The Basis for Discernment

Since spiritual discernment is the ability to see life from God's perspective, it requires that we know how He thinks and acts. The Bible is His unchanging, infallible revelation of Himself. However, the Lord doesn't simply give us a list of facts about His character and ways. All throughout the pages of Scripture, He illustrates who He is and how He operates.

Although the Bible is ancient, it's not a dead book. It's alive and as fresh as if He were speaking directly to you. The stories may have taken place centuries ago, but the principles and applications are current and relevant. It's our instruction book about how to live. Guidance for decisions and discernment about situations are found from Genesis to Revelation.

God's Word is active and piercing. The words don't simply sit on the page. They penetrate our hearts and judge our thoughts and motives. This convicting quality is why some people don't like to read the Bible. But self-discernment is essential if we don't want to keep making the same mistakes over and over again. Some Christians live on a surface level, never understanding why they react to situations the way they do. But if we'll approach the Word of God with an open spirit, it will bring to light our hidden motives and reveal unrecognized sins.

Spiritual discernment involves seeing not just our circumstances but also ourselves from God's perspective. Have you learned to embrace the piercing sword of Scripture, or have you avoided doing so because it makes you uncomfortable? Remember, God's Word cuts only so that it can heal.

From Dr. Charles Stanley

Today's Bible Verse...

To all who received him, to those who believe in his name, he gave the right to become children of God — children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.

—John 1:12-13 

 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

We live in a time and culture of rights. "It's my right to ___." Just fill in the blank. But we don't have a right to be God's child. We are given that right by God's grace. This right came to us at great cost to God. Jesus came to earth, lived, died and was raised from the dead. We receive this grace through faith: God gives us new birth as we trust in Jesus as Lord and we are baptized and reborn through the power of the Holy Spirit (John 3:3-7; Titus 3:3-7). To be born of God, to be born from above, to be born "again" is the gift of adoption into God's family and brings us all the rights of heirs in God's house (Galatians 3:26-4:7).

My Prayer...

Abba Father, thank you for including me in your family. May my life today reflect your influence, character, mercy, holiness, compassion, righteousness, and love. I want to be like you, my Father. So just as I was born into your family by the power of the Holy Spirit, please fill me with your Spirit today so that I will reflect you in all I do and say this day. In the name of my older brother Jesus 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

 

Pastor Knows the Sheep and Goats by Mary Chambers

 

 

 

 

DEALING WITH THE THIEF

"The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly.”  John 10:10

What would you do if a man came to your door one Saturday afternoon with the sole intention of stealing all your stuff? He wants your big screen TV, your computer, your phone, your furniture, and any spare cash you have around. Keep in mind that he has no weapon and no authority--although he sounds very authoritative. Furthermore, while he looks mean and menacing, he is really no tougher than Don Knotts (aka Barney Fife from yesteryear). In actuality, he couldn’t whip your ten year old in a fist fight.

How would you respond to this thief? Would you let him have his way and rob you blind? Would you cower in fear at his commanding persona? Would you throw up your hands and say there is nothing that can be done? Or would you stand up to this Barney Fife of a thief, exert your authority as master of the house, and throw him out on his ear?

HOW WE DEAL WITH THE DEVIL

When it comes to the devil, he may look and sound ferocious--like a prowling lion--but in actuality he is nothing more than a defeated foe, a beaten Barney Fife. Jesus broke his back when He died on the cross and rose from the dead. The Bible clearly tells us, “Greater is He (Jesus) who is in you than he (Satan) who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

The truth of the matter is the thief and enemy of our souls has no power, authority, or victory over a Christian. All too often, however, we let him run roughshod over our lives. We let him have his way, stealing our peace and joy in the Lord. We let him kill our testimony and bring destruction into our marriage and family. How tragic!

Jesus came that we might have life--eternal, abundant, and victorious. He wants us to experience the blessings of our salvation. So let’s claim what the Lord has clearly stated that He wants us to have. Let’s stand firm against the devil and send him packing! The fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control) is ours to enjoy as we “walk by the Spirit”, say no to the flesh, and shut the door in the face of the thief!

Love, 

Pastor Jeff Schreve,
From His Heart Ministries

Today's Bible Verse...

The LORD was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of his words fall to the ground. —1 Samuel 3:19 

 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Samuel began his ministry at such a young age and was so important in bridging the generations between the period of the Judges and the period of the Kings. During that whole time, God was with him and empowered his ministry, making his words true and effective. Let's pray that God does the same with his spokespeople today. May God use his servants effectively all their lives and not let any of their words fall to the ground. 

My Prayer...

Today, O God, I ask you to empower your faithful servants who proclaim your Word all over the world. Please bless them with a season of freedom from satanic attack. Bless them with health, vigor, and passion. Please give them a long life full of useful service empowered by your grace. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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

Today's Verse Illustrated

Sermon Gaffe by Dan Pegoda

 

Living Love When We Disagree

by Melissa Spoelstra

I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose (1 Corinthians 1:10, NLT).

Friend to Friend
Living love when we disagree sounds good on paper, but it isn’t easy. We’re different--we have different personalities, preferences, and perspectives. And we can struggle to get along, especially when we don’t see eye-to-eye. In the course of a day, we can find ourselves disagreeing or debating with family, friends, coworkers, and even strangers on social media about everything from food choices and parenting styles to politics and religion. Often we find ourselves divided--even as Christians. How can we work out our differences with humility and grace, always showing the love of Christ, while still remaining true to what we believe?
So who has been irritating you the most lately? Keep that person in the back of your mind and we’ll come back to them in a minute.
Paul urged the church in Corinth to “be of one mind, united in thought and purpose” (1 Corinthians 1:10). He essentially called them to live love – even when they disagreed. Chapter 13, known as the love chapter, wasn’t included to be a nice poem for weddings. Instead, it was written to urge Christians living in a pagan and diverse culture to approach one another with the love of Christ. God’s Word calls us to do the same.

Regrettably, we often exercise the opposite of that kind of love, choosing instead to keep a record of wrongs or make rude comments--whether in person or on social media. Jesus prayed that we would experience unity as his body. “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one--as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me” (John 17:20-21).

In His prayer, Jesus asked that His followers would be as united as He and the Father are! We can never demonstrate this supernatural love and kindness with those who disagree with us apart from Jesus. Paul acknowledged this truth, mentioning the name of Jesus eight times in the first nine verses of his letter! He knew that we desperately need Christ at the center of our personal lives, including our interactions with others. Our unity comes only through Christ and His love.

Here are some of the main questions the concept of living love has brought up for me:
How can we?

• Deal with our differences in a loving way without compromising our convictions
• Achieve harmony while maintaining our diversity
• Consider the ways that the surrounding culture impacts our beliefs
• Agree to disagree on matters of preference and opinion
• Humbly listen to others with views different than our own
• Embrace ambiguity in some areas, acknowledging that our view is often partial and incomplete
• Demonstrate to all that love is the greatest thing and that love never fails.

How have you worked through some of these issues? Have you noticed that sometimes Christians can behave unlovingly towards one another, especially online?

Now let’s bring it a little closer to home. So who was that person that came to your mind when I asked who has been irritating you lately? Think about that person right now. How is God calling you to live His love toward them today?  We can’t do it without Jesus at the center of our lives can we? Know that I am praying that every person who reads this post would have supernatural power to live love in their midst of their disagreements!

Let’s Pray

Dear Lord, help us to live Your love. Even though we disagree about many things, we find unity in You. Give us eyes to see others the way You see them. Season our words with Your grace so that even when we land on opposite sides of an issue, we can still value each other and bring honor to Your Name.

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn 

Think again about the person who has been irritating you the most lately. Ask God to give you one tangible way that you can bless that individual today. Perhaps you can give them a word of encouragement, an anonymous gift card, or a secret act of service. As you live love toward them in a practical way, I’d love to hear in the comments how God used your choice to minister to your soul.

Today's Bible Verse...

Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come.

—Psalm 71:18 

 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

In the beautiful hymn entitled, "O Sacred Head," the final verse ends with this plea: "Lord, let me never, never, outlive my love to thee." To this sentiment we want to add one other: "Lord, let me never, never, die until the next generation knoweth thee!"

My Prayer...

Lord God Almighty, the great I AM, help me and those in my generation to pass on an appreciation of your power and glory to those who come after us. Bless your Church's future with many more continuous generations of faith after me or until that day you send your Son to bring your people home. In the name of my coming Lord, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

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

Today's Verse Illustrated

 

 

God Stops the Lengthy Sermon 

by Dan Pegoda

The Holy Spirit’s Dwelling Place

19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Every time the news programs report a story about vandalism at a church, believers cringe. It’s hard for us to bear the thought of anyone spray-painting graffiti on sanctuary walls or damaging the stained glass windows, let alone setting fire to a place of worship. It’s a desecration! The church is a sacred place.

I’m saddened by the fact that many Christians don’t have the same qualms when it comes to harming the temple of the Holy Spirit--their own bodies. Some put junk into their stomachs, their veins, or their lungs. Others wear themselves down under a weight of stress or exhaustion. Some folks justify these abuses as their right: It’s my body, I can do what I want. But that isn't true.

First Corinthians 6 says that believers are the Lord’s possession (v. 19). He has fashioned these earthen vessels to serve Him and carry out the work He’s planned for us to accomplish. God created us with a mind, body, and spirit--of the three aspects, the body is the one that allows us to interact with our environment. People cannot reach their full potential while neglecting the proper care of their bodies. What good are education, talent, and gifts if we’re too tired or sick to complete tasks well?

Here in the world, we can do nothing apart from our physical body. Since it is the only one we’ll have in this life, we should do our best to keep it in good condition. Believers should also recognize their responsibility to treat the earthly frame like the sacred and special dwelling place that it is.

Today's Bible Verse...

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day...—2 Timothy 4:7-8

 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

I am so thankful for Paul's confidence as he faces his death. He is all but abandoned and is worried about the future of the Church, but he knows two things: he has served the Lord faithfully and the Lord will receive him when he dies! Shouldn't those two things be our most important goals in life? So if they are our goals, how do we live each day to fulfill them?

 

My Prayer...
Faithful and loving God, you have so richly blessed me with salvation by your grace. Please strengthen me out of the riches of that grace. I am sometimes weak and falter in my faithfulness. I know your grace is lavish, but I don't want to presume on it or abuse it. Please give me strength and courage to live faithfully and passionately for you until the day I see you face to face and share with you in your glory and victory. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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

Pointed Sermon Illustrations by Steve Phelps

 

An Angel Encampment

by C. H. Spurgeon "The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them" (Psalm 34:7).
We cannot see the angels, but it is enough that they can see us. There is one great Angel of the Covenant, whom not having seen we love, and His eye is always upon us both day and night. He has a host of holy ones under Him, and He causes these to be watchers over His saints and to guard them from all ill. If devils do us mischief, shining ones do us service.
Note that the LORD of angels does not come and go and pay us transient visits, but He and His armies encamp around us. The headquarters of the army of salvation is where those live whose trust is in the living God. This camp surrounds the faithful so that they cannot be attacked from any quarter unless the adversary can break through the entrenchments of the LORD of angels. We have a fixed protection, a permanent watch. Sentineled by the messengers of God, we shall not be surprised by sudden assaults nor swallowed up by overwhelming forces. Deliverance is promised in this verse -- deliverance by the great Captain of our salvation, and that deliverance we shall obtain again and again until our warfare is accomplished and we exchange the field of conflict for the home of rest.

Today's Bible Verse...

Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and not a few prominent women.—Acts 17:4

 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Women have always played an important role in the work of God. This was especially true in Macedonia (Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea) in the first century. In each of these places, many of the leading women of the community were touched by the Gospel. We know they played important roles in supporting the missionary enterprise (Lydia) and sharing the Gospel with those around them (Euodia and Syntyche). Why not take time today to let a godly woman in your congregation know how important she is to the Lord's work and to you.

My Prayer...

Almighty God, thank you for godly women of faith. Bless them and their service and make it powerful and effective to your glory. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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

Today's Verse Illustrated

On Target Sermon by Steve Phelps

You Were Custom Made

Scripture Reading: Psalms 139   

15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.Psalms 139:15-16 NIV

There's nothing quite like having a custom-made shirt.  On one shirt that I had custom made - cut especially for me - I even had my initials embroidered on the cuff. When you get something custom-made, it is fitted to your uniqueness, crafted with you in mind, and you are proud of it. 

Now think about this: YOU have been custom-made by Almighty God, and your days were ordained before time into being. When you read Psalm 139:15-16, I want you to pay close attention to how God has placed all the parts of your life in order.  He's got your whole life in His hands.  This means you can stop trying to be somebody else and be satisfied with the unique person God made you to be.

You are custom-made!  When you live in that realization, you will shine brighter than ever.  Walking in God's purpose for you will turn out to be the greatest adventure you've ever jumped into!

Today's Bible Verse...

Teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.—Titus 2:3

 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

"Teach... to teach!" We need faithful women in God's family to help show us the way to reverence God in our daily lives and to live with character. That means we need to teach these women they need to teach. We need to pray for them to step forward and be mentors. We must openly respect their reverent lifestyles and acknowledge their godly character.

My Prayer...

Holy and righteous Father, please raise up women of strong character and faithful service. Give us the eyes to see their godly lives and a willingness to hold them up as examples to your people. Thank you for the many godly women in our Christian heritage who have had tremendous impact for good — women like Deborah, Esther, Mary, Dorcas, and Priscilla. I also want to thank you for those godly women who have made such a great difference in my life and taught me so much about faith, hope, and love. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

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

Today's Verse Illustrated...

 

There's No Song for That 

by Andy Robertson

 

Motivation for Work

After our Monday morning Bible study I went to pay for my breakfast and the cashier said, “Dave, yours was already covered.” I don’t know who was so kind to pick up my tab, but I’m grateful for this brother or sister who takes seriously the Apostle Paul’s words, “Let the one who is taught the Word share all good things with the one who teaches.” I want to be even more excited about picking up the tab for others. As Paul finished his farewell speech to the Ephesian elders, he revealed that he was not the kind of pastor who asked for a “pastor’s discount.”

“I have not coveted anyone’s silver, gold, or clothing. You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I showed you by my labor that it is necessary to help those in need and to remember the Lord Jesus saying, ‘It’s more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:33-35 NIV

We all work for many reasons: to see the results of our sweat, to receive recognition for our efforts, and to put food on our tables and clothes on our backs. But through careful experiments, psychologists at the University of Michigan have discovered that one of the most powerful motivations to get folks to work is to give them the opportunity to help others.

Way back in the first century both Jesus and Paul knew this power of working to give, and Paul sought to raise up a host of church leaders who didn’t expect a “preacher’s discount” but instead worked hard so that they themselves could give to others.   

LORD, I pray for the day that when I mention “preacher” the first thing people will think is that’s not the group that expects a discount for themselves, but the group that works hard to give to those in need.

by Dave Wyrtzen  @ TruthEncounter.com! 

 

Today's Bible Verse...

 

Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.—Titus 2:2

 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

"Teach older men?" "Learn from younger folks?" Buried in this verse is a profound understanding and respect that transcends generations. For some of us who share our local churches with five generations of people for the first time in human history, Paul's challenging words mean even more to us today. Those who are younger need leaders and mentors who are people of character if transformation and renewal are to be sustainable. Those who are older need to realize that God often uses the voices of the young to speak his truth and bring renewal. We need to love, respect, and pray for each other as we seek to be God's people in our time!

My Prayer...

O God, please give us wisdom, patience, and respect in your Family so that we may value each person, listen to the voices of character and maturity regardless of age, and be open to hearing your truth no matter who you use to speak it to us. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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

Today's Verse Illustrated...

 

Not Preaching the Word by Rob Suggs

 

A Prayer for Godly Wisdom

By Tracie Miles

“Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life. You can make many plans, but the LORD’s purpose will prevail.” Proverbs 19:20-21 (NLT)

Over several months of dealing with a difficult circumstance, I received a lot of godly counsel from beloved friends and family. Yet I found it hard to heed their good suggestions at times, because my feelings seemed to be in control of my thoughts.

Recognizing this struggle within, I bowed my head and prayed: “Lord, please help me see with eyes that are wise, not eyes blurred with overwhelming emotions. Help me act out of a heart that follows You, not a heart heavy with worry. Help me think with a holy perspective, not a mindset based on my own opinions or feelings. Give me wisdom and discernment, and the ability to recognize and follow wise instruction when I receive it.”

I opened my eyes and reached for my Bible, and immediately came across today’s key verses, Proverbs 19:20-21 ... “Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life. You can make many plans, but the LORD’s purpose will prevail.”

My heart quickened at the thought of God whispering the comforting answer I had just prayed for. I sensed His assurance that it was okay to accept and trust wise advice that aligned with Scripture, because His plans and purposes would always prevail even if my decisions weren’t perfect.

Obviously my first place for wisdom and guidance is God’s Word and prayer, and I had been anxiously seeking His direction for weeks. But as I read this verse, I felt prompted to ponder all the people who’d offered me loving wisdom. With grateful humility, I bowed my head again to pray, intentionally thanking God for all the people who continually poured wise instruction into my heart and seeking discernment about the best advice to follow.

God sends people into our lives for many reasons, and in many cases, it is in response to a need we have -- whether it’s now, or yet to come. No relationship happens in the Kingdom of God by circumstance or without reason, whether it’s to provide friendship, help us through a season of difficulty, provide wisdom or inspire us to stand strong in our faith when we feel weak and unsure.

Throughout Scripture we are instructed to choose our friends wisely, because with godly friends comes godly wisdom -- just when we need it most.

Lord, thank You for the people You have divinely placed in my life who speak holy truth, love and words of wisdom. Give me a heart of discernment to know when You are using someone to speak instruction into my heart and my circumstances, and give me the strength and courage to follow through with that advice, even when it’s hard. Fill me with peace in knowing that even if I take a wrong turn, Your purpose will prevail. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Editor’s Note: Content taken from the Encouragement for Today devotional, “Godly Friends, Godly Wisdom,” written by Tracie Miles. 

Today's Bible Verse...
 

Do not say, "Why were the old days better than these?" For it is not wise to ask such questions. —Ecclesiastes 7:10

 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

The only thing we get by spending our time looking in the rear view mirror is a big disaster in our front windshield! Our best days as Christians are always ahead. Jesus has promised to return and take us home to God — what better future could there be. So let's not get distracted with nostalgic cynicism. We can thank God for his past blessings, but let's not waste the present with pessimism. Let's make a commitment to redeem our time and trust that the same God who raised Jesus from the dead also holds our future in his hands.

 

My Prayer...
Holy God, give me a sense of purpose in each day that you give me life and give me an optimistic outlook on the future and on my Lord who will meet me there. Please help me have a sense of genuine joy knowing that no matter where the road leads me today, I will journey with you. In Jesus' name I thank you for being my loving God and eternal Father. Amen.

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

Today's Verse Illustrated...

 

Assigning Tough Preaching Topics

by Erik and Vicki Johnson

 

 

Set Free

by David Jeremiah



From Sanctuary by David Jeremiah

He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. –2 Corinthians 5:21

I once heard someone say that of all men who ever lived, Barabbas should have the best understanding of vicarious substitution. Somebody died in his place. This murderer and thief walked out a free man, the crowds cheering his release. At the same time, an innocent Jesus was sentenced to die.

But Barabbas isn’t the only one who can say that Jesus died in his place. We can all say that Jesus Christ died on that cross for us, just as He did for Barabbas. In the words of 2 Corinthians 5:21, “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” Jesus died that we might live. He was bound that we who are in bondage to sin might be set free.

When word of his freedom came, he had to walk out of that cell to be truly free. Through Christ, the cell door has sprung open. All we have to do is say, “I accept what Christ did for me, and I will now live in the light of that truth.”

Today's Bible Verse...

Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.  —1 Timothy 4:14

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Life seems so busy, so full of distractions and "to do" lists. Let's not let our "busyness" keep us from our Father's "business." Let's find the ways God has gifted us to serve him and his people; then let's dedicate ourselves to that with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.

My Prayer...

Gracious God, you have blessed me in so many different ways. Thank you for all these touches of your grace. But Father, I need your help to more clearly see how you have gifted me to serve you and to more passionately make that service a key priority in my life each day. Thank you for always hearing my prayers. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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

Today's Verse Illustrated...

Pushing People into Ministry by Ed Koehler

 

 

Join the Unburdened Overcomers

I sometimes just say “Lord Jesus, lovely Lord Jesus” over and over slowly, there is nothing better or more healing... There hath not fail one word of all His good promises. All the promises of God are “yea” and “amen,” and that’s enough right there to go on. -- Dottie, my mother-in-law

Life on this planet can be tough. Jesus never promised otherwise:

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

John recorded that in his gospel, but he doesn’t leave it there. In his first letter, John puts it in perspective for those who are born again:

In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. (1 John 5:3-5)

The core commandments to love, to trust, to live in Him, and to rest in Him--these give us a victory over the world that is so obvious that John says it is one of the “signs” that we are born of God. Personally, I know of no one whose life speaks as loudly to these truths as my mother-in-law. If you remember, when my wife was born, Dottie’s life was a complete mess, ravaged by brokenness. Now some forty-odd years later, her body is starting to break down. Yet listen to some of the words she wrote in a letter to us:

• “It all about His business, I take care of His business, HE takes care of my business.”
• “LORD, it’s your body, if this is what you want for your body, be my guest!”
• “Jesus is the only true reality in my life. Every word that comes out of the mouth of God matters, just like He said. The rest is just a bunch of scrambling around and babbling.”
• “He is alive and real in me. How much closer can He get than ‘in’? Mercifully, He and I are inseparable. No thanks to me, He did it all. If so, I can trust Him, He doeth all things well!”

Yes, MY mother-in-law. (And NO, you can’t have her.) She is an “unburdened overcomer” of the world. That characteristic of overcoming the world is one of the signs that we have been born again.

Jesus, be the only true reality in my life. I release my worldly burdens to You. I take on Your commands which are not burdensome at all when I allow You to live them through me in Your strength. Amen.

Today's Bible Verse...

Be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."—1 Peter 5:5 

 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

 

The word "submissive" is often positive or negative based on its relationship to us personally. It's nice having someone serve us submissively, but serving someone else submissively is hard work. Unfortunately, we are selfish way too much of the time. But God is at work in direct opposition to anyone who is full of pride and unwilling to serve others, especially if those "others" are older believers! Whether it's easy to wear the clothes our Father demands or not, we are to intentionally clothe ourselves with humility!

My Prayer...

Father, thank you so much for the great heroes of faith listed in Scripture. Thank you for those other heroes of faith who have shared their examples and lives with me. Bless them with strength and health. And Father, please use me to bless and to serve all of your children, especially those who have lived many years in faithful service to you and your Kingdom. Because of the grace of Jesus, and in his name I pray. Amen.

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

Today's Verse Illustrated...

 

Leviticus for Little Ones by Doug Hall

The Signs of Drifting

These Verses Issue A Warning to Pay Attention

1 We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. 2 For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, 3 how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. Hebrews 2:1-3 NIV

Regularly gathering in the house of the Lord with brothers and sisters in Christ provides an "anchor" of support and accountability. But skipping church in order to pursue other interests is an obvious sign that a believer has begun to drift away from God. Less apparent are the men and women who mentally skip the worship service. The act of attending means nothing unless we make a deliberate decision to receive God's Word and apply it to our life. As the writer of Hebrews warned, if we do not pay attention to what we have heard, we will drift away from it (2:1).

However, Sunday morning is not the only time for receiving a steady diet of nourishing principles and encouragement from the Bible. We should be in its pages every day, reading and meditating for ourselves. When our interest in what God has to say decreases, we're already slipping out into troublesome waters. The only way to keep our way pure is by following His Word (Ps. 119:9).

If Bible reading is neglected, a prayer life has usually faded as well. Prayer is the way believers communicate with the Navigator. If we stop talking with Him, the God who once seemed so close soon feels far away. That chasm in our spirit is one more sign that we're far from shore and safety.

I've watched many a captain guide his cruise ship through a narrow channel. The crew members are intensely focused on their tasks because drifting means disaster. Life is full of narrow channels to navigate. We cannot afford to drift away from God and His Word. Only He can bring us safely through.

Today's Bible Verse...

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.—Isaiah 40:29 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Even the most pumped up and positive ones of us find ourselves broken and weary at some point in our life. It isn't so hard to believe and follow Jesus when we are soaring on the wings of eagles or running and not getting weary in our walk with God. Often the toughest time to keep our faith vibrant is when we are trying to keep putting one foot in front of the other while not fainting. In those moments of absolute powerlessness, weakness, and brokenness the Lord is often most real, most powerful, and most present. 

My Prayer...

Thank you, God, for sustaining me and keeping my faith alive when I have been under attack from the Evil One and have grown weary with the challenges and hardships of life. Please give those I love, and mention now by name, the strength to press on even though they are weary and weak. Please be real in their lives and let them know that you are coming with grace to help and redeem as their Great Deliverer. In Jesus' name I ask it. Amen.

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

Today's Verse Illustrated...

Drill Sergeant Teacher by Andy Robertson