Friday, May 16, 2025
Verse of the Day - Proverbs 3:1-2
My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Those who are older are not as respected in Western cultures today as they once were, or as the elders are in some other cultures. The Bible repeatedly reminds us of our NEED to honor those who are godly and who have gone before us. Whether the father behind this passage is the physical father of the person receiving the instruction or he was the teacher of this student seeking wisdom, either way, the principle is the same. We have much to learn and much to gain from heeding the voices of those who have served God for many years through many trials and opportunities, and have proven themselves wise and faithful.
Video Commentary...
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My Prayer...
Loving God and Almighty Father, thank you for those wise people in my life who have shared your wisdom and their experience with me. Please help them know how much I appreciate their investment of love and guidance in me, and please use me to do the same for those who come after me. In Jesus' name, I pray, and I especially thank you for those who have shared their wisdom with me. Amen.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware. You can email questions or comments to phil@verseoftheday.com.© 1998-2025, Heartlight, Inc. Verseoftheday.com is part of the Heartlight Network and is maintained by Infinite Publishing. | Privacy Policy
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Disclaimer: Content provided by Heartlight, Inc. is for informational and inspirational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for church, pastoral guidance, or professional counseling. Readers are solely responsible for their use of this material.
Thursday, May 15, 2025
Verse of the Day - Acts 13:3
So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
While fasting is not widely practiced in many churches today, it was a vital part of the early Christian church. Let's ensure that we prepare for significant events in ministry and mission to the world with prayer and fasting, whether sponsored by our congregations or not. As we prepare to embark on God's work in the world and our mission to the world, our preparation should include times of prayer and fasting. A mission without the Holy Spirit, prayer, and fasting is an undervalued mission and an underpowered effort.
My Prayer...
O LORD, I know you love all people. Please bless those on mission to cultures other than their own, seeking to lovingly share your Gospel with those who are lost. Bless their efforts with success, protect them from the evil one, and guide them in the direction they need to go to find searching and receptive hearts. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware. You can email questions or comments to phil@verseoftheday.com.© 1998-2025, Heartlight, Inc. Verseoftheday.com is part of the Heartlight Network and is maintained by Infinite Publishing. | Privacy Policy
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Disclaimer: Content provided by Heartlight, Inc. is for informational and inspirational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for church, pastoral guidance, or professional counseling. Readers are solely responsible for their use of this material.
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Verse of the Day - Acts 13:2
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
When people genuinely worship, when they fast seeking God's will, and they pray earnestly and worship, our Father calls them to his service and mission in the world. Christian worship is not an end in itself, but a launching pad to Christian mission. Please don't get so caught up in your worship experience that you leave it at the door when you exit the building. Instead, understand that our worship together as Jesus' family is a blessing intended to inspire us to engage in public worship and service in the world throughout our everyday lives (Romans 12:1-2; Hebrews 12:28-13:16). As we worship with our brothers and sisters, let's also listen to the words of the songs, the message of the Scriptures, and the conviction of the Holy Spirit on our hearts. God is calling us to his special mission in our world, so that we can bring grace and hope to a lost humanity!
My Prayer...
Father, please help me discern your will and follow your leading as I worship you with my brothers and sisters in Christ. Use the Holy Spirit to call me into a deeper ministry, a more committed service, and a heart for mission to the lost world around me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware. You can email questions or comments to phil@verseoftheday.com.© 1998-2025, Heartlight, Inc. Verseoftheday.com is part of the Heartlight Network and is maintained by Infinite Publishing. | Privacy Policy
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Disclaimer: Content provided by Heartlight, Inc. is for informational and inspirational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for church, pastoral guidance, or professional counseling. Readers are solely responsible for their use of this material.
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Verse of the Day - Matthew 5:14
"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden."
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Darkness dominates our world, controls much of what is said, and how most people view their reality. So, in a world dominated by darkness, light should stand out. When someone lives for Jesus, people notice. The world cannot ignore the faithfulness of Jesus' disciples or forget their righteousness and gracious influence. The world might hate that influence, try to minimize it, or even directly oppose it. Dear friend, the evil one will try to prevent Jesus' light from being reflected into the world by his disciples! He will try to oppose that light, dim that light, and snuff out that light. Jesus, however, is the Light that cannot be snuffed out (John 1:5).
Will we be Jesus' agents of light in the world of darkness?
How will the world categorize that light?
How are we going to behave toward the hostile world around us that wants to snuff out our light?
Are others going to see our light and be drawn to our Father in Heaven, who sent his Son, Jesus, as the Light of the world?
Or will the world reject the way of Christ because our walk is more talk and less service to the lost world that needs to see obedience to the lifestyle and character of our Savior?
Let's ensure the light we share helps others see God's grace through our lives and then be drawn to our Savior. Let's be Jesus' lights on the hill, seen by all!
My Prayer...
Holy and Righteous Father, thank you for your grace that saved us. Please help us reflect your character and grace in all that we do, so that when people notice us and are aware of our Christian commitment, they will glorify you because of the service they have seen and the light I bring. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware. You can email questions or comments to phil@verseoftheday.com.© 1998-2025, Heartlight, Inc. Verseoftheday.com is part of the Heartlight Network and is maintained by Infinite Publishing. | Privacy Policy
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Disclaimer: Content provided by Heartlight, Inc. is for informational and inspirational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for church, pastoral guidance, or professional counseling. Readers are solely responsible for their use of this material.
Monday, May 12, 2025
Verse of the Day - Matthew 5:13
"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men."
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Jesus never wanted us to give up our moral distinctiveness, our redemptive influence, or our loving impact on those around us just so we can be liked. The purpose of our presence in the world is to be the salt that preserves our culture from further moral decay, bitterness, spite, and other degrading social problems. And, we are to be the salt that seasons the bitter, dog-eat-dog world we live in with the salt of God's grace and mercy. We are to be the salt of the earth, disciples that prevent decay and bring the sweet taste of Jesus to a lost world.
My Prayer...
Dear Holy and Majestic LORD, please empower me to resist being molded into the values of the world around me. Instead, dear Father, please use my distinctiveness as a Christian, a follower of Jesus, to bless others and expand the influence and impact of your Kingdom, doing so with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15-16). In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware. You can email questions or comments to phil@verseoftheday.com.© 1998-2025, Heartlight, Inc. Verseoftheday.com is part of the Heartlight Network and is maintained by Infinite Publishing. | Privacy Policy
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Disclaimer: Content provided by Heartlight, Inc. is for informational and inspirational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for church, pastoral guidance, or professional counseling. Readers are solely responsible for their use of this material.
Sunday, May 11, 2025
Verse of the Day - Luke 6:27
"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you..."
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Jesus was the perfect example of this command in his life and death (Luke 23:24). Love that leads us to forgive has redemptive, life-changing power. While not everyone responds to such grace, many do. While being kind in our deeds and loving in our hearts to our enemies is not easy, God's Spirit can fill us with Jesus' love and help us live powerful lives of grace even in the presence of those who hate us (Romans 5:5). As we do, the Spirit transforms us to become more like Jesus and less and less like our old self-protective selves (2 Corinthians 3:18). As the history of Christianity shows, this miracle of this kind of love can change the lives of those who consider us enemies and bring them to God.
My Prayer...
Dear God, I confess that I have trouble with a few people in my life. They seem determined to criticize, undermine, belittle, defeat, and destroy me. Please give me the love to resist their attacks. Please empower me to respond to their actions in ways that are redemptive, righteous, and loving. Do this seemingly impossible work in my heart so that my obedience to Jesus' command can lead others to my Savior's grace. In the redeeming and mighty name of Jesus, I ask the Holy Spirit to help fill me with your love and demonstrate this grace to others. Amen.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware. You can email questions or comments to phil@verseoftheday.com.© 1998-2025, Heartlight, Inc. Verseoftheday.com is part of the Heartlight Network and is maintained by Infinite Publishing. | Privacy Policy
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Disclaimer: Content provided by Heartlight, Inc. is for informational and inspirational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for church, pastoral guidance, or professional counseling. Readers are solely responsible for their use of this material.
Saturday, May 10, 2025
Verse of the Day - 2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
God wants all people brought to repentance so they can receive his grace and share with him in his glory. God desires our salvation so much that he came to us in Jesus to save us (John 3:16-17). Since saving us is God's passion for us, how can we not make it our passion to lead others to salvation through Jesus? Jesus' last words before returning to the Father remind us that reaching the world with the message of God's grace is also our Savior's mission for us (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8)!
My Prayer...
Father, I know that you hold the day of Jesus' return in your hands, and the reason he waits to return is known only to you. However, dear Father, I also know that you want all people to come to know Jesus as their Lord and be saved. Please use me to share your message of salvation and the gift of your loving grace through Jesus with someone around me this week, and may it hasten the day of his return. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware. You can email questions or comments to phil@verseoftheday.com.© 1998-2025, Heartlight, Inc. Verseoftheday.com is part of the Heartlight Network and is maintained by Infinite Publishing. | Privacy Policy
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Disclaimer: Content provided by Heartlight, Inc. is for informational and inspirational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for church, pastoral guidance, or professional counseling. Readers are solely responsible for their use of this material.