Today's Verse - Romans 12:3

By the grace given me I say to everyone of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.

—Romans 12:3

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

The wisdom of heaven reminds us:

Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall (Proverbs 16:18).

Knowing this, we must try to balance two truths: I must not be prideful, but I must understand just how much God values me. It's not easy. Satan can use our self-denigration, what I call "the worthless worm syndrome," to discourage and demean ourselves as God's creation. He longs to keep us from using our spiritual gifts (1 Peter 4:10-11) and living for God's purposes (Psalm 139:13-16). The evil one wants us to forget our value to God. On the other hand, pride takes God out of the picture. We attribute any contribution we make to God's Kingdom and our world to our own efforts, rather than to God. To be both image bearers of God (Genesis 1:26-27) and part of fallen humanity (Romans 3:21-24) is more than a theological issue; it is the daily struggle of being JESUShaped disciples who know our sinfulness but also God's love, mercy, and grace. We maintain our proper balance of humility as flawed mortals and divine utility as beings uniquely created and recreated (2 Corinthians 5:17) by God. When we praise the One who made us his children and give thanks for being adopted into God's family because of his grace for us in Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21), we think of ourselves properly.

My Prayer...

Holy Father, I know that I am your child, not because of my deservedness, but because you redeemed me at the cost of Jesus' life. I know I am loved and valuable to you. I know you have given me the gifts, abilities, and experiences that have shaped me. May I ever be your humble yet valuable child, I pray this in the name of Jesus. 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 - Zechariah 14:9

The LORD will be king over the whole earth. On that day, there will be one LORD, and his name the only name.

—Zechariah 14:9

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Jesus taught us:

"So then, this is how you should pray:
‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven'" (Matthew 6:9-10 BSB).

As we pray, our hearts should yearn for the day when the LORD will be the universally recognized King over all the earth (Philippians 2:10-11). As we use the opening words of Jesus' model prayer, we are also asking the LORD to be King of our hearts as we commit ourselves to him alone. For us, he is the "one LORD, and his name the only name" that reigns in our hearts. These are more than words. As we say them, we look forward to the day when all created beings, seen and unseen, recognize Jesus as LORD. In a world of profanity, a world where God's name is blasphemed, and a world where God's greatness is often ignored, we hold to the promise that every knee will bow and every tongue confess, in heaven and on the earth and under the earth, that Jesus Christ is LORD. He has no rival. He is incomparable. His name is the only name worthy of reverence, honor, and praise. And we choose to make this so in our lives today!

My Prayer...

Great Almighty LORD, bring yourself glory in our time of history. With all my heart, dear Father, I pray for your name to be reverenced in all the earth. Do mighty works that show your control and sovereignty to help your people bring others to call on your name and praise you for your glory and grace. In Jesus' holy and precious 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 - Psalm 138:8

The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever — do not abandon the works of your hands.

—Psalm 138:8

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God has a purpose and plan for each of our lives, something unique he purposed for each of us as he created each of us in the womb of our mother (Psalm 139:13-16). We need to discover that purpose and live it out as our life's mission. As long as we seek the LORD's will, we can't do anything that can derail his ultimate purpose for us. If we seek Jesus, God is at work in our lives"to will and to act to fulfill his good purpose" in us (Philippians 2:12-13). He works all things out for our best good as we love him and live for his purpose for us (Romans 8:28-29). Yes, we may at times stray from the perfect path he wants us to travel, but we never get totally out of the main channel of his will as long as we do not abandon him. Remember: He will never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5-6). He will fulfill his great purpose for each of us.

My Prayer...

O Sovereign God, please use the Holy Spirit to help me discern today what your purpose for my life is. I yearn to fulfill your plan and purpose for me. Thank you for loving me and promising to walk beside me every step of my life. I live trusting that you will never forsake me and are committed to being at work through the Spirit to transform me to become more JESUShaped in every area of my life and influence (Colossians 1:28-29; 2 Corinthians 3:18). In the name of your faithful Son, 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.