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

Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Father to the Fatherless' (Ps. 68:4-6)
"Sing praises to God and to his name! Sing loud praises to him who rides the clouds. His name is the Lord — rejoice in his presence! Father to..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'The Fruit of the Spirit' (Ga. 5:22-26)
"Dear Father, grower of spiritual fruit, Let the fruit of the Spirit blossom, mature, and ripen in my life: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'These Chains Won't Hold' (Acts 12:6-7)
"The night before Peter was to be placed on trial, he was asleep, fastened with two chains between two soldiers. Others stood guard at the prison..."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'For All People'
"Dear Precious Believer, You were saved by grace when you fully trusted Me and participated in what I did to save you. This truth was the message that..."

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