Today's Verse - 1 Peter 3:15

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect...

—1 Peter 3:15

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

How do we effectively share our faith, especially in situations hostile to us and our faith?

First, we consciously submit our hearts to Christ as LORD.

Second, we prepare a presentation — or several presentations, depending upon the circumstances — that focuses on the hope we have in Jesus.

Finally, when we share our reason for hope, we do it with respect, gently sharing our faith with others. Of course, we will never have an opportunity to share our faith if we don't live a life of faith that impacts those around us with God's goodness, holiness, and grace.

My Prayer...

Holy God and loving Father, please use my influence and the quality of my life to bring others to Jesus. Please give me wisdom as I seek to lead the following friends to Christ... (Please specifically mention several of these precious people by name!)

May my words and actions lead them closer to you and show them my respect and the love you have for them as your creations. 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 - Philippians 4:20

To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

—Philippians 4:20

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

What will we share in eternally with God? God's glory!

What led Israel through the wilderness and was reflected in the face of Moses after meeting with God? God's glory.

What is too marvelous for us as humans to fully behold? God's glory.

What should we do when we are seeking to honor God? Give him the glory that is due him. Praise him in glorious songs. Bring honor to Yahweh's holy name!

So, let's join the apostle Paul and praise God by saying:

To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

My Prayer...

Wonderful and glorious God, you are majestic in holiness, patient with my imperfections, tender with my brokenness, and emphatic about my participation in your glory. Please receive my praise as I approach your throne of grace with love, admiration, appreciation, and thanksgiving. All glory be yours, O God, 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 - Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.

—Philippians 4:8

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Let's get our minds out of the gutter and get our hearts focused on God's glory. Let's get our minds out of the focus on problems, difficulties, and horrible things we see in our world today and remind ourselves of God's goodness and the glorious things that pertain to him. If "we become what we behold," then let's choose to focus our gaze on:

...whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.

My Prayer...

Righteous and Holy God, you are marvelous and glorious, perfect in every way and beyond my comprehension. Please awaken the character of your holiness within me through the power of your Holy Spirit. I don't want minor changes, but the Spirit's transformation to become more like Jesus. Please help me see and focus upon the good and glorious things that reflect your nature and not the divisiveness, sleeze, and fluff of my world. In Jesus' name, I pray for your help to rise above the meaningless, vain, and nasty things of my world and focus on you and your glory so I can bring others to 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.