Today's Verse - Amos 5:14-15

Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the Lord God Almighty will be with you, just as you say he is. Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts.

—Amos 5:14-15

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

A whole bunch of folks claim that God is on their side. In reality, the important question is whether or not we are on God's side! That's determined more by what we seek and do rather than what we think and say. God longs to be with us, but he will not sacrifice his character to extend us cheap grace, a grace that does not call us to be like him and act for the good of others in our world. He's looking for believers who put their character, concerns, and actions where their mouths are.

My Prayer...

Most holy God, your righteousness and holiness are beyond me. I know that my best efforts are only vain attempts to attain them on my own. Yet I long, dear Father, to be more like you and your Son in every way that it is humanly possible. So, dear Father, I pursue knowing Jesus as my Savior and LORD, living for him, and as much as I can, like him, in my world. As I do, I intentionally partner with the Holy Spirit to see Jesus' love, character, and compassion come alive in me. In the name of Jesus the Righteous One, 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 - Ephesians 5:1-2

Be imitators of God as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

—Ephesians 5:1-2

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery. So, if we are to sincerely flatter* God, we must choose to have the righteous character, gracious compassion, and faithful love and justice of God in our daily actions. Such imitation may be the most costly form of flattery as well. You see, love for God is never something that occurs just in our minds or our hearts. Love is something we do for another - love demonstrates itself by its actions. John said that we must love in both our deeds and our words (1 John 3:16-18). Love means to give ourselves up - what we want, our rights, our desires - to honor God and serve others (1 John 4:7-10; Philippians 2:1-10). This sacrificial love can change a marriage, a family, a friendship, a fellowship of God's people, and ultimately the world! as dearly loved children, let's live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us!

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* You may feel as I do that our goal is to honor, praise, and love God more than flattering Him.

My Prayer...

Abba Father, I will never fully understand how you could love me so much that you would allow your son to die for me, as the sacrifice for my sins against you. Please help me love others sacrificially. I know the power to do this is not within me, so please pour your love into my heart through your Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5) so that I can share your love with others. Through Jesus, my brother, my sacrifice, my Savior and my LORD, 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 Peter 1:13

Prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.

—1 Peter 1:13

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

When Jesus came the first time, he came to reveal God (John 1:18; Hebrews 1:1-3). As wonderful, powerful, and gracious as he was in his earthly ministry, he did not fully reveal all of who he is. Our hope is tied to his return. When he comes this time, he won't come to reveal God, but to reveal himself - the conquering LORD, the Rider on the white horse, our eternal Savior. Every knee will bow. We will get to see him as he really and fully is - Immanuel in power and grace, triumphant in every way. When we set our hope on Jesus' grace at his return, we can be confidently ready for active service to our king today. We can live under his leadership with obedience and praise today because we know that great tomorrow is coming!

My Prayer...

O Almighty God, I long for the day when I get to see Jesus face to face, coming with the angels in power. Until that time, please fasten my heart in hope to the glory Jesus will share with me on that day, and please empower me to live as one who knows that victory is mine in Jesus beginning today. Jesus, through your powerful 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.