A Prayer for Strength against Spiritual Warfare

By Jack Graham

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” - Ephesians 6:12

Two brothers came home drunk one night for what must’ve been the 20th time. They had been warned by their parents not to do it again, but the warning didn’t seem like it was deterring them at all. So when the father heard them come in this time, he didn’t confront them but let them go to bed to sleep it off.

The next morning when the two brothers awoke, their dad was sitting at the kitchen table with two pistols. He handed one to each of the brothers. They asked him, “Dad, what’s this all about?” The dad responded, “The way you’re living is slowly killing me and your mother. You might as well just shoot us.”

Cruelty, like Chinese water torture, just pounds and pounds away at others until they either explode into rage or shut down altogether. And while it may not be ‘murder’ per se, it’s an act of disrespect that is akin to hating others.

Maybe today, you’re on the receiving end of someone else’s cruel behavior. Or, perhaps you find yourself on the giving end of cruelty. Wherever there is hatred and anger, combat it with the truth wrapped in love. Overcome cruel behavior by fighting evil with good and speaking the truth in love!

Heavenly Father, each day is a struggle against sin and temptation. Give us the strength to overcome cruelty with grace, and hatred with love. God, remind us that our actions matter. We do not fight a physical battle but a spiritual one, and with each act of compassion we build your kingdom. Help us to be kingdom-builders today. Amen.

Astrology and False Doctrine by Jonny Hawkins

 

Today's Bible Verse...

Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father.  —1 Timothy 5:1

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

There is an eagerness, passion, and a clear sense of purpose that can go with being young — headstrong, untested, and rash is how some who are older might describe it. There is a surety with age because of tried and true methods proven over time — staid, predictable, and unmovable is how some who are younger might describe it. These differences can cause tension and conflict; yet both have something to be learned from the other. No matter how mistaken an older Christian may be, he or she should be treated with the respect that comes from a life proven in faith. But older Christians must also be willing to receive correction from a younger one, especially if it is done prayerfully by a young believer who has demonstrated his humility, love, and respect toward those who are older.

My Prayer...

O Eternal Father, God of my ancestors' history and the assurance of my future, please help me be a person of integrity, especially when I deal with those who are not of my age group. May I be respectful and careful with my tone as I speak with those who are older. May I be pliable and open to change when confronted with my errors by those who are younger. Most of all, Father, please lead those people into my life who will love me enough to forgive my errors and also love me enough to point them out to me and to help me grow beyond them. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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

4 Questions You Should Ask When Reading the Bible

by Dr. Matthew Harmon

1 John 1:5-9: This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from alla sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

What Questions Are You Asking?
What we get out of the Bible largely depends on the kinds of questions we ask when reading the text. But how do we know what are the right questions to ask? Jesus provided a good starting point when he summarized the two greatest commandments: (1) love God with our whole being, and (2) love our neighbors as ourselves (Matt. 22:34-40). From these two commandments we can ask four basic questions to help us grow in our relationship with God.

What Do We Learn about God?
God is the main character of the Bible, the hero of the story. So it makes sense that the first question we ask is what we learn about him. Scripture reveals who God is in different ways.
First, it shows us his character, or his attributes. Sometimes the Bible states these directly (e.g., Isaiah 6:3). At other times you need to infer truths about his character (e.g., 1 Kgs. 22:1-40). Even in a book like Esther, where God is never directly referred to, there is much to learn about him.
Second, the Bible shows us God’s conduct. What we see God doing in a passage tells us who he is. A good example is Psalm 23, which describes several things God does for his people: lead, restore, comfort, prepare, and anoint. Paying attention to what God is doing in a passage helps us grow in our understanding of God.

What Do We Learn about People?
Every passage has something to tell us about humanity. Let’s approach this question from different angles.
The first angle is looking in the text for aspects of what it means to be created in the image of God (Gen. 1:26-28). What longings or desires does the passage reveal that are expressions of being made in God’s image?
The second angle is to look for the fallen condition(s) it exposes. The fallen condition refers to the sinful beliefs, attitudes, feelings, actions, or tendencies mentioned or implied in the text (e.g., Prov. 6:16-19). As fallen creatures we experience the same kinds of temptations and battles with idolatry described in the text, even if they take different forms in our lives today.

What Do We Learn about Relating to God?
Loving God with our whole being takes many forms. A good place to begin is considering what we should praise God for (e.g., 1 Pet. 1:3-5). Often this will flow out of what we learn about God--his character, conduct, and concerns.

Second, reflect on what sin you need to confess and repent of (1 John 1:5-9). Consider the ways you see the fallen condition at work in your life and confess that to God. What tangible steps of repentance do you need to take in light of what the Spirit has shown you?

Finally, look for promises that you need to believe (2 Pet. 1:3-4). Think through what aspects of the gospel are present in the passage and how God wants to change you through it.

What Do We Learn about Relating to Others?

God made us to be in community with each other. He makes us part of the body of Christ and calls us to be a light to those around us. God has placed people all around us that we must interact with: family, friends, coworkers, classmates, neighbors, etc. Some are believers, others are not. Regardless, the Bible has much to say about how we should interact with others (e.g., 1 Pet. 2:11–25).

Remember, the ultimate goal of reading the Bible is to have our lives transformed by God so we resemble our Lord Jesus. Asking these four simple questions focuses our attention on the main message of the Bible and prepares us to apply biblical truths to our lives in meaningful ways. Why not try it out for yourself?

Pastor's Distracted Mind by Doug Hall

 

 

Today's Bible Verse...

Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

—1 Timothy 4:12

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

How do you command the respect of others when you are young? You don't! You earn that respect by the character and quality of your life. Those of us who are older must recognize and validate younger Christians who are people of character and faith. Those of us who are younger, need to live a life of character that cannot be questioned. Character, morality, faith, and loving kindness are essential attributes of the Christian, no matter his or her age.

My Prayer...

Holy God, I thank you for those in our church family who are young and stand for your character and who live godly lives despite pressure from their peers to do otherwise. Father, I also thank you for those who are older in the faith, who have given me a chance to use my gifts and who have influenced and encouraged me in my spiritual growth. Please help us keep our church united in mission and purpose across the different age groups, to your glory and for the growth of your Kingdom. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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

 

When Our Heart Fails

by shani4jc

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26

I think many of us often feel that, as Christians, we always have to be strong and have our act together. I think we can convince ourselves that if we let others know we are falling apart and struggling to just survive another day, we somehow fail God and make Him seem less than He is to others. We think that the world will equate our weakness to His weakness. We feel that our struggles may make others think that He really isn’t all powerful, all knowing, all sufficient, and able to do the miraculous. We may fear that others may see us barely getting by and question whether the God we say loves us so much really loves us at all. We may even begin to question these things ourselves when the battle rages on and on. I know I wonder these things myself. But the truth is, God uses all of our trials and tribulations to actually reveal who He truly is instead of contradicting it. He uses our weakness to show His strength. He uses our failures to show that He can take our mess and make it into a powerful message. He uses our inabilities to showcase His infinite ability. He uses our flaws to reveal His perfection. Yes, we may struggle and wrestle through the hardships in this life, but He doesn’t! We may fail, but He doesn’t. And it’s okay for us to let others know the reality of who we are because when we reveal our true self, we reveal the truth of who He is!

Humor and Scripture in Preaching by Andy Robertson

 
Today's Bible Verse...

Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.  --Proverbs 23:22

Thoughts on Today's Verse... 

"Honor your father and mother." This is basic to God's plan for our lives. When families are built within God's covenant of grace, respect and obedience by children toward their parents is a blessing to the children! As adults, we preserve the dignity of our parents and teach our children important life-lessons when we honor and respect them appropriately. Let's not get swept up in our era of parent-bashing. Let's bless our parents in ways that honor God. (If your parents were ungodly or abusive, find older folks in your church family for your emotional and spiritual support, while in as many ways as is possible treat your physical parents with honesty, respect, and integrity.)

My Prayer... 

Loving Father and eternal God, thank you for my parents — physical and/or spiritual. Bless them with what they most need to find their way home to you. Give me wisdom to know how best to show my love and respect to them. Most of all, Father, please help them to see that my love and character come from you. In Jesus' name pray. Amen.

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


 

How's Your Resume?

1 Corinthians 1:26-27

 

For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong...

We often have the idea that God is looking for people with an impressive spiritual resume--men and women who meet all the qualifications. We think if God is seeking people to serve Him, He will look for the most qualified, the smartest, the bravest.

The truth is, God doesn't look for eloquence--He looks for emptiness.

In Acts 6, the newfound church had  exploded into existence and discovered their first problem: they had a great deal of money! All of its members were selling their land and  possessions to give to the needs of others, but some of the widows in dire circumstances were being overlooked. The Holy Spirit moved the apostles' hearts to choose seven men to solve the problem.

That job seems easy enough, doesn't it? If I were one of the apostles, I would have called for the accountants in the church, the financiers, the treasurers, the bookkeepers--those who had experience with handling and dispersing funds. That would seem the logical choice, wouldn't it?

But the apostles had different criteria. In Acts 6:3 we find the qualifications: "Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task."

Wow! The implication here is that the men who were selected were men devoid of themselves, having been filled with the Holy Spirit. They were wise because they were surrendered to God, and because of this, God chose them for the task. Can you guess what happened next? The matter was settled and the widows were taken care of from that day forth.

God doesn't need the best-of-the-best to change the world; He can do it all by Himself. Yet, in His mercy and love, He has decided to allow us the opportunity to leave a mark on our sphere of influence for His glory. So be encouraged, friend; you don't have to be the best-looking, the smartest, or the most talented person in the world to gain God's approval.
When Jesus Christ chose twelve men to be His closest companions, He didn't go into the rabbinical schools to find the most brilliant graduates. He chose instead twelve unlearned men who were nobodies in the religious world's estimation. Why? He wasn't looking for impressive resumes.
Today Christ seeks out men and women who are both dependent upon and available to the Holy Spirit for His enabling.
He's looking for people who know they don't deserve the credit... have you updated your resume?

Prayer Point:  Lay your heart before God at this moment and ask Him to show you the prideful things you should rid from your life. Pray that He will empty you of that pride and give you faith to rely fully on Him.

The Pastor's Friendlessness by Mary Chambers

 

Today's Bible Verse...

Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them." —Psalm 126:2

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

So many of us are so richly blessed — if not by physical and financial blessings, then most definitely by God's gracious spiritual blessings. The Lord has done great things for us! Let's praise him with songs of praise and lives full of laughter and joy!

My Prayer...

Generous and gracious Father, thank you so much for the many ways you have blessed me. Your gift of salvation through your Son Jesus is so incredible and gives me hope and confidence for the future. May all the physical and financial blessings you've shared with me bring glory to you, not me! In Jesus' name. Amen.

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

The Desires of Your Heart

by Max Lucado

“Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.”  Psalms 37:4

I recently met a twenty-year-old, just discharged from the military, and pondering his future. He bore a square jaw, a forearm tattoo, and a common question. He didn’t know what to do with the rest of his life. As we shared a flight, he told me about his uncle, a New England priest. “What a great man,” the ex-soldier sighed. “He helps kids and feeds the hungry. I’d love to make a difference like that.”

So I asked him the question of this chapter. “What were some occasions when you did something you love to do and did it quite well?”

He dismissed me at first. “Aw, what I love to do is stupid.”

“Try me,” I invited.

“Well, I love to rebuild stuff.”

“What do you mean?”

He spoke of an old coffee table he had found in a garage. Seeing its potential, he shaved off the paint, fixed the broken legs, and restored it. With great pride, he presented it to his mom.

“Tell me another time,” I prompted.

“This one is really dumb,” he discounted. “But when I worked at a butcher shop, I used to find meat on the bones others threw out. My boss loved me! I could find several pounds of product just by giving the bone a second try.”

As the plane was nosing down, I tested a possibility with him. “You love to salvage stuff. You salvage furniture, salvage meat. God gave you the ability to find a treasure in someone else’s trash.”

My idea surprised him. “God? God did that?”

“Yes, God. Your ability to restore a table is every bit as holy as your uncle’s ability to restore a life.” You would have thought he’d just been handed a newborn baby. As my words sank in, the tough soldier teared up.

See your desires as gifts to heed rather than longings to suppress, and you’ll feel the same joy.

Reflect on your life. What have you always done well and loved to do?

From Cure for the Common Life

Qualifying Pastor's Time by Dan Pegoda

 

Today's Bible Verse...

Above him were seraphs, each with six wings ... and they were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory." —Isaiah 6:2-3

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Jesus taught us that worship is not about a place, but about our Father (John 4:21-24). Knowing that our Father is worshipped by the heavenly hosts should inspire us, humble us, and motivate us to do the same, no matter where we may find ourselves. Above all other qualities, God is holy. Three times the heavenly beings acknowledge his holiness — he is special, undefiled, pure, perfect, and something much more than everyday and mundane. His glory fills the earth and sky. He is bigger than all we can imagine. He is worthy of our worship, reverence, and awe.

My Prayer...

Holy God, Holy Father, Holy King of the ages, I praise you for the wonderful gift of your grace. I know that in comparison to your glory, I am not worthy to be in your presence. But you have made me worthy and holy by the sacrificial blood of Jesus, the Lamb slain for my sins. Thank you for this incredible gift so that I may worship you as I should! In Jesus' name I praise you. Amen.

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

Jesus, Where Are You?

by LYSA TERKEURST

“Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them.” Mark 6:47-48a (NIV) 

Have you ever walked through something so difficult, so terrifying, that you’ve caught yourself asking, “Jesus, where are You?” 

Sometimes when life gets messy, it can feel like our Messiah has gone missing.

I’m sure that’s how the disciples felt in an incident that happened right after the feeding of the 5,000. They got in a boat and quickly found themselves in rough waters, tossed by strong winds. They strained at the oars as the realities of life beat against them.

This storm was a terrifying mess for them. The waves weren’t just ebbing, cresting and crashing like you’ve probably seen if you’ve ever been in rough waters. These waves were bubbling up and exploding all around them in unpredictable ways. Think what it looks like when you place a straw in a glass of water and blow with great force. They couldn't brace themselves or their boat. They were completely helpless and swallowed up by fear.

I certainly can’t blame them for being afraid in that moment. Sometimes it’s hard not to be completely consumed by fear in the midst of our messes, isn’t it? Especially when we feel helpless and our circumstances look hopeless.

Oh, how thankful I am that even when our storms cause us to lose sight of hope, Jesus never loses sight of us.

While the disciples were in the boat straining, Jesus was on the mountainside praying. From Mount Arbel, Jesus could see the middle of the lake where the disciples were. “Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them” (Mark 6:47-48a).

Jesus saw them. He went down to them. And they almost completely missed the miracle in the midst of their mess.

The same miracle worker who multiplied the fish and the loaves was now walking on water near them, and they thought He was a ghost. They were terrified and then amazed, but they didn't understand, for the Scriptures say, “their hearts were hardened” (Mark 6:52b, NIV).

What I want us to notice, though, is Jesus’ response to the disciples who missed Him and who cried out in fear, not faith. The Scripture says immediately (I love that it was immediate) He spoke to them and said, “Don’t be afraid” (Mark 6:50b, NIV). The word used here means “don’t resist Me.” And He climbed into the boat with them.

He’s saying the same thing to you and me. He’s not running from our messes. He’s climbing in it to be right there with us. And with His presence comes peace.

He wants us to see Him and know Him -- truths we discover not just in this passage, but all throughout Scripture. The same God who willingly revealed Himself to Moses (Exodus 33:19, Exodus 33:22, Exodus 34:6) and Elijah (1 Kings 19:11-13) as He passed by them wants to reveal the fullness of His peace and the power of His presence to us as well.

In the midst of whatever hurts and heartbreaks are disrupting our peace, I pray we will see Him coming. We no longer have to cry out in fear; we can call out in faith. Calm and trusting. Anxious for nothing. Because we know. We know He sees us. We know He’s for us. We know He’s in control.

Yes. The Lord is near. And we are safe. 

Oh Lord, let me see this. Please don’t let the messes of life harden my heart and blind me to Your presence. Instead of being so terrified in the midst of the mess, might I keep the picture of You, watching me, always watching me. And might I find courage in the assurance that You will come to me with Your miraculous presence. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

TRUTH FOR TODAY: Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (NIV)

Pastoral Calls? by David W. Harbaugh

 

Today's Bible Verse...

Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty." —Isaiah 6:5

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

In a time when God's name is so readily taken in vain, this passage has a refreshing bite to it: God is so much greater than we are, so much more holy than we can be. To come into his presence should make us instantly realize how utterly sinful we have been and how unworthy we are to be in the presence of the King of Glory. To experience God, to stand before his awesome presence, or to be aware of his holiness is to be humbled and awed. God's name, God's holiness, God's majesty, and our need for reverence in his presence are suddenly no longer theory; they become our life's passion!
My Prayer...

O Almighty God, forgive me for the times that I have not taken seriously your holiness and honor. Forgive me for using your holy name in ways that do not honor and glorify you. Forgive me for not treasuring the many names you have used to reveal your greatness in Scripture. Forgive me because I know my imperfections, my shortcomings, my failures, and my sinfulness. Forgive me, for without your grace, your holiness would be much too pure for me to survive. I ask for your forgiveness in the name of your holy Son, Jesus. Amen.

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

 

Today Is... Friday, July 6th...

Effective Immediately:
      There will no longer be any FB post from The StarLight News or to this BLOG... The USA is dividing before my eyes and I find it very troubling...
             Right Now, I would be the Happiest Christian In This WORLD, but only if JESUS came back tonight...
     Do You Hear What I am Saying???
     JESUS said in John 15:10-12KJV  If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. 11  These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. 12  This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
     JESUS SAID, “Keep My Commandments” and “LOVE ONE ANOTHER, AS I HAVE LOVED YOU... I am not seeing this on FACEBOOK...
     We can ACT LIKE CHRISTIANS or WE CAN ACT LIKE THE WORLD...
    OPEN YOUR EYES AND SEE WHAT I SEE... satan IS BUSY DRIVING WEDGES BETWEEN CHRISTIANS, DIVIDING US, he ALREADY HAS THE LOST... CHRISTIANS ARE ACCEPTING SOME SINS AS “OK” AND TOLERATING OTHER SINS... THE WORLD HAS PULLED SIN FROM THE DARKNESS INTO THE LIGHT TELLING EVERYONE IT’S GRAY...
    DON’T BE FOOLED...
    GOD ISN’T FOOLED...
    PRAY THAT JESUS DOES NOT COME BACK TONIGHT...
   
Good Night All,

Richard Spurlock,
editor of The StarLight News

Nevertheless, at Thy Word

by shani4jc 

“…nevertheless at Thy word, I will let down the net.” Luke 5:5
Last night I wrote about something new I discovered in this passage, but tonight, I wanted to share something that always jumps out at me when I’m read this story. 

Peter, who is a very experienced fisherman, has fished all night and has come up empty handed. Jesus asks him to launch back into the deep and let down his nets. Peter is quick to mention that he has already toiled all night, which sounds exactly like what most of us would say. 

However, Peter does something that most of us would not; he goes along with what Jesus says even though it goes against everything he’s ever experienced. Remember, Peter is an expert fisherman and he knows that fish are caught in shallow water in the Sea of Galilee, not in deep water. And he knows that they are not caught in deep water at high noon for sure, which is about what time it was. And he knows that he has just fished all night to no avail so he probably has zero faith that letting that net down one more time will change anything. However, he heeds the commands of Jesus and he launches out into the deep and lets his nets down. 

Can you imagine his surprise when the amount of fish he caught was so great that it broke his nets? None of his experience, none of his lifetime of knowledge, none of his gut instincts would have told him this was the way to go! In fact, everything in Peter had to fight against what Jesus was saying to do. Because of his obedience, not his experience, Peter experienced a miracle. 

Is there anything God is telling you to do that goes against every ounce of experience, knowledge, and fiber of your being? Have you toiled and toiled and toiled on a particular situation, only to have Jesus tell you to “let your nets down” one more time? Has He told you to “launch out into the deep”  when you know good and well what you’re seeking is in the “shallow” waters? 

Don’t discount what He tells you to do just because your knowledge and experience tell you something different. Obey Him even if it goes against everything you know. Obey Him even if it seems impossible. Obey Him no matter what your head and heart tell you. Obey Him no matter what simply because of who He is. Let your only answer be, “At Your Word, I will …”

Ironic Lack of Commitment by Rob Suggs

 

Today's Bible Verse... 

In him [Jesus our Lord] and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. —Ephesians 3:12

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

In Christ we are given so many freedoms — freedom from law, sin, death, etc. But one of the greatest freedoms we have is to boldly come before the Creator of the universe, the God of all time and creation, and speak openly and confidently with him. Incredibly, we mortals can enter God's world with our problems and be confident that he hears us and cares about our concerns.

My Prayer...

Almighty and most holy God, I know that without your grace and attentive care my requests to you would go unheeded. But I also am confident that because I am your child, my requests matter to you. Thank you for hearing my prayers each day. Thank you for caring about my concerns. Thank you for being patient with my impatience and tender with my frustrations. Most of all, Father, thank you for the freedom to do what I have no right or power to do — to invade your world with my concerns and be welcomed by you there. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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

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.