What Jesus Did! 'At the Door' — Matthew 3:1-2
Friday, January 17, 2025
In those days John the Baptist came to the Judean wilderness and began preaching. His message was, "Repent of your sins and tur... View MoreWhat Jesus Did! 'At the Door' — Matthew 3:1-2
Friday, January 17, 2025
In those days John the Baptist came to the Judean wilderness and began preaching. His message was, "Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near."
— Matthew 3:1-2 NLT
Key Thought
So often the things we most desire, the things we are looking for most earnestly, are near us, but we miss them. When looking for something when I was young, I often heard: "If it had been a snake, it would have bitten you." We would "give our eye teeth" to have been witnesses of all the things that will transpire from the baptism of John down to the giving of the Great Commission. We will see so many people who come into Matthew's story of Jesus and who just flat out miss him and God's Kingdom. How could they be so close to Jesus and not recognize him? The Kingdom and God's Son are right in front of their eyes! But, the key to finding the Kingdom, both in their day and in our own, is our willingness to change our hearts and reform our lives to live passionately for God as we trust his grace to save and redeem us. Those who followed John were ready to find Jesus and his Kingdom. Those who refused to repent missed it.
Today's Prayer
Holy God, Almighty Father, and King of Heaven, I confess that I often lose my way and live for myself. This selfishness hurts my family, those I work with, and me. But, dear Father, I know it hurts you most of all, because it blinds me to your truth, hardens me to your grace, and makes it so difficult for me to yield my life to Jesus as Lord. By the power of your Spirit, transform me to be like your Son. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Matthew 11:21
2 Timothy 2:23-26
1 Corinthians 2:7-8
What Jesus Did! 'Power over Evil' — Mark 1:25-26
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
But Jesus reprimanded [the evil spirit]. "Be quiet! Come out of the man," he ordered. At that, the evil spirit screamed, ... View MoreWhat Jesus Did! 'Power over Evil' — Mark 1:25-26
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
But Jesus reprimanded [the evil spirit]. "Be quiet! Come out of the man," he ordered. At that, the evil spirit screamed, threw the man into a convulsion, and then came out of him.
— Mark 1:25-26 NLT
Key Thought
Jesus had power over the evil one and the vile power he seeks to wield. Jesus defeated the evil one during the temptation in the wilderness. He defeated him in every encounter during his life. Most gloriously, he defeated him in the place of Satan's greatest power — death. Jesus' victory over Satan and death will be magnificently realized when he comes again in glory with victory for all of his disciples.
Today's Prayer
O Lord, God Almighty, the Sovereign God of Israel, thank you for giving me victory through Jesus over Satan, sin, and death. I praise you for your grace that has saved me. I praise you for your Spirit, who dwells in me and gives me power. I praise you for Jesus' promised glorious return in which I will share. To you belong all glory and honor, now and forevermore, in the name of your Son, Jesus, Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Hebrews 2:14-15
Mark 6:5-8
1 Corinthians 15:25-26, 56-58
Verse of the Day for Friday, January 17th, 2025
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by fai... View MoreVerse of the Day for Friday, January 17th, 2025
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.
—Romans 5:1-2
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Justified, peace, access, grace, hope, and glory are wonderful gifts! Each of these gifts is ours because of One — One reason, One person, and One Lord: Jesus Christ, the Son of God and our Savior. Our faith in Jesus opens the door for us to rejoice in our assured hope of sharing in God's glory. In troubling times, this hope is precious. In good times, this hope promises us even greater things. In every circumstance, this assured hope can empower us to live for Jesus to the glory of God!
My Prayer...
We praise you, Lord Jesus, for all you've done to bless us with your salvation. We praise you, dear Lord, for your promise to return and invite us to share in your full, unveiled glory. We pray that you speed that day to come soon. As we wait, Father, please purify and make us useful for your service, to the glory of Jesus, by the power of the Holy Spirit. In the name of Jesus, our mediator, we pray. Amen.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.
What Jesus Did! 'Divine Partnership' — Matthew 2:19-23
Thursday, January 16, 2025
When Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt. "Get up!" the angel said. "Take the ch... View MoreWhat Jesus Did! 'Divine Partnership' — Matthew 2:19-23
Thursday, January 16, 2025
When Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt. "Get up!" the angel said. "Take the child and his mother back to the land of Israel, because those who were trying to kill the child are dead."
So Joseph got up and returned to the land of Israel with Jesus and his mother. But when he learned that the new ruler of Judea was Herod's son Archelaus, he was afraid to go there. Then, after being warned in a dream, he left for the region of Galilee. So the family went and lived in a town called Nazareth. This fulfilled what the prophets had said: "He will be called a Nazarene."
— Matthew 2:19-23 NLT
Key Thought
In this passage, we see Joseph caught in a wonderful and mysterious dance with God. God revealed his protective guidance in dreams, through angels, and in visions. Joseph, however, still had to discern the meaning of God's help and had to choose to obey his direction. So often we want everything spelled out, "just like they did in the Bible." We forget that Joseph and Mary were living a mystery that was too big to wrap their minds around; at times it was frightening and at other times it was just bewildering. The human guidance, advice, and training they received to prepare them for what lay ahead of them are remarkably similar to our own — little or none. This situation, of course, made them rely more on God each day for his direction and protection. Interestingly, after the initial bursts of divine revelation, Joseph and Mary appear to have been faced with the same kind of child raising issues that most of us face, with one exception: They were raising God's Messiah. They had to rely on God to lead them through this mystery. So must we!
Today's Prayer
Ever-present Father, I am comforted to see your protection of your Son when he was so vulnerable. I am thankful that there was never a place or time that your presence was not with him. Please inspire my confidence in your presence in my life, too. I long for you to make yourself known in my life each day as I seek to live for you. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Proverbs 3:1-6
Jeremiah 23:5-6
Psalm 5:4-7
What Jesus Did! 'Even the Demons Confess' — Mark 1:23-24
Tuesday, January 16, 2024
Suddenly, a man in the synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out, "Why are you interfering with us, J... View MoreWhat Jesus Did! 'Even the Demons Confess' — Mark 1:23-24
Tuesday, January 16, 2024
Suddenly, a man in the synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out, "Why are you interfering with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are — the Holy One of God!"
— Mark 1:23-24 NLT
Key Thought
One of the things that we will see again and again in the Gospel of Mark is that the demons know who Jesus is: He is the Son of God. The demons know he is more powerful than they: He casts them out, and they obey his commands. Jesus is stronger than Satan, and he can defeat Satan and his demonic cohorts. Even though the demons know who Jesus is, he doesn't permit them to spread the news because he doesn't want the testimony of demons, and his time has not yet come. [1] Jesus will define his own identity by his life of service offered to others and given to honor God.
[1] John 7:8.
Today's Prayer
Holy God, guard my heart against desiring titles, accolades, and earthly notoriety. I know, dear Father, that Satan can use my pride to bring me to ruin. I also know, dear God, that the evil one can twist my reputation and use it to keep others from the gospel. Holy Father, please protect my reputation and guard my heart so that my life can be used to bless others and help them know the truth about your Son. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Mark 3:22-27
Mark 1:35-39
James 2:19
Verse of the Day for Thursday, January 16th, 2025
The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.
—Proverbs 10:11
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
D... View MoreVerse of the Day for Thursday, January 16th, 2025
The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.
—Proverbs 10:11
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Do you want to know the difference between a righteous person and a wicked one? Simple! Jesus said to check the fruit of their life. One of the most visible forms of fruit in peoples' lives is found in the way they talk, how they talk, and their empathy as they talk. Righteous people find ways to impart life through what they say. The wicked reveal themselves by what they say and how they say it. In a social-media-dominated world filled with vitriol, sarcasm, and bitterness, this is a prover we must heed!
My Prayer...
O Lord God, please hear my cry as I repeat the words of the Psalmist as my earnest prayer to you:
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.*
In the name of Jesus, I ask this. Amen.
* From Psalm 19:14 ESV.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.
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