Today's Verse

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By Phil Ware, Heartlight Magazine
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2 Corinthians 4:16
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

— 2 Corinthians 4:16 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

While we joke about growing older, the challenges of aging are tough. We realize our mortality. Our bodies can betray us. We can't do what we once could do. As Christians, we know that our aging actually brings us closer to home and to the time when Jesus gives us immortal bodies not subject to decay. God can help us use these physical realities to be heavenly reminders of what is important. With the help of his Spirit, we can be transformed to be more like our Savior and to be more ready for our heavenly home!

My Prayer...

Almighty God, I confess that I like getting older less and less, the older I get. I am thankful, however, that each day older I get, the closer I am to coming home to you. Please help me not to become cynical, negative, or bitter as I grow older. Instead, please renew me and use me to bless others who need to find their way home to you. In Jesus' mighty name I pray. Amen.

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By Phil Ware, Heartlight Magazine
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Philippians 4:13
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

— Philippians 4:13 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

What's the basis of our happiness? If it's our outward circumstances, we're all in trouble because sooner or later, these aren't going to be too good. Paul said he had learned the secret to living above life's circumstances. That secret was Jesus Christ. Jesus was his assurance that no matter how things were here, he was not alone. No matter how difficult things might be, these problems were not permanent. No matter how hard life was at the time, Jesus would give him the strength to overcome the difficulties. Paul was just as sure that Jesus will do this for you and me!

My Prayer...

God of glory and might, thank you for the stories in the Bible of your great power. They give me courage and hope when I face my problems. I believe Jesus can deliver me, sustain me, and uphold me through my difficulties today and every day to follow. Please forgive me for those times when I didn't turn to you and honestly talk to you about my struggles. O LORD, I need the strength, the comfort, and the presence of Christ today. In the name of my Savior Jesus, I pray. Amen.

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By Phil Ware, Heartlight Magazine
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Psalm 139:9-10
If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.

— Psalm 139:9-10 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

I guess for those who find themselves in places they shouldn't be, the abiding presence of God might be a bit terrifying. But I find great comfort in knowing that no matter where I go, from the moment of my conception to the day of my death, God is always there. He is there to guide me and sustain me. Even when I'm in places I am not supposed to be, doing things I am not supposed to do, he is still there. I can turn to him in repentance and receive his grace. I can turn to him in need and receive his strength. I can turn to him and know I am not alone.

My Prayer...

Thank you, Father for loving me and personally knowing me. Thank you for the assurance that I won't have to face a day without you. Thank you for the comfort of knowing that I will never face my sorrows alone. Thank you for being the strength that sustains me when I don't have the strength to go on. Thank you that when tomorrow dawns, I will be with you no matter what happens during the night. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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By Phil Ware, Heartlight Magazine
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Psalm 56:4
In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?

— Psalm 56:4 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

When all is said and done, there really isn't a whole lot we can trust. Most of us have been hurt at one time or another by a friend who has betrayed our trust. The world economy is volatile and things can turn sour in just a few days. The weather shifts and changes by the hour. But in our world of change, in our heartbreak and disappointment, there is one constant. We can trust God. We don't have to fear change. He is our anchor that holds in the strongest storms. He is our strength in our worst battles. His word and his promises speak of good things for us. We don't have to be afraid; we can trust in him.

My Prayer...

Almighty Father, my Deliverer and Strength, with your help and presence I will not fear the days ahead. I praise you for sustaining your people Israel through history. I praise you for preserving your Word, the Scriptures, through persecutions and purges. I praise you and will not be afraid because my life and my future are in your hands. In the name of Jesus, my Lord, I pray. Amen.

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By Phil Ware, Heartlight Magazine
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Hebrews 10:39
We are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.

— Hebrews 10:39 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

I love this description of God's people that precedes "the faith Hall of Fame" (Hebrews 11). When you look at God's people over the centuries, they are not a bunch of wimps, crybabies, and cowards. Yes, they do have their bad moments. But all in all, they are not those who quit on their quest. They are those whose faith has endured and found God's great victory of salvation. This verse excites me because the Holy Spirit does not say "we CAN be those who don't shrink back." Instead, he is confident in us, our endurance and our faithfulness and says we ARE not "shrinkers," but we ARE believers who will be saved!

My Prayer...

Thank you, Mighty God, for your confidence in me. With your help, I won't be a "shrinker." I will stand for your truth, your character, and your will even if those around me do not. I believe you have great things ahead for your people, so I refuse to shrink back. Please empower me with your Spirit so that I fully serve you with confidence and integrity. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

— 1 John 4:18 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

While I approach God with reverence and awe because he is the holy and majestic God, I don't have to fear his presence. Because of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, I know God is my Abba Father. He longs for me to draw near him. He has shown me his heart by sending Jesus. He has shown me his love by having Jesus die for me. If he loves me that much, then I can trust that his desire is to save and bless me. I don't have to fear his presence or his judgment as I continue to serve him. As his child, his love should drive fear from my heart and replace it with love from his abiding presence, the Holy Spirit.

My Prayer...

Holy and Righteous Father, I thank you for your overwhelming love demonstrated to me in Jesus. I thank you for providing the atoning sacrifice for my sins and for adopting me into your family. Father, please cast all fear from my heart and help me walk confidently with you and for you, with character and purpose. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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John 6:20-21
He [Jesus] said to them, "It is I; don't be afraid." Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.

— John 6:20-21 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Jesus comes to his disciples to comfort them in one of their worst nightmares -- a storm on the sea. He literally tells them, "I Am; do not be afraid." Two key things are here for us to notice: First, Jesus uses a name ("I Am") that identifies himself with God who delivered Moses and the Israelites from Egypt. Second, he uses a surprisingly frequent command found throughout the Bible: "Don't be afraid." When we are willing to invite Jesus into our lives during the middle of our storms and messes, he not only says, "I Am; don't be afraid!" but he also helps us find our way to our most important destination, ultimate deliverance.

My Prayer...

O God, the great I Am, you redeemed Israel from Egypt, you won great victories for David, and you raised Jesus from the dead. I know you can deliver me from what may come my way. Please forgive me when I don't act with the boldness that is called for by this kind of faith and strengthen me to confidently trust in your presence. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

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Luke 12:11-12
[Jesus said] "When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say."

— Luke 12:11-12 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

When we need help most, Jesus promises he will be there and will send his Spirit to give us the words we need. Throughout the centuries, this promise has sustained those facing persecution and ridicule. It helped them realize that they were not alone and that they didn't need to worry about having the perfect answer to everything as they were going in to face a hostile audience. This same promise sustains Christians today whether they are under governmental persecution or facing the hostility of unbelievers in the workplace, at school, or at home. When facing the hostility of unbelievers, we know we are not alone; our Savior goes with us.

My Prayer...

Loving God, I need your strength and the Holy Spirit's help as I speak with those who are opposed to your message of salvation. I want your words, not mine, to be what others hear in that crucial moment . Please give me wisdom to know when to speak, what to say, and when to remain silent. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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By Phil Ware, Heartlight Magazine
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2 Corinthians 5:14-15
For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.

— 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

What motivates us to do what we do? What drives us to accomplish, to achieve, and to pursue even more? Paul said that love was his compelling force. What would happen in our lives if love was truly THE compelling factor in our motivation and behavior? What if our desire to love those who do not know Jesus' saving grace became our all-consuming concern? He died so that it would be! Let's not disappoint him.

My Prayer...

God of eternity, please be with me as I seek to allow love to be my primary compelling motivation in life. I want to show Jesus my love and appreciation for all that he has done to save me. I want to live for Jesus so others know he is Lord of my life. I want my words and life to show his love to others so they can truly experience it and come to know him. Please bless me as I pursue this goal. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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By Phil Ware, Heartlight Magazine
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Acts 4:19-20
Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard."

— Acts 4:19-20 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

We can't contain what we've experienced in Jesus. We can't help but tell about what we've heard. No ruler, no threat, has been able to completely stop the voice of God from being heard through his people's witness. Sharing our faith happens out of the overflow of our experiences in Christ and our relationship with Christ. When we share our faith in this way, the authenticity of our witness can be rejected or ridiculed, but it can't be erased. We have experienced God's work in our lives. How dare we keep silent? We can't!

My Prayer...

God of the nations, please give your missionaries and ministers words of truth and power, especially as they face ridicule and hostility. Please help me better know how to reach the lost around me and please bless our evangelistic leaders as they try to strategize and discern your way of reaching the lost in our world today. In the name of Jesus, the atoning sacrifice for my sins and the sins of the whole world, I pray. Amen.

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1 Peter 2:19
For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God.

— 1 Peter 2:19 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Unjust suffering! Ouch, even the sound of those words sends a chill up and down my spine. Such a thing doesn't seem fair or appropriate -- and it isn't. Yet we have many brothers and sisters bearing up under pain and unjust suffering because of their commitment and loyalty to the only True God and to his Son, Jesus Christ. Wouldn't it be incredible if those of us who are not touched by terrible persecution or hardship would begin each day praying for those in our spiritual family who do face hardship, persecution, suffering, and mistreatment? As they display the grace of Christ to honor God in the face of such difficulty, let's pray that our Father will not only give them strength to endure, but that he will also deliver them soon!

My Prayer...

Holy and merciful Father, please bless your children today who suffer pain and hardship while displaying the grace of Jesus. Whether these problems are because of persecution or because of life's difficulties, I pray that you strengthen my brothers and sisters who are suffering. But Father, I know the only permanent answer for this suffering is for Jesus' return, so please send him soon. In the name of the Coming Lord Jesus I pray. Amen.

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Acts 4:31
After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

— Acts 4:31 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Prayer changes us. Prayer calls on God to change circumstances. Prayer is powerful. Prayer brings revival. Prayer transforms God's people and brings about salvation. Prayer makes us bold for the Lord. So why do we find it so hard to find time to pray?

My Prayer...

Majestic God, please raise up prayer warriors who will help transform your church and who will battle Satan. Please fill your Church with the Holy Spirit and with boldness. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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2 Corinthians 4:7
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.

— 2 Corinthians 4:7 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

While there are many talented and successful Christians in the world today, they are merely vessels for God's message of grace, hope, and power. Our focus should never be on the container for the message. Instead, what is most important is the integrity of the messenger no matter the situation, so that the message can be seen without distraction. God's power, not our own, is what sustains us; we are simply a vessel, a tool, in the hands of the Lord.

My Prayer...

Almighty and all-powerful God, thank you for using me to minister to others as your partner in the work of grace. May my service help them more perfectly see the glory of your truth and grace you gave us in your Son. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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Ephesians 3:16
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.

— Ephesians 3:16 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

What is one of the most important things we can do for those we love in the Lord? We can pray for them. But more than that, we can pray that God will strengthen them with power through his indwelling Spirit. This same Holy Spirit raised Jesus from death (Eph. 1:19). This same Holy Spirit is God's great gift for those who ask (Luke 11:13). This same Holy Spirit reanimated a valley of dry bones (Ezekiel 37). And this same Holy Spirit will strengthen those we love in the Lord if we ask for him to!

My Prayer...

Mighty and awesome God, I have several brothers and sisters in Christ who need your grace, mercy, and power poured into their lives by your Spirit. Some need to be convicted of their sinfulness. Some need strength and courage for their difficult road ahead. Some need power to overcome besetting sin in their lives. Please strengthen them with your power in their inner being through your Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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Ephesians 3:20-21
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

— Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Sometimes there is nothing left for us to do except praise God! While we may sometimes dream of doing great things for God and his Kingdom, the dreams aren't as big as God's plans. While we may be richly talented, influential, powerful, or rich, these are merely tools in God's hands, not symbols of our sufficiency. "God is able" has to be one of the best and most accurate phrases in the Bible. But this time, it's said about his work in you in me. He is able to do much more than we imagine to work through and in us. What can we say to that? Hallelujah!

My Prayer...

Loving Father, please help me better know and live your will. I want to be your vessel of ministry, healing, blessing, and hope to those around me at work and play. Please use me to your glory today, and always. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.