TODAY'S VERSE

Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.

— John 3:20-21 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Truth is seen in what it does and whom it seeks. Let's live as children of light and seek after the Father who dwells in indescribably glorious light so we might be the light of the world.

My Prayer...

Father of every heavenly light, I ask you to correct me gently as I place myself, my imperfections, failures and sins in your presence. Forgive and cleanse me by the blood of Jesus so that I might be spotless and holy and blameless in your sight. O Lord, I don't just want to be forgiven; I want to be useful to you and your church. Please help me find my way to usefulness. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Today's Verse

Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

— Matthew 6:33 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Seek -- pursue relentlessly -- God's Lordship over your life and the righteousness that he demands in your daily life. The other stuff you pursue is all temporary. Only God and his Kingdom remain. In the process of pursuing God's kingdom and his righteousness, you will find that the God who gives you his Kingdom and righteousness, also will bless you with the things in this life that you need.

My Prayer...

Holy Lord, only in you do I find what satisfies my soul's desires. The things that have captured my eye are boring after only a short while. The artificial things I have pursued, all of my addictive pursuits, have left me empty and enslaved. I find hope and help only in you. Please be near to love, correct, discipline, lead, and mold me to your glory. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY..

We know him who said, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," and again, "The Lord will judge his people." It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

— Hebrews 10:30-31 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God hates injustice, unfairness, brutality and abuse. In a world where the greedy, the murdering, the thieving, the raping, the mugging ... get away with their shameless and despicable behavior, God is the ultimate assurance that justice will be done and the wicked will not triumph. While those who love and serve Jesus anticipate his return with joyous expectation, those who are evil and vile will find out what a dreadful thing it is to fall into God's hands.

  My Prayer...

Holy and Righteous God, my Heavenly Father, I am both uncomfortable and comforted to know that you will bring justice to those who have violently abused the innocent, weak, helpless, underprivileged, and infirmed. I hate to see anyone lost. However, I also hate when evil people harm those who are good and kind and godly. Give me the courage to stand between the evil of my world and those on whom it preys. Because of his grace and victory over sin and death, I pray in the holy name of Jesus. Amen.

 TODAY'S VERSE ILLUSTRATED