Today's Readings: New Testament -
John 18:19-27
1 Thessalonians 3:7-13
Old Testament -
Psalms 139
2 Chronicles 3-5
Click on Text Links to Read Online
Focus Verses:
1 Thessalonians 3:11-13
11 Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. 12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.
Insight:
Paul not only worked toward and taught about love, fellowship, and holiness; he also prayed for it. It's the grace of God that brings us together. It's the love of God that fills our hearts to overflowing with love for others. It's the power and presence of God that strengthens us to live holy lives. The promise and hope of Christ's return give a special urgency to his prayer.
Response & Action:
I will not just work and learn and talk about fellowship, love, and holiness; I will pray about it. I will pray for God's grace to form, strengthen, heal, and sustain my relationships. I will pray for God's love to fill me and make me truly ready and able to love others. I will pray for God's power to shape and transform my life--making me holy and whole. I will pray for grace, love, and power in the expectant hope of God's promises and Christ's return.
O Lord, teach me and show me your ways. Give me the wisdom and the will to follow, learn, and obey. Even more than your teaching and my efforts, I pray to be filled with your grace, your love, and your power. I cannot learn apart from your grace. My efforts are futile apart from your presence and power. Thank you for the hope and promise that are mine in Christ Jesus. It's in his name that I pray. Amen.
Spiritual Formation Verses: Romans 8:10-11
10 But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.
Resources:
40 Days Living the Jesus Creed
by Scot McKnight
