Verse of the Day for Monday, April 22nd, 2024
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in ... View MoreVerse of the Day for Monday, April 22nd, 2024
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds...
—Ephesians 4:22-23
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
God makes us new when we become disciples of Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:17). Most of us, however, have moments when the old way of life erupts, makes its presence known, and tries to drag us back into the old way of living. So, being new is a lifetime decision we must make each day, offering ourselves to God, putting off our old self, and inviting the Holy Spirit to renew us (Romans 12:1-2). Throughout Ephesians, Paul talks about the Holy Spirit's power working in us (Ephesians 1:17-20, 3:14-21, 5:15-21). As we commit daily to following the Lordship of Jesus, the Holy Spirit empowers and matures us to be more and more like him (Ephesians 4:12-16; 2 Corinthians 3:18). The newness of our life in Jesus never has to become old or stale!
MY PRAYER...
Almighty God and dear Heavenly Father, please bless me today as I seek to live as a new person — cleansed, made holy, and empowered by your Spirit. Give me a new and clean mind as I intentionally put aside my old habits and desires to pursue Jesus. In his name, and based on his authority, I pray. Amen.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.
Together in Christ: 'Women Who Supported Jesus' Ministry' — Luke 8:1-3
Sunday, April 21, 2024
Soon afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby towns and villages, preaching and announcing the Good Ne... View MoreTogether in Christ: 'Women Who Supported Jesus' Ministry' — Luke 8:1-3
Sunday, April 21, 2024
Soon afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby towns and villages, preaching and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom of God. He took his twelve disciples with him, along with some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons; Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s business manager; Susanna; and many others who were contributing from their own resources to support Jesus and his disciples.
— Luke 8:1-3 NLT
Key Thought
Over the years, whenever I have spoken on these verses and other similar passages, [1] many people are surprised to learn that a group of Galilean women supported Jesus' ministry financially and encouraged Him by their presence. [2] Several different women anointed Jesus, extravagantly honoring Him. [3] Jesus blessed many women by personally ministering to them. [4] A group of women remained faithful to Jesus during His horrific death and burial when the men abandoned, denied, and betrayed Him. [5] Both an angel and Jesus also gave some women the responsibility to be the first to declare His resurrection. [6] Some of these women were present as the disciples were praying at Pentecost when Jesus poured out the Holy Spirit. [7] Reminded of these examples, some have remarked: "Oh yes, I do remember these now!" So my question related to our relationships in Christ is this: Why do we not remember the vital role played by women in Jesus' ministry more readily, and why do we not encourage women to follow the example of those women today? Hmm!"
All four gospels stressed the presence of faithful women during the Lord's Passion. [8] Even when the men grew frightened, then abandoned Jesus and hid in a locked room, the women continued to follow Him and bore witness the horrific events of the cross. [8] As is typical of John, the fourth gospel emphasizes things in detail that the other gospels omit. In this case, John's gospel stresses the importance of women we don't find mentioned in the three other gospels — the Samaritan woman at the well, [9] the adulterous woman, [10] and the vital connection between Martha and Mary with their brother Lazarus and their faith in Jesus. [11]
What are we to make of this? I believe the New Testament stresses several realities of our Christian faith directly tied to women: [12]
God values women and considers them equal in importance, value, and significance to men and has done so from the very beginning of creation. [13]
In Christ, as disciples of Jesus, women are indispensable to men, and men are indispensable to women in the spiritual family of God. [14]
Women played a vital role in the ministry of Jesus as partners and supporters of His ministry. [15]
Women were treated with dignity and respect as Jesus served and ministered to them when they were often neglected in their culture and community. [16]
Jesus emphasized that the importance He placed on women in ministry should not be taken from them. [17]
Amazingly, in the New Testament, Jesus is never accused by His critics of abusive or sexually immoral behavior with a woman. The Lord Jesus left us an example of non-sexualized and non-abusive friendship and ministry partnership with women in His family of believers.
As we journey ahead and look at healthy and proper relationships in God's family, the Lord's example must play a significant role in helping us know how to treat and value people of both genders, all backgrounds, and all ages. Godly men and women need each other to live productive lives while passionately displaying the Kingdom of God!
[1] Mark 15:40-41; Matthew 27:55-56.
[2] This financial support from women is the emphasis of today's verse and other similar passages.
[3] Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 16:1; Luke 7:36-50; John 11:1-3.
[4] For a few examples: Mark 5:21-43, 7:24-30; Luke 7:11-17, 36-50, 8:2, 10:38-42; John 4:1-30, 8:1-11, 11:1-44.
[5] Mark 14:50; Matthew 26:70-74, 27:55, 28:5-11; Luke 22:47-48, 23:27, 24:1, 5, 11, 22, 24; Acts 1:14, 2:17-18.
[6] Matthew 28:5-7; Mark 16:1-7; Luke 24:8-12, 22-24; John 20:11-18.
[7] Acts 1:14, 2:17-18.
[8] John 19:25-27; Luke 23:55-56; John 20:1-18; Matthew 27:55-61; Mark 15:40-41.
[9] John 4:1-42.
[10] John 8:1-11.
[11] John 11:1-45, 12:1-3.
[12] This is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Notice all the women listed in Romans 16:1-16.
[13] Genesis 1:26-27, 31.
[14] 1 Corinthians 11:11-12.
[15] See today's verses and also Mark 15:40-41 and Matthew 27:55-56.
[16] We see this dignity and respect in Jesus' ministry to the Syrian woman (Mark 7:25-29), the Samaritan woman at the well, the woman caught in the act of adultery, the women who anointed Him, and the widow at Nain — references listed above. Note that some of these women were not Jewish.
[17] Luke 10:39-41. By allowing Mary to sit at His feet, Jesus was defending her right to be one of His disciples (rabbis) in training — see Paul's claim for sitting at Gamaliel's feet for a parallel in Acts 22:3 NRSV. Luke uses the parable of the "Good Samaritan" and this story of Mary at Jesus' feet to make the point that, in Christ, "There is no longer ... male and female." (Galatians 3:26-29)!
TODAY'S PRAYER
Loving Father, I know the problems with sexual immorality in our world and in Your churches break your heart. Please help us be wise in treating each other as men and women. Open our eyes to Your Scriptures to see how women and men played a vital role in Your unfolding story of redemption in every era, regardless of the freedoms and roles allowed in culture. Thank You for Jesus, Your model of godliness in all relationships. Thank You, Jesus, for valuing people of each gender, every race, and any social standing. Help us empower each of Your disciples to serve You with dignity, appreciation, and support. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
RELATED SCRIPTURE READINGS
Romans 16:1-16
Luke 23:49, 55-56, 24:1-12; Acts 1:14
Unstoppable! 'Genuine Sorrow' — Acts 8:1-4
Sunday, April 21, 2024
Saul was one of the witnesses [to Stephen's being stoned to death], and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen.
A great w... View MoreUnstoppable! 'Genuine Sorrow' — Acts 8:1-4
Sunday, April 21, 2024
Saul was one of the witnesses [to Stephen's being stoned to death], and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen.
A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem; and all the believers except the apostles were scattered through the regions of Judea and Samaria. (Some devout men came and buried Stephen with great mourning.) But Saul was going everywhere to destroy the church. He went from house to house, dragging out both men and women to throw them into prison.
— Acts 8:1-4 NLT
Key Thought
While we have looked at victorious faith over the last few days, we must not minimize the grief faced by those left behind when someone they love dies. John's disciples, along with his cousin Jesus, mourned John the Baptizer's death. Jesus wept at Martha's and Mary's grief and reacted with deep emotion to the pain that Lazarus' death caused in those who knew him. In our eternal relationship with Jesus, death is a moment; life with Jesus is forever. That moment of death, however, is agonizing for those of us left behind. We must deal with the loss of someone we love. We have to deal with death even when it feels unfair and capricious. Jesus' resurrection empowers us past the fear of death, but the Lord's tears are our reminder never to minimize the pain death brings.
TODAY'S PRAYER
Precious Father, please bless those who are on my heart because of the grief they bear. Use me to be a blessing and a source of encouragement and comfort. However, dear Father, I ask that you give me wisdom not to say anything that might be hurtful or might minimize the loss they feel. Please pour out your comfort into their hearts through the Holy Spirit. I ask for your grace to be their peace. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
RELATED SCRIPTURE READINGS
John 11:31-36; Hebrews 2:14-15
2 Corinthians 1:3-5; 1 Thessalonians 4:13, 5:11
Verse of the Day for Sunday, April 21st, 2024
And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.
—1 John 4:21
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Some things are very simple... View MoreVerse of the Day for Sunday, April 21st, 2024
And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.
—1 John 4:21
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Some things are very simple. We can't love God and refuse to love each other. This is not hard to understand. On the other hand, some of our "kinfolks" in the Lord and in our families are just downright hard to love because they can be so difficult. But, we need to remember who we were when Christ died for us —powerless, ungodly, sinners, and enemies of God (Romans 5:6-11). Yet God loved us and sent Jesus to save us even when we weren't deserving. So before we whine about our "hard-to-live-with" fellow believers, we had better give thanks that God loved us when we were "hard-to-love" sinners. Then, we need to thank God for his grace by being more loving with each other.
MY PRAYER...
Almighty God, please give me the strength, compassion, and courage to love my fellow Christians as you have loved me. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.
Together in Christ: 'Valuing Leaders' — Hebrews 13:7
Saturday, April 20, 2024
Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow t... View MoreTogether in Christ: 'Valuing Leaders' — Hebrews 13:7
Saturday, April 20, 2024
Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith.
— Hebrews 13:7 NLT
Key Thought
Remember your leaders...
We should let that command from the Holy Spirit settle into our hearts. We live in a time when leaders are scrutinized, questioned, loathed, criticized, and hounded. Their motives are questioned, their integrity challenged, and their performance evaluated based on people's personal preferences, desires, and limited information. As followers, we have grown accustomed to the divisive and partisan negative portrayals of leaders on social media. Unfortunately, many of us have grown cynical of leadership in general. We must NOT treat our spiritual leaders disrespectfully and cynically while calling them to live by Jesus' standards and not the world's values!
Kingdom leadership was re-fashioned by Jesus' example [1] and teaching. [2] The over-emphasis on charisma, personality, attractiveness, and power in worldly leadership are forbidden by Jesus for His followers' leaders:
Then [Jesus' disciples] began to argue among themselves about who would be the greatest among them. Jesus told them, "In this world the kings and great men lord it over their people, yet they are called 'friends of the people.' But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant. Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table, of course. But not here! For I am among you as one who serves." [3]
The Holy Spirit tells us to "remember" our leaders. This kind of remembering must include the proper respect for the unique call of Christian leaders seeking to lead in the way of Christ Jesus. Leaders are those who have shared the word of God with us. They have lives of goodness and faith. So we honor them for their service to Jesus and to us. We must also look at the good coming from their lives as we commit to following their examples. [4] We are to love them, respect them, and live peaceably with each other [5] to make their leadership a blessing to them and to us!
[1] Philippians 2:6-11.
[2] Matthew 23:1-12; Mark 9:30-35; John 13:1-17.
[3] Luke 22:24-27.
[4] 1 Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 3:17.
[5] 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13.
Today's Prayer
Almighty God, please bless Your leaders in Jesus' church. I pledge to honor Your leaders and pray for them as they seek to lead in the footsteps of Jesus and based on His example and teaching. Please protect us, Your people, by giving us leaders of vision, service, sacrifice, and love. Please protect Your leaders by awakening us to our need to love, respect, encourage, and follow Your leaders. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
John 13:1-17
2 Corinthians 4:1-18
Unstoppable! 'Death Is Only Sleeping for Those Belonging to Jesus' — Acts 7:59-60
Saturday, April 20, 2024
As [his enraged accusers] stoned him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." He f... View MoreUnstoppable! 'Death Is Only Sleeping for Those Belonging to Jesus' — Acts 7:59-60
Saturday, April 20, 2024
As [his enraged accusers] stoned him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." He fell to his knees, shouting, "Lord, don't charge them with this sin!" And with that, he [fell asleep].
— Acts 7:59-60 NLT
Key Thought
Our translation (The New Living Translation) doesn't pick up the language of the original. Luke literally wrote that Stephen "fell asleep"! I want us to think about Luke's choice of this image for death. By faith, the first followers of Jesus believed that they were never separated from Jesus (Romans 8:32-39); death was little more than being asleep in Jesus (1 Thessalonians 4:13-15 ESV). We are taught to have the same faith. In the presence of the all-powerful Son of God, death was defeated — remember Jairus' daughter, the widow's son, and Lazarus? A believer's body may cease to have life, but the child of God is alive "with Christ" (Philippians 1:19-24) and will receive a new glorious body when he returns in his glory (1 Corinthians 15:50-58).
TODAY'S PRAYER
O Father, thank you for life that no one can steal from me. I trust that you have hidden my life with Christ and that I will share in his glory when he comes. I believe that nothing can separate me from my Savior's love and future. So, dear Father, give me courage in the face of life's most difficult challenges — even my own death — to believe and anticipate sharing in your glory because of Jesus! Amen.
See Colossians 3:1-4 for our assurance of such hope!
RELATED SCRIPTURE READINGS
Philippians 1:19-24; 2 Corinthians 5:1-10
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 ESV; 1 Corinthians 15:50-58
Verse of the Day for Saturday, April 20th, 2024
To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
—Philippians 4:20
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
When was the last time you prayed and didn't... View MoreVerse of the Day for Saturday, April 20th, 2024
To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
—Philippians 4:20
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
When was the last time you prayed and didn't request anything from God? You simply thanked and praised God. Why not use today as a day of thanks and praise? Don't ask for anything; commit to offering praise and thanksgiving to the Father without requesting anything in return! Praise him for who he is, what he has done, and what he is going to do! Thank him for blessing you, saving you, and bringing you into his glorious future! Let today be a day of thanks and praise to "Our God and Father" to whom belong "glory forever and ever. Amen."
MY PRAYER...
You are worthy, dear Father, of every word of praise my imagination can find and every word of thanks my tongue can pronounce. You are glorious, majestic, holy, mighty, and awesome. You are patient, forgiving, sacrificial, loving, and tender. You are more than I can imagine and yet closer to me than my very breath. Your greatness exhausts my vocabulary, while your generosity overwhelms my heart. Please be glorified in my every thought, deed, and word. In Jesus' name, I praise you. Amen.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.
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