Timidity Is Infectious

“Whoever is fearful and trembling–let him return!” - Judg 7:3
 

Through God wanted only a few men–he wanted the best. So the first thing was to weed out the incompetent. The army would be stronger with all these sent home–rather than with them all straggling along. There were twenty thousand cowards; and the ten thousand brave men would be stronger alone than the thirty thousand, having the timid thousands among them.

Timidity is infectious. Many a church would be stronger if it were weeded out–just as Gideon’s army was. Its weakness lies in its great numbers, not because numbers necessarily weaken–but because there are so many half-hearted people on the church roll. They have lost their interest, if they ever had any, and are indifferent, without thorough consecration. They add no strength–but only hinder the other members and dampen their zeal.

Pray Without Ceasing?byJudy Muck and Joseph Farris

 

Today's Bible Verse...

He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. And he will be their peace.   —Micah 5:4-5

Thoughts on Today's Verse... 

When Jesus proclaims that he is the ''Good Shepherd," he means that he will lay down his life for us! For us, however, it means all that Micah promised — strength, majesty, security and peace.

My Prayer... 

Loving and eternal God, thank you so very much for sending Jesus to be my sacrificial Shepherd. In a world gone crazy, his strength sustains me, his majesty overwhelms me, and in him I find my security and peace as I face the future. In the name of Jesus I thank you. Amen.

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

Hope IN The LORD

“Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint!” - Isa 40:31

The source of strength in any life–must be God. It is only when we are co-workers with him–that we are unconquerable. If we would be strong, therefore, able to resist sin, able to do valiant battle for the truth, able to touch other lives with healing, uplifting influences–we must abide in Christ. Then his strength shall be in our heart and in our arm.

It is told of General Gordon, that each morning, during his journey in the Soudan country, for half an hour there lay outside his tent a white handkerchief. The whole camp knew well what it meant, and looked upon the little signal with the utmost respect; no foot dared cross the threshold of that tent while the little guard lay there. No message, however pressing, was to be delivered. Matters of life and death must wait until the white signal was taken away. Everybody in the camp knew that God and Gordon were communing together. Sweet is the communion of the spirit–which obtains nearness to its God. Powerful is the influence of the soul that hourly longs to draw near to its God and drink in the inspiring draughts of his presence.

Interrupted Prayer by Mary Chambers

 

 

Today's Bible Verse...

Correct me, LORD, but only with justice — not in your anger, lest you reduce me to nothing.  —Jeremiah 10:24

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God is love! God is also holy and righteous! If he did not lovingly and tenderly correct us, none of us could survive before his awesome perfection. Yet our God has chosen to give us his undeserved mercy and kindness as he corrects us and molds us to be more like him.

My Prayer...

Holy and righteous Father, I truly do want to become more like you in my daily character; but please, dear Father, humble and correct me gently for you know how small I am compared to you. In the name of my Savior, your Son Jesus, I pray. Amen. 

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

Loved unto the End

by C. H. Spurgeon

For the Lord will not cast off for ever. - Lam 3:31
 

He may cast away for a season but not forever. A woman may leave off her ornaments for a few days, but she will not forget them or throw them upon the dunghill. It is not like the Lord to cast off those whom He loves, for “having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.” Some talk of our being in grace and out of it, as if we were like rabbits that run in and out of their burrows; but, indeed, it is not so. The Lord’s love is a far more serious and abiding matter than this.

He chose us from eternity, and He will love us throughout eternity. He loved us so as to die for us, and we may therefore be sure that His love will never die. His honor is so wrapped up in the salvation of the believer that He can no more cast him off than He can cast off His own robes of office as King of glory. No, no! The Lord Jesus, as a Head, never casts off His members; as a Husband, He never casts off His bride. Did you think you were cast off? Why did you think so evil of the Lord who has betrothed you to Himself? Cast off such thoughts, and never let them lodge in your soul again. “The Lord hath not cast away his people which he foreknew” (Romans 11:2). “He hateth putting away” (Malachi 2:16).

Time for Prayer by Rob Portlock

 

Today's Bible Verse... 

Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the LORD or fully declare his praise?   —Psalm 106:2

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

"Almighty!" That's one of the names for God. He is everything we can imagine that is good, right, and holy. But he is so much more! He is more than we can imagine and so much more than we can declare. Even our greatest moments of praise are great understatements of his glory.

My Prayer...

El Shaddai, the One True and Almighty God, you are worthy of all glory, honor, and praise! Thank you for hearing my feeble attempts at praise and being pleased and blessed with my love and my effort. You are too marvelous for my words and beyond my mind's comprehension. I gladly rest my hope and my future in you! In Jesus' name I praise. Amen.

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

The Real Problem with Anxiety

by John Piper
 
“But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?” (Matthew 6:30)

Jesus says that the root of anxiety is inadequate faith — “little faith” — in our Father’s future grace.
One reaction to this might be: “This is not good news! In fact, it is very discouraging to learn that what I thought was a mere struggle with an anxious disposition is rather a far deeper struggle with whether I trust God.”

My response to this discouragement is to agree, but then to disagree. 

Suppose you had been having pain in your stomach and had been struggling with medicines and diets of all kinds, to no avail. And then suppose that your doctor tells you, after a routine visit, that you have cancer in your small intestine. Would that be good news? You say, emphatically not! And I agree.

But let me ask the question another way: Are you glad the doctor discovered the cancer while it is still treatable, and that indeed it can be very successfully treated? You say, yes, I am very glad that the doctor found the real problem. Again I agree. 

So, the news that you have cancer is not good news. But, in another sense, it is good news, because knowing what is really wrong is good, especially when your problem can be treated successfully.

That’s what it’s like to learn that the real problem behind anxiety is “little faith” (as Jesus says) in the promises of God’s future grace. And he is able to work in wonderfully healing ways when we cry out, “I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24).

Swimming in the Baptistry  by Doug Hall

Today's Bible Verse...

The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, "We have found the Messiah!"  —John 1:41-42

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Andrew was always bringing people to Jesus. Except for that fact, and that he was Simon Peter's brother and a fisherman, that's about all we know about this apostle. But isn't that the kind of reputation you would like to have!

My Prayer... 

God of all salvation, please bless me as I seek to share Jesus with my friends and family. Please help me earn the reputation that Andrew had, someone who is always leading others to Christ. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. 

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

The Obsession That Destroys

 
Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. (Colossians 3:5 nkjv)

Perhaps the most misunderstood of the Ten Commandments is this one: “You must not covet your neighbor’s house. You must not covet your neighbor’s wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor” (Exodus 20:17 nlt).
Coveting isn’t simply desiring something we don’t have. If you see something that you admire, it isn’t necessarily coveting. That simply could be admiring.

The difference between that and coveting is that you become devoured by your desire for something. Many times it is something that isn’t yours to ever have. Notice this commandment talks about your neighbor’s wife. It is not just wanting a wife; it is wanting your neighbor’s wife.

From the original language the word covet translated is also translated “to pant after something,” sort of like a wolf that has gotten a taste for blood and is pursuing his prey. That wolf will not rest until he gets that prey. That is what coveting is. You become obsessed with something. You must have it.

How does coveting work? First the eyes look at an object, the mind admires it, the will goes over to it, and then the body moves in to possess it.

Someone who may not have a lot of money might have more of a problem with coveting than a person who does. It’s all they think about. They are looking for that angle, that quick fix that will make them successful in their own eyes.

There are people who covet throughout life. They become obsessed with certain things, and they will make any sacrifice to get what they want. It may be a person. It may be an object. It may be a position. Whatever it takes, they are determined to get it. And it can destroy their lives.

Copyright (c) 2018 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.

Christian Romance Novels

by Wendell Simons

Today's Bible Verse...

And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

—1 Peter 5:4

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

What a wonderful blessing it is to be led by godly, loving shepherds. But as much as we love them and show them respect, they will receive even greater appreciation in heaven!

My Prayer...

O glorious God, please bless every faithful and concerned leader in your Church with a clear sense of your blessing and appreciation. Please use me to show this love to your faithful servants as well. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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

Today's Verse Illustrated

Remedy for Depression

"To console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness" (Isa 61:2-3 NKJV).

A 1988 article in Psychology Today reported on an experiment involving 1700 women under stress. The women participated in various projects that involved helping other people. Within 30 days, 85 percent of the women reported that they had been relieved of stress symptoms that included "stress-related disorders such as headaches, voice loss and even pain accompanying lupus and multiple sclerosis."*

I suspect many people could save thousands of dollars on therapy and antidepressants if they would just take time to serve others. The best way to get beyond our pain is to get outside of it. I discovered this in my own journey through a particular dark time. I decided to serve others even though I was in great emotional pain. This had a remarkable positive effect on my emotional state.

When we refocus our attention on the needs of others when we ourselves are in turmoil, it allows the burden of our circumstance to be removed from us. The more one focuses on their own problem the more likely you are to become depressed.

Isaiah understood a principle that is still valid today. If you find yourself depressed because of a circumstance in your life, take Isaiah's advice - begin to praise the Lord in spite of the circumstances you see. Then you will see the spirit of heaviness begin to be lifted.

Congregational Needs

by Erik Johnson

Today's Bible Verse...

"Woe to the worthless shepherd, who deserts the flock! May the sword strike his arm and his right eye! May his arm be completely withered, his right eye totally blinded!"--Zechariah 11:17

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Church leadership is such an awesome and sobering responsibility and should be conducted with reverential humility. Those seeking status or privilege by becoming church leaders need to know that the Chief Shepherd, when he comes in his glory, will deal harshly with anyone who has abused God's people or misused this incredibly important trust, while generously rewarding those who are faithful.

My Prayer...

Loving Shepherd, please bless your church with qualified shepherds who love you and passionately care for your sheep and please give these faithful leaders a sense of your nearness and your pleasure as they faithfully carry out their responsibilities to you and to your sheep. In the name of Jesus, your Lamb that was slain for our sins, I pray. Amen.

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

Today's Verse Illustrated

Christ Loved Me...

 

Anyone who does not love does not know God.   1 John 4:8

The distinguishing mark of a Christian is his confidence in Christ's love for him and in the offering of his love to Christ. First, faith sets her seal upon the man by enabling the soul to say with the apostle, "Christ loved me and gave himself for me."1 Then love gives the countersign and stamps upon the heart gratitude and love to Jesus in return. "We love because he first loved us."2

In those grand old ages, which are the heroic period of the Christian religion, this double mark was clearly seen in all believers in Jesus; they were men who knew the love of Christ and rested upon it as a man leans upon a staff whose trustiness he has proved. The love that they felt toward the Lord was not a quiet emotion that they hid within themselves in the secret place of their souls and that they only spoke about in private or when they met on the first day of the week and sang hymns in honor of Christ Jesus the crucified; it was a passion with them of such a vehement and all-consuming energy that it was visible in all their actions, evident in their conversation, and seen in their eyes, even in their casual glances. Love for Jesus was a flame that fed upon the core and heart of their being and therefore by its own force burned its way into their demeanor and shone there. Zeal for the glory of King Jesus was the seal and mark of all genuine Christians.

Because of their dependence upon Christ's love they dared much, and because of their love for Christ they did much, and it is the same now. The children of God are ruled in their inmost powers by love. The love of Christ constrains them; they rejoice that divine love is set upon them, they feel it shed abroad in their hearts by the Holy Spirit, who is given to them, and then by force of gratitude they love the Savior with a pure and fervent heart.

My reader, do you love Him? Before you sleep, give an honest answer to this weighty question!

Can't Love My Neighbor

by Erik Johnson

Today's Bible Verse... 

Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.

—Psalm 105:4

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

When we honestly evaluate where we use our time, how we spend our money, what we think about most often, and where we put forth our best efforts, what do we find? Is God our consuming passion? Is he our first love?

My Prayer...

O mighty Lord, it is hard not to be able to see your face, yet I know my imperfection makes that impossible in light of your awesome holiness. Until that Day I see you face to face in heaven, please make your presence known in my life as I seek you with all of my heart. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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

Today's Verse Illustrated

C

What it Really Means to Grow in the Word

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. - Colossians 3:16

While studying in the Holy Land, a seminary professor met a man who claimed to have memorized the entire Old Testament in Hebrew. So the professor asked the man if he could give a demonstration. The man agreed, and the two met at the man’s home.

The professor took out his Hebrew Old Testament as the man asked, “Where shall we begin?”

“Psalm 1,” replied the professor, who was an avid student of the Psalms. And beginning with Psalm 1, the man began to recite from memory while the professor followed along. For two hours, the man continued without a single mistake as the professor sat stunned.

When the demonstration was over, the professor discovered something even more shocking about the man. He wasn’t a Jew nor a Christian, but an atheist. He knew the Scriptures better than most Christians ever will, and yet they had done nothing to change his life because he simply didn’t believe them.

Knowledge of God doesn’t always lead to maturity in the faith. In fact, there are countless people who know the Scriptures up and down yet simply don’t apply them to their lives. But the person who knows one verse and applies it is more spiritually mature than the one who knows many and applies none.

Yes, know the Bible. But more importantly, apply it to your life. That’s what it means to be mature in the Word of God!

Prayer Challenge

Pray that God would help you take His Word and apply it to your daily life.

Questions for Thought

Think of a time when you knew the biblical response to a situation, but you did something different. What caused you to go your own way?

When it comes to the Word of God, how can you bridge the gap between simply knowing it and really applying it to your life?

Hops of Faith

by Doug Hall

Today's Bible Verse... 

But he [Jesus] said, "I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent."    —Luke 4:43

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

When you think about the large cities of our modern world, what do you think about? Jesus sees them, and passionately yearns for the lost people in those great cities to be saved!

My Prayer...

Most holy and loving God, revive in us, your Church, a passion to reach the lost people of the world's great cities with the gospel and grace of your Son. In the name of the world's only true Lord and Savior, Jesus, I pray. Amen.

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

Today's Verse Illustrated

A Prayer for When You Are Anxious

By Wendy van Eyck

I am my beloved’s, and his desire is for me. Song of Solomon 7:10

When I first read about the following prayer in in a book by Brennan Manning called, “The Furious Longing of God,” I thought it sounded too simple but I gave it a try anyway.

I can’t remember the exact words Manning wrote but I remember reading something along the lines of, 'if you pray this prayer every day for one month it will change you.'

This prayer has changed me.

This 5-word prayer has become my "go-to" prayer anytime I feel anxious.

· Driving to the oncologist to get scan results: Abba, I belong to you.

· Waking in the middle of the night with concerns about work or finances: Abba, I belong to you.

· Worrying over a relationship that is struggling to work: Abba, I belong to you.

· Praying for a friend: Abba, [insert name of friend] belongs to you.

As I pray it I find myself remembering who God is: Big, mighty, good, merciful, loving, Abba.

As I pray it I find myself surrendering to who God is: In control, infinite, beyond comprehension, seeking my good.
As I pray it I find myself believing who I am:  Human, living in forgiveness, valuable, beloved, desired by God.

Ponder: Are you willing to try praying this prayer everyday for a month and see if it helps your anxiety? 

Prayer: I exhale and inhale when I pray it like Brennan Manning suggested, but I’ve found my own rhythm: 

Inhale: Abba

Exhale: I belong

Inhale: to 

Exhale: you

I find the combination of breathing and words calm me. This makes sense to me because none of us are only physical or only spiritual. We are both, so why not use both to find peace when I'm anxious?

Editor’s Note: Portions of this devotional were taken from Wendy van Eyck’s devotional, How to Pray When You are Anxious. 

Not Listening to the Preacher

by Bret Hammond and Dan Pegoda

Today's Bible Verse... 

 

Ill-gotten treasures are of no value, but righteousness delivers from death.—Proverbs 10:2

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

My mom regularly reminded my brothers and I as we grew up that sin is often a false shortcut to a good thing. In a similar way, the Holy Spirit reminds us that falsely acquired riches are not the path to a rich and full life, which can only be truly acquired through godliness.

My Prayer...

Generous and loving Father, please forgive me for getting caught up in envy and the culture of affluence. Please use your Spirit to develop in me the patience and righteousness I need to resist the deceptions of Satan and to pursue the fullness of life you long to bring me. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

Today's Verse Illustrated

 

The Lord Has His Eye on You

by Lynette Kittle

“The Lord looked down from His sanctuary on high, from heaven He viewed the earth” -Psalms 102:19

Have you ever felt like God is far away, like He isn’t interested in what’s happening on earth and in your life? Has the vastness of the world ever caused you to feel insignificant in the overall big picture of life?

Sill Psalm 33:13 states, “From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind.”

Likewise Psalm 33:14,15 assures of God’s great interest in mankind’s comings and goings describing how, “From His dwelling place He watches all who live on earth. He who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.”

Amazing to realize the God of the Universe is considering everything you do. It’s a concept that may be difficult to grasp.

It’s true, though, and He is taking into consideration all things, too, because, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13).

God is not just viewing mankind’s activities displayed out in the open but He is seeing everything, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Proverbs 15:3 states, “The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.”

Things people think are hidden are fully visible to God.  As Proverbs 5:21 explains, “For your ways are in full view of the Lord, and He examines all your paths.”

Even more than mankind’s actions, 1 Corinthians 4:5 states, “He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart.”

So God is looking past outward deeds into the motives of your heart. Mark 4:22 states, “For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open.”

When it comes to what God knows about you, understand it’s a full disclosure.

Psalm 14:2 describes even more of God’s purpose in looking, “The Lord looks down from Heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.”

So if you’re wondering how to truly catch God’s eye, His Word gives the key. It’s by seeking after Him, to understand Him and His ways. 

More importantly God is searching so He might make you stronger. 2 Chronicles 16:9 describes how the eyes of the Lord look to and fro through out the earth “to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.”

Where is your heart focused? Are you seeking after God? If so, know God is looking to see how He might uplift, encourage, and support you.

Lynette Kittle is married with four daughters. She enjoys writing about faith, marriage, parenting, relationships, and life. Her writing has been published by Focus on the Family, Decision, Today’s Christian Woman, iBelieve.com, kirkcameron.com, Ungrind.org, and more. She has a M.A. in Communication from Regent University and serves as associate producer for Soul Check TV.

Love, Theologically Speaking

by Lee D. Johnson

Today's Bible Verse...

Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.     —Psalm 34:11

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

What better goal for a father or mother could there be? Even if you have no children of your own, or if your "own" children are grown, God gives you his children at your congregation so you can teach them to love, honor, and reverence their one and only heavenly Father.

My Prayer...

Loving Father, help me to be involved in teaching your children and as I teach, please bless my efforts to teach them to love, honor, and reverence you, the one true and holy God. In Jesus' name I ask for this help and grace. Amen.

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

Today's Verse Illustrated

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