Today's Verse - Acts 16:25

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.

—Acts 16:25

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Falsely imprisoned, Paul and Silas were dragged and beaten by the crowd, beaten with rods, and then severely flogged — yes beaten three times (Acts 16:19-23). After this abuse, they were placed in prison, chained, and locked in stocks. Under such horrible circumstances, they managed to praise God in hymns and pray to their Father in Heaven. Under this kind of pressure, their faith caught the attention of the other hardened prisoners, who listened to them and were moved by their faith and praise. We must be reminded that over the years of Christian witness, some of the most effective times of evangelism happened because Christians, disciples of Jesus, remained faithful and joyous despite persecution and harassment. Nothing should limit our prayer and praise. God will use our worship under persecution to reach the hearts of those in the most difficult of places!

My Prayer...

Holy Father, in times of adverse reactions against me because of my faith, I pray that you will make me a loving, respectable, and forceful witness for Jesus. I ask this not so that I can boast, but so that others can more fully know your grace and come to Jesus to be saved. In the name of my Savior, 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 - Jude 24-25

To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy — to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

—Jude 24-25

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Two things I trust implicitly:

1. God's power and might.
2. My joy at getting to share in his presence forever.

My best efforts will always fall short, but God's grace is greater and more glorious than my best efforts! The faultlessness that I have when I stand before God will be based on his grace and mercy for me in Jesus. Jesus will present me as holy in God's sight, without blemish, and free from any guilt (Colossians 1:22). How can I not praise him from a thankful heart as I anticipate seeing him face to face in his glory?

Video Commentary...

ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos

My Prayer...

Father, you are gracious, you are glorious, and you alone are God! I praise you for what you have done in my life through your transforming Spirit. Please strengthen me and keep me in your care. I am confident about my salvation because of your greatness and grace. Fulfill your purposes in me, and please bring me to your throne of glory with great joy. In Jesus' name, I offer you my praise and this 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.

Today's Verse - Ephesians 2:10

For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

—Ephesians 2:10

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

We are not just saved by grace FROM sin, death and hell. We are saved by grace FOR God's glory. He created us in our mother's womb with a purpose for us (Psalm 139:13-16), and God has remade us in Christ Jesus as new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17) with something special to do for him. We are his craftsmanship, his artistry, and his masterpiece. God longs to display his goodness and grace through our actions and words. You and I weren't just saved FROM sin, death, and hell. We were also saved FOR bringing the work of Christ to life in our world!

My Prayer...

O LORD, Creator and Sustainer of all things, please do your creative work in me, making me into a useful tool for your service. Please use my influence and the abilities you fashioned in me to bless my family, my friends, and those around me who need to more fully know your grace. 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.