Bible Verse for Today

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...This beatitude comes from Jesus' brother. He had experienced it and not just taught it! James knew it was worth "hanging in" and "hanging on" when his faith was under attack. He affirmed that God loves us and that he has made incredible promises about what lies ahead for us. He...

 

And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."
— Mark 1:11 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...Shortly after Jesus' baptism, he went to face Satan in a grueling 40 days of temptation. Remember what Satan's opening words were? "If you are the Son of God..." Wasn't it great that God had already reassured him of his relationship before it was questioned? What do those you love need to hear from you today? You don't know when their time of trial will...

 

My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them.
— Proverbs 1:10 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...The real issue isn't "if" but "when"! Our children face tremendous peer pressure. We do, too! We must help them resist the enticements of this pressure. Also, we must never tire in resisting them ourselves.

My Prayer...O God, I do face temptations and enticements. Please guard my heart, my life, and my example. Help me be a person of character and integrity. In addition, please...

 

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...Paul wrote these words to the Christians at Colossae, but he had never been there. Despite his lack of "in person" knowledge, he ministered effectively to the Colossians. He prayed specifically for them to better know God and his will for them. What a great idea...

 

Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
— Joshua 1:8 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...We need to be reminded, just like Joshua and the Israelites, that God gave us his Law to be a blessing to his people. The Law was given to help Israel live the will of God in their daily lives. If they would live God's way, he promised they would be...

 

If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
— 1 John 1:7 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...As we draw near to the Lord and live for him, two amazing blessings come our way. First, we find that our sins are forgiven and we're cleansed of those sins thanks to the loving sacrifice of Jesus. Second, we find that we are not alone in this wonderful cleansing. True fellowship among believers is...

 

You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.
— 1 Thessalonians 1:6 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...We find it so easy to let our circumstances determine our moods. Paul reminds this group of new Christians under attack that their new life in Christ had brought them joy despite the outwardly harsh circumstances they were facing. Their joy was not the fleeting, circumstance-determined veneer...

 

Make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.
— 2 Peter 1:5-7 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...Sometimes we get so frightened by the thought of "works-won" salvation that we forget that love and grace ultimately call us to action, and not just reflection. Action means effort. That's...

 

In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now...
— Philippians 1:4-5 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...As we begin this new year, let's remember those with whom we are partnered in mission and outreach. If we are evangelists or missionaries by calling, then let's make a commitment to pray a prayer of praise and thanksgiving for our supporting partners. If we are members of a supporting congregation, then...

 

The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
— Hebrews 1:3 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...We talk about Mother Nature, but did you know that Scripture identifies Jesus as the power behind the order of our universe? He sustains our world by his powerful word. Not only did he save us by the sacrifice of...