Today's Verse: John 15:16

Thursday, August 17, 2017

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit — fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
— John 15:16
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Were you ever the last one chosen at recess when kids were dividing up teams? Were you ever the one no one wanted on your team? Ouch. That hurts deeply. So, isn't it remarkable that God, the Creator of the universe, chose us in Jesus Christ, even before the beginning of the world (Ephesians 1:4)? Isn't it amazing that we are loved and desired by the King of the Ages and his Son, Jesus Christ! Not only that, we weren't chosen out of pity, but chosen to make a difference for the Kingdom of God by bearing fruit that will endure. To help ensure our fruitfulness, Jesus promised that we can ask for God's blessing on our work for His Kingdom, and God will bless us with it. Incredible!

My Prayer...

Give me a heart, O God, that is open to your work and a vision that is as expansive as your grace. May my prayers ask for things that bring you glory, expand the borders of your kingdom, and reach beyond the limited things that so often distract me. I invite you to do great things for your Kingdom through me as I remain connected wholeheartedly to Jesus, to your glory. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

5 Related Resources by Heartlight

His Choice
Illustration of John 15:16
Inspirational illustration of John 15:16 -- You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
Freed to Love
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"[Jesus continued,] "I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn't confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you..."
Chosen by God!
Article by Paul Faulkner
Imagine never being picked last! Paul Faulkner reminds us that God chose us, and still chooses us, every time for his team.
Why Doesn't God Answer My Prayers?
Article by Ron Rose
What happened to Jesus' promise? Ron Rose writes about unanswered prayers and letting God find us and us having conversations with our heavenly Father.
See All 5 Related Resources about John 15:16

Illustration

Illustration of John 15:16 — You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit — fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, August 17, 2017

Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Holy Sharing' (1 Co. 16:13-20)
"Dear Father, In watchfulness, may I stand firm in faith, be courageous, and be strong. Let everything I do be done in love. Help me to subject myself..."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Putting It in Context' (Ac. 4:25)
"[Disciples praying to the Lord after Peter and John were released from jail:] "You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David:..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'The Turnaround' (Acts 9:19-22)
"[After he was baptized,] Saul stayed with the believers in Damascus for a few days. And immediately he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues,..."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Acts 13:39
"The believer in Christ receives a present justification. Faith does not produce this fruit by-and-by, but now. So far as justification is the result....."

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