God this season, miss his work, or lose track of his will in our lives, then what do we have that is lasting? Not much, and what we do have won’t endure. My prayer for you and me during this holiday season is that we are reminded of what is most important, valuable, and enduring — our life in Jesus and his loving grace and boundless future for us. Let’s celebrate that eternal joy in this season! My Prayer… Sweet and precious, God, you are almighty in power and awesome in glory. Yet, dear Father, you are also near and eternally concerned about me and those I love. Thank you for knowing and loving me with your everlasting love. Please give me the wisdom to see beyond the transitory things of life — the perishable things I think I need — and help me find you and your sustaining presence. 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 Samuel 12:22
For the sake of his great name the LORD will not reject his people, because the LORD was pleased to make you his own. —1 Samuel 12:22 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… The great and holy God will not be unfaithful. He will act to show his character and honor his holy name, even when we, his people, don’t deserve his grace. Why God would love and preserve us and our great Israelite ancestors is nothing short of grace, love, and faithfulness. Why would the Father send the Son to live among us, die on the cross, and raise him back to life to defeat death? Because of his grace, love, and faithfulness. If God did this in the past, how much more will he not display his grace, love, and faithfulness in the days and years to come?! My Prayer… Holy and Righteous Father, your grace has not only saved me but also sustains me even when the evil one tries to use my personal failures to make me doubt your love for me. Thank you for triumphing over my unworthiness and blessing me your righteousness so that I will be fit for your kingdom and glory. I praise you in Jesus’ name, the name of the Son who is full of grace, abounding in love, and enduring in faithfulness. 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 12:21
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. —Romans 12:21 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… A friend used to remind me that the number one goal in dealing with difficult people or circumstances is this: “Don’t become what you hate.” He wasn’t talking about hating the person, but he meant that we don’t want to become evil, wicked, petty, and sinful in our actions and motivations — the things we hate about their behaviors. We don’t overcome the devil by underhanded and dishonorable means. We overcome evil and drive it back into the abyss of hell with the evil one by doing what is right and filling our hearts and lives with goodness (Philippians 4:). There is no greater example of overcoming evil with good than Jesus. And the Spirit is working with us to transform us to become like Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18), whom we love and desire to emulate. My Prayer… Holy God, please bless us with your holy character as we resist those who are critical, cynical, and vengeful toward us because we are followers of Jesus. Please help us respond to our critics in ways reflecting Christ’s character and Lordship. In his name, the name of Jesus, we 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.
Today’s Verse – 1 Samuel 12:20
“Do not be afraid,” Samuel replied. “You have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart.” —1 Samuel 12:20 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Israel wanted a King. This rebellion against God as LORD and King crushed Samuel’s heart and angered God at the people’s lack of faith. Samuel reminded God’s people that while they have stumbled and fallen because of their political concerns, they must not abandon the LORD himself. Instead, their political concerns must give way to their total allegiance to God and a willingness to serve him fully as LORD and King. In the middle of their politically fueled fear, anger, arrogance, disappointment, triumph, defeat, conflict, confusion, confidence, rivalry, and self-will, God wanted them to turn to him — not their political parties and political champions. Their hope must lie with God! I believe this is a lesson from history that we should heed. Video Commentary… ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos My Prayer… Forgive us, dear Father, for our sinfulness, short-sightedness, and silliness that we have, at times, shown regarding rulers, nations, and our source of hope. We want to serve you with an undivided heart, cleansed by your forgiveness and enabled by the transforming power of your Holy Spirit as we trust in you as our LORD, Savior, and King. We thank you and ask for this grace 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.
Today’s Verse – Proverbs 12:19
Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment. —Proverbs 12:19 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… “Tell the truth the first time, then you won’t have to remember what you said.” This truism by the famous Speaker of the House, Sam Rayburn, is good medicine for us today. Telling a lie seems gratifying at the time, but it nearly always catches up with us and gives us the added burden of trying to remember what we said and why. Truth endures; a lie is a momentary illusion that ends up in a trap filled with burdens. My Prayer… Holy and Righteous Father, please forgive me for lying, exaggerating, and withholding the truth when the truth needs to be told. I yearn for my heart and my lips to be invested in forever — your forever — so please help me as I seek to tell the truth with holy integrity. In the name of Jesus, I ask for your help. 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 12:18-20
But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body. —1 Corinthians 12:18-20 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… The Apostle Paul reminds us that God assigns our roles in the Body of Christ. Several principles interact with God’s choice: First, be faithful in what God has given us to do — until we are faithful in and with little things, he will not entrust us with big ones (Luke 16:10-13). Second, if we don’t use what he has given us, it will be taken away from us (Matt. 25:14-30). Third, we reap what we sow — sinful or irresponsible behavior can create consequences that limit the effectiveness of our service, ministry, and use of our gifts (Galatians 6:7-8). Bottom line: Let’s be faithful to what God has given us. Let’s serve him when given new opportunities using the gifts he has blessed us with and the opportunities he places before us. Let’s honor him with our choices so that Satan cannot use our failure to interfere with our service to others and our faithfulness to the LORD! My Prayer… Dear Father and LORD of heaven and earth, please help me see my opportunities to serve in your Kingdom using the gifts you have given me. Please grow my effectiveness in your service so that I can bring you glory and bless others. In Jesus’ name, I thank you and pray 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.
Today’s Verse – Romans 12:17-18
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. —Romans 12:17-18 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… REDEMPTIVELY — That’s how Jesus lived! He sought to make a difference in the lives of everyone he met — friends, sinners, and adversaries. His goal wasn’t getting even, getting what was rightfully his, or even winning the arguments he had. Jesus focused on interacting with people redemptively. His mission was to leave them more blessed than where he first found them. The apostle Paul lived with the same goal. He could say, “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22). In our passage today, he challenges us to do the same! My Prayer… Forgive me, O God, for the grudges I’ve harbored and the evil things I’ve thought about others. Help me to see others and value them as Jesus does- how he valued them when he ministered to them while on earth. Please use me to be a redemptive influence on all my life touches. In the name of the LORD 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 – Romans 12:16
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. —Romans 12:16 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… “Don’t be conceited!” That’s a command for someone else, right? I don’t think I’ve ever met someone who genuinely felt they were conceited. But, when looking for someone we want to associate with, we seldom look for someone ignored by the crowd, forgotten by the pretty people, and easily overlooked by others. We want to “hang around with” those who are important, loved on social media, recognized as superstars, known as successful athletes, or beloved entertainers. We believe we deserve to be noticed and valued, too. Oops, I guess that’s why Paul wrote this command for us. Remember who Jesus associated with. Remember what his brother, James, said about not showing favoritism or bias because people are considered “less than” (James 2:1-13). Jesus wants his church to have many different kinds of people because harmony only happens when people sing different notes in tune! My Prayer… Father, thank you for making me in your image, designed personally by you to do something to bring you glory. At the same time, Father, I don’t want to be a snob, thinking too much of myself and my importance. Please help me see those with whom you want me to associate with. Help me love people as Jesus did! In his 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 – Romans 12:15
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. —Romans 12:15 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… While misery may love company, grief can lead many of us to withdraw and hide. So, let’s remember those who have lost loved ones, especially this time of year. Let them know how you value and miss their loved ones, too. As you talk about their loved ones, please mention them by name. Don’t feel like you need to explain the why behind their death or give advice to the grieving — remember, Job’s counselors were a blessing until they started talking, trying to defend God and explain why Job was suffering. Love serves, encourages, and waits; so, serve, encourage, and wait. Do it with both the grieving and the rejoicing people in your fellowship. Make this a season of true joy and comfort. Affirm their grief while sharing their laughs and rejoicing with them in their good surprises. They need to know it is ok to have moments of joy in their sadness. Also, dear friend in Jesus, make sure you are around people full of joy and rejoice with them, too! It’s hard to serve if you don’t rejoice. My Prayer… Holy God and comforting Father, please give us eyes to see and hearts to offer loving care to those around us who are grieving. During this special time of year, please use us to bless those in sorrow and help us as we join those who are rejoicing. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, our source of comfort and joy. 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 12:14
Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. —1 Corinthians 12:14 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… The human body is an amazing arrangement of parts, members, vital organs, systems, and interdependent structures. When the body is healthy, these many different organic structures and systems work together, and the human body can do amazing things. The same is true with the Body of Christ! As long as we each do our part and offer our gifts and abilities for the good of the whole, Christ can do amazing things through us! Both the Body as a whole, functioning as the presence of Christ, and each structure and system and part working as it is gifted to do are essential and interdependent. You, in your role, using your giftedness and fulfilling your purpose, are essential if we, the Body of Christ as a whole, are going to be able to serve the world as Jesus’ presence among people he longs to seek, serve, and save! My Prayer… Holy and loving Father, please help us each know our place and purpose in the Body of Christ so we can serve faithfully and productively to seek, serve, and save those in the world who need to know your Son’s grace and so we can bring glory to you, dear Father. May the Holy Spirit guide us as we use the giftedness the Spirit gave us, we 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.