Today's Verse

[nChrist]

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Today's Verse
By Phil Ware, Heartlight Magazine
Free By RSS News From Heartlight
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Amos 5:15
Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts. Perhaps the LORD God Almighty will have mercy on the remnant of Joseph.

— Amos 5:15 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

While we teach our children that we must not hate people, we also must teach them to loathe injustice, evil, prejudice, and the mistreatment of the weak. Amos reminded Israel that God demands justice be administered fairly for both rich and poor, resident and alien. Their repeated refusals of God's will in these areas brought destruction upon their land despite their apparent affluence and power in Amos' day.

My Prayer...

Holy God, I know you are furious at the injustice in so many lands and are enraged at the ethnic hatred setting our world ablaze. Please make your people, your Church, a place of justice, equity, compassion, love, racial healing, and hope. Please begin in my heart and with my hands to build this better world. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

[nChrist]

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Today's Verse
By Phil Ware, Heartlight Magazine
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Psalm 144:4
Man is like a breath; his days are like a fleeting shadow.

— Psalm 144:4 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Time is so precious -- time with our families, our children, our parents, our friends, as well as our brothers and sisters in Christ. How do you invest your time? Where do you invest it? You know, it's really more valuable than the money we invest. Once it's gone, it can't be reclaimed. So as you begin each day, ask God that you will be able to "know the time," to see it for what it is and to use it for its greatest good. Time passes quickly, and like the shadows of early evening, it's not long before it is absorbed into the gathering darkness of night.

My Prayer...

Eternal God, please give me the wisdom to use the time given me today to do what is best, right, good, and profitable. I want to invest my time in what is truly enduring. Please help me use my time to influence and to bless all those with whom I interact so that they are brought closer to you. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

[nChrist]

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Today's Verse
By Phil Ware, Heartlight Magazine
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James 4:14
Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."

— James 4:14 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

"If the Lord wills!" Do you do short term and long range planning? I do. But my planning always has an invisible asterisk: "If Lord, this is your will and your timing." I don't know about you, but God has shown me time and again that if I will be open to him, his timing is always better than my planning. Does that mean I quit planning? Nope. I just plan with prayer, asking for wisdom and the Holy Spirit to help me find God's timing to know and do his will (James 1:5-6 & Ephesians 5:15-18). Life is too short to not plan with prayer and to not walk led by the Spirit!

My Prayer...

Not my will, Father, but yours be done this day, and all the days of my life. In Jesus' holy name I ask it. Amen.

[nChrist]

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Today's Verse
By Phil Ware, Heartlight Magazine
Free By RSS News From Heartlight
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Romans 13:7
Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

— Romans 13:7 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Wouldn't it be nice for God to let us off the hook at tax time? But he is calling us to his character, to be good, honest, and holy. In a world that is fallen and needs redemption, we must learn to live in it as God's children, but not possessed by it. So we honor our responsibilities and commitments to others because in doing so, we honor our Father.

My Prayer...

Holy God, bless my government that it may more wisely use the taxes it collects from my fellow citizens and me. Please help me show respect and honor today, so that my obedience to your will may be personal and public, as well as private. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

[nChrist]

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Today's Verse
By Phil Ware, Heartlight Magazine
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Psalm 145:1-2
I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever.

— Psalm 145:1-2 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

The way we praise God forever, the way we honor our pledge to give him glory for all the days of our life, is really pretty simple: we do it today. As long as we praise God today, the forever takes care of itself. So as you commit to lift high the name of God and praise him for all eternity, remember the place it starts: praise God today from your heart -- not only in the things that you say, but also in the way that you live!

My Prayer...

Mighty God and loving Father, today I want to tell you how marvelous and wonderful I believe you to be. You are righteous, faithful, holy, and merciful. You are tender, loving, and yet magnificent in glory and incomparable in strength. You have redeemed me from my sin and given me hope beyond my own death. You have filled my life full of good people and have promised me a home with you. You, O God, are without peer and without rival. You are my King, my awesome and majestic Father. In Jesus' name I praise you, today and forever. Amen.

[nChrist]

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Today's Verse
By Phil Ware, Heartlight Magazine
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Philippians 4:4-5
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

— Philippians 4:4-5 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Because the Lord is near, we can rejoice and treat others with gentleness. He is near because he lives in us through his Spirit. He is near because his coming is at hand. He is near because when we gather with other believers, serve others who are in need, or share the Gospel with friends and people of other cultures, he has promised to be with us. There is nothing more infectious than a joyous and kind person. Because Jesus lives in us, works through us, and is coming for us, we can be both joyful and tender!

My Prayer...

Father, I am thrilled to know that I will never be alone. Thank you for sending Jesus to die for my sins. Thank you for sending Jesus to join me when I meet with other believers, when I serve others in Jesus' name, and when I share the Gospel. Please let the abiding joy I feel because of his presence be evident in the way I live and the way I serve others. In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen.

[nChrist]

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Today's Verse
By Phil Ware, Heartlight Magazine
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Psalm 103:6
The LORD works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.

— Psalm 103:6 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

There are times in our world history when this promise of God seems like a mirage in the face of brutal governments, racial hatred, and human injustice. But over time, brutal governments are smashed. Despots go to their graves. Moral indignation replaces complacency. As Kingdom people, don't you think we are called to model the ethics and values of God's will? So let's renew the prayer Jesus taught us: "Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven!" And let's also demonstrate God's will in our families, friendships, and churches!

My Prayer...

Holy and righteous God, I know you are even more repulsed than we are by the inhumanity that stains our world and crushes precious and innocent peoples. Please, Father, show your will and discipline those nations that are ruthless in their injustice. Convict us, your people, that we as individuals and as congregations must be places of reconciliation, justice, healing, and hope. Use me, along with my brothers and sisters in our congregation to show your righteousness and your justice toward those in our community who need freedom from oppression and who need someone to help stand up for justice in every area of life. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

[nChrist]

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Today's Verse
By Phil Ware, Heartlight Magazine
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Amos 5:24
But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!

— Amos 5:24 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

While many attribute this quote to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., it was originally uttered by Amos, God's spokesman over 2600 years earlier than Dr. King quoted it. God wanted his people to know that their religious pilgrimages, their sacrificial offerings, and their songs meant nothing to him if they were not backed up by a life of compassion, character, and concern. Northern Israel did not believe Amos and did not repent. Not too many years later, they were utterly destroyed because God found their hypocrisy, injustice, and abuse of the weak reprehensible. But we live now, and these words are just as powerful and clear as they were then! What will our response be?

My Prayer...

Almighty God, many of your children are ashamed today at the unrighteousness in our world and in our nations. Please use us to lead a rebirth of character. And Father, as we seek to live holy lives, please keep our eyes not only on your character, but also on your compassion, mercy, tenderness, and grace so we may share those same qualities with those who need to know your love and receive your salvation. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

[nChrist]

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Today's Verse
By Phil Ware, Heartlight Magazine
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Psalm 145:3-4
Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts.

— Psalm 145:3-4 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

What we know about God is confined to our small brains, our limited experiences, our willingness to read about the LORD's great deeds in Scripture, and our hearing of his incredible work through the lives of older Christians. There is nothing quite like listening to older, grace-filled brothers and sisters in Christ who know our Lord and his power through worship, obedience, and experience.

My Prayer...

God Almighty, by your grace I call you Abba Father. Your majesty is beyond my ability to comprehend and your power is beyond my ability to grasp. What I do know, dear Father, and what I do understand, Almighty God, bring me to my knees in humble adoration and reverent appreciation. Thank you for your love, your mercy, and your grace that make your majesty approachable and my mortality redeemable. In Jesus' name. Amen.

[nChrist]

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Today's Verse
By Phil Ware, Heartlight Magazine
Free By RSS News From Heartlight
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Galatians 6:10
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

— Galatians 6:10 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

We are to be a people who do good deeds! When God gives us the opportunity, let's take it! Unlike those in the world looking to get ahead, to get even with someone, or to get out of difficult situations, let's look for opportunities to do good!

My Prayer...

Only you are truly good, Father, but I pray that some of that goodness may be seen in me and in your Church as we serve you today, this week, and until the time the Savior returns for us in glory. Help us to be aware of and to look for the opportunities that you give us to do good to and for others. In Jesus' mighty name I pray. Amen.

[nChrist]

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Today's Verse
By Phil Ware, Heartlight Magazine
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Psalm 46:1-2
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.

— Psalm 46:1-2 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God is not only our protector, he is also our helper. Even when our world seems to be crashing around us, he is there. He will deliver us from death or deliver us through death. He will deliver us from evil or he will deliver us to overcome evil. Our task is to trust that in the midst of our earthquakes and tidal waves we are not alone or abandoned.

My Prayer...

Holy God, I pray for those today who are in the middle of life's earthquakes. You know those for whom I am concerned. You know I care about their struggles which are too big for me to mitigate and too painful for me to truly bring comfort. I ask you now to bless them, be with them, and please deliver them quickly. You are our only true hope and Jesus is our only sure redeemer. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.

[nChrist]

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Today's Verse
By Phil Ware, Heartlight Magazine
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Psalm 146:1-2
Praise the LORD, O my soul. I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.

— Psalm 146:1-2 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

"Hallelujah!" This is a hallelujah Psalm! "Praise the LORD" is our translation for "Hallelujah!" I love the dimensions of praise given in this Psalm: my soul, all my life, and as long as live. That is pretty all-encompassing. Our lives are to be a "holy praise" to the LORD as long as we have life! So how's your praise? Only been letting it out at church? Hmmm, maybe it's time to let the rest of your life have a few hallelujahs!

My Prayer...

I praise you, God of Israel and God of the Covenant, for your mighty work bringing salvation through Israel to all nations through Jesus Christ. My heart praises you for your joy and comfort, my head praises you for all your wondrous creation, and my soul praises you for your abiding presence through the Holy Spirit. Please hear my life, my heart, and my voice as they all cry, "Hallelujah!" to you, who alone are God! In the name of the Messiah Jesus, I pray. Amen.

[nChrist]

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Today's Verse
By Phil Ware, Heartlight Magazine
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1 Timothy 6:6
But godliness with contentment is great gain.

— 1 Timothy 6:6 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

What determines our financial worth? Do we compute it in terms of dollars, or possessions, or investments? Paul reminded Timothy that ultimate gain, the gain of inestimable value, is really determined by a very simple formula: net worth = (godly character) X (contentment). What would happen if we recognized the truly wealthy as those who were godly in their character and contented with their blessings in life?

My Prayer...

O LORD God, the one from whom every blessing flows, readjust my values from the greed of this world to a holy set of financial convictions. Conform my character to the godliness that Jesus demonstrated in his daily life. Teach me the contentment that can be found only in you. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

[nChrist]

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Today's Verse
By Phil Ware, Heartlight Magazine
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Acts 2:41
Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

— Acts 2:41 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Wow! Wouldn't it be great to see 3,000 added to God's people in church today? Those who accepted Peter's message at Pentecost were baptized and the early church started with an incredible bang. Earlier that day, only a small group of Jesus' followers had met to pray just as they had done for several days since Jesus' ascension. As night falls in Jerusalem, the number has jumped to over 3,000! Acts 2 stands as a hallmark passage showing us the message of salvation, what the response of open hearts will be, and how the Holy Spirit uses this simple message to bring seeking hearts to salvation and community. Why don't you read Acts 2 today? Jot down what Peter says about Jesus. Notice what Peter tells the people to do to be saved. The Gospel is still just as simple, so let's not only study it; let's share it, praying for God to bring revival to our times and to our broken land!

My Prayer...

Holy and Most High God, please breathe your Holy Spirit out upon us and bring true revival today to our churches and salvation for thousands who are lost. I pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.

[nChrist]

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Today's Verse
By Phil Ware, Heartlight Magazine
Free By RSS News From Heartlight
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Psalm 10:14
But you, O God, do see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it in hand. The victim commits himself to you; you are the helper of the fatherless.

— Psalm 10:14 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Just as God saw the plight of the Israelites in Egypt and heard their cries for help, he still sees and hears today. But now, he hears not only because he is omnipotent; he hears also because of the intercession of his Son and our Savior, Jesus. Jesus has been here. Jesus has faced the specter of death and the pain of torture and ridicule. Jesus means God not only hears our cries for help; he also feels the agony with us. That is why he came. He is our assurance that God feels, cares, acts, and ultimately saves.

My Prayer...

God, Father and Savior, please be with those who are bearing the incredible weight of agony and pain. Some of these I know and pray for personally. Others I do not know, but they still need your comfort, strength, and grace to sustain them in their days of agony and grief. Please bless them with clear evidence of your care. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.