Today's Verse - Romans 12:15

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.

—Romans 12:15

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

We are not alone. God promised that he would never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5-6). He has given us Jesus' family to find support and share our joys. Along the way, we want to share each other's burdens and soar on each other's joys. We want to love each other through our hurts and mourn with each other through our grief. There should be no such thing as a solo Christian, whether joyful or in sorrow, excited or downtrodden. If we see a brother or sister struggling in life and feeling alone, let's decide to walk with them. If we see one in joyful celebration, we should join them in that celebration. If they feel horrible sorrows and grief, we should sit with them and let them share their grief with us. We demonstrate our love for Jesus by the ways we love each other, and demonstrate that love in clear, practical ways of being with them, serving them, and sharing in their joys and sorrows (John 13:34-35; 1 John 3:16-18).

My Prayer...

Loving Father, lead me to the people today who need their burdens lifted and their joys celebrated. Let me be your presence in the life of another believer today, whether they face good times or hard times. I ask to be more like Jesus, to sense the needs of my brothers and sisters, and to be present for them. I pray this in the power and authority of 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 - Acts 20:24

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given to me — the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.

—Acts 20:24

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

How important is grace? Paul said that sharing the good news of God's grace was more important to him than his life! In fact, that was his life after his conversion to Jesus. The wonderful thing for Paul is that he aligned his life's mission to be an expression of God's grace. That's why he could tell the Philippians:

I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain (Philippians 1:20-21).

The challenge for us is to find out where we fit in God's story of unfolding grace and live into that role as our life's mission. We don't have to be a missionary, preacher, pastor, or evangelist to have such a mission. God longs for each of us to see living for him and sharing his mercy, grace, and love in Jesus as essential - as our life. No matter what we do to earn a living, lead a family, live as a single for Jesus, or influence others as a teen, God has a mission for us in who we are and where he has placed us. In whatever place we find ourselves, let's live as Jesus' salt and light in a world of decay and darkness so that others can discover grace and glorify our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:13-16).

My Prayer...

Almighty God, thank you for your lavish grace, demonstrated and fully expressed in sending Jesus to save us and give meaning to our lives. As your children, and in thanks for your sacrificial gift, we pledge to you our lives, our love, and our all. We ask for the Holy Spirit's help to know and complete the mission you have for each of us. In the name of Jesus, we 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 - John 3:17

God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

—John 3:17

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

How do you view God?
Is he someone looking for a way to condemn or punish you? Is he an out-of-touch ol' curmudgeon who doesn't really know what it's like in our modern world? Is he too pious and holy to soil himself with the concerns of mere mortals and has left it up to us to work everything out for ourselves, including earning our salvation?
No. NO. NO!
God chose to enter our world and experience it from the side of mortality (John 1:14-18; Hebrews 2:14-18, 4:14-16). Why? Because he loves us and yearns to save us. God chose to enter our world, not to condemn us or it, but to redeem it and each of us. Jesus is the great reminder that God longs to save us, not condemn us. He's looking for ways to give us life, not to exclude us from his presence. Thank God for God! Thank God for Jesus, who was and is Immanuel, God with us (Matthew 1:23).

My Prayer...

Holy and Heavenly Father, thank you for choosing to be with those of us who are contrite and repentant and who long for your presence (Isaiah 57:15). You know we are only mortal, broken, but still you chose to love us in Jesus. You know that we are deeply flawed, but you've redeemed us. You know that we are not perfect, but God sent Jesus as the perfect sacrifice to save us. Thank you. Through your Son and my Savior, Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ, the Son of God, I offer you my sincerest gratitude, praise, and life. 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.