Today's Verse

[nChrist]

________________________________
By Phil Ware, Heartlight Magazine
Free By RSS News From Heartlight
________________________________

Romans 12:9

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.

— Romans 12:9 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Genuine love involves hate. Genuine love means that we hate evil. We detest its creeping into our hearts and ruining our relationships. We abhor its effects on those we love. We are repelled by the eternal destruction it causes in those whose lives are tender, or weak, or wavering. So the very best thing we can do for those we love is to cling to what is good and stay far away from evil and wickedness.

My Prayer...

Loving Father, may my life be a source of goodness and joy in my family and with my friends. Please give me wisdom to see what is good and the courage to pursue it with passion. Please protect me from the evil one and forgive me when I have followed his temptations. Please protect those I love from the fallout of my own selfish and evil decisions. Please purify and cleanse me so that my life may be lived holy, and wholly, to you. In the name of your Holy Son, Jesus. Amen.

[nChrist]

________________________________
By Phil Ware, Heartlight Magazine
Free By RSS News From Heartlight
________________________________

Hebrews 13:17

Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.

— Hebrews 13:17 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

We often fail to realize that one of the very best ways we can make Kingdom leadership better is by being better followers. Kingdom leadership means that leaders will have to answer to God for how they have led. Kingdom citizenship means that we will be held responsible for how we have obeyed and blessed our leaders. What have you done to show your love, respect, and support for your church leaders lately?

My Prayer...

Almighty King, all authority and dominion belong to you. You alone are worthy of power and the right to rule. Please bless our leaders at church that they may lead by serving and following Christ. Please empower me to follow their leadership in ways that exalt the cause of Christ and bless the leaders in your Kingdom. May my life never be a burden to them or an embarrassment to you. In Jesus' name I ask it. Amen.

[nChrist]

________________________________
By Phil Ware, Heartlight Magazine
Free By RSS News From Heartlight
________________________________

Galatians 6:6

Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.

— Galatians 6:6 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Yes, there are those who take advantage of God's flock and misuse God's money. This is tragic because many of God's servants of the Word all over the world minister with few economic resources or financial support. While God never promised ministers of the Word economic wealth, he does remind us of the importance of caring for them. Let's use this week as a time that we make sure those who share God's word with us are supported in ways that enable God's ministry through them. Let's also remember that sharing "all good things" means much more than money! Let's keep our missionaries, our ministers, and our teachers in our prayers. Let's commit to send them regular notes of specific encouragement so their ministry will be a blessing not only to us and the Lord, but also to them!

My Prayer...

Holy God, you sent the Living Word so that I could know you. Thank you for those who have shared your Word with me. I ask you to bless the Bible teachers, the ministers of the Word, and the pastor-teachers who have shared your truth and grace with me. Protect them from discouragement and sin. Strengthen their will. Bless their families. Fill them with your Spirit and power. And dear Father, please use me to help them know how precious they are to me and to you. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

[nChrist]

________________________________
By Phil Ware, Heartlight Magazine
Free By RSS News From Heartlight
________________________________

1 Peter 5:6-7

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

— 1 Peter 5:6-7 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

In a universe so incomparably vast, in a world so marvelously diverse, we can be paralyzed by our presumed insignificance and impotence in the face of such staggering enormity. But in moments of simple faith, we can be calmed by our reverence and dependence upon the Creator and Sustainer of such wonders. We can find great comfort that our lives are in his hands. We can rejoice that he has promised to bless and guide our efforts in him.

My Prayer...

Almighty and wondrous God, thank you for knowing me even though I can't begin to comprehend your glory. I need your love, care, protection, blessing, grace, forgiveness, and presence. Without you, I have nothing of lasting significance. Please be near. In Jesus' name I humbly ask. Amen.

[david749]

Thanks Tom........a very good message to remember. 

[nChrist]

Thanks Tom........a very good message to remember. 

You're most welcome Brother David. I enjoy these also - something to look forward to each day.

Love In Christ,
Tom

[nChrist]

________________________________
By Phil Ware, Heartlight Magazine
Free By RSS News From Heartlight
________________________________

Psalm 107:1

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

— Psalm 107:1 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

What do we have that won't wear out, break, die, go out of style, or need repair? We can rejoice and give thanks, because our life and our future are tied to the Eternal Father, the creator of the heavens and maker of our world. Not only is God good, he is good to us. But more than just being good, he is loving and his love will not wear out, grow old, fade away, or need repair.

My Prayer...

Thank you, El Shaddai, the great Almighty. You have given me your grace, you have showered me with your blessings, and you have promised that your love for me will live beyond the shadows of my few days on earth. Thank you for forever. In the name of Jesus my Lord. Amen.
Note: El Shaddai means "God Almighty" or "God of the Mountains."

[nChrist]

________________________________
By Phil Ware, Heartlight Magazine
Free By RSS News From Heartlight
________________________________

Proverbs 14:21

He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who is kind to the needy.

— Proverbs 14:21 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God has been so gracious to us! Think of all the different ways he has blessed us -- some financially, others with great opportunities for service, others with deep personal relationships that are eternal, and for all of us, the promise of life with him. But what will we do with these blessings? Will we hoard them, hide them, and keep them to ourselves? If we do, our blessings will wither, crack, and dry in our parched hearts. But, one of the greatest ways we can thank God for his kindness, mercy, and goodness is by sharing these blessings with those around us, especially those in need who can never repay us for our kindness.

My Prayer...

O LORD God, my gracious and generous Father, thank you so much for the many rich blessings you have poured into my life. Open my heart, dear Father, and use me as a conduit of your blessings so that others may know of your love through my actions and attitudes. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

[nChrist]

________________________________
By Phil Ware, Heartlight Magazine
Free By RSS News From Heartlight
________________________________

Isaiah 1:17

Learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed.

— Isaiah 1:17 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

We find it easy to be incensed when wrong is done to a friend. We are ready to fight injustice when someone we love has been wronged. However, God reminds us that our worship means little if we do not also protect those who are weak, marginalized, oppressed, and forgotten. It's not just our friends who need our help; it's also those who have no friends who need us. "To do right" doesn't just mean being a good person and avoiding evil in our sanctified little enclaves; it also means to care, comfort, and encourage those no one else wants to notice.

My Prayer...

Forgive me please, dear Father, for being selfish with your love and grace. I confess that I often find it easy to stay near those who are like me -- who look like me, think like me, dress like me. I know that there are so many in the world around me that do not have a friend, much less a defender. Open my eyes, dear LORD, to see those in my world who you would have me protect, encourage, and bless. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

[nChrist]

________________________________
By Phil Ware, Heartlight Magazine
Free By RSS News From Heartlight
________________________________

Psalm 75:1

We give thanks to you, O God, we give thanks, for your Name is near; men tell of your wonderful deeds.

— Psalm 75:1 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

"What a wonderful God we serve!" More than just the words of a song, these words are true beyond our understanding. For God to be so powerful, vast, and marvelous and yet still know us and bless us with his personal attention and care is beyond understanding. Yet God sent Jesus to remind us that he is not only God Almighty; he is also Immanuel, God with us!

My Prayer...

Thank you, dear God, for being mighty, for being gracious, and for being near. Most of all, Father, thank you for being you! In Jesus name I ask you to receive my thanks and praise. Amen.

[nChrist]

________________________________
By Phil Ware, Heartlight Magazine
Free By RSS News From Heartlight
________________________________

Ephesians 4:25

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.

— Ephesians 4:25 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Isn't it terrible when one part of a body sends the wrong message to other parts of the same body? This happens with diseases and physical ailments. The results can be disastrous. Paul reminds us that dishonesty in the Body of Christ is just as damaging. Our words must not only be kind, but they must also be truthful and beneficial as well.

My Prayer...

Guard my heart from duplicity and my lips from what is false, O LORD. May my words be true to your character and your grace, without deceit or guile. Teach me, dear Father, to speak in ways that bring your blessing, truth, and peace to those who hear my words. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

[nChrist]

________________________________
By Phil Ware, Heartlight Magazine
Free By RSS News From Heartlight
________________________________

Romans 14:1

Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters.

— Romans 14:1 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Parents are careful and tender with their newborn babies even though babies are demanding, messy, and sometimes difficult. When parents aren't this way with their babies, they are recognized as abusive and dangerous. So if new Christians are newborn children of God, shouldn't our patience be greater, our words more tender, our understanding more generous, and our care more attentive?

My Prayer...

Father in heaven, forgive me and stir me to action. I am ashamed that I have not done more to nurture those newborn babies in your family. Give me greater patience with their failures and greater passion for their struggles so that they won't have to feel they are journeying on their own. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

[nChrist]

________________________________
By Phil Ware, Heartlight Magazine
Free By RSS News From Heartlight
________________________________

Romans 8:1-2

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.

— Romans 8:1-2 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

We are set free in Jesus from the most important bondage of all, our fear of God's judgment. We are liberated from law, which convicts and leads to death. We are set free by the Spirit to not only fulfill what the Law intended, but also to be delivered from the penalty of death that the Law required. In Jesus, and by the power of his Spirit, we are set free to be God's children... for forever!

My Prayer...

Abba Father, thank you for your deliverance. I know you paid a very high price to give it to me. Forgive me for not letting that deliverance make my heart soar with confident joy. Lead me by the power of your Spirit so that I can experience the freedom and joy of your salvation -- not just at the end of my days, but in the moments of today, and each day you give me life. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

[nChrist]

________________________________
By Phil Ware, Heartlight Magazine
Free By RSS News From Heartlight
________________________________

Psalm 98:1

Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.

— Psalm 98:1 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Songs can stir us up or they can bring us comfort. Songs can take us back to a special time, or songs can give us hope for things to come. Unfortunately, we usually leave the composing of the words and the music of our songs only for someone else to write, never taking time to write our own "new song." But today, why not make up your own new song of praise and thanks to God. It doesn't have to be great, just heartfelt and offered to the Father from whom all joyful songs come.

My Prayer...

Father God, thank you for the gift of song. Please receive my song of thanks and praise from a heart you have filled with your delight. In Jesus' name. Amen.

[nChrist]

________________________________
By Phil Ware, Heartlight Magazine
Free By RSS News From Heartlight
________________________________

Psalm 95:1

Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.

— Psalm 95:1 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Having a loving God who is Eternal, a Rock of stability in a "topsy-turvy" world, is really something to shout about. So much of what we get excited about in our world today is just a fleeting victory, a vicarious sporting thrill, or personality worship. But in God, we have something to truly sing about with joy. He has known us since our conception, he has loved us from before the foundation of the world, he has sent his Son to save us, and he will bring us home to himself! No quiet song will do today. Let's sing with joy and shout out loud to the LORD!

My Prayer...

Hallelujah, LORD God, you have brought your salvation down to me! You have blessed me with your grace, comforted me with your love, and renewed me with your Spirit. My life overflows with the abundance of your many rich blessings. I praise you with my heart. I praise you with my thoughts. I praise you with my words. I praise you with my hands. I praise you with all that I am. In Jesus' name. Amen.