Today's Verse: Luke 1:76-78

Friday, December 19, 1958

[Zechariah prophesied concerning John,] "You, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God."
— Luke 1:76-78

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Where does salvation come from? Does it come from our sense that something is desperately wrong and we need to change and make it better? Does it come from casting things in a more positive light so we don't become discouraged and quit? Does it come from a lucky break? Does it come because we are scrupulously righteous and deserve it come our way? Does it come from rigorously obeying everything in the law? No! Salvation and forgiveness come from one source, "the tender mercy of our God."

My Prayer...

I confess, Father, that at times I've tried to earn my salvation. At other times, I have taken it for granted and trampled on your mercy and grace. Today, Father, I want to live for you: not to be saved or gain salvation, but to please you and reflect your character and nature. Your mercy and grace have redeemed me from the worthless way of living that I see so many trapped in all about me. Thank you for your salvation, but please help me to live in a way that shows the joy of that salvation in all I say, think and do. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

8 Related Resources by Heartlight

Great Expectations!
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"[John's father, Zechariah, concludes his prophecy:] "And you, my little son, will be called the prophet of the Most High, because you will prepare..."
Rescue in Process: Hold On!
Article by Rubel Shelly
Light is coming from above! Rubel Shelly writes about the trapped Chilean miners and the incredible rescue efforts that involved so many different peoples and how this mirrors heaven's efforts to rescue us.
Transition out of Darkness
Article by Phil Ware
Are you helping transition those you love out of darkness? Phil Ware continues his series of light on the dark side of the mountain and reminds us of Samuel, the great transitional leader of God.
The Long Wait
Article by Phil Ware
Aren't you glad Christmas is coming even on Thanksgiving? Phil Ware talks about how important it is that Thanksgiving is followed by Christmas and he shares a personal story to remind us it is true!
See All 8 Related Resources about Luke 1:76-78

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 1:76-78 — [Zechariah prophesied concerning John,] "You, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Friday, December 19, 1958

Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Patiently, yet Expectantly' (Co. 3:3-4)
"Dear Father, My God, I know that I have died and that my life is hid with Christ. He holds the outcome of my life wholly in his hands; he is my life...."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Curb Your Ego – Measure Yourself by Faith'
"Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in..."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Filled to Prophesy' (Lk. 1:67)
"[John the Baptizer's] father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: ..."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Faithful Women' (Mt. 27:54-55)
"The Roman officer and the other soldiers at [Jesus'] crucifixion were terrified by the earthquake and all that had happened. They said, "This man..."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

More Today's Verse