Today's Verse - 1 Corinthians 1:10

I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.

—1 Corinthians 1:10

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

If people in our congregations are ever going to get along, the leaders of those churches must remind God's people of the importance of unity. Shortly before facing his passion, Jesus' prayer was that we would be one (John 17:1-26). Why? If the world knows we are Christians because of our love for one another (John 13:34-35), then the world needs to see our loving unity so that the lost can know that the Father has sent Jesus to save them (John 17:20-21, 23). When we are divided, we tell the world we're not offering them something the world doesn't have on its own. All we have is just a religious message that doesn't produce consequential changes. So, unity is not only important; it is also essential. It's not just a theory or a test of theology, but a daily practice among the people who claim Jesus as LORD. If we love Jesus and move closer to him, we'll be brought closer to each other (1 John 1:1-4). We are called to be "perfectly united in mind and thought" because we love Jesus and the people he died to save.

My Prayer...

LORD Jesus, I believe you have presented all of my prayers to our Father. And Father, I thank you for the grace of Jesus, who lives to make intercession for me at this moment (Hebrews 7:25). I promise, dear Father, to do all I can to bring you glory, and to live at peace with my brothers and sisters in Christ, and to serve in unity with those who belong to you. Please bless our church family with more passion for the unity that you desire as we focus more on leading those who do not know Jesus into a saving relationship with him. In Jesus' name, and through the blessed Holy Spirit, 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 15:5-6

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

—Romans 15:5-6

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Unity comes from God's Spirit as we all draw closer to Jesus (John 17:20-21). As we are drawn to Jesus through the Spirit, we immediately find ourselves drawn closer to one another (1 John 1:1-4). Unity also has a purpose much deeper than our getting along with each other. Jesus prayed we would be one so that the world would know that God sent him into the world as the Son to save the world (John 3:16-17, 17:21, 23). We want to be united so that our praise can bring glory to God and lead others to him. Unity is far more than a goal; it is a process through which the world learns of Jesus. At the same time, we glorify the Father who sent Jesus to save us when we live together in unity. Leading others to Jesus and glorifying God are what living for Jesus is all about! Let's make unity one of our deepest passions.

My Prayer...

Great and Almighty God, you are the eternal strength for all who call on your name. I apologize and ask your forgiveness for everything I've done and every word I've spoken that has hurt others in your family. I do not want to cause a wound to the unity of your Body, the church. So please, bless my efforts as I seek less of my will, long to live for your glory, and seek to draw close and encourage others. 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 - James 3:17-18

The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

—James 3:17-18

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Now I know why righteousness is so hard to find these days. We don't have many in our world who are full of heavenly wisdom - if that means being considerate, submitting to others' needs, living with mercy toward those who are different, bearing good fruit, treating others with impartiality, and demonstrating genuine concern for our neighbors. These traits of wisdom are hard to find in our world, probably because they are often associated with weakness. And, while many claim to love peace, so few are willing to make peace and to sow peace into the lives of others. Heavenly wisdom is full of sacrificial earthly action. That's a powerful reminder to me that wisdom is not what we know but what we sow! We don't produce "a harvest of righteousness" by spewing hate and seeking our own way at the expense of others.

My Prayer...

Holy and Wise Father, thank you for demonstrating purity, peace-making, impartiality, submissiveness, mercy, good fruit, and sincerity in the life of Jesus. I ask for the power and courage to demonstrate these Christlike qualities as I seek to live a more JESUShaped life. In the name of Christ Jesus, my LORD, 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.