Daily Verse

This is what the LORD Almighty says: "Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other."—Zechariah 7:9-10Thoughts on Today's Verse...Do you want a clear, simple, straightforward word from the LORD today? That's what Zechariah gives us. He reminds us that God wants us to be fair, […]

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.—1 Timothy 1:12Thoughts on Today's Verse...We minister by grace. We are saved and made holy by God's grace given us by Jesus. We are declared righteous and blameless before God because of the grace of Jesus. We are given spiritual gifts to use in ministry for the Church because of […]

[Jesus promised us,] "I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward."—Mark 9:41Thoughts on Today's Verse...This simple and straightforward passage cuts two ways: First, we are blessed when we bless God's children, even if the blessing is simple. Second, we can rejoice when others do the simplest things to bless us in […]

"If you can?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes."—Mark 9:23Thoughts on Today's Verse...Jesus is the ultimate one "who believes." All things WERE and ARE possible for him. Guess what? He longs to do great things through us, too! In fact, he promised he would do even greater things through us than he did himself because he is now at the Father's side helping us! (John 14:12-14.) So […]

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.—Proverbs 18:24Thoughts on Today's Verse...Who are your closest friends? Genuine friendships are challenging in a world of superficial acquaintances, shallow relationships, online friends, and chronic busyness. Today's meaning of "friend" is nearly empty of substance. "Hanging with the crowd" can give us a false sense of belonging but often leaves us […]

In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.—Romans 6:11Thoughts on Today's Verse...In baptism, we are united with Christ in his death (see Romans 6:1-14 for the background of this devotional meditation). Our old sinful selves are crucified with Christ. We are no longer slaves to sin. We are freed from sin, death, and evil powers that could separate us from God (Colossians […]

Break the arm of the wicked and evil man; call him to account for his wickedness that would not be found out.—Psalm 10:15Thoughts on Today's Verse...It is hard not to get discouraged when evil and wicked people get away with what is reprehensible — especially when they gloat about it. Christians on every continent have things that greatly trouble them about the evil perpetrated in their corner of the world. […]

I will show my greatness and my holiness, and I will make myself known in the sight of many nations. Then they will know that I am the LORD.—Ezekiel 38:23Thoughts on Today's Verse...In a time when God's people were in shambles physically and spiritually, he promised judgment — judgment on them and their oppressors. He also revealed why judgment was coming. He would show his greatness and holiness so they […]

Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth.—Psalm 96:9Thoughts on Today's Verse...Don't you appreciate the phrase "the splendor of his holiness"! Don't you long to behold that splendor? It conjures up reminders of Isaiah's encounter with God in Isaiah 6 or John's vision of Jesus in Revelation 1. God's essence — known in the Old Testament as his holy and majestic glory — […]