Today's Verse - Acts 1:14

They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

—Acts 1:14

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Jesus' resurrection changed everything! "The women," as the gospel writers referred to them, were faithfully present with Jesus throughout his crucifixion and resurrection. After the LORDs ascension, they were still present, obediently praying in expectation with the leading disciples. As we might expect, Jesus' mother is there praying as well. Look carefully at Luke's description (Acts 1:14-16) and notice that even Jesus' brothers, once doubting and ridiculing of him (John 7:1-7), now praying in expectation of their risen brother's release of power through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Yes, they are waiting, but not idly waiting. Yes, they are praying, but they are also expecting the great work of the risen Jesus, which he would do through them! God does amazing things when people who love the risen Jesus pray with expectation. So what are you waiting for? Get with a group of those who love Jesus, and pray with expectation for Jesus to accomplish his work through you!

My Prayer...

Almighty and All-powerful God, please bless my efforts as I seek to encourage others to join me in fervent prayer. I pray that you will bring revival among those who call on your name and a stirring among those who are hungry, but don't yet recognize their hunger is for Jesus. Please bring revival to your people and an outpouring of grace to those who need to know Jesus as their Savior. In Jesus' name, I pray with expectation. 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 - Proverbs 10:12

Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs.

—Proverbs 10:12

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Our worst tendencies want to repay evil with evil, spite for spite, pettiness with pettiness, and hatefulness with hatefulness. God has always wanted his people to be his redemptive influence in their world, society, and relationships.

Paul reminded the Christians in Rome to "not repay evil with evil" (Romans 12:17).

Jesus said:

Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:44–45)

The apostle Paul also taught Christians in Rome:

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:18-21)

Love removes the teeth from difficult situations while hatefulness only stirs up bitterness and spite. God's wise Old Covenant king shares a similar truth in our verse today. We are called to be a different kind of people, a JESUShaped people who leave the world a different and better place than we found it. It isn't always easy, but Jesus' way is powerful and redemptive in a world where most people expect the worst!

Video Commentary...

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My Prayer...

Father, I confess that when I'm wronged, I become angry and am often tempted to strike back in kind of try and get even. Please, remove the baser, self-serving side of my character through your Holy Spirit's cleansing and redeeming influence on my heart. May the love your Spirit inspires in me be seen in how I treat others. 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 - 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.