Today's Verse - Acts 13:3

So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

—Acts 13:3

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

While fasting is not widely practiced in many churches today, it was a vital part of the early Christian church. Let's ensure that we prepare for significant events in ministry and mission to the world with prayer and fasting, whether sponsored by our congregations or not. As we prepare to embark on God's work in the world and our mission to the world, our preparation should include times of prayer and fasting. A mission without the Holy Spirit, prayer, and fasting is an undervalued mission and an underpowered effort.

My Prayer...

O LORD, I know you love all people. Please bless those on mission to cultures other than their own, seeking to lovingly share your Gospel with those who are lost. Bless their efforts with success, protect them from the evil one, and guide them in the direction they need to go to find searching and receptive hearts. 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 - Acts 13:2

While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."

—Acts 13:2

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

When people genuinely worship, when they fast seeking God's will, and they pray earnestly and worship, our Father calls them to his service and mission in the world. Christian worship is not an end in itself, but a launching pad to Christian mission. Please don't get so caught up in your worship experience that you leave it at the door when you exit the building. Instead, understand that our worship together as Jesus' family is a blessing intended to inspire us to engage in public worship and service in the world throughout our everyday lives (Romans 12:1-2; Hebrews 12:28-13:16). As we worship with our brothers and sisters, let's also listen to the words of the songs, the message of the Scriptures, and the conviction of the Holy Spirit on our hearts. God is calling us to his special mission in our world, so that we can bring grace and hope to a lost humanity!

My Prayer...

Father, please help me discern your will and follow your leading as I worship you with my brothers and sisters in Christ. Use the Holy Spirit to call me into a deeper ministry, a more committed service, and a heart for mission to the lost world around me. 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 - Matthew 5:14

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden."

—Matthew 5:14

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Darkness dominates our world, controls much of what is said, and how most people view their reality. So, in a world dominated by darkness, light should stand out. When someone lives for Jesus, people notice. The world cannot ignore the faithfulness of Jesus' disciples or forget their righteousness and gracious influence. The world might hate that influence, try to minimize it, or even directly oppose it. Dear friend, the evil one will try to prevent Jesus' light from being reflected into the world by his disciples! He will try to oppose that light, dim that light, and snuff out that light. Jesus, however, is the Light that cannot be snuffed out (John 1:5).

Will we be Jesus' agents of light in the world of darkness?

How will the world categorize that light?

How are we going to behave toward the hostile world around us that wants to snuff out our light?

Are others going to see our light and be drawn to our Father in Heaven, who sent his Son, Jesus, as the Light of the world?

Or will the world reject the way of Christ because our walk is more talk and less service to the lost world that needs to see obedience to the lifestyle and character of our Savior?

Let's ensure the light we share helps others see God's grace through our lives and then be drawn to our Savior. Let's be Jesus' lights on the hill, seen by all!

My Prayer...

Holy and Righteous Father, thank you for your grace that saved us. Please help us reflect your character and grace in all that we do, so that when people notice us and are aware of our Christian commitment, they will glorify you because of the service they have seen and the light I bring. 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.