Silent Stones

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.

25 Nov 2025

The coming of Jesus was supposed to bring hope and create awareness of the kingdom of God. The Lord does amazing things for the glory of His name. Is His light shining on you today? Can His glory be seen in your life? Matthew 4:15-16.

Today’s Verse – Psalm 37:23-24

If the LORD delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand. —Psalm 37:23-24 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… I don’t know about you, but I’ve physically stumbled my way through much of life. I’ve tripped at some of the most embarrassing moments. I’ve stumbled over my own feet, shoelaces, curbs, and just pure air. Even my doctor says I have a problem with gravity! However, I am confident that, despite my spiritual stumbles, God has not abandoned me. When I think I’m going to plunge into the depths of an emotional abyss, the Father’s love, care, concern, Scriptures, servants, and helpers have kept me from destruction. God’s hand does uphold me. He is there in times of trial. He has been mighty to save. I do believe he delights in my journey. How about you? The question is not whether we will stumble or fall, but whether we look to God in our stumbles, sins, and failures, and then admit our failings as we ask Him to restore us and raise us back to useful service for him and to others. We can trust he will, because “the LORD … upholds” us with his mighty and gracious hand! My Prayer… O Father, thank you for your steadying influence in my life. Thank you for lifting me when I have fallen, protecting me when I have been vulnerable, and comforting me when I have been broken. I praise you for your grace, your glory, and your nearness. Through Jesus, I offer you my praise and eternal appreciation as I ask you to continue to uphold me by your mighty and gracious hand. 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.

24 Nov 2025

As we start a new week, some old and maybe some new challenges stand before us. Let us remember that we have the Lord on our side. He has given us victory in the past and is well able to do it again. Arise, oh Lord, and scatter our enemies. Psalm 44:1-8.

Today’s Verse – Psalm 31:23-24

Love the LORD, all his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful, but the proud he pays back in full. Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD. —Psalm 31:23-24 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Love the LORD! Be strong because of your hope in the LORD. Admit where your strength lies. Acknowledge your source of grace. Give praise to God for his abundant mercy and power lavished upon you through his Holy Spirit. The LORD preserves his people. He honors faithfulness even if it is mocked in this world. The LORD will bless his people and deal justly with those who mock and abuse them. But we can be “strong and take heart” because we “hope in the LORD!” My Prayer… Give me strength, O LORD, for I find myself in trying times with enemies at my door and opponents on every side. Please give me wisdom to see your grace that leads me when I am under fire. Please give me the courage to stand up for what is right, pure, and holy. Please bless me with the vision to see what you want to use me to do for your glory. Please inspire me with passionate hope as I work to accomplish all the work you have given me to do for your glory. 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.

Today’s Verse – 2 Corinthians 7:1

Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. —2 Corinthians 7:1 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… God has blessed us with so many wonderful promises. He secured them by sending his Son “to conquer death and bring life and immortality to life” (2 Timothy 1:10). He will “transform our lowly bodies to be like his glorious body” (Philippians 3:21). He will take us home to be with him eternally, but until that day, he will live inside us, make his home in us, and reveal himself to us (John 14:20-23). He will make us more than conquerors and will not allow anything to separate us from his love (Romans 8:32-39). So what should our response be? We should offer him praise, but we must not limit our praise to just words (Colossians 3:16-17). God wants our lives to be pure, staying away from what is evil, vile, putrid, and corrupt (1 John 3:1-3). He wants us to do this, not so we can claim some moral superiority, but so that we can show him our adoration and reverence. In our desire to offer God praise, let’s not forget that one of the greatest ways to praise him is to seek him in purity and holiness! My Prayer… Forgive me, Heavenly Father, for my sins. Purify my heart and cast out any foothold the devil may have in me because of my previous sin. Empower me to holiness and accept my life as an offering of praise and thanks to you for your amazing grace. In the name of Jesus, I offer you my heart, my life, and my all. 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 22

Be patient, then, my brothers, until the Lord comes. See how patient a farmer is as he waits for his land to produce precious crops. He waits patiently for the autumn and spring rains. James 5:7, TEV Lord Jesus, hear our prayer and reveal your hand in our days. May those things be done that bring your future nearer and that let the world see you as the Savior who can lead us to our Father. Bless your Word within us. May our hearts be strengthened, and may we always live in your presence. We draw our life from your Word, from your promise, and we set our hope on you, our Lord and Savior. Show your might, Lord Jesus, and carry out the will of God over all the world, so that we may rejoice when we see God’s glory appear and his will being done on earth as in heaven. Amen.   Recent articles on Plough Education Should Begin Early John Amos Comenius A seventeenth-century educator knew formation of character starts while children are young. Read now When Faith Hardens Gabriel Barsawme When threatened, we humans naturally choose rigid certainty and clarity over remaining open to the truth. Ephrem the Syrian can help. Read now The Angel Who Wanted a Hamburger Cameron Garden Karl Rahner helps us take angels seriously, even if they are admittedly hard to pin down. Read now The Spirit of Early Christianity Eberhard Arnold Why has the example of the first Christians never ceased to fuel renewal and reform? Read now Read Your Enemies David Mills “Know your enemy” is always good advice, but knowing your enemy may include knowing in what ways they’re not enemies but allies. Read now

21 Nov 2025

Live and serve as the Lord leads you. Do not be anxious. Commit your worries to Him. Then go about what He has called you to do and rejoice and be thankful as you see Him work everything together for good. Be at peace and appreciate Him for every moment of every day. Psalm 37:1-7.