Today's Verse from Heartlight (KJV)

Proverbs 11:20 (11-20-08)

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 02:00:00 -0600

They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Whew, I surely wouldn't want to be on God's "I detest" list! Such people are an abomination to him. But what is a perverse heart? It is a heart that allows what is evil, impure, warped, greedy, dishonest, or violent to hold sway over a person's attitudes, views, and opinions. Ultimately, Jesus reminds us, such a heart shows up in a person's outward actions. How is our heart changed? By coming to God in repentance, confessing our alliance with what is evil and ungodly, and asking God to cleanse us and make us new by his Holy Spirit.

My Prayer...

Create in me a new heart O God and renew your Holy Spirit's presence in me. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Deuteronomy 11:19 (11-19-08)

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:00:00 -0600

And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

— Deuteronomy 11:19 (KJV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Moses gives us three crucial messages about God's commandments. First, as parents, it is our responsibility to teach them to our children -- not the responsibility of the government, or of the schools, nor even our churches. Second, we are to teach them in the everyday course of life as we go about our routines as a family. Third, we are to teach them continuously by both our words and our lives as we raise our children.

My Prayer...

O LORD God, please bless me as I seek to impart my faith to others, especially to those in my family. Please bless me with a consistent and faithful witness to them and the right words to say when the time is right. Give me the courage and sensitivity to say it with loving respect, and the courage to live as a strong Christian example for my children and grandchildren. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Acts 11:18 (11-18-08)

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 02:00:00 -0600

When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

— Acts 11:18 (KJV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Breaking through racial and cultural barriers is never easy. Thankfully, God's Spirit doesn't let us settle comfortably into our prejudices. Instead, we are challenged, led, and pushed to break through racial hatred and cultural ignorance. Let's be the kind of people who rejoice and praise God for every barrier that falls that divides people. Let's press on until the triumphant promise of the Gospel is fulfilled: "There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female. For you are all Christians — you are one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28)

My Prayer...

Holy God, I ask that you bless all those everywhere who are trying to cross cultural, linguistic, and nationalistic barriers to share the grace of Jesus with those who do not know you and do not honor your Son as Lord. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Zechariah 11:17 (11-17-08)

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 02:00:00 -0600

Woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened.

— Zechariah 11:17 (KJV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

While we don't like to hear bad news and don't appreciate the pronouncement of judgment on others, there is a time when it is appropriate. Jesus was not only our sacrificial lamb, but he is also our Chief Shepherd. When the earthly shepherds of his sheep do not lead faithfully, he will demand harsh justice. This is a warning to all who lead that they must do so faithfully and tenderly. It is also a comfort to those who have been abused by ungodly leaders -- God will wipe away your tears and he will bring about a righteous justice to those who have abused the stewardship of their pastoral calling.

My Prayer...

O LORD, my Shepherd, thank you for leading, guiding, and nourishing me. Please raise up in your Church leaders of conscience, courage, and compassion to shepherd your sheep and to lead them with the heart of Jesus. If I can be used in this capacity, please use me, dear Father, to bless your people and to serve with your heart for people. In the name of Jesus, my Good Shepherd. Amen.

Hebrews 11:16 (11-16-08)

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 02:00:00 -0600

But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

— Hebrews 11:16 (KJV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Hebrews 11 is full of reminders of the great heroes of faith from long ago. They were looking for a better place, a heavenly place. God has made preparations for them and he is proud to be called their God. Jesus also promised us in John 14 that preparations for our arrival at our heavenly home are being made. If God is longing for us to join him, then surely we can have a deep longing to be with him. Let's desire that heavenly country!

My Prayer...

Thank you, dear Father, for all that you have done to save me. Thank you for not being ashamed of me. Thank you for preparing for my arrival at home with you. With so much to look forward to, may I live a victorious life because I am confident in your grace, forgiven because of Jesus' sacrifice, and empowered to be holy by your Spirit. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Joshua 11:15 (11-15-08)

Sat, 15 Nov 2008 02:00:00 -0600

As the LORD commanded Moses his servant, so did Moses command Joshua, and so did Joshua; he left nothing undone of all that the LORD commanded Moses.

— Joshua 11:15 (KJV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Joshua is one of my favorite Bible heroes. He was a great servant to Moses. He refused to be swayed by his peers or by the crowd when he spied out the Promised Land. He followed in the footsteps of a great leader and was a great leader himself -- not an easy task! Joshua was vigorous and vital even in his old age. Most of all, Joshua was obedient to God and did everything that God had commanded him to do, as well as what God had commanded Moses that he should do. In other words, Joshua was faithful!

My Prayer...

O LORD God, my Abba Father, when the story of my life is told, may I be viewed as one who was faithful to all that you have asked of me. I want to serve you with an undivided heart and a life that brings you the glory and praise you deserve for your generous grace. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

2 Corinthians 11:14 (11-14-08)

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 02:00:00 -0600

And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

— 2 Corinthians 11:14 (KJV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

While we wait for God's great victory for us to be fully realized, we also need to know that we are in a battle. God will win this battle through Jesus Christ. The final outcome is certain. Christ has already won the decisive battle. However, let's not be fooled; the evil one will do everything he can to deceive all people and confuse the lost. Let's stick with God's plan -- living his truth, listening for his voice in Scripture, and following the lead of his Spirit.

My Prayer...

Holy LORD, please give me the ability to discern truth and resist the deception of Satan. Please empower me by your Spirit as I seek to live victoriously for you. In Jesus' name. Amen.