Bible Verse for Today

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...

 

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...