Night Bible Verse of the Day
Night Scripture
The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.
From: Psalm 145:17 (KJV)
Inspiration
We regularly praise God for His righteousness and thank Him for His faithfulness. But today, letβs meditate on what those words mean, and how beautifully they go together. Because God is righteous, He is pure and good in all His ways. He will never act with evil intent because evil is contrary to His nature. And because He is faithful, His goodness never fails. He never forgets us or misses an opportunity to show His love for us.
Prayer
Gracious God, today I just want to praise You and acknowledge how wonderful You are. You have proven Your love over and over by all of the good things that You have given me. But most of all, You have given me Your very self. Your faithfulness never wavers and is never half-hearted. Thank You for all You do and for Who You are. In Jesusβ name, amen.
Morning Bible Verse of the Day
Morning Scripture
O LORD, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.
From: Isaiah 25:1 (KJV)
Inspiration
Our faith in God is the most important, unique, and beautiful aspect of the relationship between God and mankind. God has never left us, has been truthful and transparent with his plan, and it is our responsibility to be faithful, as he has been to us.
Prayer
Every day that I am alive I breathe in your creations, Lord, looking at the wonderful bounties of your labor. How foolish I am for ever losing faith in you, forgive me for this transgression! I pray that you help me exceed my imagination in regards to loving you and your son Jesus Christ, and I pray all of these with him in mind, Amen.
Morning Devotional
Acts 9:31 (KJV)
Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.
A Church at Peace
Frances Taylor
Peace is such a nice place to be. Interesting that the church was at peace and that more people were coming into the church during this time when this area of the world was in turmoil. Judea and Samaria were still under Roman rule, Christians were still being persecuted but the church was at peace. Makes you wonder what being at peace really means. When my children were young, I longed for peace! With 5 of them all around the same age, there were battles over who was wearing whose clothes, who was hogging the bathroom, who had taken the last piece of whatever! When I think back on this time, however, I know there was at the same time as the chaos a certain amount of peace. There was chaos but love. Just when you thought one of them would kill the other, there was a spirit of generosity that seemed to come out of nowhere. Peace lived in our hearts even if the world was spinning around us. I believe this is the peace of the early church. They had βdied in Christβ so they were at peace in their hearts even though there was the threat of persecution. Today there are parts of the world where Christians cannot live in peace, where there is the very real threat of death for those who are known to be Christians. For those of us who are able to live in peace, I believe we have an obligation to pray for those in danger. May our prayer for peace continue until all Christians have peace.
Prayer
Loving God, may we never take peace for granted. Let us pray for those who live in danger and we ask that they may have peace in their hearts knowing that you are with them. Amen.
Night Bible Verse of the Day
Night Scripture
For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
From: Hebrews 10:14 (KJV)
Inspiration
What can we add to Jesus to make our salvation more complete? Nothing at all. In Jesus, we are fully and perfectly saved. Our victory is already secure because of Jesus. It is in surrender, reverence, and love that we now live, perfected by grace to do the good works of God. Not out of obligation, but out of joy and celebration.
Prayer
Jesus, thank You for saving me. Thank You for completing the work that I could never finish, and paying the price that I could never afford. With love and gratitude, I accept Your grace as I look ahead to the prize that awaits- victory with You in eternity. Empower me to live in that truth, so that all who see me may see Your grace and victory revealed in me. In Jesusβ name, amen.
Morning Bible Verse of the Day
Morning Scripture
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
From: Ephesians 6:10-11 (KJV)
Inspiration
The Lord works in mysterious ways. So does the devil! The battle between good and evil is constant, and Satan never ceases in his attempts to lure you to sin. God will protect you, but you must let Him. It is not the Lordβs duty to do so; God has given us this privilege, and it is up to us to ask Him for protection and forgiveness. Through Him all things are possible. Thanks be to God!
Prayer
My master, eternal soul in the heavens, it is with a guilty heart I come to you; I have been tempted by Satan and sinned, forgetting that you are always with me. Clear my soul of darkness, grant me a chance to restore my faith. Allow me to repent so I may feel your divine power anew. Strengthen my spirit and faith in you, O Lord, so that I can be redeemed. I ask all of this in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Morning Devotional
1 John 4:6-9 (KJV)
We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
Where and How Has God Made Himself Abundantly Present in Your Life?
Frances Taylor
Itβs an interesting question! First, you need to realize that God IS present in your life. Then you need to look for him. As I was thinking about this, I remembered the movie White Christmas and the wonderful song βCount Your Blessings.β What were your blessings today? Do you have your health? Did you have a nice meal? Did you find that perfect gift, or make all the lights? Do you have people in your life who love you? What are your blessings? I count my friends, my family, my home, my job. I could go on, but you get the idea. There are also significant moments β the birth of a child, recovery from an illness or injury. The ability to deal with grief and moments of intense joy are signs of Godβs presence. And donβt forget the gift of faith, the people that God puts in your way that say just the right thing at the right time, the song you hear or something you read that guides you when you need it. So many opportunities to feel Godβs presence, if you look! Tonight, before you go to bed, take the advice of Bing Crosby in the movie and βcount your blessings instead of sheepβ and youβll fall asleep wrapped in the arms of a loving and ever-present God.
Prayer
Loving God, you are with us all the time. You show yourself to us in so many ways both grand and small. The greatest sign of your love was sending your son to save us. Give us the grace to be witnesses of your love to all we meet. Amen.
Night Bible Verse of the Day
Night Scripture
Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
From: Philippians 3:12 (KJV)
Inspiration
Jesus has called us to perfection, but we are still trapped in these bodies of sin. Jesus has secured our eternity, yet we still march through time. Victory is our, but not yet in our hands. So we move ahead, each day living more for Christ, serving Him with gratitude and love, as His Spirit empowers us to press on, knowing that one day we will be with our Heavenly Father forever.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for rescuing me from the futility of my sin and filling my life with purpose. Give me the perseverance, wisdom, and love that I need in order to live a life worthy of Your calling. Fill me with Your Spirit so that there is more of You and less of me. And grant me that glimpse of eternity, the focal point to strive toward as I run this race. In Jesusβ name, amen.
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Morning Bible Verse of the Day
Morning Scripture
And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death, And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.
From: Matthew 20:17-19 (KJV)
Inspiration
The other day I needed to get to an appointment on time but intentionally left late because I did not want to wait in traffic. I knew the βpainβ that I would endure on the journey and opted to take the easier option. Jesus knew the pain that he would endure, and it involved a lot more than a traffic jam: betrayal by his own disciple, embarrassment, torture, ridicule, mockery, and death. His bravery and faith in the divine plan are why we have the chance to bask in glory in heaven.
Prayer
You are an awesome and loving God, Abba Father! Your divine plan is the only saving grace for humanity. My faith, which I must admit has wavered and waned, shall be forever pledged to you, my Lord, my rock and my refuge. Give me the wisdom to resist evil temptations, and most importantly remind me of the incredible sacrifice that you made by sending your only begotten son to earth, knowing full well that he would go through tremendous persecution and pain, so that we could live. I aim to live, my Father, and pledge my faithful servitude to you now and forever. Amen.
Morning Devotional
Acts 11:15-17 (KJV)
And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.
Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.
Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?
Who Am I To Deny Godβs Gift?
Frances Taylor
In the beginning of the church, there were those who believed that only the Jews were called to be saved. This testimony of Peter changed their minds and they realized that the Gentiles had also been called to believe in Christ and be saved. Of course, there would still be some discussions about whether or not they would have to jump through hoops to become Christians β would they need to be circumcised? Would they need to obey the dietary restrictions? These questions would be answered later as more Gentiles became Christian. What about today? Do we accept those who come to us for baptism? Do we judge whether or not they are worthy or if they know enough? For me, anyone who comes forward for baptism because they have come to believe in Jesus has been called by God and has already been led by the Holy Spirit and will come to know more as time goes on. If we read the progression of the growth of Christianity, no one is asked to take a test. Faith as we know is a gift that needs to grow, but how can it grow if we deny access to the means of growth β a community of loving believers who will nurture that seed of faith.
Prayer
Lord, may we never judge those to whom you have revealed yourself as unworthy of the gift. May we be the loving community of faith that helps then come to an even deeper knowledge and love of you. Amen.
Night Bible Verse of the Day
Night Scripture
But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
From: Luke 8:15 (KJV)
Inspiration
When the word of God falls on your ears, how do you receive it? Thatβs the question that the parable of the sower wants us to consider. It takes a heart tilled by Jesus to receive the word in a way that it will grow. Evidence of Godβs word in us will be seen not just in our understanding and knowledge of the word, but in our application and doing of the word.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for Your word and for all of the truth and wisdom that it contains. Please prepare my heart to receive your word. Remove the stones from the soil of my heart and the weeds from my life so that I may be ready to hear Your word, understand Your word, and live Your word for the glory of Your name. In Jesusβ name, amen.
Morning Bible Verse of the Day
Morning Scripture
And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.
From: Luke 9:23-24 (KJV)
Inspiration
That is your cross to bear. Have you heard this phrase? This phrase is used flippantly used to describe a hardship that someone must endure. Jesus Christ endured this torture so that we could live eternally. Do as he asks: follow him daily and deny yourself. Live for him, not for you. Do that, and you will be saved.
Prayer
I long to live a life that is worthy to bear your cross, Lord Jesus. I can never suffer as you did, but I wish to give my life to you and follow you for the rest of my mortal days. Forgive me for my selfish thoughts and actions, and aid me in my quest to rid them from my mind entirely. You have shown me the way, are the truth and the life. Thanks be to God, Amen.
Morning Devotional
John 10:25-28 (KJV)
Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Fatherβs name, they bear witness of me.
But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
My Sheep Know My Voice
Frances Taylor
Sometimes sheep get a bad reputation and are considered dumb. However, sheep actually do know their masterβs voice. When sheep from several flocks graze on the same hillside, and itβs time for them to return for the night, the shepherd comes among them and calls his sheep and only the sheep of his flock follow him. Jesusβ listeners were familiar with the actions of sheep β much more that I am, as a city dweller! But as far as they were concerned, Jesus just wasnβt the one they were waiting for. How well were they listening? Jesus had fulfilled the prophesies, had healed the sick, and the blind, had preached in the synagogues with an authority that surprised them, and performed many other acts that astounded them, but he wasnβt raising an army to defeat the Romans and drive them from their land. They wanted a leader in the sense of King David who would put things back to what they had been. Jesus came for permanent freedom, not temporary, for peace, not war. How many times have we rejected the word of Jesus when we are being called to change and be better people than we have been, to be more loving and forgiving. Letβs make sure that we listen for our shepherdβs voice and follow where he leads.
Prayer
Lord, open our ears to hear your voice, and our hearts to do your will. Amen.
Night Bible Verse of the Day
Night Scripture
That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.
From: 1 Thessalonians 4:12 (KJV)
Inspiration
As Christians, we all strive to live lives that reflect Jesusβ presence in us. But what does that actually look like in practice? It is the life of one who treats others with compassion, who is not boisterous or meddlesome, and who is diligent and faithful in all things. When we allow Jesus to shine through us in this way, people see Him, admire Him, and want to know Him more because of the good that He has done in us.
Prayer
Lord, as Your Spirit fills me, shapes me, and guides me, I pray that You would lead me in compassion and diligence. Grant me the wisdom to use my words carefully and constructively, and the perseverance to serve You faithfully. I pray that Your glory would be revealed in me and that others would see You and know You, too. In Jesusβ name, amen.
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Morning Bible Verse of the Day
Morning Scripture
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
From: Romans 12:1 (KJV)
Inspiration
What is a sacrifice? It is easy perhaps in our own lives to think of it as an act of limiting oneβs own freedoms for someone else, or otherwise some common good. Yet through Christ, through his teachings and ultimately upon the cross, we were shown a different interpretation of sacrifice βas rather an act of love, of generosity. Living with this example, it is up to us to offer our own bodies up to the Lord as a sacrifice, not in order to simply receive his love, but also to give -and give boundlessly- oneβs own in return.
Prayer
Lord Almighty, thank you for the path you have shown me through your only begotten Son. Through this gift, you have shown me the purity and light of salvation. Teach me Lord how to embody this sacrifice, to share not only with all mankind, but also to offer up my own body to thee, O Lord, and bestow my love as an everlasting gift to you, my Heavenly Father. Amen.
Morning Devotional
Psalms 67:1-4 (KJV)
God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah.
That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations.
Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.
O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah.
Let All The People Praise You
Frances Taylor
We are now about half-way in the Easter season. Are we still giving praise to God with thankful hearts for sending his Son to save us? The psalmist is grateful for Godβs blessing in providing the people with a good harvest and prays that Godβs salvation is known throughout the world that they knew. We have so much more to be grateful for than the people of this time, and the gift of salvation is so much more than a good harvest. Jesus has come and has died for us β salvation is ours. He has assured us that there is life after death by allowing his followers to know of his resurrection and told them that they and we will rise as well. Just as the psalm says of the Father, Jesus will also judge the peoples with equity as they come before him at the time of their death. We tend to cheer for weeks β sometimes more β when our favorite sports team wins a major victory telling all the people we know how great it is. Why donβt we talk about Godβs goodness to us in the same glowing terms? Itβs still the Easter season, let us be glad and rejoice in it.
Prayer
Lord, we are so wrapped up in the things of this world, that we forget you. May we express our gratitude openly to those around us. Amen.
