Today's Verse - Matthew 19:14

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

—Matthew 19:14

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

In an age that neglected children and held them in low regard, Jesus' love for children and his tenderness with them are powerful reminders that God values every person, young or old, born or not yet born, rich or poor, impoverished or born to wealth. Jesus is God's great reminder of his love for the people the world often neglects, abuses, and abandons. Jesus calls us to love the unloved, the forgotten, the abused, and the neglected. Why? Because that is what Israel was before God chose them (Ezekiel 16:4-5), that is who Jesus was at Calvary (Galatians 3:13), and that is who we were without grace (Romans 5:6-11; Ephesians 2:1-5). How can we claim to know salvation but not share grace with others who need God's love, mercy, and grace - especially when those others are children? How can we claim to be Jesus' disciples and not show love for those "the least of these" (Matthew 25:40, 45), the people that the world forgets, but Jesus values? The answer is simple: we cannot, and still claim to be Jesus' disciples!

My Prayer...

Father, I want to be more gracious toward "the least of these" as Jesus was. I long to be holy, loving, compassionate, and tender toward the forgotten children of today. Help me not only to be angry about the neglect and abuse children suffer in my world, but also to be moved to act in ways that notice, rescue, bless, and support them. In the name of Jesus, the great lover of all children, 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 - Matthew 16:15-16

"What about you?" Jesus asked. "Who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

—Matthew 16:15-16

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

There is no other name under heaven that can save us other than Jesus (Acts 4:12). He is the way, the truth, and the life - the only way to the Father (John 14:6). We are to confess Jesus before people, knowing that when we do, we can be sure he will confess us before the Father and his angels in heaven (Matthew 10:32-33). Jesus Christ is the Son of God, our Savior and LORD. We may not know all the theological gravity of those words - after all, Peter didn't when he confessed Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God - but we can commit to knowing Jesus and following him until we know more of what those words mean. Jesus asks us to open our hearts to his lordship and begin the journey toward fuller knowledge and experience of him as the Holy Spirit informs us (1 Corinthians 2:9-10, 14-15) and conforms us to Christlikeness (2 Corinthians 3:18)!

My Prayer...

Living God and Holy Father, I believe you sent Jesus, your Son, Immanuel, God in human flesh, to save me. I confess to you that I want Jesus to be my LORD, and LORD of all of my life because I believe him to be your Son and Messiah, my Savior. It is through this Jesus, your Son, the Christ you promised to send in the Scriptures, that 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 - Psalm 119:30

I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws.

—Psalm 119:30

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Jesus challenged us with this strong call:

"Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me" (Luke 9:23).

"The way of truth," the way of Jesus, is a daily choice. Not intentionally putting Jesus at the center of our lives and not seeking to please him as our top priority means we slip a little further away from the life he is calling us to live. Any decision made without consciously seeking to please him and obeying his commands (Matthew 28:20) is choosing to place Jesus at the periphery of our lives. So let's set our hearts on him. Let's choose his way and his truth so we can live his life (John 14:6) in our world. Yes, we have chosen the way of truth, and we have set our hope on Jesus, who is the fulfillment of God's laws (Matthew 5:17-28).

My Prayer...

Heavenly Father, I choose to follow Jesus and live obediently to his truth. Please open my eyes to see your will for me in Jesus, and please open my heart to live it with consistency and passion. I commit again today to follow you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. 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.