Today's Verse - Luke 12:23

Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.

—Luke 12:23

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

In the rush of the holiday season and the grab at getting and giving gifts while eating good food, it is very important to remember that life is much more than the most basic things we think we need — like food and clothing. If we lose sight of God this season, miss his work, or lose track of his will in our lives, then what do we have that is lasting? Not much, and what we do have won't endure. My prayer for you and me during this holiday season is that we are reminded of what is most important, valuable, and enduring — our life in Jesus and his loving grace and boundless future for us. Let's celebrate that eternal joy in this season!

My Prayer...

Sweet and precious, God, you are almighty in power and awesome in glory. Yet, dear Father, you are also near and eternally concerned about me and those I love. Thank you for knowing and loving me with your everlasting love. Please give me the wisdom to see beyond the transitory things of life — the perishable things I think I need — and help me find you and your sustaining presence. 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 Samuel 12:22

For the sake of his great name the LORD will not reject his people, because the LORD was pleased to make you his own.

—1 Samuel 12:22

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

The great and holy God will not be unfaithful. He will act to show his character and honor his holy name, even when we, his people, don't deserve his grace. Why God would love and preserve us and our great Israelite ancestors is nothing short of grace, love, and faithfulness. Why would the Father send the Son to live among us, die on the cross, and raise him back to life to defeat death? Because of his grace, love, and faithfulness. If God did this in the past, how much more will he not display his grace, love, and faithfulness in the days and years to come?!

My Prayer...

Holy and Righteous Father, your grace has not only saved me but also sustains me even when the evil one tries to use my personal failures to make me doubt your love for me. Thank you for triumphing over my unworthiness and blessing me your righteousness so that I will be fit for your kingdom and glory. I praise you in Jesus' name, the name of the Son who is full of grace, abounding in love, and enduring in faithfulness. 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 12:21

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

—Romans 12:21

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

A friend used to remind me that the number one goal in dealing with difficult people or circumstances is this: "Don't become what you hate." He wasn't talking about hating the person, but he meant that we don't want to become evil, wicked, petty, and sinful in our actions and motivations — the things we hate about their behaviors. We don't overcome the devil by underhanded and dishonorable means. We overcome evil and drive it back into the abyss of hell with the evil one by doing what is right and filling our hearts and lives with goodness (Philippians 4:). There is no greater example of overcoming evil with good than Jesus. And the Spirit is working with us to transform us to become like Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18), whom we love and desire to emulate.

My Prayer...

Holy God, please bless us with your holy character as we resist those who are critical, cynical, and vengeful toward us because we are followers of Jesus. Please help us respond to our critics in ways reflecting Christ's character and Lordship. In his name, the name of Jesus, we ask this. 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.