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.