My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity. —Proverbs 3:1-2 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Those who are older are not as respected in Western cultures today as they once were, or as the elders are in some…

So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. —Acts 13:3 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… While fasting is not widely practiced in many churches today, it was a vital part of the early Christian church. Let’s ensure that we prepare for significant events in ministry and mission…

While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” —Acts 13:2 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… When people genuinely worship, when they fast seeking God’s will, and they pray earnestly and worship, our Father calls them to…

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.” —Matthew 5:14 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Darkness dominates our world, controls much of what is said, and how most people view their reality. So, in a world dominated by darkness, light should stand out. When someone lives for Jesus, people…

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.” —Matthew 5:13 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Jesus never wanted us to give up our moral distinctiveness, our redemptive…

“But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you…” —Luke 6:27 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Jesus was the perfect example of this command in his life and death (Luke 23:24). Love that leads us to forgive has redemptive, life-changing power. While not everyone responds to such grace,…

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. —2 Peter 3:9 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… God wants all people brought to repentance so they can receive his grace and share with him in his…

He who heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray. —Proverbs 10:17 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Discipline is not only essential for us, but also for those who are influenced by our actions. So often, we undervalue the impact of our personal decisions on others. But God has placed…

However, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.” —1 Corinthians 2:9 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Kids look forward to Christmas, Disneyland, and summer vacations. They imagine how great those things could be. Christians look forward to heaven…

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. —James 3:13 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Wisdom isn’t shown by our book learning, street smarts, intellectual comments, or arrogant boasting. True wisdom demonstrates itself through the godly character of our…

Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. —Proverbs 3:7 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Let’s keep this simple today. First, we need to admit that with the complexities and perplexities of life, even the smartest of us is not all that brilliant. Second, the LORD our God is awesome…

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. —Psalm 139:23-24 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Most of us don’t like being scrutinized or tested, especially not the motives and thoughts behind our actions.…

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. —James 1:5 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… So often, we act out of ignorance and face grave consequences for our hasty and unguided actions. God longs to grant us spiritual wisdom…

They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. —Acts 1:14 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Jesus’ resurrection changed everything! “The women,” as the gospel writers referred to them, were faithfully present with Jesus throughout his crucifixion and resurrection. After the LORDs ascension, they…

Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs. —Proverbs 10:12 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Our worst tendencies want to repay evil with evil, spite for spite, pettiness with pettiness, and hatefulness with hatefulness. God has always wanted his people to be his redemptive influence in their world, society, and relationships. Paul reminded the…

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect… —1 Peter 3:15 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… How do we effectively share our faith, especially in situations…

To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. —Philippians 4:20 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… What will we share in eternally with God? God’s glory! What led Israel through the wilderness and was reflected in the face of Moses after meeting with God? God’s glory. What is too marvelous for us as…

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things. —Philippians 4:8 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Let’s get our minds out of the gutter and get our hearts focused on God’s glory. Let’s…

Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? —Psalm 85:6 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Our Father, God, loves his children even when they are rebellious. However, God showed Israel that their rebellion would drive his presence and blessing from them. But with their genuine repentance and their confession of sin,…

The LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. —Psalm 121:8 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Today’s verse builds on yesterday’s verse and thoughts. Does it matter to anyone that I’m here? Does anyone notice when I’m gone? Does anybody care if I make it home or never leave the house? The…

He will not let your foot slip — he who watches over you will not slumber… —Psalm 121:3 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… I still remember when my children were little. I would sneak in and watch them sleep. Sometimes, it was to check on them when they were sick. Sometimes, it was to sit and…

I lift up my eyes to the hills — where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. —Psalm 121:1-2 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Since God could speak the universe into existence and knows our names and the number of hairs on each of our heads,…

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. —2 Chronicles 7:14 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… God told Solomon that the Temple would be…

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. —Philippians 4:23 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Some prayers are so simple and precious that we need to pray them and not overanalyze them. Praying for grace to be with someone physically is a true blessing that transcends time. So, let’s choose some folks…

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the LORD is not in vain. —1 Corinthians 15:58 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… The Stock Market can be fickle. Friends can disappoint us. Nothing is truly sure except…

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. —1 Corinthians 15:57 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Life is ours! Death no longer holds us captive! God has given us victory through Jesus Christ our Savior and LORD. What else needs to be said?   “Praise God!”   “Hallelujah!”  …

Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? —1 Corinthians 15:55 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Death has the power to end our physical, human lives in this world. Death has the power to separate our loved ones from us in this world. Death has the power to discourage and defeat us.…

When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” —1 Corinthians 15:54 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… As Christians, even if our body dies, we don’t! Our physical death just means that we will be…

Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed — in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the…

For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. —1 Corinthians 15:25-26 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… How many times have you stood over the grave of a recently departed friend or loved one? It hurts! When was the last time you tasted…