Today's Verse - Colossians 4:5-6

Make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

—Colossians 4:5-6

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

When presented with an opportunity, we choose to do and say kind things because Jesus has called us to that. He challenged us to be salt that adds savor and preservation to the world's hopelessness and decay (Matthew 5:13). He called us to be light that casts out the world's darkness (Matthew 5:14-16). We are committed to acting in ways that are kind and beneficial to others, especially with our speech. We pray for opportunities to be kind and encouraging because we want what we say to benefit others (Ephesians 4:29). This verbal kindness is an indication of the Holy Spirit's presence (Galatians 5:22-23) as the Spirit conforms us to our Savior's kindness and character (2 Corinthians 3:18). This kind of salty speech - not the profane, crude, and coarse speech often identified as salty talk - is an intentional effort to treat others with gentleness and respect because we want them to know our hope in Jesus (1 Peter 3:15-16). Let's make the most of every opportunity to say good words that bless others and lead them to Jesus!

Video Commentary...

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My Prayer...

Father, please forgive me for the careless words I have uttered this week. I understand that these careless words are sins in two ways. First, it is a sin because I said unkind and hurtful things. And second, it is a sin because I wasted an opportunity to be redemptive and helpful with my speech. Open my eyes, dear LORD, so that I can better see those people you have placed in my path to bless and encourage. Through the blessed name of Jesus, 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 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

—1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Where does your heart live? That's what these verses remind us to ask ourselves. They challenge us to notice where we spend the most time and what we focus on most in our hearts. Is there a constant awareness in our lives that God is present? Is he the unseen but always present companion in all our ups and downs? Or is God with us when it is convenient and gone when things are busy, or you feel that everything is going well? Joy comes from knowing we are never alone. Prayer is the ongoing conversation we have, spirit to Spirit, child to Abba, human with God. Thanksgiving and joy are great reminders that we have been lavishly blessed, regardless of what our temporary outward circumstances suggest. Being joyful, praying continually, and giving thanks in all situations is God's will for us. Why? Because practicing these three things orients us away from the momentary challenges that don't compare to the glory that he in us with Jesus (Romans 8:18-19).

My Prayer...

Precious and Righteous Father, thank you for being with me, always. Please, dear Abba, use the Spirit to nourish in me a deeper appreciation and a more profound awareness of your presence. May my life reflect the joy you have given me by saving me through your grace. And may my heart always give thanks for my home with you in anticipation of the day when that home is fully realized. Through the name of Jesus, my Savior and friend, 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 - James 5:16

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

—James 5:16

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

To confess our sins means we do two things with our sins:

1. We recognize sin for what it is in God's eyes.
2. We get rid of our secrets and are honest with another Christian about our weaknesses, vulnerabilities, failures, then have them pray for us to overcome those sins.

James' language is powerful. He mentions that this confession doesn't just bring forgiveness, it brings healing. So, let's confess our sins to each other, and pray for each other, so we can bring healing to relationships, the family of God, and be a demonstration of reconciliation and healing to the world.

My Prayer...

Holy Father, I have sinned. I now confess my own personal sins of the following things: ____________. I ask for your forgiveness and for your Spirit to strengthen me to overcome temptation as I pursue Jesus with all my heart. I want to live for you and not let my sin, any sin, entangle me and draw me away from you. Through the mighty name of Jesus, 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.