Today's Verse: Matthew 3:1-2

Monday, March 2, 2020

In those days John the Baptist came ... saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."
— Matthew 3:1-2
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

John's words sound strange in a world afraid to tell the truth about sin, wickedness, and evil. Yet all lost people - people who do not know Jesus and those who claim to follow him but don't obey him - we all desperately need to repent. That means changing our hearts and lives, seeking after God, and turning our behaviors around to live for Jesus as Lord. We choose to follow and obey him, not our wants. Yes, salvation is given to us by God's incredible grace. On the other hand, grace that leaves us unchanged is not true grace. Grace not only forgives us through Jesus' sacrificial death on the Cross and our faith in him but also liberates us from the empty and destructive life without God, his guidance, and our purpose.

My Prayer...

Forgive me, dear Heavenly Father, for my sin. I turn my heart back to you and commit to live my life according to your will and for your glory, not my own and certainly not the ways of this fallen, broken, and lost world. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

3 Related Resources by Heartlight

At the Door
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"In those days John the Baptist came to the Judean wilderness and began preaching. His message was, "Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the..."
Pointing the way.
Illustration of Matthew 3:2
Inspirational illustration of Matthew 3:2 -- [In those days John the Baptist came...] saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."
In the Footsteps of Jesus
Article by James Nored & Phil Ware
Jesus said this was the right thing for him to do! James Nored and Phil Ware remind us of an important reason to be baptized: not only was Jesus baptized, he also said it was the right thing to do and called on all his disciples to be baptized and baptizers.

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 3:1-2 — In those days John the Baptist came ... saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, March 2, 2020

A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Displaying Your Father's Character & Compassion'
"Dear Precious Disciple, Paul beautifully described the Father's grace in the first part of his letter to the Ephesians. He emphasized that the..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Imitating God' (Ep. 4:29-5:2)
"Dear Father, worthy of my love and obedience, Let nothing evil come out of my mouth - only what is good for building others up. Let whatever I say..."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Hear What the Spirit Says!' (Re. 3:6)
"[In his revelation to John, Jesus said,] "Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.""
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'What Sorrow Awaits! (3)' (Mt. 23:16-22)
"[Jesus continued his condemnation of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees:] "Blind guides! What sorrow awaits you! For you say that it..."

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