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.
Today’s Verse – 2 Timothy 1:13-14
What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you — guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. —2 Timothy 1:13-14 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… We live in a world of keys, locks, alarms, passwords, passkeys, and security systems. Paul’s words shouldn’t surprise us. We protect the things that are most valuable to us. So ask yourself, “What is more precious to me than the truth of God’s saving grace in the Gospel, in faith?” Nothing. So thankfully, God has pre-wired each of us with a security system to help protect that incredibly precious hope. This security system lives in us and has given us God’s Scriptures by inspiration. This security system is the Holy Spirit, given to us when we were born into God’s family through the Spirit’s work. So, let’s value the Spirit’s presence more. Let’s ask for the Spirit’s help more proactively as we pray and open the Scriptures. Let’s listen and watch for the Spirit’s gentle leading and nudges to help us find our way. And let’s ask for the Holy Spirit’s help in safeguarding what God has entrusted to us. Video Commentary… ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos My Prayer… Please help me, O God, not to compromise your truth. I don’t want to stray into legalism or license. I want to live, and show others how to live, a holy life while trusting in the Holy Spirit’s help to guide me, reveal your truth in Scripture, produce fruit consistent with your character, transform me to become more like Jesus, and open my eyes to your will. Please empower me by your Spirit to see through falsehood and error so I can safeguard, share, and live your truth. 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 – Isaiah 48:17
This is what the LORD says — your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I AM the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.” —Isaiah 48:17 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Don’t you sometimes long for the pillar of fire at night and the cloud by day to guide us as we make our way through life? God gave these blessings to the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings (Exodus 13:21-22; Nehemiah 9:19-21). They never had to doubt God’s presence was with them and his care was over them. Then I remember God’s promised and abiding presence with us as followers of Jesus. This abiding presence is the Holy Spirit (John 7:37-39; Romans 8:14). The Spirit’s presence is coupled with the promise that God will never leave or forsake us (Romans 8:38-39; Hebrews 13:5-6). As we seek God’s presence and honor his character, he will get us where we need to be to do his will. We can be assured that he will work in our lives what is most beneficial for us in this life and the next (Romans 8:28). Yes, the LORD is our God and Redeemer, and he directs us in the way we should go! My Prayer… O heavenly Father, please guide each of us to the places you want us to be, to the ministries in which you want us to serve, and to the people you most want us to touch and influence. Please, dear Father, capture each of our hearts to do your work and help us never lose sight of your abiding presence now, and the future we have with Jesus when he comes in glory.* In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. * Colossians 3:2-3 & 1 John 3:1-2. 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 119:64
The earth is filled with your love, O LORD; teach me your decrees. —Psalm 119:64 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Sometimes we get so caught up in the loving wonders of God’s creation and the marvelous blessings of “the work of his hands” (Psalm 19:1, 111:7) that we forget to ask him to teach us his truths, help us understand his will, and give us the grace to live out his word in our daily lives. Let’s not only worship God in awe for his majestic creation; let’s also worship him by learning his will and living it in our daily lives (Romans 12:1-2). My Prayer… Holy and Precious Father, please teach me your truth. Lead me to your will. Guide me in your wisdom. I want my life and my choices to reflect your plan for me when you made me in my mother’s womb.* I desire for my life to display your righteous character, gracious compassion, and faithful lovingkindness. In the name of Jesus I ask these things. Amen. * Psalm 139:13-16. 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 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. —Proverbs 22:6 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Children don’t just need to be taught facts, truth, and school subjects; they need to be trained and prepared for life in the grace of God, the way of Jesus, and the leading of the Holy Spirit. This training should come from their parents and other faithful adults in their lives. Deep down, we know that life is not just about intellectual lessons and information. Authentic life and productive living are about integrating God’s truth into the fabric of our daily lives as we teach them and model them before our children and the children God places under our influence. Our Father in heaven calls us to move our children and their training to the top of our list of priorities. Our children are forever; other things we invest our time in are temporary. So, let’s recommit to training up children and living as examples before them so that they will follow the way of God their whole lives. My Prayer… Great and holy Counselor, please help me as I seek to know the best way to share your love and truth with my children and the children you have placed into my circle of influence. I want them to know and love you, respect you, honor you, and live for you. Please, dear Father, bless me with the wisdom and courage I need to make wise decisions on how to lead and discipline these children. I need your help to display tenderness toward these precious children as I seek to demonstrate your righteous character, gracious compassion, and faithful love and justice in my daily life. In Jesus’ name, I pray 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 – Psalm 95:6-7
Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. —Psalm 95:6-7 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Worship is more than our hearts, souls, and words offered to God. It also necessarily involves our physical bodies, our strength, and our posture (Mark 12:29-30). When we understand the grace God has given us to be called his children, what else can we do but bow down or kneel before him in his majesty and loving grace? We come to him, a conquering ruler, offering ourselves in full submission. God chooses, however, to treat us tenderly like a loving shepherd who longs to care for us, and our Abba Father who is full of tender love for us. We must not forget the parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:3-7) and the lost sons (Luke 15:11-32) as we pray this truth! Such grace leads us to bow and kneel in heartfelt worship before the LORD, our maker. My Prayer… Shepherd of my soul, my loving Abba Father, I come to you seeking your protection and rest as one of your sheep. I often find myself harried and driven by life’s pressures and temptations. I come to you submitting myself to be used for your glory – not just today, but for the remainder of our lives because we want others to find their rest in Jesus. So we kneel, we bow, and we humble ourselves. 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 2:19
“You are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household.” —Ephesians 2:19 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Those of us who have been Christians a long time sometimes forget that we have no claim or right to the grace that we have received. God offered his grace freely to all people who are willing to call on Jesus as LORD and Savior, then live for him wholeheartedly (Titus 2:11; Acts 2:21, 41, 16:22; Romans 10:13). When we feel we deserve our place in “God’s household”, that it is ours by right, we are no longer living under grace. To be a part of God’s family is a gift. The Holy One who spoke into existence the universe – and we are a submicroscopic speck in comparison – has given us grace to be adopted into his family. Being part of God’s people, God’s household, is simply and magnificently a gift from the One who knows how to share grace in ways we can’t even imagine. My Prayer… For the incredible and boundless love you have given to your other children and me, born anew, born from above, born of you, O God, we fall to our knees and thank you. Your power is beyond our comprehension. Your awesome holiness is beyond our understanding. Yet your infinite grace is ours because of your costly love and boundless grace through Jesus. Thank you. A million times over we say it, “Thank you!” In the name of Jesus, our LORD. 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.