Today's Verse - 1 John 4:18

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

—1 John 4:18

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Do you remember what Jesus said when he walked on the water, coming to his disciples through the storm? He told them, "Do not fear, I Am." In the presence of God's holy and all-powerful Son, we don't have to be afraid. Love has reached us and saved us in Jesus. God's grace for us in Jesus and our faith in Jesus have taken away our need for fear. Jesus' sacrifice has made us holy, without fault, and free from any charge against us (Colossians 1:21-22). Our response? Love! We love our Father for who he is, what he has done, and his great sacrifice for us. We also choose to love others as we have been loved because perfect love casts off all fear.

My Prayer...

Dear Father in heaven, you are holy and glorious. These are things I could never be without your grace, yet you have chosen to give me these blessings through the sacrifice of your Jesus, your Son whom I love. Dear Father, I love you and in Jesus' name, I 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 - James 4:17

Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.

—James 4:17

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

James' brother, Jesus, taught this principle when he healed on the Sabbath (Mark 3:1-7) and told the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29-37). If we have the opportunity and ability to do good to someone in need, then if we don't do it, then we are participating in their destruction. The LORD made it clear that neglecting to do a good deed for another in need, even if we had a religious excuse for not doing it, was doing evil. Let's be a people known for doing good deeds and sharing kindness. Let's not let any excuse, especially a religious excuse, interfere with our opportunities to serve others in the name of Jesus.

My Prayer...

Dear Father, please use me today to bless someone in need so they can know your grace and glorify Jesus for his goodness. In the Savior's sweet and precious 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 4:16

From [Christ] the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

—Ephesians 4:16

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Ephesians and Colossians emphasize that no human being, or even a group of human beings, is the head of the Church. Jesus alone is the head of the Church. He sets our direction. He is our example. Christ is our goal for ministry and maturity (Colossians 1:28-29). Jesus also gifts people in his Church and arranges us in his Body as he chooses, giving us gifts he wants us to use to bless each other and honor God. Christ holds us together, enabling us to serve effectively as his presence in the world as each of us uses our gifts. So, let's set our hearts on Jesus. Let's use his life and love to inspire us. Let's look back on Jesus' earthly ministry to remind us how and whom we should serve. Let's give Jesus our allegiance and loyalty as the Christ, who alone is the head of his Body, the Church. Let's let him lead!

My Prayer...

Righteous Father, thank you for Jesus. Thank you for his example, service, obedience, love, and sacrifice. Thank you for his resurrection, exaltation, power, and presence today in your Church and in my life. Father, please use me and my brothers and sisters in Christ with me to do his work in our world and share your grace with all who are lost. In the name of the LORD 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.