Romans 15:2
New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
Being depressed and dissatisfied with life can be caused by a myriad of things. But for many of us, these are symptoms that we have focused too much on ourselves and are angry with life. We have forgotten to count our blessings, thank and praise God, and help those around us. This verse addresses the last in this list: thinking of others is just what Christ did. It makes a difference in the life we bless and we also find ourselves immensely blessed.

MY PRAYER…
Holy and Matchless God, help me to see the brokenness, hurt, and difficulties in the lives around me, not so I can gloat or feel better about myself, but so that I might bless another with your love and grace. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Galatians 5:13
New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
Freedom is a wonderful gift when it is handled with responsibility. Not being under law is such a sweet grace, but we must pass that sweetness on to each other through service, kindness, and care.

MY PRAYER…
O Great God of Deliverance, thank you for rescuing Israel from Pharaoh’s grasp, David from the sword of Goliath, and Daniel from the lion’s den. But O Great Deliverer, thank you most of all for the triumph of Jesus over sin at Calvary and his victory over death at the empty tomb. I long to see you face to face and thank you for my freedom. Until that day, guide me as I use this gift of liberation to serve your children and live for you. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

1 Corinthians 1:10
New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
For churches to get along, sometimes their leaders must remind them about unity, using the authority of the One who made his dying prayer a prayer for unity. We must work together or perish.

MY PRAYER…
Lord Jesus, you have presented so many of my prayers to our Father, but today, I want to thank you for loving me so. I promise that I will do all I can, to the glory of our Father, to live at peace and serve those who belong to you. By your name and through the blessed Holy Spirit I pray. Amen.

Romans 15:5-6
New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
Unity comes from God’s Spirit as we follow Jesus. But unity has a purpose much deeper than our getting along with each other. Jesus prayed that we would be one so the world would know that God sent him (John 17). We want to be united so our praise can bring glory to God. Unity is far more than a goal, it is a process through which the world learns of Jesus and we glorify the Father who sent him and saved us. Can you think of anything more fundamental to our faith than that!

MY PRAYER…
Great and Almighty God, Eternal Strength for all who call on your name, I apologize and ask your forgiveness for everything I’ve done and every word I’ve spoken that has hurt someone in your family and brought a wound to the unity of your Church. Please bless my efforts as I seek less of my will and more for your glory and the encouragement of others. Through Jesus I ask it. Amen.

Hebrews 6:10
New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
So much assurance in such a short verse! God is not unjust — boy is that an understatement. If he produced the atoning sacrifice for our sins, what will he deny us if we seek after him? He will not forget our work and love — an eternal record of the good we have done! When we help our brothers and sisters in Christ, we bless him! We are HIS people!! That’s real motivation to keep on maturing in Christ.

MY PRAYER…
God, you are so gracious. Thank you. Words cannot express my joy at hearing such a simple and profound statement describing your virtues. I am so glad I am your child. Through my brother Jesus I pray. Amen.

Oh, the depth and riches of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out. Thoughts on today’s verse God’s plan to save us is incredible. His blueprints for the creation of our universe are beyond our imagining. He is so rich in wisdom and knowledge. What else can we do but go to him and ask him to open our minds to his work and his will in our lives. Prayer: Precious and Almighty Father, thank you for reawakening me each spring to the power of your sustaining presence in the world, but even more in my life. Bless me today as I seek to put you first in all I do. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Zephaniah 3:17
New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
So God likes to sing too! He even likes to share his lullabies with those he loves. Not only is God Abba Father, he is also like a mother. He gently rocks and quiets his children with his affectionate care.

MY PRAYER…
O God, I pray that when the storms of life rage against me, I will remember these words and find refuge, comfort and peace in your sheltering care. Make me aware, O God, of your singing in my life as you make your salvation more clear to me each day. Through my Savior Jesus I pray. Amen.

Ecclesiastes 11:5
New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
I don’t know. I don’t know! That has to be one of the hardest phrases for us to use. But when thinking about God and his ways, that’s really all we can say. We know about God only what he in his grace has chosen to reveal to us. He is the Mystery of mysteries. He is the supreme knowable Unknown. Yet what we do know of him, what he has revealed to us in Jesus, is not only mighty and awesome, but loving and merciful.

MY PRAYER…
To you, O Lord God, I can only offer my wonder and awe. When I consider the universe in which our tiny blue planet spins its existence, I am humbled at your vastness. But at the same time, I treasure your nearness. You are a good far above all I know, but a God who is also near. Thank you for being accessible but not penetrable. Through Jesus I pray. Amen.

Psalm 139:13-14
New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
I am made by God! You are made by God. Just as surely as ANYone has been made by God, we have been made by God. He knew us before anyone knew we were there. He had plans for us before anyone planned our arrival. And he made us well! How do we know? Look at all God has made.

MY PRAYER…
God Almighty, my Savior and Redeemer, thank you for knowing me before I was able to know. Thank you for choosing my life and giving it to me. Thank you for giving me the gifts, abilities and talents that you have given me. Now help me live as if I was made special by you, because I am! Through Jesus I pray. Amen.

Proverbs 31:30
New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
So many things we honor and exalt in our culture are shallow and temporary. The one thing that lasts in a beautiful woman is not her charm or her beauty, but her godliness. Let’s make sure in our church families and our physical families that true and lasting beauty is clearly valued and amply praised!

MY PRAYER…
Holy God, please give us better eyes and more faithful hearts that we may value in all people qualities that reflect your character. Bless us as we raise our children that we may instill in them a sense of proper values as they choose their life partner. And dear God, please help us in our churches to value and praise women for their holy character. In Jesus name. Amen.

Proverbs 31:10 27-28
New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
Give honor to whom honor is due! This biblical principle is most certainly true of women, and especially those who are godly mothers. Let’s make sure we praise the key women in our lives today!

MY PRAYER…
Father, I want to thank you for the women of character and grace, tenderness and fire, love that and tenacity, who have helped shape my life in a way helped me find you. Please bless them this day, I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Ephesians 4:32
New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
Be kind and compassionate, — two qualities that seem to be in short supply. Maybe its because we hold up the wrong heroes, but these two qualities are often seen as a sign of weakness rather than strength. To forgive as God forgave us requires great courage and great strength. So let’s be strong!

MY PRAYER…
Holy God, there is no way I can adequately thank you for sacrificing so much to forgive me. So this day, I pledge to be more like you, to share more of kindness and grace with those who have wronged me. Today, I ask you to help me release my bitterness toward _____________ and I ask you to bless this person with your kindness and grace. By the power of Jesus’ example I ask this. Amen.

If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.

Thoughts on today’s verse

The right thing is so hard to do sometimes. It is so much easier to gossip, to mention another’s wrong against us in a prayer with others, to pass around innuendo. But only one thing is the right thing to do! Go to the person who has wronged you and try to keep the damage contained to just the two of you.

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, forgive my foolish and selfish ways. Through your Spirit, help me to be as forgiving as you are. Give me courage to lovingly confront those who have sinned against me, but if I cannot bring reconciliation, help me to forgive as you have forgiven me. Through Jesus, the atoning sacrifice for sin I pray. Amen.

Romans 8:1-2
New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
“Free at last, free at last, praise Lord God Almighty I am free at last.” Becoming a Christian means we have been liberated from law-keeping. We now have God living in us, through the Holy Spirit, to not only help us know his will, but to live it. Through the Spirit’s power, we can do what no law could make us do: live up to God’s standards of righteousness.

MY PRAYER…
Gracious father, thank you for all of your gifts to me. Today, I want to especially thank you for liberating me from law and empowering me with your Spirit. Fill me and empower me today with your Spirit as I live my life for you. Through Jesus my Lord I pray. Amen.

Colossians 4:5-6
New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
There are no random acts of kindness, only intentional acts given the opportunity to happen. This is true not just in deeds, but in words as well. But more than trying to avoid poor speech, we are urged to use our speech to bless and help others to come to know Christ.

MY PRAYER…
Father, forgive me for the careless words I have uttered this week. I understand that these careless words are twice sins — a sin once when I committed it and a sin a second time because I didn’t see the opportunity to be redemptive. Open my eyes Lord so that I may see what you have placed in my path. Through Jesus I pray. Amen.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
Where does your heart live? That’s what these verses are all about. Is there a constant awareness in your life that God is present? Is he the unseen but always present companion in all your ups and downs? Or is God here when it is convenient and gone when things are busy? Joy comes from knowing we are never alone. Prayer is the ongoing conversation we have, Spirit to Spirit, with God. Thanksgiving is the great reminder that we have been blessed no matter what the circumstances may suggest.

MY PRAYER…
Precious and Righteous Father, thank you for being there. Give me a deeper appreciation and a always more profound awareness of your presence today. May my life reflect the joy you have given me by saving me by grace. And may my heart always find its home in you. Through Jesus I pray. Amen.

James 5:16
New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
To confess is to do two things with our sin: 1) to recognize sin for what it is in God’s eyes and 2) to get rid of our secrets and be honest with another Christian. James’ language is powerful. He mentions that this confession doesn’t just bring forgiveness. It also brings healing.

MY PRAYER…
Holy Father, I have sinned. I now confess my own personal sin of ____________. I ask for your forgiveness and for your Spirit to strengthen me in overcoming temptation. I want to live for you and not let my sin, any sin, entangle me and draw me away from you. Through Jesus I pray. Amen

Philippians 4:6-7
New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
God wants to hear our prayers, but to keep them from becoming too self-focused, God wants us always to remember to give thanks. It is so easy for us to turn prayer into a request line. We are the ones who are left bereft when thanksgiving and praise are robbed from our prayers.

MY PRAYER…
Gracious God, I have so many reasons to praise you. In the face of trial and hardship I have your promises to reawaken my hope. In the moment of victory I have you to thank for my abilities. In the boredom of the routine, I have great joys in your surprises. Thank you, God, for being so great and yet so loving. In Jesus name. Amen.

2 Chronicles 7:14
New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
Humility is not our culture’s biggest asset or most desired character quality. But humility is what is demanded — not so much because it’s commanded (thought that would be enough), but because we’ve earned it. Every year brings another wave of major failures in morality, character, and spirituality. Rather than progressing culturally, we find ourselves slipping. Humility is earned! So let’s be humble and call upon the Lord!

MY PRAYER…
Holy and Almighty God, your deeds are awesome, your faithfulness is overwhelming, and your mercy and grace are such a blessing. Yet I come to you knowing that you hear me, despite the incredible distance between you and I, between your worth and holiness and my lack. I confess that I, and my culture and country around me have made a mess of what you so wonderfully blessed us with. I come humbly asking that you reassert yourself in our nation in clearly recognizable ways. I ask this in faith through Jesus. Amen.

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
Sometimes the key to survival is simply “setting our jaw” and going on faithfully trusting that God is there helping us, despite the outward circumstances. Choosing joy through hope rather than despair, choosing patient endurance in times of affliction, and choosing faithfulness in prayer are all decisions of the will. We trust that God, who raised Jesus from the dead, can also change our circumstances because he hears our voice.

MY PRAYER…
Create in me, O Mighty God, a resolute and steadfast heart so that I might persevere with joy no matter what the difficulty. This I ask through your faithful Son. Amen.

1 John 5:14-15
New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
Confidence before God. Through the presence of Jesus at the Father’s right hand and the intercession of the Holy Spirit, we can have confidence and come boldly before the Creator of the universe and know that he not only hears us, but also cares for us. Wow, what an audience! Oh, and one final thing, he also ACTS on what we ask.

MY PRAYER…
Abba Father, for the grace of your listening ear I thank you more than words can say. Through the authority of Jesus, my brother, and by the grace of your interceding Holy Spirit, I offer you my thanks and love this day. Amen.

Hebrews 11:6
New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
I believe! I believe that God not only knows me, but cares about me. I believe that God not only created the universe, but he knows the number of hairs on my head. I believe that God not only sent his Son to save the world, but that he’s sending him back to bring me home. What’s more, I believe that God is pleased by my belief.

MY PRAYER…
Almighty, Most Holy Lord, I thank you for your steadfast love and enduring faithfulness. I thank you for your grace and mercy. I thank you for your might and power. I thank you for your awesome holiness. I thank you… for being you and choosing to reveal yourself to mortals like me. Through Jesus, your final Word, I pray. Amen.

Ephesians 4:15
New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
Speaking the truth is hard enough. You mean I have to do it in love? Yes, if I am to be Christ’s man or woman, I must speak to others as he did.

MY PRAYER…
Father, forgive me for the bitterness in my heart and unfairness on my lips. Through your Spirit, help me better use my speech to bless others and glorify you. May I speak your truth with your love today in all my conversations. Through him who is Truth and Love I pray. Amen.

Job 19:25
New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
Beyond what these words were first meant to convey, we know today that our Redeemer will return as the Rider on the white horse in triumph and victory. Hallelujah, what a day!

MY PRAYER…
Conquering King, Immortal God, I look forward to the day of your ultimate triumph in our world. Until that day, I pray that your Kingdom may be reflected in my church, my family and my life. Through the Rider on the white horse, I pray. Amen.

Philippians 2:5-8
New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
“Lord, humble us gently.” That is one of my friend’s favorite prayers. I like it, too. But thank God that Jesus was not gently humbled. While I hate he had to go through agony, his self-emptying humility the fact that was stark, bold, drastic, and outrageous. But I am to have this same attitude when it comes to reaching the lost and loving God’s children.

MY PRAYER…
God, you are all-powerful and yet you emptied yourself to redeem me. May I be more selfless in my attitude and treatment of others, like Jesus was with me. In his name, I pray. Amen.

Luke 19:10
New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
“The Friend of Sinners.” Of all the things Jesus was called, I believe that was his favorite. Come to think of it, I believe it’s my favorite, too!

MY PRAYER…
Father, while I know you hate sin and the havoc it creates in our lives, I am so thankful that when you came to earth you were not our judge but our Savior, you were our friend. I promise to live today more aware of your love for the lost because I know what it means to be found. Through Jesus my Lord, I pray. Amen.

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
Jesus didn’t just come and die for us. He wasn’t raised only to give us life. No, as incredible as those gifts are, he adds another until he can come and take us home to God: Jesus lives to ask God for grace in our behalf.

MY PRAYER…
Precious Savior, my Jesus, how I love you. You sacrificed heaven for me. You gave up dignity to redeem me. You destroyed death to assure me. But today, I am most thankful and most aware that every prayer I make, every step I take, you are in the Father’s presence to bless me. Thank you. Amen.

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
Jesus didn’t just come and die for us. He wasn’t raised only to give us life. No, as incredible as those gifts are, he adds another until he can come and take us home to God: Jesus lives to ask God for grace in our behalf.

MY PRAYER…
Precious Savior, my Jesus, how I love you. You sacrificed heaven for me. You gave up dignity to redeem me. You destroyed death to assure me. But today, I am most thankful and most aware that every prayer I make, every step I take, you are in the Father’s presence to bless me. Thank you. Amen.

Colossians 1:27-28
New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
Christ lives in me. Until I can become completely like him through the power of the Spirit (2 Cor 3:18), he lives in me. Until I can go home to be with him he lives in me (John14:1-21). Everywhere I go and everything I do, he is with me.

MY PRAYER…
O God, may the presence of Jesus within me stir me to your work today. May your abiding grace, through the presence of your gracious Son, call me to your character and your concerns. O Jesus, please make my heart like our Father’s. Amen.