Today's Verse - Romans 14:1

Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters.

—Romans 14:1

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Our life in Christ is such a blessing! We want to welcome new disciples into our fellowship to share the blessings that Jesus has given us. We don't bring them in to scrutinize their past failures or the current struggles, but to bring them into the love of God's acceptance as part of his eternal family. They will make mistakes and stumble, just as we did when we were new believers. Yet God welcomed us patiently, graciously, and compassionately. Let's do the same with new believers as they learn to live for Jesus. As Paul commanded the Romans:

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God (Romans 15:7).

My Prayer...

Father, please make me more understanding and patient with my brothers and sisters in Christ, especially those who are new to the faith. Give me insight and empathy so I can encourage them, build them up, and help them feel accepted into your family as your beloved children. 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 - Matthew 11:28-30

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

—Matthew 11:28-30

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

We could call it the irony of discipleship. To follow Jesus Christ means that we surrender everything and follow Him. To follow Christ means that we receive untold blessings in this life and eternal life with God in the life to come. So is it hard? Yes, sometimes it is very challenging, downright exhausting, and at certain times, filled with rejection and persecution. Jesus said it would be that way at times. And let's be honest, life is hard. So, can our burden be light as Jesus promised? Yes, because we do not live our lives in vain, and we are living life as God intended us to live. Our efforts make a difference, and we get to meet incredible people whom we will know forever. Then, when our life is over on this earth, it isn't really over! We get to go home and be with our LORD in the glory, and our Savior will welcome us home. Our souls will find rest, and every burden will be lifted just as every tear will be dried!

My Prayer...

Please give me courage, O God, to face the challenges that I must confront. Give me charity to deal appropriately with those I meet. Give me thankfulness for all that you have done to bless me. Give me the foresight to see that living for Jesus is the best of all choices. As I walk this road of discipleship, dear LORD, please give me the rest I need to continue boldly, faithfully, and passionately. I trust that you will bring me home to you in glory, and I will find my rest in your presence, where your grace and glory will erase every pain, burden, and hardship. In the name of the LORD Jesus, I praise and thank you. 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 3:9

Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops...

—Proverbs 3:9

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Honoring God must come first in everything. We don't give him the last, the least, or the leftovers. He gave us his best, most precious, and most perfect of gifts - his Son Jesus and the indwelling Holy Spirit. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gifts! How could we give him anything less than our best, our first, and our most precious - our firstfruits in everything!

My Prayer...

Gracious God and loving Father, thank you for every good and perfect gift you have lavished upon me. Please accept the offering of my heart, which I freely give to you. Soften it and make it gracious and generous. I commit to offer you and your work in the world my first and my best. In Jesus' name, I make this pledge in prayer. 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.