God In You ... Sanctification!

by E. P. Chandler

"What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols?  For we are the temple of the living God. " - 2 Corinthians 6:16

The Vietnam War memorial in Washington, D.C., has become one of the most visited and emotional sites in the nation's capital.  What sets it apart from other memorials?  Carved into that black granite wall are more than 58,000 names of Americans who gave their lives building a foundation for freedom.

In 1 Kings 9, we find Solomon, having built the temple, now dedicating it to God.  Here is God's response, verse 3:  "I have heard the prayer and plea you have made before me; I have consecrated this temple, which you have built, by putting my name there forever.  My eyes and my heart will always be there."

Solomon built a physical temple, but only God could hallow it and consecrate it to Himself.  In the New Testament, God tells us of living temples -- the people of God.  And only God can sanctify us to Himself.  He promises that those whom He sets apart for Himself have His eye, His heart, His love, and His care upon them.

Sanctification begins with God's call to us in Christ.  It is put in motion when we respond by faith and give our lives to Him.  And it continues with God's work of molding us to be more like the person of Jesus Christ.  We must dedicate ourselves to Him and cooperate by obeying His commands, but the sanctifying belongs to Him.
The apostle Paul wrote, "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:6).

Prayer: 
"Lord, when I get discouraged by my inability to be holy, remind me that I can do nothing unless You do it in me. Amen. " 

Holiness does not come from observing a list of do's and do not's; it comes from God's supernatural work in me as I obey Him. 

On Fire? for the Lord by Doug Hall

Today's Bible Verse...

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. —Galatians 5:1

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

We have been set free! We are delivered from law, sin, and death. We have been set free to serve God and share in his grace eternally. So how will we use that freedom?

My Prayer...

God of freedom and grace, please give me your Spirit of wisdom to understand more fully all the ways that you have blessed me. Please help me use those blessings to share your grace with my family and friends. May I never take for granted your gifts or abuse my freedoms won at such great cost. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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

 

Have A Safe 4th...

Doing the Impossible

by shani4jc

10/12/17

“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Matthew 5:44

“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”…surely we must be reading that wrong! Surely there must be some sort of miscommunication here between God and us! Surely this was supposed to say “hate your enemies and curse those who persecute you”, right? 

Try as we might to make this verse say something different, something more pleasing to our ears, something that comes
a little more naturally to us, we can’t! It’s right there in black and white and God did not misspeak! He meant exactly what He said. We are commanded to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us! So, let’s get busy loving our enemies and praying for those who persecute us! 

Easier said than done, isn’t it? How in the world does God expect us to love people who have hurt us, done us wrong, and who possibly may hate us? How does He expect us to pray for those who are intent on bring us pain, who are hurting us, and who live to see us destroyed? He expects us to do that which seems impossible through Him and through Him only! It is no surprise to Him that we cannot love our enemies and pray for our persecutors on our own! He knows that, in our humanness, if is virtually impossible for us to do what He is asking us to do. However, even though He knows we can’t do it on our own, He doesn’t take the command away. He still expects our obedience. Why? Because He knows we will have to depend on Him to do it and He knows that our obedience will bring us peace where conflict once resided. He knows our obedience is in our best interest, so He asks us to do the impossible!

What will our answer be?

The Wisdom of Deacons by Dan Pegoda

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Today's Bible Verse...

We have sinned, even as our fathers did; we have done wrong and acted wickedly. —Psalm 106:6

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Sin is nothing new. The candor of Scripture allows us to see the stupidities and rebelliousness of God's people in the past. We can be convicted by their lost opportunities and the disasters they brought upon themselves. We can also be reminded how little difference there often is between them and us.

My Prayer...

Father, I know my sin, my rebellion, and my unfaithfulness have hurt you and your cause today every bit as much as the sins of those in the Bible hurt in the past. Please forgive and strengthen me as I seek to live a life holy and pleasing to you and a blessing to those around me. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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

 

Fruit Loops

by shani4jc

04/30/17

Do you worry about what other people think of you? Do you value other people’s opinions more than you value God’s opinion? 

Are you more concerned about fitting into the world than you are about following God’s plan for you? 

Do you allow other people to dictate what you do or don’t do because you fear what they will think of you? 

Do you care more about your value in the eyes of people or in the eyes of God? I think if we are honest with ourselves, we all would have to admit that we spend way too much time worried about what others think about us. We allow other people to direct the course of our lives instead of letting God direct us. We can fail to fulfill the plans God has for us because we are afraid of what others will say. 

Recently, I saw a video clip with Beth Moore and she said something about this subject that has stuck with me. She asked if we were so worried about others thinking we were fruit loops that we failed to bear fruit. 

I laughed when she said it, but when the truth of those words set in, I realized that she is absolutely right. Our fear of what others think can stop us from doing anything for God! We have to realize that anything we do for God will probably cause someone (or many someone’s) to think we are crazy. Those someone’s may even be fellow believers in Christ. And that’s okay! We don’t answer to those people! We answer to God and to God alone! His opinion, His thoughts, and His approval are all we need to be focused on. 

What He says about us trumps anything anyone else says! 
Stop letting other people keep you from living out the life God died to give you! 

The world didn’t understand Jesus, so if it doesn’t understand you, at least you’re in good company!

Up Early Praying by Eddie Eddings

 

Today's Bible Verse...

I will show the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, the name you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am the LORD, declares the Sovereign LORD, when I show myself holy through you before their eyes. —Ezekiel 36:23

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Ever wondered what would happen if all of God's people from every nation would humble themselves in repentance and ask God to reveal his holiness to the nations?

My Prayer...

Almighty and holy God, I am so sorry for my sins that have tarnished your witness through me to my friends. I am sorry for the sins of my nation and how we have turned from your way. Please forgive us and move in a mighty way to reveal yourself in our day, in all your holiness. In the name of Christ Jesus I pray. Amen.

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

 

How to Learn Scripture with the Right Motives

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. - Psalms 119:11

A story is told of a village church in Kalonovka, Russia, where attendance at Sunday school picked up after the priest started handing out candy to the peasant children. One of the most faithful was a pug-nosed, pugnacious lad who recited his Scriptures with proper piety, pocketed his reward, then fled into the fields to munch on it.

The priest took a liking to the boy and persuaded him to attend church school by offering other incentives. There, the priest managed to teach the boy the four Gospels. In fact, this little boy won a special prize for learning all four by heart and reciting them nonstop in church!

Fast forward 60 years, and the boy still loved to recite Scriptures, but in a context that would horrify the old priest. For the prized pupil who memorized so much of the Bible is Nikita Khrushchev, the former Communist czar. The same little lad who nimbly mouthed God’s Word as a child later declared God to be nonexistent.

Khrushchev memorized the Scripture for the rewards rather than for the meaning it had for his life. Artificial motivation will produce artificial results. So as you learn the Word of God, keep your motives pure and make it an exercise of both your heart and your mind!

Prayer Challenge

Ask God to keep your motives pure when it comes to learning His Word. Pray that He would help you absorb it into your heart as well as your mind!

Irony of Doctrinal Divisions by Doug Hall

 

Today's Bible Verse... 

O land, land, land, hear the word of the LORD.—Jeremiah 22:29

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

What is absolutely essential for your country and your people to experience revival? First, the Spirit or God must move in a mighty way. Second, the people must open their hearts to hear and respond to the Word of the Lord. So let's commit to pray together, all over the world, that our people will open their hearts to the Spirit and the Word of God!

My Prayer...

Holy and Almighty God, please move powerfully in our day to bring revival. Open the hearts of the peoples to your truth and enable those who proclaim your Word to speak your truth with power. Please use me to help make a difference in the lives of those around me. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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

 

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