Today’s Verse – Ephesians 4:2
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. —Ephesians 4:2 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… “You mean I have to put up with all this from that person!?” There are those folks in life about whom the saying is true: “They are the grit out of which we are to fashion our pearls.” Our great example in this challenge – “To be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” – is Jesus. Jesus has fashioned many pearls from pretty bad grit. Think of what he had to put up with in his 12 disciples. Remember how the LORD’s patience and kindness helped transform them. His love persevered through so many of their failures, especially failures in his hardest and darkest moments. In the process, however, Jesus’ life of humbleness, gentleness, patience, and love transformed them. Can we dare to do less with those for whom Christ died? Video Commentary… ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos My Prayer… Please give me strength and patience, O God. I know the Holy Spirit can and will, so I ask for this help because I long to be as loving, gentle, and patient with others as Jesus was with people during his earthly ministry, and you have been with me. So, I pray this in the mighty name of Jesus, my LORD and hero, to become more JESUShaped and live like him. 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 – Mark 9:35
Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” —Mark 9:35 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Did you hear that? Last! Last? Nobody likes to be last. When it comes to lines, we all hate to be last! Many of us have a hard time settling for second place, much less last place. Jesus, however, reverses the way the world ranks people (Luke 22:25-27). The person who is most important to him is not the person seeking status, Facebook® likes, a big following on social media, notoriety, or a place of honor at “bigwig” gatherings (events centered on status and influence). The most important person is like Jesus himself: they are willing to give up their rank, status, and place importance to serve the least, last, and lost. Why? Because that’s how Jesus was. For Jesus, being last meant being first in service and first in the eyes of God. My Prayer… Magnificent God, my Savior, you have made the world wonderful for me and have given your Son to redeem me. How can I ever thank you or repay you for your grace and kindness? Help me serve others with grace and kindness just as my LORD did. Please give me eyes to see people as you do, not judging by mere appearances, but valuing and treating people like Jesus did in his earthly ministry. I want to be willing to serve; to be last. So, where you place me (Luke 14:7-14) is in your hands. I pray in the name of the LORD Jesus, the one who washed his disciples’ feet to show them his love and the place of proper importance. 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 4:24
God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship him in spirit and in truth. —John 4:24 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Genuine worship is a gift. God is spirit. God is holy. So, we cannot fully and authentically approach God in worship without the gift and blessing of his Holy Spirit. As Christians who received his Spirit when we were born of God through our faith and baptism (John 3:3-7, 4:23-24; Titus 3:3-7), we can now speak to him and worship him openly and confidently – our spirit combined with the Holy Spirit in us, worshiping God who is Spirit. The Spirit within us makes us a place where God lives through his Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). The Spirit intercedes for us when we approach God in prayer (Romans 8:26-27). We are then filled with God’s Spirit as we worship him (Ephesians 5:18-20). No wonder Jesus commanded: God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship him in spirit and in truth. That’s with our spirit, combined with the Holy Spirit, and with worshiping God appropriately; then God is praised and pleased. My Prayer… Abba Father, by the gift of your Spirit, I come to you as your child. Thank you so much for giving me your Spirit so that I can approach you with confidence and know you hear the concerns of my heart. Please accept the worship of my heart, of my words, and of my actions in my daily life. May the things I do today bring you glory as I worship you authentically and through the power of the Holy Spirit. 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 – Ephesians 6:12-13
Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. —Ephesians 6:12-13 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… How often do you forget that we are in a spiritual war? Our enemy is deceptively cunning. If we lose the sense of immediacy to his threats, the danger appears gone. But he’s always there, lurking in the shadows. Remember that Jesus’ battle with the evil one during his temptations was only the beginning of his spiritual battles. Luke ends his account of the LORD’s temptations with these ominous words: When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time (Luke 4:13). We never know when the evil one’s “opportune time” will come for us. So rather than trying to guess when, Paul reminds us to take up the tools God has given us, NOW. These tools are the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:13-19). They enable us to stand against the evil one. We ARE in a war against evil, the evil one, and his minions. But the Spirit of God in us is greater than those who are allied with evil (1 John 4:4), and the armor of God equips us to defeat the enemy whenever he comes against us. So, no matter when, where, or how the evil one comes against us, we have the power to stand! My Prayer… LORD of Hosts, my Great Deliverer, protect me from the evil one by your great power. Please give me a sense of urgency as I face Satan and his schemes daily, and lift my confidence knowing that Jesus has already defeated my foe. Oh LORD, I am committed to stand against the evil enemies and show myself faithful to you. Through Jesus my LORD and Savior, 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 4:10
Humble yourselves before the LORD, and he will lift you up. —James 4:10 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Humble yourselves…” That sounds almost obscene to a world so caught up in self-promotion and willing to do almost anything for “likes” and “views” in social media. This “get ahead at all costs” and this “look at me” driven culture of self-promotion is destroying our inner character before our very eyes. Humility is a forgotten virtue. Often confused with weakness or timidity, humility is really about knowing our proper place in the world and our eternal value to God without flaunting, promoting, and exalting ourselves. Only God can exalt permanently, so the key is for us to know our place before him and let him put us in the place he chooses for us to honor him and bless others. My Prayer… Abba Father, Most Holy God, thank you for allowing me into your presence because of your Holy Spirit and grace. When I think of all that you have done, the incredible universe you have made and hold together by your word, I am amazed you invite me into your presence and care about me. So, thank you! Thank you for knowing me and having a plan for my life. Please help me live with humility and grace before others today as I seek to glorify you in all the things I say, do, and believe. I trust my future and my influence to your grace, timing, and place. Through 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 – Galatians 6:1
If someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. —Galatians 6:1 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… In a day when intervening in someone’s life is no longer politically or socially correct, these verses ring out like a gunshot on a still night. Sin is still real and is just as deadly as ever. Yet because we fear being branded judgmental and self-righteous, we let many trapped in sin progress to their spiritual death (Hebrews 2:1-3; 3:12-13; James 1:14-15). Paul calls us to nonjudgmental, gentle intervention because we recognize the gravity of sin and the sinner’s need, without feeling arrogant about our righteousness. We approach the situation humbly because the phrase, “There but for the grace of God go I,” applies to us. Nevertheless, love doesn’t remain silent when someone’s behavior is self-destructive, evil, and taking them to “hell in a handbasket,” as the old saying goes. Instead, genuine love intervenes humbly, gently, and graciously to redeem. My Prayer… Father, please forgive my sins as I forgive those who have sinned against me. Father, please also help my heart to be gripped by the gravity of sin’s effects and to be stirred into action to help those trapped in their sins. Through Jesus, who came to rescue all of us from our destructive sins, addictions, and evil habits, 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 6:7-8
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit will reap eternal life. —Galatians 6:7-8 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Isn’t it incredible how huge trees grow out of such tiny seeds! This principle runs throughout all of life. We can never completely get away from the seeds we sow. So let’s not try to fool ourselves. We ARE going to reap what those seeds sow. Let’s make sure the seeds we sow are the ones we want sprouting up! And as we sow to please the Spirit of God and not the world, let’s remember we are going to harvest eternal life, and share that life with others. My Prayer… O Eternal God, who lived before time began and who will be the Great I AM when time is no more, please bless the seeds I sow with my life. May they bear righteous and gracious fruit to honor you and to bless those I love, and those who don’t yet know Jesus. Through Jesus, the grain of wheat (John 12:23-26) who died and was buried so that true life may flower forth, 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 1:2-3
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. —James 1:2-3 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… “Hang in there!” There are few traits more important than perseverance – hanging in there. Most important accomplishments in life happen because of perseverance. Most “luck” occurs when we’ve persevered long enough for the “magical moment” to come along – in other words, I don’t believe in luck. Edison said it best: life’s most extraordinary feats, the world’s most significant discoveries, and his own most fantastic inventions are “1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.” Hang in there! Persevere! And do it with joy! Why? So you can see the glory of God come through for you and in you, not because of luck, but because of God’s grace, love, and power partnered with your perseverance! My Prayer… Unchangeable and Unshakeable God, help me to stand up and prove my character is true when I am under fire. Use the friends you have sent into my life and the power of the Holy Spirit to help me persevere. Please give me faith, courage, and endurance so that my life displays your enduring strength. And, dear Father, please help me find joy in persevering when under trial. I pray for these graces, in the name of him who remained faithful even unto death, and who, “for the joy set before him endured” and persevered through the cross! 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 2:14-16
Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life. —Philippians 2:14-16 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Stars! They’ve always been a source of constant hope for God’s people. “I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven…” God told Abraham (Genesis 22:17). “When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them…” David asked (Psalm 8:3-4). The Wisemen, Magi from the East, followed a star to discover baby Jesus (Matthew 2:1-2). Luke reminds us that Jesus was the light coming from heaven to shine on those in darkness (Luke 2:32). And now, we’re stars – God’s points of light in the dark sky of the universe. Let’s make today a day that our light shines God’s glory to a dark world around us. We will live for Jesus without complaining or arguing, living pure lives so we can shine God’s grace to those who do not know him through Jesus! Let’s hold out the word of life in our dark world. My Prayer… Almighty God, the incredible expanse of your universe, with its billions of stars, exceeds my limited comprehension. But I thank you for calling me to be a person of light in the dark world around me. I pledge to shine your light in the lives of all those I influence. Through the name of Jesus, your bright and morning star (Revelation 22:16), 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 5:16
Live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. —Galatians 5:16 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… I don’t want you to think about an orange rhinoceros flying with blue wings. Now quit it. I don’t want you to think about that orange rhinoceros anymore. You know there is no such thing as an orange rhino that flies, much less one that flies on blue wings. Quit thinking about him and his blue wings! Of course, the point is straightforward: the more we try not to do something, the more we focus on it, the more we ensure that we will do what we are not supposed to do. That’s why the gift of the Holy Spirit is so important to us as we seek to honor and obey our LORD and Savior Jesus and avoid sin. He enables and empowers us to move beyond our sin and to quit thinking about it. The Spirit empowers us, not by focusing on the sin we want to avoid, but by enriching us and “distracting” us with the important things of God (Galatians 5:22). As we focus more on Jesus, the more the Spirit transforms us away from our sin that we want to avoid and thinking about, and transforming us toward the character of Jesus: Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces reflect and contemplate* the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:17-18). * The Greek word (ἀνακεκαλυμμένῳ) means both “reflect” and “contemplate” as most translations suggest in their footnotes. Video Commentary… ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos My Prayer… Abba Father, I thank you for your Holy Spirit that lives in me and is now interceding with you for me (Romans 8:26). Please fill me with your Spirit so that my life more nearly reflects your will and focuses on your concerns as the Spirit transforms me to become more and more like my LORD and Savior. Through 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.