The Greatest Secret to Victorious Living Is...

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, Who loved me, and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

The greatest secret I know about living a victorious life is this: Holiness is not the way to Christ--Christ is the way to holiness.

We think, “If I could pray enough, live purely enough, study my Bible enough, or get my life holy enough, that would bring me closer to Jesus.That would bring me into a relationship with Him.”

But not so! It is Jesus Christ Who enables you to pray. It is Jesus Christ Who enables you to study the Bible. It is Jesus Christ Who enables you to live the pure life. Holiness is not the way to Christ--Christ is the way to holiness.

We can never work ourselves into being “holy enough” to qualify for closeness with Jesus! Just as Elisha was identified with Elijah, so you must be identified with the Lord Jesus Christ. It happens in relationship--you must spend time with Him. We become like who we spend time with.

Tattletale Confession

by Kevin Spear

Today's Bible Verse...

We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.—2 Thessalonians 1:12

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

I can't think of a more lofty goal for today than that the name of Jesus be glorified in what we do and say. But then Paul takes it a step further — that we find our glory by being identified with him! As the famed old hymn "Beneath the Cross of Jesus" says it, "my glory all the cross."

My Prayer...

Father of majesty and might, please help me as I strive to plan what my daily activities will be and then prioritize those activities so that my focus and passion are on bringing you glory in all that I do, think, and say. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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

Today's Verse Illustrated

Does God Even Care About Me?

by GLYNNIS WHITWER

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.” Matthew 10:29 (NIV)

A good friend’s father abandoned the family when she was young. As a result, she struggled relating to God as her Father. Another friend’s dad was harsh and critical. It took years for her to feel unconditionally loved by God.

As a young Christian, I was thankful I didn’t have major issues with my father. Although my dad wasn’t a Christ-follower, he allowed my mom to take me and my little sister to church. And though he never said, “I love you” nor attended any of my school performances, I knew he loved me in his own way. My father was a good man, hardworking and faithful to his family. However, he was an uninvolved presence in my life.

So if I had a problem, I went to my mother. If I got into trouble, I called my mother. When I wanted advice, well, you can guess whom I called. This didn’t seem odd to me.

For years I congratulated myself on navigating my father’s distant personality with minimal negative impact. I was deeply aware it could have been worse, and I thanked God for a happy childhood. It wasn’t until years later as an adult that I pushed a little deeper into relating to God as my heavenly Father, based on my earthly experience.

Back then I’d heard everyone (even those with great dads) has some kind of “father issue” with God because of their human (and inherently sinful) earthly fathers. While I wanted to dismiss it, I decided to revisit the topic. Could it be true for me? Was there something missing in my relationship with God?

As I dug deep, I discovered that although I was confident of God’s love, I didn’t really trust Him to be there in times of trouble. Would He step in if I had a problem? Does God even care about me?

Every question revealed the same disturbing truth: I didn’t really, truly, deep in my heart, trust God. Believe in? Yes. Love? Yes. But ... trust? The words were easy to mouth, but my heart wasn’t singing the same tune.

This realization shed light on so many issues that hadn’t seemed troublesome enough to address. Like why I had trouble praying for myself. And why I had so much fear for myself and my children, or why I neglected to seek God’s wisdom in decision-making.

Seems I really did have “father issues” that affected my intimacy with God. I didn’t know what it was like to have a father to turn to in good or bad times. But I wanted to learn. 

I desperately wanted to know God as a perfect Father.

So as awkward as it felt, I made some changes.

I intentionally got more personal in prayer, even addressing God as “Dad.” (Mark 14:36) Faced with decisions, even small ones, I asked God for advice. (James 1:5) And when fear started to well up, like when I navigated a fear of flying, I declared, “I don’t trust the pilot, I don’t trust the mechanic who tightened the bolts, I don’t trust the weather, I trust YOU!” (Psalm 91)

Little by little, my faith and trust grew. I took doubtful thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 10:5) and intentionally exchanged them with thoughts that affirmed God’s trustworthiness to help in times of trouble.

I also took today’s key verse to heart: “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care” (Matthew 10:29). It took years to rewire my thinking with the truth about God’s ability and willingness to be my heavenly Father. And honestly, I’m still a work in progress.

When I slip back into my independent ways, I must choose to believe what’s true: I have a Heavenly Father who wants to be my hero, champion, protector and confidant -- if I’ll only let Him.

Dear heavenly Father, You’re perfect in all Your ways. Your Word says You are a loving father, and I long to know You that way. Only You know the gaps in our relationship based on my imperfect understanding of You. Please reveal them to me, and help me work through them. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Rover's Spiritual Gifts

by Steve Phelps

Today's Verse...

Water and Spirit — they track together as key components in conversion and the new birth throughout the New Testament. One is an act of submission and surrender. The other a gift and reminder that only God can make us new by his power. No wonder Jesus made them so important to being a part of his Kingdom.

My Prayer...

Holy and righteous Father. I acknowledge that my best efforts often fail and my consistency isn't always consistent. That's why I'm so thankful you have given me your grace in Jesus and made me new by my spiritual birth into your family. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware. You can email questions or comments to phil@verseoftheday.com.

Today's Verse Illustrated

 

A Fear Response

The psalmist was most likely a priest. As a man of letters, he would have known the history of Israel better than most. And their path had not been a smooth one. They continually faced dangers from foreign armies as well as dangers within. Consequently, the psalmist looked for help from his almighty God. In verses 2–11 of Psalm 46, he develops the theme of God's omnipotent help by describing three very grave situations and then declaring his response.

Situation 1: Nature, in upheaval.
Reaction: I will not fear.  (46:2–3)  Selah!

Situation 2: Jerusalem, under attack.
Reaction: I will not be moved.  (46:4–7)  Selah!

Situation 3: Battlefield, after war.
Reaction: I will not strive.  (46:8–11)  Selah!

"I will not fear!"

In the second and third verses, the psalmist introduces some of the most terrifying scenes in all of life. The NASB translators have chosen to insert the word "though" before each of four calamities. The imperfect tense in Hebrew is often used to describe events that haven't yet happened (future) or to denote hypothetical situations. In this case, the songwriter imagines natural disasters so extreme, they challenge the imagination:

"Though the earth should change." What is more stable and predictable than the earth's landscape? It only changes under the most extreme and frightening circumstances, such as earthquakes, landslides, mudslides, and volcanic eruptions.

"Though the mountains slip into the sea." In Hebrew literature, nothing is more immovable than a mountain. To a Hebrew, a mountain falling into the sea would herald the end of the world.

"Though its waters roar and foam . . . though the mountains quake at its swelling pride." In the ancient mind, the ocean represented impenetrable mystery, often used as a metaphor for the dark, foreboding mystery of death. For this priest, it is a fearsome world in which a mighty, immovable mountain worries that the sea might overtake it.

Californians especially have become all too familiar with these scenarios; they live with the daily prospect of mudslides, earthquakes, and the massive shifting of fault lines! Even so, these natural disasters strike fear in the hearts of these residents. Those who have experienced them can identify with the psalmist's fears. He feels weak, totally helpless. As the earth beneath him shifts, rolls, and slides, his belongings instantly become insignificant and life seems dreadfully insecure. Even so, the songwriter declares, "I will not fear."

Why? How could anyone in such a threatening situation say that? Look back to verse 1 for the answer: because God, our heavenly Father, is our immediate helper, our immutable, ever-present source of strength! The psalmist resolved to reject fear in the face of overwhelming circumstances . . . but not on sheer willpower. He chose to view every situation as incapable of harm compared to the sovereign care of the almighty, awesome Lord. Selah!

 

Childlike Faith

by Mark Sisson

Today's Bible Verse...

Fathers, do not exasperate your children, instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

—Ephesians 6:4

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Mothers have such an inside road with children that it is interesting that God commands fathers to be about the work of spiritual nurture. I don't believe he means to exclude mothers. No, I think he assumes they'll do their part. But the father's influence and intentional training is so essential.

My Prayer...

Abba Father, may my children come to find you in me. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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

Today's Verse Illustrated

Missing My Dad by shani4jc

We celebrated Father's Day today and, because of this, I have been thinking  a lot about my dad.  He passed away about two and a half years ago and  although I miss him every day, holidays and special occasions always have  me missing him more than usual.  He was very sick for the last few years of  his life, and I know that he is so much better off now than he was here on  earth, but the selfish part of me still wishes he was here sometimes.  The g ood news is that my dad was a Christian and I know where he is spending  his eternity.  I also know that I will one day see him again. "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the  voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God.  And the dead in  Christ will rise first.  Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught  up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.  And  thus, we shall always be with the Lord."  1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 For those of us who know Christ as their Savior, there is always the hope of  an eternity spent with Him, as well as our loved ones who have gone on  before us.  There may be days on this earth that we miss them, but we can  know without a shadow of a doubt that we will be reunited with them one  day.  Knowing this won't take away all of the pain or sadness, but it can help  us through on days like today. A Blessing for Fathers on Father’s Day BIBLE MEDITATION: “Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord; that walketh in His ways. For  hou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall  be well with thee. Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine  house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table. Behold, that  thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the Lord. The Lord shall bless  thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of  thy life. Yea, and thou shalt see thy children’s children, and peace upon  Jerusalem.” Psalm 128 DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: I am convinced that America’s families will not be changed until the dads in  America are changed. The key is the father. God has given us a survival  manual, and it begins with the father. He is to be a God-fearing, hard- working, worshipping man of God. He is to be bold, but he must also truly  fear God. What is the fear of God? Not a cringing dread of God, but love on its knees.   And I am convinced that the man who fears God the most loves God the  best. Dads, your children need to see the fear of God in your life. I’ve made an  observation of fathers. Do you know what makes a good dad? He is a man  who is both strong and tender at the same time. Strong, but not afraid to  hug, to kiss, to love, to speak softly and gently to the children. ACTION POINT: These children of yours are like olive plants round about your table. Dads,  if you will do this, if you will put the emphasis upon your family, we are going  to see good in this nation again.  Devotions taken from the messages of Adrian Rogers.

Overboard on Church Technology

Today's Bible Verse...

Sing to God, sing praise to his name, extol him who rides on the clouds — his name is the Lord — and rejoice before him. A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.

—Psalm 68:4-5

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

I can't help but think of what James, Jesus' brother said: "Pure religion, undefiled before God the Father is this: keep oneself undefiled and care for orphans and widows in their distress." Jesus showed clearly this was the Father's heart in his ministry. Now it is up to us to continue it!

My Prayer...

Father, may my life, my compassion and my ministry reflect your heart for those who need care and protection and love. Give me eyes to see this need more clearly and a heart to responded more certainly so that your love may be demonstrated through me. In the precious name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

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

Today's Verse Illustrated

An Unrelenting Quest

2 Timothy 4:17-18 (NIV*)                     

But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion's mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever.

Paul was imprisoned in Rome, writing a note of encouragement to Timothy, his young protégé. There was no moaning or complaining, only triumph and expectation. In the New Testament the people of the world are divided into two categories, the Jewish people and the Gentiles (everyone who was not of Jewish heritage). Though his circumstances were at best unpleasant, Paul was still focused on his assignment to take the good news of Jesus to the Gentiles. And beyond that he was looking forward to a heavenly kingdom where there will be no more prisons and no more chains. From the vantage point of history, we can read what Paul wrote to Timothy and see that he was right. Even from a prison cell, Paul had a greater impact on the non-Jewish world than any other person ever has. God has a plan for our lives too. His promises to keep us and use us for His Kingdom purposes are just as true and trustworthy as His promises to Paul.

THINK ABOUT IT

Paul’s life as a believer was marked by an unrelenting quest to know God more fully and to glorify Him among the Gentiles. What are your goals as a believer?

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, use my life to attract my friends and acquaintances toward a relationship with You. Paul suffered but did not complain. He was tested and did not become bitter. He sacrificed and still he found joy in serving. Help me to be more like Paul and walk in joy, because I know Your promises bring life. I know I am only passing through, and my true home is in Heaven, and my treasure is knowing You.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

When the Preacher Is a Comic

Today's Bible Verse...

As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.—Psalm 103:13

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Compassion. Not pity, not anger, not shame, not impatience, not intolerance, not rejection, but compassion is what God, my Father, gives to me. He cares for my pain enough to enter into my world and share it in Jesus.

My Prayer...

Father of Mercies and God of all Compassion, thank you for not only knowing and caring about my struggles and problems but sending me help in Jesus and the Holy Spirit. By one I know your love and mercy and by the other I know your might and power. May your Spirit of compassion be found in my relationships. Through the grace of Jesus I pray. Amen.

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

Today's Verse Illustrated

VICTORIOUS ONE

The horse is made ready for the day of battle, 

but victory rests with the Lord. Proverbs 21:31 

FROM THE FATHER'S HEART
My child, sometimes you act as if you are still a prisoner of war. Perhaps you are looking for strength and victory in all the wrong places. Let Me fight your battles. The only way you will ever experience victory is when I am on your side. And I am on your side. When I fight for you, no one can stand against you. I am the victorious One.

A GRATEFUL RESPONSE
Lord, nations fill their arsenals, each hoping to surpass the other's strength in the event of war. Whether in corporate or personal battles, in life or in death, we cannot win without You, Lord. You are the victorious One. Thank You for fighting our battles.

SIMPLE TRUTH

Don't sweat the battles when the King is in command.

God Amid the Glamour

Today's Bible Verse...

The father of a righteous man has great joy; he who has a wise son delights in him.—Proverbs 23:24

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

The greatest gift I can give my father, and my Father, is to be righteous in my heart and life.

My Prayer...

Holy and righteous Father, may my life please you and bring honor to my father and his name. I know that if I please you, it will make his heart glad. Help me as I seek to know you and serve you in ways that show your character in my life. Through Jesus I pray. Amen.

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

Today's Verse Illustrated

Are you a Religious Person?

“And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” John 17:3 Are you a religious person? I don’t know about you, but I hear that question fairly often and I cringe just about every time I do. I know what most people are really asking: “Is faith important to you?” But the word religion is such a loaded word because every person has a different experience. For some, religion is mindless obedience. For others, it’s sleeping through Sunday morning service. And yet for others, it’s a different expression of worship altogether, whether it be in a Hindu temple, a mosque, or a synagogue. But the real difference between Christianity and religion is clear. Religion is spelled with two letters: d-o. Do this, and you’ll be a better person, receive blessings, or earn heaven. It’s focused on human achievement. Christianity, however, is spelled with four letters: d-o-n-e. It’s centered around the finished work of Christ on the cross. It’s not about what we can do, but what Christ has already done for us. Praise God today that you’re not enslaved to mindless religious obedience, but are free to pursue a life-giving relationship with Jesus Christ! THANK GOD THAT YOUR FAITH ISN'T BASED ON RELIGION, BUT A LIFE-GIVING RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST.

 

 

 

 

 

Toughening Up for the Elders

Today's Bible Verse...

Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.

—Philippians 3:20

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

No matter what your passport says, if you are a Christian, there is no earthly country that can hold you, no borders that can claim, you and no flag that flies above you but Jesus and the Kingdom of Heaven. You have more in common with the believing aboriginal tribesman of Indonesia, the Christian refugee in Africa, the Bedouin brother in Egypt, the Spirit-filled Brazilian housewife, the high rise business person in Hong Kong who bows to pray in Jesus name, than you do your next door neighbors if they don't know Christ as Lord and Savior.

My Prayer...

Glorious God and Almighty Father, I look forward to the day when people from every language, tribe, nation, and language join the angels and elders around your throne and worship you in joy forever. Make us one, if not here, then soon. We ask you Lord Jesus, please come. Amen.

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

Today's Verse Illustrated

GOT JOY?

“Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”   Nehemiah 8:10

One of the great fringe benefits of being a Christian is joy.  Joy is much better than happiness.  Happiness is dependent on circumstances – good circumstances make you happy... and bad circumstances make you unhappy.  Joy is not based on circumstances; it is based on a personal relationship with Jesus.  It comes when you are right with God.   

JOY GIVERS AND JOY STEALERS
Joyful people are so fun to be around.  They energize everyone they come in contact with.  Their attitude is always CAN DO!  They are always rejoicing because God is their King, Jesus is their Savior, their names are in the Lamb’s book of life, and “nothing is impossible to him who believes.” 

Joyless, sour people are no fun to be around.  They deflate everyone they come in contact with.  Nothing is ever right for a joyless, sour person.  They find difficulty in every opportunity.  They may be saved... but it is hard to tell by the way they act... and talk... and complain.  They only time they ever brighten a room is when they leave it.  How sad that God’s children would live like this. 

HOW TO LIVE IN JOY

Joy is in the Lord Jesus Christ.  To live a life of joy is to live a life surrendered to Him.  If you are sour and joyless, it is because you are focusing on the wrong things, and you are not letting Jesus fill and control your heart and life.  

Someone has well said, “Joy is the flag that is flown from the castle of the heart when the King is in residence.” 

Is the King residing over you today?  Is He really sitting in the driver’s seat of your life?  It is easy to tell... just check for joy. 

My friend, joy is your birthright as a child of God.  Joy is a key component of a powerful witness for Christ.  If you look like you just sucked on a lemon, you are a poor advertisement for Jesus and the Christian life.  We represent the King of Joy to a lost and dying world... so let Him shine through you.  You will be amazed at the difference!    

PRAYER

Lord, I want my life to be filled with You and the joy You bring.  I choose today to take my eyes off my problems and lift them up to you.  Regardless of what may be going on, this is the day that you have made... and You want me to rejoice and be glad in it.  You still love me and have a wonderful plan for my life.  You can do anything and desire to show Yourself mighty and strong in me.  I look to You, surrender anew and afresh to You, and make the choice, this day, to rejoice in You!  AMEN!

Love, 
Pastor Jeff Schreve

Sermon Title: Tithe or Perish

Today's Bible Verse...

 

If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask for him.  —Luke 11:13

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Think of all the great gifts you've been given. Next to Jesus, God's gracious sacrifice for our salvation, the greatest gift we can receive is God's abiding presence in the Holy Spirit! He is ours if we ask. In fact, when we ask God for anything, the Spirit is already in God's presence interceding for us!

My Prayer...

Abba Father, through the precious Holy Spirit I come before you asking you to empower me, my loved ones, and our church through the power of your Holy Spirit. I pray for renewal to sweep over our country and our world led by your Spirit of grace, power, and love. In the name of Jesus, the giver of this great gift I pray. Amen.

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

Today's Verse Illustrated

. . . later . . .

  For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11

How happy are tested Christians, later. There is no deeper calm than that which follows the storm. Who has not rejoiced in clear shinings after rain?

Victorious banquets are for well-accomplished soldiers. After killing the lion we eat the honey; after climbing the Hill Difficulty,1we sit down in the arbor to rest; after traversing the Valley of Humiliation, after fighting with Apollyon, the shining one appears, with the healing branch from the tree of life. Our sorrows, like the passing hulls of the ships upon the sea, leave a silver line of holy light behind them "later." It is peace, sweet, deep peace, that follows the horrible turmoil that once reigned in our tormented, guilty souls.

Consider, then, the happy condition of a Christian! He has his best things last, and therefore in this world he receives his worst things first. But even his worst things are "later" good things, hard plowings yielding joyful harvests. Even now he grows rich by his losses, he rises by his falls, he lives by dying, and he becomes full by being emptied; if, then, his grievous afflictions yield him so much peaceable fruit in this life, what will be the full vintage of joy "later" in heaven? If his dark nights are as bright as the world's days, what shall his days be? If even his starlight is more splendid than the sun, what must his sunlight be? If he can sing in a dungeon, how sweetly will he sing in heaven! If he can praise the Lord in the fires, how will he extol Him before the eternal throne! If evil be good to him now, what will the overflowing goodness of God be to him then?

Oh, blessed "later"! Who would not be a Christian? Who would not bear the present cross for the crown that comes afterwards? But here is work for patience, for the rest is not for today, nor the triumph for the present, but "later." Wait, my soul, and let patience have her perfect work.

She Who Is Without Sin

Today's Bible Verse...
 

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.     —Psalm 19:1-2

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God's voice is always speaking. His witnesses give testimony to his glory, majesty, and creative grace. The universe shouts with joy that behind its intricate beauty and paralyzing powers is the One who gave it life, purpose, and intention.

My Prayer...

O Great God, Creator of the countless heavens and our own small blue planet, thank you for noticing the heart cries of one so small in a universe so large. I love you, admire you, trust you, and worship you with wonder. Be exalted in my life, my words, and my deeds this day. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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

Today's Verse Illustrated

Spirit Gusher

by Pastor Mark Jeske

It’s not as though the Son of God made his first appearance on earth when he was born in Bethlehem. The Old Testament tells us of various appearances of the “angel of the Lord” who spoke and acted like the second person of the Trinity. And it’s not as though the Holy Spirit had to wait until Pentecost to make his grand entrance. The Old Testament is full of references to the “Spirit of the Lord.”

But here’s what changed 50 days (in Greek pentekostos means “50^th”) after Easter: Jesus more than compensated his apostles for his absence by not only sending but outpouring a gusher of the Spirit upon the believers. Jesus told his nervous disciples a few hours before his arrest: “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever--the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you” (John 14:16,17).

You may think that on Sundays you go to church. What a concept that in fact you are the church! Yes! Seriously! The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, actually lives within you, creating and nourishing the faith you need through the Word, changing your life to be more Christ-like, maturing your understanding, and tuning you up to be all that he has created you to be. 

Loosening Up to Preach

Today's Bible Verse...

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.

—Psalm 46:10 

 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

 

History tells me it has been true! Faith trusts it will be true eternally! Reverent silences, a pause in the hectic rush of our lives, reminds us that it is true today.

My Prayer...

O Father in heaven, may your name be revered and held holy in my life and my world today. Your will be done, your reign on earth come with power and might and finality, just as it has already come in heaven. Through Jesus I pray. Amen.

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

Today's Verse Illustrated