S – For if you forgive others their offenses, your heavenly Father will forgive you as well. ¹⁵ But if you don’t forgive others, your Father will not forgive your offenses

Matthew 6:14–15 CSB

O – Commentary: 

Though God’s forgiveness of sin is not based on one’s forgiving others, a Christian’s forgiveness is based on realizing he has been forgiven (cf. Eph. 4:32). Personal fellowship with God is in view in these verses (not salvation from sin). One cannot walk in fellowship with God if he refuses to forgive others.

“Matthew,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – When I realize how much God forgives me, how can I not forgive someone else?  It is hypocritical to accept my forgiveness and not extend it to others.

R – Lord, thank you for the forgiveness of my sins through Jesus’ death on the cross.  I do not deserve it but I am grateful for it.  Help me to have that same heart when it comes to forgiving others.  By forgiving them, I release myself carrying that burden.  Your grace is sufficient for me.

S – Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness. 

Genesis 15:6 CSB

O – Commentary: 

And Abram believed: God made his covenant with a believer; the statement does not indicate when Abram came to faith. The Hebrew text does not link Abram’s belief with the promise of the stars; it just says parenthetically that Abram believed God. Abram already had faith; his departure from Ur was his first great act that demonstrated it (see Heb 11:8–10). • God counted him as righteous because of his faith: This central statement about Abram’s saving faith is quoted three times in the NT (Rom 4:3, 22–23; Gal 3:6; Jas 2:23) to support the doctrine of righteousness before God by faith

 New Living Translation Study Bible 

A – This makes a clear distinction that we need to decide to believe who God is.  Also, we need to continue to believe in the Lord’s leading in our lives. Both make the distinction of God’s place in our lives.

R – Lord, thank you for the opportunity to believe in who You are.  You are God of everything, creator of all.  We are also grateful that you desire an ongoing relationship where we see the fulfillment of your purpose and plans by believing in You.

S – The Lord said, “If they have begun to do this as one people all having the same language, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them

Genesis 11:6 CSB

O – Commentary:

The account in Genesis views this city as the predominant force in the world, the epitome of ungodly powers, in a word, the “anti-kingdom.” Thus the record in verses 1–9 is polemical in that it shows God’s absolute power in His swift judgment. What the people considered their greatest strength—unity—He swiftly destroyed by confusing their language (v. 7; cf. v. 9). What they considered their greatest fear—scattering (v. 4)—came naturally on them (the Lord scattered them … over all the earth, v. 8; cf. v. 9). What they desired most—to make a name for themselves (v. 4)—ironically came to pass, for they became known as “Babel.” Then they stopped building the city and were scattered abroad.

“Genesis,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A- We must check our hearts when we are doing something. Unity is a wonderful strength. Fear of scattering can be healthy. Even the desire to be known is good if the intention is bringing people closer to God.  It cannot be about us – it needs to be about Him.

R – Lord, I am grateful that you invite me into your plans.  I want to bring glory to Your name.  I want to work in unity with my team and stay solid.  Help us to do this in a way that honors you.  Let our teamwork and unity be a message of your love.

S – Whenever I form clouds over the earth and the bow appears in the clouds, ¹⁵ I will remember my covenant between me and you and all the living creatures: water will never again become a flood to destroy every creature.

 Genesis 9:14–15 CSB

O – Covenant (בְּרִית, berith; διαθήκη, diathēkē). A sacred kinship bond between two parties, ratified by swearing an oath. 

“Covenant,” ed. John D. Barry et al., The Lexham Bible Dictionary 

Interesting that the God who created everything felt like He needed to make a “sacred kinship bond” with mankind whom He created.  God wanted a relationship from the beginning.

A – If God wanted a relationship so much that He put a restriction on Himself, how much more should we want a relationship with Him? 

R – Lord, I am grateful that you want a relationship with me.  Thank you for the cross that provided it.  I invite your Spirit into today so that I may walk in your presence and be led by you.

S – Jesus answered him, “Allow it for now, because this is the way for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John allowed him to be baptized

Matthew 3:15 CSB 

O – Commentary:

Jesus’ response to John was that it was fitting for Him to take part in John’s baptism at this time in order to fulfill all righteousness. What did Jesus mean? The Law included no requirements about baptism, so Jesus could not have had in view anything pertaining to Levitical righteousness. But John’s message was a message of repentance, and those experiencing it were looking forward to a coming Messiah who would be righteous and who would bring in righteousness. If Messiah were to provide righteousness for sinners, He must be identified with sinners. It was therefore in the will of God for Him to be baptized by John in order to be identified (the real meaning of the word “baptized”) with sinners.

“Matthew,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – Jesus identifies with our sin even when he had none of His own.  He is crucified on a cross for someone else’s sin.  Both are driven by a love that I cannot fathom.  That is an amazing love.

R – Heavenly Father, thank you for the love that Jesus displayed on the cross for us.  It finds us where we are today.  We invite your Spirit to lead today and help us walk in that same love for You and others.  Empower us to be your vessels today and reach others with your love.

S – I have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain.” I will declare the Lord’s decree. 

He said to me, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father

Psalms 2:6–7 CSB

O – Commentary:  

my son (or Son). Today I have become your Father (or Today I reveal you as my son): People in the ancient Near East commonly accepted a father-son relationship between gods and kings. In Israel, the Lord adopted kings as his sons. God set David apart as his most excellent and exalted son (89:27). All descendants of David were the Lord’s representatives or agents. As an eternal member of the Godhead (John 1:1) and a descendant of David (Acts 13:33; Heb 1:5; 5:5), Jesus is the true Son of God.

 New Living Translation Study Bible

A – God works in the present and in His plan.  In establishing David, He recognizes the King of that day but also sets up the King of the future.  God is working with us today and preparing us for the plans He has for us in the future.  And it is in a relationship, not just actions.

R – Lord, thank you for another day that we are in a relationship with you.  I pray that you would establish today to be what you want to see done in me and through me.  Also, thank you that all of it works for the good plans you have for my future.  Let me be led by Your Spirit today.

S – let a wise person listen and increase learning, 

and let a discerning person obtain guidance

Proverbs 1:5 CSB

O – Commentary: 

The experienced (the wise, ḥāḵom, and the discerning,) are reminded of their need to grow in wisdom (in learning and guidance). “Guidance” (taḥbūlôṯ), literally, “steerings” (like the tackle for directing a ship), suggests moving one’s life in the right direction. This Hebrew word is used elsewhere only in Job 37:12 (“direction”); Proverbs 11:14; 12:5 (“plans”); 20:18; 24:6.

“Proverbs,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A- As we start the new year, this is a great verse to lay the foundation.  Even those who have achieved wisdom need to keep growing.  It starts with listening.  Not sharing what you know but finding out what you don’t know.  When we gain discernment, we gain direction for our lives.

R – Lord, I surrender 2024 to you.  I am grateful for all that you did to bring me to this point.  Now, I look at the new year with You as my foundation, Savior and Lord.  I want to grow in my ability to know You, hear Your voice and be led by You.  Help me to grow my wisdom, empathy, discernment and courage.  Thank you for another year with You.

S – For God has not called us to impurity but to live in holiness

1 Thessalonians 4:7 CSB

O – Commentary:  

A holy life demonstrates God’s supernatural power at work overcoming what is natural, and it glorifies God

“1 Thessalonians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

Impurity: 

akatharsia,  impurity (the quality), phys. or mor.:— uncleanness.

Holiness:  

hagiasmŏs,  purification, i.e. (the state) purity; concr. (by Heb.) a purifier:— holiness, sanctification.

 James Strong, The New Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew and Greek Words 

A – When the supernatural power of God is active in our lives, it transforms the natural into a life and work that glorifies Him.  It takes away the characteristics of impurity and creates a foundation of purity.  This foundation becomes the place from where we live instead of the qualities that try to define us.

R – Lord, you created my natural man with amazing gifts and talents.  It also has challenges and blind spots.  I surrender myself to walk in Your ways so I can honor You.  I ask the Holy Spirit to lead and guide me today, transforming my natural being by Your supernatural love and power.

S – For now we live, if you stand firm in the Lord

1 Th 3:8 CSB 

O – Paul is relieved and comforted knowing the people of Thessalonia are standing strong in their faith even under persecution.

A – Each of us faces trials and challenges each day.  Stay the course, and stand firm in your faith.  God’s got this.

R – Lord, I know you can do all things and your purposes will not be thwarted. (Job 42:2). There are times when that is challenged.  Give me the courage and strength to stand strong in you. Help me to walk according to Your Word and principles.  You hold it all and I surrender to you today.

S – This is why we constantly thank God, because when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you welcomed it not as a human message, but as it truly is, the word of God, which also works effectively in you who believe.

 1 Th 2:13 CSB

O – Commentary:  

The spoken Word of God has an inherent power to change. For this reason the Word of God through the Old Testament prophets was recognized as being powerful and not falling to the ground (i.e., lacking sufficient power to hit its mark and accomplish its purpose; cf. 1 Sam. 3:19). The Word of God has the creative power of God behind it and in it (Gen. 1:3). Paul credited the changes in the Thessalonians to this spoken Word of God. Not only had it effected changes in them in the past, but also it was continuing to change them since they continued to believe it. (The word believe is in the Gr. pres. tense, indicating continuing action.) The truth of God, like a good medicine, will continue to heal sin-sick souls so long as people receive it by faith.

“1 Thessalonians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – The Word of God has the power to change us and anything or anyone we interact with today.  We should reverence God’s Word but also invite it to do its work.  Our faith and trust should be an ongoing action of belief.

R – Lord, thank you for your Word.  When we speak it, we are activating our faith to come into alignment with your plans and purposes.  Help us to walk confidently in what you have for us today so we can share a genuine faith with others as well.