Verse of the Day

Isaiah 2:22 (01-09-09)

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 02:00:00 -0600

Stop trusting in man, who has but a breath in his nostrils. Of what account is he?

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

"If only I had a friend." "If only my father hadn't left." "If only she was more supportive." "If only..." People can fail us, but we still pin so many of our hopes on them. We are all fallible and mortal. So while we are involved in the lives of other people, let's also remember to keep our hopes connected to the Son of God, who "defeated death and brought immortality and life to light" and who will "never leave or forsake" us.

My Prayer...

Forgive me, dear Father, when I have pinned my well-being and happiness on being accepted by a certain group or loved by a certain person. I know my only lasting hope is found in Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.

Lamentations 3:25 (01-08-09)

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 02:00:00 -0600

The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him...

— Lamentations 3:25 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Out of the ashes of Jerusalem's destruction and the disaster that befell God's people because of their repeated disobedience comes this reminder of truth. Those who wait patiently, who hope fervently, in the LORD will find what their souls most needs!

My Prayer...

Give me patience and faith, O God, for the times when life is hard and everything seems to go against me. I believe that you are good to those who have the strength to persevere, waiting patiently in hope for your mighty deliverance. Dear Father, please give me such strength each day because I not only want to receive your blessing, but I also want to bring you honor. In the name of your Son, Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Lamentations 3:22-23 (01-07-09)

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 02:00:00 -0600

Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

— Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

What sustained you through the night? What will get you through today? What will enable you to achieve your goals, even thrive, in the days that lie ahead? The LORD's mercies. These incredible resources never run out! Each new day brings a fresh supply of them. God is faithful to make sure we have them each day. Praise be to God for making our world new and clean each new day.

My Prayer...

Thank you, holy God and loving Father, for sustaining me through the night and promising me endless day at the end of my life's journey. May you, my Father in heaven, find love and praise on my lips and in my heart at all times. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Psalm 104:33-34 (01-06-09)

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 02:00:00 -0600

I will sing to the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the LORD.

— Psalm 104:33-34 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Do you sing in the shower? What words are on your lips? Singing is such a wonderful gift! First, it is a gift from God to us, to help us express our joy, excitement, sorrow, and victory. Second, it is a gift from us to God, to help us communicate our respect, appreciation, love, and confidence in God. So let's sing, praising God for what he has done, proclaiming what he will do, and sharing what he is currently doing in our lives!

My Prayer...

O God, Father in heaven, even your name is holy. Please exert your will over my heart, and the hearts of those in our world, so they more closely reflect your holy character. I trust you, dear LORD, for the food I need each day. I ask you, Holy Father, to forgive me as I release my bitterness and anger which I have held against those who have wounded me -- I will need your help to do this. Empower me, O God, to resist the temptations and deceptions of the Evil One. Please make my life a glorious witness to your grace. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Isaiah 26:9 (01-05-09)

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 02:00:00 -0600

My soul yearns for you in the night; in the morning my spirit longs for you.

— Isaiah 26:9 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

When young people in love are apart, they long to be with each other again. When a parent is separated from his or her child, the parent misses the child intensely. When a spouse can no longer be with a long time marriage partner because of disease, death, or divorce, that person's soul can ache to be reunited to the one they have loved. Do you recognize your spirit aching to be with God? Do you end each day and begin the next longing to be in the presence of God? Let's recognize our God-hunger and not only satisfy it by spending time in his presence, but let's also communicate our desire, affection, and need for the presence of our heavenly Father in our lives.

My Prayer...

Holy and righteous Father, I do ache to be in your presence. I know the piece of my soul that sometimes I feel is missing can only be found in you. Please, dear Father, be very real and present to me in my life today. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Ephesians 4:24 (01-04-09)

Sun, 04 Jan 2009 02:00:00 -0600

[P]ut on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

— Ephesians 4:24 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

One of the biggest decisions we face at the beginning of the day is what we will wear. Well, no matter what we choose in the way of clothing, let's make sure we choose to put on the new person God re-made us to be when we became Christians. Those are the only clothes that will fit us eternally!

My Prayer...

Dear Father, may people see the character and likeness of Jesus in me today and every day. Lord Jesus, in your name I ask that you please guide my decisions and help me know how you would have me act in the situations that I am going to face today. Amen.

Ephesians 4:23 (01-03-09)

Sat, 03 Jan 2009 02:00:00 -0600

[B]e made new in the attitude of your minds; ....

— Ephesians 4:23 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

We cannot renew ourselves on our own. We can guard ourselves from corrupting influences. We can offer ourselves to God and come to better discern his will. Ultimately, however, God himself must do the renewing, not just when we are saved, but daily. Only God's grace can sustain, empower, and renew us. Let's offer ourselves to him. Then, let's confidently ask for his grace to empower, perfect, and renew us!

My Prayer...

Father, I come to you asking for your grace to make me new in the way I look at things, especially how I view people. Please cleanse my heart and make me new in my mind and my spirit. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.