Bible Verse for Today

Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.
— James 4:17 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...Jesus taught this principle when he healed on the Sabbath (Mark 3:1-7) and told the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29-37). Our Lord made it clear that to neglect to do a good deed for another in need, even if we had a religious excuse for not doing it, was to do evil. Let's be a people known for doing good deeds and sharing kindness. Let's not let any excuse...

 

From him [Christ] the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
— Ephesians 4:16 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...Ephesians and Colossians emphasize that no human being, or even group of human beings, is head of the Church. Jesus is head of the Church. He sets our direction. He is our example. He is our goal for ministry. In addition, Jesus also arranges us in his Body as he chooses, gives us gifts to...

 

Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
— 1 Timothy 4:15-16 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse..."Be diligent!" That's not a phrase you hear much about these days. We want things to come easily. Sweat in the world of pseudo-faith is frowned upon. But, Paul wanted Timothy (and us) to know that maturity in...

 

We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.
— 1 Thessalonians 4:14 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...As horrible as the Cross was, it wasn't the final chapter of the Jesus story. Jesus died and then rose again. We can believe two things because of Jesus' resurrection: 1) that Jesus will return in glorious victory for those who have believed in him, and 2) that we will be with those we love who have...

 

I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
— Philippians 4:13 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...I don't know about you, but I know I've grown soft and spoiled because of all the conveniences that I have allowed into my life. Could I honor God with my praises and thanksgivings if these conveniences were to suddenly vanish? I hope so. I want to be like Paul and live with the assurance that I can withstand any situation with the help of Christ.

My Prayer...O God, without you...

 

Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
— 1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...The idealistic passions of youth must not be rationalized away or patronizingly pushed to the side. If you are younger, you are not only part of the church of tomorrow, you are also God's servant today. Serve him mightily and be an example to those who are older! If you are older, don't look...

 

If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
— 1 Peter 4:11 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...We are given gifts to use in God's Kingdom for two reasons: 1) to bring glory to God, and, 2) to bless others. Whether we serve or speak, we are to do so with these two goals in...

 

This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
— 1 John 4:10 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...Love is demonstrated, not just said. Love goes ahead sharing itself instead of waiting until things are easy or safe. Love redeems when all hope seems lost. Love is not only what God is, but it is also what he does and what he gives.

My Prayer...Thank you, dear Heavenly Father, for loving me so extravagantly. Please help me to...

 

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me -- put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
— Philippians 4:9 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...I don't know about you, but I truly hope that my life reflects what I say and teach. What a great statement to be able to make to those we lead, whether it is in the classroom, in our families, at work, or at church.

My Prayer...Almighty and Most High God, please bless me with the integrity that comes...

 

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
— James 4:7-8 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...James always packs a lot into a small space. Let's focus on the center of this call to holiness: let's draw ourselves closer to God. When we come into God's presence and draw close to him, we know our thoughts, our motives, and our behaviors...