Today's Verse - 2 Peter 3:18

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

—2 Peter 3:18

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Where do you need to grow in your walk with the LORD?
How about setting the tandem goal of growing in the grace of God and knowledge of Christ Jesus, our LORD and Savior?
So often we pursue one or the other, grace or knowledge. However, something comes unhinged in our soul when either of those becomes more important than the other. Let's keep grace and knowledge together, because we see them united in the Father's gracious sending of His Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ, who created everything and was before anything (John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:15-17)

My Prayer...

Holy God, I desire to grow into becoming more of JESUShaped. I know I cannot do that without the power of your Holy Spirit, and my heart desiring such growth. I also want to grow into a more gracious person as I know and experience Jesus' presence and truth in my life. Please bless me in this holy quest and use me to help others do the same. 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.

Today's Verse - Zephaniah 3:17

The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.

—Zephaniah 3:17

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Isn't it comforting, powerful, and restorative to know that God is with us! That's the great message of the story of Jesus - Immanuel, God with us (Matthew 1:23). That's the message of hope Zephaniah gives the defeated people of God. God is among us. He is mighty to save. He loves us. He delights in us. He stills the storms of our hearts with his loving touch and mighty voice. He sings us lullabies of joy over us. Why? Our Father longs to be close to us and invites us to draw near to him. What will our response be? Oh, I want to move closer to this God!

My Prayer...

Father, strengthen my resolve as I turn away from evil and draw near to experience your presence. I don't want any imitation relationship with you. I don't want some artificial symbol of you. I want to know YOU. I want to experience YOUR presence and for you to use me as a tool of YOUR grace in the lives of others. I need your presence to settle the disquietude of my soul and reassure me of my purpose in Jesus, in whose name I pray and thank you for your presence. 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...

Do you want to know some things you can do to please God?

• Rejoice in his grace.
• Pray for others.
• Give thanks for your blessings.

These are simple things God wants us to do, and doing them to honor him changes everything. Doing these things is not only spiritual, but also life-giving!

My Prayer...

Heavenly Father and Almighty God, I am thrilled at the very thought of being your child. Abba Father, please hear my prayer of concern for several people who are on my heart today...
Loving God, thank you so much for the blessings you pour into my life each day. In Jesus' holy name, I rejoice in your grace, pray for these others I have mentioned, and give thanks for your many blessings. 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.