Today’s Verse – Proverbs 3:7
Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. —Proverbs 3:7 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Let’s keep this simple today. First, we need to admit that with the complexities and perplexities of life, even the smartest of us is not all that brilliant. Second, the LORD our God is awesome in holiness, majesty, power, wisdom, and grace. Our God is far beyond us. All we can truly grasp of him is the smallest of glimpses of glory — “but the outskirts of his ways” (Job 26:14 ESV). Finally, let’s stay away from anything that hints of evil, knowing that evil infects and confuses us, as well as separates us from God. My Prayer… All wise and gracious Heavenly Father, your wisdom is matchless, your grace unfathomable, your holiness incomparable, and your love beyond comprehension. Thank you for all of your many blessings and gifts, but most of all, I thank you for your gift of accessibility. Your grace has given us access to your presence and grace because of your loving mercy. Please strengthen my will to withstand temptation and deepen my wisdom to see evil for what it is. Please empower me with a spiritual desire to stay far away from evil and its influence as I draw near to you and your love and your grace. 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.
06 May 2025
Even when those people and circumstances causing us grief seem to be powerful and unstoppable, let us not forget that we serve a mighty God. Nothing catches Him by surprise. He is a man of war. Jeremiah 20:11-12.
Today’s Verse – Psalm 139:23-24
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. —Psalm 139:23-24 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Most of us don’t like being scrutinized or tested, especially not the motives and thoughts behind our actions. However, God knows us thoroughly. He has been with us from our conception (Psalm 139:13-16) and will work with us through the grave and beyond (Psalm 139:7-12; Romans 8:38-39). So let’s invite him into our interior world to search us, test us, and even scrutinize our anxious thoughts. He is not with us to condemn or punish, but to cleanse and redeem so we can find his everlasting way of life! My Prayer… Search me, O God. I know that my heart is not always pure, and my ways are far from perfect. Search me, O God, for I need your purifying presence. Search me, O God, for I want you to set my life’s course and destination. With the psalmist, David, I continue my prayer: Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. 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.
05 May 2025
When we dare forget how majestic God is or feel overwhelmed by our circumstances and cannot see a way out, let us consider what the Lord told Job in Job 38:1-18. He is the one who created day and night. He put the oceans where they are. He laid the foundations of the earth.
Resurrection 2.4: When We Hear His Voice
Mary heard his voice call her name and that one word changed everything for her! “Phil, the first voice I will hear now that I am dead will be Jesus’ voice. He will say to me, ‘Lloyd, it’s time to wake up and come home with me!” Lloyd would get tears in his eyes every time he shared that statement with me. He believed it. He built his life upon his trust in Jesus. Most of all, Lloyd anticipated the day when his two dreams would come true: He would be able to hear again. He would meet Jesus face-to-face. Lloyd loved to joke and tease. He would point to the missing end of one finger and joke that he was the only deaf person he knew who spoke with a lisp. Lloyd also deeply loved sharing Jesus with those in the deaf community. He went all over the world, sharing Jesus. I met him because his daughter interpreted for me to the deaf. I loved it when she would reverse-interpret (be the voice) for her dad when he preached to hearing people. And, I loved that he would repeat that statement of faith about hearing Jesus’ voice every time I saw him. Lloyd lived believing that the first voice he would ever hear would be the voice of Jesus. Lloyd’s faith made me want to live in such a way that I was sure the first voice I would hear after I died would be the voice of Jesus. Maybe my experience with Lloyd and his faith is why Jesus’ appearance to Mary Magdalene at the tomb is so precious to me: Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” “They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”) (John 20:11-16). Mary was devastated by Jesus’ death. She had no apparent hope in Jesus’ resurrection. Mary and several other women and brought spices to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ dead body. Arriving at the tomb, she discovered that the huge stone over the entrance was rolled away and that Jesus’ body was gone. Frantic, heartbroken, and confused, Mary wanted the person she thought was the gardener to tell her where the body of Jesus had been taken. Then, Jesus said one word to her that changed, everything: “Mary.” Instantly, Mary knew Jesus had called her name. Sheep know their shepherd by the sound of his voice (John 10:4-5, 27). Mary knew that this man was Jesus and that his followers needed to know he was alive. Hearing Jesus’ voice say her name was enough for Mary! Anticipating Jesus’ voice, the first voice he would hear after going deaf, was enough for Lloyd. He knew that as soon as he hard the Lord’s voice, like Mary, he would be ready to fall at his feet and worship him as Lord. Lloyd trusted in Jesus’ promise about our resurrection, a resurrection ensured by Jesus’ triumph over sin, death, and hell through his resurrection: “I speak to you eternal truth: Soon the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who listen will arise with life! For the Father has given the Son the power to impart life, even as the Father imparts life” (John 5:25-26 TPT). I am hoping that you and I are like Lloyd: anticipating Jesus’ voice is enough to sustain us until we fall at his feet in worship, thanksgiving, and praise. One day “soon,” we will hear the voice of the Son of God, and because we are listening for our Shepherd’s voice, we “will arise with life!” Resurrection 2.4 is our reminder to keep listening for the moment our Savior calls our name! Special thanks for the use of images related to Jesus’ ministry from The Lumo Project and Free Bible Images for use on this week’s post, “The Jesus Window”! About the author: Phil Ware has authored 11 years of daily devotionals, including VerseoftheDay.com, read by 500,000 people a day. He works with churches in transition with Interim Ministry Partners and for the past 21+ years, he has been editor and president of HEARTLIGHT Magazine, author of VerseoftheDay.com, God’s Holy Fire (on the Holy Spirit), and aYearwithJesus.com. Phil has also authored four books, daily devotionals on each of the four gospels.
Today’s Verse – James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. —James 1:5 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… So often, we act out of ignorance and face grave consequences for our hasty and unguided actions. God longs to grant us spiritual wisdom that not only helps us make wise choices but also gives us the ability to act and react with grace and wisdom. Before we face a new day with its challenging situations and decisions, let’s seek God’s face and ask for his gift of wisdom. My Prayer… Holy Father, I need your wisdom to help me make the right decisions in the challenges and situations that will confront me today. Please pour your wisdom into my heart so that my actions, words, and choices will please you and bless those around me. 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 – Acts 1:14
They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. —Acts 1:14 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Jesus’ resurrection changed everything! “The women,” as the gospel writers referred to them, were faithfully present with Jesus throughout his crucifixion and resurrection. After the LORDs ascension, they were still present, obediently praying in expectation with the leading disciples. As we might expect, Jesus’ mother is there praying as well. Look carefully at Luke’s description (Acts 1:14-16) and notice that even Jesus’ brothers, once doubting and ridiculing of him (John 7:1-7), now praying in expectation of their risen brother’s release of power through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Yes, they are waiting, but not idly waiting. Yes, they are praying, but they are also expecting the great work of the risen Jesus, which he would do through them! God does amazing things when people who love the risen Jesus pray with expectation. So what are you waiting for? Get with a group of those who love Jesus, and pray with expectation for Jesus to accomplish his work through you! My Prayer… Almighty and All-powerful God, please bless my efforts as I seek to encourage others to join me in fervent prayer. I pray that you will bring revival among those who call on your name and a stirring among those who are hungry, but don’t yet recognize their hunger is for Jesus. Please bring revival to your people and an outpouring of grace to those who need to know Jesus as their Savior. In Jesus’ name, I pray with expectation. 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 May 3
But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 1 Peter 2:20-21, NIV Dear Father in heaven, we thank you that the Savior has been with us on the earth and that in our day we can still follow him and wait for your will and your rulership. For you are Almighty God, and your kingdom must come, your will must be done, and all promises be fulfilled. Carry out your will, we ask and beseech you. Establish your kingdom among all nations, even if today this is possible with only a few. For through your working, hearts can change so that your name may be praised and all promises may be fulfilled. Thanks be to you for allowing us to live in such great hope. Stay by us in our work on earth so that it may be done in your service. In every situation deepen our longing for the Savior to come and establish your kingdom. Be with us during the night and bless us in your great goodness and faithfulness. Amen. Recent articles on Plough Hunting the Wild Fringe Lily Donal McKernan Searching for an elusive flower in rural Australia, a father and daughter uncover a world of biodiversity. Read now Riding the Greyhound Sarah Ball Long distance bus rides mean being trapped for hours with other people’s troubles. But I’ve found something more. Read now Definition of a Good Farmer Philip Britts Long before regenerative agriculture was a thing, this farmer advocated for respect and care for the land. Read now Jimmy Carter and Servant Leadership Andy Stanton-Henry Even if Jimmy Carter wasn’t the saint some have made him, we could use more examplars of his approach to leadership. Read now Who Will Help a Stranded Manatee? Boze Herrington A. M. Juster’s children’s picture book Girlatee smuggles a timely message into a breezy tale. Read now
Today’s Verse – Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs. —Proverbs 10:12 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Our worst tendencies want to repay evil with evil, spite for spite, pettiness with pettiness, and hatefulness with hatefulness. God has always wanted his people to be his redemptive influence in their world, society, and relationships. Paul reminded the Christians in Rome to “not repay evil with evil” (Romans 12:17). Jesus said: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:44–45) The apostle Paul also taught Christians in Rome: If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:18-21) Love removes the teeth from difficult situations while hatefulness only stirs up bitterness and spite. God’s wise Old Covenant king shares a similar truth in our verse today. We are called to be a different kind of people, a JESUShaped people who leave the world a different and better place than we found it. It isn’t always easy, but Jesus’ way is powerful and redemptive in a world where most people expect the worst! Video Commentary… ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos My Prayer… Father, I confess that when I’m wronged, I become angry and am often tempted to strike back in kind of try and get even. Please, remove the baser, self-serving side of my character through your Holy Spirit’s cleansing and redeeming influence on my heart. May the love your Spirit inspires in me be seen in how I treat others. 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.
02 May 2025
Let us make every effort to pass on a godly heritage to our children. We need to teach them the word of God and show them how to have a good relationship with God. Getting them to understand that and to practice it is the best we can do for them. It will be their source of guidance and their orientation point in life. Judges 2:6-15.