Bible Verse for Today

We constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.
— 2 Thessalonians 1:11 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...Paul prays for God to be active in the lives of these new Christians -- to maximize the good they intend to do as well as fully bless every good deed they do out of their commitment of faith. What new Christian do you need to pray this for?

My...

 

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?
— Romans 10:14 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...Since "calling on the name of the Lord" is essential for salvation, then what is going to happen if we don't speak about Jesus with those who do not know him? We must share Jesus with everyone who will listen. That "someone preaching to them" must be us...

 

Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: that wisdom preserves the life of its possessor.
— Ecclesiastes 7:12 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...We can try to insure our future through many things. Wisdom, however, is always a better investment than finances because it not only shelters us from our uncertain future, but Godly wisdom can also keep us out of the unnecessary consequences for dumb and ungodly behaviors. Most of all, God's wisdom...

 

Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.
— 1 Peter 1:13 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...The reward of delayed gratification! If there were ever a verse that did NOT match the whims of our "modern" society, this would have to be it! Prepare ... be self-controlled ... focus your hopes on the future ... none of those is an advertising slogan, but they all are the sustaining truths of the...

 

We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
— 1 Thessalonians 1:3 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...In a world that falls for facades and seems to give more credit for intentions than actions, don't you find it refreshing that Paul expects that faith, hope, and love will naturally produce certain actions?

My Prayer...Mighty God of deliverance, I want to honor...

 

Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.
— Hebrews 13:7 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...What makes a great Christian leader? The Holy Spirit emphasizes three things in this passage: 1) they teach others the word of God; 2) they live as great examples for others; and 3) they have observable faith. God puts each of us in positions of influence with our children, our friends, our work acquaintances, and...

 

Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men.
— Psalm 107:31 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...I'm not sure I can fully comprehend "unfailing love." To always do the loving thing, whether it's discipline or reward, fun or pain, I'm not sure I can fully understand it. But I can tell you this: I am eternally grateful for it! It's not hard to give thanks for a God like ours!

My Prayer...Thank you Almighty God for revealing yourself as Abba...

 

Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he will bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart on the breastpiece of decision as a continuing memorial before the LORD.
— Exodus 28:29 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...In a symbolic way, the Priest had all the people of Israel "on his heart when he entered the Holy place." Jesus, our ultimate Priest, had our sins on his back and our forgiveness on his heart when he went to the Cross for us!

My Prayer...Tender Shepherd, I know you...

 

I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles.
— Isaiah 42:6 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...God chose the Israelites to be his special nation. This wasn't because they were better or brighter than other nations. No, God chose them because of his love for Abraham and so he could bless all nations of the earth through his chosen people.

My Prayer...Father, I know you have blessed me with your salvation because of your great mercy...

 

I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given to me -- the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.
— Acts 20:24 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...How important is grace? Paul said that God's grace and telling others about that grace were more important than his own life! In fact, sharing God's grace with others no matter the cost was Paul's life!

My Prayer...Almighty God, Holy Father, thank you for your...