Today's Verse - Philippians 2:14-16

Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life.

—Philippians 2:14-16

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Stars! They've always been a source of constant hope for God's people. "I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven..." God told Abraham (Genesis 22:17). "When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them..." David asked (Psalm 8:3-4). The Wisemen, Magi from the East, followed a star to discover baby Jesus (Matthew 2:1-2). Luke reminds us that Jesus was the light coming from heaven to shine on those in darkness (Luke 2:32). And now, we're stars - God's points of light in the dark sky of the universe. Let's make today a day that our light shines God's glory to a dark world around us. We will live for Jesus without complaining or arguing, living pure lives so we can shine God's grace to those who do not know him through Jesus! Let's hold out the word of life in our dark world.

My Prayer...

Almighty God, the incredible expanse of your universe, with its billions of stars, exceeds my limited comprehension. But I thank you for calling me to be a person of light in the dark world around me. I pledge to shine your light in the lives of all those I influence. Through the name of Jesus, your bright and morning star (Revelation 22:16), 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 - Galatians 5:16

Live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

—Galatians 5:16

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

I don't want you to think about an orange rhinoceros flying with blue wings. Now quit it. I don't want you to think about that orange rhinoceros anymore. You know there is no such thing as an orange rhino that flies, much less one that flies on blue wings. Quit thinking about him and his blue wings!
Of course, the point is straightforward: the more we try not to do something, the more we focus on it, the more we ensure that we will do what we are not supposed to do. That's why the gift of the Holy Spirit is so important to us as we seek to honor and obey our LORD and Savior Jesus and avoid sin. He enables and empowers us to move beyond our sin and to quit thinking about it. The Spirit empowers us, not by focusing on the sin we want to avoid, but by enriching us and "distracting" us with the important things of God (Galatians 5:22). As we focus more on Jesus, the more the Spirit transforms us away from our sin that we want to avoid and thinking about, and transforming us toward the character of Jesus:

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces reflect and contemplate* the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:17-18).

---

* The Greek word (ἀνακεκαλυμμένῳ) means both "reflect" and "contemplate" as most translations suggest in their footnotes.

Video Commentary...

ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos

My Prayer...

Abba Father, I thank you for your Holy Spirit that lives in me and is now interceding with you for me (Romans 8:26). Please fill me with your Spirit so that my life more nearly reflects your will and focuses on your concerns as the Spirit transforms me to become more and more like my LORD and Savior. Through 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 - John 8:31-32

Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

—John 8:31-32

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

There are few things more coveted than freedom. People die for it. People pray for it. People strive for it. True freedom comes from knowing truth, the truth, God's truth. Knowing God's truth ultimately comes by living in obedience to Jesus. Truth is not just something we think about or believe in our heads. Truth must be believed in the way we live our lives, in the way we use our words, in the actions we demonstrate toward others, and in our obedience to what Jesus taught. Truth is something we do, we live. As Jesus said:

Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them (John 13:17).

And Jesus' brother emphasized:

...they will be blessed in what they do (James 1:25).

Jesus said:

"If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

My Prayer...

To the only true God be glory, honor, power, and praise. Father, I seek not only your presence in my daily life, but also your pleasure in the choices I make and the things that I do with my life. Please teach me more of your truth as I pledge to live today in obedience to your word and your will. Please make your truth real in my life through the things I think, say, and do in respect and honor to you. 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.