Today's Verse - 1 Peter 3:8

Live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.

—1 Peter 3:8

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Unity and harmony are no accident! They happen because of intention and submission. More than just states of being we find along life's way, they are commanded by God. We are to pursue them! How do we have unity and harmony? Peter reminds us we must have three commitments in our "family of faith" lifestyle:

1. We actively share our sorrows, losses, and concerns
2. We love and value each other as family.
3. We show compassion and humility with each other.

Rather than acting superior to others as they deal with their failures and loss, we are sympathetic, loving, compassionate, and humble. We recognize that we are vulnerable to the same problems, hurts, wounds, and temptations as our brothers and sisters who need us, and whom we need to be fully JESUShaped disciples!

My Prayer...

Father, I confess that I have let my oversensitive self be wounded and reacted with pettiness when my brothers and sisters in Christ have not treated me as I felt I deserved. I know Jesus was treated so rudely and shamefully by those he created and came to save. I know I shouldn't be surprised when things don't always go well for me. So, dear Father, please help me to know when to challenge those who wound me with a loving "carefrontation" and when to ignore the barb and find a way to minister to them because of some deeper wound that crippled them in their past. Father, let me be an instrument of your peace, harmony, grace, love, compassion, and unity. 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 4:4

Rejoice in the LORD always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

—Philippians 4:4

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

True and lasting joy is found in the LORD, not in temporary things, momentary achievements, or fleeting riches. True joy, abiding joy, unconquerable joy is found in knowing that God always accompanies, sustains, helps, protects, and upholds us, and then one day will come to include us in his forever home with him. How can we not rejoice? God loves us so much that he emptied heaven of his greatest treasure so that we can join him in glory and in never-ending joy. How can we be so sure of all of this? We remember the empty tomb, our risen Savior, and the LORD's disciples who met the risen Jesus and "disbelieved for joy" (Luke 24:41-43). That disbelief, however, was swallowed up in unstoppable joy as Jesus ate some fish in front of them as they marveled at their resurrected Savior.

My Prayer...

Precious Father, thank you for always being there for us, with us, and in us. You know what is on our hearts before the words are on our tongues. You care for us in ways we cannot begin to imagine. We long to know you and see you face to face and share in the unbridled joy of heaven with you. Until then, we truly rejoice because we know our future is in your hands! Thank you; we rejoice in the name of Jesus Christ, our risen and victorious LORD. 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 121:1-2

I lift up my eyes to the hills — where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

—Psalm 121:1-2

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

In a world of startling beauty and a universe of dazzling diversity, our hearts are to be drawn back to the One who made it, now sustains it, and reveals part of himself in his creative genius (Romans 1:19-20; Psalm 8:1, 3-4). Our God has revealed himself as our Abba Father (Romans 8:15-16), who knows us, will help us, and lives in us (John 14:18, 21, 23). We can look on the created beauty of our universe and say with confidence, "My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth," who is also my Abba Father.

Video Commentary...

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My Prayer...

Almighty Creator, Incredible Architect and Majestic Engineer, your creative work absolutely bewilders and delights us. Being so beyond us, you astound us even more when we realize that you care for each of us individually, knowing us intimately from our conception to old age. With all the things of such vast importance, we find your desire to know and love us both humbling and reassuring. Today we will worship, work, and witness to your greatness before others, aware of your constant presence, help, and care. Thank you, dear Father, for being glorious and also near us. 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.