Bible Verse for Today

They [Paul and Barnabas] preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned ... strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith.
— Acts 14:21-22 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...Let's make a commitment to do better at helping our new brothers and sisters in Christ grow in Christ. The apostles didn't just lead people to Christ, they also encouraged and strengthened them in their faith.

My Prayer...Holy and loving...

 

Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.
— Hebrews 3:13 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...How serious are we about sin? The Bible reminds us how seriously God views it. The power of sin to entice us, entrap us, and ultimately engulf us in its power can be offset by loving Christian friends who encourage each other daily.

My Prayer...Father, I know sin's power is deceptive. Help me see those who need my...

 

May the LORD, the God of the spirits of all mankind, appoint a man over this community to go out and come in before them, one who will lead them out and bring them in, so the LORD's people will not be like sheep without a shepherd.
— Numbers 27:16-17 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...Wow! For any city, county, or country electing new leadership, or church selecting elders or ministers, what greater prayer could there be?

My Prayer...O Father, please forgive us for choosing leaders for...

 

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
— John 10:11 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...The Bible uses the term "shepherd" for all kinds of good leaders. But only One is the quintessential Shepherd. He shows us that the heart of godly leadership is sacrifice not status, service not selfishness. We follow this Shepherd because we know he values us above his own life.

My Prayer...Holy and sacrificial Father, I am humbled to silence by your plan to have...

 

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...When we hear of Christians in other places, especially where circumstances and times are difficult, or they are new in the Faith, let's intentionally and purposefully pray this prayer for them!

My Prayer...Loving Father please bless my brothers and sisters in...

 

An evil man is trapped by his sinful talk, but a righteous man escapes trouble.
— Proverbs 12:13 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...Our mouths can sure get us into trouble, can't they! This is especially true for someone whose heart is tainted by evil. Talk reveals so much about our interior life, and an evil person has a lot to hide! But that brings us to ourselves. What does our talk reveal about us? Does it help us escape trouble or does it reveal festering evil in our souls?

My...

 

David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.
— Psalm 78:72 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...One of the greatest honors and responsibilities a Christian leader can have is to be designated a pastor or shepherd in God's family. While only a few truly qualify biblically to be recognized as shepherds over God's flock (see Acts 20, 1 Tim 3, & Titus 1), a shepherding concern for others is important for all of us. Let's demand that those who are selected...

 

Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.
— Psalm 28:9 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...While most of us are familiar with the very personal declaration about God as shepherd in Psalm 23, this Psalm is a plea for God to actively shepherd all of his people today and into the far distant future. It is also a great reminder of how important it is for us to pray for God's presence in the lives of his children wherever, and "whenever" they are...

 

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...