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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Isaiah 42:6
I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles.

— Isaiah 42:6 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God chose the Israelites to be his special nation. This wasn't because they were better or brighter than other nations. No, God chose them because of his love for Abraham and so he could bless all nations of the earth through his chosen people.

My Prayer...

Father, I know you have blessed me with your salvation because of your great mercy, grace, and kindness. In turn, please empower me as I try to share your great blessings with others. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

[nChrist]

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Today's Verse
By Phil Ware, Heartlight Magazine
Free By RSS News From Heartlight
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Exodus 28:29
Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he will bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart on the breastpiece of decision as a continuing memorial before the LORD.

— Exodus 28:29 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

In a symbolic way, the Priest had all the people of Israel "on his heart when he entered the Holy place." Jesus, our ultimate Priest, had our sins on his back and our forgiveness on his heart when he went to the Cross for us!

My Prayer...

Tender Shepherd, I know you love me because of the great price you paid to redeem me from my sins. Thank you for having me on your heart despite my sometimes rebellious and unfaithful ways. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

[nChrist]

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Today's Verse
By Phil Ware, Heartlight Magazine
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Psalm 107:31
Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men.

— Psalm 107:31 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

I'm not sure I can fully comprehend "unfailing love." To always do the loving thing, whether it's discipline or reward, fun or pain, I'm not sure I can fully understand it. But I can tell you this: I am eternally grateful for it! It's not hard to give thanks for a God like ours!

My Prayer...

Thank you Almighty God for revealing yourself as Abba Father! Thank you for loving me so much that you give me what I need, not what I want or deserve! Thank you for the very many kindnesses and loving deeds you have done for me. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

[nChrist]

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Today's Verse
By Phil Ware, Heartlight Magazine
Free By RSS News From Heartlight
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Hebrews 13:7
Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.

— Hebrews 13:7 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

What makes a great Christian leader? The Holy Spirit emphasizes three things in this passage: 1) they teach others the word of God; 2) they live as great examples for others; and 3) they have observable faith. God puts each of us in positions of influence with our children, our friends, our work acquaintances, and our neighbors. What kind of spiritual leadership are we showing them?

My Prayer...

God of all grace and Father of all compassion, please help me to be a better Christian leader to the people you have put in my sphere of influence. Empower me to have a life worth imitating. In Jesus' name I ask this. Amen.

[nChrist]

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Today's Verse
By Phil Ware, Heartlight Magazine
Free By RSS News From Heartlight
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1 Thessalonians 1:3
We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

— 1 Thessalonians 1:3 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

In a world that falls for facades and seems to give more credit for intentions than actions, don't you find it refreshing that Paul expects that faith, hope, and love will naturally produce certain actions?

My Prayer...

Mighty God of deliverance, I want to honor you with a life of observable faith, hope, and love. Please revive and refresh me with your Holy Spirit so that my life will be full of the actions that your grace and character inspire. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

[nChrist]

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Today's Verse
By Phil Ware, Heartlight Magazine
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1 Peter 1:13
Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.

— 1 Peter 1:13 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

The reward of delayed gratification! If there were ever a verse that did NOT match the whims of our "modern" society, this would have to be it! Prepare ... be self-controlled ... focus your hopes on the future ... none of those is an advertising slogan, but they all are the sustaining truths of the great souls who have gone before us!

My Prayer...

Eternal God, please help me have the patience and faithfulness to let you fully form in me the character and the wisdom that my world so much lacks and I so much need. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

[nChrist]

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Today's Verse
By Phil Ware, Heartlight Magazine
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Ecclesiastes 7:12
Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: that wisdom preserves the life of its possessor.

— Ecclesiastes 7:12 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

We can try to insure our future through many things. Wisdom, however, is always a better investment than finances because it not only shelters us from our uncertain future, but Godly wisdom can also keep us out of the unnecessary consequences for dumb and ungodly behaviors. Most of all, God's wisdom teaches us that there's no solid future without our lives centered on God.

My Prayer...

O Lord God, I want to be wise in your ways and innocent in the ways of evil. Forgive my foolish and sometimes rebellious behaviors. Lead me with your Spirit in the ways of truth, justice, and righteousness. In the name of the Lord Jesus I pray. Amen.

[nChrist]

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Today's Verse
By Phil Ware, Heartlight Magazine
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Romans 10:14
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?

— Romans 10:14 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Since "calling on the name of the Lord" is essential for salvation, then what is going to happen if we don't speak about Jesus with those who do not know him? We must share Jesus with everyone who will listen. That "someone preaching to them" must be us!

My Prayer...

Concerned and loving Father, I know the people in my life were put there by you. Please make me bolder in my witness to others about Jesus and his sacrifice. Please give me wisdom to know when to speak to them about the Gospel. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

[nChrist]

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Today's Verse
By Phil Ware, Heartlight Magazine
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2 Thessalonians 1:11
We constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.

— 2 Thessalonians 1:11 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Paul prays for God to be active in the lives of these new Christians -- to maximize the good they intend to do as well as fully bless every good deed they do out of their commitment of faith. What new Christian do you need to pray this for?

My Prayer...

Strong and mighty Father, please bless several new Christians who are on my heart today. Help them recognize your presence in their lives. Please maximize the good in every effort they make and every intention they have to honor you and bless your people. Protect them from the evil one. In Jesus' name I ask this blessing. 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 28:9
Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.

— Psalm 28:9 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

While most of us are familiar with the very personal declaration about God as shepherd in Psalm 23, this Psalm is a plea for God to actively shepherd all of his people today and into the far distant future. It is also a great reminder of how important it is for us to pray for God's presence in the lives of his children wherever, and "whenever" they are!

My Prayer...

Eternal Father, the great "I AM," please bless me as I seek to pass on faith to my children. Bless them and their generation, and lead them in your truth so that they may pass on a vibrant and passionate faith to their children. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

[nChrist]

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Today's Verse
By Phil Ware, Heartlight Magazine
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Psalm 78:72
David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.

— Psalm 78:72 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

One of the greatest honors and responsibilities a Christian leader can have is to be designated a pastor or shepherd in God's family. While only a few truly qualify biblically to be recognized as shepherds over God's flock (see Acts 20, 1 Tim 3, & Titus 1), a shepherding concern for others is important for all of us. Let's demand that those who are selected as our Shepherds have integrity of heart and proven skill in caring for people. And when they lead, let's give them our support in effort, prayer, and ministry.

My Prayer...

O Great Shepherd, I fervently pray that you will raise up great leaders in your church who will shepherd your sheep with integrity and godly skill. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

[nChrist]

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Today's Verse
By Phil Ware, Heartlight Magazine
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Proverbs 12:13
An evil man is trapped by his sinful talk, but a righteous man escapes trouble.

— Proverbs 12:13 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Our mouths can sure get us into trouble, can't they! This is especially true for someone whose heart is tainted by evil. Talk reveals so much about our interior life, and an evil person has a lot to hide! But that brings us to ourselves. What does our talk reveal about us? Does it help us escape trouble or does it reveal festering evil in our souls?

My Prayer...

O Lord God, may the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pure and holy in your sight. Through your cleansing Spirit, purify my spirit, heart, and body so that I may serve you in honor and righteousness. Strengthen me so that when I do open my mouth, the words that come out clearly reveal that you are in charge of my life. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

[nChrist]

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Today's Verse
By Phil Ware, Heartlight Magazine
Free By RSS News From Heartlight
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Colossians 1:9
Since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.

— Colossians 1:9 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

When we hear of Christians in other places, especially where circumstances and times are difficult, or they are new in the Faith, let's intentionally and purposefully pray this prayer for them!

My Prayer...

Loving Father please bless my brothers and sisters in Christ all over the world. Strengthen those under attack and facing oppression. Mature those new to your family. Enlighten those who are facing doubt and uncertainty. Please bless your people today with peace. In Jesus' 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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John 10:11
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

— John 10:11 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

The Bible uses the term "shepherd" for all kinds of good leaders. But only One is the quintessential Shepherd. He shows us that the heart of godly leadership is sacrifice not status, service not selfishness. We follow this Shepherd because we know he values us above his own life.

My Prayer...

Holy and sacrificial Father, I am humbled to silence by your plan to have Jesus be both Lord and Lamb, Shepherd and Sacrifice. Thank you for giving me life by his death and leadership by his example. I offer you my undying thanks 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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Numbers 27:16-17
May the LORD, the God of the spirits of all mankind, appoint a man over this community to go out and come in before them, one who will lead them out and bring them in, so the LORD's people will not be like sheep without a shepherd.

— Numbers 27:16-17 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Wow! For any city, county, or country electing new leadership, or church selecting elders or ministers, what greater prayer could there be?

My Prayer...

O Father, please forgive us for choosing leaders for the wrong reasons and with the wrong character. Please raise up leaders at every level of community that have integrity of character and a deep concern for people. In the name of the Savior, Jesus. Amen.