Bible Verse for Today

... the Holy Spirit descended on him [Jesus] in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."
— Luke 3:22 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...God spoke these wonderful words to his Son when Jesus was baptized. God feels the same about us when we follow our Savior's example and are baptized, too! Jesus pours out his Spirit on us (Titus 3:4-7) guaranteeing that we are God's children (cf. Ephesians 1:13-14). No matter what...

 

But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.
— Romans 3:21-22 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...The Old Testament looks forward to a new time, a time when law is not the basis of righteousness. The Law and Prophets testify to this time. This righteousness comes from God and is built on the sacrificial work of Jesus who liberates us...

 

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
— Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...We have far greater power than we often realize. That incredible power is at work within us (see Ephesians 1:18-19). This promise of power, however, is tied to two opportunities God gives us daily. First, it...

 

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you -- even Jesus.
— Acts 3:19-20 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...When was the last time that you caught yourself straying from a passionate walk with the Lord? Refreshing times come when we change our hearts and lives to live for God and with God in our everyday lives! In fact, Jesus has told us that he will...

 

And we, who with unveiled faces all [contemplate and] reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
— 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse..."Transformed ... with ever-increasing glory." In other words, it's an ongoing process, but with the continual help of the Spirit, we're going to arrive at our goal -- to be like Jesus! The point is not to give up on our journey. Let's keep...

 

Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.
— Philippians 3:17 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse..."I would rather see a sermon any day, than hear one." I'm not distressed because people want to "see a sermon," but because so many of us don't "practice what we preach." As leaders -- whether as friends, parents, or in positions of authority -- our primary tool of influence is our life of character (or lack of...

 

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
— John 3:16-17 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...Jesus came to save the world. Jesus came to save you. Jesus came to save me. Why? Because of the Father's love!

My Prayer...Holy and Righteous Father, thank you for your love. I know I didn't earn it or...

 

"And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel."
— Genesis 3:15 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...This is God's curse upon the serpent who tempted Eve and Adam to sin. Satan is the personality behind the serpent. Even in this curse, even in the recognition of a struggle between the woman's offspring and Satan, God embeds his promise for our better future. In Jesus, that future comes! Satan...

 

He appointed twelve -- designating them apostles -- that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.
— Mark 3:14 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...While there are many intriguing and fascinating thoughts in this short sentence, the one phrase that touches my heart is this one: "... that they might be with him ...." This reminds me of that great passage in Acts 4:13: "[T]hey recognized that they had been with Jesus." Now I...

 

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree."
— Galatians 3:13 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...Cursed! Not just in the sense that he was mocked and his detractors cursed at him, but in the sense that he received the curse of death because of our sin. He did what was hideous and scandalous; he died on a Cross -- hung to a tree in front of a jeering mob, executed like sub-human scum. But the...