September 2021 week 1

Verse of the Day for Friday

As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit — just as it has taught you, remain in him. — 1 John 2:27

Thoughts on Today’s Verse

When we became Christians, we were not only cleansed by the Holy Spirit, we were also filled with the Holy Spirit. John speaks of this as our anointing. The Spirit helps us hear the truth about Jesus and keeps us from surrendering that truth to false teaching that would diminish either side of Jesus’ identity — Jesus, God with us and God like us. We abide in Jesus when we hold on to both of these incredible truths.

My Prayer

Holy and Righteous Father, thank you for sending Jesus to save me. May I never surrender my sense of wonder or my deep feelings of appreciation for all that Jesus was, is, and will be. Thank you for sending me your Spirit to help me safeguard the truth about your Son and my Savior, in whose name I pray and give you thanks. Amen.

Verse of the Day for Thursday,

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. — Romans 8:26

Thoughts on Today’s Verse

Isn’t it incredible! Even in those times that my words are blocked and my heart is heavy, God hears my prayers. It is not because I am articulate, wise, or faithful enough to pray as I should. No, it is because God has graciously placed his Spirit in our hearts to make known what my words cannot capture and my mind cannot verbalize. God hears my groanings, my yearnings, my heartbreaks, and my heart-cries. He knows what I cannot think, but only feel. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, he answers those unuttered prayers with his presence, grace, and power.

My Prayer

Father, I am comforted by the assurance that even if I don’t know what to say, you know what I cannot articulate. I trust you to answer my longings as you see fit, for I know that you know what I need far more than I know how to ask for it. In Jesus’ name, and with full confidence in the Holy Spirit, I pray. Amen.

Verse of the Day for Wednesday,

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. — Proverbs 3:3-4

Thoughts on Today’s Verse

Character is measured by the love and faithfulness we genuinely display in our daily lives. These are not simple virtues that we can fake. Merciful love is displayed when we have power over another but choose to treat them with kindness and genuine concern. Faithfulness is being a person of truth — genuine and trustworthy in word and deed. These virtues need to be a part of our everyday life and permeate our very identity. When they do, others will notice and God will be pleased.

My Prayer

Holy God — faithful and compassionate, full of mercy and steadfast love — I praise you for your example of strength and mercy, holiness and compassion, love and faithfulness. Carve this character on my heart as I submit myself to your will and open my life to your Spirit’s transformational power. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Verse of the Day for Tuesday,

“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” — John 8:31-32

Thoughts on Today’s Verse

Truth is not something we know, it is something we live. Jesus reminds us that we must not only know his teaching, but also obey it. However, obedience is one of the proofs of our discipleship and doorway to freedom and truth.

My Prayer

Father, forgive me for taking obedience to your will so lightly. Sometimes your way seems restrictive and hard. However, dear Father, deep in my heart I do genuinely believe that your will is a blessing and not a hindrance. Use me to help others find joy in obeying you, too. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Verse of the Day for Monday,

Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud. — Proverbs 16:19

Thoughts on Today’s Verse

What is your source of significance? This proverb challenges us to view the world upside down to the rest of culture. Humility and association with the lowly and oppressed are valued by God. Abusive power and arrogance are not. God didn’t just give us this proverb, he sent us his Son to demonstrate it. Now if we can only learn to live it. Ah! But Jesus does give us the opportunity to demonstrate it when he says, “Follow me!” (cf. John 13)

My Prayer

Father, I do recognize my weakness and vulnerability to temptation, to the lure of my culture’s facades, and to the pressure to be like the “popular crowd.” Thank you for Jesus, who had power but displayed humility, who had position but identified with the abandoned, forgotten, and rejected. Please use me to be a difference-maker in my world by including those who are left out, forgotten, and disenfranchised. In Jesus name. Amen.

Min. Jean