Today's Verse - Acts 2:38

Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off — for all whom the Lord our God will call."

—Acts 2:38

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Peter makes a promise for everyone everywhere who turns their hearts to God and submits themselves to him in baptism, fully trusting Jesus Christ as their LORD and Savior! They will be filled with God's Spirit and forgiven of their sins because of the mighty name and gracious work of Jesus Christ. This passage (Acts 2:33-47) demonstrates that Peter and the apostles had begun fulfilling Jesus' Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20): they made disciples by going, baptizing, and teaching people to obey what the LORD commanded. Like those early disciples, let's share this grace so that the world can know that Jesus is not only LORD but also Savior and King for all who hear God's call and trust in him.

My Prayer...

I praise you, Almighty and gracious Father. You have given me hope when there was none. You have given me strength when my resolve was gone. You have blessed me with grace and poured your love into my heart through your Holy Spirit, your gift from above. I praise you for your love, grace, forgiveness, salvation, and Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name, I rejoice 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 - Psalm 37:3

Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

—Psalm 37:3

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Having a place to live amid life's uncertainties and having assurance of God's protection and care are based on two essential principles:

1. Trusting in the LORD.
2. Doing good to others.

When we live by these two commitments, we learn to depend upon God in fresh new ways that bring us refreshment, hope, and joy. As we do, we extend God's grace and share God's blessings with others.

My Prayer...

Loving God, my Abba Father, I trust you with my life, which I offer to you as a living sacrifice to bring you glory and honor* as I seek to bless others as you have blessed me. As I do this, dear Father, I know you are rushing to meet me with your loving grace and love beyond compare. Thank you! Thank you for your love. Thank you for your protection. Thank you for holding my future in your hands. In Jesus' name, I praise you. Amen.

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* Romans 12:1-2.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 - Psalm 37:1-2

Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.

—Psalm 37:1-2

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Aren't frustration and envy sometimes our reaction to those who are evil and yet seem to prosper? We're reminded in this psalm not to let the apparent and short-lived successes of evil people derail our faith or dampen our spirits. Their victories are temporary. Their wealth is like a flower that will wilt. Their life is like the grass that withers and is soon blown away. We, however, are like the mighty tree planted by clear waters that grows strong, bears fruit, and endures (Psalm 1:1-4).

My Prayer...

LORD God Almighty, praise your holy and matchless name. You have blessed me mightily. You have protected me in the face of my enemies. You have given me life, hope, and a future with you. Now, please, dear Father, help me avoid wasting my time worrying about what others have. I invite the Holy Spirit to help me not envy the prosperity of the wicked. Please give me a heart of thanksgiving for and contentment with all you have done to bless 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.