Bible Verse for Today

Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.

—Matthew 6:1 (KJV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...​

Why do we do the things we do? What is the motivation for our behavior as a Christian person? It's so easy to fall into the trap of doing religious things so that we will look good to others — especially to our spiritual friends. This is true even when culture reacts negatively to our faith. Those...

 

But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

—Matthew 9:13 (KJV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...​

God is merciful. Yes, we can probably recall some of those occasions when God was fed up and furious with the unrighteousness and rebellion of his people. But, we also remember them precisely because they did not occur that frequently over the hundreds of years he led the Israelites...

 

The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.

—Proverbs 11:25 (KJV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...​

God is generous. He longs for his children to be like him in this grace of generosity. Our place on earth is not to be hoarders of blessings, forgiveness, wealth, and opportunities. Following the lead of our Father in Heaven, we are to be conduits of his blessings, forgiveness, wealth, and opportunities. As we are generous like God, we...

 

The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chains.

—2 Timothy 1:16 (KJV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...​

A friend in Christ who will faithfully serve others brings the beautiful gift of refreshment. Yet, as humans, we are tempted to be fickle friends — there for a bit while they need us, but often tiring over the long haul of extended recovery from illness, grief, or the consequences of previous sin or addiction. Is there...

 

That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.

—Romans 15:32 (KJV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...​

Our lives, futures, and plans are in God's hands. This inescapable reality is the basis of our existence. Remember what James, the brother of Jesus, taught us?

Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen...

 

And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

—Mark 10:13-14 (KJV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...​

Unfortunately, humans seem to always try to define our place in the "pecking order" of life. Jesus reminds his disciples that they have to throw...

 

Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

—Matthew 7:12 (KJV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...​

Ah! The "Golden Rule" is so straightforward, isn't it? Sometimes we make things far too complicated and complex, especially religious things. I love the Bible because it is often practical and plain when God deals with our behavior. Do you want to know how to treat someone? Then do for them what would...

 

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

—Psalm 23:2-3 (KJV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...​

When we are exhausted, depleted, and on the edge of burnout, we need to have our souls restored! But who can restore our souls? The only one who can truly lead us beside quiet waters: the LORD, who is our Shepherd. He alone can fully bring the nourishment...

 

I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

—John 10:11 (KJV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...​

How do we determine who we will follow?

How can we tell the religious predators, shysters, and charlatans from those who truly speak for God?

Jesus comes and shows us the ultimate test; he is the good Shepherd because he lays down his life for us, his sheep!

My Prayer...​

Thank you, LORD, God, for sending Jesus to be my Shepherd. I praise you...

 

That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.

—Titus 2:2 (KJV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...​

"Teach older men? I expect some older folks are thinking, "I'm supposed to learn about life from younger folks? You've gotta be kidding me!" Nevertheless, Paul places in this message a profound understanding and respect that transcends generational differences. We can learn God's truth from fresh voices inspired by the Holy Spirit! For some of us...