Today's Verse - Galatians 5:6

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.

—Galatians 5:6

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Have you ever noticed how we get to fussing and fighting about things that we think are significant, but in reality, these issues don't pertain to the central matters of our faith? Too often, we fuss and fight over tangential issues and lose the most essential thing to Jesus — our love for each other. In the first century, this fight often involved Jew/Gentile issues — racial and cultural practices and prejudices. While race, culture, and heritage are important, what is most important is showing the world that we can value cultural and racial diversity in each other and still find our unity in Christ. In today's high-tech and AI-focused world, isn't it interesting that the essential human issue is the same as it was two thousand years ago — faith displaying itself in loving action?

My Prayer...

Dear LORD, please help us tear down every wall that divides and separates your people. Forgive us, for our prejudice toward and against each other can dissolve in your grace. Stir a deep yearning in our hearts to share the unity of heaven* in our world today. In the name of Jesus, the atoning sacrifice for all the peoples of the world, I ask this. Amen.

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* Notice the unity of heaven, where folks from every nation, tribe, people, and language worship together in joyous praise (Revelation 7:9-12).

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 John 4:21

And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love their brother and sister.

—1 John 4:21

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

For over a week, John has repeatedly reminded us that we MUST love our brothers and sisters in Christ. Today's reminder, however, is the clincher. If we love God, we MUST love his children, our brothers and sisters in Christ. Notice that the word isn't "should love..." or "will try to love..." or "want to love..." No, the word is "MUST!" God's point is clear: Loving each other is not optional, negotiable, or something to be delayed. God sent Jesus to die for the sins of all of God's children. How can we not love those for whom Christ died (Romans 14:15; 1 Corinthians 8:11). As Paul will say to the Corinthians, "God's love compels us" (2 Corinthians 5:14). We MUST love God's children!

My Prayer...

Sovereign LORD, forgive my sometimes selective practice of loving your children. With your grace, I ask you to bless, nourish, and sustain my brothers and sisters in Christ, whether they like me or don't like me, whether they show love to me or seek to harm me. Help me love them more — more fully, more consistently, and more like Jesus. I pray today for several of your children who have great trials and burdens... (Please list some of those you know who need God's help). Empower me through your Spirit to love some who are hard for me to love. Use me to minister to them in tangibly loving ways. 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 - Philippians 1:3

I thank my God every time I remember you.

—Philippians 1:3

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Certain people are such special blessings. It doesn't matter if we visit with them on the phone, receive an encouraging email, receive a handwritten letter, or see them face to face. Any time we remember these kinds of people, we thank God for them. So, let's follow Paul's example and let them know they give us reasons to give thanks!

I thank my God every time I remember you.

Video Commentary...

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My Prayer...

Loving LORD, thank you for the following precious people you have brought into my life... (Place the names of several people who have blessed your life here). They have blessed my life and done it in so many ways. Please bless their lives with your grace, power, and Spirit. In Jesus' name, I thank you for these precious people. 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.