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

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