Morning Bible Verse of the Day
Morning Scripture
God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God.
From: Psalm 53:2 (KJV)
Inspiration
God is always searching for those of us who are ready to listen to his message. So often we may be too busy and wrapped up in our own lives and pressures that we may neglect to keep our eyes and hearts open to Him. In this way, we may be in danger of becoming like those who reject God outright, for we have turned our back on his message also. Be sure to realize that every day, what is most important is God, who wishes to always for his children to see him.
Prayer
Lord of the Heaven and the Earth, hallowed be your name. Help me keep my heart open to receive your word and your light in my everyday life. Let me not be like those who ignore you truth, and shut you out of my world. Grant me the wisdom to know what is most important today and every day; my service and devotion to your message Lord, in your mercy I pray, Amen.
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Morning Devotional
Isaiah 61:1-2 (KJV)
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;
You Are Anointed
Frances Taylor
These were the words that Jesus quoted in the synagogue when he began his ministry. When you were baptized into Christ, you (and I) were appointed to do the same. Just as Jesus brought good news to the people, it is our job to bring good news to those around us. We are to reach out to people in pain even if the only thing we can do is pray for them. We may not be able to go into prison and free those who are there, but there are different kinds of prisons and we can help to bring freedom to people held in bondage there. There are the prisons of addiction, the prisons of closed doors to people who have disabilities, the prisons of injustice.
We can choose to get involved and try to help, or we can decide itβs not our problem and turn a blind eye. We can work to get more facilities to help people with addictions and get funding for those who cannot pay. We can challenge property owners to make their businesses more accessible to those with disabilities. We can work with community groups to help provide housing, educational opportunities, and food to the poor. Iβm sure if we look around our neighborhoods, our communities, our churches, we will find areas where we who are anointed and appointed can fulfill the mission we have been given.
Prayer
Lord, open our eyes to see the work that needs to be done for your people and give me the courage to get involved. Amen.
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Night Bible Verse of the Day
Night Scripture
Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.
From: Proverbs 4:14 (KJV)
Inspiration
As a parent, have you ever told your children that certain people are a βbad influenceβ on them? If so, then this proverb should resonate with you. Even our Heavenly Father warns us not to follow the ways of the bad influence. Each step on a wrong path leads further from the true path and closer to ruin. So we must be watchful to avoid even the first step down such a road.
Prayer
Father God, please watch over my steps as I walk with You. Teach me to walk in all wisdom and truth. Give me discernment to recognize paths that lead to destruction, and grant me power in Your Spirit to resist the temptation to follow those paths. Remain near to me as I walk with You. In Jesusβ name, amen.
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Morning Bible Verse of the Day
Morning Scripture
Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
From: Ephesians 5:21 (KJV)
Inspiration
Fear of Godβ is not perhaps your typical fear, in the sense of what one may feel in a horror movie for example, or for a bully. Rather, fear of God within the context of the Bible in different translations may often times come out with synonyms such as βaweβ, βwonderβ or βreverenceβ. Whatever version of the Bible one may be reading, the basic notion remains the same, a deep sense of veneration brought on by a display of Godβs power. Time and time again, God and Jesus had to prove themselves in the face of disbelief, mockery and skepticism. This is the βfearβ God may instill in us; not that brought on by coercion, terror or violence, but rather in his works, his miracles beyond our own abilities. It is upon witnessing or believing these mighty works that we submit to our Lord.
Prayer
Lord Almighty, all powerful, all knowing and seeing, I kneel before you at the throne within your Heavenly Kingdom. Instill in those who criticize and ridicule the awe, the wonder and the reverence you deserve. Silence all those skeptics and the ignorant who still doubt your name, so they may see you miracles and power Lord, and upon doing so, become one of your children. Amen.
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Morning Devotional
John 15:18-20 (KJV)
If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.
If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yourβs also.
The Message and The World
Frances Taylor
Itβs impossible to please everyone and thatβs especially true when youβre trying to change things. The message of Jesus called for change. When we bring the same message to the world, we can expect problems. We might wonder why anyone would be against justice and love, or compassion and forgiveness, but we see evidence all the time of people who try to resist. Itβs because we all have ideas about who should have justice or mercy or who should be forgiven. There is a need for some people to see punishment that seems more like revenge than justice. And it seems that no one is interested in mercy! Jesus talked about forgiveness, going the extra mile, not returning violence with violence. Does that look like the community you live in? If so, I want to move there because it doesnβt look like mine. When we try to turn this around, we are not met with encouragement. I guess we shouldnβt be surprised when people turn against the prophets of our time. And it also shouldnβt surprise us that people donβt want to get involved and keep their heads low because they donβt want to get hurt. To spread the good news takes courage, but if we persevere, eventually there will be people who will listen and the world will become a more loving place.
Prayer
Lord, give me the courage to work for change and bring more of the kingdom alive in our world. Amen.
Night Bible Verse of the Day
Night Scripture
Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
From: Romans 12:17 (KJV)
Inspiration
Our world is fallen, and we are faced with evil on a daily basis. And though we cannot escape evil, we are called to not participate in evil. Yet even those who are lost recognize what is true and honest. And when we choose the path of obedience, love, and peace, doing right even in the face of evil, Godβs grace is revealed in us.
Prayer
Lord, judgment and revenge are Yours alone. When I am faced with evil, I ask that You would give me power by Your Spirit to resist the temptation to retaliate. Give me wisdom to discern the right path, so that my actions may be pathways to Your peace in all circumstances. In Jesusβ name, amen.
Morning Bible Verse of the Day
Morning Scripture
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
From: Romans 8:1-2 (KJV)
Inspiration
Since the crucifixion, Christ in a sense eradicated death and sin. Dying on the cross, we learnt that his sacrifice washed our sins away, clearing the debt, not only for the past, but also the future. Whilst death had no lasting dominion over men thanks to the resurrection, to the afterlife all Godβs children can expect to enter into, rejoicing in the name Jesus.
Prayer
God my Heavenly Father, heavy is the debt we owe to you and thy Son, who paid for our sin with his blood, and who gave us hope in salvation. Praise be in Christ who showed us your word made flesh, and the flesh made holy. In my faith I shall fear no death, for it only serves to bring me closer to your love and grace wherein I may rest in joy and peace, in your loving embrace. Amen.
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Morning Devotional
Luke 1:39-42 (KJV)
And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;
And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.
And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
Blessed Are You Who Believed
Frances Taylor
Faith! Thatβs what Mary had, and thatβs the gift given to us by God in our baptism. In faith, Mary believed the angelβs message. And faith, she traveled to her cousin Elizabethβs home. In faith, she would teach her son that he was the Son of God, and she would follow him to his death, and remain with his disciples so that they would not lose faith after he returned home to his father. What do we do with our gift of faith? Why can it be so easily shaken? How many times have we βlostβ faith β in God, in others, even in ourselves? Maryβs faith did not promise her an easy life, in fact, Simeon told her that her heart would be pierced with a sword so that βthe thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.β Think of how often her faith was tested. How many of us have been tested in the same way? And yet, she continued to believe. God has given Mary to us as a sign that God is with us always, even through the darkest times, the most confusing times. If we continue to believe, to have faith, then we, too, will be called βblessedβ because our reward is peace of heart and mind in this world, and a place in at the table with Mary in the next.
Prayer
Thank you, Lord, for the gift of faith! This gift that gets me through the dark days and brightens the good ones. May I always hold you in my faith in others so they may also heart and work to awaken the gift of experience the joy I feel. Amen.
Night Bible Verse of the Day
Night Scripture
Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.
From: Luke 7:7 (KJV)
Inspiration
The centurion understood authority and power, for he himself was a commander. And he recognized the depth and reach of Jesusβ power over all the world. βJust say the word,β the centurion pleaded, understanding that Jesus could command sickness and health with just a word, even from a great distance.
Prayer
Father, like the centurion, I am not worthy to come to You, yet You welcome me into Your presence anyway. I confess that sometimes I donβt recognize Your full power, and I pray with uncertainty and doubt. Teach me to pray with confidence and boldness, knowing that all power and authority are in Your hands. In Jesusβ name, amen.
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Morning Bible Verse of the Day
Morning Scripture
My righteousness is near; my salvation is gone forth, and mine arms shall judge the people; the isles shall wait upon me, and on mine arm shall they trust.
From: Isaiah 51:5 (KJV)
Inspiration
God has proved his power throughout the ages, fulfilling his promises of punishing the wicked, flooding the world, and leading his children to the holy lands of Israel. Unlike our own word which so often has an expiration date stamped upon it, God does not commit false promises, his words cannot fail us.
Prayer
Lord God, creator of the Heaven and the Earth, glory to you who fulfills all prophesies, glory to you who has kept his holiest of promises. Give me faith Lord, that your word will be made truth, and that I will in turn give your truth my word, my alliance, my allegiance. To you I pray, Almighty Father, Amen.
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Morning Devotional
Galatians 5:22-26 (KJV)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
And they that are Christβs have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
The Fruit of the Spirit
Frances Taylor
This letter of Paul to the Galatians contrasts the fruit of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. He lists sins of the flesh: fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, sorcery, jealousies, drunkenness, etc. I donβt know about you, but all of these things are so prevalent today that few consider them sins. Just try to see a movie or watch a television show or listen to modern music without at least one of these sins of the flesh being not just illustrated but glorified. It would seem that more people than not live by the flesh, not by the Spirit. Somehow, I have a feeling that many of these consider themselves to be good Christians. Iβm glad Iβm not the judge. We canβt take pride in doing the right thing because we donβt know what we would do if we were tempted in the same way as others. All we can do is continue to ask God to help us be kind and faithful. Itβs a daily struggle to walk by the Spirit and not give in to temptation. It can also be a struggle to not be a source of discord or jealousy by bragging about out possessions or prideful of our accomplishments. Instead, let us be grateful of the gifts we have been given and aware that it is only through grace that we can avoid giving in to the sins of the flesh.
Prayer
Lord, it can be easy to judge others by their behavior, but we know nothing of their struggles. Keep us from pride and boastfulness, so that our behavior may not be a stumbling block in the way of faith. Amen.
Night Bible Verse of the Day
Night Scripture
If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:
From: Psalm 66:18 (KJV)
Inspiration
Godβs ears are open when we turn our hearts to Him. He desires a broken spirit and a repentant heart. But when we hold on to sin, we turn our hearts away from God, from His listening ears, and from the fullness of His grace. Let us go before Him honest, and vulnerable, and experience His transforming love.
Prayer
Gracious Lord, for too long I have cherished sin in my heart. I have held on to my pride and desires instead of seeking the fullness of Your love. Now I come before You in surrender, confessing my sin and asking for Your grace to renew me. Thank You for hearing my confession and not turning me away. May Your peace wash over me so that I may go forth transformed. In Jesusβ name, amen.
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Morning Bible Verse of the Day
Night Scripture
And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
From: Revelation 5:9 (KJV)
Inspiration
In the Old Testament we might be forgiven for thinking that ones only hope in those times was to be one of chosen people of Israel. But today through divination, we might consider ourselves much more blessed. Translated from Hebrew, it might be interesting to note that Israel means βhe that strives with Godβ. If this meaning resonates with oneβs own life, and oneβs own experience, than we may all consider ourselves the chosen people.
Prayer
Lord my guide and my shepherd, my light upon this world, I sing to you my praises of love and adoration. For you have included me Lord, amongst your chosen people. Even if we speak with different tongues or come from different nations, we rejoice in being able to break bread together in your name. Hosanna in the highest, Amen.
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Morning Devotional
Acts 16:27-31 (KJV)
And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.
But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.
Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,
And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
What Must I Do?
Frances Taylor
The jailer must have been terrified to consider killing himself. His punishment at the hands of the magistrates would have to have been very severe for him to have such fear. And yet because of the kindness of Paul and Silas and their not escaping when given the opportunity impressed him so much that he wanted to have what they have. As I have mentioned before, witness more than doctrine inspires more people to learn more about what motivates their example of kindness, fidelity, compassion. What must we do to be saved? Believe in Jesus and his gift of salvation. This, then, begs the question about how we show our belief. The jailer responded to Paul and Silas by listening to them teach him about Jesus, bringing them out of the jail, cleansing their wounds and, after being baptized along with his family, brought them home and fed them. Would we be as willing to risk punishment to help someone in trouble? We might be willing if the person is someone we care about, but a stranger? We can learn something from both Paul and Silas and from the jailer. Our actions can have unforeseen consequences that can lead others to Christ, and, once we come to faith, our fears can seem as nothing in light of the gift of salvation.
Prayer
Oh Lord, help my behavior lead others to Christ without fear of the consequences. Amen.
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Night Bible Verse of the Day
Night Scripture
Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
From: 1 Corinthians 12:4 (KJV)
Inspiration
Sometimes we think that our pastors and teachers are βmore spiritualβ than the rest of us. They may have the ministry of the word, while the rest of us only do βordinaryβ things around the church like making meals and taking care of children. No matter what our role, we are all equipped by the Spirit to do good works for Godβs kingdomβeven if those works seem βordinaryβ to us.
Prayer
Father God, thank You for the gift of Your Spirit. Thank You for calling me to be a worker in Your kingdom and for equipping me for the tasks that Youβve set before me. Help me to understand my gifts and joyfully embrace my role, so that You may be glorified in all that I do. And use me to encourage others in using their gifts, too. In Jesusβ name, amen.
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Morning Bible Verse of the Day
Morning Scripture
A manβs heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.
From: Proverbs 16:9 (KJV)
Inspiration
Itβs our human nature to come up with plans, thoughts, and goals for the future. But we need to realize God is the only one who truly knows whatβs best for us. When you have plans you would like to make, or actions you need to take about a particular decision, make sure that you go to God first.
Prayer
Dear God, I commit all my plans, dreams, and aspirations into your hands. These are only products of my thoughts; what I truly want is what you want for me because I know that that is what will truly be best for me. In Jesusβ name, I pray. Amen.
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Morning Devotional
John 16:12-13 (KJV)
I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
The Spirit of Truth
Frances Taylor
Jesus knew the apostles wouldnβt be able to understand everything he had told them immediately. It would take time and would need the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. It is no easier to distinguish truth today than for the apostles. We are also still coming to a better understanding of the Scriptures as they are a living Word of God, meant for the times in which they were written as well as today. We are still in need of the guidance of the Spirit to understand what God wants us to learn from him today and how the Scriptures apply to our decisions. We are always in the process of learning more and more about Jesus and his teachings. Just as with the apostles, we cannot grasp it all at once. We need to take advantage of all opportunities to grow in our faith. Each time we reread the gospels we learn something new, we see things different ways depending on what is going on in our lives. Sometimes we need consolation, sometimes motivation to act more generously, or to ask forgiveness for unchristian behavior. Iβm always surprised when I read a passage that I have probably read or heard many times before, and really see it for the first time. Each time, the Spirit draws me to new insights. May the Spirit of truth continue to guide us.
Prayer
Thank you, Lord, for sending your Spirit to the apostles and to us. May we continue to pray for the wisdom and knowledge the Spirit brings to us. Amen.
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Night Bible Verse of the Day
Night Scripture
Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:
From: Acts 15:19 (KJV)
Inspiration
God desires that people from all walks of life would seek Him and come to Him. So He does not put up needless barriers to make it difficult. But sometimes, we do. And in doing so, we turn people away from the God who invites them in. Let us be people that welcome others as they are so that Jesus can do His transformative work in their lives.
Prayer
Lord, forgive me for the times that Iβve dismissed others or turned them away. For I know that You love all people, just as You loved me and rescued m while I was still in sin. Give me the grace and compassion to invite others to experience You, no matter who they are, so that Your salvation and transformation may be at work in them, too. In Jesusβ name, amen.
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Morning Bible Verse of the Day
Morning Scripture
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
From: 2 Chronicles 7:14 (KJV)
Inspiration
Part of being a Christian is humbling ourselves and realizing that without God, our lives truly mean nothing. We are to acknowledge that we have made a conscious choice to turn away from the bad deeds and sinful habits, and we have turned to the holy life God has presented before us.
Prayer
Father, I humbly present myself as one who has chosen to turn away from their sinful ways. It is a choice I made when I chose to follow you and Lord, it is a choice I intend to abide in. Father, help me to walk in a way that is worthy of this calling. In Jesusβ name, I pray. Amen.
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Morning Devotional
May 30, 2025 Friday
Acts 1:9-11 (KJV)
And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
The Ascension
Frances Taylor
Donβt you sometimes wonder what was going through the minds of the apostles as they looked up to heaven watching Jesus disappear from their sight. Despite what Jesus had told them about the sending of an Advocate β the Holy Spirit β they must have felt abandoned. I know I would have. They had already suffered the loss of his presence once, and now they had no idea how long his absence would be. But it is interesting to think about the fact that Jesus ascension involves his physical body. It is a sign of what he had been teaching about the resurrection, that it is not just a resurrection of spirit but of the total person. How this will be, we canβt begin to imagine. We read of a new heavens and a new earth in Revelations, but it is a concept so far beyond our experience that it is difficult to comprehend. However, the ascension of Jesus gives me hope and consolation. Hope that I will be reunited with those whom I have loved and lost, and consolation for the grief I have felt on losing them. I hope it does the same for you.
Prayer
Gracious God, thank you for giving us this sign of your wonderful plans for us that extend so far beyond this life and time. Amen.
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