Verse of the day

Thursday, February 29, 2024
Matthew 7:3
Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?

We’re so quick to judge others based on their flaws, but too busy to see our own. What if you applied the same scrutiny to yourself that you apply to others? Jesus challenges you and I to stop looking outward, and instead, turn your gaze inward. To examine your motives, your thoughts, and your desires, and to acknowledge your strengths and flaws for what they are. As you strive to be more like Christ, be honest with yourself and with God about the things in your heart that need to change, praying always for grace and for His help moving forward.

Wednesday, February 28, 2024
1 Samuel 16:7
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

Appearance is everything in our culture, especially on social media; but God doesn’t see it that way. When Samuel was searching for the next king of Israel, he encountered more than one impressive young man who looked the part. Yet, the Lord rejected all of them, selecting instead a young shepherd boy named David. He was a man after God’s own heart, and the Lord knew that the stature of the heart mattered more than the stature of the body. You don’t have to put on a face for Him, for the Lord sees not as man sees. Give Christ your heart, acknowledging that you aren’t picture-perfect, but praying in faith that He would forgive you and make you more like Himself.

Tuesday, February 27, 2024
Luke 11:33
No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar or under a basket, but on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light.

Christ was meek, but not cowardly. He was humble, but He spoke the truth and didn’t back down. He was the Son of God, the brightest light on earth, and it would’ve been a waste for Him not to spread that light in a world that is drowning in darkness. With Christ in Heaven, a piece of the Holy Spirit now lives within all who believe, so that we can be His ambassadors. Until He returns, we have a responsibility not to hide under a “basket” of shame or fear. Instead, stand firm, proud of the God who rescued you from death, and bold enough to tell anyone about Him.

Monday, February 26, 2024
Psalm 119:37
Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.

What do you have your sights set on? Our focus should be on what really matters, but so often we get distracted by our phones, the media, the drama at work, and the pattern of everyday life. If you’re going to live in the world but not of the world, as Christ commands, pay attention to what you pay attention to. What you choose to focus on during your day makes all the difference in how you live it. Set your mind on the Lord, ask Him how He wants you to walk through today, and find fulfilment living out the purpose for which He made you.

Friday, February 23, 2024
Matthew 5:10
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

When Peter and John were dragged before the Sanhedrin, they were strictly warned not to teach in the name of Jesus. When they persisted, the Pharisees seized and reprimanded them again, this time with a beating. But instead of getting angry, fighting back, and cursing their enemies, the apostles gave thanks to God for what had happened. They were honored to be worthy of taking a beating for Jesus, knowing that there would be rewards beyond compare for them in heaven. You may never have to face physical persecution for Christ’s sake, but every ounce of persecution you do face will be remembered when you come into His kingdom.

Thursday, February 22, 2024
Matthew 5:8
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

It’s difficult to have a pure heart; more difficult than you might think. Having a pure heart means having pure intentions, and often our intentions are more selfish than we’re willing to admit. Are you kind to others because you love them, or because you want them to think you’re a nice person? Do you pray to have a genuine connection with God, or to show off like the Pharisees did? To be pure in heart is simply this: to put Christ’s intentions above your own. To seek His will, no matter what it is, because there is nothing more important to you than Him.

Wednesday, February 21, 2024
Matthew 5:7
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

Mercy is having the power to punish someone who deserves it and choosing not to. That kind of grace should be very familiar to you! Mercy is the entire reason you and I are still breathing, and it’s our hope for life after death. God sent His one and only Son to take the punishment you deserved; an act of mercy that won’t be outdone. You and I ought to be merciful because of the unimaginable mercy we’ve received. As Christ’s followers, the least we can do is show our enemies a sliver of the compassion and grace that the Lord had for us and continues to give us every day.

Tuesday, February 20, 2024
Matthew 5:5
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Meekness isn’t weakness, not according to Christ. Moses was meek and lowly, having run away from his birthplace of Egypt, and refusing to go back out of fear. He wasn’t a fearless leader or a charismatic public speaker, but in obeying God’s calling, he became the voice of the children of Israel. God loves using the small to accomplish what the “strong” never could. Remember that the twelve disciples, heroes of the faith, were once but fishermen and tax collectors.

Monday, February 19, 2024
Matthew 5:3
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

The “mighty in spirit” think they can make it without God, but the poor in spirit recognize that they aren’t getting anywhere without Him. We all share the same sinful condition, but not everyone looks inwardly to see it. If you’re honest with yourself, you’ll likely see a lot of rottenness when you examine your character, and a lot of sin when you reflect on your past. This should cause all of us a degree of grief and regret, but not despair; Christ promises that the kingdom of heaven belongs to the poor in spirit, because they are the ones who rely on His goodness above their own.

Friday, February 16, 2024
1 Corinthians 13:1
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.

Love is the reason that the Lord of heaven came down to earth, and love is the mission He’s entrusted to you and I. The two greatest commandments, according to Christ, are to love God to the fullest, and to love your neighbor as yourself. If you don’t love the Lord, why would you follow His commandments? Why would you care about the people in your life, especially the ones you don’t like? Give your heart to Christ, and love because He first loved you.

Thursday, February 15, 2024
1 Peter 3:9
Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.

When someone wrongs you, revenge feels only natural. Why shouldn’t you give them a piece of your mind, or a taste of their own medicine? And yet, Christ never taught anyone to retaliate. On the contrary, He taught His disciples to love their enemies, pray for their abusers, and bless those who cursed them. How did you respond to the last person who cursed you? Kindness feels backwards when you have been wronged, but Jesus promised that the heavenly reward for repaying evil with good is worth enduring for.

Wednesday, February 14, 2024
Luke 6:31
And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.

This simple “golden rule” is the basis of kindness and love. Ideally, we should all be able to love one another genuinely and naturally. But we’re all broken, imperfect people, and treating someone as you would wish to be treated isn’t always easy. That’s exactly why love isn’t a trade or a transaction, but instead, it’s a choice to prioritize someone else over yourself. If you would wish for mercy, show it to someone who doesn’t deserve it; if you would wish for grace, be willing to give it to anyone who asks. It’s this selfless love that Christ commands us to show others, and which He put on display when He paid for the sins of the world.

Tuesday, February 13, 2024
Luke 6:35
But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.

If you are only kind to those who are kind to you, what sets you apart? If you only give expecting to get something back in return, what reward will you have in Heaven? Jesus made a lot of enemies in His day, but He mistreated none of them. Even as He was being nailed to a cross, He prayed “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Christ first loved you, even before you knew Him… when you were an enemy of God. Forgive others, as you have been forgiven, and be kind to the ungrateful and evil, as He was kind to you.

Monday, February 12, 2024
Proverbs 11:17
A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself.

Culture would tell you that “living for yourself” is the key to a happy life, but the Bible would disagree. God has made you for far more than just self-gratification. He created you with a capacity for love, to love your neighbor as yourself and to love God with all your heart. No matter how many temporary pleasures and fleeting joys you fill yourself with, nothing will ever take the place of genuine love. Be selfless toward others, treating them the way you would wish to be treated, and pray that Christ would make His affection known to others through your kindness.

Friday, February 9, 2024
1 Peter 5:10
And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

For those in Christ, suffering is temporary, but heaven is eternal. Jesus never taught that life would be easy following Him, but He did promise that eternal life was worth suffering through anything for. And your suffering isn’t meaningless; God weeps with you when you’re hurting, but for every tear He has a plan. He will use your darkest moments to strengthen you, establish your faith, and show you firsthand the kind of Father He is. You have been called to eternal glory by Christ Himself, and He is on your side. What kind of suffering could outweigh that blessing?

Thursday, February 8, 2024
Mark 11:24
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

God doesn’t want you to pray in vain, He wants you to pray with faith. When you talk to Him and tell Him about your problems, don’t pray like you’re talking to a wall. Pray like you’re talking to the Creator of heaven and earth, and not just that, but your Father and Savior too. Pray like the God of the universe actually hears you, because He does; like He can answer your prayers in ways beyond your imagination, because He can. The Lord knows your every need and desire, and it’s His desire to give them to you. Just trust that however He chooses to answer, His plan is better than yours.

Wednesday, February 7, 2024
Romans 8:28
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

The world is full of mistakes, tragedies, and grief, but it is not without hope. All throughout the Bible you can see God taking terrible situations and bringing abundant good out of them, so that nothing goes to waste. A lineage marred by betrayals, scandals, murders and sin was the very line that Jesus came from. The crucifixion of the perfect Son of God was the most terrible event in human history, and yet three days later, it became the best thing that ever happened to us. The Lord can work all things together for good, even the things that you wish never happened. Put your faith and your life into His hands, and watch Him grow gardens from your battlefields.

Tuesday, February 6, 2024
2 Corinthians 7:10
For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.

When something isn’t as it should be, our hearts groan with grief. Worldly grief is disappointment that our circumstances aren’t right, but the “godly grief” Paul talks about is much deeper. It’s a terrible remorse for your mistakes, and a crushing realization that you are sinful and broken, beyond repair. Godly grief tells you that you are in dire need of a Savior, and this is the first step in coming to Christ. Don’t let your regrets drag you into despair and self-loathing; let them drag you to the feet of Jesus, who didn’t come to this world to condemn you, but to save you.

Monday, February 5, 2024
Philippians 3:13
Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead.

Paul had as much of a right to regret his life choices as anyone. Before Jesus got ahold of his heart, he hunted and persecuted the early followers of Christ, blatantly attacking the Savior that he later came to accept. We can only guess that Paul wrestled with regret, but he did not let it consume him. He recognized that the second chance He’d been given wasn’t earned, it was given to Him by God. Paul couldn’t undo the past, and neither can you, but Christ offers forgiveness and new life. Seize the present moment the way Paul did, forgetting what lies behind, and bravely pushing forward into God’s plan for your life.

Friday, February 2, 2024
Psalm 73:26
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Temptations, fear, hopelessness, jealousy, pride… you and I live out every day with these things tugging on our hearts and flesh. You’ve lost to them many times, there’s no guarantee that you won’t stumble again in the future. The Lord hates sin, and it grieves His heart as it should grieve yours… but your mistakes do not separate you from the love of Christ. If you hate your sin and genuinely repent of it, God will never leave you nor forsake you; instead, He helps you, strengthens you, and molds your heart, if you’ll let Him. Flesh and heart may fail, but Jesus never did, and He never will.

Thursday, February 1, 2024
1 Peter 2:24
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.

The gateway by which death came into the world was a tree; the very tree that Adam and Eve ate from, cursing the earth with sin. And yet, from that moment, the Lord had a plan to rescue humanity from the curse. Thousands of years later, the beaten and bloodied Son of God would be nailed to a tree, and His blood would undo everything that sin had accomplished. When Jesus died, He took death down with Him, and when He came back to life, He brought life to us. Put your soul in His hands, ask for forgiveness, and by the wounds of Christ you will be healed; His blood was not spilled for nothing.

Wednesday, January 31, 2024
Matthew 11:28
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

There is a peace and comfort that comes when your life is dedicated to Christ. It’s no longer about trying to measure up, or be good enough, or atone for the sins of your past. You’re no longer alone in the world, trying to solve all your problems by your own power, and wondering if your life has any meaning at all. Trusting Jesus as your Savior means putting your life back into the hands of the One who made you, and relying on Him to be powerful where you are powerless. Come to Him when you are burdened by worry, or heavy-laden with guilt, and the King with a crown of thorns will give you rest.

Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Psalm 41:3
The Lord sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness you restore him to full health.

Disease and death were never supposed to be a part of God’s creation, but when sin entered the world, creation was cursed. And yet, we know the One who conquered sin and death, and He conquered all manner of afflictions, too. Jesus was the great physician both spiritually and physically, healing diseases and mending broken bodies wherever He went. Christ had the power to heal and forgive sins, and the same is true of the Lord today. If you need to see healing, for yourself or for someone you love, never stop praying; the prayers of God’s people do not fall on deaf ears.

Monday, January 29, 2024
Jeremiah 17:14
Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise.

God hears your prayers, and He has the power to answer them in ways beyond imagination. Jesus told His disciples that if you pray with faith, even the smallest amount, you can move mountains. When you pray, remember whom you’re praying to: the Almighty Lord of Heaven and Earth, yes, but also your Father. He cares about you personally, and delights in answering the prayers of His kids. Pray with faith, believing that our God can do anything, and praise Him for however He chooses to answer.