Today’s Verse – Luke 3:22
[After Jesus’ baptism by John,] the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” —Luke 3:22 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… God spoke these wonderful words to his Son when Jesus was baptized. God feels the same about us when we follow our Savior’s example and are baptized! Jesus pours out his Spirit on us (Titus 3:4-7), guaranteeing that we are God’s children (Romans 8:9; Ephesians 1:13-14). No matter what Satan may do to make us doubt it (Luke 4:3), we can confidently know that we are God’s beloved children, with whom he is well pleased! Because of the Spirit, we can call God our Abba Father (Galatians 4:6), knowing that the Spirit intercedes for us, making even our inexpressible thoughts known to our Father (Romans 8:26-27). We are God’s children, whom he loves, and he is pleased with us. Ah, now that’s good news! The following ToGather video was originally used on Sunday, March 22, 2020, during social distancing practices when many could not assemble. We are including the ToGather video for your added blessing! Video Commentary… ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos My Prayer… Abba Father, thank you for making me your child and heir of your gracious inheritance. Please bless me with spiritual confidence to withstand the lies of Satan as he tries to make me doubt my relationship with you. Thank you for your Spirit, who helps even now by interceding for me as I pray and strengthens me as I seek Jesus, in whose 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 3:21-22
But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. —Romans 3:21-22 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… The Old Testament — the Tanakh — looks forward to a new time when law is not the basis of righteousness. The Law and Prophets testify to this time. This righteousness comes from God, which God gave us based on the sacrificial work of Jesus, who liberated us from law and brought us God’s grace. The real issue for us is genuine trust — many today confuse believing with simply thinking something in our heads. However, the Bible defines belief as something that involves our heart’s faith in Jesus, demonstrated by our obedient behavior to the LORD Jesus’ example and teachings (Matthew 7:13-27). So, what is the basis on which you are building your life today? What is the measure of your righteousness? On what is your security tied? Thank God we can trust our life, future, and salvation to Jesus Christ and not law-keeping. As the apostle Paul said: God made [Christ Jesus] who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21). My Prayer… Precious Father, thank you so much for providing me with a Savior in Jesus. Thank you for declaring me righteous through his sacrifice on the cross and my faith in him. Please help me as I entrust my life and salvation to Jesus so that I can exemplify his life and character by how I live. In Jesus’ holy 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 3:20-21
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. —Ephesians 3:20-21 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… We have far greater power than we often realize. That incredible power is at work within us (Ephesians 1:18-19). This promise of power, however, is tied to two opportunities God gives us daily: Ask God to do great things based on a Spirit-charged imagination. Intentionally live to bring God glory each day. So, let’s ask, imagine, and give God glory. Let’s praise him for what he is doing in our lives. Let’s imagine great things he can do in us, with us, and through us, while expecting him to do far greater things than we ask or even imagine! My Prayer… Dear Father in Heaven, forgive me for limiting your power through my pedestrian dreams, selfish prayers, and short-sighted goals. Awaken my heart to your will and open my eyes to your plans by the power of your Holy Spirit. I ask this in Jesus’ name and for your glory. 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 – Acts 3:19-20
Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who he has appointed for you — even Jesus. —Acts 3:19-20 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… When did you last catch yourself straying from a passionate walk with the LORD? Refreshing times come when we change our hearts and lives to turn our hearts toward Jesus and live for God in our daily lives! This is real repentance. When we repent and live for him, Jesus promised to reveal himself to us and make his home in us (John 14:15-21, 23-24). When we turn our hearts and lives around in repentance to live for him, we enjoy forgiveness and immediate refreshment now as we look forward to going home to be with him and enjoy our ultimate refreshment with him forever. My Prayer… Abba Father, I am consciously turning my life over to you today. I renounce the sin in my life and yearn to live for you. I ask for your forgiveness for any sin that I have committed. I trust you will refresh my spirit through a deeper awareness of Jesus’ lordship and presence in my life today. I pray this, trusting in your promised refreshment and 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 – 2 Corinthians 3:18
And we, who with unveiled faces all [contemplate and] reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. —2 Corinthians 3:18 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… “Transformed … with ever-increasing glory.” In other words, it’s an ongoing process. The beauty of this truth is that with the continual help of the Holy Spirit, we’re going to arrive at our goal — the Spirit is transforming us to become more and more like Jesus! The message is that we must not give up on our journey. We must keep looking to Jesus and reflecting his character, his compassion, his love, and his holiness, while we trust that the Holy Spirit is doing God’s work in us, making us more and more like Jesus each day. My Prayer… Father, please forgive me for the times when I’ve let my faith grow complacent, and I’ve lost my focus on Jesus. Please bless me as I try to be more intentional in my plans, especially my spiritual maturity. Please make me more like Jesus each day. I offer myself to you that I might become more JESUShaped. 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 – Philippians 3:17
Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. —Philippians 3:17 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Some critics of preaching and preachers say, “I would rather see a sermon any day than hear one.” I’m not distressed because people want to “see a sermon.” The life of those preaching should be consistent with what they preach. Some don’t “practice what they preach,” and their hypocrisy discredits the message of Christ in the ears of our critics. A leader’s primary tool of influence is a life of faithfulness, character, and compassion. Whether the leader serves in politics, business, church, or family, godly influence is necessary! All who seek to influence others toward JESUShaped living MUST practice what we preach. Why? Because most folks need to both hear and see the message before it becomes a part of their daily lifestyle. My Prayer… LORD God Almighty, please forgive me, equip me, and make me fit for your service. Please help me, dear Father, as I try to live a life worth imitating as I seek to lead others to Jesus and JESUShaped living. I ask for the Holy Spirit’s guidance and strength because I cannot lead with faithfulness, character, and compassion without the Spirit’s power and grace transforming my life. 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 – John 3:16-17
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. —John 3:16-17 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Jesus came to save the world. Jesus came to save you. Jesus came to save me. Why? Because of the Father’s love for us! Don’t let human commentary on this clear truth distort the reality and depth of God’s love for you! God sent the Son to save the world — that includes saving you and me — and he did it through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection! My Prayer… Holy and Righteous Father, thank you for your love. I know I didn’t earn or deserve it, but thank you. Until I see you face to face and express my appreciation and praise for you in your presence, please know my heartfelt gratitude and my deep and abiding joy because of your plan, your Son, and your salvation. I thank you in the name of Jesus, my 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 – Genesis 3:15
[The LORD God said to the serpent,] “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” —Genesis 3:15 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… God’s words are his curse upon the serpent who tempted and lured Eve and Adam to sin. Satan is the personality behind the serpent. Even in this curse, even in recognition of a struggle between the woman’s offspring and Satan, even in the face of destruction and decay unleashed in God’s once perfect world, the LORD embeds the promise of his better future for us. That future comes to us in Jesus! Satan appeared to win the battle at the Cross, but after three days passed, the LORD’s resurrection changed everything. Jesus’ triumph over death left Satan powerless to make death the final word for Jesus or for us. The Evil One’s most strategic plan to bring damnation on us all left the old snake with a crushed head at the doorway of Jesus’ empty tomb! What follows is a video that was originally used on Sunday, March 15, 2020. This was the beginning of COVID social distancing practices and was part of our ministry to bless God’s people during this dark time when many could not assemble. We will keep the ToGather videos with our devotionals for your added blessing! Video Commentary… ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos My Prayer… Thank you, dear Father, for taking the stinger out of death and establishing an assured hope for my future. I believe that Jesus rose from the dead and that you will raise me and bless me with life forever in your presence. For this enduring victory, I praise you 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.