Today’s Verse – Proverbs 10:11
The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked. —Proverbs 10:11 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Do you want to know the difference between a righteous person and a wicked one? Simple! Jesus said to check the fruit of their life. One of the most visible forms of fruit in peoples’ lives is found in the way they talk, how they talk, and their empathy as they talk. Righteous people find ways to impart life through what they say. The wicked reveal themselves by what they say and how they say it. In a social-media-dominated world filled with vitriol, sarcasm, and bitterness, this is a prover we must heed! My Prayer… O LORD God, please hear my cry as I repeat the words of the Psalmist as my earnest prayer to you: Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.* In the name of Jesus, I ask this. Amen. * From Psalm 19:14 ESV. 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 100:5
For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. —Psalm 100:5 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… We come to the final devotional thought based on Psalm 100:5. The focus is on God’s enduring love and faithfulness that continues through all generations. The genealogy of Matthew 1:1-16 lists the generations that God used to bring us Jesus, our LORD and Messiah. I usually speed-read through biblical genealogies. However, let’s invite the Holy Spirit to awaken us through this genealogy to celebrate God’s love and faithfulness, which brought us the Messiah through those generations. We can close our meditations on Psalm 100:1-5 with the joy of knowing that the LORD’s faithful love continued through all these generations and saved us through Jesus. What God has done so faithfully in the past, he will do even more in the days ahead as we await the glorious return of his Son and our Savior, the LORD Jesus Christ. The Father brought us the Son through his faithfulness, and we celebrate that enduring love by the power of the Holy Spirit’s inspired praise of Psalm 100:5: For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. My Prayer… Dear Father, in my world of change and unfaithfulness, everyone seems to want something from me or out of me, even though there are very few I can depend upon. Thank you for your love, which is more enduring than the mountains and more glorious than any beautiful sunrise. I praise you in the name of Jesus, your Son. 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 100:4
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. —Psalm 100:4 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… As we continue reflecting on the call to worship in Psalm 100, we realize that today’s exhortation comes from the days when God’s physical Temple was in Jerusalem. For us, God’s New Covenant people, God’s Temple is Jesus’ church (1 Corinthians 3:16) as well as our physical bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19). Let’s joyfully celebrate God’s goodness as we thank him with others in our church family when we gather to worship as a church family. Let’s also glorify God with our bodies surrendered wholly to him (Romans 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 6:20) as we live intentionally, in holiness, to honor and worship God in every area of our lives (Hebrews 12:28-13:16)! Let’s give thanks and praise God’s name in public, in private, and in the community. Let’s each love and worship our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Matthew 22:18-20). My Prayer… Father, we enter into the most holy place of your presence as we approach you through the presence and intercession of Jesus and the authorization and presence of the Holy Spirit. We are thrilled to know you listen to our hearts as we sing songs of praise. We are overjoyed that you welcome us into your presence as we come before you with thanksgiving and praise. We are delighted to be with you and tell you how much we appreciate all you have done for us. Thank you for meeting us in this place and time of prayer until we can come home and see you face-to-face with great joy. In Jesus’ name, we praise you and anticipate that glorious day. 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 100:3
Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. —Psalm 100:3 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… God made us and knew us even when we were unseen in our mother’s womb. He made us with loving care, a purpose for our lives, and his promise to be with us every step of our lives (Psalm 139:1-18). God cares for us much more than even the best shepherds care for their sheep. So let’s live as those who know our Leader, Creator, Shepherd, and King, and that he knows us intimately so we can display his character, share his grace, extend his mercy, and offer his forgiveness to others. Let’s show that we are God’s people and that we have learned to care for others from our powerful yet tender Shepherd! My Prayer… I am truly thankful, dear LORD, that you are my Shepherd, Father, and Hero. Please empower me as I seek to display your character and kindness to those around me. I want others to know the Great Shepherd of the Sheep, so I want to reflect your love, tenderness, guidance, protection, correction, and care. In Jesus’ name, I ask for your help to do 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 – Psalm 100:2
Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. —Psalm 100:2 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Let’s not be limited to singing only in church buildings and sanctuaries. Worship is a whole body and heart worship from all of our life (Romans 12:1-2; Matthew 22:36-40), based on our joy for what God has done for us in Jesus (Romans 5:6-11). Let’s make today a day of joyful songs as we sing our thanks and praise to God! My Prayer… Dear Father in Heaven, thank you for giving the gift of music to your human creatures. Thank you for all those gifted to write and share praise songs that bring joy to our hearts. We want you to be pleased with our praise as we listen and sing “joyful songs” to show our love for you and our heartfelt thanks to you for all you do and the blessings you have lavished upon us. In Jesus’ name, we thank 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 – Psalm 100:1
Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. —Psalm 100:1 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… With joy, let’s praise and make a joyful noise to the LORD of lords and the King of kings. Let’s do it today! Let’s find short moments during our day, seize them, and use them to give thanks and praise to our Father in heaven. Let’s do it audibly and passionately with all of our hearts. As we are blessed, let’s take a moment and pause for praise. As we think about what God has done for us in Jesus, let’s make a joyful shout of joyous praise to the LORD. In every good thing, let’s share a phrase of praise to our gracious Father, giving thanks for the Son as we are filled with the Spirit! My Prayer… Loving and gracious Father, God of mercy and might, I find it incredible that you let me know you and praise you with my human words and emotions. You are the marvelous and holy Creator, yet you graciously listen to me, one of your mortal creatures. Your mercy saved me, so I enthusiastically praise you! Your love has remade me by your grace in Jesus and through the power of your Holy Spirit; I thank you! Your strength has given me the power to change; I shout for joy because of you. You are wonderful, dear Father, and I love you with all my heart. I offer you all of my thanks, praise, and joyous appreciation in the name of Jesus, your greatest gift. 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 16:9
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes his steps. —Proverbs 16:9 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… We’re now a week and a half into the new year. How are you doing with those changes, commitments, and resolutions you made for this year? Don’t give up or quit on them, even if you’re having trouble staying on track. Remember that only one commitment is essential for this year: Asking the LORD where he wants us to go and what he wants us to do, then we go there and do it. Let’s ask the LORD to lead us by his Holy Spirit and establish our steps! Video Commentary… ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos My Prayer… Holy God, almighty LORD, my Abba Father, thank you for being wondrous, holy, and mighty. Thank you for tenderly caring about me, my life, my decisions, and my struggles. Please guide me by your Holy Spirit as I seek to understand your Scriptures and discern your will for my life. I want to have you fully establish my steps. In Jesus’ name, I ask for this guidance. 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 2:22
Stop trusting in man, who has but a breath in his nostrils. Of what account is he? —Isaiah 2:22 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… “If only I had a friend.” “If only my father hadn’t left.” “If only she was more supportive.” “If only…” Even though we know deep down that people can and will often fail us, we still pin so many of our hopes on them — or excuse our failure on not having the right ones of them in our lives. However, people are fallible and mortal, just like we are. So, while we are involved in other people’s lives and we’re connected to other believers in Jesus, let’s also remember to keep our hopes connected to the Son of God, who “destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light” (2 Timothy 2:11) and who will never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5-6; Romans 8:37-39). My Prayer… Dear Father, please forgive me when I have pinned my well-being and happiness on being accepted by a particular group of people or supported by another special person. Even more, dear Father, I ask for your forgiveness for excusing my weaknesses and for strength to overcome my bitterness because I blamed you for not having the right people in my life. I know my only lasting hope is in Jesus. So, I pray this in the name of the always faithful, LORD Jesus. 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 – Lamentations 3:25
The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. —Lamentations 3:25 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Out of the ashes of Jerusalem’s destruction and the disaster that befell God’s people because of their repeated disobedience comes this reminder of truth. Those who wait patiently, hope fervently, and seek the LORD will find their soul’s deepest needs met. So, we can wait quietly, not complaining but anticipating our salvation coming from the LORD! My Prayer… Give me patience and faith, please, O God, to wait quietly on your deliverance when life is hard and everything seems to be against me. I believe that you are good to those who persevere, waiting patiently in hope for your mighty deliverance. Dear Father, please give me the strength I desperately need to wait quietly in faith, trusting that I will receive your salvation and your blessing as I live to honor you. In the name of your Son, Jesus, I confidently 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 – Lamentations 3:22-23
Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. —Lamentations 3:22-23 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… What sustained you through the night? What will get you through today? What will enable you to achieve, even thrive, in the days ahead? The LORD’s great love! His incredible resources for love, compassion, and faithfulness never really run dry! Each new day brings a fresh supply of them from his mercy and grace. God is faithful in making sure we have them each and every day. Praise be to God for making our world new and inviting us to walk with him and find his love, compassion, and faithfulness always near! My Prayer… Thank you, holy God and loving Father, for sustaining me through the night and promising me endless days at the end of my life’s journey. May you, my heavenly Father, find my love for and praise offered to you and always on my lips and in my heart. In Jesus’ name, I thank and praise you for being the one true, loving, compassionate, and faithful 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.