Today’s Verse – Ephesians 4:29
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. —Ephesians 4:29 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… The goal in Christian communication is not just clarity. The goal is not just to be understood. The goal is not just to be truthful. The goal is not only to be appropriate and helpful, but also to be JESUShaped disciples; it means we want to deliver our message based on their needs so it benefits, blesses, and builds up those who listen. Not only do we avoid crude, profane, or improper speech, but we are to fill our lives and the ears of those who hear us with the kinds of words that Jesus would share with people. God has called us to this high standard because we are to reflect and demonstrate Christ’s character in our lives, bearing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) as he transforms us to become more like our Savior (2 Corinthians 3:18). My Prayer… Tender Shepherd, please bless me with a pure heart so my words will be a helpful blessing to those who hear them. Please give me a kind heart so my words will build up those who hear them. Please help my heart be full of joy and encouragement so that I may benefit those who need my words. In Jesus’ name, I pray, asking the Spirit to help my words be shaped by the fruit you want to see come alive in me. 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 2:3-4
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. —Philippians 2:3-4 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Do you remember one of the earliest questions in the Bible? “Where is your brother… Abel?” To which Cain responded: “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Genesis 4:9) Paul’s answer to Cain’s question is clear and undeniable: It is, YES! As Paul tells the Philippians (and us) in this verse, we must not look only to our “own interests, but also to the interest of others”! We are our brother’s keeper! We are our sister’s keeper! We look not only to our own interests, but also to the interests of those around us who need God’s grace and our love. Video Commentary… ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos My Prayer… Father, teach me to love your family as you love me. I get so caught up and distracted in my own world and my own problems that I forget to notice those hurting around me. Help me grow more aware and attuned to others’ needs, so you may minister to their needs and interests through me. In the powerful 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 – Ephesians 5:8
You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light… —Ephesians 5:8 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Our before and after: we were lost, now found; we were darkness, now light. This should be our journey of grace. “I once was lost, but now I’m found, was blind, but now I see,” as the old hymn “Amazing Grace” has us sing. If we could only fully grasp what we so easily sing, then maybe our lives would be filled with more grace and our churches with more confident servants of God. Let’s “live as children of light” (1 Thessalonians 5:5), transferred from the dominion of darkness into the kingdom of the Son of God’s love (Colossians 1:13-14), in whom we have light and life (John 1:4). My Prayer… LORD God Almighty, by your grace we know that we stand before you today, welcomed into your glorious presence and received as your beloved children. You have rescued us from the dominion of darkness and flooded our hearts with your glorious light. Thank you for rescuing us from all the traps of the darkness and bringing us into your light. Please guide our hearts and our feet so they will walk your path and show forth your light to those in darkness. Through Jesus and by his authority, 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.
Today’s Verse – Philippians 2:1-2
If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. —Philippians 2:1-2 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… While our passage begins with an “If…,” it would be better translated as “Since we have…” Our call to sacrificially submit ourselves to others does not begin with our sacrifice, but with Jesus’ love, example, and sacrifice! We are called to unity in spirit and shared purpose after having received all these blessings from being in Jesus! We are encouraged by being united with Christ. We are comforted by his love. We do share in fellowship with the Holy Spirit. We have received tenderness and compassion. So, dear brother and sister, how can we not share those blessings with our Christian family and find a way to live together in his Kingdom with loving harmony? My Prayer… Holy and righteous Father, you have blessed me so richly in Jesus. Open my eyes to see how those around me in my spiritual family need to receive those same blessings from me. In the name of Jesus, and because of the grace he has lavished upon me, I pray with thanksgiving in my heart. 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 3:8
Live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. —1 Peter 3:8 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Unity and harmony are no accident! They happen because of intention and submission. More than just states of being we find along life’s way, they are commanded by God. We are to pursue them! How do we have unity and harmony? Peter reminds us we must have three commitments in our “family of faith” lifestyle: We actively share our sorrows, losses, and concerns We love and value each other as family. We show compassion and humility with each other. Rather than acting superior to others as they deal with their failures and loss, we are sympathetic, loving, compassionate, and humble. We recognize that we are vulnerable to the same problems, hurts, wounds, and temptations as our brothers and sisters who need us, and whom we need to be fully JESUShaped disciples! My Prayer… Father, I confess that I have let my oversensitive self be wounded and reacted with pettiness when my brothers and sisters in Christ have not treated me as I felt I deserved. I know Jesus was treated so rudely and shamefully by those he created and came to save. I know I shouldn’t be surprised when things don’t always go well for me. So, dear Father, please help me to know when to challenge those who wound me with a loving “carefrontation” and when to ignore the barb and find a way to minister to them because of some deeper wound that crippled them in their past. Father, let me be an instrument of your peace, harmony, grace, love, compassion, and unity. 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 – Isaiah 46:4
Even to your old age and gray hairs, I AM he, I AM he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. —Isaiah 46:4 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… This promise was originally made in Isaiah’s day to the faithful remnant of God’s people living among their corrupted and poisonous neighbors. God wanted them, in their day, just as he wants Jesus’ disciples in ours, to realize that he knows us, gave birth to us through his Spirit (John 1:12-13, 8), and will never leave us or forsake us (Romans 8:37-39; Hebrews 13:5-6). God will not forget us when we’re in trouble or when we are old. We may outlive our friends and be forgotten by those who know us. God, however, will sustain, carry, protect, and rescue us (Isaiah 46:3). And when our earthly journeys come to their end, the Father will send Jesus to rescue us, and “we will always be with the LORD. Therefore encourage one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:17-18). My Prayer… Thank you, our Father, for promising never to forget us. Because of your faithfulness to your children of old, we know we can trust your promises never to leave or abandon us, even when we are old. We trust that no matter where we are or where we go, you will go with us, sustain us, lead us, and carry us. In Jesus’ name, we offer our heartfelt thanks as we anticipate our journey with you until we are home in your presence. 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 – Titus 2:2
Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love, and in endurance. —Titus 2:2 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… “Worthy of respect”: What a goal for our lives, whether we are a man or a woman! Don’t you want your life to reflect the character of God because your faith expresses itself in a life that is temperate (reverent), self-controlled, faithful, loving, and steadfast? Paul wants Timothy to urge the older men to genuinely display these character qualities as they live in the presence of and have influence over others in the family of God. Such character is the work of the Spirit in our lives (Galatians 5:22-23) and manifests only as we dedicate ourselves to pursuing Christ-likeness and offering ourselves to the Holy Spirit for God’s transforming work in us (2 Corinthians 3:18). As we grow older, we often worry about securing our financial investments so we can live comfortably in our older years. The apostle Paul’s concern as we age is that we are yielded to Jesus, so that God’s transformative work in us makes us more valuable for his service and for those around us! My Prayer… Father, please strengthen my faith in Jesus as the Holy Spirit does your transforming work in me. Please help me gain better control of my passions, speech, example, temper, kindness, and habits. Help me put to death the things that would rob me of my spiritual passion and poison my influence for good for those around me. Please strengthen my faith as I seek to treat others lovingly and persevere in faith through difficult times. In Jesus’ name, and for my transformation to be more like him, 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 143:10
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. —Psalm 143:10 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… We want the Holy Spirit to be at work in us, transforming us to become more like Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18). For this to happen, we must seek Jesus and open our hearts to God’s will. There are no greater words God wants to hear than “teach me to do your will.” That is what it means for him to be our God. We invite him to have control over our lives and influence over our wills. This is a key part of what it means for us to love God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Matthew 22:37-38). As we open ourselves to the Father in this way, the Holy Spirit sets us on God’s level ground and leads us on our journey home to our Father, maturing us to be more like Jesus, doing God’s will. My Prayer… Almighty God, I want you to be God in and over my life. I renounce any attempt to manipulate or use your grace and kindness selfishly, only for my benefit. I submit my will to yours and ask you to lead and teach me to do your will. However, dear Father, I confess that I struggle at times with my own selfish and evil desires that lead me astray. Thank you for forgiving me and bringing me back to you. Please forgive me when my ears were shut to your will and your word. Forgive me when my heart was cold to you. Please take control of my life today. Have the Holy Spirit lead me and transform me to be more like your Son and my Savior, through whom I ask you to assert your will as God fully and lead me on your level ground. 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 – Colossians 1:28
We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we present everyone perfect in Christ. —Colossians 1:28 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Our goal as Christians, as disciples of Jesus, is not to obey some ancient law, adhere to some arcane set of rules, or even follow some prescribed spiritual discipline. Our goal as Christians is to be conformed to the character, way of life, and heart of Jesus (Luke 6:40). We want to be JESUShaped people. This is also the Holy Spirit’s work in us (2 Corinthians 3:18). As Paul the apostle makes clear here and elsewhere (Galatians 4:19), his goal is to see “Christ formed” in new disciples. Shouldn’t this be our work as parents, friends, and spiritual mentors, too? We want to see each other, those we love, those we influence, and those in Jesus’ family, fully and perfectly mature in Christ Jesus. My Prayer… Holy LORD, conform my heart, words, life, ministry, and actions to those of Jesus. I want him to be my LORD, not just in my words but also in my daily life. In addition, dear Father, please empower me with the Holy Spirit so I can better help others in Jesus’ family, and help them mature into the roles you have for them, as you mature them into a more perfect example of their LORD. I pray this in the name of Jesus, my LORD and Savior. 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 – Matthew 28:18-20
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” —Matthew 28:18-20 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Last words matter! The last words of a parent to a child leaving for college… The last words of a loved one at the bedside of someone dying… The last words of a friend before moving to a distant place… Our last words are chosen with care because we know they leave a lasting impact on those who hear. They are important to us. We want those who hear them to know them and keep them. Jesus’ last words are our authoritative marching orders for us as his disciples. These words are also very clear: Make disciples of all peoples by… Going to all nations. Baptizing believers in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Teaching these new believers to obey what Jesus commanded. This is the will of Jesus, our LORD. This is the will of our LORD, and as we obey his last words, he promises to be with us everywhere we go. We must not substitute easy and cheap replacements for Jesus’ clear words of commission! My Prayer… Father, the one from whom all peoples derive their hope, please use your Spirit to rouse me to a passion for sharing your grace with others. Nudge me out of my safety zone. Move me through your empowering and sacrificial grace as you equip and lead me through the Holy Spirit. I want to help others come to know you and call on you as their LORD. By the power of your name, O Jesus, I 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.