Today's Verse: Romans 13:1

Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Multiplication of Ministry: Year-End Information

Key dates and details about our year-end ministry transition and financial support.

 See Details
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
— Romans 13:1
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Yes, many of us don't like things about our governments, no matter where we may live. However, God has truly blessed many of us so that we can enjoy the protection of the authorities where we live. Paul is reminding believers to honor our governments and the laws under which we live. That said, like the first disciples, we also live in the time of some of the worst persecution ever known in the Christian era. Brothers and sisters in many parts of the world face opposition, persecution, and prejudice. In those cases, believers must honor God before their national and local laws. So, as we pray for our leaders and thank God for our freedoms, let's not forget the persecuted church all over the world. Let's pray for their deliverance, protection, and perseverance.

My Prayer...

O great Deliverer, God of the Exodus, we thank you for your intervention and protection of your people throughout history and today. We thank you for those of us whose Christian freedoms our governments and laws protect. We believe you have shown your power and deliverance to your people in the past, when the laws they lived under did not coincide with your will. So we ask for wisdom on how we should live, and we also ask that you intervene today and bless every believer persecuted for their faith in Jesus. Please bless these oppressed children with tenderness, healing, and love. Please tangibly assure them of your presence. In the powerful name of Jesus, we join together and ask this for believers all over the world. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

7 Related Resources by Heartlight

Respect the Authorities
Illustration of Romans 13:1
Inspirational illustration of Romans 13:1 -- Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
Do We Honor Dishonorable Governments?
Devo: Together in Christ
"Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So..."
Authority
Devo: Praying with Paul
"Dear Father, from whom all power comes, Help me to show proper respect for the duly constituted authority of government. Help me to do what is good,...."
My Disciples Are Good Citizens
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Beloved, You are reading from a letter the apostle Paul wrote to believers in Rome. They lived in the seat of the Roman Empire's government and...."
See All 7 Related Resources about Romans 13:1

Illustration

Illustration of Romans 13:1 — Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Acts 9:11
"Prayers are instantly noticed in heaven. The moment Saul began to pray the Lord heard him. Here is comfort for the distressed but praying soul...."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
1 Peter 3:12
"For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Unjust Suffering'
"Dear Disciple, Life sometimes is not fair. If you have any doubts about that, just remember what you celebrate when you take part in Communion. My..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'God Uses Paul's Nephew to Save Paul'
"But Paul's nephew — his sister's son — heard of [the plan to kill Paul] and went to the fortress and told Paul. Paul called for one of the Roman..."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

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.

More Today's Verse