Romans 1:24-32

Yesterday, we saw that God makes Himself known to everyone but lets us decide whether to pursue a relationship with Him. Unfortunately, those who don’t choose God ultimately end up feeling restless and empty. And the reason is because He has “set eternity in [our] heart” (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

By God’s design, true satisfaction is found only in a relationship with Him. Without the Lord, people continuously seek new ways to temporarily fill their hearts. And that quest often leads them to pursue unworthy idols: status, money, happiness, health, achievement, knowledge, or something else.

In his letter to the church at Rome, Paul described the phenomenon this way: “For they exchanged the truth of God for falsehood, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever” (1:25). Wouldn’t you rather serve truth than falsehood? Wouldn’t you rather serve the Creator, who is blessed forever, rather than the creature?

Scripture says that “the truth will set you free” (John 8:32) and “in [the Creator’s] presence is fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11). We can choose a mediocre, unfulfilling life without the Lord, or we can have a rich and satisfying relationship with Him. It’s never too late to change your mind.

John 14:9-14

Jesus knew the crucifixion was soon, so the Last Supper was an opportunity to impart final words of comfort and wisdom to His disciples. One topic on His mind was prayer. Jesus told His friends, “If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it” (John 14:13-14). What does it mean to ask in Jesus’ name?

First, depend solely on Jesus’ mediation. We became children of God when we acknowledged our helplessness and trusted in Christ’s atoning death on our behalf. He acted as our mediator and reconciled us to the Father (1 Timothy 2:5). If we want to pray for big (or small) things, we must continue in that same spirit of dependence on Christ.

Second, seek Jesus’ ongoing forgiveness. Sin remains in our world and continues to distract us, so we must practice regular repentance when we make mistakes. That means we confess sin to God, turn away from that attitude or behavior, and receive God’s forgiveness and cleansing (1 John 1:9). Then we can approach Him with a clear conscience.

Third, offer a prayer that aligns with God’s word. One way to think of this is to pray something Jesus Himself might ask.

Prayer is most effective when we rely fully on our Savior’s sacrifice and forgiveness and ask in His name. Remember: “Apart from [Him] you can do nothing” (John 15:5), but “with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).

John 16:23-24

Yesterday we read that Jesus promised our requests will be granted when we ask according to God’s will. But what you may not realize is that our Father waits for us to draw near with our big petitions. He delights in giving His children gifts just as parents do (Matthew 7:11). But we often find it hard to believe that He’ll keep His promises and will respond for our good.

We can be confident in God’s responses to what we pray “in Jesus’ name” because they will always align with His plan. We know the Lord will never act in a manner inconsistent with His character. So by searching the Scriptures, we’ll discover whether our desires line up with God’s nature and promises.

And in doing so, we might even find inspiration from someone with a dilemma similar to what we’re facing. For instance, Elijah was exhausted and in despair; Ruth and Naomi were poor widows in need of the Lord’s help; and David’s life was in danger. Seeing how others spoke to God about their difficulties can give us confidence to do the same—all while bolstering our faith.

God knows the perfect action to take and the right time to do so. But He invites us to ask in faith—and to keep on asking (Luke 11:9 NLT).

Psalm 73:25-28

God loves us and wants to give us good things. But that doesn’t mean He will give us whatever we want whenever we want it. It’s wise to examine the desires that preoccupy us, because they reveal much about the true state of our relationship with Christ.

For example, take a moment to think about your aspirations:

• Do you want to be in control? If you have pursued influence and authority, consider whether you’ve lost sight of the value of humility and righteousness before God.

• Do you dream about wealth and fame? Perhaps you feel there’s something missing, some gap you’re trying to fill. However, remember that God alone can meet the deepest needs of the human heart.

The psalmist writes, “Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4). There is nothing wrong with wanting certain things; our longings can motivate us to achieve goals. But rather than blindly asking only for what you wish, pray that God would help you align your needs to His will.

Some Christians are afraid to ask God for what they want—even good things. Maybe they’re afraid He won’t listen. But the Lord tells us to approach His throne with boldness and confidence (Hebrews 4:16).

Luke 12:16-32

The poet William Wordsworth wrote, “The world is too much with us; late and soon, / Getting and spending, we lay waste our powers.” It’s a profound statement. After all, who hasn’t spent a time pursuing wealth or pleasure, only to discover that they’re worth far less than what we gave up in achieving them?

That’s why Jesus told the parable in today’s passage. The story is about a rich man who made plans to build larger barns but lost sight of what truly mattered. Jesus understands that things like food, shelter, and clothing are important. However, He wants us first to seek something greater—the kingdom of God (v. 31).

We don’t have to do without when we choose to pursue the Lord. Far from it! Promises of abundance fill God’s Word from Genesis to Revelation. And Scripture teaches that if we give freely of our blessings instead of clinging to them, we’ll gain far more. Jesus assured us that this type of generosity would result in “a good measure” being poured into our lap, “pressed down, shaken together, and running over” (Luke 6:38).

Spend some time in prayer today and ask the Lord to show you the better things He wants you to pursue (Matthew 6:19-21).

Psalm 37:3-8

The other day, we looked at Psalm 37:4 and read that God promises to give us the desires of our hearts. Today, let’s also look at the surrounding verses. This passage is one many people take out of context, forgetting the role they play.

What is our responsibility when it comes to claiming this promise from God? We must …

• Delight ourselves in the Lord (v. 4). As Christians, we should rejoice in God. He deserves top priority in our life.

• Commit our way to Him (v. 5). We must allow God to change any aspect of our ambition that is not aligned with His will. It’s good to remember that when He doesn’t answer prayers as we wish, it’s for a reason.

• Trust in Him (v. 5). God is merciful, all-knowing, kind, and generous. We can trust Him with our hopes and dreams.

• Rest in Him (v. 7). Resting in the Lord means being at peace with His care and control in your life.

• Wait patiently upon him (v. 7). Jesus waited decades before beginning His ministry. Like Him, we should be patient.

Remember, the Lord longs to give His followers fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11) and abundant blessings “beyond all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20). And when we surrender everything to Him, we’ll experience our Father’s best.

Matthew 28:18-20

Think about all the men and women who have invested in you over the years—those wonderful people who helped you meet Jesus and grow in your faith. Where would you be without their love and positive influence?

Maybe it’s time for you to become that person to someone else. After all, as Christians, we each have a responsibility to spread the good news and then to invest in the lives of other believers by sharing our understanding and experience. That’s why we must …

• Spend time with the Lord so that we are growing and in tune with His Spirit.

• Be prepared with a plan. New believers need to understand the basics—such as how to read the Bible and develop a habit of prayer—as well as where to find fellowship and encouragement.

• Help others know what to expect as they embark on the Christian journey. It isn’t always a straight line, is it?

Most of us learned (and struggled) until we understood the basics of life in Christ. That’s why godly mentors are so important. We all need advice and encouragement from those farther along in their walk of faith.

When Jesus met Simon and Andrew, the brothers weren’t extraordinary saints. The same was true of James and John. They were all just fishermen—men who, along with many others, listened to the Lord’s teaching. What set them apart was their faith to leave behind their old life for a new way of living.

Mark is fond of using the word immediately. In his gospel, he writes that the brothers “immediately” left their nets and followed Jesus. We might miss the enormity of this decision. The men left their businesses—their source of income—but that was only the beginning. More than three years of discipleship took them far from family, home, comfort, and safety. They answered Jesus’ call with faith, not only to believe but also to leave.

We may not receive so radical a call. Yet we aren’t all that different from the disciples. When Jesus invites us to follow Him, we must set aside everything that competes for our trust in Him. In other words, we must be willing to leave our own “nets”—jobs and homes, or perhaps comfort and success—when the Lord calls us to do so. What would it take for you to have that kind of faith?

John 3:26-31

In today’s passage, we see the disciples of John the Baptist showing concern for their leader, or perhaps for the viability of his ministry. “The one you identified as the Messiah is also baptizing people,” they said, “and everybody is going to him instead of coming to us” (v. 26 NLT). They knew John wasn’t the Messiah, or at least that he said he wasn’t. Perhaps they hoped his ministry would continue to be relevant, and that he’d receive the respect he deserved as a prophet. For these reasons, John’s response may have surprised them.

“This joy of mine has been made full,” he said. “[Jesus] must increase, but I must decrease” (vv. 29-30). John’s faith in Christ enabled him to handle being less. His faith meant stepping from center stage into the shadows. But John had no sadness or regret; he felt only complete joy.

The Baptizer understood his role. His faithful service—which Jesus acknowledged after Herod had John arrested (Matthew 11:9-10)—was just that: service. John recognized that his primary work was to set the stage for the Messiah.

Our role in God’s work is similar. Like John, let us find our fullest joy in bearing witness, embracing the lesser role that points to the Savior and says, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” (John 1:29). 

Matthew 8:5-10; Matthew 8:13

After the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus returned to Capernaum. There, a Roman centurion approached Him with an appeal on behalf of a servant who was “terribly tormented.” The Lord offered to go with the officer and heal the servant.

This was an incredible gesture, as Jews considered a Roman’s house off-limits. In fact, some would have frowned on Jesus even talking to a Roman soldier.

But the centurion’s response was incredible too. He said he wasn’t worthy of Jesus’ company but knew the Messiah’s “word” would be enough. This is the essence of faith—to trust what the Lord promises. In some situations, we must believe what He says despite evidence to the contrary; at other times we must trust while still waiting to know anything at all.

Could we have this kind of faith—the kind that delighted and “amazed” Jesus (Matt. 8:10)? It’s what He wants for all His followers. And remember His encouraging reply to the centurion: “It shall be done for you as you have believed” (v. 13).

We often want proof—some sign that the Lord will do as we ask. But the loving God we serve is true to His word. Faith empowers us to pay attention to Jesus and trust that He will make good on His promises, no matter what we see now.

Matthew 9:35-38

When it comes to prayer, there are two common pitfalls to be aware of. First, when it’s unclear what to pray, some people choose not to pray at all. And second, many believers settle into a lifeless form of praying that leaves them feeling hollow and disconnected from God. Both situations lead to discontentment and frustration.

As Christians, we know that we should pray, even if doing so seems daunting. But far more than any sense of obligation we may feel, it’s wise to recognize that God intended prayer as a blessing for His children: Communing with Him is a fundamental way of experiencing His fullness. We have much to gain by praying—including peace, comfort, wisdom, and God’s very presence. So it would be tragic to give up on trying.

And remember, when we communicate with God, there’s no measuring stick or scorecard. A fumbling yet heartfelt attempt pleases Him far more than a well-worded litany that lacks sincerity. And keep in mind that formal prayers—such as the one Jesus taught His disciples (Matthew 6:9-13)—can help us find a path back into the practice when we’re lost.

Start with the Lord’s Prayer today and return to it as often as needed. You may eventually find your own words flowing freely as a result. But if not, don’t give up. Just keep talking to the Lord.

Genesis 25:29-34

We all know the phrase “You reap what you sow,” but did you know it’s actually a biblical principle? (See Job 4:8 and Proverbs 11:18.) In today’s passage, Esau learned this truth the hard way. Famished, he returned from hunting and requested some of the stew his brother made. Seizing upon the opportunity, Jacob agreed in exchange for his twin’s birthright.

In Old Testament times, the firstborn enjoyed special privileges, which included authority over younger siblings, a double share of the inheritance, and being the spiritual leader of the family. Yet Esau, deciding that food was more of a necessity, traded his birthright for dinner. He later grieved when he realized what was lost, but at that point, it was too late.

Like Esau, we all face critical choices. And though God forgives, the consequences remain. So we must learn how to choose wisely. We should take to heart two warnings from this story. First, to be able to determine our best options, we should wait until we’re physically, emotionally, and spiritually stable.

Second, it’s often important to delay gratification. Though our human desires feel overwhelming at times, we should prayerfully wait for God’s timing.

Think about the longings that you have. Pray for wisdom and patience so that you can make godly decisions during critical moments.

Hebrews 12:15-17

Yesterday we read about Esau forfeiting his future for present gratification. If we’re not careful, we might do the same thing. Even the unremarkable choices we make each day are able to impact our life. Let’s look at three attitudes that can lead to sacrificing what is worthwhile for something that isn’t:

1. Allowing appetites to rule us. We all have need of things like food, companionship, and sleep. While our desires for them are natural and God-given, they can become the driving force in our life if we aren’t careful.

2. Being blind to what’s truly valuable. The Lord’s priorities are contrary to what the world considers important. Unless we guard our heart (Proverbs 4:23), we can easily be lured by pursuits with no lasting worth.

3. Failing to Consider Consequences. Eve didn’t contemplate what might happen if she ate the forbidden fruit; she focused on the short-term benefit (Genesis 3:1-19). Nor did Samson think about repercussions from interactions with Delilah (Judges 16:16-23). How easy it is to make a rash decision because the immediate return seems good. The Lord wants us to pause and pray about the possible outcomes of our actions.

What decisions are you facing? Prayerfully consider what is driving you, and before making choices, think about potential effects of your actions.

2 Timothy 3:1-5

Many of us have a quiet soundtrack running through our mind, and the volume is turned down so low we can barely hear it. But the songs are old familiar ones with titles like “Slow Cashier Blues,” “I Just Got Cut Off in Traffic,” and “My Delivery Was Delayed … Again.” Grumbling about the irritations and annoyances of everyday life can become an unconscious habit—at least until we try to turn it off.

In 2 Timothy 3:1-5, Paul lists a string of behaviors that mark the life of those who have disconnected from the Lord. In addition to things like selfishness, arrogance, and greed, that list also includes ungratefulness. Being grateful helps us learn to change the station away from that soundtrack of complaint and instead teaches us to focus on the many blessings God gives each day, both big and small.

Gratitude doesn’t mean plastering a big smile on your face and pretending that an aggravating situation is no big deal. Instead, our thankfulness reconnects us with God in the midst of the everyday challenges of life and teaches us to sing a new song—one that will continue for all of eternity.

Ephesians 5:18-21

In Ephesians 5:20, Paul tells believers to “always [give] thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to our God and Father.” When we pray in the name of Jesus, we express our desire to reflect His character and seek His glory. Praying in this way is vital to understanding how to appreciate whatever the Lord allows in our life—including losses, diagnoses, and disappointments.

So, how do we give thanks for all things? Consider everything Joseph experienced. Until he was a teenager, he’d known only love and security. But one day his troubles began, courtesy of jealous older brothers. Joseph found himself thrown down into a pit and later into prison, robbed of everything but his faith. For more than a decade, he waited. And though Scripture never tells us what Joseph was thinking, he must have endured some dark nights of the soul.

Later, however, Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers in Egypt and told them, “God sent me ahead of you to save lives” (Genesis 45:5). Those words reveal that when he looked back at every hardship, Joseph understood how the Lord had been at work. His response was not one of bitterness but of gratitude.

Genesis 22:1-9

Yesterday, we learned about the three stages of faith.  Let’s take a look at Abraham’s story to see what those stages looked like in his life.

Little faith. When God told Abraham he would have a child in his old age, Abraham not only doubted, but Scripture says he laughed—as did his wife Sarah, who was eavesdropping outside the tent (Genesis 17:15-18; Genesis 18:12). They believed their age would be an obstacle, but God saw it as an opportunity for His miraculous power to shine through.

Great faith. Genesis 21:1 says, “The Lord did for Sarah as He had promised.” When Abraham and Sarah held their promised baby, their faith in God deepened.

Perfect faith. Because God kept His promises time and again, Abraham trusted Him—even, as today’s passage shows, when instructed to sacrifice his precious son. Abraham’s faith was so strong, in fact, that he told his servants to wait for him and Isaac to return after they worshipped God (Genesis 22:5).

How has the Lord been faithful in your life? Try compiling a written or mental list of the times He has kept His promises to you. Remembering His past faithfulness helps us trust Him in the future.

John 11:1-44

When we face an urgent need, our prayers become fervent and our desire for a quick answer intensifies. It seems that if the Lord doesn’t intervene soon, the very thing we dread could happen. And without a detectable response from God, we may feel as if He doesn’t care—but Scripture assures us He does (1 Pet. 5:7).

This may have been how Mary and Martha felt after asking Jesus to come heal their brother Lazarus. They knew the Lord loved them, but when He didn’t show up on time, their pain overtook their faith. Both women voiced their disappointment: “If You had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11: 21, 32).

We’ve all said or thought something similar when God didn’t answer our prayers as we hoped. But unlike Mary and Martha, we know from Scripture that God’s purpose in all His choices for us is His glory (v. 4). His goal is not to inflict pain unnecessarily but to let Christ’s life shine through us in hardship, to stabilize our confidence in God’s goodness, and to strengthen our trust in His loving sovereignty. His glory is for our good, and in this we can rejoice.

Deuteronomy 6:1-7

What do you want to leave your loved ones? Maybe it’s money or family heirlooms, like a favorite necklace or beloved photo. But if you’ve trusted Christ as Savior, you have something far more valuable. Material things can be spent or lost, but your faith—what you believe about Jesus Christ—is precious and eternal.

Choosing to follow Jesus is a personal decision, one you can’t make for anyone else. But through your words and actions, you can lovingly point others to the heavenly Father. Over the next few days, we’re going to look at three ways you can share your faith.

The first way is to share what you yourself have learned and practiced. For example, you can tell others that ...

• God will give us direction. His Word is “a lamp to [our] feet and a light to [our] path” (Psalm 119:105).

• God will provide for our needs, drawing from His unending riches (Philippians 4:19).

• God will enable and strengthen us, whatever we go through. He’s a friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24).

• God owns everything, and we’re His trusted stewards.

What godly principles are you passing on to others? Is there anything you would add to the above list?

John 15:12-14

Pop songs, movies, and books shape the way we think about love. Attraction, emotion, romance, and sentiment color how we expect it to be. But when the Lord told His followers that they’re to love the way He does, He wasn’t talking about what we find in popular culture. Jesus gave them the ultimate image of self-sacrificing love: a person laying down his life for a friend (John 15:13).

The kind He was referring to looks far more like the sacrificial service of a caregiver changing a soiled adult diaper. It looks like a family opening their home to foster children. Or like a woman interceding daily in prayer for her prodigal daughter. Sacrificial love is humbly given by countless modern heroes of the faith every day as they lay down their hopes and dreams to meet the needs of the sick, helpless, and broken among us.

The delightful feelings of “being in love” are distant cousins to the self-giving action that Jesus was referring to. And we should remember that when He spoke the words in today’s passage, He was just hours away from laying down His innocent life for each one of us—those He loves.

John 19:13-16

The chief priests were the power brokers of their day. They had spiritual authority over the Israelites and influence with the Romans who controlled the land. When Jesus became a threat, they negotiated with Judas to have Roman soldiers arrest Him.

The governor, Pilate, treated Jesus just as he would have any other Jewish prisoner—having Him flogged and brought before the crowd for a “trial.” Twice, Pilate noted that he could find no grounds for charging Jesus (John 19:4; John 19:6). Still, he gave in to the priests’ demands and ordered his troops to crucify an obviously innocent man.

The priests underscored their disgust with Jesus by promising fidelity to Caesar. In that moment, they violated the first and second commandments in order to accomplish their goals (Exodus 20:3-7). These men forgot their calling and pledged allegiance to the wrong king. But it is important to remember this: Rather than stand in judgment or declare them all irredeemable, Jesus headed to the cross to die for us—and for every person who condemned Him that day.

Hebrews 5:11-14

No matter how long a person has known Jesus, every faith journey ebbs and flows—with regard to doubt, intimacy, despair, joy, and more. Today’s passage discusses one such area of fluctuation: our ability to discern.

Comparing discernment to a baby’s diet, the writer of Hebrews observed that Jewish Christians at the time lacked spiritual wisdom and needed help consuming information. However, he went on to say that they could mature; they just needed to “have their senses trained to distinguish between good and evil” (v. 14). In other words, it’s possible to acquire keen discernment.

If you’re experiencing cloudy judgment right now, you can lean on two sources for guidance: God’s Word and God’s Spirit. When we listen for His Spirit and read Scripture over time, we will gradually be trained to sense the difference between what is righteous and what isn’t. Even if you face a situation that isn’t addressed in the Bible, you have a Helper whose job is to guide you into all the truth (John 14:26; 16:13).

God has given all believers access to His wisdom. So if you need guidance today, don’t hesitate to ask Him. He wants to help you.

Psalm 23:1-6

“How much is enough?” a reporter once asked John D. Rockefeller, founder of Standard Oil and the first American billionaire. “Just a little bit more,” Rockefeller said. While few of us have the resources of the super wealthy, we face the same question. Our world is obsessed with getting more, spending more, doing more. But at the root of an answer like Rockefeller’s is a misunderstanding about who provides for us.

David understood that God was his provider. “I will not be in need,” he wrote in verse 1 of Psalm 23. In other words, because he belonged to the Lord, he was able to experience a life without lack.

We can think about this in two ways. First, we can expect God to give us everything we think we need. And when we don’t get it, we look for someone—or Someone—to blame. Or, as Jesus and His followers laid out, there’s a second and better approach: Gratefully receive what God has provided and allow Him to change our heart. In that way, even our needs are governed by our submission to Him.

Reading the first verse of Psalm 23 should immediately remind us of John 10:11, where Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” The transforming truth of the gospel is that we have more than enough because Jesus gave us Himself.

Hebrews 10:23-25

Many of us spend a great deal of energy in the present moment dwelling on the past and the future. We know that the past is beyond our control, but we worry about it. We tend to believe the future belongs to us, yet we fret about what it holds and whether it will bring joy or pain.

The gospel urges us to entrust both the past and the future to God. That mindset frees us to live for the Lord in the only moment we can: the present. Yes, there is an aspect of God’s kingdom that is not yet—its fullness hasn’t yet arrived. But at the same time, we live in His kingdom here and now.

In Hebrews 3:13, the call to encourage one another every day isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a vital practice for spiritual growth. We need the regular support of Christian brothers and sisters to help us successfully navigate each day’s challenges and opportunities. Encouraging each other can be a beacon of light and hope to those around us.

That’s the author’s focus in Hebrews 3:13. If we want to guard against our hearts being “hardened by the deceitfulness of sin,” we should give and receive encouragement. It is good to speak words of affirmation, hope, and accountability regularly. But even when offered just once, they can have a long-lasting effect, far beyond the present moment.

Joshua 1:1-9

When God charged him to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, Joshua was fully aware of just how daunting the task before him was. Yet he was determined to obey God no matter what. Whatever doubts and fears the young man faced in his heart and mind, he ultimately took up the mantle of leadership with courage. He placed his faith in God, who had never let the people down. And Joshua fully expected the Lord to be true to His word again.

Whatever challenge you’re up against, God says the same words to you that He lovingly spoke over His servant in today’s passage: “Be strong and very courageous” (v. 7). Joshua’s bravery was based upon years of seeing God’s faithfulness. Whether you’ve been a Christian for five minutes or 50 years, you can have the same confidence.

The Lord is sufficient to meet your needs. He is your “refuge and strength, a very ready help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). Rely upon Him in all things, and like David, you can boldly say, “You, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head … The Lord sustains me. I will not be afraid” (Psalm 3:3; Psalm 3:5-6).

Hebrews 12:1-3

Runners in a marathon follow a clearly marked course. But suppose one of the athletes decides to pick his own path. He still runs 26 miles and sets his finish line in the same spot as the official one, but he runs through neighborhoods with fewer hills and across less crowded parks. His plan seems excellent to him, but when he crosses the finish line, there won’t be a medal or ribbon waiting. That seems silly, right?

But we do the same thing when we decide the course for our life instead of running the race God sets. By submitting to His will—doing what He says and going where He leads—we remain on the right path.

For believers, the “finish line”—heaven—is the same whether we run the race God’s way or our own way. However, the difference is what we have to show for our time on earth. Regardless of how grand a legacy someone leaves, the only truly lasting and worthwhile deeds are those done for the Lord and in the power of His Spirit.

Thankfully, no matter how far off course we may veer, the Holy Spirit is still present. He reminds us of the right path—and also provides the power to get back on it and persevere. Your route is marked out and your choice is clear. Run the race set before you and finish well (Acts 20:24).

Colossians 1:9-14

We belong to Jesus, and our home is not of this world. Do our prayers reflect that? The Lord wants us to talk to Him about our day and bring our personal requests, but He desires that we pray for kingdom concerns, too—prayers for others’ salvation and for the spiritual growth of His children.

Let’s look at Paul’s prayers. They were Christ-centered and kingdom-related—that people know Jesus, pattern their life after Him, and carry out God’s will. The apostle yearned for believers to be filled with spiritual wisdom and understanding and to walk in a worthy manner. He prayed that they would please the Lord, be fruitful, and increase in their knowledge of God. Finally, he asked that they be strengthened with the Spirit’s power and exhibit steadfastness and patience. Our God delights to answer such prayers because they are all part of what He desires for us.

Paul wasn’t ignoring the people’s physical and emotional needs. Rather, he knew that God’s answers to these prayers in Colossians 1 were the way believers would triumph in the situations facing them. Then they would have strength to persevere and be good witnesses during difficult times.

Take steps now to make your prayer life more heavenly-minded than earthbound. Start by praying today’s verses for yourself and people you know.

Acts 1:11-14

Jesus talked a lot about prayer. He taught its importance not only by His words but also through His actions. At times His prayers were spoken publicly; sometimes He withdrew from the crowds to be alone with the Father. Jesus also spoke of the power of united prayer (Matthew 18:19-20).

If our church gatherings and small groups were to offer heavenly-minded petitions on a consistent basis, what would our prayer meetings be like? There would be greater focus on God and His kingdom. More of us would praise Him for who He is, express godly sorrow for our sinful ways (2 Corinthians 7:10), and speak of our gratitude for all He has done. Our voices would be lifted in praise as we witnessed people coming to the Lord, pride giving way to humility, and insensitivity being replaced by love. We’d rejoice in our glimpses of God’s work in and through our local churches. And we’d be beseeching our Father for others’ salvation and for believers’ spiritual growth.

How excited we would be to see God answer our prayers. Some of us would find it easier to testify about our Savior, others would be filled with His peace when facing trials, and still others would have the strength to stand firm. Imagine our church, filled to overflowing and becoming the “house of prayer” Jesus said we are meant to be (Matthew 21:13).

Revelation 1:1-3

In A Christmas Carol, the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come shows Ebenezer Scrooge grave images of his future. Scrooge cries, “No, Spirit! Oh, no, no! ... Hear me! I am not the man I was … Why show me this, if I am past all hope?” Through his fictional work, Charles Dickens wanted to show readers a very real truth: Making necessary changes in their life today leads to a different, better future.

For followers of Jesus, the book of Revelation points to this reality in a sobering but ultimately hopeful way—not as a work of fiction, but as a powerful, prophetic truth. The opening verses of Revelation carry a promise for us: “Blessed is the one who reads, and those who hear the words of the prophecy and keep the things which are written in it; for the time is near” (1:3).

Revelation invites us to peer ahead to the future so we will repent of our sin and live faithfully—today and every day. We can be assured that the Author and Finisher of our faith knows the end of the story. And He calls us to live in readiness, repentance, and hope as we journey toward eternity with Him.

Revelation 5:11-13

Throughout history, the church has seen Advent—the weeks leading up to Christmas—as a time to focus on a weary world’s wait for a Savior. We reflect on Christ’s first coming, when He arrived as a baby miraculously born to a virgin in Bethlehem. And we look toward His someday return as a conquering King, which is described vividly throughout the book of Revelation.

When we think of that final book of the Bible, we tend to focus on the descriptions of heaven and celestial beings, spiritual warfare, and pronouncements of God’s judgment. But laced throughout the book are songs of worship, which anchor us to the eternal reality that God reigns over all.

Meditating on these songs offers a powerful harmony to the carols we sing at this time of year. In Revelation 5, John writes, “To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be the blessing, the honor, the glory, and the dominion forever and ever” (v. 13). These hymns of praise help us cultivate holy longing for the second coming of our King Jesus. And they give us a glimpse of His glory—glory of the One we are longing for.

Later this month, as the Bible in One Year reading plan takes you through the book of Revelation, consider taking some time to pray the words of these songs. Join the chorus of eternity as you lean into the wait that characterizes this season.