Bible Verse of the Day

Today's Verse
Your statutes stand firm; holiness adorns your house for endless days, O LORD.
— Psalm 93:5 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

So many of the material things we pursue are temporary. Their usefulness lasts only a matter of months or at most a few short years. Even our lives, and the lives of those we love, are short. But God's character, his defining quality ("Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty!"), and his demands for our holiness are forever. So as we build our lives, let's build on a secure foundation -- the will of God and a commitment to share in his holiness.

My Prayer...

Holy God, I thank you for making me holy and forgiving my sin by your grace. Fill me with your Spirit and bring forth the Spirit's fruit in my life so that it reflects your grace and your character. Give me a hunger to know your will and to seek your truth and an ability to understand and apply it to my life. I want to build my life with you as its center and its goal. In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.
You can email questions or comments to phil@heartlight.org.



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Today's Verse
The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.
— 1 John 2:17 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

So much of what we pursue is fleeting. Once we acquire it, we have to try to preserve it because we know it will soon be gone. God has promised us that just as he is eternal and will live forever, so also are those who pursue a relationship with him and are committed to do his will. So let's sit down and look at how we spend our time, our money, and our efforts and ask if what we are pursuing is really something that is worth having. Then let's ask one more important question: "Even if it is worth having, is it going to last long enough to make a difference?"

My Prayer...

Eternal Father, please give me the courage to be honest about what I am pursuing with my life. I want it to count for your cause. I want to make a difference for good. Some of that desire, I confess, is self-serving. However, dear Father, I truly do want to have a life that impacts others for good and that brings you honor. I don't want to waste my time chasing after things that won't last and don't matter. Please give me the spiritual wisdom to follow your will and find your life rather than chasing the shadow values of my culture. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.
You can email questions or comments to phil@heartlight.org.

Today's Verse

Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
— 1 Peter 2:12 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

How do we win over to the Gospel of Christ those who are hostile toward us? While we need skilled defenders and expositors of biblical truth, the way most of us will win others is by the way we live and by the way we treat them. No matter how much criticism and harsh treatment we may receive, our deeds must remain Christ-like. To do less is to rob others of a chance to see the living Christ in action.\

My Prayer...

Holy and righteous Father, please forgive me for not being more aware of my influence on others, especially those who do not know Christ. Please fill me with your Spirit and strengthen me so that I can stand up under the criticism and scrutiny that sometimes comes my way. Help my life to impact others so that they may see the truth of what I believe and the hope by which I live. In Jesus' name. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.
You can email questions or comments to phil@heartlight.org.

Today's Verse

Be exalted, O LORD, in your strength; we will sing and praise your might.
— Psalm 21:13 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

What is our role in the grand scheme of things? In Psalm 21, the Spirit emphasizes our importance as God's "cheerleaders." We ask God to reveal himself in glory. We urge God to make his strength known to all people. We marvel in amazement at his great deeds. We praise God for all the incredible things he has done for us.

My Prayer...

Dear Father in heaven, exalt yourself and your name above all things. I rededicate myself to daily praise and thanksgiving for all that you have done, all that you are doing, and all that you will do in the future. To you, the only true God, the Alpha and Omega, I offer my heartfelt praise and my songs of joy. In the name of the Lord Jesus, I pray. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.
You can email questions or comments to phil@heartlight.org.

Today's Verse
They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith.
— Acts 14:21-22 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Do you know a new Christian? Paul and Barnabas remind us that it is difficult becoming a Christian; there are hard times for new Christians! So let's make sure we don't just share the Gospel with them. Let's also stand by them, check on them, strengthen them, and encourage them.

My Prayer...

Loving Father, please be with the new Christians in our church. Use me to be a source of encouragement to them and strength for them. May my life always be a positive influence on them and other new Christians as well. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.
You can email questions or comments to phil@heartlight.org.

Today's Verse

The Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.
— 2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

The Bible repeatedly reminds us that we are in a spiritual war with forces that are strong, malicious, and evil (Ephesians 6:10-12). We should steer clear of every appearance of evil. We shouldn't involve ourselves in anything related to Satan and his work. But we also need to remember that our Lord is greater than Satan and all of his evil angels. He is faithful. He will not abandon us to our enemy. He will strengthen us and protect us from attack if we will let him!

My Prayer...

Almighty God, thank you for giving me victory over Satan through the sacrifice of your Son, his resurrection from the dead, and his promised return to take me home to heaven. Please strengthen me and empower me to overcome temptation and resist the deceptive enticements of the Evil One. O Lord, it is only you that I want to worship, serve, and obey. To you belongs all glory forever, and ever, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.
You can email questions or comments to phil@heartlight.org.

Today's Verse

I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me.
— Exodus 20:2-3 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

The order of obedience is always the same: God reveals himself, God blesses us, and then God asks us to respond. In other words, God blesses us first, and then asks us to obey. God is all powerful and supreme. He could demand our obedience just because of who he is, but he doesn't. He has chosen to reveal himself to us through Scripture, through nature, and through his acts of salvation. He wants us to know him and respond to him. Our obedience may be difficult. Our call to obey may sometimes be hard for us to understand. However, we know it comes from a Father who has paid an enormous price to redeem us and who has already proven himself faithful.

My Prayer...

Holy and Almighty God, you are worthy of all glory and honor. I realize that your demands that I should be holy, that I should obey your Word, and that I should seek your will are all based on your desire to love me and bless me. I want to serve you with an undivided heart. I want my obedience to be offered as joyously and graciously to you as your blessings have been shared with me. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.
You can email questions or comments to phil@heartlight.org.

Today's Verse

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
— 1 John 1:9 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God is faithful! Scripture declares it. We've experienced it. In fact, we cherish this promise from God, especially when things don't turn out as they "should." So when Satan does trip us with temptation and when we are weak or rebellious, isn't it comforting that we can be forgiven and made clean again? God wants us to call our sin what he calls it. (To "confess" literally means to "say the same" thing about it as God does!) Incredibly, God does more than forgive us. He also cleanses us. We're made new, fresh, pure, and holy once again! That is more than being faithful and just; that's being downright gracious.

My Prayer...

I do not have the words, Father, to express my appreciation for your gracious forgiveness and cleansing of me. I am deeply sorry for my weakness, my stumbling, and my rebellion. I deeply regret disappointing you. Thank you for welcoming me back into your presence and reminding me that I am your beloved child. Please empower me to grow past my failures and to mature more fully into the holiness of your Son, Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.
You can email questions or comments to phil@heartlight.org.

Today's Verse

For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
— Luke 11:10 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God answers prayers! Recent research in the recovery of surgery patients for whom others prayed seems to validate this. Our experience suggests it is true. The Bible promises us that it is so. But Luke emphasizes one specific answer to prayer that God-seekers receive. God longs to give us a truly great and wonderful gift: his presence in us through his Holy Spirit (vs. 13). Because of the indwelling Spirit, God can do unimaginable things for us and through us.

My Prayer...

Loving Father, the sacrifice of your Son for my sins is a truly incredible gift. The blessing of salvation through Jesus is more wonderful than words. The gracious gift of your presence in me through your Holy Spirit is comforting and empowering. Thank you for your assurance that as I seek you, you are eager to bless me. In Jesus' name I thank and praise you. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.
You can email questions or comments to phil@heartlight.org.

Today's Verse
Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, where they and many others taught and preached the word of the Lord.
— Acts 15:35 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Antioch was a great church in the first century. This church was blessed with both Jewish and Gentile disciples of Jesus who were very talented. These disciples were the first followers of Jesus called Christians. Many of these new Christians taught and evangelized others in their community. These "many others" remind us that the power of the early Church was not limited to its well-known leaders, but also involved the widespread dedication of its members to minister and to use the gifts that God had given them to serve others.

My Prayer...

Almighty and powerful God, please raise up an army of committed people who will serve, pray, evangelize, and teach so that others may know the grace you have given us in your Son Jesus. Renew the power of everyday Christians in our day just as it was in the early Church! I ask this in the mighty name of Jesus, my Savior and Lord. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.
You can email questions or comments to phil@heartlight.org.

Today's Verse

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
— James 1:12 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

I don't know about you, but it is hard for me to appreciate our need to go through trials. In fact, trials in life are just plain hard to tolerate! This is especially true when we are in the middle of them. But as believers in Jesus, we have some key spiritual reasons to persevere under trials. One of the very best reasons to hang in there when things are tough spiritually is God's promise to give us the crown of life that can't be taken away from us.

My Prayer...

Gracious God, thank you for promising the victor's crown of life to me. Empower me to persevere through the power of your Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.
You can email questions or comments to phil@heartlight.org.

Today's Verse

We wait for the blessed hope of the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.
— Titus 2:13 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

One way to view our lives is to see them as a wait. Long or short, we live in anticipation, waiting for our "blessed hope." This hope is rooted in Jesus' promise to return. But more than just his return, our hope is rooted in his glorious appearance as our Savior. On that day, our trust in Jesus as Lord will be validated and our highest dreams realized.

My Prayer...

Glorious and faithful God, thank you for sending Jesus the first time to save me from my sins. Please strengthen me as I wait for his glorious return, so that I can live as victoriously now as I will with you in the future. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.
You can email questions or comments to phil@heartlight.org.

Today's Verse

The memory of the righteous will be a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.
— Proverbs 10:7 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Each of us is creating a legacy. The influence of our lives will leave an imprint on all those the Lord has brought into our lives for us to touch. This proverb reminds us that our legacy will live far beyond us. If our lives are righteous, that legacy will be an ongoing blessing as stories of our lives are passed on to future generations. On the other hand, if our lives have been given over to wickedness, we will leave behind the lingering stench of something potentially useful gone sour and something lasting given over to rot.

My Prayer...

O mighty God, may my life be a sweet blessing to my children and my children's children -- whether those children are physical or spiritual. May my influence bring you glory and also bring others to know you and your grace. Forgive me when I fail to see the length of the shadow my influence casts and help me to see those you have purposely sent my way for me to touch with your grace. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.
You can email questions or comments to phil@heartlight.org.

Today's Verse

God's voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding.
— Job 37:5 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

How does God help us know his will? Clearly God has given us the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit to help us understand the Scriptures. What about more subtle and less defined ways? Most of us have had a "cluster of divine coincidences" (several events in close proximity to prayer): a friend calls/writes at just the right time; we read an article or hear a sermon that has a comment or two directed at just the area of our concern or confusion; several songs in worship convict us in the area on which we are seeking the Lord's guidance; or we simply feel a pull on our conscience that helps us discern right from wrong in a difficult situation. God really means it when he says that if we will pray for wisdom without doubting he'll give it to us and that if we are truly seeking him we will find him. His voice does thunder in marvelous ways!

My Prayer...

Holy God, please help me discern your will about several important matters in my life. I don't want to make my decisions based on my limited human wisdom. Please lead me by your Spirit in the direction you want me to go and use me to bring you glory and praise. Thank you for caring about my life enough to show me your way more clearly. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.
You can email questions or comments to phil@heartlight.org.

Today's Verse
For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.
— Isaiah 44:3 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Growing up in West Texas in part of my early years, I certainly know what "thirsty land" truly is. The black dirt shrinks, leaving deep cracks in the ground. All the grass turns yellow, then brown, and then dies. A wisp of breeze stirs swirls of dust over the barren land. When the downpour finally comes, the "thirsty land" swallows voluminous amounts of water as the rain runs off the wet surface and finds its way into the deep cracks left from the drought. The ground swells, the grass comes back to life, and life is replenished. In a barren spiritual wasteland, God's Holy Spirit pours out his blessing, brings times of refreshment, and replenishes our thirsty hearts.

My Prayer...

Generous and loving Father, thank you for so many blessings you have poured into my life. Most of all, dear Father, thank you for the blessing of your presence, your strength, your grace, and your refreshment given to me through your Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name I thank you. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.
You can email questions or comments to phil@heartlight.org.

Today's Verse

In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
— Romans 8:37 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Are we really conquerors despite the "trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword" that Paul mentioned two verses earlier? Yes! That is the ultimate Christian assurance. Nothing can separate us from God's love in Christ. The Evil One and his allies can ruin our finances, seek to destroy our relationships, wrack our bodies with pain, and even kill our bodies. However, the Evil One cannot have our hearts when they are surrendered to Jesus. And when our hearts and lives belong to Jesus, so does God's promised future! The empty tomb of Jesus assures us that our future with him is glorious, victorious, and unending.

My Prayer...

Give me eyes to see, O God, and a heart to believe that Jesus' victory over death is my victory, too! I don't want to be derailed from my hope, faith, and love by the difficulties of life. Instead, I want to be a living testimony to your power, victory, and grace. In Jesus' name, and for his glory, I live and pray. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.
You can email questions or comments to phil@heartlight.org.

Today's Verse

I [Paul] thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you [Timothy] in my prayers.
— 2 Timothy 1:3 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Paul is near the end of his life, facing persecution in a horrible prison. Many of the young men whom he had mentored have left the faith or have turned against him. How can he give thanks? Paul speaks of his confidence in his own victorious future with Jesus and in his son in the faith, Timothy. What makes this special is that he communicates it to Timothy. He's not content to just give thanks to God in prayer! He also tells Timothy in this letter how precious he is and how the old apostle prays for his son in the faith, Timothy. When was the last time you sent a note of thanks to the people you appreciate, letting them know they give you reason to rejoice before the throne of God?

My Prayer...

Matchless Father of all grace, thank you! Thank you for every spiritual blessing I have in Christ. Thank you today for the special people who are such a blessing to me in my walk of faith ... (take a minute and just say their names before the Father). Help me grow in my ability to show my appreciation and approval of these precious people, so that they can know what a blessing they are to me. In Jesus' name I thank you. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.
You can email questions or comments to phil@heartlight.org.


Have a blessed Sunday everyone.. God Bless

Today's Verse

We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing.
— 2 Thessalonians 1:3 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

When was the last time you found a new brother or sister in Christ and told that precious person all the things they were doing right? Don't you think that's too long, and that you should let them know today? Let's be more committed to encouraging and affirming others who are in Christ as well as giving thanks to God for them.

My Prayer...

Saving Shepherd of lost souls, thank you for the new Christians in our church and in my life. Bless them and protect them from the Evil One and use us, your children and their brothers and sisters, to be there to help and encourage them on their journey to perfection in Christ. In the holy name of Christ Jesus, my Lord. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.
You can email questions or comments to phil@heartlight.org.

Today's Verse

I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
— Philippians 1:20 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Do you have ultimate goals by which you live? Paul certainly had at least these two: "I don't want to be ashamed but courageous" and "I want Christ to be exalted in my body, by life or by death." What are yours? Could you join Paul in his ultimate goals? How are these ultimate goals good for all of us? What makes it hard to live with these ultimate goals? They are good for us because they remind us that, even though the Spirit helps us, it takes courage to live for Jesus and for him to be exalted by the way we live or die, and it is hard to live a different type of life from most of those around us.

My Prayer...

Sacrificial and all-powerful God, forgive me for my sins, especially the sin of living with improper priorities. I want your grace and your loving-kindness to be seen in the way I conduct my life. In addition, please give me the courage to say what needs to be said to exalt you and to bring you praise. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.
You can email questions or comments to phil@heartlight.org.

Today's Verse

Rejoice in the LORD, you who are righteous, and praise his holy name.
— Psalm 97:12 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Joy! Rejoicing! When we think about the glory of God and the grace that he has shared with us to make us righteous, how can we not rejoice? God is gloriously holy and majestic. He is eternal and just. We, on the other hand, are flawed, mortal, limited, and sinful. Yet in his rich mercy, he has made us righteous by the sacrifice of Jesus so that we could share an eternal home with him. Our response must be praise!

My Prayer...

Holy and righteous Father, I praise your name and give thanks for your grace. You are indeed more marvelous than my mind can comprehend and more generous than I can understand. So I offer you my praise, hoping that my life reflects my deep appreciation for all that you are and all that you have done for me. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Please read a letter from Phil Ware about Verse of the Day's plans for 2012.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.
You can email questions or comments to phil@heartlight.org.

Today's Verse

May the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful.
— Psalm 68:3 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Let's join our hearts together today, tens of thousands of us, and let's pray for God to make us a joyful and happy people who live righteously to his glory. For those in difficulty, let's pray for our mighty God to give them reasons to rejoice. For those who have been bountifully blessed, let's pray he opens our eyes to see the glorious riches that he has already poured into our lives.

My Prayer...

Wondrous Father, LORD God Almighty, thank you so much for your generous blessings. O LORD, please make us a more joyful and happy people. For my Christian brothers and sisters in hardship, I pray for your deliverance, victory, and blessing. For those of us who have been richly blessed, I pray for us to have more appreciative and thankful hearts. Thank you for always hearing my prayers. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Please read a letter from Phil Ware about Verse of the Day's plans for 2012.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.
You can email questions or comments to phil@heartlight.org.