Today’s Verse – Acts 11:18
When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, “So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life.” —Acts 11:18 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Breaking through racial and cultural barriers is never easy, but this was the challenge early church leaders faced when the Holy Spirit led Peter to share the gospel with Cornelius and his household, and they became disciples of Jesus. The Jewish disciples had not anticipated Gentiles to come into Jesus’ church. Thankfully, God’s Spirit didn’t let them settle comfortably into their prejudices. Instead, the Spirit challenged, led, and pushed them to break through racial hatred and cultural ignorance. So must we, today. Let’s be the kind of people, Jesus’ people, who rejoice and praise God as every racial barrier dividing people fall in Jesus. Let’s press on until the triumphant promise of the Gospel is fulfilled: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28). In doing this, we anticipate the incredible chorus of heaven as it praises God with folks from every language, tribe, people, and nation (Revelation 7:9-11). God longs to invite all peoples of the earth into his family of grace, love, and life! My Prayer… Holy God, we ask that you bless all those everywhere who are trying to cross cultural, linguistic, and nationalistic barriers sharing the grace of Jesus with those who do not know you. Help them know they are bringing you joy and anticipating the praise that surrounds you in glory! In Jesus’ name, 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 – Zechariah 11:17
[The LORD said] “Woe to the worthless shepherd, who deserts the flock! May the sword strike his arm and his right eye! May his arm be completely withered, his right eye totally blinded!” —Zechariah 11:17 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… While we do not like to hear bad news and may not appreciate the pronouncement of judgment on others, there is a time when it is appropriate. Jesus was not only our sacrificial lamb, but he is also our Chief Shepherd serving on earth as God with us (Matthew 1:23) as the Shepherd David wrote about in Psalm 23:1-6. When the earthly shepherds of the LORD’s sheep do not lead lovingly and faithfully, the LORD will demand harsh justice. Zechariah’s message is a strong reminder to all who lead that they must do so righteously and tenderly. God wants those whom ungodly leaders have abused to know that their Father in heaven will punish those ungodly leaders appropriately. God will bring righteous justice upon those who have abused their stewardship of God’s sheep and dishonored their pastoral calling. We can rest assured that our Shepherd will wipe away our tears even if our earthly shepherds do not (Revelation 7:15). My Prayer… For the LORD, is… …my Shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely, goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever (Psalm 123:1-6 ESV). 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 – Hebrews 11:16
Instead, they were longing for a better country — a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. —Hebrews 11:16 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Hebrews 11:1-40 is full of reminders of the great heroes of faith from long ago. Many of them risked everything. Others even paid the ultimate price with their lives rather than betraying their faith. How did they live with such a strong faith in the face of such hostility and persecution? They were looking for a better place, a better home, a better country, a better city — a heavenly one. God prepared this better place for them. He is proud to be called their God and promised to welcome them to that better place and an enduring city to be their home with him. And this better place is also promised to us as people of faith today! Jesus promised us that he is preparing for our arrival at our heavenly home, and he will come back and take us to be where he is (John 14:1-4). If the LORD longs for us to join him in this glorious place, we can surely have a deep longing to be with him and live for him in this world. Let’s desire our heavenly country and look forward to meeting our Father in the place he has prepared for us! My Prayer… Dear Father, thank you for all you have done to save me. Thank you for not being ashamed of me. Thank you for preparing for my arrival at home with you. With so much to anticipate, may I live a victorious life because I am confident in your grace, have faith that I have been forgiven because of Jesus’ sacrifice, and am empowered to be holy by your Spirit. In the name of Jesus, I live and offer you this prayer. 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 – Joshua 11:15
As the LORD commanded his servant Moses, so Moses commanded Joshua, and Joshua did it; he left nothing undone of all that the LORD commanded Moses. —Joshua 11:15 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Joshua is one of my favorite Bible heroes. He was a great servant to Moses. He refused to be swayed by his peers or by the crowd when he spied out the Promised Land. He followed in the footsteps of a great leader and was a great leader himself — that’s not an easy task! Joshua was vigorous and vital even in his old age. Most of all, Joshua was obedient to God and did everything that God had commanded him to do, as well as what God had commanded Moses that he should do. In other words, Joshua was faithful! Video Commentary… ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos My Prayer… O LORD God, my Abba Father, when I am gone, and people tell the story of my life, may I be viewed as one who was faithful to all that you have asked of me. I want to serve you with an undivided heart and a life that brings you glory and praise, the glory and praise you deserve for your generous grace. And I want this legacy of faithfulness to be as true in my latter years as I wanted it to be true in my younger years! 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 – 2 Corinthians 11:14
And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. —2 Corinthians 11:14 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… While we wait for God’s great victory for us to be fully realized, we also need to know that we are in a very intense battle. Our most brutal struggles are not with flesh and blood people, but spiritual powers and wickedness in spiritual places (Ephesians 6:10-12). These evil powers often use “false apostles, deceitful workers” and people “masquerading” as Jesus’ servants (2 Corinthians 11:13). God will win this battle with all who are false through Jesus Christ when he returns. The outcome is certain. Jesus won that battle on the cross (Colossians 2:15), and he will return and reign until every one of his enemies is defeated (1 Corinthians 15:24-25). Christ has already won, however, let’s not be fooled; the evil one will do everything possible to deceive all people, use false teachers, and confuse the lost. Let’s stick with God’s plan — living his truth, listening for his voice in Scripture, and following the lead of his Spirit (1 John 2:20-27). My Prayer… Holy LORD, please give me the ability to discern truth and resist the deception of Satan and those he uses to teach us false things and lead us astray. Please empower me with your Spirit and give me your wisdom to discern what is true, right, and holy as I seek to live victoriously for 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.
Today’s Verse – Hebrews 11:13
All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. —Hebrews 11:13 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… I’m not good at waiting for much of anything. I’m like the kids who have seen the ads for Christmas toys, are anxious for the big gift day, and begin to tell everyone what they want for Christmas. God does have the “Greatest Gift Day” ahead for us. On that wonderful day, all our waiting will be over, and our faith will become sight. But we grow tired of waiting. We can easily worry about what we don’t have or how we have been treated. The evil one wants to discourage us and smother out our faith. So, let’s follow the example of these great heroes of faith in Hebrews 11:1-40. Let’s anticipate and welcome our “Greatest Gift Day” from afar, not letting our apparent circumstances dampen our spirits, weaken our faith, or stop our praise to God for our coming victory through Jesus Christ. My Prayer… Victorious King, Ruler of the Ages, I praise you for the resurrection ahead for me. Thank you in advance for the day I get to see you face-to-face and join the grand celebration of heaven. Thank you for the great heroes of faith in Hebrews 11, who are examples of faith that endures despite negative circumstances and hard times. I will keep praising you and believing in your goodness until I see that “Greatest Gift Day”! As I wait, please use me to help others anticipate our great victory and overwhelming joy. 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 – Proverbs 11:12
A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue. —Proverbs 11:12 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Wise folks don’t have to prove their wisdom by disrespecting others and putting them down while belittling them. Instead, godly and wise people hold their tongues and let their lives speak what is good, honorable, righteous, loving, and genuine. Our world is full of cynical sarcasm. Our culture overly rewards people who are quick with belittling and unwholesome quips — those quick and razor-sharp “put-downs” so often in TV sit-coms and on social media. As people of God and followers of Jesus, we are called to redeem others through what we say and bring a blessing with our words (Ephesians 4:29). My Prayer… Holy Father, I ask for your wisdom, patience, and kindness so I can use my speech to bless others and praise you. Please, Father, pour the Holy Spirit into my heart in a fresh way when I am tempted to use my words to hurt, belittle, and insult others. I don’t want to do those things, so I ask for the Spirit’s help. In Jesus’ name, I ask for your help to be more gracious and loving as I speak with others. 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 Corinthians 11:11
In the Lord, however, woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. —1 Corinthians 11:11 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… “We are all one in Christ Jesus!” Paul told the Galatians (Galatians 3:26-29). Satan, however, constantly tries to divide God’s people. One of his most effective means of division has been to divide men and women — whether in families or churches. Paul reminds us that if Jesus is our LORD, we recognize we need each other as men and women. We are committed to valuing each other. Rather than letting Satan divide us through our differences, we choose to unite around our Savior, who values both men and women, and used them in his ministry! My Prayer… Holy God, in whose image I am made, please give me the courage to value and esteem all others as you value me. I recognize that each person I meet is made in your image, too. So, please help me, dear Father. I do not want racial, social, or gender differences to interfere with the value I place on anyone you bring into my life. Give me the eyes, heart, and words of Jesus to bless and value others as my Savior did. In his name, Jesus, my 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 – Jeremiah 11:10
They have returned to the sins of their forefathers, who refused to listen to my words. They have followed other gods to serve them. Both the house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken the covenant I made with their forefathers. —Jeremiah 11:10 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Sometimes, those with the most significant opportunities for God’s blessings spurn them and fall back into the sinful habits of their past heritage and culture. The consequences of their rejection of God and his will are enormous. Israel and Judah are our cautionary warnings from the Old Covenant. For the last ten days in our devotionals, we’ve anticipated our glorious future as God’s children and feasted on the promises of what lies ahead for us in our walk with Christ. Unfortunately, some never climb on board the train of grace. They don’t follow God. They don’t believe in Jesus. They disdain those who do. In the face of their rejection of God and their criticisms of us, let’s ensure we are truly faithful to God’s calling, not just in word but also in heart and deed. My Prayer… Dear Heavenly Father, I look forward to being with you. Yet, dear Father, I face many challenges in my commitment to be faithful. I don’t want to fall into the evil and sinful habits of some who have gone before me and rebelled against you. Please empower my faith to be like those who served you wholeheartedly and embrace my future in glory with Jesus joyfully (Colossians 3:1-4). Please, dear Father, deliver me from any impure deed or thought as I surrender myself wholeheartedly to your will. 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.
Today’s Verse – Isaiah 11:9
They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea. —Isaiah 11:9 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Isaiah is describing the magnificent time of the Messiah’s last days glorious coming (Isaiah 11:1-9). We will know God personally, and the vast chorus of the faithful will sing joyfully because we know God. We will enjoy his protection and be free of fear. As great as the oceans are, the intimate knowledge of the LORD will be greater, still. The earth will be filled with those who know God. All creation will be redeemed and experience the glorious freedom of the children of God (Romans 8:18-21). Let’s anticipate that day and join our hearts in pursuit of God — to know him and experience the love he longs to lavish on us. Let’s not settle for merely factual knowledge about God, but let’s also come to truly know him by sharing in his work, character, mercy, and love as we seek his presence in our lives. My Prayer… Dear Father, please bring me near. I need to experience your presence no matter what today brings. I want you to be my eternal Shepherd who watches out over me, one of his lambs. I want to know you as my Redeemer, Savior, and Friend as I await the day that dawns with what Isaiah prophesied so many years ago. In Jesus’ name, I anticipate the dawning of 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.