Honesty is Better than the Comfort of Lies

Proverbs 17:4, “A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.” The Devil has a multitude of lies, but there is only one God-given truth. That is true in salvation. There is only one way to Heaven and that is through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Though the world will tell us there are multitudes of ways to get to Heaven, God’s Word tells us there is only one way. We need to share that truth with the world even if the world rejects it.

The Bible tells us that the world is filled with people who are wicked. Wicked people do not want to hear the truth. Proverbs 28:4, “They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.” That is why we have the promotion of wickedness, in our world like abortion on demand, homosexual rights, the legalization of drugs, minor sentences for people involved in child molestation.

2 Timothy 4:3 teaches us this truth, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;” This verse teaches that the reason wicked people listen to liars is because they are liars themselves. Paul writing to Galician believers said “Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?” (Galatians 4:16). When people are doing that which is wrong, they do not want to hear truth. In Isaiah’s time they said, “Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:”(Isaiah 40:10). Jeremiah 5:31, “The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so:” Though the world does not want to hear truth, we need to be anxious to hear truth. We must not just be hearers of the Word, we must be doers of the Word.

Honesty in our life will produce the blessings of God. Lies may comfort us for awhile, but they will lead us to death and destruction.

Your friend,
David Teis

Today's Bible Verse...

Break the arm of the wicked and evil man; call him to account for his wickedness that would not be found out.

—Psalm 10:15

 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...
It is hard not to get discouraged when evil and wicked people get away with what is reprehensible. Christians on every continent have things that greatly trouble them about the evil perpetrated in their corner of the world as corrupt power abuses those who belong to God's people. Let's join together, believers from all around the world, and ask God to intervene in a clear, decisive way, and bring these days of violence and wickedness to an end!

My Prayer...
Holy and righteous Father, please break the power of wickedness that reigns in our world and bring it to an end. Make it clear that the fall of evil's power is at the hand of the Lord Jesus. Lord Jesus, destroy every power that stands between God and us, and bring to a glorious beginning the eternal reign of your Kingdom. To your glory, Lord Jesus, and in your name I pray. Amen.

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

Today's Verse Illustrated...

Altar Call Ejection Seats by Jonny Hawkins

Your Disillusionment May Bring Blessing

By Wendy Alsup

“Behold, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense, and he who believes in Him will not be disappointed.”-Romans 9:33

I always felt that I was living my life according to God’s plan. I built dreams and created expectations, assuming that they would be fulfilled if I made the right choices. But then I woke up to a reality that didn’t match my hopes.

As a young woman, I desperately longed for a child. I looked forward to being defined by motherhood. Instead, I was crushed by a season of miscarriage and infertility. After finally experiencing the joy of giving birth to my first child, I found that my vision of motherhood was naïve; I was challenged at every level. Nearly crushed with the emotional fatigue, I felt brokenhearted and disappointed.

My beliefs about how my life would turn out were pleasant but false. I was forced to recognize that I was clinging to a pretense.

We often build pretenses for how our Christian lives should appear: ideas we imagine should govern our lives, rights we perceive we have. Yet our pretenses often lack the foundation that God has His own plans for our lives.

We long for a path free from pain and barriers, but God doesn’t always follow the easy trail. Fortunately, when we are crushed and brokenhearted—even from our own pretenses—we know that the brokenness doesn’t separate us from God. It draws us nearer to Him.

Psalm 34 meets us in our affliction: “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.… The Lord redeems the soul of His servants, and none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned” (Psalm 34:18-22).

Scripture promises that our pretenses will be surpassed by God’s far greater purpose for our lives. 

Romans 9:33 assures, “Behold, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense, and he who believes in Him will not be disappointed.”

Whatever it is that has disillusioned you, believe confidently that God has not squandered His plan for you; He will redeem your pain. Take refuge in Him, as the psalmist proclaims, knowing that His plan eclipses your own. When you finally sit with Him face to face, you will not be disappointed.

Today's Bible Verse...

I will show my greatness and my holiness, and I will make myself known in the sight of many nations. Then they will know that I am the LORD.   Ezekiel 38:23

Thoughts on Today's Verse... In a time when God's people were in shambles physically and spiritually, he promises judgment — judgment on them and their oppressors. But he also reveals why. He will show his greatness and holiness so they will know him, YAHWEH — God of "his people" and also of all nations. I would love for God to show his greatness and holiness in our day; wouldn't you? To have God honored for who he is and what he has done would be marvelous. May that day come quickly.

My Prayer... Father, as your flawed and mortal child, I do fear your bold revelation of yourself. We humans are mortal and frail in comparison to your blazing glory. But I have confidence in my relationship with you through Jesus, and dear Father, I want you honored and your name revered in my day. I am tired of hearing your name used in vain and your glory profaned. Exalt yourself before the nations! Reveal your holy majesty so that everyone will know that you are the only true and living God! In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

Today's Verse Illustrated...

Easy Evangelism by Doug Hall

 

Why Doesn’t God Reject Sinners?

By Rick Warren

“[God] will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve . . . The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him” (Psalm 103:9-10, 13 NLT).

The Bible says there is no condemnation for our sin once we place our faith in Jesus, but it does not say there are no consequences. Every time you disobey God, you hurt yourself and you hurt other people. You lose your fellowship with Christ. You lose your effectiveness and joy here on Earth. You lose rewards in heaven.

But you do not lose your salvation. Why is that? Why doesn’t God just kick us out when we blow it? Why doesn’t God reject believers when we sin?

God’s love is unconditional.

God doesn’t say, “I love you if” or “I love you because”—just “I love you... period!” God will never stop loving you, because you are a recipient of his grace.

Lamentations 3:22 says, “[God’s] compassion never ends. It is only the Lord’s mercies that have kept us from complete destruction” (TLB).

Your salvation isn’t based on your performance.

The Bible says, “He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy” (Titus 3:5 NLT). You can’t earn your way into heaven, buy your way into heaven, work your way to heaven, or bluff your way to heaven. The only way you ever have any hope of getting into heaven is by the grace of God.

Jesus has already taken your punishment.

The law of double jeopardy in our criminal justice system says you cannot be tried for the same crime twice. That’s true in God’s book, too. People are not punished for the same crime or the same sin twice.

Two thousand years ago, Jesus stretched his arms out on the cross and took the punishment for your sin. He served your term. The price is paid in full—all you have to do is accept the gift of forgiveness and salvation that he offers!

Jesus understands your human weaknesses.

God is sympathetic and understanding. He knows your frailties, your faults, and how you’re wired. And he is patient with you.

“This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin” (Hebrews 4:15). Jesus lived in human flesh for 33 years, so he understands your weaknesses.

God doesn’t keep grudges.

The Bible says, “[God] will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. . . . The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him” (Psalm 103:9-10, 13 NLT). If you are a believer, God is not angry with you. Why? Because all of the punishment was taken on the cross.

You may be thinking, “You don’t know how far I’ve fallen. You don’t know what I’ve done.” No, I don’t. But God does. If you think you’ve strayed too far from God, this is what God says to you: “Come back to me, you unfaithful children, and I will forgive you for being unfaithful” (Jeremiah 3:22 NCV).


Today's Bible Verse...
Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth.—Psalm 96:9

Thoughts on Today's Verse... Don't you really appreciate the phrase "the splendor of his holiness" and long to behold that splendor? It conjures up reminders of Isaiah's encounter with God in Isaiah 6 or John's vision of Jesus in Revelation 1. God's essence — known in the Old Testament as his glory and his holiness — can be described only as splendorous! Our only fitting response is to join the angels of Isaiah 6 and the twenty-four elders around the throne in Revelation and worship God and cry, "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty. The whole earth is full of his glory."

My Prayer... You are holy, majestic God, more than my mind can grasp or my imagination can dream. I worship and praise you for your glory, might, grace, and mercy. I hunger for the day when I can see your splendor face to face and join the angels of heaven and the twenty-four elders in never ending worship and praise. Through Jesus I offer this praise and my life. Amen.

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

Today's Verse Illustrated...

McEvangelism by J. Douglas Heck and Nick Hobart

 

Doing What Is Right...

Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins. --James 4:17

Have you ever been in a situation and known the right thing to do, but just didn't do it? If so, you're not alone! Most of us can probably relate to this scenario.

The Scriptures clearly show us what actions are sin. But how do we know when inaction becomes a sin? Well, we all know the difference between right and wrong. And it's not enough to just avoid doing sin. We are commanded to pursue righteousness and justice.

You've heard the term "half-truth" before. Half-truths are telling the truth without telling the whole truth. Thus you can omit certain information without actually lying. But this is precisely what James is talking about. Some people say that a half-truth is actually a half-lie. I think they're on to something.

There are many times in our lives when we're faced with difficult situations. But we do not have the luxury of burying our heads in the sand or looking the other way and pretending we don't see what's before us. Friend, you and I must do what is right, even when no one is looking, and even when it might cost us something!

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask God for courage to do what is right, even when it is difficult.


Today's Bible Verse...
For our God is a consuming fire.—Hebrews 12:29

Thoughts on Today's Verse... We should worship God with reverence because he is a consuming fire! Mmm. What does that mean? Is the focus on his holiness? Does this warn of judgment? Is this an expression of his purity? Yes, YES, YES! You see, God is holy and pure and righteous. Our imperfections, flaws, failures, and sins stand out glaringly in comparison to his perfection. Yet rather than destroying us with his holy fire. He can make us new and clean and more than what we once were. So not only can we draw near to him because of Jesus, we can stay near him as we live Jesus' life in our world (see Hebrews 13). That, dear friend, is reverential worship at its finest!

My Prayer... Righteous and holy God, please forgive me for my sin, my lack of boldness, and my unexercised faith. Thank you for not compromising your holiness, but, instead, sacrificing your Son to perfect and purify me by your grace so I can come before you. As I live this week, may your holiness be exalted by my conduct and reflected in my character. I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

Today's Verse Illustrated...

Shrinking Church Needs Evangelism by Doug Hall

 

Try To Live At Peace

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. --Romans 12:18

It's very difficult to get along with everyone. In fact, certain personalities just tend to clash! 

But when someone in your life upsets you, what is the proper response? If we are living in the Spirit, then our response should be one that demonstrates Christ's love. What if that person counters your love with more ugliness? Proverbs 25:21-22 gives us further direction: "If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you." It's the age-old concept of killing with kindness.

And if they still refuse to change their attitude? Well, thankfully Paul gives us an escape clause of sorts in Romans 12:18, "...as far as it depends on you." Paul understood that you can be gracious and loving all day long, but some people are a bit of a challenge! 

Christ warned us that the world would hate us because of Him, and Paul takes this into account in this passage. Extend your olive branch, and if you are scorned in return, you know you've done your part.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Think of someone with whom you are not in good terms. Pray that God would provide an opportunity to actively love them, as well as soften their heart to allow you to live at peace together.
from devotionals@seniorlivingministries.org


Today's Bible Verse...
He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge ...—Psalm 91:4

Thoughts on Today's Verse... Life is filled with many uncertainties. You never know when something unexpected is going to happen. You have no idea when the next disaster will strike. In a world filled with hate and terrorism, none of us has a clue when the next horrible atrocity will take place. So what do we do when we can't be sure of our circumstances? We take shelter under the wing of the One who is above all circumstances! We take assurance in our Father who has promised to bring us to himself no matter what may happen today ... in our world ... and to our bodies. Our lives are hidden with our Father because we've been joined to Christ. He is our Refuge! His wings are our shelter!

My Prayer... Father, what words can I offer that are sufficient to thank and praise you for your deliverance that is greater than death? You are the Alpha and the Omega. You are the God who was and is and is to come. You are my Abba Father, who has adopted me and made me your own. I place my trust, my hope, and future in you and I will not be afraid. I find my refuge under your wings! All praise to you in the name of Jesus. Amen.

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

Today's Verse Illustrated...

Map of Where the Sinners Are by Nick Hobart

 

The Nature of Affliction

Wherefore hast Thou afflicted Thy servant?  Numbers 11:11

Our heavenly Father sends us frequent troubles to try our faith. If our faith be worth anything, it will stand the test. Gilt is afraid of fire, but gold is not: the paste gem dreads to be touched by the diamond, but the true jewel fears no test. It is a poor faith which can only trust God when friends are true, the body full of health, and the business profitable; but that is true faith which holds by the Lord's faithfulness when friends are gone, when the body is sick, when spirits are depressed, and the light of our Father's countenance is hidden.

A faith which can say, in the direst trouble, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him," is heaven-born faith. The Lord afflicts His servants to glorify Himself, for He is greatly glorified in the graces of His people, which are His own handiwork. When "tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope," the Lord is honoured by these growing virtues.

We should never know the music of the harp if the strings were left untouched; nor enjoy the juice of the grape if it were not trodden in the winepress; nor discover the sweet perfume of cinnamon if it were not pressed and beaten; nor feel the warmth of fire if the coals were not utterly consumed. The wisdom and power of the great Workman are discovered by the trials through which His vessels of mercy are permitted to pass.

Present afflictions tend also to heighten future joy. There must be shades in the picture to bring out the beauty of the lights. Could we be so supremely blessed in heaven, if we had not known the curse of sin and the sorrow of earth? Will not peace be sweeter after conflict, and rest more welcome after toil? Will not the recollection of past sufferings enhance the bliss of the glorified? There are many other comfortable answers to the question with which we opened our brief meditation, let us muse upon it all day long.

Today's Bible Verse...

In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.—Exodus 15:13 

 Thoughts on Today's Verse...

As a minister, I am privileged to be present at many of the most important events in people's lives. Good or bad, to be there at the crossroads of life is a sacred trust. In those moments that are hardest, dying and death, verses like this one fill my heart with strength and remind me why I answered a call to serve in waters way above my head. God's promise here is a great reminder that what he began when he redeemed his people out of Egypt, he would also complete by bringing them into the Promised Land. Now, we can hear a more powerful promise behind these words. We can find it even more reasonable to trust them. God did what he said for Israel. Since he did for them, can't we say with confidence, "I know you will guide us to your holy dwelling?"

My Prayer...

Tender Shepherd, you have led me through some very difficult times and brought me safely through. Now as I seek to live for you, please make your presence known. I truly believe that you are guiding me to your holy dwelling, but sometimes, I must confess, the way becomes difficult and faith becomes hard. Renew my courage, O Lord, just as you did with reluctant Moses and untested Joshua. Then, dear Lord, please use me to help others find your promise and their way home to you. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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

Today's Verse Illustrated...

 

Competing Religions by Dik LaPine

 

 

 

 

 

DO YOU KNOW THE SECRET?

"And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory." —Colossians 1:26-27 NLT

Pastor, author, and Christian leader Lloyd Ogilvie shared about a time in his life when he was working so hard for the Lord. He was preaching, teaching, serving, writing, and ministering in Jesus’ name. But there was a big problem. In all his working for the Lord, he had lost his joy, his peace, his love, his passion, and his power. Ministry had become an empty chore. As he stopped to reflect on where he was spiritually, it dawned on him. He had missed the secret! He was living and serving without the secret.

What is the secret? The Christian life is not working hard in your own strength to serve God. According to Colossians 1:27, the Christian life is “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” 

The New Living Translation words Colossians 1:26-27 this way:

“This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to God’s people. For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory.”

In Old Testament times, the Lord had a temple for His people. But since Jesus came and died and rose again, God now has a people for His temple. The great, eternal, almighty God now lives in His people! If you truly know Jesus as Savior and Lord and have surrendered your life to Him, your very heart is the Holy of Holies. Wow!

WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE SECRET?

1. You have power! You are inhabited by the King of Glory! He, who lives in you, wants to live through you. He wants to fill your life with His peace, joy, love, and power. All that He is and can do is available to you, because He now lives inside! Just yield yourself every day to Him. Say with the songwriter, “Jesus, be Jesus in me. No longer me, but Thee. Resurrection power, fill me this hour. Jesus, be Jesus in me!”

2. You have assurance! The Lord has promised that He will never leave us or forsake us (see Hebrews 13:5). When Jesus moves into a life, He moves in forever! When you sin and blow it big time, He does not move out of your life saying, “I’m done with you, you sinner!” The Bible says, “He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). There is great assurance in knowing you are His forever. You have eternal life and can never lose it because He will never desert one of His blood-bought children. 

3. You will share His glory! Without question, true Christians will have difficulties and persecutions. The world is not for Jesus. The world is against Jesus and nailed Him to a cross. If you truly follow Jesus and take a stand for Him at work, at school, and in the community, you will experience ridicule, persecution, suffering, and maybe even bodily harm. But that’s OK, because Paul said, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18).

There is great glory awaiting those who are faithful to the Lord regardless of the ridicule and persecution. Heaven is going to be a zillion times more wonderful and more glorious than we could ever even imagine (see 1 Corinthians 2:9). So, keep standing firm as you remember the secret: Christ in you! It is worth it all to live life surrendered to King Jesus so you can experience His love, joy, and power this day and all the days to come.

Love, 

Pastor Jeff Schreve,
From His Heart Ministries

Today's Bible Verse...

Who among the gods is like you, O LORD? Who is like you — majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?—Exodus 15:11

Thoughts on Today's Verse... With whom do you compare the incomparable? How do you grasp the infinite with a finite mind? When the quintessence of majesty is the God you contemplate, how can you ever speak of majesty about anything else? God exhausts our superlatives. God's glory bewilders our imaginations. God's greatness exceeds our wildest dreams. He is beyond what we can know or believe. Yet the Wonder of all his wonders is simply this: he limited himself to a baby, swaddled by loving parents in strips of cloth, and placed in a feed trough because there was no room for them in the inn. Sometimes the greatest of all wonders are not the ones that require our biggest and best words. Sometimes the greatest of all wonders wrap their tiny fingers around our own and capture our hearts.

My Prayer... I do not know how to understand your incredible love for us, yes even for me. How could you enter our world in baby Jesus? Like the Magi, I bow and worship you, Lord Jesus, and our Father who sent you. Who is like you, O God? Nobody is even close. Yet for some reason known only to your grace, you have brought us close. I praise you for your majesty and I praise you for your manger. To your glory, precious Jesus, and in your name, I offer this praise. Amen.

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

Today's Verse Illustrated...

Outreach by Fax by Rob Suggs

 

A MATTER OF FAITH!

Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

 

It seems I have always been intensely interested in the field of criminal justice. A review of my resume’ says I have been employed as a city police officer, a dispatcher, a juvenile probation officer, a criminal justice planner, and a college professor of criminal justice classes.

One of the things I have learned well through this extensive involvement is that evidence is something that is tangible and able to be presented in court as proof. Without it, the case rests only on circumstantial (or inferred) evidence.

            So here is the paradox in Hebrews 11:1-- substances have solid qualities, but faith is ethereal. Evidence is something touchable that is marked for exhibit and a number is placed on it for identification, and yet here in Hebrews it is described as being not seen.

What this verse reveals to me is that we are to have faith that is solid. It is not the namby-pamby type of stuff that cowers in the corner and hopes for the best. It is the bold and positive assurance that God’s Word is true and worthy of our trust. 

 
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!

Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

Today's Bible Verse...

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.----Romans 5:1-2

Thoughts on Today's Verse... Peace is more than the mercurial, vaporous, whimsical wish of folks who just want everyone to get along and things to be calm. The peace the apostle Paul is describing her, peace with God, goes much deeper than simply a desire for calm and for a lack of conflict. Jesus, through his sacrificial obedience to God, has made peace with God real for us. Yes, God provided it by grace. Yes, God is the one who insures it because of that grace. But, because this peace is tied to him and his character, we can rejoice and anticipate being caught up in the glory of our glorious God.

My Prayer... O great Majesty on high, I praise you for the gift of your grace in Jesus. Give me confidence and trust so that I may stand, secure and emboldened to live for you, with a life full of hope and joy. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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

Today's Verse Illustrated...

Ulterior Motives for Visitation by Dik LaPine

  

Don’t Give Up

One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up. (Luke 18:1 nlt)

 I prayed for more than thirty years for my mother to come to Christ. I was beginning to wonder if God would ever hear my prayer. But He did. It was all in His timing. The Bible says, “God has made everything beautiful for its own time” (Ecclesiastes 3:11 nlt).We don’t want to rush things. We don’t want to run ahead of the Lord, and we don’t want to lag behind Him. We want His perfect will in His perfect timing. But we have to be persistent in prayer.Jesus said, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7 nkjv) Notice the ascending intensity Jesus used with the words ask, seek, and knock.

We start by asking God. Then we go to the next level: We’re seeking. We’re not going to give up on it. Finally we’re knocking. We’re pounding on the door. We’re not taking no for an answer. We have to be persistent in our prayers. We don’t want to give up.

If the request is wrong, God says no. If the timing is wrong, God says slow. If you are wrong, God says grow. But if the request is right and the timing is right and you are right, God says go.

We don’t always know what the will of God is, but I think when we’re praying for the salvation of a loved one, when we’re praying for our country to have a spiritual awakening (we urgently need that), when we’re praying for God’s will in our lives, we can’t back down. We can’t give up.

We have to keep asking. We have to keep seeking. We have to keep knocking. Then, the Bible says, the door will be opened.

Copyright © 2018 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.
From Pastor Greg Laurie & www.harvest.org


Today's Bible Verse...
If you do not obey the LORD, and if you rebel against his commands, his hand will be against you, as it was against your fathers.—1 Samuel 12:15

Thoughts on Today's Verse... Dietrich Bonhoeffer said more than 50 years ago that grace had become cheapened. I wonder what he would say today? I'm all for grace, but I'm horrified at the cost by which it came. I can't for the life of me understand how we can so often claim to have received it and yet bear no resemblance in character to the one who gave it. God's Word through Samuel is a harsh one. Yet it is one that I believe we must include in our triumphant song of grace. You see, true grace changes us. It will make us gracious and more like the Grace-giver himself. If not, what we call grace is impotent, powerless, and false. Paul called this a form of religion that denied God's true power in us (2 Timothy 3:5). Let's return obedience back to the pantheon of virtues and rescue it from the attic of our religious past.

My Prayer... Father, I know that you are disappointed with my sin and yet your grace still flows and covers it. But Father, I NEVER want to presume on that grace. You and I know the deepest struggles of my character and the things I only want to "kinda" give up. Please work your perfection in me through the Holy Spirit, conforming me to be more and more to be like my Savior Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.
Today's Verse Illustrated...

Dangers of Visitation by David W. Harbarugh

A Prayer for When You Struggle to Fit In

By Mallory Redmond

I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. – John 14:18

Struggling to fit in or make friends in the place or season of life you find yourself? Here are just a few simple things that have helped me through a similar season of life, along with a prayer I regularly prayed for God’s closeness.

Know your identity

When we know our identity is in Christ, we can experience freedom from trying to be the person we think other people want us to be. Trying so hard to fit in with a group is a way of bringing glory to our self and the people we’re looking to for acceptance. Knowing and embracing our identity in Christ brings God the glory.

Explore your interests

Do you know the music, writers, artists, and hobbies that you most enjoy? Or, like me in my adolescence, did your own interests get lost while trying to fit in with others’ interests? Spend some time peeling back the layers of who you are and discovering your own passions.

Find a group or club founded on similar interests

What passions of yours have you discovered? Now that you’re embracing them, find others who will embrace them with you! You’d be surprised how many groups or clubs exist in your area, though it shouldn’t come as a shock to us—we’re all looking for a place to belong.

Volunteer your time

If you’re having a hard time finding the hobby or interests you most enjoy, try volunteering at a church, recreation center, or club in your area. You can serve your community while meeting great new friends!

Reach out

Feeling that we don’t fit in is painful and lonely. The worst thing we can do when we feel weighed down by the ache of not fitting in is keeping it all to ourselves. Finding a counselor or contacting your pastor is a fantastic resource; these people will join you, help you to process your feelings, and might even have some great ideas of how you can get connected to people with similar hobbies.

We want to fit in—all of us do. God created us to be in community with others, sharing our passions and gifts with one another. It is so hard when we cannot find people who share or appreciate our interests. This, however, does not mean that you or your interests do not matter.

As we continue to discover more of who we are, may we never forget whose we are. You are His—a perfect fit for the God of the Universe. 

Let’s pray:

Lord, I am just so lonely. My heart longs for friendships, for even one good friend nearby. Lord, I know you wouldn’t let me go through this loneliness without having a good reason for it. Help me long for you and relationship with you before all other things. I know that if I have you I have everything I need. Help me find satisfaction in you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.


Today's Bible Verse... 
That is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

—1 Corinthians 6:11

Thoughts on Today's Verse... Following a list of vices, both scandalous and common, Paul finishes with this incredible word of grace. We all have a tendency to live in the land of "I-used-to-be." For some of us, our past accomplishments become our excuse to live in the arrogant afterglow of yesterday. Paul wrote Philippians 3:4b-9 for this group. For others of us, the wounds and sins of our past become the bag of rocks we drag with us through the rest of life. We take those "rancid rocks" out and inspect them once again to our misery. We use them as proof of why we can't move on with our lives. What a glorious awakening Paul gives us in this passage. In Christ, there are no more bags and no more rocks. We're clean! We're made holy! We're declared innocent of any wrongdoing. How? Why? Who? The sacrifice and triumph of Jesus and the powerful work of the Holy Spirit.

My Prayer... Forgive me, Father, for lingering on yesterdays, ruining my todays, and clouding up my tomorrows. Help me with my tendency to live in the land of "I-used-to-be." Give me the courage to believe that you have put my past in its proper place and want to do a new glorious thing in me today, a glorious and gracious thing that brings you honor and me salvation! In Jesus' name I thank you. Amen.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

Today's Verse Illustrated...

Loving a Brother Like a Man by Doug Hall

 

WHEN A NATION FALLS

Were they ashamed because of the abomination they have done? They were not even ashamed at all; They did not even know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; At the time that I punish them, They shall be cast down," says the LORD. Jeremiah 6:15

When I was in high school, I had a summer job working for Cypress Fairbanks ISD Maintenance Department. It was a very hot and sweaty gig, mowing lawns at school campuses and such, but it was steady work and decent pay for a high school student.

I remember an interesting item in the break room at the Maintenance Building. It wasn’t a conventional vending machine filled with snacks, untouchable until you paid the price. It was an open display filled with snacks. You could freely take a snack—provided you deposited the right amount of money in the cardboard drop box. This vending method operated completely on the honor system and the eighth commandment, “You shall not steal.”

Have you noticed how the Honor System Vending boxes are a thing of the past? The reason why is simple: they no longer work. Put one of those out in the average break room and see how quickly you lose money. We have become a society of dishonorable people who think little of lying and stealing.

AMERICA IS IN SERIOUS TROUBLE

Our Founding Fathers were not dishonorable people. In fact, the culture in the colonies was one of honor. Men and women feared God, respected man, and had a shared moral compass based on the Ten Commandments and the tenets of Scripture. That moral culture of yesteryear birthed the Constitution of the United States. That moral culture is what America was based upon. Framer John Adams shed light on this fact of history by stating, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”

Why is America in such moral, social, and political turmoil today? It is because we are no longer moral and religious. We no longer fear God, respect man, or have a shared sense of even the most basic morality. We are aptly described in Romans 1:21-32: spiritually depraved, sexually depraved, and socially depraved. We wear Hester Pryne’s scarlet letter “A” as if it were a badge of honor. We proudly don T-shirts that read, “I had an abortion … and I don’t regret it.” We sing rap songs that glorify abuse, rape, murder, necrophilia, and blasphemy.

We are a nation that has no idea how to blush. We are a nation on a collision course with judgment.

WHAT CAN BE DONE?

Nineveh, the capital city of the wicked Assyrians, was a place where the people did not know how to blush. As such, the people were in the cross hairs of rightful judgment. God sent reluctant Jonah to let them know their lease on life was up—"Ýet forty days and Nineveh will be overthrown” (Jonah 3:4). Surprisingly, the people received the message, humbled their hearts before God, and repented of their sins. And when God saw their contrition, He graciously spared their lives and their land.

The only hope for America is in repentance. Jesus said, “Unless you repent, you shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3, 5). May we as believers walk in the light and speak the truth in love before all hope is gone. Sin cannot and will not ever win. God’s ways will endure forever and ever and ever.

Love,

Pastor Jeff Schreve,
From His Heart Ministries



Today's Bible Verse...
 Laziness brings on deep sleep, and the shiftless man goes hungry.—Proverbs 19:15

Thoughts on Today's Verse... I was raised in a family with three boys. Dad had a theory: A certain amount of testosterone had to be burned off by each boy every day. If it weren't burned off daily, the house would quickly become unlivable. Dad didn't have to memorize Proverbs 19:15 — it was embedded in his DNA! Growing up, I didn't appreciate the importance of hard work. I knew they didn't call it "hard" by accident! I was content to be a lollygagger (in East Texan English, that's Solomon's ol' lazy, shiftless man). As I've grown older, I've found that working hard with my hands has many redeeming qualities and being a lollygagger has none!

My Prayer... El Shaddai, God over all things, please teach me the balance between work and rest. Help me to balance both, so that I can bring you honor and display your gracious rule over my heart and my time. In the name of Jesus I ask this. Amen.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

Today's Verse Illustrated...

 

Frequent Attender Program by Kevin Spear

 

The Value of Obedience

My son, if you receive my words, And treasure my commands within you, 2 So that you incline your ear to wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding;3 Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding, 4 If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures; 5 Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, And find the knowledge of God. 6 For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding; Proverbs 2:1-6 NKJV

Despite Peter's vast fishing experience, he returned from a night's work with nothing to show for his efforts. It's quite possible that the Lord's request to let the nets down one more time struck him as unreasonable—after all, Peter and his partners were the professionals. Nevertheless, the fisherman complied, and his obedience blessed many.

Scripture demonstrates that divine plans often defy human logic. For instance, who would design a battle strategy that involved only marching and shouting? God told Joshua to conquer Jericho that way, and doing so proved successful (Joshua 6:1-5).

Moses is another example. When he felt unsure about his leadership potential, the Lord gave reassurance in an unusual way—by telling him to throw down his walking stick. When Moses obeyed, God powerfully confirmed His choice of leader (Exodus 4:1-3).

Our Father may ask us to do something that seems illogical—perhaps to accept more responsibility when we were hoping to reduce our workload, to leave a position that He provided just recently, or to take on an assignment for which we feel ill-equipped. His plan might feel unrealistic in view of our age, stage of life, or health concerns. We must press forward in obedience, regardless of how impractical the request may appear.

To grasp the importance of obeying, think about children receiving instructions from parents or teachers. Careful listening is needed for the task to be done safely and properly. Some steps may seem pointless, but the rationale often becomes clear later. Always make obeying God your priority.

From Dr. Charles Stanley & www.intouch.org.

Today's Bible Verse...But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.—Psalm 5:11

Thoughts on Today's Verse...
The last several years have not been easy for believers. Persecution around the world is at an all time high. In the United States, mass murderers specifically targeted those who believed in God. Though executed for their faith, their witness to the LORD has been as inspiring. We have many choices when faced with such reality. Shock probably should not be among them. This is an old horror, going back to the earliest days of the Christian community. It actually originated long before the days of Jesus, when our Jewish heroes were persecuted for two simple reasons: they believed in the One true God and they were Jewish. I believe it's time that we start praying this ancient prayer from today's Scripture in Psalm 5 again. When we pray it, let's remember that no matter what others may do to us, they cannot separate us from God and the deliverance he holds for us in his future.

My Prayer...

Almighty God, please bless our world with a season of peace. Bless us with a respite from the horrors Satan has afflicted on your children through the hatred of men. Give us the courage, in peace or in persecution, to be open about our faith, generous with our forgiveness, and steadfast in our hope. Finally, Father, please bless those whose loved ones were martyred because of their faith in you. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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

Today's Verse Illustrated...

 

Church Has Tote Bag Night by Rob Portlock

Who Determines Your Identity?

by Kelly Givens

One year, in between jobs, I worked as a temporary administrative assistant at a financial planning firm... during tax season. It was as challenging as you might imagine. I had no experience in taxes but suddenly found myself surrounded by tax forms, calculators and clients who expected me to have the answers to all of their tax issues. I might as well have been in a foreign country trying to communicate in a language I barely understood.

I started with grand ambitions: I told myself that I would learn all about taxes; I took an incredibly challenging online tax course, learned a ton about deductions and exemptions, and strove to be cheerful and helpful to my colleagues and our clients. Things were going great - I was exhausted but felt helpful, felt like my boss appreciated me and thought my coworkers were glad to have me around. Until the worst imaginable thing happened.

A customer claimed to have dropped off his taxes to be done, but his paperwork was nowhere to be found. All of the most important documents he owned and had trusted to us had somehow vanished. Worst of all, I had been the person handling the coming and going of most of the client’s paperwork the day it went missing, so the blame fell on me.

I was nauseous with anxiety. I felt the cold condemnation of my coworkers as they repeatedly asked me what I had done with this man’s documents. All I could say over and over was, "I don’t know. I don’t remember taking his paperwork. I am so sorry." I listened as they whispered accusations behind my back. I felt them watching me like a hawk, seeing if I would make any more careless mistakes. Worst of all, my boss was totally stressed out and I felt the weight of everything on me.

I went home that night and cried my eyes out. I prayed fervently that God would somehow miraculously make the documents appear. I prayed for the strength I needed to face work the next day. I truly felt as David did in Psalms 55 when he prayed,

Fear and trembling have beset me;
horror has overwhelmed me.
Oh, that I had wings of a dove!
I would flee far away and stay in the desert.

All I wanted was to run away and never face my coworkers again. And I couldn’t even think about what the client would say when he found out that all of his tax information was gone.

My husband and I went to Bible study that night, and together our small group prayed over the situation, prayed that the missing documents would be recovered, and prayed for my peace. One person’s prayer in particular stuck out to me:

Father, I pray that Kelly knows her identity is not in what she does or doesn't do, but in what you have done for her. I pray she knows that no amount of mistakes could make her any less your daughter.

Those words were a balm to my wounded spirit. I pictured Jesus holding me, reminding me of his great love for me and that even though I had messed up, my mistakes didn’t define me, he did.

I am a daughter of the King. Being reminded that my identity rests not in my success but in Christ’s sacrifice gave me the courage I needed to face another work day. I realized I had been finding my identity in what other people thought of me and in a job well done, instead of resting in the knowledge that no matter what, I am a beloved, redeemed child of God.

The next day at work, the missing files were found. The client had dropped them off in our overnight drop-off box, and the documents were wedged at the top of the chute. While having my name cleared was a relief, I look back and am more thankful for the lesson God taught me. When it comes to my identity, it’s not what I do or don’t do that defines me, it’s what Christ has done for me.

“He ransoms me unharmed from the battle waged against me.”  -Psalm 55:18


Today's Bible Verse...
For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves.

—Colossians 1:13

Thoughts on Today's Verse...People from all over the world and from many different nationalities read Today's Verse. While our national origins and ethnic heritages are different, we are members of one Kingdom. Our allegiance transcends race, culture, language, and nation. Why? Because we've been rescued from the dominion that holds sway over race, culture, language, and nation. That dominion divides us and makes us suspicious of each other, leading to hatred and warfare. We've been given a more glorious Kingdom! We've been made into a more glorious and colorful race! We are God's children and part of the Kingdom of the Son he loves.

My Prayer...Use us, O Father, to break down the barriers that separate peoples on the basis of temporary externals. Make us into a Kingdom of character, hope, and love. Cast all darkness out of our hearts. Shine the light of your grace through us to our world so people can see us a healing for the nations. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the only true Savior of all peoples, I pray. Amen.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

Today's Verse Illustrated...

Church Visitors Put on Stage by John McPherson