Today's Verse - 1 John 2:27

As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit — just as it has taught you, remain in him.

—1 John 2:27

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

When we became Christians, we were not only cleansed by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:9-11), but the Holy Spirit filled and indwelled us (Acts 2:38-39; Romans 8:9). John speaks of receiving and having the Holy Spirit as "his anointing" - Jesus poured the Holy Spirit out on and into us, when we came to Christ (Titus 3:3-7). The Spirit helps us hear the truth about Jesus (1 John 2:20-21). Our anointing keeps us from surrendering that truth to false teaching that would diminish either side of Jesus' identity - Jesus as God with us and God like us (1 John 2:23). We remain in Jesus when we hold on to both of these incredible truths. As we remain in Jesus, the Spirit - "his anointing" - we have all that we need to know about Jesus as our Savior, LORD, and Messiah (1 John 2:24, 27).

My Prayer...

Holy and Righteous Father, thank you for sending Jesus to save me. May I never surrender my sense of wonder or my deep feelings of appreciation for all who Jesus was, is, and will be. Thank you for sending me your Spirit as your anointing to help me safeguard the truth about your Son and my Savior, in whose name I pray and give you thanks. 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 8:26

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.

—Romans 8:26

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Isn't it incredible! Even in those times when we can't find the correct words and our hearts are heavy, God hears our prayers. It is not because we are articulate, wise, or faithful enough to pray as I should. No, it is because God has graciously placed his Spirit into our hearts to make known to him what our words cannot capture and our voices and minds cannot verbalize. God hears our groanings, our yearnings, our heartbreaks, and our heart-cries. He knows what we cannot think, but only feel. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, he answers those unutterable prayers with his presence, grace, and power.

My Prayer...

Father, we are comforted by the assurance that even when we don't know what to say, you know what we feel yet cannot articulate. We trust you to answer our hearts' longings as you see fit, for we believe that you know what we need far more than we know how to ask for it. In addition to all of this, we trust the Holy Spirit to present our requests to you in accordance to your will and our best interests, to your glory. In Jesus' name, and with complete confidence in the Holy Spirit, 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.

Today's Verse - Proverbs 3:3-4

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.

—Proverbs 3:3-4

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Character is measured by the love and faithfulness we genuinely display in our daily lives. These are not simple virtues that we can fake. Merciful love is shown when we have power over another but choose to treat them with kindness, forgiveness, and genuine concern. Faithfulness is being a person of truth - genuine and trustworthy in word and deed - regardless of what others do or circumstances present to us. These virtues need to be a part of our everyday lives and permeate our very identities. When they do, others will notice, we will have a good reputation, and God will notice and be pleased.

My Prayer...

Holy God - faithful and compassionate, full of mercy and steadfast love - I praise you for your example of strength and mercy, holiness and compassion, love and faithfulness. Carve this kind of character on my heart as I submit myself to your will, as I seek to honor Jesus, and as I open my life to your Spirit's transformational power. In the name of 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.