Silent Stones

Today’s Verse – Philippians 1:29

For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him… —Philippians 1:29 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Suffer! How is suffering a privilege? It’s not unless it is for Jesus or to help redeem others with Jesus. Remember how the early apostles were joyful because they were counted worthy to suffer for the name (Acts 5:41). Let’s reawaken ourselves to Jesus’ reminder that if we follow him, we will likely suffer for him at some time in our lives (Mark 10:29-30). Many believers around the world are actually suffering, are persecuted, and even martyred today. So, let’s realize that while God IS working things out for our good and his glory (Romans 8:28), part of that work means our being conformed to the likeness of his Son, the Suffering Servant (Romans 8:29; Mark 10:45). Jesus suffered for us so that we could be saved. Now, when we face suffering for the cause of Christ and his Kingdom, we can help inspire others to live faithfully in adversity and show to all, even those who hate us, the genuineness of our faith. So few in the world today have anything worth living for, dying for, or suffering for. We, however, have many reasons to live, die, and suffer in honor of Christ. Our lives will be caught up in Jesus’ victory because we have shared in his trials (Romans 8:17)! My Prayer… Please grow our courage, LORD! Help us, your people, O God, to be faithful in times of trouble, strong in times of persecution, and steadfast in times of suffering and martyrdom. May the world see our faith under fire and be drawn to our hope in Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

Daily Prayer for November 29

I assure you that the man who believes in me will do the same things that I have done, yes, and he will do even greater things than these, for I am going away to the Father. John 14:12, Phillips Lord our God, we call to you, “Abba, dear Father!” because your Spirit draws us to Jesus Christ the Savior and to his gospel. We call to you for we belong to your kingdom. Give us strength to remain steadfast through all the troubles of our lives. Let your hand remain over us and over the warring nations. Your hand directs, your hand carries out the thoughts of your heart. May the time soon come when you will bring everything to fulfillment and give peace on earth. In expectation we praise your name, for you will bring this time and you will bring it soon. For your kingdom must come, your will must be done on earth as in heaven, and everything must go according to your plan. Amen.   Recent articles on Plough From the Annunciation to the Visitation Joel Clarkson After an angel tells Mary she will bear the Savior, she sets out to visit her cousin Elizabeth. Both encounters are rich in meaning for Advent. Read now What Makes a Home? Brittany Hurd Being blind hasn’t stopped me from trying to picture a perfect home. Read now An Abortionist Changes Her Mind Nafeesa Dawoodbhoy The birth of my daughter confronted me with the competition between my autonomy and her demand to be loved. Read now Finding Gratitude Johann Christoph Arnold In uncertain and turbulent times, it can be hard to give thanks. Yet this is precisely when gratitude matters most. Read now Consider the Birds Caleb Scholtens Birdwatching, George Orwell suggests, “makes a peaceful and decent future a little more probable.” Calvin and Hobbes would agree. Read now

Today’s Verse – Proverbs 31:28-29

Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” —Proverbs 31:28-29 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… When’s the last time you praised a godly woman for her life of faith, noble deeds of love, and her demonstrations of grace? Why not take time to write a note or two of appreciation and share your thanks with several of these godly women today? Where would we be today without the faithfulness of the godly women in our lives? Where would we be today without the ministry of women in the ministry of Jesus or the early church? I can’t imagine, and don’t want to! Let’s tell them today how precious they are to us, our faith, and the work of the Kingdom of God! Video Commentary… ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos My Prayer… Father, we thank you for the following godly women who have shaped our lives and helped us have genuine faith… (Please pray for several of these women by name!) God, I thank you for the great women of faith in Scripture who did so much for your people. Help us, your Church, your children of faith, to find every way possible to show these great ladies of faith, courage, giftedness, intellect, and good deeds how much they mean to us and to you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

28 Nov 2025

The Lord created us to worship Him and fellowship with Him. He intended that we would radiate His presence. We were made for a relationship with Him. He ought to live in us, and we should display His character. Acts 17:24-28.

Thank You and Have a Blessed Thanksgiving

The prayers of the Heartlight.org and VerseoftheDay.com team pray that you have a blessed Thanksgiving! As we move closer to celebrating our thirtieth year online, we thank God for His leading, grace, guidance, and provision that have enabled us to share our resources for free for three decades. You, our readers, friends, supporters, cheerleaders, and prayer partners, have joined with our Father in heaven to make this possible. Your prayers, words of encouragement, and financial support have blessed and sustained us. Thank you! The Heartlight.org and VerseoftheDay.com team gives thanks for you and prays you have a blessed Thanksgiving. Please know that the following words of blessing come from our hearts with deep appreciation for each of you. May the joy of this Thanksgiving run deeper than the people you are with, the holiday you celebrate, and the food you eat. May the presence of Jesus fill you with joy, praise, and genuine thanks! All the saints greet you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all (2 Corinthians 13:12-13).

Today’s Verse – Philippians 1:27-28

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved — and that by God. —Philippians 1:27-28 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Let’s live as if we’ve been redeemed because we have been! Let’s show God’s love and character in our daily lives. Let’s especially work together, with one voice and Spirit, making a vigorous effort to share the Gospel with those who have never heard of the grace of God in the life and ministry of Jesus. In the face of opposition, let’s not be deterred or divided. Instead, let’s work hand in hand for the cause of the Gospel as we live for God and give thanks for his amazing grace! The Verse of the Day team is thankful for you! See the full greeting! My Prayer… O LORD, please give us greater unity of purpose and greater courage in the face of opposition so that we can show the world that we are your children and Jesus’ disciples. May our thanksgiving for your grace show up in the way we live among others, especially those who need to know Jesus, our Savior. We pray this in his name. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

27 Nov 2025

To carry God’s glory is something He treasures. He desires a deep and personal relationship with us. Let us relate with Him out of conviction and sincerity. He honours that. Psalm 50:1-23; Hosea 6:6b.

Today’s Verse – Isaiah 54:17

“No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the LORD. —Isaiah 54:17 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Because of the LORD God’s grace and power, we will be victors. This is the overall message of Revelation – when we are faithful, even unto death, we will be victorious and reign with God (Revelation 2:10-11, 3:21, 22:12-14). This song of victory is sung throughout the Scriptures, rooted in the promise that when Jesus comes, we will reign with him (2 Timothy 2:12; Revelation 20:6). This is the assurance that we have from God himself: because our lives are joined with Jesus and his resurrection, they will not be lived in vain and we will share in his ultimate victory over sin, death, and hell (Colossians 2:12-15, 3:1-4; Romans 8:37-39). Those who berate, belittle, and batter God’s people will be exposed and his beloved children, his saints of light, will receive vindication and salvation from the Father they love. My Prayer… We pray especially today for your servants who are sharing the Good News of Jesus in difficult places. Some of these precious ones are imprisoned. Some are facing torture and martyrdom. Others are facing ostracism. Some face firing in their workplace. Please give them strength today. Please deliver them from the evil one’s vile intent. Protect them by your mighty hand and deliver them, like Daniel, from the lion’s mouth and every human oppressor, to your glory. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

26 Nov 2025

To radiate God’s glory is a function of His pleasure and mercy. He determines our life’s path. But one thing is certain, He is eternal and consistent. He is powerful and faithful. If He promises to glorify Himself in us, then He shall. Psalm 102:1-28.

Today’s Verse – Psalm 27:1

The LORD is my light and my salvation — whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life — of whom shall I be afraid? —Psalm 27:1 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… I love the coast of Maine in the northeastern United States. I love the craggy shorelines, the crashing surf, and the lighthouses perched at strategic and well-fortified points along the coastlines. I cannot help but think of our heavenly Father when I watch the gloom gather, the fog build, and then see the violence of the impending storm noisily make its way onshore. There, in the storm – with lightning ripping through the sky, winds howling, and surf crashing – stands the light that guides the way, strong against the elements and a beacon of direction and hope. Yes, the LORD, Yahweh the God of Israel, the Almighty Creator of all things, is my light and my salvation. My life, the eternal part of me, is entrusted with him. I choose not to fear. I place my trust in him because “The LORD is my light and my salvation…!” My Prayer… Father in heaven, I praise you for your faithfulness through the ages. I thank you for your steadfast love, which has blessed each generation, giving hope in times of darkness, salvation in times of wantonness, and strength in times of weakness. Now I ask that you be with several people I love, who need your palpable presence as they fight their battles… (Please mention several of your friends and acquaintances who need the LORD’s presence at this time.) In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.