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Tony Evans

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Verse of the Day - Romans 12:11


Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

Romans 12:11

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Paul is emphatic that Jesus' disciples must be full of spiritual fervor to serve the LORD. Jesus was even more emphatic that God wants us to be passionate about our Christian life. He told the believers in Laodicea to repent and be passionate when he said:

"I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So because you are lukewarm — neither hot nor cold — I am about to spit you out of my mouth." (Rev. 3:15-16)

Jesus has done so much to redeem us. Let's live passionately for the LORD, and "Never be lacking in zeal, but keep [our] spiritual fervor"!

My Prayer...

Holy LORD and King of the Ages, I confess: I have sometimes let my spiritual fire die down and my spiritual fervor wane. Jesus, please have the Spirit come with holy fire, kindling a renewed zeal and passion for you in me as I live my life and influence those around me. I want to zealously and shamelessly pursue your mission in today's world and live a vibrant life that shows I love Jesus as my LORD! I ask this in Jesus' name and to honor you, Father. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware. You can email questions or comments to phil@verseoftheday.com.
© 1998-2024, Heartlight, Inc. Verseoftheday.com is part of the Heartlight Network. 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. | Privacy Policy

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Verse of the Day - Romans 12:10


Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Romans 12:10

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

I love the old saying, "He who toots his own horn plays in a very small band!" A very selfish part of us wants all attention and appreciation focused on what we have done, sacrificed, and accomplished. Christ Jesus told us that if we seek honor and recognition now, we have our reward now, on earth, and we won't receive our reward in heaven (Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21). One of the signs of spiritual maturity, however, is what Paul lists here. It's a devotion to others who are our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. This maturity means that we genuinely rejoice when others are honored. We are even more interested in honoring others than receiving honor. That is what devotion to others means. We care more about them being honored than us being honored, and that's living like Christ (Philippians 2:1-11).

My Prayer...

Dear God, my loving Father, thank you for surrounding me with many godly and honorable people. Please help me see ways I can show my brothers and sisters in Christ my love, affirmation, and appreciation. And dear Father, please lead me to your people who need this love, affirmation, and honor. 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.
© 1998-2024, Heartlight, Inc. Verseoftheday.com is part of the Heartlight Network. 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. | Privacy Policy

Monday, December 09, 2024

Verse of the Day - Romans 12:9


Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.

Romans 12:9

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Special Note:
Remember that this year, we are letting our verse reference be determined by the date. So on December 9, the twelfth month and ninth day, we have been led to Romans 12:9 as our verse for this day, and it's a short but powerful and call to live for Jesus!



Our love cannot be feigned, faked, or fickle! That means that we abhor evil. We not only stay away from it but disdain it. At the same time, we commit ourselves to lovingly drawing closer to goodness and righteousness. There are no shades of gray in our intentions or motivations, only a passionate desire for what is right, good, and holy. We cling to what is good!

My Prayer...

Holy and Righteous Father, I know you declared me righteous and holy because of Jesus' sacrifice and my faith in him. Now, I ask that you help me live up to what you have declared me to be by your grace. Through your indwelling Holy Spirit's power, please fill me with your love and drive out anything unclean, evil, or rancid that dwells in my heart. I want my love to be sincere. I want to cling to what is good. I want to cast off all that is evil so I can bring you joy! In Jesus' name, I thank you. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware. You can email questions or comments to phil@verseoftheday.com.
© 1998-2024, Heartlight, Inc. Verseoftheday.com is part of the Heartlight Network. 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. | Privacy Policy

Sunday, December 08, 2024

Verse of the Day - Luke 12:8


I tell you, whoever acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man will also acknowledge him before the angels of God.

Luke 12:8

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

What a simple way to inherit a blessing: we confess Jesus before people, and Jesus acknowledges us before the angels of God! We must not fall into the trap that caused Peter to stumble during the night of Jesus' arrest — being strong when in the presence of friends and weak in the presence of those who are hostile. Let's be ready to share our faith with friends with "gentleness and respect" (1 Peter 3:15). Let's be willing to be openly identified as one who knows Jesus and shows it by our words and deeds (Acts 4:13). Let's confess that Jesus is our LORD by our lives and our lips for all the world to see.

My Prayer...

Dear God, give me the courage to confidently acknowledge Jesus as LORD before my enemies, adversaries, and critics, just as I do before my friends, co-workers, and colleagues. May my faith in the LORD Jesus be boldly lived before others as I respectfully share my confidence in Jesus, in whose 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.
© 1998-2024, Heartlight, Inc. Verseoftheday.com is part of the Heartlight Network. 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. | Privacy Policy

Saturday, December 07, 2024

Verse of the Day - Proverbs 12:7


Wicked men are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous stands firm.

Proverbs 12:7

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

The principle of this proverb is true in every culture. An evil leader who has made his way to the top by murder, deceit, and violence ends up being murdered by one even more evil. Ruin comes to those who have brought ruination on others. This principle will be fully realized when Jesus comes and judges all people justly and with nothing hidden. Then, God's righteousness will shine like the sun. Jesus and those who belong to him will reign with him in his heavenly glory — a glory which will not spoil, perish, or fade. Justice will triumph along with mercy, love, and life without death. All who are God's people who have been oppressed, abused, and martyred will find their way into the city God has prepared for those who love him. All wickedness will be overthrown, and those who have been made righteous in Jesus will live forever in the glorious presence of their LORD!

My Prayer...

Dear Father in heaven, we pray that your Kingdom comes with power in our world soon. We pray that your will is done here on earth just as in heaven. Bring down the arrogant and violent. Overthrow the wicked and murderous. Let those you have made righteous in Jesus stand in your glorious presence and grace as the LORD Jesus reigns over all his foes and brings your beloved children home to you. 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.
© 1998-2024, Heartlight, Inc. Verseoftheday.com is part of the Heartlight Network. 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. | Privacy Policy

Friday, December 06, 2024

Verse of the Day - Matthew 12:6


I tell you that one greater than the temple is here.

Matthew 12:6

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

What is the most outstanding construction project built by human hands? Jesus is more remarkable still! What is the most holy place you have been? Jesus is far holier still! What is the most awe-inspiring site you have visited? Jesus is far more astonishing and holy! What is the most spiritually nourishing event you have ever attended? Jesus is far more nourishing and enriching and blessing! Jesus is the One Who Is Greater! Nothing else, no one else, can hold a candle to him. As John the Baptizer reminded us, the greatest religious leaders of all time are not even worthy to stoop down and unlatch Jesus' sandals. Jesus is greater than!

Video Commentary...

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My Prayer...

Thank you, God, for revealing to me the Way, the Truth, and the Life through Jesus. Forgive me for the times I may have misused his name or underestimated his glory. Restore in me the child-like sense of joyous wonder that I need to have in his presence. In the holy and awesome and gracious name of Jesus, I live and 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.
© 1998-2024, Heartlight, Inc. Verseoftheday.com is part of the Heartlight Network. 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. | Privacy Policy

Thursday, December 05, 2024

Verse of the Day - Hebrews 12:5


And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son."

Hebrews 12:5

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

When I was young, I always acted as if I hated discipline. It was part of the game. Most of the time, I didn't want the discipline. Sometimes, however, I "acted out" to get my parent's attention. Discipline was their way of getting mine! Now that I am older, I am so thankful that my parents loved me enough to discipline me firmly, to guide me lovingly, and to encourage me repeatedly. Their discipline and training have given me so many blessings and helped me understand what God is doing in my life. I need to recognize and appreciate the LORD's discipline in my life for similar reasons! The lack of love is not hate but indifference. The opposite of concern is an unwillingness to discipline. Thank God he loves and knows us enough to be involved in our lives and discipline us toward Jesus and heaven.

My Prayer...

Father in heaven, please help me recognize your discipline and correction in my life as part of your love, mercy, and grace. I want to live for you with an undivided heart, pleasing you in word, thought, and deed. I confess, however, that sometimes my heart is rebellious or my resolve can be weak. Thank you for helping me recognize my loss of spiritual direction through your loving discipline and guiding me back to your love, grace, and forgiveness.. 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.
© 1998-2024, Heartlight, Inc. Verseoftheday.com is part of the Heartlight Network. 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. | Privacy Policy