Today's Verse - Romans 12:12

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

—Romans 12:12

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

How can we keep our circumstances from determining our mood?

How can we emancipate ourselves from the limitations that life deals us?

The last in this trio of commandments from Paul opens the door for the other two to be true — we can rejoice in hope and be patient in affliction because we have been faithful in prayer. No matter our situation, we can pray joyfully because of our hope in Christ. We can remain patient, persevering through affliction, by presenting our requests and intercessions to God with thanksgiving. Prayer is God's gift to us so that we can be patient and joyful, even when things don't appear to be going well. We can be joyful in hope and patient in affliction because we are faithful in prayer!

My Prayer...

Father, I thank you because no matter my struggles, you assure me of my ultimate victory in Christ Jesus. I thank you, dear God because no matter the hardship or burden I face, I know you will help me through it and bring me into your presence with great joy. So until that day of ultimate and victorious joy, please ransom my heart from discouragement by the power of hope from your Holy Spirit. 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 - Romans 12:11

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

—Romans 12:11

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Paul is emphatic that Jesus' disciples must be full of spiritual fervor to serve the LORD. Jesus was even more emphatic that God wants us to be passionate about our Christian life. He told the believers in Laodicea to repent and be passionate when he said:

"I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So because you are lukewarm — neither hot nor cold — I am about to spit you out of my mouth." (Rev. 3:15-16)

Jesus has done so much to redeem us. Let's live passionately for the LORD, and "Never be lacking in zeal, but keep [our] spiritual fervor"!

My Prayer...

Holy LORD and King of the Ages, I confess: I have sometimes let my spiritual fire die down and my spiritual fervor wane. Jesus, please have the Spirit come with holy fire, kindling a renewed zeal and passion for you in me as I live my life and influence those around me. I want to zealously and shamelessly pursue your mission in today's world and live a vibrant life that shows I love Jesus as my LORD! I ask this in Jesus' name and to honor you, Father. 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 12:10

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.

—Romans 12:10

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

I love the old saying, "He who toots his own horn plays in a very small band!" A very selfish part of us wants all attention and appreciation focused on what we have done, sacrificed, and accomplished. Christ Jesus told us that if we seek honor and recognition now, we have our reward now, on earth, and we won't receive our reward in heaven (Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21). One of the signs of spiritual maturity, however, is what Paul lists here. It's a devotion to others who are our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. This maturity means that we genuinely rejoice when others are honored. We are even more interested in honoring others than receiving honor. That is what devotion to others means. We care more about them being honored than us being honored, and that's living like Christ (Philippians 2:1-11).

My Prayer...

Dear God, my loving Father, thank you for surrounding me with many godly and honorable people. Please help me see ways I can show my brothers and sisters in Christ my love, affirmation, and appreciation. And dear Father, please lead me to your people who need this love, affirmation, and honor. 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.