Night Bible Verse of the Day
Night Prayer
He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.
From: Deuteronomy 32:4 (KJV)
Inspiration
We are accustomed to describing God with words like βgood,β βjust,β and, βfaithful,β but how much do we meditate on what that really means? It means that we can completely trust and depend on God. His will and His desires are always good because He loves us. His path always leads to justice, because it is what His goodness requires. And He never falters because He is faithful not only to us but to His own character.
Prayer
God, thank You for being my Rock. I thank You for showing Your perfect faithfulness over and over again. Please guide me in Your wisdom so that I may live in Your goodness, justice, and truth. For Your ways are perfect and unfailing. In Jesusβ name, amen.
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Morning Bible Verse of the Day
Morning Prayer
Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
From: Acts 5:29 (KJV)
Inspiration
When the commands of men, even of those in governmental or religious authority positions, conflict with the commands of God, we must obey God and not men. While Christians are supposed to submit to legitimate governmental authorities, they are instructed to practice βcivil disobedienceβ if a law of man tells them to violate a law of God.
Prayer
Lord, let us not be such as rebel against governments which you have ordained and pridefully say that we have no obligation to submit to manβs laws. For there is no power but of God, and the powers that be are ordained of God (Romans 13). But let us also have courage to stand firm and resist if we are forced to choose between obeying you and obeying mere men. Amen.
Morning Devotional
Luke 9:28-29 (KJV)
And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.
And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering.
How God Reveals Himself
Frances Taylor
When I asked myself that question, I came up with so many answers they were too long to list! However, I will name a few: looking into the faces of my newborn children and grandchildren, watching the waves break on a stormy day, standing in Denali, looking up at Mt. McKinley, a crocus peeking out of the snow, seeing the sunrise and/or sunset over the ocean, seeing the look of love in the eyes of a spouse or a child. I could go on but itβs time for you to think about it. One thing I have learned is that you wonβt see the hand of God unless you look for it. I feel very gifted that I had a grandmother who taught me to look for God when I was very young β three years old! Needless to say, my world was not exactly filled with exciting visions at that point β nor has it been since then, but I learned that God was in the very ordinariness of our days. You are running late and find that you just missed the accident on the highway. You didnβt hit the car that came out from behind the snow bank without stopping. God is always there in both the good and the sad times. We cannot stand with Peter, James and John at the top of the mountain but as we continue through Lent, let us challenge ourselves to take a few moments at the end of each day and thank God for Godβs presence in the ordinariness of our own days.
Prayer
Lord may we see you in the glory of nature, the faces of those we meet and in the ordinariness of each day. Amen.
Night Bible Verse of the Day
Night Prayer
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
From: Ephesians 6:14 (KJV)
Inspiration
When we put on the armor of God, we start with the belt of truth, giving strength and support to our bodies. Without it, we cannot bear the weight of the armor, much less stand against the lies and deceit of the world. In God alone, we know the truth of our salvation, the righteousness that He imparts on us, and the victory that He has won for us.
Prayer
God, thank You for revealing Your truth to me, especially the truth of who I am in You. In the world, I hear an onslaught of lies and insults. Give me the strength to stand upright firm in the truth that You have given me, not weighed down by doubt and deception, but trusting in the righteousness that You have given me. In Jesusβ name, amen.
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Morning Bible Verse of the Day
Morning Prayer
But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
From: 1 Timothy 6:9 (KJV)
Inspiration
To desire to be rich in money and this worldβs goods is to expose ourselves to temptation and the snare of the Devil. God has wisely and mercifully not given great riches to most men, knowing that being wealthy often ruins men. Jesus said, "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God. " But all things are possible with God.
Prayer
Let us labor not to be rich, but that we might have enough to take care of our own needs, those of our family, and to give to others in need. Lord, let not the love of money, which is a root of all kinds of evil, hold sway over our hearts and minds. You have made us rich in the true blessings. Help us therewith to be content. Amen.
Morning Devotional
Luke 6:36-38 (KJV)
Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
We Get What We Give
Frances Taylor
Think of the people you know. Who do you trust? Who makes you feel good to be with? When you find out that someone has lied to you, how can you know when theyβre telling the truth? If you lie, how can people trust you? The people we feel good to be with are ones we can trust, who are kind. They are the ones who follow through with their promises, who are always ready to help out, who go out of their way to do acts of kindness. And, when we are with them, we want to treat them the same way. If we want to be treated well, we need to be those people! When I taught, it wasnβt always easy to get through the hallway crowded with teenagers trying to get in their lockers and make their way to the next class. One day in the faculty lounge, one of the teachers was complaining about the rudeness of the kids who never even bothered to hold the door. I commented that I didnβt have that problem. The kids usually held to door for me, and of course I would hold it for them if their arms were full. She just shrugged her shoulders and said that she wouldnβt hold a door for those ruffians. The way we treat others does matter. If you are judgmental, donβt be surprised if you find yourself judged. If you gossip, you may find yourself the object of gossip. The reverse is also true. If you are forgiving, you will be forgiven. If you are kind, you will be treated with kindness. Itβs your choice and mine.
Prayer
Loving God, we want you to love us and forgive us, help us to be deserving of the gifts you give us. Amen.
Night Bible Verse of the Day
Night Prayer
Lord, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him! or the son of man, that thou makest account of him!
From: Psalm 144:3 (KJV)
Inspiration
Each of us is only one of the billions of people who have ever lived. And scientists tell us that on a geologic timescale, our lives are like the blink of an eye. We are here among the throng, and then we are not. Yet God still sees, and knows each one of us, intimately and purposefully by name. Despite our seeming insignificance in the universe, God chooses to love us and care for us.
Prayer
Lord, I cannot begin to describe how awesome You are. You created everything, and You are without measure. Yet despite Your grandeur, You have chosen me to be known by You and invited into Your presence. I am humbled and awestruck that You would do this for me. And all I can do is praise You. In Jesusβ name, amen.
Morning Bible Verse of the Day
Morning Prayer
But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
From: Matthew 6:20 (KJV)
Inspiration
Earthly treasures decay and are vulnerable to be stolen. Men expend great effort and invest large sums to protect their earthly possessions, but they cannot guarantee their security. And ultimately, they must leave them behind. When we serve God, our reward of Heavenly treasure is locked up, as it were, in an impregnable fortress, and it will never decay nor fade.
Prayer
Fix our thoughts, O God, on the pursuit of holiness, of your Kingdom, and of your glory. And in so far as we labor for treasures, let it be for Heavenly, eternal treasures; not for earthly, temporary things. Let us use the things of this world as we need and in your service, but let our whole purpose be directed to things above. Amen.
Morning Devotional
Matthew 1:18-21 (KJV)
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
Joseph
Frances Taylor
Have you ever wondered how Joseph must have felt when he found out that Mary was pregnant? He had plans, he had found a woman he loved and was getting ready to welcome her into his home. But not like this! According to the law, she had committed adultery and the punishment for adultery was stoning. What was he going to do? Joseph believed the angel who appeared to him in that dream and welcomed Mary and Jesus into his home, raising Jesus as his own son. We can learn so much from Joseph. He believed that God had a plan for him and he was ready to accept it. How do we react when our plans donβt work out the way we want them to? We can be like Joseph, in love planning our future with the one we love and boom! It could be that he/she decides he/she is not ready for marriage and backs out. Maybe he/she dies. Maybe the wedding takes place and a few years later, it just isnβt working. Do we get angry with God thinking he has failed us? What do we do? Joseph is the perfect model. He was willing to accept that God had a better plan for him, trusting him to be father to his Son. God has a plan for us as well. If we are patient and pray, God will show us the path that will lead to happiness.
Prayer
Lord, sometimes we think we know whatβs best for us and are angry when things donβt work out. Grace us with the patience and trust that you will lead us on our road to happiness. Amen.
Night Bible Verse of the Day
Night Prayer
Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.
From: 1 John 3:21 (KJV)
Inspiration
Guilt is a powerful force. Properly applied it leads to contrition and repentance. And God responds by covering us with His blood and removing our guilt. And when our guilt is gone, we are free from the condemnation of others and of our own hearts. For God make us worthy to come into His presence, which we can do with confidence and trust, because of what He has done for us.
Prayer
Thank You, Lord, for creating a new heart in me, and cleansing me by Your righteousness. Help me to not look back with doubt and reclaim my guilt, but instead to trust in Your righteousness. Thank You for bringing me into the open arms of Your presence, and for turning an open ear to hear my prayers. In Jesusβ name, amen.
Morning Bible Verse of the Day
Morning Prayer
For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
From: Matthew 7:2 (KJV)
Inspiration
Though Jesus uses this same phrase differently in another passage, here He speaks of us being judged by the standards by which we judge others. He warns us here that we will not βget away withβ hypocrisy and an overly harsh and judgmental spirit.
Prayer
O God, we know we are to be discerning and unafraid to speak the truth, be teach us also to speak it in love. Keep us from a judgmental, self-righteous attitude. Help us to guard ourselves against wrongfully judging others. Remind us that men give not account to us, but to you. Amen.
Morning Devotional
Jeremiah 18:18 (KJV)
Then said they, Come, and let us devise devices against Jeremiah; for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come, and let us smite him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words.
Prophecy
Frances Taylor
Prophets did not always bring good news. The role of a prophet was to tell Godβs truth. We donβt always want to hear the truth. Jeremiah was trying to tell the people of Judah that they were on a collision course with destruction. No one wanted to listen and Babylon soon overtook Judah and sent the citizens into exile. We donβt like prophets either. We donβt like it when we are warned that we need to change our behavior or we will run into a problem. Now, that can be as simple as letting the gas in your car get down to the warning light believing that you will always be able to find a gas station before you run out and then you get stuck because of an accident and you run out of gas on the highway. Donβt you just hate those people who were always warning you not to do that! It can be as serious as the worldβs refusal to believe that over use of fossil fuels and the decimation of the worldβs rain forests will result in weather changes we wonβt like. But, these last few years have brought problems we now have to find ways to either fix or better prepare to survive. We are often no different from the people of Judah. We donβt want to think about what can happen when we disregard the teachings of Christ. Itβs too late for us to join the group that wanted to kill Jeremiah, but we still might not want to listen to him. Let us use this time to remember the warnings of Jeremiah and also those of Jesus and work at following Godβs will.
Prayer
Loving God, you have sent prophets to your people from the beginning and we have often not listened to your message. Keep our hearts open to your teachings. Amen.
Night Bible Verse of the Day
Night Prayer
For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
From: Luke 7:8 (KJV)
Inspiration
The centurion was so confident that Jesus could heal his servant with just a word, even from afar. Why? Because the centurion understood authority and recognized Jesus as the one in charge. We, too, can trust Jesus to answer our prayers, because as creator and sustainer of the universe, we know that he has the authority to command the wind and the seas, the sun and the stars, and even the germs and the pathogens.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, the universe, the world, and even my life are in Your hands. All authority and power are Yours. And Lord, I call on Your love and Your power to bring where it is needed for my loved ones. For I know that You are never far and that Your word has the power to restore and renew all things. In Jesusβ name, amen.
Morning Bible Verse of the Day
Morning Prayer
Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
From: Matthew 7:12 (KJV)
Inspiration
To love God and others and to do to others what we would wish for them to do to us is the sum of the Law and the Prophets, which are the two great sections of the Old Testament. If we loved others as much as we love ourselves, we would be instantly changed. If men followed this βGolden Ruleβ of our Lord, society would immediately be much safer and far more friendly.
Prayer
Teach us, Lord, to follow the Golden Rule, to do to others what we would desire to be done to us. Show us where we have failed to do this, Lord, and help us to correct our behavior and our attitude. Destroy in us sinful self-love and let love for you and others reign in its place. Amen.
Morning Devotional
Psalms 1:1-3 (KJV)
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
Blessed is He
Frances Taylor
Blessed is often a synonym for βhappy.β If happy is what we want to be, then the psalmist gives us some ideas as to how to achieve it. The main thing he tells us is what not to do and who to avoid. Understand whose advice we listen to comes first. It can be difficult to know who is wicked, who is trying to lead us away from God. As we know, Satan will never come to us offering us something unpleasant; everything Satan offer us looks good. Whatβs in it for me, is a question that isnβt asked by the person putting God first! But it is often the way the βwickedβ entice us to make our decisions. Scoffers, the nay-sayers in our company are the ones who often question the very existence of God. Religion is considered bunk and people who believe, fools. Get what you can now, how do you know thereβs an afterlife? Do these people in our lives make us happy? Not me!
I find my happiness with positive people who believe as I do in a loving, compassionate and forgiving God. To be happy, we need to get our counsel from Scripture. Most people read the Ten Commandments and think they know them. But read a little further and the commandments are broken down into some very specific rules to live by. Jesus goes further with the Beatitudes, another list that promises happiness and is an important part of his Sermon on the Mount. If we meditate on these guidelines and from them take counsel, our life may not be free of pain or trouble, but we will be happy.
Prayer
Lord, may I love your laws. Amen.
Night Bible Verse of the Day
Night Prayer
The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.
From: Proverbs 14:15 (KJV)
Inspiration
In our information-saturated world, we are bombarded with new ideas, theories, and philosophies every day. If we donβt take the time to weigh the merits of these ideas, we will get swept away by the lies. But when we walk in wisdom, God gives us the discernment to weigh ideas against His truth, so that we may make our steps intentional and not be led astray.
Prayer
Lord, every day, I find myself surrounded by noise. So many voices clamor for my ear. Help me to hear You above all others, and give me the wisdom to assess the information around me. Ground my knowledge in the truth of Your word so that my steps may be sure. In Jesusβ name, amen.
Morning Bible Verse of the Day
Morning Prayer
Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?
From: Isaiah 2:22 (KJV)
Inspiration
Cease from man. Man is nothing; God is all in all. Manβs ways are low, crooked, and leading to death. Godβs ways are infinitely higher, pure, and leading to life everlasting. Every moment, every breath we take, we cannot keep our own selves alive but are fully in the hands of God. How can we trust in ourselves when we are, in fact, dependent for our very life upon Another?
Prayer
Teach us our own frailty, what it means that our breath is in our nostrils. Teach us that even the nations are less than nothing and vanity, a drop of a bucket, as the small dust upon the balancing scales that cannot affect the outcome (Isaiah 40:15). Let us cease from confidence in man and in self and put full, unwavering confidence in you, the Rock of our salvation. Amen.
Morning Devotional
Genesis 37:26-28 (KJV)
And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood?
Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh. And his brethren were content.
Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.
God Can Bring Good Out Of Evil
Envy can lead to so much evil. In this story of Joseph and his brothers, we see where jealousy can lead. Only one of Josephβs brothers is bothered by plans to kill him, but wasnβt there when they decided to sell him into slavery. And think of Israel when he received Josephβs coat returned to him bloodied as though he had been devoured by wild beasts. Envy and jealousy can lead to evil today as well. Families can be torn apart because someone feels slighted. In the story of Joseph, God does not let it end with him as a slave. Because of the actions of his brothers in selling him and his being taken into Egypt, when famine hit the area where Israel lived with his other children, they were able to come into Egypt and prosper. When bad things happen, God can bring light into the situation if we are open to him. But God can bring good out of bad situations in so many different ways. In times of crises, people band together to help one another, bringing strangers together who might never have met. People find wells of strength they never knew they had. We learn two lessons from this story of Joseph. Let us keep envy out of our hearts, and know that God is with us to bring good into any situation.
Prayer
Lord, may my heart always be open to you, thanking you for the gifts I have and not be envious of those who appear to have more, trusting that you are with me no matter what. Amen.
Night Bible Verse of the Day
Night Prayer
If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
From: 1 Peter 4:14 (KJV)
Inspiration
Nobody likes to be insulted or belittled. Yet, Jesus tells us to expect opposition and rejection. When others talk down on us for standing up for Christ, it is evidence that Christ is in us and His Spirit is working through us. When we share in suffering for His nameβs sake, we share in His glory as it is revealed in us.
Prayer
Father, please give me the perseverance to endure the mocking of those around me. Some days I want to run and hide, but You call me to stand firm. When others hurl insults at me, give me the power to respond only with Your love and truth. And as You work through me, please soften the hearts of my attackers so that they may see You and know You, too. In Jesusβ name, amen.
Morning Bible Verse of the Day
Morning Prayer
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
From: Romans 5:1-2 (KJV)
Inspiration
Have you ever felt like there is a separation between you and God? Like no matter how much you try, you simply cannot get close to him? Let go of these thoughts! If you have placed your faith in God through his son, Jesus Christ, you can speak to him, you can call on him, you are welcome to join him. His grace is enough. He is waiting with open arms! Allow this truth to fill you with the peace of God and rejoice! Your hope lies in seeing your savior face to face.
Prayer
Dear God, you have given my hope. My faith in you gives me a peace beyond all understanding. O Lord, your grace allows me to draw close to you in a way that I struggle to understand. Help me to let go of anything keeping me separated from you. Thank you for meeting me where I am and for replacing my fears with peace. My faith in you fills me with rejoicing. Jesus, you are my hope when I need you. In Jesusβ name, amen.
