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THE WORD OF GOD WORLD OUTREACH

You Must Ask for Eternal Life... Matthew 21:22 - And all things, whatsoever you shall ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive. John 16:24 - Here to have you asked nothing in my name: ask, and you shall receive, that your joy…

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Created by Bishop Dr. Joshua Smith Oct 18, 2011 at 3:47am. Last updated by Bishop Dr. Joshua Smith Mar 21, 2014.

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Meeting You Where You Are?

Daily Bible Verse & Prayer

Today's Verse - 1 Thessalonians 3:12

May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.

—1 Thessalonians 3:12

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God is love. God is also the source of love. He pours love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). So, how do we make our churches, our families, our small groups, and communities more loving? We pray for God to grow the love in those in groups, letting them know that we are praying for them, and then communicate and demonstrate our love to those very same groups in words and actions. As John wrote to early believers:

Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth (1 John 3:18).

My Prayer...

Father, use me to help be an example of love to those around me. Please pour your love into my heart through your Spirit, as you promised, and then help me channel that love out into the lives of others. Please empower the love in our congregations, schools, and families to grow pervasively and generously, so that the world may know that you sent Jesus. May our love not just be known among us, but also to those around us who are not part of your Kingdom family. 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 - Romans 14:1

Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters.

—Romans 14:1

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Our life in Christ is such a blessing! We want to welcome new disciples into our fellowship to share the blessings that Jesus has given us. We don't bring them in to scrutinize their past failures or the current struggles, but to bring them into the love of God's acceptance as part of his eternal family. They will make mistakes and stumble, just as we did when we were new believers. Yet God welcomed us patiently, graciously, and compassionately. Let's do the same with new believers as they learn to live for Jesus. As Paul commanded the Romans:

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God (Romans 15:7).

My Prayer...

Father, please make me more understanding and patient with my brothers and sisters in Christ, especially those who are new to the faith. Give me insight and empathy so I can encourage them, build them up, and help them feel accepted into your family as your beloved children. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Today's Verse - Matthew 11:28-30

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

—Matthew 11:28-30

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

We could call it the irony of discipleship. To follow Jesus Christ means that we surrender everything and follow Him. To follow Christ means that we receive untold blessings in this life and eternal life with God in the life to come. So is it hard? Yes, sometimes it is very challenging, downright exhausting, and at certain times, filled with rejection and persecution. Jesus said it would be that way at times. And let's be honest, life is hard. So, can our burden be light as Jesus promised? Yes, because we do not live our lives in vain, and we are living life as God intended us to live. Our efforts make a difference, and we get to meet incredible people whom we will know forever. Then, when our life is over on this earth, it isn't really over! We get to go home and be with our LORD in the glory, and our Savior will welcome us home. Our souls will find rest, and every burden will be lifted just as every tear will be dried!

My Prayer...

Please give me courage, O God, to face the challenges that I must confront. Give me charity to deal appropriately with those I meet. Give me thankfulness for all that you have done to bless me. Give me the foresight to see that living for Jesus is the best of all choices. As I walk this road of discipleship, dear LORD, please give me the rest I need to continue boldly, faithfully, and passionately. I trust that you will bring me home to you in glory, and I will find my rest in your presence, where your grace and glory will erase every pain, burden, and hardship. In the name of the LORD Jesus, I praise and thank you. Amen.

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